SAVAGEIII

KINGDOMS

CREDITS & GRADITUDE

CREATOR, AUTHOR, & DESIGNER

Mike Yow

GRAPHIC DESIGN, LAYOUT, & INTERIOR ART*

Michael Scott Phillips

CONTRIBUTING COLLEAGUES
William Brust, Matt Davis, Matt Edwardsen, Doug Ford, John Duper Morse,
Larry Scheinman, Eric Schmiedecke, Misha Schmiedecke, Danny Stites.

PLAYTESTERS
Ian Arnal, Thomas Arnal, Grover Brown, Izze Brown, William Brust, Matt Davis, Orion DeRonne, Venus
DeRonne, Matt Edwardsen, Doug Ford, Siri Lutes, Charlie McDermott, John Duper Morse, Bobby Ray, Larry
Scheinman, Eric Schmiedecke, Misha Schmiedecke, Danny Stites, George Swan Tuite, and a host of others from
Dragon*Con, MACE West, Asheville Scarefest, The Wyvern’s Tale game shop, and various other and sundry
locations.

INDIEGOGO CONTRIBUTORS
Estelle Arnal, Boulder Bender Productions, William Brust, Jay Croft, Marton Csirik, Matt Davis, Alyssa DeRonne,
Raistz Devlin, Fernando Diaz, doc.operon, Gary Downing, Matt Edwardsen, Joseph Ludlum, Morgan Hazel,
Kyle Hood, Gerald Johnson, Steven Locke, Gary Lutes, Joseph E Martin Jr, martylee560, David McDermott,
Moms, John Morse, Christian Prokop, Tom Rainey, reaverok, Neil Robertson, Todd Stephens, Larry Scheinman,
Eric Schmiedecke, Misha Schmiedecke, Danny Stites, Dan Svoboda, Amber Tree, uforrestk, Russ Ventimeglia,
Peter Wood.

ADDITIONAL THANKS
David Kurr and Mike Maurer (for their past artistic contributions), The Wyvern’s Tale game shop (for their sup-
port and word-of-mouth praise), The Wyvern Watch Adventure Camp (summer and winter RPG camps), Paul
Zinke (my brave assistant at said RPG camps), my ‘Savage Youths’ play-groups, the parents and guardians of said
kids, and my lovely wife, Karen, my partner-in-crime and fellow thespian.

WEBSITES & SOCIAL MEDIA

Please visit www.savagekingdoms.net, www.facebook.com/savagekingdoms, and www.instagram.com/sav-
agekingdomsrpg

PRODUCTS & SALES

https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/134082/Savage-Kingdoms
https://www.bonfire.com/store/the-savage-store
www.savagekingdoms.net

COPYRIGHT & LEGAL STUFF

Savage Kingdoms is © 2020 by Mike Yow and Fire In The Head Productions, and remains the intellectual and
legal property of such entities.

For Joe, who went to the Otherworld too soon, and my late stepbrother, John.
May your fertile imaginations never fade and my memories of you never die.

*Some artwork was licensed through various stock photo & illustration websites.

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KINGDOMS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Foreword and Introduction.............................................................................. pg. 4

Section I: THE SAVAGE KINGDOMS EXPERIENCE....................................... pg. 5
1. What’s Needed to Play Savage Kingdoms..................................................... pg. 5
2. Role-playing Game Basics............................................................................. pg. 6
3. Prologue.......................................................................................................pg. 7
4. Timeline....................................................................................................... pg. 12
Section II: CHARACTER CREATION............................................................ pg. 15
5. Character Creation....................................................................................... pg. 16
6. Character Races............................................................................................ pg. 21
7. Callings........................................................................................................ pg. 55
8. Talents.......................................................................................................... pg. 68
9. Weaknesses.................................................................................................. pg. 121
10. Skills........................................................................................................... pg. 127
11. Character Aging/Lifespan............................................................................. pg. 166-7
12. Orders and Sects......................................................................................... pg. 167
Section III: SPELLS & MAGIC........................................................................ pg. 191
13. Spells.......................................................................................................... pg. 193
14. Cosmology & the Seven Magics.................................................................. pg. 249
Section IV: GEAR & SUPPLIES...................................................................... pg. 255
15. Gear & Supplies.......................................................................................... pg. 256
16. Heroic, Legendary, & Enchanted Items........................................................ pg. 267
Section V: GAME-PLAY & GAME-MASTERING............................................. pg. 273
17. Actions & Combat....................................................................................... pg. 274
18. Downtime.................................................................................................. pg. 296
19. Game-mastering Savage Kingdoms.............................................................. pg. 299
Section VI: A BRIEF GAZETTEER.................................................................. pg. 303
20. The Savage West....................................................................................... pg. 304
Section VII: SAVAGE BESTIARY..................................................................... pg. 341
21. Animals & Gigantic Animals........................................................................ pg. 342
22. Supernatural Creatures............................................................................... pg. 352
23. NPC Templates........................................................................................... pg. 367
Section VIII: Appendices & Indices............................................................... pg. 373
Appendix A: Experience & Advancement.......................................................... pg. 374
Appendix B: Sample Characters & Character Sheet........................................... pg. 376
Appendix C: Quick Reference Talents Table...................................................... pg. 386
Index of Tables................................................................................................. pg. 395
Index............................................................................................................... pg. 396

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 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
FOREWORD &
INTRODUCTION
From the humble beginnings of just another setting for
an ancient and popular RPG line, Savage Kingdoms was
an idea rooted in many a yesteryear. Probably from the
mid-1980s, I’d always fantasize about crafting my own ta-
bletop system from scratch utilizing all manner of ideas,
suggestions, and creative thought that passed through my
busy brain, energized by the incredible possibilities of gritty,
no-nonsense, fantasy story-telling without most of the tripe
(but with much of the trope).
In truth, many RPGs back “in the day” were wonder-
ful yarns, with much ado about adventuring, gaining loot,
slaying monsters, and gaining experience. There were some
brilliant games indeed, but even so, many of them always
left me wanting a bit more. Or less—some seemed more
interested in advanced math than tale-spinning, even as
awesome as they may have otherwise been.
Fast-forward to the ‘10s, and after dabbling in several
attempted rules systems and several fairly successful cam-
paigns and campaign settings, I finally got serious about the
game design process and here you hold the Savage King-
doms III core rulebook, just six years after the 1st Edition
SK core rulebook and The Savage East campaign expansion
book. And although much of the setting dates back to over
thirty years in age, the basic rules system itself is relatively
new.
This is my first real attempt at tabletop game design,
apart from the original edition of SK five or six years ago
and the Reforged edition that followed a couple of years
afterward. I created and developed two live-action systems
before that—StarQuest and Elfstone—and though they
were a good deal of fun and even warranted some local
praise, I truly yearned to fabricate a worthy tabletop sys-
tem. Settings were always my bread and butter, so crafting
a fairly simple, comprehensive, yet detailed enough rules
system was going to be a challenge. Especially with no
“formal” background in game design, statistics, mathemat-
ics, history, and whatever else that might be called upon
in such endeavors. I did have a few things going for me,
however—imagination, creativity, love and respect for the
genre, and a background as a professional actor, improvis-
er, and acting coach.
As to the latter part of the above paragraph, I have ap-
proached the creation of SK with my talents and background
in mind, which is to present an interesting (hopefully) set
of tools to tell sword-and-sorcery stories, both system-wise
and via the dark fantasy setting. To me, role-playing has al-
ways been about improvisational acting and collective sto-
ry-telling, every player a thespian preparing to work his or
6 FOREWORD AND INTRODUCTION
her craft, bringing to life the statistics on the character sheet
and that adventurer’s impact upon the setting and the GM’s
particular story (or stories). No one needs to be Shakespeare
or Olivier, but some approach toward the dramatic can only
be a good thing.
Obviously, SK won’t be a perfect game—none are.
Hopefully, however, it will prove of worth to you, maybe
even great worth, and inspire you to create vivid and heroic
player-characters, non-player characters, adventures, stories,
scenes, friends, and foes. Thrones will be toppled, daring
deeds done, battle joined, and life and death celebrated.
Legends will be born, and the sons and daughters of those
legends shall carry onward into future tales still.
Savage Kingdoms was created for enthusiastic fans of
RPGs, readers of fantasy, students of antiquity and middle
history, mythology, storytelling, play-acting, and probably
a host of other things. It is intended to appeal to beginning
gamers, as well as veterans of the hobby, and all levels in
between. The setting itself is best described as “dark fanta-
sy” or “sword-and-sorcery,” with a good deal of the grit,
grimness, and mysticism that often accompanies such fare.
Instead of a medievalesque setting, SK has more of a Dark
Ages or Ancient World feel to it, although there are several
cultures in the known world that have nearly reached an
early Middle Ages epoch.
Magic, often called sorcery, is generally dark, mysterious,
and dangerous, and those dabbling in it are forewarned not
to take it lightly. There is little triviality in magic-craft, and
magicians can scarcely waste their energies and pursuits of
forbidden lore on the whimsical and mundane. The priests
of certain sects practice the mystical arts, and few ever truly
master the craft—often it is the craft that masters the magi-
cian. There are occasional “wild mages,” or dabblers in the
dark arts, but they are usually gifted by virtue of a specific
bloodline or those rare students who have enough time on
their hands to at least learn a spell or two.
In closing, the preternatural, supernatural, and divine
are seen in virtually all things to the average denizen of the
known world. The aspects of the sun, the two moons, many
of the stars, ancient trees, mountain peaks, rivers, and a
thousand other things, are often seen as signs and portents,
the shadows and voices of the gods, which are to be ap-
peased, revered, and more often than not, feared.
So bear this all in mind, and gather some good friends
around who are interested in story-based RPGing, and you
just might have yourself an epic SK campaign in the making.
Enjoy, and merry adventuring!
Yours in honor,
Mike Yow
 SAVAGEIII
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WHAT’S NEEDED TO PLAY
SAVAGE KINGDOMS
First and foremost, the best tools to have at the gaming ta-
ble are imagination, creativity, and cooperation. Wherein
the first two help provide the basic springboard for the
game and its oncoming adventures, the latter—coopera-
tion—creates an aura of comradery and teamwork, while
also allowing the GM to lead the story as well as em-
ploying good improvisation technique (listening, sharing
power, building on what’s been established, etc.).
Secondarily, but still quite important, you need at least
one copy of this core rulebook, twenty-sided dice (also
known as d20s), character sheets (the official ones can be
found at the back of this book), and probably pencils and
scrap paper for taking notes. Additionally, miniature gam-
ing figurines can be useful for playing out combats on a
grid or “battle mat,” although paper markers, tokens, or
just about anything might suffice.
There are numerous other additions too that could
be added—a brief internet search will turn up a plethora
of things for tabletop RPGs—but unlike the items listed
above, they’re mostly icing on an already excellent cake.
In fact, honestly, Savage Kingdoms probably plays better
with a somewhat minimalistic approach, as it is designed
primarily with deep immersion and narrative storytell-
ing in mind, and less so the extra “fluff” that a more
boardgame-like RPG or a miniatures wargame might
have. When in doubt, character, story, and overall nar-
rative trumps fancy trappings any day. And your players
will thank you.
THE FEEL & TONE OF SAVAGE KINGDOMS
The SK setting emulates primarily a Dark Ages era, a grit-
ty world more akin to sword-and-sorcery tales than high
fantasy. Some of the lands and cultures even reach fur-
ther back into the classical age of antiquity, while others
range closer to the early medieval period. As such, the
GM and players should keep more in mind a place of
chieftains, emperors, priests, shamans, slaves, and high
mysticism, and less so the oft-overdone tropes of most
high fantasy settings. This is a world where life is sweet,
but only because death lurks closest by, in the shadowed
alleys, the fire-lit temples, the densest of forests, and in the
deepest caves. In short, participants should think Robert
E. Howard’s Conan (and the Hyborian Age) and George
R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire, with a healthy dash
of ancient mythology and Dark Ages history.
SAVAGE KINGDOMS THEMES
As something of a sword-and-sorcery setting, with even
a minor nod to dark fantasy milieus, there are certain
themes that Savage Kingdoms shares with this type of
FOREWORD AND INTRODUCTION
world-building. Of course, the SK world is its own thing with
plenty of its own history, vibes, and general atmosphere, but
like virtually all fantasy settings, there are certain aspects that
are integral parts of the genre. Here are a few themes that
resonate in the SK setting, or at least could be easily explored
by the GM and his or her players.
High Mysticism: While many would call Savage King-
doms a somewhat “low magic” setting, it might be better said
that SK is more “high mysticism.” That is, the common peo-
ple still see the work of the gods in virtually all things, from
thunderstorms to droughts to still births and more. As such,
the setting is most certainly high in mysticism while it might
not be so high in obvious “magic,” leastwise not what many
might describe as such. To wit, while there are countless tem-
ples to near-countless deities across the known world, there
are far fewer magical items and other forms of more “quanti-
fied” magic. Granted, there are plenty of spells for the game
(see Chapter 13—Spells & Magic), and even a brief mention
of enchanted objects, but that’s not the primary focus of the
campaign and therefore most of its potential stories. To re-
quote a famous quote: “When everything is magical, nothing
is.” Think mystical and mysterious, not necessarily “magical”
in the sometimes overused RPG sense of the word.
Barbarism Versus Civilization: Like many of Robert
E. Howard’s works, the theme of the “noble savage” striv-
ing against an ever-increasing “civilized” (or decadent) age
certainly exudes in the SK setting, in some regions more than
others. Though civilization is not always bad—and sometimes
is much preferred—barbarism, at least in the more romantic
sense, is often “purer” as humankind’s destined condition.
The Fading of Magic: As briefly mentioned above, the
setting is primarily “high mysticism, low magic”; however,
this was not necessarily always so. In the earlier ages of the
SK world, when the gods (or least god-like creatures such
as dragons, giants, titans, and such) roamed the wild-lands
and the Sidhe and other fey wove potent spells brought with
them from the Otherworld. Similar to Tolkien’s Middle-earth,
magic is fading from the SK world too, and humans (and their
ilk) have turned more to alchemy and ritualized sorcery in
these later years. This makes the setting more believable and
less likely that magical things constantly “upstage” the more
martial, mundane, and material.
Might Makes Right: In the SK world, the concept of
“might makes right” exists on many levels, from emperors
to kings (and their warlords) to war-chieftains to scheming
high priests. If one has the brute strength, especially if coupled
with a clever mind or a ton of disposable wealth, then much
can be accomplished (even if such can be morally ambiguous
at best). After all, laws and customs and the very borders of
kingdoms most likely begin with boldness and violence, as
clans and tribes carved out their homelands and protected
them from invasion and incursion. Thus, PCs are encouraged
to keep this is mind, or at least take a more active (or even
active-aggressive) approach to their adventuring careers and
their overall decision-making.
Swords Over Sorcery: Another common theme in the
swords-and-sorcery subgenre is “swordplay overcoming sor-
cery” or, perhaps more accurately, might and physical prow-
ess overcoming trickery and the supernatural. While this isn’t
(or shouldn’t) always be the case in Savage Kingdoms, the
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KINGDOMS
sentiment remains to a noticeable degree in both the lore
of the setting and the mechanics of the game system itself.
This can only be a good thing with regards to grittier (and
more immersive) role-play, as most challenges can be met
with a few strong arms, stout hearts, some clever wits, and
some tight-knit comradery. Sure, magic and sorcery (and
its close kin such as alchemy and even herbalism) can still
be quite potent, but there are often prices to be paid with
magic-craft (Stamina, time-investment, and even more with
critical failures) and the likely suspicion and potential ire
of onlookers who do not understand a sorcerer’s mysteri-
ous and sometimes underhanded methods. As mentioned
above, this also stands to make magic and sorcery even
more rare, wondrous, and infinitely more intriguing.
Tribal (or Grey) Morality: The last major theme of
the SK setting, and often swords-and-sorcery in general (as
well as certain flavors of high fantasy and historical fan-
tasy), is what might be called “tribal morality.” This form
of ethics and morality is largely “grey” in nature, although
when applied to one’s clan, tribe, or even nation, higher
morals (or at least senses of honor) might be found. That is,
a barbarian clansman (or even a more “civilized” member
of a noble house), for example, might have a high sense of
duty, honor, and general morality toward his own kin and
culture, but much less so with regards to a foreigner or out-
lander. In addition, there are very few “broad-sweeping”
or over-arching moralities, such as with Judeo-Christianity
(as a real-world example), in the SK known world, and so
sometimes our modern-day sentimentalities don’t always
readily apply here. The faith of Saint Paladyr is a possible
example of a “higher” sense of ethics and morality in and
around Aradorn, as is perhaps the belief in Signa in Skathia
and perhaps a few other places in the north. The sect of
Prydonis among the Prydonians might qualify to a lesser
extent here too. Thus, Savage Kingdoms has no Alignment
system for this very reason (among others), instead utilizing
a Code of Honor system for each race/culture and for most
sects, orders, and similar organizations.
2 GAME MASTER: The Game Master (or GM) is the narra-
ROLE-PLAYING
GAME BASICS
Most of you holding this book are probably familiar with
tabletop (or pen-and-paper) role-playing games, a hobby
that begin in 1974 (and to some degree before) with Dun-
geons & Dragons by E. Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson.
D&D was the precursor and grandfather to all tabletop
RPGs to follow, and the late 1970s and early 1980s flour-
ished with them. In the 1990s, attention turned more to al-
most “art house” styled RPGs that proposed deeper delves
into characterization, motivation, and overall storytelling.
After a brief decline, the early 2000s brought tabletop
RPGs back to some degree, despite the growing computer
8 FOREWORD AND INTRODUCTION
gaming industry, and the following decade flourished with
a sort of return to “old school” tabletop RPGing.
If you are brand-new to roleplaying games, particularly
those of the tabletop variety, then it is hoped that you
will find inspiration within this tome and an invitation to
create your own medieval fantasy stories using the Savage
Kingdoms rules system and its immersive setting. The fol-
lowing terms might serve to provide some quick informa-
tion regarding typical RPG terms and the expectations of
the participants.
PLAYER-CHARACTERS: This term refers to the play-
ers’ characters, as opposed to any characters controlled (or
played) by the Game Master (GM). More on this below.
Player-characters (or PCs) are the heroes and adventurers
in the game, or at least there is hope that they are, with
the player effectively serving as “actor” while the character
serves as, well, “character.” Players interact with the game-
world via their characters—that is, they portray adventur-
ing heroes (or anti-heroes) in a Dark Ages-like setting, the
Savage Kingdoms world. In short, while a player rolls the
dice at a table, his or her character might wield a sword,
cast a spell, pick a lock, or negotiate with a king. The char-
acter is the player’s “avatar” in the fantasy world.
NON-PLAYER CHARACTERS: A term referring to the
myriad characters, most of them minor (especially when
compared with the player-characters), portrayed and con-
trolled by the Game Master (GM). The GM might play
a beggar in one scene, then moments later portray a
guard-captain, wealthy merchant, or cunning lord. If the
PCs adventure into the wilds, then the Game Master might
be expected to play a predatory beast or perhaps even a
terrible wraith, depending on where the characters wan-
der, and a whole slew of creatures over the course of a
multi-session story or campaign. Some NPCs can be friend-
ly and even helpful, while others might connive, scheme,
or be outright violent.
tor and “rules master” of the game, sort of director, play-
wright, stage manager, and supporting actor all rolled into
one. He or she narrates what the PCs see, smell, hear, and
otherwise perceive, acting as moderator between the char-
acters and the setting. A good GM is a neutral and unbiased
one, a mediator who is not out to get the PCs, though nor
is out to pat their backs at every turn. Instead, the Game
Master should work to present a challenging adventure
for the player-characters to partake, all the while remain-
ing more or less neutral in his or her approach to these
challenges and the overall experience. An overly difficult
and deadly campaign can be somewhat frustrating, while
a way-too-easy one can prove a bit boring and pointless.
Good character development comes from challenges and
well-presented scenes (or encounters), something which,
in turn, develops great GMs. The most successful Game
Masters are not only good storytellers who know the art
of pacing, description, and maybe even some voice-acting,
but also possess a deep familiarity of the rules, for it is the
GM whose judgement is final during game play.
 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
CAMPAIGN: This term applies to an overarching sto-
ryline, usually played out in multiple game-sessions over
the course of a month, several months, or even a year or
more. There might be several “adventures” within a cam-
paign, as well as myriad battles and interactions, all sup-
porting the overall story arc of the player-characters and
their possible allies and nemeses. Some RPG adventures
can be played in one four-hour session (or even less),
though these are not considered long-term campaigns.
GAME SESSION: A term referring to the typical 3-5
hour session in which the players and GM gather togeth-
er to begin, or continue, the storied adventures of the
player-characters. If a game-session were considered an
episode or a chapter, then a campaign would be an en-
tire series or novel. Of course, some sessions are shorter
than three hours and some are longer than five hours,
but those tend to be somewhat rare. In short, whatever
works best for the GM’s game-group.
CHARACTER SHEET: This refers to the player-charac-
ter’s recorded statistics, which usually appear either on a
physical paper character sheet (at the back of this book)
or a digital version thereof. This record sheet helps play-
ers keep track of their character’s Health, Stamina, equip-
ment, and other aspects during their adventures, as well
as potentially other notes, sketches, or whatever else an
individual player might find useful or interesting. While
some GMs keep records of the PCs stats, treasure gained,
and the like, many do not, relying instead on the integrity
of the players and their character sheets.
EXPERIENCE POINTS: Often abbreviated to “XP,”
these are points awarded to player-characters by the GM
on a session-by-session basis (see Advancement later on
in this book). Experience points are a famed tool serving
to express how much a character has learned, and con-
sequently, how much power and prestige he or she has
gained during the course of a campaign. Characters “ad-
vance” when they acquire a certain amount of XP, giving
them possible improvements in attributes, talents, skills,
and other aspects of character development.
D20: This is short-form for “die 20” or, more expressive-
ly, a twenty-sided die. In Savage Kingdoms, only d20s are
used for action resolution. Even in combat, the attack roll
and damage roll—which many RPG players are used to—
are all figured in one single roll of a d20. In general, the
player rolls dice for his or her character’s actions, and the
GM rolls the dice for his or her NPCs and creatures. More
on action resolution and die rolls later on in this book.
FOREWORD AND INTRODUCTION
3
PROLOGUE
“…at the dawn of the Age of Gorgons, the great con-
tinent was torn asunder and in place of its once earthy
heart was naught but the endless sea. There arose Men, the
grand-children of the gods, and Fate would set their hands
to many great and terrible things . . .”
THE AGE OF GODS (13,000 years ago)
In the beginning, the world was filled with gods, death-
less beings that mortal races would soon come to worship.
These deities knew their power, knew their worth. Proud
and wrathful, they fought with one another, battled for
control and dominance over the Earth-world. Eons these
wars went on, all but the blink of an eye to the gods, and in
the fighting and primal chaos there arose the great moun-
tains and deep valleys of the world.
The sea rushed in to fill the footprints of these mighty
immortals, creating lakes and rivers and treacherous marsh-
land. The forests were the fertile offspring of the gods, the
trees the very children of the deities of earth and plow and
harvest. The great trees could speak then, in those mystical
days, and they were charged with the care of the lesser
greenery, the plants, roots, and herbs of the world.
Over millennia, some of the gods grew restless while
others grew complacent. What was once relative harmony,
after most of the wars had been fought and settled, was
now decadence and sloth. A few gods rose above it all and
rallied forth, but most of them went about their separate
paths, some to live on Earth-world in places like Rhodon,
while others left the mortal realm entirely and sought do-
mains in other worlds.
Art and culture grew, and with it came the challenge to
press onward toward an unseen destiny, a Fate humankind
would not wrestle with for many eons to come. And with
invention came also perversion, as with creation which be-
gat destruction. Some gods created assistants, beings that
would serve them dutifully and without question, and
these beings would later become known to Men as de-
mons. The good demons became angels and their charge
would be to oppose their darker, fallen brethren whenever
they moved against humankind or the true, well-meaning
gods. And other creatures still, some wicked and some holy,
such as the gorgons, oni, and other fell spirits that some-
times moved among the carnal world.
As with all things, this Age would come to pass, as the
gods withdrew more and more from their material cre-
ation, the Earth-world, and so too would the demons and
gorgons and others retreat to the shadowy places of the
world and its many places beyond. But before all of god-
kind could leave the mortal stage entirely, there came upon
the world a time and era at which even the Age of the
Gods would quake and marvel.
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KINGDOMS
THE AGE OF GIANTS (10,000 Years Ago)
Titans and giants and their ill-begotten ilk then sprang into
the mortal world, the divine blood of the gods themselves
flowing in their brutish veins. For the Giants were the di-
rect offspring of the Elder deities, their first attempt at hu-
man-like creations, humanoids sprung from the very like-
ness of the vanity of the first Immortals themselves.
Some giant-kind, like the Titans, were truly blessed. Mas-
sive in stature and long and mighty of limb, they also en-
joyed much of the blinding beauty of the gods, and some
would eventually become worshipped by humans when,
at last, they would come crawling into the primal world
some centuries later. Where the Northern giants were cruel
and savage and brutal, the Southern giants, the Titans, were
cultured, honorable, but still deadly in battle.
But the Southern lands, comprised mainly of the Rho-
donite and soon-to-be Prydonian Isles, would not always
enjoy such tolerable and honest giants. Enter the Gorgons
into the world, terrible man-beasts who were much more a
corrupted form of life than a truly created one. They were
forged, mostly in secret, by the Fallen One, Gorgothon,
who was ousted from Rhodon when it was said that he
came into the mortal world still-born from his mother,
the goddess Romega’s, divine womb. The sea took his de-
ceased body away, far away, to foreign shores, and there
on the dusky coasts of Gorgotha, he was restored to health.
Some whisper that he regained life because he was a god
and knew not death, but some said that he was nursed by
a demon.
10 FOREWORD AND INTRODUCTION
Whatever the case, the Still-born god dwelt alone, and
in his boredom and quest for vengeance, he corrupted the
primal forms of life he found in that accursed land of Gor-
gotha, which he named after himself, and crafted from the
earth and fire and darkness the Gorgons in the latter part
of the Age of Giants.
Many scholars claim that Mankind entered history here
too, around the same time the gorgonic creatures were first
seen, ravaging and gnashing in their eternal rage, for many
a fell Gorgon is comprised of human parts—a head, legs, or
arms. As such, the initial forms of human-kind were brutish
and ignorant, little more than the apes they were modeled
after, and most hid from the terrible giants and gorgons of
the wicked world, aided only on occasion by the gods and
their well-favored Titanic offspring.
It was in this Age too that the Duergar first appeared
in the wide world, beneath the mountains and volcanoes,
or so some have argued. Others claim instead that the
Dwarves came into the mortal realms in the Age of Faerie,
when the Otherworld first crossed paths with our mun-
dane world, forged of fire and iron and stone. Perhaps,
though, the Duergar themselves would know better the
truth of their own history, and being of secretive nature,
have kept it hidden for all these eons. Such is their way, and
so be it their prerogative.
And so the Age of Giant-kind would end, as vigorous
and noisy as it began. War, once again, would come hard
upon the world, where giant-clan was pitted against gi-
ant-clan, titan house against titan house. Two great factions
 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
of Giants would rise, each rivaling the other, and so the
Fire and Frost giants would enter into a terrible and vio-
lent conflict. Humans mostly hid from these gigantic and
titanic struggles, save for a few early-era heroes largely
lost to us now, while the Duergar learned ways to combat
their mightier adversaries. The Trolls were spawned too in
this era, and it was these vicious quasi-giant beasts that the
Dwarves strove against most.
In the end, the known world was once again torn asun-
der, or so it surely seemed, to rival the ancient conflicts
of the Elder gods themselves. But the world cooled and
calmed, and since many giants and titans were slain, things
grew and early civilizations gained. Duergar kingdoms
flourished, deep in the great mountain ranges of the world,
and human-kind even built its first empires—Xarkon, Pry-
donia, and Tajahari. But that was not to last for long.
From the great sea they first came, like mighty serpents
burrowing up from the depths below, to engulf the Earth-
world in their wrath of fire and ice and lightning. Massive
of size and thought they were, wielding magic nearly as ter-
rible as the gods’. And they called themselves the Dragons.
THE AGE OF DRAGONS (7,000 Years Ago)
The first dragons were sea serpents, great worms that bur-
rowed and undulated through the terrible waters like great
scaly spears. They ruled supreme in the Dragon Sea, and
soon the lesser ocean-rivers besides, and even the occasion-
al wandering god gave pass to the mighty drake and its
wide-ranging territory.
But it would not take long for dragon-kind to adapt to
other environs, and in less than a millennium, these mighty
reptilians had taken to land, breathing the air as the gods
once did, carving out great domains and lording their do-
minion over them. Others took to dwelling in deep lakes
or on towering peaks, or the very clouds themselves, and as
time rushed by, like the gods, enmity and sloth and jealousy
took root in the hearts of the dragons.
FOREWORD AND INTRODUCTION
Like the demonic and angelic servants of the immortals,
some dragons chose sides. A side of goodness and law and
creation, opposed by a side of evil and chaos and despair.
Chiefly, though, dragon-kind cared not for these divine
philosophies, for most dragons held themselves to the same
echelons as the gods before them. They would do as they
pleased, as befitting a deity of near-omniscient power, and
it would lead to a mighty conflict. Dragons winged in the
high skies, dove down into the farthest abysses of the sea,
strove among the tall peaks and volcanoes, and war and
death and anarchy once again fell on Earth-world.
The stage was set, however, and as the primal world
settled once again, its seas receded and its mountains, for
a while, contained their angry fires. The dragons had one
weakness, if they had any at all, and that was their lack of
procreation. Dragon-kind was without gender, an asexual
creation, and only a few were capable of laying their great
eggs, a process both magical and beyond comprehension.
A few eggs would manage to hatch, those that were not
destroyed by rival drakes, for if dragon-kind had another
weakness, then it was assuredly jealousy. And after that,
greed.
Some few has whispered that a few Dragons even
learned to work with humankind, instead of always striving
against them, seeking them only for fodder or for plunder.
If such was ever true, then that Age had passed; for the
greater part, dragon-kind was ever cruel and cunning and
terrible to behold. When wolves strove against Man in the
wild, it was the Dragon that strove with all things. And this
remained true even with giants and titans, the old gods, still
in the world.
THE AGE OF FAERIE (3,500 Years Ago)
Dragon-kind ruled, for a lack of a better term, for near-
ly four millennia. Or so go the preserved histories of the
greatest empires. And though the Dragons never truly left
the mortal world, nor died off from lack of procreation,
11
 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
they eventually retreated to the far and forlorn reaches,
some seeking the mountains, some the swamps and ancient
forests, and even a few back to the sea from whence they
originally crawled. As such, humankind flourished, blessed
with adaptability and procreativity, as did, though more in
secret, the Duergar and Trolls.
Yet, this long period would not go overlong, nor with-
out a hallmarked registry upon the world. First seen were
the Eluna Sidhe, that men would eventually call Elves, tall
and slender and magical in manner and appearance. Civi-
lized they were, though in a peculiar fashion, for in their
graciousness and integrity, they were also quick to extreme
emotion. Anger, melancholy, and joy would well up swiftly,
only to be replaced by another whim. They were creatures
of Nature, as such, and like the seasons, the wind, and the
thunder, the Sidhe wore their hearts (and souls) on the out-
side for all to see.
Great Elf-kingdoms rose to early dominance, realms such
as Celendoril, Lithilor, and Arvelindor, the latter of the three
being the master domain before an internal war broke the
great kingdom apart into two smaller realms. It was here the
Fallen Sidhe, the Unseelie (Dark) Ones, were borne of a vast
rebellion against the high monarchy of Arvelindor, a realm
that some say once stretched over 300 hundred leagues.
The Dark Elves, the Unseelie Sidhe, were somewhat less
constrained with their emotions, but they were also more
dour and difficult to get along with. In fact, they loathed
humankind, almost as much as their Seelie brethren, and
blamed Men for the Sidhes’ coming into the Earth-world
(for, it was believed, that the Elves “fell” out of the Other-
world and into our own by a great cosmic happenstance).
Other Faerie, or Fey, took their places in the vast world
as well—nymphs, korreds, nixies, sylphs, and the merfolk
of the seas. And others still perhaps too numerous to name.
Most, if not all, carried with them mystical powers, the very
12 FOREWORD AND INTRODUCTION
forces of Nature and the elements, for such was their legacy
in the Otherworld, the great Mirror-world beyond.
Humans and the Eluna Sidhe got along reasonably well,
even opening trade relations and building alliances against
common enemies, usually giants, trolls, and earth-bound
demons. Yet, there was now another foe, other dark fey
apart from the Unseelie Sidhe, the Sluagh, a great and var-
ied race known as the Goblins. Dozens of sub-races of gob-
lin-kind were there in those days, and still are today, such
like as the kobolds (rock-goblins), hobgoblins (war-like gob-
linoids of earth and fire), and earth-gnomes. These latter
creatures some said were akin to the Duergar, though they
themselves made no claim of it, instead preferring either the
company of Elves or Goblins or no one at all. In solace and
silence did they seem to dwell, after all, tinkering away with
their strange crafts and inventions.
It was no surprise that eventually human-kind would
find itself striving against goblin-kind, for often the greatest
of Man’s realms would stretch toward the goblin-haunted
hills and dark forests. Some humans sought fragile alliances
with the goblinoids, using them as laborers or mercenary
warriors, but most strove against them with fire and sword
and spear.
And thus came our present era, a time to end (or begin)
all times…
THE AGE OF MAN (The Present)
Though humans were first seen on the face of the mortal
world over 5,000 years ago, it wasn’t until just over two
millennia past that they began to assert themselves upon
their environment, impressing the gods who crafted them
in elder times and forcing Fate to their ever-increasing wills.
The first human empire was Xarkon, which was more
a rough confederacy of city-states ruled by sorcerer-kings
that would later become known in history as the Witch-
 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
lords. But Ar rose to the south, a fledgling and successful
province, and in its rebellion against the divine-blooded
sorcerer-kings, a great war was waged, a terrible conflict
that would last for five years. In the end, the dark might of
Xarkon was thrown down, even with their serpentine allies,
the Sslir, and Ar stood victorious. Great costs were exact-
ed to both sides, though Ar came out the better and soon
thrived as an independent state. But where there was once
Xarkon, there was now a blighted wasteland, a peninsula of
poisonous rivers and sunless days.
Many leagues east, on the opposite side of the Dragon
Sea, there soon-after blossomed Prydon, the greatest city of
human-kind in all the West. Named after the chief Rhodo-
nite god, Prydonis, lord of the sea, the place quickly grew
to a relentless metropolis, where civility and art thrived and
language and lore were the order of the day. In its wake,
other great city-states rose too, places such as Neopolis,
Stelos, Parthelonium, and even the city of Torinopolis, on
mighty Torin, the cursed island of the gorgonic minotaurs.
But, like ancient Xarkon, Prydon too was destined for
challenges and hardship, for it was rocked by a great cata-
clysm of fire and water, which some say came out of Gor-
gotha, and much of it was destroyed or drowned beneath
the sea. Humankind rose up, however, for that was their
greatest gift from the gods, and in a few short years, Prydon
was mostly restored, as were the majority of the other cit-
ies, towns, and villages. Eventually, Prydon would find itself
the center of a mighty republic, an alliance of city-states and
whole islands, for the Rhodonites (now calling themselves
the Prydonians) were free-thinkers and believers in a demo-
cratic form of government.
The Prydonian Republic, ruled by a basileus from the
chief-city of Prydon, would find itself challenged again
many centuries later in the form of another earth-shaking
cataclysm. This catastrophic event was not as destructive
as the first, from over a millennium ago, yet it was potent
enough—whole towns and villages were destroyed and
even coastlines were altered in the primal chaos that en-
sued.
In the far East, back across the Dragon Sea, on the con-
tinent of Hassan, a mighty empire, too, was rising. Like a
great golden dragon it came, Tai-Kinara, ruled by the Katara
dynasty, which made shoguns and kings pledge their alle-
giance to the Imperial Throne. In contest, Tajahari rose too,
another far Eastern realm of Men, along with Shumal, a
spiritual land, and eventually Zaramahd, an empire that
would someday become the greatest of all of these.
The barbarian peoples were held at bay for the most
part, despite their occasional raids and delving into other
outlawed activities, humans such as the Yuntillans and the
northern Valnar. However, from some of these so-called
savage peoples sprang forth Galagodsin, a mighty city in
the virtual center of the great continent, a place that would
eventually see its own imperial throne. The Galagodsin Em-
pire would endure for nearly a millennium, and after many
wars and plagues and civil intrigues, it would also fall to
ruin, its massive cities emptied by the war-like might of a
thousand barbarian clans who strove against it—Tarnians,
Urish-men, Golgar, Valnar, Draks, and Yuns, and many
more. The Empire, called the Land of the Four Crowns, also
FOREWORD AND INTRODUCTION
found itself on the wrong side of a vast holy war too, one
that involved the near revival of ancient Xarkon, far to the
south, and so its doom was thusly sealed.
And so it was that the Zaramese Empire would then arise,
nearly uncontested, save for the rebellious dervish-hordes
of the vast Sea of Sand, whose capital was the ancient and
wicked city of Zen-Zarah, once the holy-city of Zarah, an
Elder deity of wisdom and prophecy. Zaramahd would con-
quer Shalindros, now a province called Shalindar, and lands
once known as Shadowa and Zarkena. Only the Blood
River seemed destined to stop the Zaramese encroach-
ment northward, that and stalwart warrior-kingdoms such
as Tarnia and half-wild Kor and Urland. As for the south,
Zaramahd crept further and further, annexing most of the
once-barbarian lands of the Ondo-Yabbi tribes and even the
proud and savage Zunti people beyond.
Back across the great sea, on the western continent of As-
tagonia, another great human civilization was readying itself
in the form of Prydonian adventurer-merchants and their
relentless forays into the North. They eventually founded
Lorinthius, a mighty harbor-city, which guarded the sea and
a great inland waterway, that would later be called the Em-
pire River and soon-to-be capital of the Lorinthian Empire.
Lorinthia grew and prospered, mostly by the torch and the
sword, often in the crimson name of Argathon, god of fire
and conquest, and many barbarous tribes were defeated.
Some were enslaved, a few fled and found other territories
north and west, beyond the Bloodrock Mountains, while
most still suffered heavy losses in full-scale war. Peoples
such as the Latagonii, Guldari, Aradornii, and Esmandi, who
left their mark on Prydonian-Lorinthian culture in the form
of religion, language, and even culture.
At nearly the same time during the Age of Man, Brythia
grew to some importance in the northwest, east of the Em-
erald Isles and south of Norlund, home of the Northern
barbarians, the descendants of the Drak and Valkari peo-
ples. Mixed heavily with Northern blood, as well as a trace
of central or southern heritage, the Brythians became great
traders, shipwrights, and military folk, carving out the closest
thing to an empire the North had ever seen. Ruled at first by
warrior-kings and then eventually by queens, Brythia even
had trade relations with the Sidhe-kingdom of Celendoril,
well after it broke away from legendary Arvelindor, and
some say perhaps even the Dwarf-realm of Uldarak to the
north and east, deep in the treacherous Iceclaw Mountains.
Brythian nobles and freeman adventurers eventually
pressed eastward, finding Brythia proper too confining, and
founded castles and towns amid the great plains and light
woodland there, conquering the sparse local tribes as need-
ed, the Aradornii and ruthless Druithi, mainly. Small Eluna
Sidhe holdings did they find also, in the northern wood
called the Bloodthorn, though their dealings were mainly
peaceful—the Western Brythians, these new Aradornians,
as they started to call themselves, were wise enough not to
provoke the wrath of the Elves.
Northeast of Aradorn, too, was the great Duergar-realm
of Thrimnor, mighty in its time, though somewhat hidden as
in all Dwarf-lands, nestled in the Sanctuary Mountains. East
of this great highland was Mulovia, another budding hu-
man-realm of the North, which would eventually become
13
 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
a dread and infamous land, a kingdom known for necro-
mancy, vampirism, and a fanatical worship of Anderok, god
of death and winter. Even though Aradorn and Mulovia
were separated well by the Bloodthorn Forest, and the
goblin-realm of Nirgul, these two kingdoms would even-
tually become diametrically opposed, for the former was
a domain based on the new ideal of chivalry and honor,
while the latter prided itself on intrigue, assassination, and
death-worship.
Esmandos, along the blue-green shores of the southwest,
would soon rise to some influence and import, providing a
strong rival against the Brythian’s dominance of the western
seas. North of this realm was Cymredd, the savage terri-
tories of the many Gaernic-descended tribes, who painted
themselves in blue woad and learned the ways of the forests
and marshes as well as any Fey or Sidhe hunter. Back to
the far north and east, beyond even the winter-kingdom
of Mulovia, was Skathia, a barbarian land that was slowly
becoming more civilized, its people settling down as farm-
ers and traders and less so as raiders, brigands, and reavers.
Humankind also began making its mark in other places
across the face of the known world, and in parts heretofore
unknown, far-flung regions such as Mezca, south of even Ar
and Prydonia, at the southern-most reaches of the Dragon
Sea, and Ragnagard, a half-frozen isle-continent at the oth-
er end of the same legendary ocean-river. Also, too, was
Emanji, the name most used for the vast Southern Conti-
nent, attached to Hassan, the Eastern Continent, only by a
range of mighty mountains and the vile will of the Zaramese
Empire.
Scholars have often mentioned Man’s beginnings, and to
bring up such subject matter would be to also include the
Sslir, a sinister race of serpent-men first encountered when
humans were beginning to build pyramid-cities in sorcerous
Xarkon, every bit as influential upon the destiny of Mankind
as the Eluna Sidhe, and to a lesser extent, the Duergar and
goblin-kind. Men have warred with and even conquered
giants, trolls, fomorians, serpent-folk, faerie-kind, and even
dragons, and moreover each other, and built alliances and
agreements with just as many.
Thus, the Age of Man continues, and in this new era,
barely beyond the most recent cataclysm, that scholar-bards
are calling The Time of Judgment, great heroes will deter-
mine the ultimate Fate of humankind, and perhaps others
besides. The gods are watching, waiting, ready to pro-
nounce their doom, at a time of their choosing, should they
truly still exist, and only the strong-willed and valorous will
prevail.
Or at least, for now, escape their Judgment…
14 FOREWORD AND INTRODUCTION
4
SAVAGE KINGDOMS
TIMELINE
The following is a general timeline of events recorded,
memorized, or assumed, and includes major events in the
East (the continents of Hassan and Emanju) as well as in the
West (the continent of Astagonia). Other events of near or
equal import—at least on a local scale—may have, and like-
ly did, occur. The GM is, of course, the final arbiter of what
happens, and has happened, in his version of the known
SK world.
Note that the Eastern realms, across the Dragon Sea, will
be given more detail in The Savage East, a campaign expan-
sion book meant as a companion to this very core rulebook.
13,000+ Years Ago—The assumed Age of Gods, when
many of the Elder deities lived and thrived in the Mortal
World, the realm of the four primary elements, their pen-
ultimate creation. Here was the initial time of Rhodon, the
Isle of the Gods, and other legendary locales.
10,000 Years Ago—The proposed Age of Giants, which
also included the Titans, the direct sons and daughters of
the gods. Giants migrated mostly North, and become more
brutal and violent than the Titans, who remained mostly
forthright and honorable. The Elder deities had all but faded
from Earth-world, bequeathing it to their Titanic and Gigan-
tic offspring. Here, too, some say the Duergar first appeared
from the “bones of the earth,” as did the terrible Trolls.
9,000 Years Ago—Humans first appear in the world, pri-
mal and barely beyond ape-like, most hiding in caves from
the terrible giants and titans that dominated the ancient
world at the time.
7,000 Years Ago—The so-called Age of Dragons, when the
first great serpents and wyrms crawled forth allegedly from
the Dragon Sea, some eventually gaining wings and taking
flight or learning to breathe forth fire from their mouths.
The giants and titans of the world were, at last, challenged
by an equally mighty race.
5,000 Years Ago—The bulk of humanity is enslaved by the
Sslir, a wicked race of serpent-folk allegedly from the East.
Wars and rebellions are common, but the Sslir are victori-
ous nearly all of the time, so great are their evil minds and
their powers of sorcery. The reptilian-folk have now grown
a vast empire, known in their tongue as Is’sirith.
3,500 Years Ago—The Age of Faerie (or Fey), where the
Eluna Sidhe, the Fair Folk, the first great race of the Sid-
he, entered through mystical portals from the Otherworld.
 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
Most of them stayed, for some could not seem to return,
their magic now diminished, and soon after them came the
Goblins and their dark ilk.
3,200 Years Ago—The Breaking of Arvelindor, the great
Sidhe empire, caused by friction between noble-houses. The
followers, or Children, of Dolifaen rebelled openly against
the Sidhe (or Seelie) Court, and after a terrible civil war,
were eventually driven out and underground. The Shad-
owlands formed from this great war, where vast sorceries
were invoked, and to this day the lands there remained
cursed and blighted. The Sidhe of Dolifaen become eventu-
ally known as the Dark Sidhe, or Unseelie, and rebuked the
sovereignty of the now-called Seelie Court.
2,400 Years Ago—The city-states of Xarkon rise to prom-
inence in the East (the continent of Hassan), on the Xar-
ian Peninsula, human-kind’s first great civilization. Pyra-
mid-building becomes an artform, and at its height, Xarkon
was comprised of nine kingdoms ruled by priest-kings
known as the Witch-lords. Humans have begun to throw
off the shackles of the Sslir.
2,100 Years Ago—Ar, one of the more prominent city-
states in southern-most Xarkon, is formed by the alliance of
three priest-kings. It eventually rebels against the northern
realms, citing its growing hatred of dark sorcery and de-
mon-worship, eventually igniting the Shadow War, in which
the northern Xarkonians eventually lose, thusly forming the
independent realm of Ar. Virtually all of northern Xarkon
was destroyed, and to this day a blighted wasteland pre-
vails.
1,700 Years Ago—The great city of Zen-Zarah rises to
great height, socially and militarily, but also spiritually as the
“holy capital” of Zarah, god of the sky and prophecy. Soon
a vast empire arises from it, called Zaramahd, giving birth to
a semi-united culture and language in the East.
1,500 Years Ago—Tai Kinara, a kingdom in the Far East,
begins to attain high levels of art, culture, law, and order,
as humankind in general has further evolved into a race of
empire-builders. Yet, the realm would resist becoming a true
empire, ruled by a benevolent “god-king.”
1,200 Years Ago—A mighty cataclysm submerges Rhodon,
the Isle of the Gods, and sinks and reshapes other islands
and coastlines in the Sea of Prydonis. The era of the Rho-
donites ends, but civilization continues to flourish in the re-
gion, and the Prydonian Republic was born.
1,050 Years Ago—The mighty city of Prydon, greatest me-
tropolis in the West, rises to great prominence in culture,
art, commerce, and religious thought. It quickly becomes
recognized as the “high capital” of the Prydonian Republic,
as well as the holiest city of Prydonis, the sea-god, chief
deity among the Isles.
900 Years Ago—As the Zaramese Empire declines, many
of its provinces like Alazar and Zarkena regaining their trib-
FOREWORD AND INTRODUCTION
al independence, another empire begins to rise across the
Blood River to the north. Thus comes the Empire of the
Four Crowns, whose capital was Galagodsin, a massive for-
tress-city guarded by nearly 20,000 imperial soldiers.
700 Years Ago—A second great cataclysm strikes the Pry-
donian Isles regions, causing much damage to Prydon, the
high capital itself, royal seat of the basileus. It takes years to
rebuild, although some of it never fully recovers.
650 Years Ago—Faerland becomes the largest tribal-realm
in the Emerald Islands, a region dominated by the Gaerns.
Around this same time, another mighty tribe of Gaernic
humans leaves Innis Gaern (the main Emerald Island) and
crosses the Nochlyn Firth to settle in the less populated parts
of Brythia. This becomes Caerndon, or as Brythia would call
it, Caernia.
600 Years Ago—Pressured by the increasing power of
Lorinthius, a great city-state along the eastern coast of Astag-
onia (the Western Continent), the Aragonii people migrate
across the Dragon Sea is several great ships built, it is said,
with assistance from the Eluna Sidhe. Most make the voyage
safely, and those survivors help found the holy kingdom of
Tarnia.
570 Years Ago (1 I.C.)—The Empire of Lorinthia becomes
official, settled mainly by Prydonian explorers from the
south. Ruled by its first sovereign emperor, Guldarius I, the
imperial throne is in Lorinthius, although several great cities
and provincial capitals arise to nearly rival its splendor, such
as Midunium, Aquae Civitas, Tyrius, and Octavium.
503 Years Ago (1 M.R.)—Mulovia is founded, its name
taken from the Von Mulov family, the first royal dynasty of
the realm. Its first king lived for over a hundred years, and
much rumor circulated that he was of demonic or vampiric
blood. Anderok becomes chief deity of the land.
440 Years Ago (131 I.C.)—The coastal realm of Esman-
dos flourishes as mainly one culture and language, found-
ed primarily by Esmandi tribes-folk crossing west over the
Bloodrock Mountains in their plight to escape the persecu-
tion of the Lorinthian Empire.
412 Years Ago (1 F.Q.)—Brythia is founded, mostly out
necessity due to numerous enemies at nearly every corner
of the region, such as the Norish, Gaerns, Cymreddi, Caer-
nians, and more. As the kings and chieftains squabble in
petty civil wars, a wise queen quietly ascends the throne,
and with the exception of less than a hundred years, only
females have ruled the realm.
308 Years Ago (1 S.Y.)—The northern realm of Skathia is
founded, mostly by semi-civilized Valkar and Drak (human)
peoples brought together by the chief high priestess of Sig-
na, who would also serve as sovereign queen.
256 Years Ago (1 A.A.)—Aradorn is founded by Brythian
explorers and nobles, and it would be loosely ruled by a
15
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KINGDOMS
confederation of thanes, dukes, and petty kings. At times
of great need, however, a high king would be elected by
the nobility and high priests of St. Paladyr. To this day, only
three high-kings have been chosen, and then only for a
handful of years.
150 Years Ago—The ancient power of Xarkon returns, af-
ter several of the long-dead Witch-lords had re-risen from
their blackened tombs, gathering forces and armies to their
banners. After an epic war involving no less than five na-
tions, the War of Light and Shadow was over, and the dark
might of Xarkon was once again defeated. Shortly there-
after, another powerful cataclysm shook the Earth-world
once more, and the sea all but swallowed up Xarkon and
much of Arr.
100 Years Ago—The Zaramese Empire is re-risen, and this
new emperor, Al-Shadar the Great, is faced with much war
and rebellion as he re-conquers much of the “lost lands” of
Old Zaramahd.
16 FOREWORD AND INTRODUCTION
9 Years Ago (562 I.C.)—Another massive cataclysm strikes
Earth-world, centered mainly, again, in the Sea of Prydonis
region, but felt throughout most of the known world. Gor-
gonic creatures pour out of Gorgotha, overrunning much
of Lithilor and Esmandos, eventually cross the Bloodrock
Mountains. The Lorinthian Empire is said to be the last bea-
con of hope, but even most of its well-armed legions fall.
Only through the intervention of the high-king of Aradorn
and his mighty cavalry, are the gorgons thrown back, and
even then with great losses.
Present Era (571 I.C.)—A time of rebuilding for most
kingdoms surviving the Gorgon Wars, and the default start-
ing time of most SK campaigns.
Notes regarding abbreviations:
A.A. = Age of Aradorn
F.Q. = First Queen
I.C. = Imperial Calendar
M.R. = Mulovian Reckoning
S.Y. = Skathian Year
 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
5
CHARACTER CREATION
Creating a playable character in Savage Kingdoms is not so
unlike most other tabletop RPGs. That is, your assign prima-
ry statistics, figure secondary ones, choose or “buy” some
other things, equip yourself, add a few personality traits
and physical descriptors (and a viable back-story if you feel
up to it), and you’re ready to adventure.
The following list summarizes the character creation pro-
cess, which is then covered in greater detail in the sections
afterward.
Select Race/Culture: Choose one of the playable rac-
es or cultures detailed below. Note that the SK setting is
humancentric, so selecting “human” does not mean a great
deal—it’s the culture that makes the character (there are
many rich and detailed cultures in which to choose, wheth-
er it be Norish, Mulovian, Aradornian, Lorinthian, or what-
ever). In fact, non-human races are optional, so it’s up to
the GM to allow them to his or her players.
Choose a Calling: Select one of the twenty Callings
offered. These represent a character’s general concept or
focus, although they are completely optional—a player can
elect to have no official Calling for his/her character. See
Chapter 7—Callings below.
Assign Attributes: Your sum total of all your Attributes
at the start can be no greater than +3. Furthermore, no
Attribute may start higher (or lower) than those shown in
the race/culture’s description (shown below)—this tends to
be +4 and -3, respectively, on average. For instance, if you
assign +3 to your character’s Agility, -1 to Physique, +0 to
Vigor, -1 to Intellect, +0 to Magnetism, and +2 to Willpow-
er, this adds up to a sum total of +3. And this is merely one
example.
Choose Talents: You start with 10 “talent points” in
which to buy talents, which are divided into six catego-
ries—Battle, Blood, Mystical, Social, Subterfuge, and Other.
Note that you can gain additional talent points by taking
Weaknesses for your character. Talents are nice knacks, ad-
vantages, or special feats or maneuvers that your character
was born into, learned, or otherwise acquired.
Select Weaknesses: You can have up to +5 points’
worth of Weaknesses at character creation. Choosing Weak-
nesses not only gives you some interesting traits to roleplay
and round-out your character, but they also yield additional
points to spend toward Talents or Skills (or both). For ex-
ample, a player-character with +4 bonus points’ worth of
Weaknesses could spend 2 points on Talents and apply 2
towards Skills (or 3 and 1 or whatever).
Spend Skill Points: You start with a number of “skill
points” equal to 25 plus your Intellect attribute. These can
be applied toward the 28 different Skills in the game, a
point becoming a skill level (see Skills below for more in-
18
formation). A player-character cannot have more than 3
skill levels in any given skill at character creation, and fur-
thermore, may only have a number of “3 skill level” skills
equal to 5 plus Intellect. For example, if your character has
a +1 Intellect, he or she could start with up to six skills that
have 3 skill levels in them. Note that each Skill is governed
by one of the six Attributes, so when figuring your total skill
modifier (which applies to die rolls), you add that Attribute
+ skill level in that particular skill + any other miscellaneous
adjustments. This is all clearly presented on the official SK
character sheet.
Choose Spells (if any): If your character has access
to the Magical Arts skill—the only skill which requires an
“entry talent” (such as Magic Affinity, Acolyte, etc.)—then
you may select one spell for every odd-numbered skill level
you possess in any of the seven Magical Arts disciplines. For
example, if you have 3 skill levels in, say, Air Magic and 2
skill levels in Shadow Magic, then you would begin play
with 3 spells (in the least—some talents might grant you
knowledge of an additional spell). Note that Dark Sidhe
and Eluna Sidhe characters automatically have knowledge
of one spell as a racial ability (see Chapter 6—Character
Races).
Purchase Gear: Your Calling will grant you some basic
equipment, and possibly some arms and armor, plus some
additional coinage. If you do not choose a Calling, you will
begin with a bit more starting coin for buying gear and sup-
plies, but might miss out on some integral items. Note that
gear is measured in ‘Bulk’ ratings—an easier way to track
encumbrance—instead of pounds or grams.
Finishing Touches: Add some physical traits, manner-
isms, motivations, beliefs, and other “back-story” items in
order to round-out the character and make it more believ-
able (and much more enjoyable). Also note that each race
and culture—as well as every elite affiliation—has its own
Code of Honor. This gives players a general guide for play-
ing the character, although it doesn’t necessarily have to
be followed to a tee (though some sects and orders can be
quite strict).
CHARACTER STATISTICS
All player-characters—that is, characters controlled by a
player—are comprised of a number of game statistics that
help in interacting with the Savage Kingdoms setting and
other characters around them, be it to negotiate with, share
stories, or overcome in glorious (and bloody) combat. Each
character has six Attributes—Agility, Physique, Vigor, Intel-
lect, Magnetism, and Willpower—that are the main “pil-
lars” of that persona’s capabilities. Six Traits (or Derived
Traits) also help to personify a character—Health, Initiative,
Luck, Mobility, Renown, and Stamina—each devised from
the six Attributes.
Other game stats utilized are Defense (both Dodge and
Parry), Talents, Weaknesses, Skills, Racial Abilities, Order/
Sect Abilities, and Known Spells. Equipment, such as armor,
weapons, and other gear, helps round out a character, as
do Languages and Code of Honor and several other bits of
final dressing.
All these statistics and aspects are shown in more de-
CHARACTER CREATION
 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
tail below and will be generated during Character Creation
(Chapters 6-14).
ATTRIBUTES
All player-characters, and most NPCs and other creatures
encountered, have six primary aspects—or Attributes—that
comprise the most basic framework of that character’s capa-
bilities. These are Agility (Agi), Physique (Phy), Vigor (Vig),
Intellect (Int), Magnetism (Mag), and Willpower (Wil). At-
tributes are generally rated from -5 to +5, and sometimes
even higher. Note that certain effects and conditions can
lower Attributes (or even raise them, such as through sorcer-
ous means), usually temporarily. In this case, one Attribute
point per 24 hours is returned (or one point per 12 hours
with successful long-term care via the Healing Arts skill).
Attributes, regardless of condition or other status effect,
cannot be lowered below -5. Similarly, the absolute max-
imum a player-character may attain is +7 (depending on
race and certain blood talents), although there are several
rare effects and/or magical spells that might, albeit tempo-
rarily, increase an attribute to +8 or even +9. These are
extreme cases, however, and should be quite rare in a rela-
tively grounded fantasy setting such as the SK known world.
Each of the six Attributes, at least for the purposes of SK, are
highlighted as follows:
AGILITY: This attribute represents one’s natural quick-
ness, balance, and general body control. Agility affects such
derived traits as Initiative and Mobility, and modifies skills
like Acrobatics, Lock-picking, Sleight of Hand, and Stealth.
PHYSIQUE: This represents a character’s physical
strength as well as his or her overall size. One could be
slight of build, but with a wiry musculature, and still per-
haps be above average in Physique. Similarly, a character
could be overweight, with not a lot of defined muscle, and
have a decent Physique attribute. Physique affects derived
traits like Health and Mobility, as well as such skills as Ath-
letics, Brawling, and Weaponry: Melee.
VIGOR: Representing one’s general healthiness and vi-
tal energy, this attribute affects such derived traits as Health
and Stamina. In regards to skills, Vigor modifies Endurance
and both Magical Arts: Death and Life.
INTELLECT: This attribute represents a character’s nat-
ural intelligence, common sense, and mnemonic reasoning.
Intellect affects the Luck trait and the number of starting skill
points a character begins with, as well as a number of skills
such as Alchemy, Crafting, Herbalism, Lore, Perception, and
more.
MAGNETISM: Representing a person’s (or creature’s)
presence, charisma, and to some degree appearance, this
attribute modifies the Luck and Renown traits as well as the
Performance and Persuasion skills.
WILLPOWER: Representing a character’s strength of
mind and general mental clarity, this attribute affects such
derived traits as Initiative and Stamina. As for skills, Will-
power modifies all four of the elemental Magical Arts disci-
plines (Air, Earth, Fire, and Water) as well as Resolve.
Character Attribute Descriptions:
Legendary (+7)
CHARACTER CREATION
Heroic (+6)
Extraordinary (+5)
Superb (+4)
Excellent (+3)
Very Good (+2)
Good (+1)
Average (+0)
Weak (-1)
Poor (-2)
Very Poor (-3)
Pathetic (-4)
Non-existent (-5)
DERIVED TRAITS
These represent a character’s “sub-attributes,” so to speak—
statistics that are calculated from the six main Attributes.
There are six derived traits: Health, Initiative, Luck, Mobili-
ty, Renown, and Stamina, which are further detailed below.
HEALTH (10 + Phyx2 + total Endurance
modifier)
The Health trait is a measure of how much physical dam-
age, or other forms of trauma, a character or creature can
take before being severely injured or slain. Your Health at
character creation is figured by 10 + 2x times your Physique
attribute + your total Endurance skill modifier (that is, your
Vigor + Endurance skill levels). Half this value is also re-
corded for a couple of reasons (see below). Thus, Health is
typically recorded as, for example, 11/5 or 18/9.
Sometimes Health is referred to as ‘Health Points’,
since they are essentially a numerical pool whose numbers
(or points) represent one’s current lack—or presence—
of wounds or injuries. Thus, if a character with, say, 12
Health took 4 points of (Health) damage, he or she would
therefore be taken down to 8 Health points, representing
a somewhat significant wound. See below for additional
information on Health, wounds, and recovering Health
points. Note that the ‘Wounds’ entry on the character sheet
is where you can track your current Health, since wounds
refer to cuts, bruises, blood loss, and the like; even 1 point
of Health damage represents a decent laceration or signifi-
cant bruise.
Reaching Half Health: Being wounded to half, or
less, your Health means that you are Staggered, which caus-
es you to suffer -2 to Defense, Mobility, and all die rolls. If
you are brought to half Stamina (i.e. Fatigued) while you’re
Staggered, there is no additional effect.
Reaching Zero Health: If zero Health is attained, the
character is unconscious and helpless, and must attempt a DL
15 Endurance roll—on a failure, he bleeds out one Health
point more that round; on a success, he does not bleed out
any Health this round. On a critical success, he gains con-
sciousness, but suffers -5 to Defense, Mobility, and all die
rolls (and bleeds out one Health point per minute instead of
rounds); on a critical failure, he bleeds out 2 Health points
this round and acquires the Disfigured, Lame, or Maimed
weakness (GM discretion), assuming he survives.
Reaching Negative Health: If half a character’s Health
in negatives occurs (that is, 150% of one’s total Health), the
19
 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
character or creature is slain. As mentioned elsewhere, res-
urrection-style sorcery does exist in the SK known world,
but it is extremely rare and often distrusted.
Natural Healing: Characters heal 1 + their Vigor in
Health points per 24 hours of rest, which must include at
least eight hours of relatively uninterrupted sleep (mini-
mum of 1 Health point of healing). If successful long-term
care is applied (via a successful DL 10 Healing Arts roll), then
a character heals this amount in 12 hours instead.
INITIATIVE (Agi + Wil)
Characters begin play with an Initiative trait equal to their
Agility attribute + Willpower attribute. This is added to the
d20 roll when Initiative is called for by the GM, which is
usually at the start of a combat scene. Initiative could also
be used for other types of quick decisions or reactions to
stimuli, such as a street chase, woodland chase, attempting
to react before a portcullis slams shut, etc. As such, though
Initiative is used mainly to track and organize combat, it can
also be used for similar action-based scenes.
It is highly advised that Initiative not be rolled, particu-
larly in a potential combat scene, until a player-character—
of their possible adversaries—makes a decided move to ini-
tiate (hence the term ‘Initiative’) battle. To this end, GMs
should be careful not to let a player (or even a NPC) gain
a free action simply because they said it first. Unless an op-
ponent has been caught Off-guard (that is, surprised), he or
she will be wary of any potentially violent movement from
the other side—being the first to declare an attack doesn’t
necessarily mean that the speaker’s character acts first.
Critical Success: Characters and creatures can achieve a
critical success by scoring 20 or more over the opponent’s
Initiative, which grants an additional action on the opening
round of combat (or similar action scene) only. After this
initial round, it returns to the normal two-action procedure.
Critical Failure: Scoring 10 or more less than the foe’s
Initiative, after a modified natural 1 is rolled, means that
you can only take one action in the opening round. Af-
ter this initial round, however, things return to the normal
two-action system.
LUCK (5 + Int or Mag)
Player-characters begin play with a number of Luck points
equal to 5 + Intellect attribute or Magnetism attribute (not
both). When used, a Luck point is completely expended—
they are not “recovered” (but more can be earned via Ad-
vancement and specific deeds done in-play). Only a maxi-
mum of 3 Luck points can be spent per game-session, and
only 1 on a particular task.
The “Luck Roll”: The Luck trait can also be used by
GMs as a means of determining situational things requiring
little to no skill or control. For example, whether a PC re-
membered a minor item, whether or not the opening to a
tent was facing a certain way, etc. This is done by a simple
1d20 roll and adding the character’s current Luck to the re-
sult. The DL in such cases should almost always be 10.
Divine Providence: Luck is heavily associated with the
divine and faith in the gods, and not just mere happen-
stance. Thus, GMs could award an additional Luck point to
20
a character who spends a lot of time serving in a temple or
offering sacrifices to a deity (or deities), or some similar ac-
tivities. These things are mentioned in Chapter 18—Down-
time Activities as well later in this book. With this stated, it
should be known that the deities in the Savage Kingdoms
setting might not even exist (or perhaps only a few of
them), although the deep faith in them—or the service of
their priestly sects—can sometimes prove to be enough in
certain circumstances.
LUCK POINT COSTS
You can do any of the following things when you expend
a point of Luck. None of these options require expending
an action, as they are simply forms of luck, fate, or divine
guidance. PCs cannot spend their own Luck for other char-
acters, save for their own Beast Companions, Familiars, or
Henchmen. Whenever expend a Luck point, your Luck rat-
ing decreases by one.
Ƿ Gain one reroll of the die. (You may take the high-
est of the two results.)
Ƿ Add +5 to a die roll’s result (must be one of your
own die rolls). If this is in combat, you can even deal
damage beyond your weapon’s maximum damage rat-
ing.
Ƿ Take 5 points less damage from a successful attack
or harmful effect.
Ƿ Gain an additional action in a combat/action
round (this action can be of any type.)
Ƿ Gain 5 points of Stamina back.
Ƿ Prevent your weapon or other object from becom-
ing broken or otherwise ruined.
Ƿ Alter or invoke a minor thing in the course of play,
such as having a mentor show up, finding a useful (but
minor) item, locating a certain type of (minor) NPC, a
lord or other important official happens to be home
when visiting his/her castle, etc.
MOBILITY (10 + Agi + Phy)
Your Mobility trait is figured from 10 + Agility attribute +
Physique attribute. This base number represents a normal
walk or guarded movement (in yards) in a 6-second round,
while running is x2 one’s Mobility and sprinting is x3.
Swimming is half this value and Climbing is one-third the
base value (or the full Mobility rating in feet). Tumbling, an
Acrobatics skill option, is one-half base Mobility and crawl-
ing would equate to one-quarter base Mobility.
Continued Movement: Note that if you spend an ac-
tion moving, and you have movement (in yards) left over
after taking a second action, you can—if you like—continue
moving up to your maximum Mobility as a continuance
of your first (movement) action. For example, Alric has a
Mobility of 10 and spends an action moving 6 yards to
engage an opponent in melee combat. He could then, if
so desired, continue moving up to 4 more yards as a con-
tinuation of his first action after his attack action. Granted,
this would likely provoke a free reactive attack from Alric’s
adversary, but it’s still an option (see also the Hit and Run
battle talent).
CHARACTER CREATION
 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
Using A Grid: If you are using a grid or “battle-mat,”
along with miniatures, note that a single 1-inch square (or
hex) equals one yard.
RENOWN (Mag + 1/10 age)
This is your character’s level of fame or reputation, calculat-
ed by Magnetism attribute + one-tenth the character’s age
(or 1/20th if Duergar or Sidhe). In addition to Advancement,
this can also occasionally increase via heroic or renowned
deeds done. Renown can be useful when negotiating with
others, or commanding their respect and attention, and can
help characters rise through the ranks of any orders or sects
of which they might be members.
Invoking Renown: By stating your full name, plus any
titles and notable deeds, you can trigger NPCs to make Lore
skill rolls to see if they have heard of you and your repu-
tation. The DL for this Lore roll is 30 minus the character’s
Renown if within a couple hundred miles from the charac-
ter’s homeland, or DL 35 (minus Renown) if further away
on the same continent; the DL is 40 (minus Renown) if on
a different continent. If the roll succeeds, then the character
gains a +2 bonus to all Performance and Persuasion rolls
when dealing with the NPC in question. The GM is also free
to make secret Lore skill rolls against a PC’s Renown to see
if NPCs have heard of him or her.
Note that recognizing, or having heard of, a character is
not necessarily always a good thing, as succeeding in such a
Lore roll (against Renown) can also inform others of one’s
weaknesses and misdeeds. For example, a NPC gets a Lore
skill roll result of 22 against a PC with a 9 Renown. Since
this is a success (30 minus 9 = DL 21), the NPC learns at least
one Weakness that the PC has, as well as perhaps another
fact or two about the character. The amount of information
learned is largely up to the GM, although as a general rule
the more by which the DL is exceeded, the more informa-
tion is garnered.
STAMINA (10 + Vig + total Resolve modifi-
er)
This is a measurement of one’s mental and spiritual strength,
and supplies the “power source” for spells, certain combat
maneuvers, and several other talents and a few racial abili-
ties. Even more “mundane” activities can cost Stamina just
like in the real-world (e.g. sprinting, force-marching, work-
ing for long periods, etc.). A character’s starting Stamina
is calculated as 10 + Vigor attribute + total Resolve skill
modifier (that is, Willpower plus any skill levels and other
bonuses in Resolve). Like Health, half one’s full Stamina val-
ue is also recorded (see below for reasons)—for example,
12/6 or 19/9.
Reaching Half Stamina: When a character falls to half
(or less) his or her Stamina, the Fatigued condition is ap-
plied. That is, -2 to Defense, Mobility, and all die rolls until
at least one point above half Stamina can be gained through
rest, sleep, meditation, or the like (see below).
Reaching Zero Stamina: Upon reaching zero Stamina,
the character suffers a -5 penalty to Defense, Mobility, and
all die rolls. This is also known as the Exhausted condition.
CHARACTER CREATION
STAMINA RECOVERY
Characters regain 1 Stamina point per hour of uninterrupt-
ed rest—walking, riding horseback, or fighting (naturally)
do not count as rest. Riding in a wagon or aboard a ship,
for example, might be restful enough to recover Stamina
per GM discretion (perhaps assuming that the journey is
through level terrain or undisturbed by poor weather).
Normally, rest is considered to be dedicated sitting, nap-
ping, or meditation. The moment a character engages in
combat, works a magical ritual, performs in a tavern, goes
hunting or scouting, and similar light to heavy activity, he
or she is no longer considered resting.
Overnight Sleeping/Resting: All Stamina points,
however, return after a full night (eight hours or so) of rel-
atively uninterrupted sleep, which may include a two-hour
(or so) watch period. Note that the Light Sleeper talent en-
ables one to recover all Stamina after six hours of sleep, and
the Meditative Trance talent allows a character to regain 2
Stamina points for every hour of peaceful meditation. Eluna
Sidhe, Dark Sidhe, and Wild Sidhe do not sleep as humans
do, but gain their full allotment of Stamina after a six-hour
period of Dream-trance.
INJURIES & FATIGUE
This generally equates to losing Health and Stamina, respec-
tively. As stated above, when a character reaches half max-
imum Health (the Staggered condition), he or she suffers a
-2 penalty to Defense, Mobility, and all die rolls. When he
or she reaches half normal Stamina (which is the Fatigued
condition), the same penalty applies. However, if both cir-
cumstances occur, the character still only suffers the -2 pen-
alty—it is not cumulative.
Reaching Zero Stamina: Upon reaching zero Stamina,
the character suffers a -5 penalty to Defense, Mobility, and
all die rolls. This is also known as the Exhausted condition.
Reaching Zero Health: If zero Health is attained, the
character is unconscious and helpless, and must attempt
a DL 15 Endurance roll—on a failure, he bleeds out one
Health point more that round; on a success, he does not
bleed out any Health this round. On a critical success, he
gains consciousness, but suffers -5 to Defense, Mobility,
Stamina, and all die rolls (and still bleeds out one Health
point per minute instead of rounds); on a critical failure,
he bleeds out 2 Health points this round and acquires the
Disfigured, Lame, or Maimed weakness (GM discretion), as-
suming he survives.
Reaching Negative Health: If half a character’s
Health in negatives occurs (that is, 150% of one’s total
Health), the character or creature is slain. Life-restoration
magic does exist within the SK world, but it is very rare and
many are distrustful of it for various reasons.
DEFENSE
When a character or creature is defending against an at-
tack—be it melee or ranged—the Defense statistic is used.
There are two types of Defense: Dodge and Parry. The for-
mer is a static number calculated by 10 + your total Acro-
batics skill modifier, while the latter is also a static number
21
 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
TABLE 2-1: STAMINA POINT COSTS
Activity
Casting a magical spell
Crafting or repairing an object
Fighting (per minute of active combat)
No sleep at all for one night
No sleep at all for two nights in a row
No sleep at all for three nights in a row
Per additional hour of overland travel after 10 hours
Per additional hour of hurried overland travel after 5
hours
Performing a battle talent
Performing a dance, song, or story
Only half normal sleep-time gained during the night
Rowing a boat
Running long distance (2x Mobility)
Sailing a ship in stormy waters
Sleeping in armor
Sprinting (3x Mobility) through, or in close proximity,
of combat
figured by 10 + one’s total Weaponry: Melee skill modifier.
As such, one focuses more on side-stepping and ducking
while the other is primarily blocking and deflecting incom-
ing blows. Certain armor types, and any levels of encum-
brance, are applied to Acrobatics skill rolls, although this
does not include Dodge Defense.
Furthermore, Parry Defense can only be used against me-
lee (that is, hand-to-hand) attacks and not ranged attacks.
The exception here is high skill levels in Brawling. Also, to
use Parry Defense, you must have a drawn weapon or be
equipped with a shield—otherwise, you must use Dodge.
Dodge Defense can be used against both melee and ranged
attacks, but if your legs are immobilized, you suffer a -5
penalty to this form of Defense.
Most animals and non-hominids only have Dodge De-
fenses as they lack the tools, hands, or training, to block
or turn aside incoming strikes. There are, however, some
exceptions especially when it comes to more monstrous or
supernatural creatures.
Off-Guard: If you are caught unawares, whether from
a sneaking adversary you failed to detect or being asleep
(or otherwise Unconscious), your Defenses—both Dodge
and Parry—are 10. The only exception here is possessing the
Cat-life Reflexes talent, although that this does not affect
being Unconscious or otherwise Helpless.
Optional Rule: If the GM (and players) are agreeable,
you could make Dodge or Parry die rolls against a DL set by
the opponent’s attack roll. In this case, instead of a static ’10
+ modifier” statistic, you would simply add your Acrobatics
22
Stamina Cost
See individual spell entry (usually 1 to 5
Stamina)
1 Stamina per hour
1 Stamina
-5 to Stamina the following morning
-15 to Stamina the following morning
Zero Stamina the following morning
1 Stamina
1 Stamina
See individual talent entry (usually 0 to 2
Stamina)
1 Stamina per hour
-2 to Stamina in the morning
1 Stamina per half-hour
1 Stamina per half-hour
1 Stamina per half-hour
See Gear & Supplies chapter
1 Stamina
skill modifier (for Dodging) or your Weaponry: Melee skill
modifier (for Parrying). Be warned, however, that this can
make combat very “swingy,” with large differences in nu-
merical results (and double the chances for critical successes
and failures), which is why this is merely an optional rule.
RESISTANCE ROLLS
A resistance roll is almost always a skill roll used as a free
reaction to some stimulus or occurrence in-game. They of-
fer a chance to resist some, or all, of the results of some in-
coming spell, poison, contagion, or some other potentially
harmful effect. For example, the Endurance skill is generally
utilized when resisting physical assaults—whether internal
or external—to the body. Such as disease, poisons, intense
cold, extreme heat, etc. Resolve is typically used to ward off
mental, spiritual, or psychological effects, such as beguile-
ment, illusions, fear, and the like.
The incoming stimulus or attack—such as a spell or poi-
sonous effect—sets the DL for the resistance roll. If powered
by a particular skill, then the skill roll result sets the DL for
the target’s or potential victim’s resistance roll. The former
could be about anything from Alchemy to Magical Arts to
Stealth (which opposes Perception) and many other possi-
bilities. The GM will inform his or her players which skill, or
raw Attribute, to roll when resisting “enemy” effects
A Few Examples Of Effects
Versus Resistances:
CHARACTER CREATION
 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
Ƿ Disease—Endurance
Ƿ Poison—Endurance
Ƿ Fear/Intimidation—Resolve
Ƿ Charm/Beguilement—Resolve
Ƿ Extreme Cold—Endurance
Ƿ Intense Heat—Endurance
Ƿ Alchemical Explosion—Acrobatics
Ƿ Dragon’s Breath—Acrobatics
Ƿ Stealth—Perception
Ƿ Disguise—Perception
ARMOR RATING
Armor Rating, or Protection Rating, is based on what type
of armor (if any) a character is wearing. Armor appears in
more detail in Chapter 15—Gear & Equipment later in this
book, but it is mentioned here since it typically goes hand-
in-hand with Defense. If a target’s Defense is defeated (that
is, the attack roll was higher than), then the target subtracts
his or her Armor/Protection Rating from the damage dealt.
This is per attack, so if two attack modes are successful
against a target in a given round, armor rating is applied to
both results individually.
For example, Alric is currently wearing brigandine armor
along with a war-helm and a medium shield. This adds up
to 6 points of armor (or armor rating 6) which is subtracted
from the damage dealt by most weapons. Whatever dam-
age is left after applying one’s armor rating is subtracted
from Health. Thus, armor is generally quite beneficial, al-
though its drawbacks—expense and some lack of mobility
and finesse—must be carefully considered.
“Energy” Effects: Only half one’s armor/protection
rating is counted against acid, fire, lightning, ice, and falling
damage, as well as a few specific attacks or effects from
monstrous creatures or rare spells.
Shields: In Savage Kingdoms, shields have protection
(or armor) ratings just as body armor does. This makes cal-
culations easier in the visceral, exciting moments of combat.
However, attacks made against an Off-guard shield-bearer
do not allow the shield’s bonus to be applied, nor does not
wearing the buckler or shield in the first place.
6
CHARACTER RACES
Below are the playable character races and cultures avail-
able to Savage Kingdoms players. Humans are by far the
most common race in the known world, but this is modi-
fied by their tribe, nationality, and culture, and so they are
nearly as varied and every bit as interesting (if not more so)
as the non-human options.
In fact, non-humans are considered optional in Savage
Kingdoms and should only be allowed by the GM in rare,
and deeply story-based, circumstances. No more than one
CHARACTER CREATION
non-human PC should be permitted per adventuring com-
pany, or perhaps two at most in a total party compliment
of 5 or more. This is to help maintain the exotic nature of
the setting and the “ancient races” predating humankind.
The GM, as always, has the final say in this regard.
Note that many other racial and cultural options will
be available later on with a planned campaign expansion
supplement titled The Savage East.
RACIAL TRAITS & ABILITIES
When creating a Savage Kingdoms character, note that
there are several aspects of each character race that must
be considered and recorded on the character sheet. These
are as follows (and are shown in more detail in each race
or culture entry):
Allowable Callings: Here is listed which of the 20
Callings are fitting (or even in existence) for the race or cul-
ture in question. A Calling represents a character’s primary
focus or occupation.
Attribute Array: This is a guideline on how to arrange
Attributes (from -3 to +4) at character creation, which must
total out to no more than +3. Each race/culture has two or
more Attributes that they tend to excel at which are noted
with Starting Maximums of +4 or even +5. One or two
non-human races even have notably lower Attributes with
a Starting Maximum of only +2. Listed also are the abso-
lute maximums the race/culture can ever attain by way of
Advancement.
Skill Specialties: These are listed under Racial Abilities
and represent a race’s or culture’s expertise or special prow-
ess. If a human character, the player may choose three of
these as listed in each culture’s individual entry. Specialties
add an additional +1 bonus to any skill rolls where the spe-
cialty in question comes into play.
Favored Talents: Each player-character receives 10
points to spend on starting Talents. However, those listed
as “Favored” in the race’s or culture’s entry cost one point
less (that is, cheaper) than the base cost for the Talent (see
Chapter 8—Talents). This is also true later on with Ad-
vancement, as this represents a race’s historical or natural
knack for certain feats, gifts, and backgrounds. Note that
there are six categories of Talents—Battle, Blood, Mystical,
Social, Subterfuge, and Other.
Favored Weaknesses: These are flaws and disadvan-
tages that tend to be typical of a given race or culture. As
such, by selecting a Favored Weakness, a bonus point is
earned which can then be spent toward Talents or Skills. A
character may begin play with no more than five “bonus
points” worth of Weaknesses.
Languages: Characters start with their native tongues
“for free.” Furthermore, if their Intellects are -1 or higher,
then they also know one additional language as listed in
each specific racial entry. Characters only know how to
read or write if their Intellect is -1 or greater, they have
the High-born talent, or at least one skill level in Language.
(Note that more languages can be learned via the Language
skill.)
Cultural Item: Each race or culture may choose a spe-
cial piece of gear or equipment that is directly associated
with their heritage (in addition to any standard supplies
23
 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS

TABLE 2-2: MASTER LIST OF PLAYABLE RACES

Culture/Nationality Brief Description

Aradornian Agrarian horse-based people known for their honor and chivalry
Brythian Known for their seafaring, archery, and tendency to scheming
Caernian Wild-eyed highlanders from a region now half-ruled by Brythia
Cymreddi Woad-painted savages skilled in hunting, scouting, and woodcraft
Gaernic Savage dwellers of the Emerald Islands associated with Faerie-folk
Esmandian A seafaring people often famously becoming pirates or swordsmen
Lorinthian Citizens of a great civilized empire often associated with scheming
Mulovian Dwellers of the “winter kingdom” often steeped in necromancy
Norish Northmen from the far northwest, often raiders and berserkers
Prydonian (Central Isles) The civilized island-folk of Neopos, Orices, Phylasteus, and Vean
Prydonian (Outer Isles) The less civilized island-folk of Athelon, Miurga, and Sardonia.
Skathian Semi-civilized North folk who hold a sun-goddess in high regard
Thorakkian Brutal barbarians from the far north often mixed with troll-blood

Optional Non-Human Brief Description

Chenari (Emanjian) Lion-like humanoids skilled in hunting, tracking, and fighting
Chenari (Mezcan) Jaguar-like humanoids skilled in climbing and covert skills
Duergar Sometimes called ‘Dwarves’, storied craftsmen and stoic warriors
Sidhe, Dark Most living in Lithilor, masters of stealth, trickery, and magic
Sidhe, Eluna Many dwelling in Celendoril, masters of magic and architecture
Sidhe, Wild Living in small woodland tribes, the hunters and scouts of the Sidhe
Sslir, Golden The noble and priest caste, gifted in alchemy, sorcery, and lore
Sslir, Green The hunter caste, skilled in stealth, infiltration, and assassin
Sslir, Red The warrior caste, well-versed in weapons, armor, and siege

purchased). As an optional rule, by spending a Luck point,
a character may start with two cultural items of his or her
choice.
Code of Honor: This is a set of moral or ethical guide-
lines that most members of the race/culture in question tend
to follow. GMs should consider rewarding players who stick
to the majority of these tenets, as it helps build verisimili-
tude and cuts back on often pointless (and unrealistic) “free
for all” amorality. A good reward is a +1 boost to Luck or
Renown every other Advancement for PCs adhering to at
least three-quarters of their cultural Codes of Honor.
ARADORNIAN
The men and women of Aradorn are known for their bud-
ding ideals of chivalry, for they are generally a horse-people
with a high understanding of knighthood, honor, and duty.
Their realm is an expansive one, ruled traditionally by three
kings (or dukes), although a high-king is occasionally elected
in times of crisis.
Saint Paladyr is the primary—and in some ways only—
deity of the realm, for often he is called the Lone True God.
(It is said that he was once mortal and ascended into god-
hood nearly 300 years ago.) Even still, the “old gods” of
the West are still referenced on occasion in the wilder bor-
der-regions of Aradorn, although the Truth-keepers of Saint
Paladyr do their best to keep these old deities down so that
the belief in Saint Paladyr can thrive.
The typical Aradornian is tall and lean, often with san-
dy-colored hair and blue-green eyes. In real-world history,
they resemble the Anglo-Normans with a solid dash of Ar-
thurian high culture. More about Aradorn appears in Chap-
ter 20—The Savage West in Section VI—A Brief Gazetteer.
Allowable Callings: Bard, Craftsman, Gladiator, Healer,
Hunter, Knight, Merchant, Noble, Priest, Sage, Seer, Soldier,
Sorcerer, Thief, Witch.
Attribute Array: Aradornian player-characters must ar-
range their Attributes at character creation using the follow-
ing guidelines—

24 CHARACTER CREATION
 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
Battle: Armor Acclimation, Bashing Blow, Battle Sens-
es, Bullish Charge, Concentrated Defense, Crusader, Dis-
arming Strike, Elite Affiliation (Knights of the Sword and
the Rose or Truthkeepers of Saint Paladyr), Fell-Handed,
Gauge Opponent, Hated Foe (Goblings or Lorinthians),
Honor Duel, Mounted Charge, Retaliating Strike, Shield
Rush, Smiting Blow.

Blood: Angelic-blood, Sidhe-blooded.

Mystical: Acolyte, Priest (Truthkeeper of Saint Paladyr),

Sacred Oath, Witch-hunter.

Social: Apprentice, Captain, Farmer, Herald, Holy War-

rior, Hunter, Knight, Militia, Squire, Woodsman.

Subterfuge: None.

Other: Beast Companion (Horse or Pony), Fey-Touched,

Starting Absolute Healer’s Touch, Heirloom, Pious Faith, Rallying Speech,
Min Max Max Tireless, Valorous.
Agility -3 +3 +5
Physique -3 +3 +5 Favored Weaknesses: Geas/Taboo, Oath-bound, Obses-
Vigor -2 +4 +6 sion (chivalry, honor, or truth), Thin, Too Tall, Zealot (of
Intellect -3 +3 +5 Saint Paladyr).
Magnetism -2 +4 +6
Willpower -2 +4 +6 Starting Languages: Brythian is the native tongue of Ara-
dorn, plus one of the following if your Intellect is -1 or
Special Abilities better—Caernian, Druithi (a tribal dialect of Cymreddi), Lo-
rinthian, Old Aradornii, or Sidhe.
ǥ Faith & Piety: Aradornians receive a +1 bonus to
all Resolve rolls due to their typically deep faith in the Sample Names: Aelred, Aramor, Galen, Gareth, Peredur,
One Lone God, Saint Paladyr, and his arch-angels. Tristan, Willem (male); Aelrith, Aradwen, Elspeth, Engvid,
ǥ Agrarian Nature: Aradornian characters gain a Galena, Morgana, Tristana (female). Aradornians generally
+1 bonus to Animal Handling, Perception, and Sur- use “son of” naming schemes, though proper surnames are
vival skill rolls while in plains and forest terrain. often used for noble houses.

Cultural Item: Aradornian characters may begin play

Skill Specialties with one (or two by spending a point of Luck) of the fol-
All Aradornians, at character creation, get to choose 3 free lowing cultural items in addition to the more normal gear
skill specialties from the list below: they might purchase:

Animal Handling (Falcons or Horses) Ƿ Master-crafted riding saddle (grants +1 to Animal

Crafting (Blacksmithing, Farming, Illumination, or
Woodworking)
Endurance (Resist Disease or Resist Pain)
Healing Arts (Disease, Fresh Wounds, or Long-term
Care)
Herbalism (Forests, Healing Herbs, or Plains)
Lore (Folk, Heraldry, or Religion)
Perception (Empathy)
Persuasion (Diplomacy or Intimidation)
Survival (Camp-building or Direction-finding)
Weaponry: Melee (Greatsword, Lance, Longsword, or
Quarterstaff)
Weaponry: Ranged (Longbow or Spear)
Favored Talents
Handling rolls when riding horseback)
Ƿ Exceptional-quality embellished sword scabbard
(grants +1 to your Renown when worn)
Ƿ Exceptional-quality fur-trimmed cloak (grants +1
to Endurance rolls versus cold effects)
Ƿ Signet ring with heraldic device (of your house if
high-born; otherwise, a liege-lord’s)
Ƿ An exceptional-quality lance (+1 to maximum
damage; breaks on a critical failure)
Ƿ Silver-plated “rose and sword” symbol of St. Pala-
dyr (might help shunt evil creatures)
Ƿ Cold-iron knife (deals additional harm to most fey/
faerie creatures)
Ƿ Bloodthorn blossom, preserved (+1 bonus to
Healing Arts rolls; 3 uses/doses)
Ƿ Bastardsword, average-quality (often called a “sad-

CHARACTER CREATION 25
 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
dle-sword” in Aradornian parlance) Attribute Array: Brythian player-characters must arrange
their Attributes at character creation using the following
General Code of Honor guidelines—

Ƿ Respect and honor all nobles, knights, and in par- Starting Absolute
ticular, the high-king Min Max Max
Ƿ Respect and honor all priests, monks, and holy Agility -3 +3 +5
warriors in service of Saint Paladyr Physique -3 +3 +5
Ƿ Respect and honor all women, especially noble- Vigor -2 +4 +6
women, for they are the flower of chivalry Intellect -2 +4 +6
Ƿ Right any obvious wrongs being done, even if it is Magnetism -2 +4 +6
only to report it to a higher authority Willpower -3 +3 +5
Ƿ Be brave, forthright, loyal, and dutiful; obey supe-
riors unless they prove dishonorable Special Abilities
Ƿ Seek justice in serious insults, by single combat or
by acceptance of public apology. ǥ Nautical Affinity: All Brythian characters receive
a +1 bonus to Acrobatics, Athletics, Perception, and
Sailing skill rolls while aboard any vessel at sea.
BRYTHIAN ǥ Urban Affinity: Brythians gain a +1 bonus to all
Acrobatics, Perception, Persuasion, and Stealth skill
rolls while within the confines of any settlement num-
bering 2,000 or more inhabitants.

Skill Specialties
Brythian characters receive 3 free skill specialties at charac-
ter creation that help reflect Brythian culture and virtues:

Animal Handling (Carts, Horses, Oxen, or Wagons)

Athletics (Aboard Ships)
Crafting (Blacksmithing, Carpentry, Ships, or Weapons)
Language (Decoding, Encryption, or Scribing)
Perception (Coastal, Urban, or Sea)
Performance (Lute or Oratory)
Persuasion (Bluffing or Diplomacy)
Resolve (Resist Charm)
The people of Brythia (BRITH-ee-ah) are generally tall, Sailing (Boats, River-barges, or Sailing-ships)
lean, fair-skinned, and fair-haired (usually with blue or blue- Weaponry: Melee (Flail, Greatsword, Longsword,
green eyes). They can be a shrewd lot, nearly rivalling the Spear, or Warhammer)
Lorinthians in their ability to scheme and grow empires, Weaponry: Ranged (Longbow or Light Crossbow)
considering themselves far more civilized than their neigh-
boring realms. Of late, Brythians have become a sea-peo-
Favored Talents
ple, rivalling the Esmandians to the south on the Sunset Sea.
For the past two centuries, the Brythians have been ruled
Battle: Battle Muse, Double-arrow Shot, Careful Aim,
by queens, King Alrick II being the last male sovereign. The
Close-quarters Archery, Concentrated Defense, Deadly
current ruling queen is Elspeth IV, a now-elderly woman
Lunge, Disarming Strike, Extreme Range, Fending Stance,
who is said to wear gilded masks due to the effects of a
Finessing Shot, Gauge Opponent, Haft and Shaft, Hat-
mysterious disease or curse. Dukes, earls, barons, and lesser
ed Foe (Cymreddi, Esmandians, or Norish), Hold The
lords support her in a crude form of feudalism.
Breach, Impaling Shot, Pressing Attack, Shield Rush, Siege
Brythian religion is similar to that of Cymredd and the
Specialist, Swashbuckling, Warning Shot.
Emerald Islands, with deities such as Briannon, Cormac,
Gaelrith, Bran Finnon, and Llywella Ravendark. More in-
Blood: Sidhe-blooded, Troll-born.
formation about Brythia can be found in Chapter 20—The
Savage West.
Mystical: Acolyte (of the Druidic Order), Cultist, Dab-
bling Arcanist, Grimoire.
Allowable Callings: Alchemist, Assassin, Bard, Craftsman,
Gladiator, Healer, Hunter, Knight, Merchant, Noble, Pirate,
Priest, Sage, Seer, Shaman, Soldier, Sorcerer, Thief, Witch. Social: Apprentice, Artisan, Bard, Captain, Carouser,
Champion, Gift of Tongues, Herald, High-born, Mariner,
Mercenary, Merchant, Sage, Squire, Statecraft, Woods-
26 CHARACTER CREATION
 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
man.

Subterfuge: Gambler, Lampoon, Privateer, Smuggler,

Street Rat.
CAERNIAN
The men and women of Caernia (once known as Caern-
Other: Heirloom, Inspiring Presence, Navigator, Rally-
ing Speech, Tireless, Willful Presence.

Favored Weaknesses: Enemy, Geas/Taboo, Illegitimate,

Infamous, Oath-bound, Oath-breaker, Obsession (ale, wine,
or the sea), Too Tall, Waif.

Starting Languages: Brythian is your native tongue, and

you also know one of the following if your Intellect is -1 or
better—Caernian, Cymreddi, Esmandian, Gaernic, Norish.

Sample Names: Aethelwald, Egbert, Eomund, Garron,

Kenrick, Osric, Willem (male); Alyssa, Bettina, Bretilda, Eg-
bertha, Engva, Marion, Wilma (female). Brythians typically
use “son of” and “daughter of” naming schemes or place
or occupational names. Noble houses, however, often pro-
duce surnames for members of that family.

Cultural Item: Brythian characters may begin play with don) are a stout hill-people, based loosely on the highland
one (or two by spending a point of Luck) of the follow- Scots of the early medieval era. At present, however, the
ing cultural items in addition to the more normal gear they Caernians are subject to the queen of Brythia, a realm that
might purchase: has ruled over them for the past 150 years. Some Caernian
clans accept this fate, but many others are quite surly about
Ƿ Exceptional-quality leather and wood quiver it and rumors of a major uprising have persisted for the past
(helps prevents rust and spilled arrows) half-century or more.
Ƿ Two master-crafted arrows (+1 to AP and maxi- Caernian-folk pay homage to the ancient deities of the
mum damage; 75% chance retrieval) West, with Cormac—god of beasts, strength, and war—per-
Ƿ Exceptional-quality fur-trimmed cloak (+1 to En- haps being supreme among them, even greater than Brian-
durance rolls to resist cold when worn) non herself. The Druids are the priests and omen-readers of
Ƿ Signet ring with heraldic device (yours if high-born; the gods, and bards the primary storytellers and lore-keep-
some other lord’s if not) ers for the various clans of Caerndon.
Ƿ Poor-quality longbow needing repair (Crafting DL Physically, Caernians tend to be of medium height (if not
20 to repair to average-quality) slightly taller), broadly built, and fair-skinned. Their hair is
Ƿ Bronze or copper torc (captured from an enemy often auburn-hued and their eyes typically green or blue-
warrior; +1 to Renown when worn) green. More information regarding Caerndon can be found
Ƿ Cold-iron dagger (does more harm to Faerie crea- in Chapter 20—The Savage West.
ture than fire-forged iron/steel)
Ƿ Three cold-iron tipped arrows (extra harm to Fa- Allowable Callings: Bard, Berserker, Craftsman, Gladi-
erie creatures; 50% chance retrieval) ator, Healer, Hunter, Merchant, Noble, Priest, Sage, Seer,
Ƿ One-half ownership of a galley or small sailing ship Shaman, Sorcerer, Thief, Witch.
(kept at a Brythian port)
Attribute Array: Caernian player-characters must arrange
General Code of Honor their Attributes at character creation using the following
guidelines—
Ƿ Honor and obey the queen and the royal court,
and to a lesser extent, all Brythian nobles Starting Absolute
Ƿ Do not suffer a pirate to live, especially an Esman- Min Max Max
dian or Norish one Agility -3 +3 +5
Ƿ Give pardons to Brythian privateers, for they are Physique -3 +3 +5
charged with hunting true pirates Vigor -2 +4 +6
Ƿ Avenge serious insults, by single combat, public Intellect -3 +3 +5
apology, or acceptance of gifts Magnetism -2 +4 +6
Ƿ Protect and honor all family members, demanding Willpower -2 +4 +6
“were-gild” for any slain unjustly.

CHARACTER CREATION 27
 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
Special Abilities
ǥ Cold-natured: Caernians receive a +1 bonus to
Endurance rolls when resisting cold effects. Much of
Caerndon is a highland region, the very foothills of the
Iceclaw Mountains.
ǥ Wilderness Affinity: Caernian characters gain
a +1 bonus to Acrobatics, Athletics, Perception, and
Survival rolls while in forests, hills, and mountains.
Skill Specialties
Caernian characters receive 3 free skill specialties at charac-
ter creation that help reflect Caernian culture and virtues:
Animal Handling (Cattle, Dogs, Oxen, or Sheep)
Athletics (Climbing)
Brawling (Grappling or Punching)
Endurance (Resist Cold or Resist Inebriation)
Herbalism (Crafting or Foraging)
Perception (Caves, Hills, or Mountains)
Performance (Bagpipes, Bodhran, or Storytelling)
Persuasion (Bluffing or Intimidation)
Resolve (Resist Charm or Resist Fear)
Survival (Foraging, Hills, or Mountains)
Weaponry: Melee (Dirk/Shortsword, Greatsword,
Polearm, War-club, Warhammer)
Weaponry: Ranged (Club, Handaxe, or Sling)
Favored Talents
Battle: Back to Back, Bashing Blow, Battle Muse, Battle
Senses, Berserker Rage, Break The Wall, Bullish Charge,
Cleaving Blow, Crushing Blow, Draw The Line, Fending
Stance, Hated Foe (Brythians, Druithi, or Sluagh), Hold
The Breach, Honor Duel, Impaling Thrust, Improvised
Weaponry, Meat Shield, Muster The Horde, Pugilistic
Follow-up, Punishing Charge, Shattering Blow, Shield
Bash, Tripping Attack, War-cry.
Blood: Lycanthrope (bear or boar), Sidhe-blooded,
Troll-born.
Mystical: Herbal Magic, Sacred Oath, Sanctum Magic.
Social: Bard, Carouser, Champion, Mercenary, Militia,
Miner, Mountaineer, Squire, Woodsman.
Subterfuge: Dirty Tactics, Hunter, Raider, Trap-setter.
Other: Body-painting, Fey-touched, Fire In The Head,
Fleet of Foot, Grit, Inspiring Presence, Night-sighted, Val-
orous.
Favored Weaknesses: Geas/Taboo, Exiled, Oath-bound
(to clan-chieftain or druid), Obsession (ale or mead), Phobia
(enclosed spaces or crowded areas).
28
Starting Languages: Brythian or Caernian is your native
tongue (your choice), and you may choose a second tongue
from the following if your Intellect is -1 or better—Brythian,
Caernian, Druithi (Cymreddi), Norish, Goblin-tongue, or
Troll-speak.
Sample Names: Angus, Brean, Connor, Fergus, Hamish,
Lochlan, Seamus (male); Ariel, Caernwyn, Conna, Dani-
ca, Mairead, Marron, Scotha (female). Most Caernians use
clan-names for surnames, especially if a member of one of
the “great clans” such as MacAngus or Targyle.
Cultural Item: Caernian characters may begin play with
one (or two by spending a point of Luck) of the follow-
ing cultural items in addition to the more normal gear they
might purchase:
Ƿ A woolen great-kilt of your clan’s tartan (+1 to Re-
nown when worn in Caerndon)
Ƿ Exceptional-quality dirk (use shortsword statistics,
but with +1 to max damage)
Ƿ Cold-iron dagger (harms Faerie creatures more
than fire-forged steel)
Ƿ A poor-quality clan-sword (greatsword stats; Craft-
ing DL 20 to repair to average quality)
Ƿ Studded exceptional-quality targe (small shield sta-
tistics, but one less Skill Penalty)
Ƿ Shaggy highland pony (not saddle-trained, but +1
Agility and can carry up to 300 lbs)
Ƿ A pennon/banner of a Brythian lord, friend or foe
(your choice; +1 Renown in Caerndon)
Ƿ Tattoo of blue or black ink (knotwork or animal
motif; +1 to your Renown)
Ƿ Clay vial of woad (blue body-paint), which grants
+1 to Vigor for one hour; two uses
General Code of Honor
Ƿ Obey and honor the clan-chieftain, unless he
proves clearly incompetent
Ƿ Honor and respect the gods, especially Cormac,
and the old ways of the Druids
Ƿ Honor and respect the Faerie-folk, but be wary of
them also
Ƿ Grant hospitality to those deserving of it; refuse it
to fools and dishonorable folk
Ƿ Serve the queen quietly, but leave room in your
heart for true independence
Ƿ Avenge insults through demanded public apolo-
gies; serious ones by single combat.
CYMREDDI
The people of Cymredd (KIM-reth) are a wild and savage
lot, living in various tribes made up of several familial clans.
Because of this, Cymredd is not a unified sovereign realm,
but rather a collection of powerful tribes, the most supe-
rior (at present) being the Cymreddi themselves. As such,
CHARACTER CREATION
 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
ing guidelines—

Starting Absolute
Min Max Max
Agility -2 +4 +6
Physique -3 +3 +5
Vigor -2 +4 +6
Intellect -3 +3 +5
Magnetism -3 +3 +5
Willpower -2 +4 +6

Special Abilities

ǥ Wild Affinity: Cymreddi receive a +1 bonus to

Acrobatics, Athletics, Perception, Stealth, and Surviv-
al rolls made in forests or marshlands.
ǥ Woad Warrior: Cymreddi characters pay two
points less for the Body-painting talent. Decorating the
body with blue (and other) dyes is a regular part of
Cymreddi culture.

Skill Specialties
Cymreddi characters receive 3 free skill specialties at charac-
ter creation that help reflect Cymredd culture and virtues:

Acrobatics (Balancing or Leaping)

Animal Handling (Dogs, Hawks, or Wolves)
Athletics (Climbing or Swimming)
Endurance (Resist Poison)
the “realm” or territory tends to bear the general name Herbalism (Healing, Poisonous, or Woad-making)
‘Cymredd’, although in the not-so-distant past, it was Perception (Forest, Hearing, Marshland, Sight, or Smell)
known as Gwyndion when an offshoot of the Managwynni Persuasion (Intimidation)
tribe was the most domimant. Stealth (Camouflage, Forest, or Marshland)
The Cymreddi live primarily in small woodland villag- Survival (Foraging, Forest, Marsh, or Hunting)
es, although some of the greater clans have great “caers” Weaponry: Melee (Clubs, Daggers, Handaxes, Spears,
(fortresses), some of which are quite ancient and are said to or War-clubs)
have been originally built by the Sidhe-folk. Caer Avallach, Weaponry: Ranged (Clubs, Slings, or War-darts/Jave-
Caer Llywellen, and Cymreth are several well-known ex- lins)
amples. They are a superstitious people for the most part,
distrusting written language and even, to a large extent,
Favored Talents
the sea.
Physically, the Cymreddi are typically of medium height
Battle: Agile Brawler, Agile Weaponry, Ambidexterity,
and build, with deep auburn or dark brown hair, fair-skin,
Back To Back, Battle Senses, Berserker Rage, Break The
and green-grey eyes. Most paint themselves with blue
Wall, Crippling Attack, Decapitating Strike, Defensive
woad, using swirling patterns and knotwork designs, which
Dash, Gauge Opponent, Haft And Shaft, Hit And Run,
help camouflage them in forest terrain and dedicate them
Impaling Thrust, Improvised Weaponry, Leaping Strike,
to the gods and the ancient fey spirits of field and stream.
Running Shot, Rushing Attack, Swashbuckling, Unar-
In real-world terms, the wild folk of Cymredd resemble the
mored Fighting, War-cry, Wolfpack Tactics.
Cymry (Celtic-Welsh).
More information about Cymredd can be found in
Blood: Goblin-blooded, Lycanthrope (Wolf—Dufannon
Chapter 20—The Savage West.
or Druithi tribe only), Sidhe-blooded.
Allowable Callings: Bard, Berserker, Craftsman, Gladi-
ator, Healer, Hunter, Merchant, Noble, Pirate, Sage, Seer,
Mystical: Blood Magic, Familiar (Owl or Raven), Herb-
al Magic, Priest (Druidic Order), Second Sight, Totem An-
Shaman, Sorcerer, Thief, Witch.
imal.
Attribute Array: Cymreddi player-characters must ar-
range their Attributes at character creation using the follow- Social: Bard, Champion, Woodsman.

CHARACTER CREATION 29
 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
less proven dishonorable.
Subterfuge: Hunter, Poisoner, Raider, Secret Strike, Ƿ Honor and respect Nature (and the gods); use
Trap-setter. what you kill and only kill when in need.

Other: Agile Climber, Animal Kinship, Beast Compan-

ion, Fleet of Foot, Light Sleeper, Limber, Tireless. ESMANDIAN

Favored Weaknesses: Addiction (woad), Geas/Taboo,

Oath-bound, Phobia (large fires or the sea), Savage, Short,
Zealot (of Dufaine—Druithi variant tribe only).

Starting Languages: Cymreddi is your native tongue, and

you automatically know a second tongue if your Intellect is
-1 or better (from among the following)—Brythian, Caerni-
an, Esmandian, Gaernic, Goblin-tongue, or Sidhe.

Sample Names: Bran, Cynwulf, Iain, Llewellyn, Madoc,

Mordryn, Taliesin (male); Branwen, Camren, Gwen, Gwyn-
edd, Morgana, Seren, Silura (female). Cymreddi generally
use ‘ap’ (meaning “son of”) or ‘verch’ (“daughter of”) af-
ter their first names, though renowned heroes and chief-
tains might have a title or epithet such as ‘The Black’ or
‘Wyrm-slayer’.

Cultural Item: You may choose one of the following items

at character creation (or two by spending a Luck point) to
compliment the rest of your gear:

Ƿ Cold-iron dagger (harms Faerie creatures better

than fire-forged iron or steel)
Ƿ Vial of special woad (grants +1 to Vigor for one
hour; two uses)
Ƿ Knotwork or animal motif tattoo of blue or black
ink (grants +1 to Renown)
Ƿ Small animal companion (crow, hare, or mouse;
knows 1 trick/level of Animal Handling)
Ƿ Two cold-iron tipped arrows or sling bullets (does
greater harm to Faerie creatures)
Ƿ Ancient copper dagger of exceptional-quality (base
dagger stats; +1 to your Renown)
Ƿ Talismanic fetish item (fish, boar, or wolf; +1 to
Magical Arts: Life skill rolls)
Ƿ Sidhe-forged dagger or pair of arrows (exception-
al-quality; +1 to max damage)
Ƿ Solid bronze or silver-plated torc (+1 to your Re-
nown; worth 10 + 1d20 sc)
General Code of Honor
Ƿ Avenge all clan-members slain unjustly, either by
blood or ‘sarhaed’ (life-price).
Ƿ Avenge serious personal insults, by single combat
or by physical competition.
Ƿ Beware the writing of languages, for such words
can be captured or stolen.
Ƿ Honor and obey clan and tribal chieftains, unless
they have shown to be corrupt.
Ƿ Honor and obey all tribal druids and shamans, un-
The men and women of Esmandos are primarily a seafaring
people, although those dwelling more inland have a greater
reputation for horsemanship and are known for their talent
for capturing (and domesticating) the wild Matica horses
of the northwestern plains. They are a somewhat short or
medium in height, with slight to medium builds, and usually
with dark hair and light to dark brown eyes. Early medieval
Spain would be the closest real-world analog.
Esmandians tend to be a passionate people, descendants
of the Esmandi tribes that fled the early tyranny of the Lorin-
thian Empire. They tend to be quite good at sailing, riding,
and swordsmanship, but sometimes tend toward piracy and
banditry. At present, Esmandos is not a completely unified
realm, and in fact, has two kings, each one vying for total
supremacy. Their primary deity is the sea-god, Santago, al-
though many have also embraced several of the Prydonian
deities or even dark cults such as the Cult of Gorgothon.
More information about to Esmandos can be located in
Section VI—A Brief Gazetteer.

30 CHARACTER CREATION
 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
Allowable Callings: Alchemist, Assassin, Bard, Craftsman,
Gladiator, Healer, Hunter, Merchant, Noble, Pirate, Priest, Social: Captain, Carouser, Champion, Comeliness, Cour-
Sage, Seer, Soldier, Sorcerer, Thief, Witch. tesan, Gypsy, Mariner, Merchant.

Attribute Array: Esmandian player-characters must ar- Subterfuge: Feigned Attack, Fortune Teller, Gambler,
range their Attributes at character creation using the follow- Poisoner, Privateer, Raider, Sapping Blow, Secret Strike,
ing guidelines— Seductive Dance, Smuggler, Trap-setter.

Starting Absolute Other: Agile Climber, Heirloom (Saber, Shortsword, or

Min Max Max Ship), Inspiring Presence, Limber, Navigator, Night-sight-
Agility -2 +4 +6 ed, Rallying Speech, Tireless.
Physique -3 +3 +5
Vigor -2 +4 +6
Intellect -3 +3 +5 Favored Weaknesses: Addiction (Pink Lotus or Wine),
Magnetism -2 +4 +6 Enemy (Rival Sea-captain or Bounty Hunter), Illegitimate,
Willpower -3 +3 +5 Oath-breaker, Obsession (Pirating or The Sea), Phobia (Fire,
Sidhe, or Spiders).
Special Abilities
Starting Languages: Esmandian is your native tongue,
ǥ Equine Affinity: Esmandian characters gain a +1 plus one of the following of your choice if your Intellect is
bonus to Animal Handling skill rolls when mounted -1 or better—Brythian, Cymreddi, Old Esmandi, Prydonian,
on horseback. Gorgonic, Sidhe.
ǥ Nautical Affinity: Esmandians receive a +1 bo-
nus to Acrobatics, Athletics, Perception, and Sailing
Sample Names: Carlito, Domingo, Esmandes, Fernando,
Orlando, Ortiz, Raul (male); Bueniva, Carlita, Carmen, Es-
skill rolls while aboard any ship at sea.
meralda, Juanita, Maria, Rosa (female). Esmandians do not
usually have surnames unless they come from noble birth,
Skill Specialties in which case ‘De’ or ‘Del’ is often used in front of a last
Esmandian characters receive 3 free skill specialties at char- name (for example, Del Rosa, De Lorentis, etc.).
acter creation that help reflect Esmandian culture and vir-
tues: Cultural Item: You may choose one of the following items
at character creation (or two by spending a Luck point) to
Acrobatics (Balancing, Leaping, or Tumbling) compliment the rest of your gear:
Crafting (Appraisal, Bladesmith, Ships, or Wine)
Disguise (Merchant or Sailor) Ƿ Key to a heretofore unknown chest, coffer, or door
Lock-picking (Chests or Simple Traps) Ƿ One-quarter ownership of a small merchant ship
Perception (Empathy, Hearing, or Sight) (kept at an Esmandian port)
Performance (Dancing or Lute) Ƿ Skin or clay jar (one gallon) of fine Esmandian wine
Persuasion (Bluffing or Negotiation) Ƿ Jeweled dagger or shortsword, but missing several
Sailing (Coastal, Merchant Ships, or Warships) gems (worth 10 + 2d20 sc)
Sleight of Hand (Item Concealment or Pilfering) Ƿ Matica riding-horse, although it is Blind, Lame, or
Weaponry: Melee (Clubs, Daggers, Sabers, or Shorts- Tainted (your choice)
words) Ƿ Boots with hidden niche in the sole (DL 22 Percep-
Weaponry: Ranged (Daggers, Light Crossbows, or tion for others to notice)
Shortbows) Ƿ Map to a small cache of treasure (5d20 sc in po-
tential value)
Ƿ Signet ring with heraldic device (yours if high-born;
Favored Talents
some other lord’s otherwise)
Ƿ Average-quality saber or shortsword in disrepair
Battle: Agile Weaponry, Ambidexterity, Back To Back,
(DL 20 Crafting to make exceptional)
Battle Senses, Concentrated Defense, Crippling Attack,
Deadly Lunge, Defensive Dash, Disarming Strike, Dual
Blades, Finessing Shot, Flourishing Kata, Gauge Oppo- General Code of Honor
nent, Opportunistic Strike, Precision Strike, Pressing At-
tack, Running Shot, Rushing Attack, Swashbuckling, Un- Ƿ Honor your king, whomever be may be, for some-
armored Fighting. day he may have to pardon you.
Ƿ Honor your family or your crew, for someday they
may be called upon to save you.
Blood: Gorgon-blood, Sidhe-blooded.
Ƿ Respect women and children, all others worthy of
dotage and a chance at life.
Mystical: Blood Magic, Cultist, Evil Eye.

CHARACTER CREATION 31
 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
Ƿ Capture or slay all rival pirates and buccaneers, es- Healer, Hunter, Merchant, Noble, Pirate, Sage, Seer, Sha-
pecially if they are Brythian. man, Sorcerer, Thief, Witch.
Ƿ Respect and honor the charters and codes of a
good captain and his vessel. Attribute Array: Gaernic player-characters must arrange
Ƿ Take not from your companions and crew, for their Attributes at character creation using the following
there is honor even among thieves. guidelines:

Starting Absolute
GAERNIC (Emerald Islander) Min Max Max
Agility -2 +4 +6
Physique -3 +3 +5
Vigor -2 +4 +6
Intellect -3 +3 +5
Magnetism -3 +3 +5
Willpower -2 +4 +6

Special Abilities

ǥ Cold Tolerance: Gaernic player-characters gain a

+1 ‘other’ bonus to Endurance rolls made against ice
or cold effects.
ǥ Fey Familiarity: Gaerns receive a +1 ‘other’ bo-
nus to Resolve skill rolls made to resist illusions (glam-
our) and mind-manipulation effects such as charm and
sleep.

Skill Specialties
Gaernic characters receive 3 free skill specialties at character
creation that help reflect Gaernic culture and virtues:

Acrobatics (Aboard-ship or Leaping)

The Gaerns were once a powerful and widespread people,
barbarous and proud, and now relegated primarily to the
Emerald Islands of the far west. Their blood can be seen in
Caerndon and Cymredd as well, though other (if similar)
tribes in the latter region have become more dominant.
They are fairly tall and of lean to medium build, typically
Favored Talents
with fair (often freckled) skin, red hair, and green eyes. A
fair few have Faerie or Sidhe blood in their veins.
Faerland is the largest tribal realm in the Emerald Islands,
with Cael and Dal Ruatha being the other two tribal king-
doms of any note. The ancient Western gods are promi-
nently revered among the Gaernic folk—Briannon, Gael-
rith, Bran Finnon, and Cormac primarily—whose priests are
the all-knowing Druids.
As a real-world comparison, the Gaerns approximate to
the Irish-Celts. More information about the Emerald Islands
can be found in Section VI—A Brief Gazetteer.
Allowable Callings: Bard, Beserker, Craftsman, Gladiator,
32
Animal Handling (Cattle, Dogs, or Sheep)
Brawling (Grappling or Punching)
Crafting (Blacksmithing, Boats, or Leather)
Herbalism (Cooking, Healing, or Woad-making)
Lore (Bardic Tales, Faerie, or Religion)
Performance (Bodhran or Harp)
Persuasion (Bluffing or Intimidation)
Sailing (Rivers or Small Boats)
Survival (Fishing or Hunting)
Weaponry: Melee (Dagger, Longsword, Spear, War-
club, or War-spear)
Weaponry: Ranged (Club, Javelin/Dart, or Sling)
Battle: Ambidexterity, Battle Muse, Battle Senses, Ber-
serker Rage, Break The Wall, Decapitating Strike, Fend-
ing Stance, Gauge Opponent, Hated Foe (Brythians,
Fomorians, or Norish), Honor Duel, Impaling Thrust, Im-
provised Weaponry, Leaping Strike, Muster The Horde,
Punishing Charge, Shield Rush, Unarmored Fighting,
War-cry.
Blood: Giant-blood (Firbolg), Sidhe-blooded, Troll-born
(Fomorian).
Mystical: Acolyte (Druidic Order), Evil Eye, Priest (Dru-
CHARACTER CREATION
 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
idic Order), Sacred Oath, Sanctum Magic, Second Sight,
Song Magic, Totem Animal (boar, stag, or wolf).
Social: Artisan, Bard, Champion, Farmer, Hunter, Mari-
ner, Militia, Woodsman.
Subterfuge: Hunter, Lampoon, Privateer, Raider,
Smuggler.
Other: Body-painting, Elite Affiliation (Emerald Harp),
Fey-touched, Fire In The Head, Fleet of Foot, Healer’s
Touch.
Favored Weaknesses: Cursed, Exiled, Oath-bound (to a
local chieftain or druid-priest), Obsession (ale, Otherworld,
or the sea), Phobia (enclosed spaces or Faeries), Zealot (dru-
idism or Fragnir).
Starting Languages: Gaernic is your native tongue, which
has a limited writing system. You also know one additional
language from the following if your Intellect is -1 or bet-
ter—Brythian, Cymreddi, Fomorian, Norish, Sidhe.
Sample Names: Caelric, Cagaran, Connor, Finn, Iain,
Liam, Niall (male); Ceira, Conna, Deirdre, Erin, Fionna,
Meghan, Mairead (female). Gaerns almost always use ‘mac’
(“son of”) and ‘ni’ (“daughter of”) after their first names,
though older or more renowned clans sometimes use ‘O’
before their surnames, such as O’Niall, O’Cael, or O’Leir.
Cultural Item: You may choose one of the following items
at character creation (or two by spending a Luck point) to
compliment the rest of your gear:
Ƿ Cold-iron dagger (does more harm to Faerie crea-
tures than fire-forged iron/steel)
Ƿ Two cold-iron tipped arrows or sling bullets (does
additional harm to Faeries)
Ƿ One-half ownership of a small fishing vessel (3-4
passengers or half-ton of cargo)
Ƿ Vial of woad (body paint) which grants +1 Health
and Stamina for 30 mins; three uses
Ƿ Sidhe-made arrow (Sildaril-tipped, +1 max dmg,
+1 Armor Piercing; 75% retrieval chance)
Ƿ Exceptional Norish handaxe or spear with runic
markings (DL 20 Language to decipher)
Ƿ One-quarter ownership of a captured Norish long-
ship or Brythian warship (in port)
Ƿ Map to hidden cairn, menhir, or standing stones
(+1 to all Magical Arts rolls there)
Ƿ A lock of Kelpie hair (grants +1 to Magical Arts:
Shadow rolls when doing spell-rituals)
General Code of Honor
Ƿ Honor the Old Gods and all worthy and honor-
able Druid-priests who speak for them.
Ƿ Honor the clan-chieftain and, to a lesser extent,
CHARACTER CREATION
any high-kings who come to power.
Ƿ Drive away all enemy invaders from our shores, be
they Norish raiders or otherwise.
Ƿ Grant hospitality to all who ask of it, striking not
even an enemy taking sanctuary within your house.
Ƿ Personal insults are to be paid in public apology,
gift-givings, or blood (single combat).
LORINTHIAN
The people of Lorinthia, or the Lorinthian Empire, are anal-
ogous to the real-world Romans during Rome’s Imperial
eras. As such, they tend to be provincial—the province
meaning even more than the city (or villa)—and those liv-
ing in, or near, the imperial capital of Lorinthius lean to-
ward a very political and urbane existence, used to plotting,
scheming, and urban survival.
Many deities are revered here, although the most promi-
nent by far are Agathon, Titherius, Luccia, and Nipalos, and
the occasional cult rising to some semblance of power. The
emperor himself is considered near-divine as well, several in
the past even claiming the direct bloodline of the war-god
Agathon or even the “golden god” Titherius. The current
emperor is Octavius V.
There are five major provinces in the vast Lorinthian
Empire, although for the purposes of player-characters, the
primary divisions of “north” and “south” are used as shown
in the Racial Abilities below. In addition, more information
about Lorinthia can be found in Section VI—A Brief Gaz-
etteer.
Allowable Callings: Alchemist, Assassin, Bard, Craftsman,
Gladiator, Healer, Hunter, Merchant, Noble, Pirate, Priest,
Sage, Seer, Soldier, Sorcerer, Thief, Witch.
Attribute Array: Lorinthian player-characters must ar-
range their Attributes at character creation using the follow-
ing guidelines—
33
 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
Starting Absolute Tongues, Gladiator, Henchman (usually a slave), High-
Min Max Max born, Legionarri, Mariner, Mentor, Merchant, Poisoner,
Agility -3 +4 +6 Porter, Sage, Statecraft.
Physique -3 +3 +5
Vigor -3 +3 +5 Subterfuge: Gambler, Gossip, Poisoner, Sapping Blow,
Intellect -2 +4 +6 Secret Strike, Seductive Dance, Slaver, Smuggler, Street
Magnetism -3 +4 +6 Rat, Torturer.
Willpower -3 +3 +5
Other: Elite Affiliation (Golden Crucible or Shadow
Special Abilities Hand), Heirloom, Rallying Speech, Willful Presence.

ǥ Urban Affinity: Lorinthians receive a +1 bonus
to Perception, Persuasion, Stealth, and Survival rolls
when inside a settlement numbering at least 1,000 hu-
mans.
ǥ Heat Tolerance (Southern Provinces only):
Lorinthians from the southern provinces gain a +1 bo-
nus to Endurance rolls when resisting heat effects.
ǥ Border-lander (Northern Provinces only):
Lorinthian player-characters from the northern prov-
inces tend to be more rural in orientation, and so gain
a +1 bonus to Survival rolls.
Skill Specialties
Lorinthian characters receive 3 free skill specialties at charac-
ter creation that help reflect Lorinthian culture and virtues:
Alchemy (Elixirs, Oils, or Powders)
Crafting (Appraisal, Engineering, Jewelry, Metal-work-
ing, or Stone-working)
Healing Arts (Disease, Fresh Wounds, or Old Wounds)
Herbalism (Cooking, Healing, and Poisons)
Language (Deciphering or Scribing)
Lock-picking (Padlocks or Simple Traps)
Performance (Lyre, Oratory, or Storytelling)
Persuasion (Bluffing, Diplomacy, or Negotiation)
Stealth (Hiding or Urban Areas)
Weaponry: Melee (Daggers, Shortswords, or Spears)
Weaponry: Ranged (Crossbow or Javelin)
Favored Talents
Battle: Agile Weaponry, Concentrated Defense, Crip-
pling Attack, Fending Stance, Finessing Shot, Gauge
Opponent, Hold The Breach, Impaling Shot, Impaling
Thrust, Inspiring Presence, Opportunistic Strike, Precision
Strike, Shield Wall, Siege Specialist, Tactician, Warning
Shot.
Blood: Gorgon-blood.
Mystical: Acolyte, Blood Magic, Cultist, Priest (of Ag-
athon, Atores, Luccia, Nipalos, or Titherius), Sanctum
Magic, Witch-hunter.
Social: Apprentice, Artisan, Captain, Caravan Mas-
ter, Carouser, Courtesan, Educated, Followers, Gift of
Favored Weaknesses: Addiction (red lotus or wine), Dec-
adent, Enemy, Illegitimate, Indebted, Oath-breaker, Obses-
sion (power or wealth), Rotund, Short, Zealot.
Starting Languages: Lorinthian is your native tongue,
and you may choose one of the following if your Intellect
is -1 or greather—Brythian (if from a northern province),
Old Guldari, Old Esmandi, or Prydonian (if from a southern
province). Possibly Sidhe if from a western province.
Sample Names: Aurelius, Cassius, Marcus, Maximus, Oc-
tavian, Tiberius, Valerian (male); Aurelia, Lucella, Felicia,
Julia, Mona, Octavia, Tiberia (female). Lorinthians often
have middle names denoting birth-rank, such as Primus or
Secondus, and if of noble birth, might have more prop-
er surnames denoting their house (Draconium, Galadorix,
Vinettius, etc.).
Cultural Item: You may choose one of the following items
at character creation (or two by spending a Luck point) to
compliment the rest of your gear—
Ƿ Parchment scroll or small bronze medallion denot-
ing imperial citizenship (+1 to Renown)
Ƿ A half-wild slave (male or female); Agi +0, Phy +0,
Vig +1, Int +0, Mag -1, Wil +0.
Ƿ An educated slave (male or female); Int +2, but is
Decadent, Lame, or Tainted.
Ƿ Scroll with obscure writing on it (DL 20 Language
to decipher; possible important lore)
Ƿ Small tablet with obscure sigils inscribed on it
(grants +1 bonus to Alchemy skill rolls)
Ƿ Three exceptional crossbow bolts/quarrels (+1 max
dmg; 60% retrieval chance)
Ƿ Banner/pennon from an Aradornian knight or lord
(possible ally or enemy)
Ƿ One-quarter ownership in a bireme merchant or
warship (kept in a Lorinthian port)
Ƿ Ancient coin of first or second imperial dynasty
(worth 2d20 silver coins)
General Code of Honor
Ƿ Respect and obey the Emperor and his edicts, for
only a fool ignores supreme power.
Ƿ Respect and honor the laws of Lorinthia, as dictat-
ed by past emperors and senatori.
Ƿ Respect fellow true citizens of the empire, in accor-

34 CHARACTER CREATION
 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
dance to their wealth and station. ing guidelines—
Ƿ Honor all written contracts; verbal promises
should always be recorded in writing. Starting Absolute
Ƿ Ignore the backward influences of savage and un- Min Max Max
civilized peoples. Agility -3 +3 +5
Ƿ Place the emperor and his praetors first, family sec- Physique -3 +3 +5
ond, and the gods third. Vigor -2 +4 +6
Intellect -2 +4 +6
Magnetism -3 +3 +5
MULOVIAN Willpower -2 +4 +6

Special Abilities

ǥ Cold Tolerance: Mulovians receive a +1 bonus

to Endurance skill rolls to resist cold or ice effects.
ǥ Wintry Affinity: Mulovian characters gain a +1
bonus to Acrobatics, Athletics, Perception, Stealth,
and Survival rolls while in snow-covered terrain.

Skill Specialties
Mulovian characters receive 3 free skill specialties at charac-
ter creation that help reflect Mulovian culture and virtues:

Alchemy (Elixirs or Poisons)

The men and women of Mulovia are a brooding, and often
conspiratorial, breed of humankind, dwelling in their snow-
chilled land which has been so often dubbed the “Winter
Kingdom” by skalds and poets. Mulovians are also known
as a mystical lot, and when compared with their tendency
for scheming and both rural and urban survival, they can
be declared a vigorous race, with their patron deity, An-
derok—a god of death and winter—at the head of their
general belief system.
Mulovians, physically speaking, tend to be somewhat
Favored Talents
tall in stature, though often lean, with pale skin-tones, grey
eyes, and dark hair. More often than not, this ebon hair col-
or is not entirely natural, for many nobles darken their hair
artificially to honor (or imitate) their perception of their
death-god, Anderok, who is also associated with ravens and
black wolves.
Vampirism is a legitimate pursuit for some nobles and
sorcerers, as a form of immortality, and other supernatural
beings, such as lycanthropes, are said to haunt Mulovia’s
countryside. The culture itself is loosely based on real-world
Romania from the early medieval period; more informa-
tion about Mulovia can be found in A Brief Gazetteer.
Allowable Callings: Alchemist, Assassin, Bard, Craftsman,
Gladiator, Healer, Hunter, Knight, Merchant, Noble, Pirate,
Priest, Sage, Seer, Soldier, Sorcerer, Thief, Witch.
Attribute Array: Mulovian player-characters must ar-
range their Attributes at character creation using the follow-
Animal Handling (Dogs, Ravens, or Wolves)
Crafting (Appraisal, Magical Objects, or Silver)
Disguise (Merchant, Noble, or Peasant)
Endurance (Resist Cold or Resist Poison)
Language (Deciphering, Encryption, or Forgery)
Lore (Arcane, History, Nobility, or Religion)
Magical Arts: Death (Any known spell)
Perception (Empathy, Hearing, or Smell)
Persuasion (Bluffing or Intimidation)
Weaponry: Melee (Daggers, Longswords, Polearms, Sa-
bers, or Spears)
Weaponry: Ranged (Crossbows Daggers, or Whips)
Battle: Amdidexterity, Battle Senses, Concentrated De-
fense, Crippling Attack, Deadly Lunge, Draw The Line,
Gauge Opponent, Impaling Thrust, Opportunistic Strike,
Precision Strike, Pressing Attack, Shadowing Step, Siege
Specialist, Wolfpack Tactics.
Blood: Demon-blood, Goblin-blooded, Lycanthrope
(Wolf), Vampire Spawn.
Mystical: Acolyte, Blood Magic, Cultist, Dabbling Ar-
canist, Death-touched, Evil Eye, Familiar (Cat, Rat, or Ra-
ven), Grimoire, Penetrating Magic, Priest (of Anderok),
Second Sight, Supernatural Pact (Demon or Vampire),
Transfer Energies, Witch-hunter.
Social: Apprentice, Captain, Carouser, Gypsy, Hench-
man, Herald, Mariner, Mercenary, Miner, Sage, Squire,
Statecraft, Woodsman.

CHARACTER CREATION 35
 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
Subterfuge: Assassin, Feigned Attack, Fortune Teller,
Gossip, Hunter, Poisoner, Sapping Blow, Secret Strike, Se-
ductive Dance, Smuggler, Tomb Robber, Torturer.
Other: Beast Companion (Lynx, Raven, or Wolf), Elite
Affiliation (Blood Disciples), Heirloom, Lotus Master,
Night-sighted, Tireless, Willful Presence.
Favored Weaknesses: Addiction (to slavka), Cursed, Ex-
iled, Heretic, Illegitimate, Indebted, Infamous, Kin-slayer,
Oath-breaker, Obsession (immortality or power).
Starting Languages: Mulovian is your native tongue, and
you know one more from the following if your Intellect
is -1 or higher—Brythian, Duergar, Goblin-tongue, Neth-
er-speech, Sidhe, Skathian.
Sample Names: Boris, Drago, Ivan, Piotr, Stefanov, Vlad,
Vladimir (male); Helga, Ivanova, Katya, Natasha, Nadia,
Olga, Petrova (female). Mulovians sometimes use ‘ov’ or
‘ova’ after their first names to denote “son of” or “daugh-
ter of,” though noble families will almost always make use
of the word ‘Von’ before their house-names (such as Von
Mulov, Von Strauss, etc.).
Cultural Item: You may choose one of the following items
at character creation (or two by spending a Luck point) to
compliment the rest of your gear—
Ƿ Silver-tipped arrow or bolt (does extra harm to ly-
canthropes; 75% retrieval chance)
Ƿ Two cold-iron tipped arrows or bolts (does extra
harm to faeries; 50% retrieval chance)
Ƿ Rune-carved femur bone or skull (+1 to Magical
Arts: Death spell ritual rolls)
Ƿ Rusty average-quality saber (DL 15 Crafting to re-
pair to exceptional quality)
Ƿ Preserved white lotus petals (yields a +2 bonus to
Healing Arts rolls; three uses)
Ƿ Tattered cloak, boots, or shirt made of white wolf
fur (+1 to Endurance versus cold)
Ƿ Korite-bred riding horse (+1 to Agility), but is Lame
or Tainted (your choice)
Ƿ Cape or shirt of raven feathers (+1 to Magical
Arts: Air rolls when doing ritual spells)
Ƿ Mute slave, male or female (Agi +0, Phy +0, Vig
+1, Int +0, Mag -1, Wil +0)
Ƿ Wineskin or drinking horn filled with slavka (fer-
mented “potato-wine”)
General Code of Honor
Ƿ Show respect to other nobles of higher station and
power, particularly if fellow Mulovians.
Ƿ Show little to no respect to commoners, especially
if slaves, serfs, or foreigners.
Ƿ If of a noble house, always place loyalty to it even
above the Mulovian king.
36
Ƿ Respect and honor all priests of Anderok, unless
they prove weak or deceitful.
Ƿ Avenge all insults with either single combat or with
the acceptance of a worthy apology-gift.
Ƿ Collect tribute, taxes, and debts due on time; tardi-
ness should be punished severely.
NORISH
The people of Norlund are roughly based on the Danish Vi-
kings of real-world history, a savage sea-going culture based
on raiding, war, and occasional merchant-craft. They tend
to be tall and sturdily built, with blonde hair, blue eyes, and
pale or ruddy skin-tones. Almost all able-bodied men are
warriors to some degree, as are many of the women-folk.
Norish (sometimes called Norlunders) hold the sea and
war god Fragnir most high in their belief-system, with Sig-
na (goddess of spring and healing), Jorl (god of fire and
craft), Vradden (god/goddess of justice and vengeance) and
Anderok (god of death and winter) generally following in
that order.
Norlund is not a unified kingdom as such, with several
powerful jarl-kings having carved out their own realms in
this rugged, snow-clad territory. More information regard-
ing Norlund and its people can be found in Section VI—A
Brief Gazetteer.
Allowable Callings: Bard, Berserker, Craftsman, Gladi-
ator, Healer, Hunter, Merchant, Noble, Pirate, Sage, Seer,
Shaman, Sorcerer, Thief, Witch.
Attribute Array: Norish player-characters must arrange
their Attributes at character creation using the following
guidelines—
Starting Absolute
Min Max Max
Agility -3 +3 +5
Physique -2 +4 +6
CHARACTER CREATION
 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
Vigor -2 +4 +6
Intellect -3 +3 +5
Magnetism -3 +3 +5
Willpower -2 +4 +6
Special Abilities
ǥ Cold Tolerance: Receive a +1 bonus to Endur-
ance skill rolls when resisting cold/ice effects.
ǥ Sea & Snow Affinity: Gain a +1 bonus to Acro-
batics, Athletics, Perception, Stealth, Sailing, and Sur-
vival skill rolls when aboard a ship or in snow-covered
terrain.
Skill Specialties
Norish characters receive 3 free skill specialties at character
creation that help reflect Norish culture and virtues:
Animal Handling (Bears, Dogs, or Wolves)
Athletics (Climbing or Swimming)
Brawling (Grappling or Punching)
Crafting (Blacksmithing, Ship-building, or Wood-work-
ing)
Endurance (Resist Cold or Resist Pain)
Lore (Geography or Sagas)
Perception (At Sea, Empathy, or Sight)
Persuasion (Intimidation)
Sailing (Coastal, Longships, Rivers, or Skiffs)
Weaponry: Melee (Battleaxe, Greataxe, Handaxe,
Longsword, Spear, or Warhammer)
Weaponry: Ranged (Handaxe, Javelin, or Spear)
Favored Talents
Battle: Back To Back, Bashing Blow, Battle Senses, Ber-
serker Rage, Break The Wall, Bullish Charge, Draw The
Line, Fell-handed, Fending Stance, Gauge Opponent,
Meat Shield, Mighty Ranged, Muster The Horde, Pun-
ishing Charge, Running Shot, Rushing Attack, Severing
Blow, Shattering Blow, Shield Bash, Shield Rush, Shield
Wall, War-cry.
Blood: Giant-blood (frost giant), Troll-born.
Mystical: Battle Mage, Rune Magic, Sacred Oath, To-
tem Animal (Bear or Wolf).
Social: Bard (skald), Captain (sea only), Carouser, Cham-
pion, Famed, Mariner, Mercenary, Militia, Mountaineer,
Woodsman.
Subterfuge: Lampoon, Raider, Smuggler.
Other: Grit, Heroic Strength, Intimidating Physique,
Tireless, Valorous.
Favored Weaknesses: Cursed, Enemy, Exiled, Geas/Ta-
CHARACTER CREATION
boo, Illegitimate, Kin-slayer, Oath-bound, Obsession (ale or
mead), Savage, Too Tall.
Starting Languages: Norish is your native tongue, plus
one of the following if your Intellect is -1 or higher—
Brythian, Duergar, Gaernic, Giant-speech, Old Caernian, or
Troll-speak.
Sample Names: Grimwulf, Helgrim, Ragnar, Rothgar, Sig-
urd, Thorgrim, Wulfric (male); Brunhild, Erika, Gretchen,
Helga, Sigga, Valkira, Wulfhilda (female). Norish often use
“son of” or “daughter of” after their first names, although
renowned heroes often take on a “kenning” or nickname
denoting some physical feature or especial deed (such as
“the Red” or “Troll-slayer”).
Cultural Item: You may choose one of the following items
at character creation (or two by spending a Luck point) to
compliment the rest of your gear—
Ƿ Small runestone (+1 bonus to one Magical Arts
discipline of your choice when performing ritual spells
of that type)
Ƿ Hack-silver bracelet or armband (worth 10+1d20
silver coins)
Ƿ Map to remote or mysterious island (such as Ynys
Nor, Innis Avalarn, etc.)
Ƿ Horned war-helm (ceremonial mainly; +1 to Per-
suasion (intimidation) rolls when worn
Ƿ Rune-carved exceptional handaxe (+1 to maximum
damage; writing is either your name or an ancestor's)
Ƿ Duergar-made battleaxe (damaged; DL 15 Crafting
roll to repair to exceptional-quality)
Ƿ One-quarter ownership of a longship (usually
docked somewhere on the Norlund coast)
Ƿ War-banner or pennon from a Brythian knight or
lord (+1 to your Renown)
Ƿ Drinking-horn, exceptional-quality, filled with
honey mead (about two pints' worth)
General Code of Honor
Ƿ Once your word is given or an oath made, hold to
it if at all possible
Ƿ Do good work, for shoddy craftsmanship is a poor
reflection on one’s honor
Ƿ Do not steal from fellow clan or tribe members;
only take what you need from others
Ƿ Avenge a serious insult with single combat, or at
least by accepting a gift-giving
Ƿ Avenge any clan or family member with blood or
by collecting were-gild (“man-gold”)
Ƿ Show honor and respect to kings and elders, unless
they have proven honorless
Ƿ Seek glory in battle, not only for yourself, but for
Fragnir and your clan and tribe.
37
 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS

PRYDONIAN (Central Islander) ics, Athletics, Perception, Sailing, and Stealth skill rolls
while at sea or on a small island or beachhead.
ǥ Metropolitan Life: Gain a +1 bonus to Percep-
tion, Performance, Persuasion, and Stealth rolls when
within cities of at least 5,000 inhabitants.

Skill Specialties
Prydonian characters receive 3 free skill specialties at charac-
ter creation that help reflect Prydonian culture and virtues:

Alchemy (Elixirs, Oils, Prydonian Fire)

Animal Handling (Dolphins, Fish, Horses)
Athletics (Swimming)
Crafting (Appraisal, Book-binding, Gardening, Scribing,
Scrolls, Ships)
Healing Arts (Disease, Long-term Care, Poison)
Language (Deciphering, Encoding, Writing)
The people from what is commonly known as the “central Lore (Arcane, Geography, History, Philosophy, Religion)
isles” of the vast Prydonian island-realms are typically re- Performance (Dancing, Lyre, Oratory)
ferred to in accordance to their actual home-island. That is, Persuasion (Diplomacy)
Neoposians, Phylasteans, Oriceans, and Prydonians prop- Sailing (Boats, Coastal, or Triremes)
er, for these form the more civilized kingdoms of the once Weaponry: Melee (Daggers, Shortswords, Spears, Tri-
Prydonian Republic, a governing body still in half-existence dents)
(and whose religious and political center is the half-sunken Weaponry: Ranged (Composite shortbows, Javelins, or
city of Prydon). Crossbows)
Physically, Prydonians from the Central Isles are of me-
dium height and somewhat slight build, typically with curly Favored Talents
dark brown hair, brown eyes, and moderately sun-kissed
skin. They favor the ancient Greeks of real-world history, Battle: Ambidexterity, Fending Stance, Impaling Thrust,
but with a dash of Atlantean sentimentality. The typical Leaping Strike, Precision Strike, Shield Rush, Shield Wall,
Central Islander reveres Prydonis, the sea-god, above all Siege Specialist, Tactician, Warning Shot.
others, although such divinities as Orseus, Sardona, Aga-
thon, Atores, Luccia, and Nipalos are seldom forgotten, a
Blood: Gorgon-blood, Rhodonite-blood.
pantheon often referred to as the Elder Deities.
More information about the Prydonian Isles can be lo-
Mystical: Acolyte, Cultist, Dabbling Arcanist, Extended
cated in Section VI—A Brief Gazetteer.
Ritual, Familiar (cat, owl, or snake), Far-reaching Mag-
ic, Grimoire, Power of Silence, Priest (of Luccia, Nipalos,
Prydonis, or Romega), Second Sight, Supernatural Pact,
Allowable Callings: Alchemist, Assassin, Bard, Craftsman,
Words of Power.
Gladiator, Healer, Hunter, Merchant, Noble, Pirate, Priest,
Sage, Seer, Soldier, Sorcerer, Thief.
Social: Artisan, Captain, Courtesan, Educated, Gift of
Tongues, Mariner, Merchant, Physician, Porter, Sage,
Attribute Array: Prydonian player-characters must ar-
Statecraft.
range their Attributes at character creation using the follow-
ing guidelines—
Subterfuge: Fortune Teller, Gossip, Privateer, Seductive
Dance.
Starting Absolute
Min Max Max
Other: Keen Memory, Limber, Lotus Master, Navigator,
Agility -2 +4 +6
Pearl Diver, Puzzle Master, Rallying Speech, Tireless.
Physique -3 +3 +5
Vigor -3 +3 +5
Intellect -2 +4 +6
Favored Weaknesses: Cursed, Decadent, Enemy (ri-
val captain or merchant), Indebted, Infamous (defeated
Magnetism -2 +4 +6
sea-captain or disgraced philosopher), Oath-bound, Phobia
Willpower -3 +3 +5
(enclosed spaces, fire, or snakes).
Special Abilities
Starting Languages: Your native tongue is Prydonian, and
you may start with one of the following as well if your In-
ǥ Nautical Affinity: Gain a +1 bonus to Acrobat-
tellect is -1 or better—Lorinthian, Mezcan, Azirian, Esman-

38 CHARACTER CREATION
 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
dian, Old Rhodonian, Gorgonic.

Sample Names: Athelos, Myrathes, Nikos, Prydones,

Rhodonis, Theos, Xandros (male); Athelia, Charis, Dikaia,
Myrathea, Nika, Thea, Xandrea (female). Prydonians do
not use formal surnames, save perhaps for certain noble
houses, but often utilize “son of” or a place-names after
their first names.

Cultural Item: You may choose one of the following items

at character creation (or two by spending a Luck point) to
compliment the rest of your gear—

Ƿ Scroll written in an encrypted form of Old Rhodo-

nite (DL 20 Language to decipher)
Ƿ Weathered map (leads to a small trove if DL 20
Language or Lore roll is made)
Ƿ Bronze or copper tablet (reader gains a +1 bonus
to Lore if DL 15 Language is made)
Ƿ One-quarter ownership of bireme galley (usually
harbored somewhere on home island)
Ƿ Full ownership of a 4-6 man rowboat (usually har-
bored somewhere on home isle)
Ƿ Small gilded nautilus shell (worth 10 + 1d20 sc)
Ƿ Small trident made of blue-green coral (+1 to
Magical Arts: Water rolls, ritual spells only)
Ƿ Exceptional-quality coral knife (+2 to maximum
damage, but breaks on a natural 1 roll)
Ƿ Ancient scroll (your choice of +1 to Alchemy or
Magical Arts: Fire rolls, ritual spells only)

General Code of Honor

Ƿ Give a sacrifice to the sea (an animal or object

worth at least 5 sc) before every voyage
Ƿ Honor the captain/pilot of his vessel, unless he has
shown to be untrustworthy regard, they might be more akin to real-world Spartans or
Ƿ Protect all children, and women needing such, for Trojans. The people of these island-kingdoms also honor
they are the nation’s future the traditional Elder Deities of ancient Rhodon, although
Ƿ Honor and respect the Basileus, the sovereign lord Agathon (god of competition and war) is often held at least
of the Prydonian Republic as high as Prydonis.
Ƿ Honor and respect the ancient gods of Rhodon, More information about the various Prydonian Isles can
the forebears of the Prydonian people
be found in Section VI—A Brief Gazetteer.
Ƿ Never suffer a pirate to live (or go free), for they
are the bane of the civilized seas
Allowable Callings: Bard, Berserker, Craftsman, Gladia-
Ƿ Avenge all serious insults, by single combat or ac-
tor, Healer, Hunter, Merchant, Noble, Pirate, Priest, Sage,
ceptance of a public apology.
Seer, Soldier, Sorcerer, Thief, Witch.

Attribute Array: Prydonian player-characters must ar-

PRYDONIAN (Outer Islander) range their Attributes at character creation using the follow-
The human-folk of the Outer Prydonian Isles—that is, the ing guidelines—
island-realms of Athelon, Sardonia, Miurga, Torin, and Vean
(and a few smaller ones)—are more a war-like people than Starting Absolute
their Central Islander counterparts. Traditionally, these is- Min Max Max
lands have not been a part of the Prydonian Republic, or Agility -2 +4 +6
have all-out opposed it and gone to war against it. Physique -3 +3 +5
Like the Prydonians of the Central Isles, Outer Islanders Vigor -2 +4 +6
are loosely based in an ancient Greek analog, though they Intellect -3 +3 +5
tend to be slightly taller and often more muscular. In this Magnetism -3 +3 +5

CHARACTER CREATION 39
 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
Willpower -2 +4 +6
Special Abilities
ǥ Sea Affinity: Characters from the Outer Prydo-
nian Isles gain a +1 bonus to Acrobatics, Athletics, Per-
ception, Stealth, and Survival skill rolls while aboard a
ship or within 100 yards of the sea.
ǥ Heat Tolerance: Outer Islanders gain a +1 bonus
to Endurance rolls made to resist heat or fire effects.
Skill Specialties
Prydonian characters receive 3 free skill specialties at charac-
ter creation that help reflect Prydonian culture and virtues:
Acrobatics (Balance, Leaping, or Tumbling)
Athletics (Climbing, Jumping, Sprinting, or Swimming)
Brawling (Grappling, Kicking, or Punching)
Crafting (Armor, Blacksmithing, Leather, or Weapons)
Endurance (Resist Heat, Resist Pain)
Herbalism (Cooking or Healing)
Lore (Nobility or Religion)
Perception (Empathy, Hearing, or Sight)
Persuasion (Diplomacy or Intimidation)
Sailing (Biremes, Coastal, or Triremes)
Weaponry: Melee (Longswords, Shortswords, Spears,
Warspears, Tridents)
Weaponry: Ranged (Comp. Longbows, Comp. Short-
bow, Javelins, Longbows, or Slings)
Favored Talents
Battle: Agile Brawler, Agile Weaponry, Ambidexterity,
Back To Back, Battle Senses, Choke Hold, Crippling At-
tack, Defensive Dash, Extreme Range, Fending Stance,
Haft and Staff, Impaling Shot, Impaling Thrust, Mighty
Ranged, Precision Strike, Pugilistic Follow-up, Running
Shot, Rushing Attack, Shield Bash, Shield Rush, Shield
Wall (phalanx), Unarmored Fighting.
Blood: Gorgon-blood, Rhodonite-blood.
Mystical: Blood Magic, Cultist (of Gorgothon), Pene-
trating Magic, Priest (of Atores or Sardona), Sacred Oath.
Social: Bodyguard, Captain, Champion, Comeliness,
Gladiator, Mariner, Mercenary, Militia, Porter.
Subterfuge: Feigned Attack, Privateer, Raider, Smug-
gler.
Other: Agile Climber, Fleet of Foot, Grit, Heirloom
(small ship or master-crafted weapon), Heroic Strength,
Limber, Navigator, Pearl Diver, Rallying Speech, Tireless,
Valorous.
Favored Weaknesses: Cursed, Exiled, Geas/Taboo, Oath-
40
bound, Obsession (battle, competition, or the sea), Phobia
(enclosed spaces or gorgons).
Starting Languages: Your native tongue is Prydonian,
which is free, and you begin knowing one more from the
following if your Intellect is -1 or better—Lorinthian, Es-
mandian, Old Rhodonite, Mezcan, Gorgonic.
Sample Names: Argathes, Athos, Atoreus, Hector, Nikos,
Theos, Rhodonis (male); Agatha, Athea, Charis, Dikaia,
Nikosia, Sardonea, Xandrea (female). Outer Islanders make
use of “son of” types of naming schemes even more than
their Central Isles brethren, although place-names (such as
“of Atheus” or “of Miurga”) are relatively common as well.
Cultural Item: You may choose one of the following items
at character creation (or two by spending a Luck point) to
compliment the rest of your gear—
Ƿ A javelin tipped with cold-iron (deals extra dam-
age to creatures of fey origin)
Ƿ Two cold-iron tipped arrows or bolts (extra harm
to fey; recovered on 6-20 on 1d20)
Ƿ Ancient coin from the latter years of the Rhodonite
era (worth 2d20 sc if sold)
Ƿ Mysterious black or pink pearl (+1 to Magical
Arts: Death or Water for ritual spells)
Ƿ Exceptional coral-tipped javelin (+1 to maximum
damage)
Ƿ Eel or shark skin scroll case or belt pouch (virtually
waterproof)
Ƿ Tooth or claw from a gorgonic beast (+1 to Re-
nown in while Prydonian Isles)
Ƿ Gold-plated ring or armband won in athletic com-
petion (worth 2d20 sc)
Ƿ One-quarter ownership of a bireme, merchant gal-
ley, or warship (your choice)
General Code of Honor
Ƿ Give a sacrifice to the sea (an animal or object
worth at least 5 sc) before every voyage
Ƿ Honor the captain/pilot of his vessel, unless he has
shown to be untrustworthy
Ƿ Protect all children, and women needing such, for
they are the nation’s future
Ƿ Honor and respect the ancient gods of Rhodon,
the forebears of the Prydonian people
Ƿ Never suffer a pirate to live (or go free), for they
are the bane of the civilized seas
Ƿ Avenge all serious insults, by single combat or ac-
ceptance of a public apology.
SKATHIAN
The blonde and blue-eyed humans of Skathia are among
the most civilized of northern-folk, even if they were of-
ten raiding foreign shores not a century ago. Yet, they have
persevered and advanced, all the while becoming casual
CHARACTER CREATION
 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
enemies of Mulovia beyond their southern borders. They ǥ Cold Tolerance: Skathian characters gain a +1
revere the sun-goddess Signa above all other gods (even bonus to Endurance skill rolls when resisting cold or
Fragnir) and have begun to develop a crude early mediev- ice effects.
alesque society.
ǥ Hardiness: Skathians also receive a +1 bonus to
Otherwise, Skathians are somewhat akin to the Swedes
or northern Germans of our real world’s late Dark Ages Endurance rolls when resisting diseases, due to a gen-
or early Middle Ages eras. More information about Skathia erally healthy lifestyle in a cool climate.
and its people can be located in A Brief Gazetteer.
Skill Specialties
Allowable Callings: Bard, Berserker, Craftsman, Gladia- Skathian characters receive 3 free skill specialties at character
tor, Healer, Hunter, Knight, Merchant, Noble, Pirate, Sage, creation that help reflect Skathian culture and virtues:
Seer, Shaman, Sorcerer, Thief, Witch.
Animal Handling (Cattle, Dogs, or Swine)
Attribute Array: Skathian player-characters must arrange Athletics (Climbing or Swimming)
their Attributes at character creation using the following Crafting (Blacksmithing, Carpentry, or Leather)
guidelines— Endurance (Resist Cold)
Healing Arts (Diseases or Long-term Care)
Starting Absolute Herbalism (Cooking, Healing, or White Lotus)
Min Max Max Lore (History or Religion)
Agility -3 +3 +5 Perception (Empathy or Sight)
Physique -2 +4 +6 Sailing (Boats, Drakkar, or Rivers)
Vigor -3 +3 +5 Weaponry: Melee (Handaxes, Longswords, Polearms,
Intellect -3 +3 +5 Spears, or Warhammers)
Magnetism -2 +4 +6 Weaponry: Ranged (Javelins, Longbows, Slings, or
Willpower -2 +4 +6 Thrown Handaxe)

Special Abilities Favored Talents

CHARACTER CREATION 41
 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
Battle: Back To Back, Bashing Blow, Bullish Charge,
Cleaving Blow, Concentrated Defense, Crushing Blow,
Fending Stance, Gauge Opponent, Haft and Staff,
Hold The Breach, Honor Duel, Impaling Thrust, Mighty
Ranged, Retaliating Strike, Shattering Blow, Shield Rush,
Shield Wall, Tripping Attack, Warning Shot.
Blood: Angelic-blood, Giant-blood, Troll-born.
Mystical: Acolyte (of Signa), Counter Magic, Enchant
Talisman, Extended Ritual, Herbal Magic, Priest (Priestess
of Signa), Rune Magic, Sacred Oath, Second Sight, Song
Magic.
Social: Artisan, Bard (skald), Bodyguard, Champion,
Comeliness, Gift of Tongues, Mariner, Merchant, Militia,
Mountaineer, Squire, Woodsman.
Subterfuge: Lampoon, Privateer.
Other: Fire In The Head, Grit, Healer’s Touch, Inspiring
Presence, Pious Faith, Tireless, Valorous.
Favored Weaknesses: Addiction (white lotus), Enemy
(Bandit-king, Mulovian noble, or Thorakki chieftain), Oath-
bound, Obsession (honor or the sea), Too Tall, Zealot (of
Signa).
Starting Languages: Skathian is your native tongue, which
is both spoken and written. You also begin with a one of
the following languages as well if your Intellect is -1 or high-
er—Mulovian, Korite, Duergar, Giant-speak, or Old Valkari.
Sample Names: Erik, Gunther, Lars, Osric, Sven, Thor-
vald, Wulfric (male); Astrid, Erika, Ingrid, Hilda, Rifkin,
Sigfrid, Thora (female). Like most North-men, Skathians do
not have proper surnames (save for the rare noble-house),
but instead make use of “son of” or “daughter of” schemat-
ics or some kenning earned over time (such as “the Tall” or
“Duergar-friend”).
Cultural Item: You may choose one of the following items
at character creation (or two by spending a Luck point) to
compliment the rest of your gear—
Ƿ Preserved white lotus petals (+2 to Healing Arts
rolls; 3 doses/uses)
Ƿ Copper sun-and-hearth sigil of Signa (+1 to Magi-
cal Arts: Life rolls for ritual spells)
Ƿ Two silver-tipped arrows (deals extra damage to
vampires, lycanthropes, etc.)
Ƿ Silver-plated knife (deals extra damage to vam-
pires, lycanthropes, and the like)
Ƿ Ancient scroll scribed in Skathian (gain +1 to Herb-
alism or Lore rolls, your choice)
Ƿ White wolf or arctic bear pelt (+1 to Endurance
rolls to resist cold/ice when worn)
Ƿ Piece of mammoth tusk with crude designs (worth
2d20 sc)
42
Ƿ Drinking horn, exceptional-quality, filled with beer,
mead, or stout ale.
Ƿ Cold-iron handaxe (deals extra damage to fey
creatures)
General Code of Honor
Ƿ Honor and obey the Skathian high-queen, who is
usually the highest priestess of Signa
Ƿ Honor and respect all priestesses of Signa, and all
priests and lore-keepers besides
Ƿ Honor and respect your family, clan, and tribe,
and moreover, its jarl or chieftain
Ƿ Seek diplomacy before combat, for the need for
civility outshines needless violence
Ƿ Trust not a pirate or thief, and seek always to bring
such outlaws to justice
Ƿ Avenge serious insults only, and then only by single
combat or acceptance of apology.
THORAKKIAN
The epitome of savage and brutal, the Thorakki clans of
the far north—well beyond even Skathia (and near the Ice-
Wastes of Fregnir)—virtually welcome interbreeding with
Troll-kind, a trait most civilized men and women would
surely abhor. As such, they increase the physicality of their
people, even if at the expense of mental acuity and social
approval. Most Thorakkians are raiders, marauders, merce-
naries, and wild-wanderers.
More information about the Thorakkian clans, and their
brutal northern territories, can be found in Section VI—A
Brief Gazetteer.
Allowable Callings: Bard, Berserker, Craftsman, Gladi-
ator, Healer, Hunter, Merchant, Noble, Pirate, Sage, Seer,
Shaman, Sorcerer, Thief, Witch.
Attribute Array: Thorakkian player-characters must ar-
range their Attributes at character creation using the follow-
ing guidelines—
CHARACTER CREATION
 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
Starting Absolute Other: Grit, Heroic Strength, Intimidating Physique,
Min Max Max Night-sighted, Tireless.
Agility -3 +3 +5
Physique -2 +4 +6 Favored Weaknesses: Disfigured, Infamous, Kin-slayer,
Vigor -2 +4 +6 Obsession (battle or destruction), Savage, Tainted, Too Tall.
Intellect -3 +3 +5
Magnetism -3 +3 +5 Starting Languages: Your native tongue is Thorakki, a
Willpower -2 +4 +6 language only quasi-written with simple runes and there-
fore more oral-based. If your Intellect is -1 or higher, you
Special Abilities may choose one of the following as well—Skathian, Old
Valkari, Troll-speak, Giant-speak, or Dragon-speech.
ǥ Cold Affinity: Due to their territories in the ex-
treme north, Thorakkians gain a +2 bonus to Endur- Sample Names: Drak, Dragnar, Gorak, Nulfar, Torik,
ance rolls to resist cold or ice effects. Vord, Wulfgrim (male); Brun, Draka, Gorika, Grimda, Nul-
fra, Torga, Wulfa (female). Thorakkians make use of “son
ǥ Despicable Spawn: Thorakki pay 2 points less
of” naming schemes, plus the occasional kenning earned
for the Troll-born talent, as their culture does not abhor
through mightly deeds, such as “the Reaver” or “Giant-slay-
troll-kind in the way that most civilized societies do.
er”.

Skill Specialties
Thorakkian characters receive 3 free skill specialties at char-
acter creation that help reflect Thorakkian culture and vir-
tues:
Animal Handling (Bears, Mammoths, or Wolverines)
Acrobatics (Balancing, Leaping, or Snowy Terrain)
Athletics (Climbing, Jumping, Snowy Terrain, or Swim-
ming)
Brawling (Grappling, Head-butting, Kicking, or Punch-
ing)
Crafting (Leather, Stone-cutting, or Wood-working)
Endurance (Resist Cold or Resist Pain)
Perception (Hearing, Sight, Smell, or Snowy Terrain)
Persuasion (Intimidation)
Survival (Fire-building, Hunting, or Ice-fishing)
Weaponry: Melee (Battleaxe, Greataxe, Maul, Spear,
War-club, or War-flail)
Weaponry: Ranged (Javelin, Thrown club, or Thrown
handaxe)
Favored Talents
Cultural Item: You may choose one of the following items
at character creation (or two by spending a Luck point) to
compliment the rest of your gear—
Ƿ Piece of mammoth tusk (worth 2d20 sc), possibly
carved with crude runes or images
Ƿ Semi-preserved human head (gain +1 to Persua-
sion rolls when intimidating others)
Ƿ Mammoth or arctic bear pelt (+1 to Endurance
rolls to resist cold effects when worn)
Ƿ Scale from a wyrm, possibly Valnathrax (+1 to
Magical Arts: Air rolls for ritual spells)
Ƿ Cap or tunic made from bones and teeth (+1 to
Persuasion rolls to intimidate others)
Ƿ Small figurine representing the blood-god, Torak
(+1 to Brawling if using Berserker Rage)
Ƿ Frost Giant’s battleaxe, damaged (DL 15 Crafting
to repair; need Physique +7 to wield)
Ƿ A war-club made from a giant’s or mammoth’s fe-
mur (per war-club stats, but -1 AP)
Ƿ A captured slave, male or female (Agi +0, Phy +0,
Vig +1, Int -1, Mag +1, Wil -1)

Battle: Bashing Blow, Battle Senses, Berserker Rage,
Break The Wall, Bullish Charge, Cleaving Blow, Crush-
ing Blow, Dual Blades, Fell-handed, Heavy Hitter, Impal-
ing Thrust, Improvised Weaponry, Meat Shield, Mighty
Ranged, Pressing Attack, Pugilistic Follow-up, Rushing
Attack, Shattering Blow, Shield Bash, Shield Rush, Unar-
mored Fighting, War-cry, Web of Steel, Wolfpack Tactics.
Blood: Demon-blood, Giant-blood, Lycanthrope (bear).
Mystical: Totem Animal (bear, mammoth, or wolf).
General Code of Honor
Ƿ Thrive in battle and raiding, for the clan and tribe
must survive
Ƿ Blood, combat, and death pleases Torak, lord of
the blood-red sun
Ƿ Adapt and survive; winter is forever
Ƿ Slay or rout all enemies, taking prisoners and hos-
tages only when truly necessary
Ƿ Rely not upon sorcery and magical tricks, save for
those performed by a war-shaman

Social: Champion, Mountaineer, Woodsman.

Subterfuge: Dirty Tactics, Hunter, Raider, Slaver.

CHARACTER CREATION 43
 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
Non-Humans (optional)
The non-human character options are optional in Savage
Kingdoms, since the setting leans somewhat toward sword-
and-sorcery in its approach to a human-centric world where
most (if not all) other hominids are exceptional, ancient,
or otherwise mysterious. It is the deeds of humankind that
tend to resonate most and its struggles against the dark and
forbidden.
However, if the GM is agreeable, the following of-
fers playable humanoid races, from lion-folk to the Oth-
er-worldly Sidhe to the serpent-like Sslir (among others). If
allowed, GMs should only allow one (or perhaps two at
most) non-human PCs in the adventuring party in order to
maintain the awe and rarity of these races.
CHENARI (Emanjian)
The Chenari of Emanju, the “southern continent” across
the Dragon Sea (and south of the continent of Hassan), re-
semble great lion-folk. Primarily hunters, warriors, and sha-
mans, Emanjian Chenari were first brought to the West not
more than two decades ago usually as gladiatorial slaves for
Lorinthian and Prydonian arenas. Chenari stand on two legs
as humans do, the males having manes very similar to their
leonine counterparts, and both genders boast tails that lend
extra balance. Their claws are retractable.
As a race mainly associated with the East and South,
more information about the Chenari—including the tribal
realms of Amrar and Chenashi—will appear in The Savage
East campaign expansion guide.
Allowable Callings: Berserker, Craftsman, Gladiator,
Healer, Hunter, Merchant, Noble, Sage, Seer, Shaman,
Thief, Witch.
Attribute Array: Emanjian Chenari player-characters
must arrange their Attributes at character creation using the
following guidelines—
Starting Absolute
Min Max Max
Agility -2 +4 +6
Physique -2 +4 +6
Vigor -3 +3 +5
Intellect -3 +3 +5
Magnetism -2 +4 +6
Willpower -3 +3 +5
Special Abilities
ǥ Claw Attack: Chenari can make Brawling attacks
with their retractable claws which have a maximum
damage of 10. This can be either a primary attack (cost-
ing one attack action) or used in conjunction with an-
other attack mode. If the latter, then a -2 penalty ap-
plies to the Brawling skill roll.
ǥ Fleet-footed: All Chenari receive a +1 to their
Mobility traits due to their physical anatomy and hunt-
44
ing-based culture.
ǥ Deadly & Quiet: Emanjian Chenari gain a +1 bo-
nus to Brawling, Stealth, and Survival skill rolls.
ǥ Hunter’s Vision: Chenari see quite well in low
light, and thus gain the Night-sighted talent for free.
ǥ Distraction: Chenari must rest/sleep at least 10
hours in a 24-hour period (unlike the standard 8 hours
for humans) in order to regain their Stamina. This will
likely slow down overland travel to some extent.
Favored Talents
Battle: Ambidexterity, Battle Senses, Break The Wall,
Cleaving Blow, Crippling Attack, Defensive Dash, Draw
The Line, Fending Stance, Heavy Hitter, Impaling Shot,
Impaling Thrust, Kip, Pressing Attack, Pugilistic Fol-
low-up, Rushing Attack, Swashbuckling, Sweeping Strike,
Tripping Attack, Unarmored Fighting, War-cry, Wolf-
pack Tactics.
Blood: None.
Mystical: Evil Eye, Mystic Tattoo, Sacred Oath.
Social: Bodyguard, Champion, Gladiator.
Subterfuge: Feigned Attack, Hunter, Raider, Secret
Strike, Trap-setter.
Other: Body-painting, Cat-like Reflexes, Fleet of Foot,
Inspiring Presence, Intimidating Physique, Light Sleeper,
Valorous.
Favored Weaknesses: Enemy (former slave-master),
Oath-bound, Obsession (hunting), Phobia (alchemy, deep
water, or sorcery), Savage.
Starting Languages: Your native tongue is Chenari (which
you know for free), plus you may choose one of the fol-
lowing languages if your Intellect is -1 or greater—Zunti (an
Eastern tongue from across the Dragon Sea), Zaramese (an-
other Eastern tongue), Prydonian, Lorinthian, Sslir, or Djann
(a mysterious Eastern race).
Sample Names: Amrar, Amru, Bruthra, Ghor, Karnu,
Logra, Raaru (male); Amras, Amura, Ghora, Mura, Rahasta,
Shuta, Zhul (female). Chenari do not have proper surnames,
but often use “son of” or “daughter of” identifiers or an in-
dication of one’s tribe (such as Amras of the Luata pride).
Cultural Item: You may choose one of the following items
at character creation (or two by spending a Luck point) to
compliment the rest of your gear—
Ƿ A Jundar (Chenari great-shield; armor rating 3, -1
Mobility penalty, -1 skill penalty, Bulk 1)
Ƿ One vial (3 doses/uses) of Chenari war-paint (one
CHARACTER CREATION
 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
application grants +1 Health and +1 Stamina; non-Che- so their travel distance has been historically limited on the
nari applying it must make a DL 10 Endurance roll or high seas.
suffer the Sickened condition for 1 hour; DL 20 Healing
Arts to remove effects earlier) Allowable Callings: Assassin, Craftsman, Gladiator, Heal-
Ƿ A Chenari war-javelin (exceptional-quality and er, Hunter, Merchant, Noble, Sage, Seer, Shaman, Thief,
also +2 yards of range per category) Witch.
Ƿ One vial (2 doses/uses) of Chundri (blade poison;
targets struck must make a DL 15 Endurance roll or Attribute Array: Mezcan Chenari player-characters must
suffer -2 to Agility, or completely paralyzed on a critical arrange their Attributes at character creation using the fol-
failure; Chenari gain a +2 bonus to this roll) lowing guidelines—
Ƿ A Jhuldar (Chenari war-spear; maximum damage
20/25; AP 1; reach 2, average-quality) Starting Absolute
Ƿ A shamanic icon of Amrashi (grants the Chenari Min Max Max
owner +1 Luck and +1 to Healing Arts skill rolls) Agility -2 +5 +7
Ƿ One skin/bladder of Zhinju (Chenari ale, three Physique -3 +4 +6
pints; anyone drinking a pint of this potent beverage Vigor -3 +2 +4
must succeed in a DL 10 Endurance roll or suffer -1 to Intellect -3 +3 +5
Intellect per point of failure; dropping to Intellect -5 Magnetism -2 +4 +6
means comatose for 12 hours; those succeeding gain Willpower -3 +3 +5
+1 to Vigor and Willpower and the use of the Second
Sight talent for one hour; Chenari get a +2 bonus to Special Abilities
the Endurance roll if they so choose.
Ƿ A Sslir skull, or set of Sslir teeth arranged as a neck- ǥ Athletic & Stealthy: Mezcan Chenari gain a +1
lace, which grants a +1 bonus to all Persuasion (intim- bonus to Acrobatics, Athletics, and Stealth skill rolls.
idation) rolls and Magical Arts: Death skill rolls when ǥ Claw Attack: Chenari can make Brawling attacks
worn openly; however, the item also causes you to gain with their retractable claws which have a maximum
the Savage or Tainted weakness (your choice of which, damage of 10. This can be either a primary attack (cost-
and you do not gain any bonus points for either one). ing one attack action) or used in conjunction with an-
other attack mode. If the latter, then a -2 penalty ap-
General Code of Honor plies to the Brawling skill roll.
Ƿ Honor and obey Amrashi and, by extension, his ǥ Fleet-footed: All Chenari receive a +1 to their
shamans and omen-readers Mobility traits due to their physical anatomy and hunt-
Ƿ Avenge serious insults through single combat; apol- ing-based culture.
ogies accepted only in minor insults ǥ Hunter’s Vision: Chenari see quite well in low
Ƿ Do not take what is not yours; take only from de- light, and thus gain the Night-sighted talent for free.
feated foes or from inferior outlanders
Ƿ Kill and make war when necessary, but seek first ǥ Distraction: Chenari must rest/sleep at least 10
the diplomatic solution hours in a 24-hour period (unlike the standard 8 hours
Ƿ Never show weakness in war, peace, diplomacy, for humans) in order to regain their full Stamina. This
childbirth, and virtually all modes of life. will likely slow down overland travel to some extent.

Favored Talents
CHENARI (Mezcan)
The Chenari of the isle-continent of Mezca tend to be Battle: Agile Weaponry, Ambidexterity, Careful Aim,
slightly smaller, and generally more agile, than their Eman- Crippling Attack, Defensive Dash, Fending Stance, Finess-
jian counterparts. And while both sub-races of Chenari are ing Shot, Improvised Weaponry, Kip, Leaping Strike, Op-
certainly feline in many aspects, Mezcan Chenari are pu- portunistic Strike, Precision Strike, Running Shot, Rush-
ma-like, more akin to jaguars and panthers than leonine ing Attack, Swashbuckling, Tripping Attack, Unarmored
warriors. They often excel at climbing, for they have adapt- Fighting, War-cry, Warning Shot, Wolfpack Tactics.
ed well to the dense jungle-lands of Mezca, though they can
be every bit the hunter (and scavenger) that their Emanjian Blood: None.
kindred tend to be.
It is assumed by many, including Chenari lore-masters Mystical: Enchant Talisman, Herbal Magic, Mystic Tat-
and scholars themselves, that the first Chenari appeared on too.
the continent of Emanju and then later spread across the
adjacent seas to settle in the isle-continent of Mezca and
Social: Comeliness, Gypsy, Woodsman.
possibly in remote colonies on Hassan or a far-flung Prydo-
nian Isle. They are not much of a seafaring race, however,
Subterfuge: Assassin, Dirty Tactics, Feigned Attack,

CHARACTER CREATION 45
 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
Hunter, Sapping Blow, Secret Strike, Tomb Robber,
Trap-setter.
General Code of Honor
Other: Agile Climber, Body-painting, Cat-like Reflexes,
Fleet of Foot, Light Sleeper, Limber, Lotus Master, Tire-
less.
Favored Weaknesses: Addiction (pink lotus), Infamous,
Obsession (gems or trinkets), Phobia (fire or enclosed spac-
es), Savage.
Starting Languages: Your native tongue is Chenari (which
you know for free), plus you may choose one of the follow-
ing languages if your Intellect is -1 or greater—Mezcan (an
“eastern” tongue), Prydonian, Lorinthian, Azirian, or Sslir.
and you do not gain any bonus points for either one).
Ƿ Honor and protect the pride-chieftain and all
members of the pride-clan
Ƿ Honor and obey Amrashi, and by extension, his
shamans and omen-readers
Ƿ Steal not from your own clan; take only from ene-
mies and those of no alliance
Ƿ Kill and make war only when necessary; other-
wise, seek the clever and diplomatic route
Ƿ Do not show weakness, particularly in war, peace,
diplomacy, and childbirth.

Sample Names: Amri, Amashu, Chenra, Maari, Nonju,

Shubat, Tasharu (male); Amari, Anasha, Chendi, Kaala, DUERGAR
Nonji, Tashara, Zuldi (female). Like their Emanjian kin, Mez-
can Chenari do not make use of proper surnames, instead
using “son of” naming schemes or pride-clan names.

Cultural Item: You may choose one of the following items

at character creation (or two by spending a Luck point) to
compliment the rest of your gear—

Ƿ A Chenari bolas, useful in hunting (Weaponry:

Ranged skill roll, no damage but target is entangled;
DL 15 Acrobatics or Physique to escape as an action;
range 10/20/30.
Ƿ One vial (3 doses/uses) of Chenari war-paint (one
application grants +1 Health and +1 Stamina; non-Che-
nari applying it must make a DL 10 Endurance roll or
suffer the Sickened condition for 1 hour; DL 20 Healing
Arts to remove effects earlier)
Sometimes called Dwarves by humankind (and not always
Ƿ A Chenari war-dart (exceptional-quality and also
to Duergar appreciation), this is a hardy and enduring
+2 yards of range per category)
race of short-statured, but incredibly stocky, people whose
Ƿ One vial (2 doses/uses) of Chundri (blade poison;
males grow impressive beards often kept in intricate braids
targets struck must make a DL 15 Endurance roll or
or worn down to ankle-level. Duergar are precise crafts-
suffer -2 to Agility, or completely paralyzed on a critical
men, especially of metal and stone, and make extremely
failure; Chenari gain a +2 bonus to this roll)
resilient warriors. Thrimnor and Uldarak are their primary
Ƿ A Jhuldar (Chenari war-spear; maximum damage
kingdom-holds.
20, AP 1, reach 2, average-quality)
Ƿ A shamanic icon of Amrashi or Shamanta (grants
Allowable Callings: Alchemist, Bard, Berserker, Crafts-
the Chenari owner +1 Luck and +1 to Healing Arts
man, Gladiator, Healer, Hunter, Knight, Merchant, Noble,
skill rolls)
Priest, Sage, Seer, Soldier, Thief, Witch.
Ƿ One skin/bladder of Zhinju (Chenari ale, three
pints; anyone drinking a pint of this potent beverage
Attribute Array: Duergar player-characters must arrange
must succeed in a DL 10 Endurance roll or suffer -1 to
their Attributes at character creation using the following
Intellect per point of failure; dropping to Intellect -5
guidelines—
means comatose for 12 hours; those succeeding gain
+1 to Vigor and Willpower and the use of the Second
Sight talent for one hour; Chenari get a +2 bonus to
Starting Absolute
the Endurance roll if they so choose. Min Max Max
Ƿ A Sslir skull, or set of Sslir teeth arranged as a neck- Agility -3 +3 +5
Physique -3 +3 +5
lace, which grants a +1 bonus to all Persuasion (intim-
Vigor -1 +5 +7
idation) rolls and Magical Arts: Death skill rolls when
Intellect -3 +3 +5
worn openly; however, the item also causes you to gain
Magnetism -3 +2 +4
the Savage or Tainted weakness (your choice of which,

46 CHARACTER CREATION
 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
Willpower -2 +4 +6
Special Abilities
ǥ Ancient Enemies: Gain the Hated Foe talent for
free. This enemy must be one of the following—Drag-
ons, Giants, or Trolls.
ǥ Craft-master: Duergar characters gain a +1 bonus
to Crafting skill rolls with regards to working with met-
al or stone as well as when appraising such for quality
and value.
ǥ Deep-sight: All Duergar are born with the abili-
ty to see in complete darkness, up to 20 yards, as if it
were twilight.
ǥ Earth & Fire Affinity: Duergar gain a +1 bonus
to Magical Arts: Earth and Fire skill rolls. (Note that
you must have either the Magic Affinity talent or at
least one skill level in a Magical Arts discipline before
you can even attempt any Magical Arts skill tasks.)
ǥ Favored Weaponry: Gain one of the follow-
ing skill specialties either from Weaponry: Melee (bat-
tleaxe, greataxe, handaxe, maul or warhammer) or
Weaponry: Ranged (thrown hammer or handaxe).
ǥ Hardiness: All Duergar gain a +1 bonus to En-
durance rolls when resisting diseases and poisons. Fur-
thermore, if from Thrimnor, this bonus also applies to
resisting heat effects, or if from Uldarak, the bonus in-
stead applies to resisting cold effects.
ǥ Rune-mage: Duergar characters pay 2 points less
for the Rune Magic talent.
ǥ Short Stride: Duergar suffer -2 to Mobility, as
well as to Acrobatics or Athletics skill rolls involving
jumping/leaping.
Favored Talents
Battle: Armor Acclimation, Back To Back, Bashing Blow,
Berserker Rage, Blade-honing, Break The Wall, Bullish
Charge, Cleaving Blow, Crushing Blow, Draw The Line,
Fell-handed, Hold The Breach, Honor Duel, Improvised
Weaponry, Mighty Ranged, Pressing Attack, Shattering
Blow, Shield Bash, Shield Wall, Tripping Attack.
Blood: Dragon-kindred.
Mystical: Battle Mage, Enchant Permanent Object, Ex-
tended Ritual, Meditative Trance, Sacred Oath.
Social: Apprentice, Artisan, Champion, Merchant, Mili-
tia, Miner, Mountaineer, Porter.
Subterfuge: Trap-setter.
Other: Commanding Voice, Grit, Heirloom, Keen Mem-
ory, Time Sense, Valorous, Willful Presence.
CHARACTER CREATION
Favored Weaknesses: Addiction (ale or mead), Oath-
bound, Obsession (gold or gems), Phobia (the sea or open
spaces), Rotund.
Starting Languages: Your native tongue is Duergar, an
ancient language with a runic writing system. In addition,
if your Intellect is -1 or better, you may also choose one of
the following—Mulovian (if from Thrimnor), Skathian (if
from Thrimnor), Norish (if from Uldarak), Caernian (if from
Uldarak), Sidhe, Goblin-tongue, Troll-speak, Giant-speech,
or Dragon-speech.
Sample Names: Baldurin, Beldar, Durak, Frithli, Glorin-
dur, Heltak, Morindak (male); Beldra, Dori, Drondi, Mor-
da, Norga, Thrim, Thorda (female). Duergar surnames,
which are always clan-names, are colorful affairs, such as
Bloodaxe, Deephammer, Ironfist, Stonebeard, etc.
Cultural Item: You may choose one of the following items
at character creation (or two by spending a Luck point) to
compliment the rest of your gear—
Ƿ A battleaxe, handaxe, or warhammer of excep-
tional quality (your choice of one)
Ƿ A set of exceptional-quality craftsman’s tools (+1
to either metal or stone based Crafting rolls, your
choice of which)
Ƿ A harness of Duergar-mail (exceptional quality; ar-
mor rating 4, -1 Mobility penalty, -2 skill penalty; these
penalties are doubled if donned by non-Duergar)
Ƿ A war-helm of exceptional quality (+1 to armor
rating when worn with body armor, but -1 to Percep-
tion skill rolls)
Ƿ A rune-stone talisman (wearer gains +1 to Magical
Arts: Earth and Fire rolls when performing ritual spells)
Ƿ A Duergar war-pony (as normal pony stats, but +1
to Vigor and battle-trained)
Ƿ A drinking horn of Duergar stout-ale (any non-Du-
ergar drinking at least three swigs of this stuff must suc-
ceed in a DL 10 Endurance roll or become Inebriated
(Mildly) for 10 minutes per point of failure)
Ƿ A semi-enchanted wyrm-scale, possibly belonging
to Glorindurax of old (grants bearer +1 to Endurance
rolls to resist cold effects; could be easily worth 20 +
1d20 sc)
General Code of Honor
Ƿ Keep the secret lore of the Deep to oneself when
in the surface-world
Ƿ Honor the Duergar king and the ancient sovereign-
ty of his clan’s lineage
Ƿ Honor the ways of Duradin and Baldak above all
other deities
Ƿ Honor and respect your clan, its members, and its
ancient traditions
Ƿ Punish serious insults by a formal duel or by accep-
tance of “apology gifts”
47
 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
Ƿ Craft no object or light no forge-fire until at least Vigor -3 +2 +4
half payment has been collected. Intellect -3 +3 +5
Magnetism -1 +5 +7
Willpower -3 +3 +5

SIDHE, DARK Special Abilities

Over three millennia ago, the Sidhe-folk of Arvelindor split
apart over differentiating opinions causing a great civil up- ǥ Star-sight: Can see in twilight or near darkness
rising known as the Shadow War. This tore apart the great as if it were bright daylight (but not in absolute dark-
kingdom, causing the Dark Sidhe (or Dark Elves) to split ness). Dark Sidhe can also see twice as far as the typical
apart from their Eluna Sidhe brethren. Over time, the Dark human.
Sidhe—whose main realm was Lithilor—would even begin
to appear physically different to some extent, with black ǥ Dream-trance: Dark Sidhe do not sleep, as mor-
hair, grey or pale skin, and violet-hued eyes. tal humans do, but instead drift off into a trance-like
More information about the Dark Sidhe, and their an- state (eyes often open, but still just as unconscious as
cient kingdom of Lithilor, can be located in Section VI—A any slumbering mortal creature) for at least six hours
(instead of the normal eight hours that most humans
Brief Gazetteer.
must have). During this time of dream-trancing, the Sid-
he’s might experience past memories as well as the oc-
Allowable Callings: Alchemist, Assassin, Bard, Craftsman,
casional glimpse into the future. As such, the GM might
Gladiator, Hunter, Knight, Merchant, Noble, Pirate, Priest,
give the occasional bit of information using a Sidhe
Sage, Seer, Soldier, Sorcerer, Thief, Witch.
character’s Dream-trance ability.
Attribute Array: Dark Sidhe player-characters must ar- ǥ Gifted of Magic: All Dark Sidhe gain the Magic
range their Attributes at character creation using the follow- Affinity talent for free, for they are naturally gifted in
ing guidelines— the magical arts and require little formal training in any
of it. To most Sidhe, “magic” is simply an extension of
Starting Absolute the natural world itself, the very source the Eluna Qua-
Min Max Max lae used to create the Otherworld and the Earth-world
Agility -2 +4 +6 (and beyond).
Physique -3 +3 +5 ǥ Shadow Mage: Dark Sidhe characters automati-

48 CHARACTER CREATION
 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
cally gain knowledge of one of the following spells for
free—Beguile, Conjure Darkness, or Glamour—even if
you do not meet the prerequisites for it. Dark Sidhe
learn a spell or two even at a very young age.
ǥ Bladed Specialty: Gain one of the following
Weaponry: Melee specialties for free—Dagger, Greats-
word, Shortsword, or Spear.
ǥ Fey Mind: Dark Sidhe receive a +2 bonus to Re-
solve rolls when resisting beguilement, glamour/illu-
sions, and magical sleep.
ǥ Fey Magic: Gain a +1 bonus to Magical Arts: Air,
Death, Earth, and Shadow skill rolls.
ǥ Woodland Affinity: Dark Sidhe gain a +1 bonus
to Perception, Stealth, and Survival rolls when in for-
ested environments.
Favored Talents
Battle: Agile Weaponry, Ambidexterity, Blind-fight-
ing, Close-Quarters Archery, Crippling Attack, Deadly
Lunge, Disarming Strike, Dual Blades, Extreme Range,
Honor Duel, Horseback Archery, Impaling Shot, Impal-
ing Thrust, Improvised Weaponry, Kip, Leaping Strike,
Opportunistic Strike, Pressing Attack, Shadowing Step,
Swashbuckling, Unarmored Fighting, War-cry, Warning
Shot, Web of Steel.
Blood: Demon-blood.
Mystical: Blood Magic, Celestial Magic, Craft Potion,
Cultist, Dual Focus, Energize Spell, Evil Eye, Penetrating
Magic, Power of Silence, Supernatural Pact, Witch-hunt-
er.
Social: Artisan, Carouser, Woodsman.
Subterfuge: Assassin, Dirty Tactics, Feigned Attack,
Hunter, Secret Strike, Seductive Dance.
Other: Agile Climber, Cat-like Reflexes, Fleet of Foot,
Keen Memory, Limber, Quick Healer, Willful Presence.
Favored Weaknesses: Cursed, Enemy, Geas/Taboo,
Kin-slayer, Oath-breaker, Obsession, Tainted, Waif.
Starting Languages: Your native tongue is Sidhe, though
Dark Sidhe (or Lithilorien) has its own slightly different di-
alect (you can still communicate easily with all Sidhe, how-
ever). Additionally, if your Intellect is -1 or better than you
also know one of the following languages—Esmandian (if
from Lithilor), Cymreddi (if from Lithilor or the Shadow-
lands), Brythian (if from the Shadowlands or the North),
Goblin-tongue, or Nether-speech.
Sample Names: Cartheril, Ilunethor, Nirothien, Sarien,
Sluathar, Tarthien, Tirien (male); Angwen, Darieth, Lithiel,
Norelith, Sarilen, Sluathiel, Tarwen (female). Like their oth-
CHARACTER CREATION
er Sidhe brethren, Dark Sidhe seldom make use of surnames
unless they are members of an established noble house.
Cultural Item: You may choose one of the following items
at character creation (or two by spending a Luck point) to
compliment the rest of your gear—
Ƿ A vial (2 doses) of sleeping potion (any non-Sidhe
drinking of it must succeed in a DL 13 Resolve roll or
fall instantly asleep for 10 minutes per point of failure)
Ƿ A vial (2 doses) of paralytic blade-poison (any op-
ponent wounded by a blade coated in this substance
must succeed in a DL 13 Endurance roll or suffer a -3
penalty to Agility for one minute per point of roll fail-
ure; if a victim’s Agility is lowered to -5 or worse, then
he is paralyzed and Immobile until the poison’s effects
wear off as stated)
Ƿ A Dark Sidhe small-crossbow (exceptional-quality;
maximum damage 15; AP 1; range 30/60/120; Conceal
+2). Comes with a dozen crossbow bolts.
Ƿ A Sidhe riding-horse (same as standard Riding
Horse stats, except for +1 to Agility and Vigor). Comes
with bit, bridle, and light riding saddle.
Ƿ A leather skin or drinking horn of Sidhe-wine
(non-Sidhe must succeed in a DL 10 Endurance roll or
succumb to delusions and strange “visions,” equal to
being Stunned, for 10 minutes per point of roll failure)
Ƿ A fey-leather or fine cloth tunic (exceptional-quali-
ty; armor rating 1; no Mobility or skill penalties)
Ƿ A pair of fine leather shoes or boots (exception-
al-quality; -2 to others’ Survival rolls when attempting
to track you)
Ƿ A 10-yard length of Sidhe-rope (exceptional-quali-
ty; +1 to Athletics rolls when climbing and any knot-ty-
ing rolls; captives face a +5 to the DL to escape)
Ƿ A beautiful Sidhe-made crystal (exceptional-qual-
ity; grants a +1 bonus to Magical Arts: Shadow skill
rolls when worn or carried)
General Code of Honor
Ƿ Never honor the Seelie Court; only honor the
edicts of the Shadow (or Unseelie) Court
Ƿ Never defend the helpless, for they are weak and
deserve annihilation
Ƿ Humankind is but fodder to the true Sidhe
Ƿ Pain and suffering is life, and to cause it to others is
but the natural order
Ƿ Indulge in vices and forbidden things; knowledge
can be found in pleasurable things.
ELUNA SIDHE
Perhaps the most noble and majestic of the Sidhe sub-rac-
es, they Eluna Sidhe (or Light Elves) typically stand at least
six and a half feet tall, with lean builds, golden hair, and
green or golden-green eyes. Their skin is generally quite
fair and virtually flawless, and their fey natures belie their
Other-worldly origins. Celendoril is one of the last great
49
 SAVAGEIII
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Sidhe-realms. or Sidhe war-bow.
More information about the Eluna Sidhe, and their
ǥ Star-sight: Can see in twilight or near-darkness as
long-lasting realm of Celendoril, can be found in Section if it were bright daylight (but not in absolute darkness).
VI—A Brief Gazetteer. Furthermore, Eluna Sidhe can see twice as far as a typ-
ical human.
Allowable Callings: Bard, Craftsman, Healer, Hunter,
Knight, Merchant, Noble, Priest, Sage, Seer, Soldier, Sorcer-
er. Favored Talents

Attribute Array: Eluna Sidhe player-characters must ar- Battle: Ambidexterity, Careful Aim, Concentrated De-
range their Attributes at character creation using the follow- fense, Double-Arrow Shot, Dual Blades, Extreme Range,
ing guidelines— Finessing Shot, Gauge Opponent, Honor Duel, Horse-
back Archery, Impaling Thrust, Kip, Leaping Strike, Pre-
Starting Absolute cision Strike, Pressing Attack, Running Shot, Shadowing
Step, Smiting Blow, Swashbuckling, Unarmored Fighting,
Min Max Max
Web of Steel.
Agility -2 +4 +6
Physique -3 +3 +5
Vigor -3 +2 +4 Blood: Angelic-blood.
Intellect -3 +3 +5
Magnetism -1 +5 +7 Mystical: Battle Mage, Celestial Magic, Dual Focus,
Willpower -3 +3 +5 Enchant Permanent Object, Enchant Talisman, Energize
Spell, Far-reaching Magic, Lingering Magic, Meditative
Special Abilities Trance, Song Magic, Words of Power.

ǥ Cold-iron Susceptibility: Eluna Sidhe take 2 ad-
ditional points of Health damage when struck by cold-
iron weapons (that is, iron weapons not forged by
fire). In fact, it is an unpleasant experience when a Sid-
he even touches an object made of cold-iron.
ǥ Dream-trance: Sidhe do not sleep, as mere mor-
tal humans do, but instead must drift into a trance-like
rest (eyes usually remaining open, but still just as un-
aware as a slumbering human) for at least six hours in
any 24-hour period. This counts as eight hours of sleep
for a human in regards to regaining Stamina and such.
Also, when dream-trancing, Sidhe often recall vivid de-
tails of past events and even glimpse, on occasion, flick-
ers of the possible future (GM discretion).
ǥ Eldritch Affinity: Knowledge of one of the fol-
lowing spells—Beguile, Conjure Light, or Glamour.
(Player’s choice.)
ǥ Fey Magic: Gain the Magic Affinity talent for
free. Due to their Other-worldly origins, the Sidhe are
naturally gifted in the mystical arts, requiring little to
no actual training.
Social: Artisan, Bard, Comeliness, Herald, Gift of
Tongues, Sage, Woodsman.
Subterfuge: Feigned Attack, Hunter, Seductive Dance.
Other: Agile Climber, Animal Kinship, Cat-like Reflexes,
Fire In The Head, Fleet of Foot, Healer’s Touch, Heir-
loom, Inspiring Presence, Keen Memory, Limber, Quick
Healer, Valorous, Willful Presence.
Favored Weaknesses: Geas/Taboo, Oath-bound, Obses-
sion (gem-craft, wilderness, or wood-craft), Too Tall, Waif.
Starting Languages: Your native tongue is Sidhe, an
ancient and elegant language, with a writing system that
utilizes flowing letters. In addition, you know one of the
following if your Intellect is -1 or better—Brythian (if from
Celendoril), Skathian (if from the woodlands of northern
Skathia), Cymreddi (if from the forests of Cymredd), Du-
ergar (if from Celendoril), Esmandian (if from Lithilor or
the Duskwood), Goblin-tongue, or Faerie (also known as
Other-speech).

ǥ Fey Mind: Eluna Sidhe receive a +2 bonus to Re-
solve rolls to resist beguilement, magical sleep, and il-
lusions.
ǥ Gifted of Lore: All Eluna Sidhe gain a +1 bonus
to Lore and Magical Arts: Air, Life, Shadow, and Wa-
ter skill rolls.
ǥ Melee Specialty: Gain one of the following
Weaponry: Melee specialties—Dagger (long-knife),
Lance, Longsword, or Spear.
ǥ Ranged Specialty: Gain one of the following
Weaponry: Ranged specialties—Longbow, Shortbow,
Sample Names: Anorien, Calendion, Elundor, Lithil, Qu-
endarien, Sildarion, Talendor (male); Anorwen, Celendiel,
Eluneth, Lithilwen, Noriel, Sildariel, Torendiel (female). Like
other Sidhe-folk, Eluna Sidhe do not use proper surnames
unless a member of a renowned noble house.
Cultural Item: You may choose one of the following items
at character creation (or two by spending a Luck point) to
compliment the rest of your gear—
Ƿ A Sidhe riding-horse (same as standard riding-horse
stats, except +1 to Agility and Vigor; comes with light

50 CHARACTER CREATION
 SAVAGEIII
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harness and saddle)
Ƿ Leather skin or drinking horn of Sidhe-wine
(non-Sidhe drinking of it must succeed in a DL 10 En-
durance roll or be beset by delusions and strange vi-
sions for 10 minutes per point of failure; this equates to
the Stunned condition)
Ƿ Fey-leather or fine cloth tunic (+1 armor rating; no
Mobility penalty or skill roll penalty)
Ƿ A pair of fine leather shoes or boots (exceptional
quality; -2 penalty for others when trying to track you)
Ƿ 10-yard length of Sidhe-rope (exceptional quality;
+1 to Athletics rolls when used for climbing; captives
tied up by this stuff face an additional +5 to the DL to
escape)
Ƿ A small nugget of Sildaril (Sidhe star-metal; +5 to
Crafting DLs to work/forge, but if successful can plate
one Light weapon or up to 10 arrows/bolts; +2 to max-
imum damage and +1 AP)
Ƿ Beautiful traveler’s harp or flute (master-crafted
quality; +1 to Performance skill rolls when played)
Ƿ 3 silver-plated arrows (exceptional quality; causes
additional harm to certain supernatural creatures)
Ƿ Elegant crystal or semi-precious gem (exceptional
quality; faint glow equal to candlelight in darkness)
CHARACTER CREATION
General Code of Honor
Ƿ Honor the Seelie (or Summer) Court, and the lesser
courts of Celendoril and Lithilor
Ƿ Honor and defend all Sidhe-folk, protecting even
other Fey beings as necessary
Ƿ Honor the ancient traditions of Faerie and the
Otherworld beyond
Ƿ Defend those worthy of defense; ignore fools and
vanquish villains
Ƿ Keep the balance of the Eluna Qualae; enable Na-
ture to exist, function, and provide.
WILD SIDHE
Of all the Sidhe sub-races, the Wild Sidhe—as their moni-
ker might suggest—are the wilder and more primal of them
all. They place the natural world above all, revering ani-
mals and trees, while all the while functioning as excellent
hunters, gatherers, and warriors. Many paint themselves in
intricate body-pigments (or even permanent tattoos), and
typically stand over six feet in height with lean, if some-
what muscular, builds. They often have auburn-hued hair
and deep green eyes.
More information regarding the Wild Sidhe, and the Sid-
51
 SAVAGEIII
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he-realms in general, can be found in A Brief Gazetteer.
Allowable Callings: Assassin, Bard, Berserker, Craftsman,
Gladiator, Healer, Hunter, Noble, Sage, Seer, Shaman, Thief,
Witch.
Attribute Array: Wild Sidhe player-characters must ar-
range their Attributes at character creation using the follow-
ing guidelines—
Starting Absolute
Min Max Max
Agility -1 +5 +7
Physique -3 +3 +5
Vigor -3 +2 +4
Intellect -3 +3 +5
Magnetism -2 +4 +6
Willpower -3 +3 +5
Special Abilities
ǥ Cold-iron Susceptibility: Wild Sidhe take an
additional 2 points of Health damage when struck by
cold-iron weapons (that is, iron not forged by fire). The
Other-worldly Sidhe, being of fey origin, are even un-
comfortable merely touching cold-iron.
ǥ Dream-trance: Sidhe do not sleep, as mere mor-
tal humans do, but instead drift into a trance-like rest
(eyes usually remaining open, though still as unaware
as a slumbering human) for at least six hours per 24-
hour period. This counts as eight hours sleep for a hu-
man in regards to recovering Stamina and such. Whilst
dream-trancing, the Sidhe generally relives past memo-
ries, but on rare occasion, might even glimpse the pos-
sible future (GM discretion).
ǥ Eldritch Affinity: Wild Sidhe gain a +1 bonus to
Magical Arts: Earth, Life, Shadow, and Water skill rolls.
ǥ Fey Magic: Gain the Magic Affinity talent for
free. All Sidhe are naturally gifted in the mystical arts
(even if not formally trained), as they believe that
“magic” is merely an extension of nature and the Eluna
Qualae (or the Qualee).
ǥ Fey Mind: All Wild Sidhe receive a +2 bonus to
Resolve rolls when attempting to resist beguilement,
magical sleep, or illusions.
ǥ Melee Specialty: Gain one of the following
Weaponry: Melee specialties—Dagger (long-knife),
Spear, Staff, or War-club.
ǥ Ranged Specialty: Gain one of the following
Weaponry: Ranged specialties—Dagger (long-knife),
Javelin (war-dart), Shortbow, or Sling.
ǥ Star-sight: Like their kindred, Wild Sidhe can see
in twilight and near-darkness as if it were bright day-
light (but not in absolute darkness). Furthermore, Sidhe
can see twice as far as a typical human.
ǥ Woodland Affinity: Wild Sidhe gain a +1 bonus
Acrobatics, Athletics, Herbalism, Perception, Stealth,
and Survival skill rolls when in forest or marsh terrain.
Favored Talents
Battle: Agile Weaponry, Ambidexterity, Careful Aim,
Close-Quarters Archery, Crippling Attack, Defensive
Dash, Double-arrow Shot, Fending Stance, Finessing
Shot, Haft and Staff, Hated Foe (Goblings, Hobgoblins,
or Lorinthians), Hit And Run, Honor Duel, Impaling Shot,
Impaling Thrust, Improvised Weaponry, Kip, Leaping
Strike, Running Shot, Swashbuckling, Unarmored Fight-
ing, War-cry, Warning Shot, Wolfpack Tactics.
Blood: None.
Mystical: Beast-master, Blood Magic, Celestial Magic,
Enchant Talisman, Herbal Magic, Mystic Tattoo, Power
of Silence, Song Magic, Totem Animal (bear, eagle, pan-
ther, or wolf).
Social: Champion, Woodsman.
Subterfuge: Assassin, Feigned Attack, Hunter, Trap-set-
ter.
Other: Agile Climber, Animal Kinship, Beast Compan-
ion, Body-painting, Cat-like Reflexes, Fleet of Foot, Keen
Memory, Limber, Tireless.
Favored Weaknesses: Enemy, Exiled, Geas/Taboo, Oath-
bound, Obsession (fauna, flora, or animal totem), Savage.
Starting Languages: Your native tongue is Sidhe, an an-
cient and elegant language, with a flowing writing style that
the Wild Sidhe don’t use quite as much as their Dark and
Eluna brethren. If your Intellect is -1 or higher, then you
also know one of the following—Lorinthian (if from the
Elderwood Forest), Cymreddi (if from a tribe in the north-
west), Brythian (if from the Bloodthorn Forest), Skathian or
Mulovian (if from a tribe in the far northeast), or Duergar
or Goblin-tongue.
Sample Names: Hawkrider, Leafstorm, Lightningspear,
Moonstrider, Rainwind, Shadowwind, Suntoucher, Star-
reacher, Talloak, Thunderleaf, Whiteowl (male or female).
Wild Sidhe names are very primal and savagely poetic, al-
though when rendered into the Sidhe language, they do
not sound overly different than Dark Sidhe or Eluna Sidhe
names.
Cultural Item: You may choose one of the following items
at character creation (or two by spending a Luck point) to
compliment the rest of your gear—
Ƿ A vial (2 doses) of sleeping potion (any non-Sid-
he drinking this elixir must succeed in a DL 13 Resolve
roll or fall instantly asleep for 10 minutes per point of

52 CHARACTER CREATION
 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
failure) Attribute Array: Golden Sslir player-characters must ar-
Ƿ Three silver-tipped arrows, or silver-coated sling- range their Attributes at character creation using the follow-
stones (your choice), which often deal additional dam- ing guidelines—
age to certain supernatural creatures.
Ƿ A silver-tipped dagger or javelin (your choice), Starting Absolute
which might deal extra harm to certain supernatural Min Max Max
creatures. Agility -2 +4 +6
Ƿ Three cold-iron tipped arrows (can deliver extra Physique -3 +3 +5
damage to fey creatures) Vigor -3 +2 +4
Ƿ A leather skin or drinking horn of Sidhe-wine Intellect -2 +4 +6
(non-Sidhe must succeed in a DL 10 Endurance roll or Magnetism -2 +4 +6
succumb to delusions and strange visions for 10 min- Willpower -3 +3 +5
utes per point of failure; equal to having the Stunned
condition) Special Abilities
Ƿ Fey-leather tunic (exceptional quality; +1 armor
rating; no penalties to Mobility or skill rolls) ǥ Beast-bane: Sslir suffer a -1 penalty to Animal
Ƿ A pair of fine leather buskins or boots (exceptional Handling rolls, as most animals react quite nervously
quality; -2 to others’ die rolls to track you) around the Serpent-folk.
Ƿ 10-yard length of Sidhe-rope (exceptional quality;
+1 to Athletics rolls when using it to climb; +5 to the ǥ Cold Susceptibility: All Sslir suffer a -1 penalty to
DL for bound captives to escape) Endurance rolls when resisting cold-based effects, and
Ƿ Small ingot of Sildaril (Sidhe “star-metal”; +5 to take an additional point of damage against ice-based
Crafting DLs to work/forge, but if successful, can plate spells and similar effects.
one Light weapon or up to ten arrowheads; adds +2 to ǥ Dark Affinity: Sslir can see in near-total dark-
maximum damage and +1 AP) ness, although there must be some hint of light for this
to function (the Serpent-folk are suited to a subterra-
General Code of Honor nean and quasi-nocturnal life). This is similar to the
Night-sighted talent.
Ƿ Respect the Qualee, the Eluna Qualae, and all its
various forms and creations ǥ Mystic Nobility: As the ruling caste of their ilk,
Ƿ Honor and respect the tribal chieftain, his family, Golden Sslir pay two points less for the High-born and
and all tribal shamans Magic Affinity talents.
Ƿ Dabble not in the outside affairs of others, especial- ǥ Poisonous Spittle: Golden Sslir can spit a small
ly humans and their ilk burst of semi-acidic venom, with a range of 2/3/4, us-
Ƿ Honor and respect what you kill; use what you can ing its Weaponry: Ranged skill against a single target.
and waste not This costs one (attack) action and 1 Stamina point, and
Ƿ Honor and protect the sacredness of the tribe, its deals 1 point of Health damage per point of success
territories and its customs. against the target’s Dodge Defense (maximum of 10
damage). Armor is half-effective. A Golden Sslir only
produces enough venom to use this attack form thrice
GOLDEN SSLIR per day.
This represents the noble caste of the Sslir race, enabling ǥ Shape-shift: Golden Sslir can assume the form of
them also to more easily pursue the darker and more arcane a human, or similar humanoid (such as Sidhe or Gob-
arts of alchemy and sorcery. They are the lords (and ladies) lings), which grants a +10 bonus to Disguise rolls. This
of Sslirian culture, and some are still dedicated to the priest- costs one action and 2 Stamina points immediately,
queen of the Old Empire (Issir’ith). plus an additional Stamina point per half-hour spent
The Sslir are often called the Serpent-folk, an ancient shifted into this form. Note that it also costs 2 Stamina
race that had once enslaved most of humankind in the East points to shift back to Sslir form.
(across the Dragon Sea) long ago. They appear as snake-like
humanoids, after all, the Golden Sslir having black and gold
patterned skin. Though more information about the Gold-
Favored Talents
en Sslir, and the Serpent-folk in general, can be found in
Section VI—A Brief Gazetteer, know that they are actually Battle: Agile Weaponry, Ambidexterity, Crippling At-
tack, Precision Strike.
indigenous to the far East and South and are rarely seen in
the West (the continent of Astagonia).
Blood: Demon-blood.
Allowable Callings: Alchemist, Craftsman, Merchant,
Noble, Priest, Sage, Seer, Sorcerer, Thief, Witch. Mystical: Battle Mage, Blood Magic, Craft Potion,
Cultist, Dual Focus, Enchant Talisman, Evil Eye, Familiar

CHARACTER CREATION 53
 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
(snake), Grimoire, Power of Silence, Supernatural Pact,
Witch-hunter.
Social: Adept, Apprentice, Carouser, Educated, Follow-
ers, Gift of Tongues, Henchman, Sage, Statecraft.
Subterfuge: Dirty Tactics, Fortune Teller, Gossip, Poi-
soner, Seductive Dance, Slaver, Torturer.
Other: Heirloom, Keen Memory, Willful Presence.
Favored Weaknesses: Addiction (pink or purple lotus),
Decadent, Honorless, Obsession (magic or power), Phobia
(ice or extreme cold), Tainted.
Ƿ Respect those who display strength, cunning, and
intelligence—the true gifts of the Sslir
Ƿ Respect all Sslirian nobles and house-lords, unless
they fail to exhibit the above
Ƿ Serve well the old ideals of the Empire and em-
body the ancient traditions of such
Ƿ Treat all other races as but fodder and slaves, par-
ticularly humans and Chenari
Ƿ Never suffer a Djann to live, the traditional ene-
mies of the Sslir race.
Ƿ Embrace all lore, for all knowledge is power how-
ever dark and forbidden.

Starting Languages: Your native tongue is Sslir, an ancient GREEN SSLIR

language with a complex flowing script for writing. Addi- With black and green scale patterns, though these colors
tionally, if your Intellect is -1 or better, you also know one are often morphed slightly due to chameleon-like powers,
of the following of your choice—Zaramese, Arran, Mezcan, the Green Sslir represent the hunter/assassin caste of the Ser-
Zunti, Azirian, Old Xarkonian, Chenari, Djann, or Neth- pent-folk race. As such, they are typically built slighter, but
er-speech. faster and more agile, than the other castes.
More information regarding the Green Sslir, and Sslirian
Sample Names: Aasiriss, Is’sir, Lis’rithiss, Nilsirix, Sirrax, culture in general, can be found in A Brief Gazetteer.
Ssirith, Xarisith (male); Aassira, Is’siri, Lis’rithsil’ris, Nilsira,
Sirri, Ssiritha, Xarssil (female). Golden Sslir, the ruling caste, Allowable Callings: Assassin, Craftsman, Gladiator, Hunt-
make use of house names (which are used as surnames), er, Pirate, Thief.
such as Issura, S’loona, Sslirath, or Xar’riss.
Attribute Array: Green Sslir player-characters must ar-
Cultural Item: You may choose one of the following items range their Attributes at character creation using the follow-
at character creation (or two by spending a Luck point) to ing guidelines—
compliment the rest of your gear—
Starting Absolute
Ƿ A small vial (2 doses) of Z’laru (an alchemical poi- Min Max Max
son; any creature imbibing it must succeed in a DL 15 Agility -2 +4 +6
Endurance roll or become completely paralyzed for 1 Physique -3 +3 +5
minute per point of failure; Sslir victims receive a +2 Vigor -3 +2 +5
bonus to resist this type of poison) Intellect -2 +4 +6
Ƿ A vial (2 doses) of Jai’a (an alchemical elixir; any Magnetism -3 +3 +5
Sslir imbibing it instantly restores 3 Health points and 3 Willpower -3 +3 +5
Stamina points; any non-Sslir must succeed in a DL 10
Endurance roll or suffer the Mildly Poisoned condition Special Abilities
for one hour; if successful, the drinker heals 3 Health
and 3 Stamina) ǥ Athletic: Green Sslir gain a +1 bonus to Acrobat-
Ƿ A Kurth’ra, a Sslirian bladed whip (maximum dam- ics (and therefore +1 to Dodge Defense) and Athletics
age 13; +2 to trip and disarm attempts; reach 3; uses skill rolls.
Weaponry: Ranged skill)
Ƿ A Noth’ra, a Sslirian bladed shield (armor rating ǥ Beast-bane: Sslir suffer a -1 penalty to Animal
2; maximum damage 10 when shield bashing; -1 Skill Handling rolls, as most beasts react nervously around
Penalty) the Serpent-folk.
Ƿ Sslir-silk mantle or robe (exceptional quality; armor ǥ Chameleon Camouflage: All Green Sslir re-
rating 1; no Mobility or Skill Penalty; does not stack ceive a +2 bonus to Disguise skill rolls when attempt-
with other armors) ing to appear as humans, and a +2 bonus to Stealth
Ƿ An alchemical/enchanted glow-stone (emits 5-yard rolls when in darkness, shadowy light, or underground
radius of heat-less light when uncovered; lasts for one environments.
year)
Ƿ Sslirian bead-mail corselet (armor rating 2; no Mo- ǥ Cold Susceptibility: Sslir suffer a -1 penalty to
bility penalty; -2 Skill Penalty; weighs 15 lbs; Bulk 0) Endurance rolls when resisting cold-based effects, and
take an additional point of damage against ice-based
General Code of Honor spells.

54 CHARACTER CREATION
 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
ǥ Dark Affinity: Sslir see well in near-total darkness
(but not absolute darkness), similar to the Night-sight-
ed talent. The Serpent-folk thrive in the subterranean
and nocturnal dark.
Favored Talents
Battle: Agile Weaponry, Ambidexterity, Crippling At-
tack, Defensive Dash, Extreme Range, Finessing Shot,
Improvised Weaponry, Opportunistic Strike, Precision
Strike, Shadowing Step.
Blood: Demon-blood.
Mystical: Magic Affinity.
Social: Apprentice.
Subterfuge: Assassin, Dirty Tactics, Feigned Attack,
Hunter, Poisoner, Raider, Sapping Blow, Secret Strike,
Tomb Robber, Trap-setter.
Other: Agile Climber, Cat-like Reflexes, Light Sleeper,
Limber.
Favored Weaknesses: Honorless, Obsession (torture or
wealth), Phobia (deep water or extreme cold), Tainted.
Starting Languages: Your native tongue is Sslir, an ancient
tongue which features a complex script-like writing system.
In addition, if your Intellect is -1 or better, than you also
know one of the following of your choice—Arran, Mezcan,
Zunti, Azirian, Chenari, or Djann.
Sample Names: Aasiriss, Is’sir, Lis’rithiss, Nilsirix, Sirrax,
Ssirith, Xarisith (male); Aassira, Is’siri, Lis’rithsil’ris, Nilsira,
Sirri, Ssiritha, Xarssil (female). Green Sslir only make use of
surnames if they are oathbound directly to a renowned no-
ble-house, such as Issura or Xar’riss.
Cultural Item: You may choose one of the following items
at character creation (or two by spending a Luck point) to
compliment the rest of your gear—
Ƿ A Noth’ra, a Sslirian bladed shield (armor rating
2; maximum damage 10 when shield bashing; -1 Skill
Penalty)
Ƿ Sslir-silk mantle or robe (exceptional quality; armor
rating 1; no Mobility or Skill Penalty; does not stack
with other armors)
Ƿ An alchemical/enchanted glow-stone (emits 5-yard
radius of heat-less light when uncovered; lasts for one
year)
Ƿ Sslirian bead-mail corselet (armor rating 2; no Mo-
bility penalty; -2 Skill Penalty; weighs 15 lbs; Bulk 0)
Ƿ A Sslirian throwing-blade (similar to a giant
three-bladed shuriken; max damage 10; range 6/12/18;
on a miss, returns to within 3 yards of the thrower un-
less obstructed)
General Code of Honor
Ƿ Respect those who display strength, cunning, and
intelligence—the true gifts of the Sslir
Ƿ Respect all Sslirian nobles and house-lords, unless
they fail to exhibit the above
Ƿ Serve well the old ideals of the Empire and em-
body the ancient traditions of such
Ƿ Treat all other races as but fodder and slaves, par-
ticularly humans and Chenari
Ƿ Never suffer a Djann to live, the traditional ene-
mies of the Sslir race.
Ƿ Embrace all lore, for all knowledge is power how-
ever dark and forbidden.
RED SSLIR
With black and red scale patterns, this represents the war-
rior caste of the Sslir race, for they are bred for fighting,
conquest, and guardianship. Red Sslir tend to be built more
muscularly, and with overall greater fortitude, then the oth-
er Sslirian castes.
More information about the Red Sslir, and the ancient
race of Sslir in general, can be located in Section VI—A
Brief Gazetteer.
Allowable Callings: Berserker, Craftsman, Gladiator, Pi-
rate, Soldier, Thief.

Ƿ A small vial (2 doses) of Z’laru (an alchemical poi- Attribute Array: Red Sslir player-characters must arrange
son; any creature imbibing it must succeed in a DL 15
their Attributes at character creation using the following
Endurance roll or become completely paralyzed for 1 guidelines—
minute per point of failure; Sslir victims receive a +2
bonus to resist this type of poison)
Starting Absolute
Ƿ A vial (2 doses) of Jai’a (an alchemical elixir; any
Sslir imbibing it instantly restores 3 Health points and 3 Min Max Max
Stamina points; any non-Sslir must succeed in a DL 10 Agility -2 +4 +6
Physique -3 +3 +5
Endurance roll or suffer the Mildly Poisoned condition
Vigor -2 +4 +6
for one hour; if successful, the drinker heals 3 Health
Intellect -3 +3 +5
and 3 Stamina)
Magnetism -3 +3 +5
Ƿ A Kurth’ra, a Sslirian bladed whip (maximum dam-
Willpower -3 +3 +5
age 13; +2 to trip and disarm attempts; reach 3; uses
Weaponry: Ranged skill)
Special Abilities

CHARACTER CREATION 55
 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
ǥ Beast-bane: All Sslir suffer a -1 penalty to Ani-
mal Handling skill rolls, as most beasts react nervously
around the Serpent-folk.
ǥ Bite Attack: Red Sslir can attack with their sharp-
toothed mouths, as an (attack) action, with a maxi-
mum damage of 8. This can be done in conjunction
with a regular Weaponry: Melee strike, as part of the
same attack action, but at a -2 penalty.
ǥ Cold Susceptibility: Sslir suffer a -1 penalty to
Endurance rolls when resisting cold effects, and fur-
thermore take an additional point of damage from ice-
based spells.
ǥ Dark Affinity: Sslir see well in darkness (but not
absolute darkness), similar to the Night-sighted talent.
The Serpent-folk thrive in subterranean and nocturnal
environments.
ǥ Intimidating Brawler: All Red Sslir receive a +1
bonus to Brawling skill rolls, as well as to Persuasion
skill rolls when specifically trying to intimidate another
creature.
ǥ Melee Specialties: Red Sslir automatically gain
a Weaponry: Melee specialty in all Sslirian weaponry,
such as the Kurth’ra and Noth’ra. Furthermore, choose
one of the following as an additional specialty—Battle-
axe, Polearm, Scimitar, Spear, or War-spear.
Favored Talents
Battle: Agile Weaponry, Ambidexterity, Break the Wall,
Choke Hold, Cleaving Blow, Crippling Attack, Draw The
Line, Dual Blades, Extreme Range, Fending Stance, Im-
provised Weaponry, Mighty Ranged, Pressing Attack,
Pugilistic Follow-up, Running Shot, Shield Rush, Sweep-
ing Strike, War-cry, Wolfpack Tactics.
Blood: Demon-blood.
Mystical: None.
Social: Bodyguard, Captain (land-based), Gladiator.
Subterfuge: Dirty Tactics, Feigned Attack, Raider.
Other: Grit, Intimidating Physique, Valorous.
Favored Weaknesses: Addiction (red lotus), Kin-slayer,
Obsession (killing or violence), Phobia (extreme cold), Taint-
ed.
Starting Languages: Your native tongue is Sslirian, an
ancient language with a complex script-like writing system.
Additionally, if your Intellect is -1 or higher, you may also
choose one of the following—Zaramese, Arran, Mezcan,
Zunti, Azirian, Chenari, or Djann.
56
Sample Names: Aasiriss, Is’sir, Lis’rithiss, Nilsirix, Sirrax,
Ssirith, Xarisith (male); Aassira, Is’siri, Lis’rithsil’ris, Nilsira,
Sirri, Ssiritha, Xarssil (female). Red Sslir only utilize a sur-
name if they are an oath-sworn member of an established
noble-house, such as Issura, Sslirath, or Xar’riss.
Cultural Item: You may choose one of the following items
at character creation (or two by spending a Luck point) to
compliment the rest of your gear—
Ƿ A small vial (2 doses) of Z’laru (an alchemical poi-
son; any creature imbibing it must succeed in a DL 15
Endurance roll or become completely paralyzed for 1
minute per point of failure; Sslir victims receive a +2
bonus to resist this type of poison)
Ƿ A vial (2 doses) of Jai’a (an alchemical elixir; any
Sslir imbibing it instantly restores 3 Health points and 3
Stamina points; any non-Sslir must succeed in a DL 10
Endurance roll or suffer the Mildly Poisoned condition
for one hour; if successful, the drinker heals 3 Health
and 3 Stamina)
Ƿ A Kurth’ra, a Sslirian bladed whip (maximum dam-
age 13; +2 to trip and disarm attempts; reach 3; uses
Weaponry: Ranged skill)
Ƿ A Noth’ra, a Sslirian bladed shield (armor rating
2; maximum damage 10 when shield bashing; -1 Skill
Penalty)
Ƿ Sslir-silk mantle or robe (exceptional quality; armor
rating 1; no Mobility or Skill Penalty; does not stack
with other armors)
Ƿ An alchemical/enchanted glow-stone (emits 5-yard
radius of heat-less light when uncovered; lasts for one
year)
Ƿ Sslirian bead-mail corselet (armor rating 2; no Mo-
bility penalty; -2 Skill Penalty; weighs 15 lbs; Bulk 0)
General Code of Honor
Ƿ Respect those who display strength, cunning, and
intelligence—the true gifts of the Sslir
Ƿ Respect all Sslirian nobles and house-lords, unless
they fail to exhibit the above
Ƿ Serve well the old ideals of the Empire and em-
body the ancient traditions of such
Ƿ Treat all other races as but fodder and slaves, par-
ticularly humans and Chenari
Ƿ Never suffer a Djann to live, the traditional ene-
mies of the Sslir race.
Ƿ Embrace all lore, for all knowledge is power how-
ever dark and forbidden.
CHARACTER CREATION
 SAVAGEIII
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7
CALLINGS
In Savage Kingdoms, a ‘calling’ is a sort of life path, some-
thing almost resembling classes in many other tabletop
RPGs. When creating your character, you may either choose
one of the Callings below or you can simply choose not to
have a Calling and build your character in a more free-form
fashion (apart from your racial or cultural benefits).
Note that, just as it is with Races and Cultures, a Favored
Talent reduces a talent’s cost by one point. A Favored Tal-
ent appearing in both a character’s Race/Culture and Call-
ing may be reduced by two points, though no talent can
ever be reduced by more than two points (unless it is a
specific Racial Ability, such as Magic Affinity for Dark Sid-
he and Eluna Sidhe). Similarly, a Favored Weakness awards
an additional bonus point, and per Favored Talents, can
be “stacked” with a character’s Race/Culture. However, no
more than five bonus points can be acquired at character
creation for taking Weaknesses, with the exception of a few
Blood Talents if possessed.
Sans Calling: Player-characters without specific Callings
begin play with 100 silver coins plus 10 per point of Re-
nown. They may, of course, choose any talents, weakness-
es, and spend skill points in any way they see fit, although
they will miss out on some talent “discounts” and might
not be able to afford some of the starting equipment as
shown below. Any race or culture is allowable for non-Call-
ing characters.
ALCHEMIST
Alchemeia, or alchemy, is a science-like mystical art largely
developed first in the East beyond the Dragon Sea. Some-
times referred to as the “eighth magic” (in reference to the
seven magical disciplines), alchemists became first known in
the West among the Prydonian Isles and eventually the Lo-
rinthian Empire. It then crept northward into Mulovia, and
to some minor extent in Brythia—and further westward
into Esmandos—though the remainder of Astagonia is gen-
erally ignorant (or mistrusting) of the ways of alchemeia.
The most famed institution for alchemists in the West is
the Order of the Golden Crucible, which employs ancient
Eastern methodologies in addition to new Western-based
approaches, while still weaving ritualized magic-craft in
much of it as well. Other sects and organizations make use
of alchemy, even if to some lesser extent, such as the fi-
ery priesthood of Agathon or the mysterious Priestesses of
Romega.
Race/Culture Requirement: Brythian, Esmandian, Lo-
rinthian, Mulovian, or Central Prydonian Islander. (Option-
al non-human races: Duergar, Dark Sidhe, Golden Sslir.)
Talent Requirement: Apprentice (alchemy) or Dabbling
CHARACTER CREATION
Arcanist, for which you must still meet all prerequisites. As
these are considered favored talents, you pay one point less
for them.
Favored Talents—
Battle: Extreme Range.
Blood: Demon-blood, Sslir-blooded.
Mystical: Craft Potion, Cultist, Dabbling Arcanist, Gri-
moire, Herb Magic, Silence Is Power.
Social: Apprentice (mystical), Sage, Scribe.
Subterfuge: Smuggler.
Other: Elite Affiliation (Order of the Golden Crucible),
Fire In The Head, Keen Memory, Puzzle Master.
Favored Weaknesses: Disfigured, Obsession (knowl-
edge or power), Phobia (sorcery).
Skills: You start with 18 + your Intellect in skill points, plus
gain the following for free:
Alchemy level 2
Crafting level 1
Endurance level 1
Herbalism level 1
Lore level 1
Perception level 1
Starting Gear: You begin with the following items, plus
10x your Renown in silver coins (minimum of 10 sc).
Soft boots or Sandals
Robe or Tunic
Cloak or Leather apron
Belt or Sash
Belt Pouch or Leather Sack
Alchemist’s kit
Dagger or Staff
Crossbow or Sling
Quiver of 20 bolts or sling-stones
One flask of Healing Salve or Moderate acid or Prydo-
nian Fire
ASSASSIN
In addition to professional killers, this life-path might also
representspies or particularly shrewd (and deadly) emissar-
ies. Assassins, after all, are skilled slayers, poisoners, and si-
lent and covert perceivers of their targets and other things
around them. Some assassins kill at great distances, utilizing
bows or crossbows as their preferred weapons of choice,
while others destroy their targets up-close, either by thrust-
ing blade or poisoned drink.
Spies and similar sleuths are less violent, but every bit
as quiet, subversive, and unseen in their daily operations.
They perhaps rely more on cleverness and planning than
the mere swiftness and raw strength of a traditional assassin.
The Shadow Blade is perhaps the most renowned (or in-
famous) of assassins’ organizations, an offshoot of the even
57
 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
more infamous and powerful Shadow Hand, based largely
in the Lorinthian Empire. The Shadow Knights of the Dark
Sidhe realm of Lithilor are also thought to be from an order
of warrior-assassins.
Race/Culture Requirement: Brythian, Esmandian, Lo-
rinthian, Mulovian, Prydonian (Central Islander). (Optional
non-human races: Mezcan Chenari, Dark Sidhe, Wild Sidhe,
Green Sslir.)
Talent Requirement: Assassin or Secret Strike (for which
you must still meet all prerequisites). Since these are consid-
ered favored talents, you pay one less point for them.
Favored Talents—
Blood: Demon-blood, Goblin-blood, Gorgon-blood,
Sslir-blooded, Vampire-spawn.
Mystical: Death-touched, Far-reaching Magic, Silence Is
Power.
Social: Courtesan, Gossip, Torturer.
Subterfuge: Assassin, Dirty Tactics, Faceless In A Crowd,
Hunter, Poisoner, Sapping Blow, Secret Strike.
Other: Agile Climber, Fleet-footed, Night-sighted.
Favored Weaknesses: Honorless, Obsession (death or
violence), Tainted.
Skills: You start with 18 + your Intellect in skill points, plus
gain the following skills for free—
Acrobatics level 1
Athletics level 1
Disguise level 1
Perception level 1
Stealth level 1
Weaponry: Melee level 1
Weaponry: Ranged level 1
Starting Gear: You begin with the following items, plus
10x your Renown in silver coins (minimum of 10 sc)—
Soft boots or Soft leather (or cloth) mask
Tunic or Shirt
Cloak
Leather Belt or Sash
Belt Pouch or Leather Sack
Soft Leather Jerkin or Padded Gambeson (armor)
Dagger or Shortsword
Dagger or Dart
Crossbow or Shortbow
Quiver of 20 arrows or bolts
Vial of Moderate Blade Poison or Strong Ingested Poison
BARD
More commonly known as “skalds” in the North, bards are
typically musicians, lore-masters, and often wandering her-
alds and news-bringers. Once associated with the shamanic
58
Druids of the northwestern realms, bards are in these days
more independent, and those who are not attached to a
particular tribe, clan, or court wander the semi-civilized
lands in search of additional tales and lore, or for a want
to express (or earn a living) through song, saga, and the
performing arts.
Some bards, particularly those from the North and West,
are members of the esteemed Emerald Harp, whose pres-
ences are welcomed in most regions across Astagonia. Ad-
ditionally, the Priestesses of Luccia are known to be rather
bard-like, and even the occasional minstrel might aspire to
one day become a true skald.
Race/Culture Requirement: Any, though rarely Thor-
akkian. (Optional non-human races: Dark Sidhe, Duergar,
Eluna Sidhe, Wild Sidhe.)
Talent Requirement: Bard (you must meet all prerequi-
sites). As this is considered a favored talent, you pay one
point less for it.
Favored Talents—
Battle: Battle Muse, Concentrated Defense, Disarming
Strike, Fending Stance, Gauge Opponent, Tripping At-
tack, War-cry.
Blood: Angelic-blood, Dragon-kindred, Rhodonite
Blood, Sidhe-blooded.
Mystical: Battle Mage, Cultist, Evil Eye, Song Magic,
Words of Power.
Social: Carouser, Comeliness, Cutting Figure, Educated,
Exaltation, Gift of Tongues, Gypsy, Herald, Mentor, Sage.
Subterfuge: Feigned Attack, Fortune Teller, Gossip,
Lampoon, Seductive Dance.
Other: Animal Kinship, Commanding Voice, Elite Affilia-
tion (The Emerald Harp), Fast Learner, Fire In The Head,
Healer’s Touch, Heirloom (musical instrument), Keen
Memory, Puzzle Master, Rallying Speech.
Favored Weaknesses: Obsession (history, knowledge,
or music).
Skills: You start with 17 + your Intellect in skill points, plus
gain the following skills for free—
Animal Handling level 1
Disguise level 1
Language level 1
Lore level 1
Performance level 2
Persuasion level 1
Resolve level 1
Starting Gear: You begin with the following items, plus
10x your Renown in silver coins (minimum of 10 sc).
High or Soft boots
Tunic or Shirt
Breeches or Kilt
Leather Belt or Silken Sash
CHARACTER CREATION
 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
Belt Pouch or Knapsack
Buckler (small shield) or Soft Leather armor
Dagger or Shortsword
Crossbow or Longsword
Bodhran (hand drum) or Flute
Harp or Lute
BERSERKER
In the more barbarous reaches of the world—particularly
in the far North—there exists a wild and wanton type of
warrior known as the Berserker. Some whisper that this
term comes from the tendency of these savage fighters to
wear little more than a bear-skin (“bear-shirt”), or perhaps
shirtless entirely (“bare-skin”), for the far-flung corners of
the scarcely-known world can be full of frights and terrible
dangers. Not all barbarian warriors are berserkers, howev-
er, although almost all berserkers are barbarians.
Adventuring berserkers are not entirely rare and many
employ their unique fighting talents in order to earn a liv-
ing abroad as mercenaries. Otherwise, they can usually be
found as champions of their clans or tribes, or specialty war-
riors used to break an opposing army’s shield-wall or some
other half-mad act of violent bravado.
Race/Culture Requirement: Caernian, Cymreddi, Gaer-
nic, Norish, Prydonian (Outer Islander), Skathian, Thorakki.
(Optional non-human races: Emanjian Chenari, Duergar,
Wild Sidhe, Red Sslir).
Talent Requirement: Berserker Rage, of which you must
still meet all prerequisites. As this is considered a favored
talent, you pay one point less for it.
Favored Talents—
Battle: Ambidexterity, Bashing Blow, Battle Senses, Ber-
serker Rage, Break The Wall, Bullish Charge, Cleaving
Blow, Crushing Blow, Decapitating Strike, Dual Blades,
Fell-handed, Hated Foe, Heavy Hitter, Improvised
Weaponry, Leaping Strike, Opportunistic Strike, Pugilistic
Follow-up, Punishing Charge, Rushing Attack, Severing
Blow, Shattering Blow, Unarmored Fighting, War-cry,
Web of Steel, Wolfpack Tactics.
Blood: Demon-blood, Giant-blood, Lycanthrope (were-
bear or were-wolf), Troll-born.
Mystical: Death-touched, Mystic Tattoo, Totem Animal.
Social: Champion, Mercenary, Mountaineer, Woods-
man.
Subterfuge: Dirty Tactics, Hunter, Raider.
Other: Body-painting, Cat-like Reflexes, Fleet of Foot,
Grit, Heroic Strength, Intimidating Physique, Quick Heal-
er, Valorous.
Favored Weaknesses: Disfigured, Oath-bound (to clan
or tribe), Obsession (blood or plunder).
Skills: You start with 17 + your Intellect in skill points, plus
gain the following skills for free—
CHARACTER CREATION
Acrobatics level 1
Athletics level 1
Brawling level 1
Endurance level 1
Resolve level 1
Sailing or Survival level 1
Weaponry: Melee level 2
Starting Gear: You begin with the following items, plus
10x your Renown in silver coins (minimum 10 sc) to pur-
chase any additional equipment if you so choose.
Buskins/moccasins or Soft Boots
Cloth Trousers or Leather Breeches or Kilt
Fur Cape or Cloak
Belt or Girdle
Soft Leather Jerkin (armor) or Small Shield
Horned War-helm or Skull head-piece
Battleaxe or Greataxe
Dagger or Handaxe or Warhammer
Javelin or Sling
Javelin or Pouch of 20 sling-stones
CRAFTSMAN
Though adventuring smiths and other craftsmen tend to be
a rarity, it is certainly not unheard of as master-crafters can
be in high demand among the various realms of the known
world. Some craftspeople are blacksmiths or woodwork-
ers or stonecutters, while others could be leather-workers,
weavers, tailors and jewelers (among many other types).
The very term “journeyman”—an ancient piece of crafts-
man’s jargon—represents a smith or other crafter making a
journey, furthering knowledge of his trade in remote or far-
away places, sometimes serving under a master-craftsman.
As such, the “adventuring craftsperson” is born.
Naturally, the Crafting skill is the primary focus of a
craftsman, but other skills and talents not as associated with
craftsmanship are often learned by folk of this calling as
well. A craftsman—particularly a master or grand-master—
might find permanent employment in the service of some
lord or king, or have others seek him out from far reaches
of the known realms.
59
 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
Race/Culture Requirement: Any. (Optional non-hu-
man races: Any.)
Talent Requirement: Apprentice (non-mystical) or Arti-
san. Your choice of which. As these are considered favored
talents, you pay one less point for them.
Favored Talents—
Battle: Ambidexterity, Blade-honing.
Blood: Angelic-blood, Dragon-kindred, Giant-blood,
Sidhe-blooded.
Mystical: Craft Potion, Enchant Talisman, Rune Magic.
Social: Apprentice (non-mystical), Artisan, Henchman
(apprentice), Merchant.
Subterfuge: Smuggler.
Other: Fast Learner, Fire In The Head, Heirloom, Tire-
less.
Favored Weaknesses: Obsession (crafting or inventing).
Skills: You start with 20 + your Intellect in skill points, plus
gain the following skills for free:
Crafting level 2
Endurance level 1
Perception level 1
Resolve level 1
Starting Gear: You begin with the following items, plus
10x your Renown in silver coins (minimum 10 sc) to pur-
chase additional gear if you so choose:
Sandals or Soft Boots
Shirt or Tunic
Cloak or Leather apron
Leather Belt or Girdle
Set of crafting tools of the type of your choice
Belt Pouch or Leather Sack
Club or Dagger
Handaxe or Staff
Padded Gambeson or Soft Leather Jerkin (armor)
GLADIATOR
Whether a true gladiator in the arenas of the Lorinthi-
an Empire, a warrior-athlete of the Prydonian Isles, or
a tourney-fighter from the North, this calling is for the
crowd-pleasing participants of the various blood-sports.
While most gladiatorial warriors are enslaved, often man-
aged by a stable-master or some other form of owner, there
are a good many who are free, competing for gold and
glory in the arenas, pits, and tournament fields across the
known world.
Gladiators taking to a life of wandering and merce-
nary-like adventure typically bring some expertise with
arms and armaments with them, but also tend to be skilled
in performance art, crowd-working, and general bombast.
60
Though perhaps not as talented in the truer militant ways
of hardened soldiers and militiamen, a gladiator can offer
some grit and pizazz to an adventuring fellowship.
Race/Culture Requirement: Any, but particularly Lorin-
thian and Prydonian. (Optional non-human races: Any but
Eluna Sidhe, Golden Sslir, and Mezcan Chenari.)
Talent Requirement: Gladiator, Knight, or Mercenary.
Since these are considered favored talents, you pay one less
point for them.
Favored Talents—
Battle: Agile Weaponry, Ambidexterity, Battle Dancer,
Berserker Rage, Blind-fighting, Crippling Attack, Dead-
ly Lunge, Defensive Dash, Double-fisted Throw, Draw
The Line, Dual Blades, Gauge Opponent, Haft and Staff,
Heavy Hitter, Honor Duel, Impaling Thrust, Improvised
Weaponry, Kip, Leaping Strike, Meat Shield, Opportunis-
tic Strike, Parry Missiles, Precision Strike, Pressing Attack,
Pugilistic Follow-up, Retaliating Strike, Rushing Attack,
Shadowing Step, Shield Bash, Swashbuckling, Tripping
Attack, Unarmored Fighting, Web of Steel.
Blood: Giant-blood, Goblin-blooded, Gorgon-blood,
Rhodonite-blood, Sslir-blooded, Troll-born.
Mystical: Battle Mage, Death-touched.
Social: Bodyguard, Carouser, Champion, Famed, Gladi-
ator, Knight, Legionarri, Mercenary, Militia.
Subterfuge: Dirty Tactics, Feigned Attack, Gambler.
Other: Cat-like Reflexes, Grit, Heroic Strength, Intimi-
dating Physique, Quick Healer, Tireless.
Favored Weaknesses: Addiction (red lotus), Disfigured,
Doomed, Exiled, Illegitimate, Indebted, Maimed, Oath-
bound (to slave-master or arena-manager), Obsession
(competition), Savage.
Skills: You start with 18 + your Intellect in skill points, plus
the following skills for free—
Acrobatics level 1
Athletics level 1
Brawling level 1
Endurance level 1
Performance level 1
Weaponry: Melee level 2
Starting Gear: You begin with the following items, plus
10x your Renown in silver coins (minimum 10 sc) to pur-
chase additional items if you so choose—
Sandals or Soft Boots
Leather War-skirt or Breeches
Shirt or Tunic
Belt or Girdle
Cape or Cloak
Hard Leather Armor or Chainmail Shirt
Buckler or Javelin
Shortsword or Spear or Trident
CHARACTER CREATION
 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
Cestus or Dagger
HEALER
This life-path represents healers of several types, from
herbalists to leech-crafters to even those who practice heal-
ing-magic. Some healers are more formerly trained, such
as in the temples of some civilized realm or at the feet of a
master shaman, while others dabble independently in the
craft as “cunning women” or “wise men”. Regardless, a
healer’s primary concern is the well-being of his or her tribe
(or current companions), or perhaps even the sanctity of
life itself.
Adventuring healers are somewhat rare, although they
are extremely useful to mercenary companies, merchant
parties, and other groups who stride into the wilds of the
known realms in order to earn fame, fortune, or merely eek
out a living. Healers tend to be somewhat gentle in nature,
although often that gentility only carries so far against those
dabbling in necromancy or the true evil of demons and oth-
er dastardly opponents.
Race/Culture Requirement: Any. (Optional non-hu-
man races: Any, save Dark Sidhe and all Sslir.)
Talent Requirement: Healer’s Touch or Priest (of a sect
of your choice depending on your culture). As these are
considered favored talents, you pay one less point less for
them.
Favored Talents—
Battle: Concentrated Defense, Defensive Dash.
Blood: Angelic-blood, Rhodonite Blood, Sidhe-blooded.
Mystical: Acolyte, Counter Magic, Craft Potion, Death-
touched, Ghost-sight, Herbal Magic, Swift Ritual.
Social: Apprentice, Bard, Comeliness, Mercenary, Sage.
Subterfuge: Seductive Dance.
Other: Animal Kinship, Fast Learner, Fleet of Foot,
Healer’s Touch, Pious Faith, Quick Healer, Tireless, Val-
orous, Vigilant.
Favored Weaknesses: Oath-bound (to a long-suffering
patient or local lord or temple), Obsession (assisting oth-
ers or life-magic), Phobia (undead), Zealot.
Skills: You start with 19 + your Intellect in skill points, plus
gain the following skills for free—
Animal Handling level 1
Herbalism level 1
Healing Arts level 2
Perception level 1
Resolve level 1
Starting Gear: You begin with the following items, plus
10x your Renown in silver coins (minimum 10 sc) to pur-
chase additional items if you so choose—
CHARACTER CREATION
Sandals or Soft Boots
Mantle or Tunic
Cloak or Over-tunic
Leather Belt or Sash
Belt Pouch or Healer’s Pouch
Herbalist’s Pouch or Soft Leather Jerkin (armor)
Dagger or Staff
Preserved White Lotus Blossom or Vial of Healing Salve
HUNTER
This life-path represents those who make their way (and
living) among the wilds of the world and might in some
cultures be known as Scouts or Rangers. As such, a Scout is
generally an accomplished archer, since long ranges must
sometimes be covered in vast terrains, and more often a
stealthy stalker and swift skirmisher. Perception and aware-
ness are also important, as is the ability to survive for long
periods in the wilderness.
Most hunters are suited to a life of adventuring and
wanderlust, as their skill sets almost perfectly support their
rough-and-tumble ways and tendency to run afoul of pred-
atory beasts among field, forest, and stream. Some armies
and military units hire scouts to lead them through certain
territories, or else train select soldiers in the ways of track-
ing, subterfuge, and long-distance assault.
Race/Culture Requirement: Any, although Lorinthian
(Southern Provinces) and Prydonian (Central Islander) are
quite rare. (Optional non-human races: Any, save Golden
and Red Sslir.)
Talent Requirement: Hunter, Mountaineer, or Woods-
man (your choice of one), of which you must still meet all
prerequisites. As these are considered favored talents, you
pay one less point for them.
Favored Talents—
Battle: Ambidexterity, Battle Senses, Blind-fighting,
Careful Aim, Close-quarters Archery, Defensive Dash,
Double-Arrow Shot, Double-fisted Throw, Extreme
Range, Finessing Shot, Hit And Run, Horseback Archery,
Impaling Shot, Mighty Ranged, Parry Missiles, Quick
Withdraw, Running Shot, Swashbuckling, Unarmored
Fighting, Warning Shot, Wolfpack Tactics.
Blood: Goblin-blooded, Lycanthrope, Sidhe-blooded.
Mystical: Beast-master, Far-reaching Magic, Herbal
Magic, Power of Silence, Second Sight, Totem Animal.
Social: Legionarri, Mercenary, Mountaineer, Woods-
man.
Subterfuge: Hunter, Privateer, Raider, Secret Strike,
Tomb Robber, Trap-setter.
Other: Animal Kinship, Beast Companion, Body-paint-
ing, Cat-like Reflexes, Fey-touched, Fleet of Foot, Grit,
Light Sleeper, Navigator, Night-sighted, Tireless, Vigilant.
Favored Weaknesses: Obsession (hunting, outdoors, or
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 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
travel), Phobia (enclosed spaces or fire).
Skills: You start with 17 + your Intellect in skill points, plus
gain the following skills for free—
Acrobatics level 1
Athletics level 1
Endurance level 1
Herbalism level 1
Perception level 1
Stealth level 1
Survival level 1
Weaponry: Ranged level 1
Starting Gear: You begin with the following equipment,
plus 10x your Renown in silver coins (minimum 10 sc) to
purchase any additional gear if you so choose.
Buskins/moccasins or Soft Boots
Leather Breeches or Cloth/Woolen Trousers
Shirt or Tunic
Cloak or Over-tunic
Leather Belt or 3-yard length of rope
Belt Pouch or Herbalist’s Kit
Soft Leather Jerkin or Brigandine (armor)
Buckler or Spear or Staff
Longbow or Shortbow or Sling
Quiver of 20 arrows or Pouch of 20 sling-stones
Dagger or Handaxe
KNIGHT
Several cultures support the knightly class, those with a so-
cial and military obligation to a liege-lord (such as a baron,
count, duke, or king). Since knights typically come from
some degree of wealth and privilege—although there are
certainly poorer “hedge knights” or “country knights”—
they often are horsemen, sometimes called cavaliers or cav-
alrymen. Most, therefore, can afford some decent degree
of war-gear, such as mail or better armor and a fine sword
or lance or mace, for they are generally supplied by or paid
by their lieges. A knight, after all, is typically oath-bound to
protect the lands and chattels of his or her lord, and in some
cases, might have even greater obligations.
Knights with the actual ‘Knight’ social talent represent
those born into this social class, or otherwise are more
aligned to it, while characters without this talent are com-
mon-born warriors who scraped their way into gaining the
attention of a liege-lord or other patron.
Race/Culture Requirements: Aradornian, Brythian,
Mulovian, or Skathian. (Optional non-human races: Duer-
gar, Dark Sidhe, Eluna Sidhe).
Talent Requirement: Knight (you must meet all the pre-
requisites). As this is considered a favored talent, you pay
one less point for it.
Favored Talents—
62
Battle: Armor Acclimation, Bashing Blow, Cleaving
Blow, Concentrated Defense, Disarming Strike, Fell-hand-
ed, Fending Stance, Gauge Opponent, Hold The Breach,
Honor Duel, Inspiring Presence, Mounted Charge, Mus-
ter The Horde, Parrying Specialist, Pressing Attack, Quick
Withdraw, Retaliating Strike, Shield Rush, Smiting Blow,
Tactician.
Blood: Angelic-blood, Sidhe-blooded.
Mystical: Meditative Trance, Sacred Oath.
Social: Champion, Crusader, Cutting Figure, Educated,
Famed, Followers, Henchman (squire), Herald, High-
born, Holy Warrior, Knight, Mentor, Mercenary, Squire,
Statecraft.
Subterfuge: Hunter.
Other: Beast Companion (horse), Commanding Voice,
Grit, Heirloom (armor or weapon), Light Sleeper, Pious
Faith, Rallying Speech, Tireless, Valorous, Vigilant.
Skills: You start with 13 + your Intellect in skill points, plus
the following automatically—
Animal Handling level 2
Athletics level 1
Brawling level 1
Endurance level 1
Lore level 1
Persuasion level 1
Resolve level 1
Survival level 1
Weaponry: Melee level 2
Weaponry: Ranged level 1
Starting Gear: You start with a number of silver coins
equal to 10x your Renown (minimum 10), plus the follow-
ing items for free—
Light Warhorse (with saddle, bags, and tack and harness)
Padded Gambeson (armor) or Chainmail Shirt
Medium Shield or Greatsword
Longsword or Saber
War-helm or Mailed coif and war-cap
Lance or Mace or Warhammer
Dagger or Shortbow
Quiver of 20 arrows or 2 javelins
Surcote or Long tunic
Riding Boots or Soft Boots
Leather Belt or Girdle (broad belt)
Belt Pouch or Knapsack
MERCHANT
Traders, or merchants, are often the life’s blood of many a
realm, bringing goods from faraway lands and bargaining
for hard-to-get items. While the nobility might rule in the-
ory, it is the more common-blooded merchant who often
reigns supreme in the hearts and minds of the populace,
bringing news (and wares) from outlands like a mercantile
messenger. Traders exist in virtually all cultures—some more
so than others—and even the somewhat barbarous North-
CHARACTER CREATION
 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
man might chose civil trade over violent raiding on more Quiver of 20 arrows or Pouch of 20 Sling-stones
than one occasion. Cart, Wagon, or Riding Horse.
Where some merchants travel the lands in wagons, carts,
or some other form of transportation—or simply peddle
modest goods in the city streets—others prefer the high seas
to gain even greater distances, bearing large cargos in the
NOBLE
bellies of cogs and galleys and longships. Most traders are
at least passingly legal and perhaps even moral, although
others might be better classified as smugglers or black-mar-
ket dealers.

Race/Culture Requirement: Any, although Cymreddi

and Thorakki traders are rare. (Optional non-human races:
Any, save for Wild Sidhe, Green Sslir, Red Sslir.)
Talent Requirement: Merchant. As this is considered a
favored talent, you pay one less point for it.

Favored Talents—

Battle: Disarming Strike, Fending Stance, Gauge Oppo-

nent.
Blood: Dragon-kindred, Goblin-blooded, Sidhe-blood-
ed.
Mystical: Cultist, Enchant Talisman, Focal Object.
Social: Apprentice, Bard, Caravan Master, Cutting Fig-
ure, Educated, Gift of Tongues, Gypsy, Mariner, Mer-
chant, Porter.
Subterfuge: Gambler, Gossip, Privateer, Raider, Slaver,
Smuggler, Tomb Robber, Trap-setter.
Other: Beast Companion, Fast Learner, Fleet of Foot,
Heirloom, Light Sleeper, Navigator, Night-sighted, Puz-
zle Master, Tireless, Willful Presence.

Favored Weaknesses: Obsession (rare items or wealth).

This path represents those born of privileged leadership, be
Skills: You start with 18 + your Intellect in skill points, plus it high-born by birthright or those fortunate enough to be-
gain the following skills for free— come ennobled later on in life. The noble class, depending
on the specific culture, offers ranks and titles such as baron,
Animal Handling level 1 baroness, count, countess, thane, jarl, duke and duchess,
Crafting level 1 prince and princess, and perhaps more. If the backbone of a
Language level 1 society is the common-folk, then surely the scheming mind
Lore level 1 of it is the nobility (and, by extension, royalty).
In the more barbarous realms, it is often enough to be
Perception level 1
a champion or a leader of a score of warriors to be recog-
Persuasion level 1
nized as “noble”, and an even greater feat to be considered
Sailing level 1 or Survival level 1
a chieftain or jarl. On occasion, attaining great notoriety
and leadership as a high priest, chief-shaman, or some other
Starting Gear: You begin with the following items, plus typically “non-noble” profession is enough to be consid-
10x your Renown in silver coins (minimum 10 sc)—
ered noble, and in some of the more civilized (or decadent)
kingdoms, certain titles might make one “ennobled” (such
Sandals or Soft Boots
as gaining knighthood or legally acquired land).
Tunic or Shirt
Those of noble ranks are expected to live up to their
Trousers or Breeches
titles and holdings, which means—in the very least—pro-
Cloak or Over-tunic
tecting their domains (and the greater realm at large) from
Leather Belt or Sash
invasion, border-raids, and other threats to the security of
Belt Pouch or Knapsack
the common people and the kingdom itself.
Belt Pouch or Leather Sack
Padded Gambeson or Soft Leather Jerkin (armor)
Race/Culture Requirement: Any. (Optional non-hu-
Dagger or Shortsword
man races: Any, except Green Sslir and Red Sslir.)
Shortbow or Sling or Staff

CHARACTER CREATION 63
 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
Talent Requirement: High-born (of which you must still
meet all prerequisites). As this is considered a favored tal-
ent, you pay one less point for it.
Favored Talents—
Battle: Armor Acclimation, Concentrated Defense,
Deadly Lunge, Disarming Strike, Draw The Line, Fend-
ing Stance, Gauge Opponent, Honor Duel, Horseback
Archery, Inspiring Presence, Muster The Horde, Precision
Strike, Pressing Attack, Retaliating Strike, Siege Specialist,
Tactician, Tripping Attack, War-cry, Warning Shot.
Blood: Dragon-kindred, Rhodonite Blood, Sidhe-blood-
ed.
Mystical: Battle Mage, Evil Eye, Grimoire, Sacred Oath,
Supernatural Pact, True Name.
Social: Adept, Ally, Captain, Champion, Comeliness,
Crusader, Cutting Figure, Educated, Followers, Hench-
man (servant or slave), Herald, High-born, Inquisitor,
Knight, Squire, Statecraft.
Subterfuge: Gambler, Gossip, Hunter, Lampoon, Poi-
soner, Privateer.
Other: Commanding Voice, Destiny, Fire In The Head,
Heirloom, Pious Faith, Rallying Speech, Valorous, Willful
Presence.
Skills: You start with 17 + your Intellect in skill points, plus
gain the following for free—
Animal Handling level 1
Language level 1
Lore level 1
Performance level 1
Persuasion level 2
Resolve level 1
Weaponry: Melee level 1
Starting Gear: You begin with the following items, plus
10x your Renown in silver coins (minimum 10 sc) to pur-
chase any additional equipment if you so choose—
Riding Boots or Soft Boots
Fine tunic or shirt
Fine over-tunic or robe
Fine Breeches, kilt, or trousers
Fine Cape or Fur-trimmed Cloak
Leather Belt or Leather Girdle
Belt Pouch or Fine Leather Satchel
Dagger or Shortsword
Longsword or Warhammer
Chainmail Shirt or Padded Gambeson (armor)
Medium Shield or Shortbow
Quiver of 20 Arrows or Signet Ring
Chariot or Falcon or Riding Horse
PIRATE
Perhaps more commonly called ‘Raiders’ in the North or
‘Corsairs’ in the far East, this calling refers to those so in-
clined toward a roguish life of thuggery, plunder, and
lawlessness on the high seas. If a bandit or brigand is a
land-based outlaw, then surely pirates and corsairs are the
ones based almost solely on the seas and great lakes in the
known world, often moving from port to port with illegal
cargo to fence (or bury temporarily) before privateers or
other forms of authority catch up to them.
In the West, the Brythians and Esmandians (particularly
the latter) are the most notorious of pirating cultures, al-
though both realms often claim that they are simply acting
as privateers against the encroachments of the other. A pri-
vateer, after all, is a “legal pirate”, one that has been given
leave by a noble or royal personage to hunt and destroy (or
capture) the opposition.
Note that this life-path could also represent a more legal
or moral type of mariner, although for a more mercantile
approach to sea-life might be best simulated by the Mer-
chant calling and/or talent.
Racial/Cultural Requirement: Any, save Aradornian
and Caernian (and seldom Cymreddi). (Optional non-hu-
man races: Dark Sidhe, Mezcan Chenari, Green Sslir, Red
Sslir.)
Talent Requirement: Mariner, Privateer, Raider, or
Smuggler (of which you must still meet all the prerequi-
sites). Since these are considered favored talents, you pay
one less point for them.
Favored Talents—
Battle: Ambidexterity, Berserker Rage, Crippling Attack,
Deadly Lunge, Disarming Strike, Double-fisted Throw,
Dual Blades, Extreme Range, Hated Foe, Hit And Run,
Impaling Shot, Improvised Weaponry, Leaping Strike,
Opportunistic Strike, Pressing Attack, Pugilistic Fol-
low-up, Quick Withdraw, Rushing Attack, Swashbuck-
ling, Tripping Attack, Unarmored Fighting, War-cry,
Wolfpack Tactics.
Blood: Demon-blood, Goblin-blooded, Gorgon-blood,
Sslir-blooded.
Mystical: Cultist, Dabbling Arcanist, Death-touched,
Far-reaching Magic, Mystic Tattoo, Supernatural Pact.
Social: Captain (sea-based), Carouser, Mariner, Merce-
nary, Merchant, Street Rat.
Subterfuge: Assassin, Dirty Tactics, Feigned Attack,
Gambler, Privateer, Raider, Secret Strike, Slaver, Smug-
gler, Tomb Robber.
Other: Cat-like Reflexes, Elite Affiliation (Crimson Skull
Pirates), Grit, Light Sleeper, Navigator, Night-sighted,
Pearl Diver.

Favored Weaknesses: Disfigured, Lame, Maimed, Hon-

orless, Oath-breaker.

64 CHARACTER CREATION
 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
Skills: You start with 17 + your Intellect in skill points, plus ders. Generally speaking, this represents more of a “tem-
gain the following skills for free— ple priest,” a holy man or woman from a more refined
or civilized culture (see Shaman below for a more barbaric
Acrobatics level 1 approach to priest-craft). Priests do the presumed will of
Athletics level 1 the gods, as judged by the omens and often centuries-old
Brawling or Weaponry: Ranged level 1 dogma, and as such, are usually afforded a good deal of
Endurance level 1 respect and social (and sometimes magical) power within
Perception level 1 their culture.
Sailing level 2 Some priests serve within vast and awe-inspiring tem-
Weaponry: Melee level 1 ples, while others work inside darker, more subtle spaces
or even in holy places not so easily identified as such. A
few priestly sects are known for their great temple-houses,
Starting Gear: You begin with the following equipment,
while others are less known or are renowned for smaller
plus 10x your Renown in silver coins (minimum 10 sc) to
buildings or mere shrines. At least one priesthood in the
purchase any additional gear if you so choose—
West is known for a looser organization, wherein priests are
sometimes referred to as monks or “monastic priests” and
Sandals or Soft Boots
gather together in monasteries and abbeys.
Breeches or Trousers
Shirt or Tunic or Vest
Belt or 3-yard piece of rope Race/Culture Requirement: Any, save Cymreddi, Gaer-
Belt Pouch or Leather Sack nic, Norish, Skathian, Thorakkian. (Optional non-human
Buckler or Soft Leather Jerkin (armor) races: Duergar, Dark Sidhe, Eluna Sidhe, Golden Sslir).
Dagger or Shortsword Talent Requirement: Priest (of one sect of your choice,
Estoc or Saber depending upon your culture). As this is considered a fa-
Crossbow or Dagger or Shortbow vored talent, you pay one point less for it.
Quiver of 20 arrows or Vial of Moderate Blade Poison
Favored Talents—

Battle: Concentrated Defense, Draw The Line, Fending

PRIEST Stance, Haft and Staff, Inspiring Presence, Smiting Blow.
Blood: Angelic-blood, Demon-blood, Dragon-kindred,
Rhodonite Blood.
Mystical: Acolyte, Battle Mage, Blood Magic, Celestial
Magic, Counter Magic, Cultist, Dual Focus, Enchant Tal-
isman, Focal Object, Ghost-sight, Grimoire, Meditative
Trance, Mystic Trance, Sacred Oath, Second Sight, Super-
natural Pact, Swift Ritual, True Name, Words of Power.
Social: Crusader, Educated, Followers, Gift of Tongues,
Henchman (acolyte or lay-priest), Holy Warrior, Inquisi-
tor, Mentor, Sage, Scribe, Statecraft.
Subterfuge: Fortune Teller, Gossip, Lampoon.
Other: Destiny, Healer’s Touch, Pious Faith, Rallying
Speech, Tireless, Willful Presence.

Favored Weaknesses: Oath-bound (to the sect), Obses-

sion (knowledge or power), Zealot.

Skills: You start with 18 + your Intellect in skill points, plus

gain the following skills for free—

Alchemy level 1
Healing Arts level 1
Herbalism level 1
Language level 1
Lore level 1
Persuasion level 1
Resolve level 1

As representatives of the gods, priests come in many types Starting Gear: You begin with the following equipment,
with allegiances to various sects, cults, and religious or- plus 10x your Renown in silver coins (minimum of 10 sc)—

CHARACTER CREATION 65
 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
Soft boots or Sandals
Robe or Tunic
Cape or Cloak
Wooden, stone, or iron holy icon/symbol
Padded Gambeson (armor) or Buckler (small shield)
Belt or Sash or 3-yard piece of rope
Club or Staff
Mace or Spear
Dagger or Crossbow
Quiver of 20 bolts or Vial of holy water (or oil)
Scroll case or old book (blank)
SAGE
Also known as Scholars or Lore-masters, this life-path sim-
ulates a man or woman of great knowledge, perhaps edu-
cated formally at court, in temples, or at the feet of grand-
masters. Not all sages, however, are so properly taught,
some having self-taught themselves a multitude of subjects
or learned—possibly in a trial-by-fire manner—in the wilds
of some barbaric backwood.
Sages are often sought after by rulers, pilgrims, and
far-travelers (among others), typically in search of wise ad-
vice or perhaps some long-lost cure or the true name of an
Otherworldly entity. Scholars prefer the safety of towers,
temples, and noble-sponsored keeps, more often than not,
although the occasional “adventuring” or wandering sage
is not unheard of. Lore-masters with a sense of wander-
lust might prove highly beneficial to an adventuring com-
pany (or mercenary unit), particularly with their advanced
knowledge in language, lore, and similar Intellect-based
skills (sometimes including alchemy or magical arts).
Note that this life-path could also represent an Oracle
or Seer, which is generally a more mystically oriented sage
perhaps skilled in Shadow-magic or gifted in Second Sight.
Race/Culture Requirement: Any, though Caernian,
Cymreddi, Gaernic, Norish, and Prydonian (Outer Islander)
are rare. (Optional non-human races: Any, save Green and
Red Sslir.)
Talent Requirement: Sage, Scribe, or Second Sight (your
choice of one), of which you must still meet all prerequi-
sites. Since these are considered favored talents, you pay
one point less for them.
Favored Talents—
Battle: None.
Blood: Angelic-blood, Dragon-kindred, Rhodonite
Blood, Sidhe-blooded, Sslir-blooded.
Mystical: Acolyte, Celestial Magic, Create Spell, Dab-
bling Arcanist, Death-touched, Grimoire, Meditative
Trance, Mystic Trance, Power of Silence, Sanctum Magic,
Second Sight, Supernatural Pact, True Name.
Social: Adept, Apprentice (mystical), Bard, Educated,
Gift of Tongues, Herald, Mentor, Sage.
Subterfuge: Fortune Teller, Gossip.
Other: Fast Learner, Fire In The Head, Keen Memory,
66
Navigator, Puzzle Master.
Favored Weaknesses: Addiction (dream lotus), Obses-
sion (knowledge).
Skills: You start with 18 + your Intellect in skill points, plus
gain the following skills for free—
Alchemy level 1
Healing Arts level 1 or Magical Arts: Shadow level 1
Herbalism level 1
Language level 2
Lore level 2
Starting Gear: You begin with the following equipment,
plus 10x your Renown in silver coins (minimum 10 sc) to
purchase any additional gear if you so choose.
Sandals or Soft Boots
Robe or Tunic
Cloak or Over-tunic
Belt or Sash
Belt Pouch or Scroll-case (bone or leather)
Vial of black ink or Sheaf of blank parchment
Padded Gambeson or Shortsword
Dagger or Staff
SEER
Perhaps more known as Oracles in the southern realms,
Seers are those who “see beyond” and are often gifted in
Second Sight or some other mystical means of discerning
omens, portents, signs, and dreams. A seer is often an older
individual—someone who has witnessed much in the earth-
ly world (and Otherworld)—though this is not always the
case. A specially gifted oracle might very well be a small
child, perhaps of angelic descent or some other magical par-
entage, or a man or woman born blind or denied some
other physical sense or capability.
Some seers are quite learned, perhaps being closer to
sages or scholars than oracles, while others operate primar-
ily on pure instinct and intuition. A few become priests as
well, and certain sects—such as the Priestesses of Romega
or Priests of Orseus—practically groom those gifted in seer-
craft and the arts of divination.
Race/Culture Requirement: Any. (Optional non-hu-
man races: Any, save Green and Red Sslir.)
Talent Requirement: Death-touched, Fortune Teller, or
Second Sight.
Favored Talents—
Battle: Battle Senses, Blind-fighting, Gauge Opponent.
Blood: Angelic-blood, Rhodonite Blood, Sidhe-blooded.
Mystical: Acolyte, Death-touched, Evil Eye, Far-reach-
ing Magic, Ghost-sight, Meditative Trance, Mystic Trance,
Second Sight, True Name.
CHARACTER CREATION
 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
Social: Followers, Gift of Tongues, Sage.
Subterfuge: Fortune Teller.
Other: Commanding Voice, Destiny, Fey-touched, Fire
In The Head, Keen Memory, Navigator, Pious Faith, Puz-
zle Master, Time Sense, Vigilant.
Favored Weaknesses: Blind, Heretic, Lame, Maimed,
Obsession (past, future, or Other-world), Zealot.
Skills: You start with 19 + your Intellect in skill points, plus
gain the following skills—
Alchemy or Herbalism level 1
Language level 1
Lore level 1
Perception level 2
Resolve level 1
Starting Gear: You begin with the following items, plus
10x your Renown in silver coins (minimum 10 sc) to pur-
chase additional equipment if you so choose.
Sandals or Soft Boots
Breeches or Trousers
Robe or Tunic
Cloak or Shawl
Belt or 3-yard piece of rope
Belt Pouch or Knapsack
Scroll-case or Vial of black ink
Oil Lamp or Wax Candles(x2)
Dagger or Staff
SHAMAN
To the more “barbarian” cultures, shamans are those who
interpret dreams and the will of the gods, and who often
learn the ways of healing, herbalism, and the deeper eso-
teric knowledges of the spirit-world and beyond. They are,
as such, the priests of these more primal cultures, attached
more to sacred groves and stone circles than artificial tem-
ple-houses.
Though shamanic types are often fiercely independent
and found their belief systems more on an intuitive under-
standing of the natural (and supernatural) world, an occa-
sional “order” or sect might arise from them, such as the
famed Druidic Order in the north and west. In truth, there
are several subtly varying shamanic-druid sects, but for our
purposes here, they are generally treated as one large con-
glomerate.
Race/Culture Requirement: Brythian, Caernian,
Cymreddi, Gaernic, Norish, Thorakki. (Optional non-hu-
man races: all Chenari and Wild Sidhe.)
Talent Requirement: Acolyte or Priest (Druidic Order,
but only if from western realms), for which you must still
meet all prerequisites. As these are considered favored tal-
ents, you pay one point less for them.
Favored Talents—
CHARACTER CREATION
Battle: Battle Muse, Berserker Rage, Blind-fighting, De-
fensive Dash, Disarming Strike, Draw The Line, Fending
Stance, Gauge Opponent, Leaping Strike, Running Shot,
Smiting Blow, Unarmored Fighting, War-cry, Wolfpack
Tactics.
Blood: Dragon-kindred, Goblin-blooded, Lycanthrope,
Sidhe-blooded, Troll-born.
Mystical: Acolyte, Beast-master, Blood Magic, Celestial
Magic, Counter Magic, Craft Potion, Death-touched,
Dual Focus, Enchant Talisman, Evil Eye, Familiar, Herbal
Magic, Magic Affinity, Meditative Trance, Mystic Tattoo,
Mystic Trance, Sanctum Magic, Second Sight, Supernatu-
ral Pact, Swift Ritual, Totem Animal.
Social: Bard, Mentor, Mountaineer, Sage, Woodsman.
Subterfuge: Fortune Teller, Hunter, Seductive Dance,
Torturer, Trap-setter.
Other: Animal Kinship, Beast Companion, Body-paint-
ing, Fast Learner, Fey-touched, Fire In The Head, Heal-
er’s Touch, Keen Memory, Light Sleeper, Night-sighted,
Pious Faith, Quick Healer, Tireless.
Favored Weaknesses: Addiction (a type of lotus or
woad), Blind, Lame, Oath-bound (to clan/tribal chief-
tain), Obsession (dreams or the Other-world).
Skills: You start with 18 + your Intellect in skill points, plus
the following skills for free—
Animal Handling level 1
Athletics level 1
Healing Arts level 1
Herbalism level 1
Magical Arts (death, life, or shadow) level 1
Perception level 1
Survival level 1
Starting Gear: You begin with the following items, plus
10x your Renown in silver coins (minimum 10 sc).
Sandals or buskins/moccasins
Leather or plaid breeches or kilt
Shirt or necklaces of bones/teeth/feathers
Leather belt or 3-yard length of rope
Soft Leather jerkin (armor) or Buckler or Medium Shield
Dagger or Club
Handaxe or Spear or War-club
Vial of woad (bluish body-paint) or Barrow-weed or
Hemlock concoction.
SOLDIER
Warriors are the strong backbone of almost every successful
culture and its corresponding society, and those classified
as soldiers—which might include men-at-arms, guardsmen,
militia-men, legionnaires, and similar “rank and file” mil-
itary-folk—are most certainly its stalwart champions. Sol-
diers, after all, are the common warrior classes of virtually
67
 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
all realms, those often oath-sworn to protect, uphold, and
defend. Trained to fight, wear armor, and follow the orders
of their commanders, a soldier is often expected to give
his or her life for the cause of the clan, tribe, kingdom, or
empire.
Knights are warriors, certainly (as is, technically, anyone
who fights), yet soldiers represent the “common” fighting
types, usually of the more civilized realms. Warriors from
more primitive or barbarous cultures are often better classi-
fied as berserkers, clan champions, or even raiders.
Race/Culture Requirement: Aradornian, Brythian, Es-
mandian, Mulovian, Lorinthian, Skathian, Prydonian. (Op-
tional non-human races: Dark Sidhe, Duergar, Eluna Sidhe,
Red Sslir.)
Talent Requirement: You must take the Mercenary, Mi-
litia, or Squire talent (your choice, and you must meet all
prerequisites for it). As these are considered favored talents,
you pay one less point for them.
Favored Talents—
Battle: Ambidexterity, Armor Acclimation, Back To Back,
Bashing Blow, Blade-honing, Cleaving Blow, Close-quar-
ters Archery, Crushing Blow, Deadly Lunge, Disarming
Strike, Double-fisted Throw, Dual Blades, Gauge Oppo-
nent, Haft and Staff, Hold The Breach, Impaling Thrust,
Improvised Weaponry, Opportunistic Strike, Precision
Strike, Pressing Attack, Pugilistic Follow-up, Punishing
Charge, Quick Withdraw, Shadowing Step, Shield Wall,
Tactician, Tripping Attack, War-cry, Web of Steel.
Blood: Giant-blood, Goblin-blooded, Gorgon-blood,
Troll-born.
Mystical: Battle Mage, Death-touched.
Social: Bodyguard, Captain, Champion, Crusader, Glad-
iator, Legionarri, Mercenary, Militia, Porter, Squire,
Street Rat.
Subterfuge: Feigned Attack, Gambler, Hunter, Priva-
teer, Raider.
Other: Cat-like Reflexes, Grit, Intimidating Physique,
Light Sleeper, Night-sighted, Quick Healer, Vigilant.
Skills: You start with 18 + your Intellect in skill points, plus
gain the following skills for free—
Athletics level 1
Brawling level 1
Endurance level 1
Perception level 1
Survival level 1
Weaponry: Melee level 1
Weaponry: Ranged level 1
Starting Gear: You begin with the following items, plus
10x your Renown in silver coins (minimum 10 sc) to pur-
chase additional equipment if you so choose.
High Sandals or Soft Boots
Leather Breeches or Kilt or Woolen Trousers
68
Shirt or Tunic
Cloak or Over-tunic
Leather Belt or Girdle
Backpack or Belt Pouch
Padded Gambeson or Hard Leather or Brigandine (ar-
mor)
Buckler or Medium Shield
Longsword or Spear or War-spear
Dagger or Handaxe
Crossbow or Javelin or Shortbow
Quiver of 20 Bolts/Arrows or Javelin
SORCERER
Only a few cultures in the West support sorcerers, a some-
what generic term which could also mean “mage” or “wiz-
ard”. A sorcerer, after all, focuses primarily on the workings
of sorcery and magic-craft, the term “sorcerer” perhaps be-
ing a more common term in the mysterious East beyond
the Dragon Sea. Most sorcerers also dabble in alchemy, a
largely Eastern “science”, though not all sorcerers are alche-
mists (and vice versa). Some muddle in herbalism as well,
for the deeper reaches of such lead to alchemy and even to
the magical arts.
Sorcerers, mages, and wizards are often secretive folk,
for in most realms, the open use of sorcery is forbidden,
either greatly frowned on at best or forbidden by strict law
at worst. As such, magicians must either wander the realms
as “wild mages”—those unattached to a tradition or or-
der—or become members of semi-secretive covens, sects,
or hidden societies that study and practice these arcane arts.
Races/Culture Requirement: Any, though Brythian, Es-
mandian, Mulovian, or Prydonian are most common. (Op-
tional non-human races: Dark Sidhe, Eluna Sidhe, or Golden
Sslir).
Talent Requirement: Acolyte, Apprentice (mystical), or
Magic Affinity (your choice), for which you must still meet
all prerequisites. As these are considered favored talents,
you pay one point less for them.
Favored Talents—
Battle: Draw The Line, Opportunistic Strike, Unarmored
Fighting.
Blood: Demon-blood, Dragon-kindred, Rhodo-
nite-blood, Sidhe-blooded, Sslir-blooded.
Mystical: Acolyte, Battle Mage, Blighter, Blood Mag-
ic, Celestial Magic, Counter Magic, Craft Potion, Create
Spell, Cultist, Death-touched, Dual Focus, Enchant Per-
manent Object, Enchant Talisman, Energize Spell, Evil
Eye, Familiar, Far-reaching Magic, Focal Object, Gri-
moire, Lingering Magic, Mage’s Touch, Magic Affinity,
Mystic Tattoo, Mystic Trance, Penetrating Magic, Power
of Silence, Rune Magic, Sanctum Magic, Supernatural
Pact, Swift Magic, True Name, Words of Power.
Social: Apprentice (mystical), Educated, Gift of Tongues,
Sage, Scribe.
Subterfuge: Fortune Teller, Gossip, Seductive Dance,
CHARACTER CREATION
 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
Tomb Robber, Torturer.
Other: Fast Learner, Fey-touched, Keen Memory,
Night-sighted, Puzzle Master, Tireless.
Skills: You start with 18 + your Intellect in skill points, in
addition to the following skills for free—
Alchemy level 1
Herbalism level 1
Language level 1
Lore level 1
Magical Arts (any) level 1
Perception level 1
Resolve level 1
Starting Gear: You begin with the following equipment,
plus 10x your Renown in silver coins (minimum 10 sc)—
Soft boots or Sandals
Robe or Tunic
Cape or Cloak
Belt or Sash
Dagger or Shortsword
Crossbow or Staff
Scroll case with blank parchment or papyrus
Vial of black ink
Belt Pouch or Leather Sack
Vial of one of the following—Barrow-weed concoction,
Faerie-wort, Moderate Acid, or Moderate Ingested Poi-
son.
THIEF
Largely a covert profession or way of life, thieves might
also be called “burglars”, “bandits”, or more generically,
“outlaws”, perhaps depending on the matter in which their
subtle and oft-illegal methods are applied. Regardless, most
thieves choose this life-path because of either their low birth
or due to constant run-ins with the legal authorities of their
homelands; some are merely “good-natured rogues”, while
many others can be dangerous cutthroats, highwaymen, or
street thugs.
Thieves, burglars, and brigands generally share a few
commonalities, such as being skilled in stealth, subterfuge,
disguise, and perhaps other rare or borderline-legal gifts
such as lock-picking and bypassing mechanical traps.
Race/Culture Requirements: Any, though more com-
monly Esmandian, Lorinthian, and Mulovian. (Optional
non-human races: Any, but more commonly Dark Sidhe
and Green Sslir).
Talent Requirement: Gypsy, Street Rat, Smuggler, or
Tomb Robber (your choice of one), for which you must still
meet the prerequisites. Since these are considered favored
talents, you pay one less point for them.
Favored Talents—
Battle: Agile Weaponry, Ambidexterity, Blind-fighting,
CHARACTER CREATION
Crippling Attack, Defensive Dash, Disarming Attack,
Hit and Run, Kip, Leaping Attack, Opportunistic Strike,
Quick Withdraw, Running Shot, Swashbuckling, Unar-
mored Fighting, Wolfpack Tactics.
Blood: Goblin-blood, Gorgon-blood, Sslir-blooded,
Vampire-spawn.
Mystical: Power of Silence.
Social: Carouser, Gypsy, Street Rat, Woodsman.
Subterfuge: Dirty Tactics, Faceless In A Crowd, Feigned
Attack, Fortune Teller, Gambler, Gossip, Poisoner, Raid-
er, Sapping Blow, Secret Strike, Slaver, Smuggler, Tomb
Robber, Trap-setter.
Other: Agile Climber, Elite Affiliation (The Shadow
Hand), Fleet of Foot, Night-sighted.
Favored Weaknesses: Illegitimate, Infamous, Low-born,
Oath-breaker.
Skills: You start with 18 + your Intellect in skill points, plus
gain the following skills for free—
Acrobatics level 1
Athletics level 1
Disguise level 1
Lock-picking level 1
Perception level 1
Sleight of Hand level 1
Stealth level 1
Starting Gear: You begin with the following items, plus
10x your Renown in silver coins (minimum 10 sc)—
Soft boots or Sandals
Tunic or Shirt
Trousers or Breeches
Belt or 3-yard piece of rope
Belt Pouch or Leather Sack
Cloak or Soft Leather armor or Hard Leather armor
Dagger or Shortsword
Crossbow or Dagger or Shortbow
Quiver of 20 arrows (or bolts) or Club
Lock-picks (x2) or Blacksmithing tools
WITCH
Somewhat similar to the shaman or sorcerer callings, witch-
es are practitioners of hedge-magic and often steeped in the
ways of folk lore as well as the more “learned” traditions
of magic-craft, herbalism, and ritualism. Male witches are
often called ‘warlocks’, though the term ‘witch’ generally
applies to both genders and, again, refers to one seeking
“outside” approaches to the sorcerous arts (particularly in
the ways of curses, hexes, and other forms of mystical pro-
tection).
Those advanced in witchcraft sometimes rise beyond
mere hex and ward magics, perhaps learning the weird
ways of flight, invisibility, and seeing beyond what might
normally be seen. Many dabble in potion-making and, as
such, some forms of alchemy and herbalism, and more than
69
 SAVAGEIII
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8
a few have mastered the art of temporarily enchanting tal-
ismans. If an alchemist or sorcerer represents a more formal
approach to magic-craft, then the path of the Witch stands
for a more rural or natural methodology.

Race/Culture Requirements: Any, but rarely Lorinthian

or Central Islander Prydonian. (Optional non-human races:
Any, save Eluna Sidhe, Green Sslir, and Red Sslir.)
Talent Requirement: Acolyte, Apprentice (mystical),
Magic Affinity, or Second Sight.
Favored Talents—
Battle: Draw The Line, Unarmored Fighting, War-cry.
Blood: Demon-blood, Goblin-blooded, Lycanthrope,
Sslir-blooded.
Mystical: Acolyte, Blood Magic, Counter Magic, Craft
Potion, Cultist, Death-touched, Dual Focus, Enchant Talis-
man, Evil Eye, Extended Ritual, Familiar, Grimoire, Herb-
al Magic, Magic Affinity, Mystic Tattoo, Sanctum Magic,
Second Sight, Supernatural Pact, Totem Animal.
Social: Apprentice (mystical), Gift of Tongues, Gypsy,
Sage, Woodsman.
Subterfuge: Fortune Teller, Hunter, Poisoner, Seductive
Dance, Smuggler, Tomb Robber, Trap-setter.
Other: Animal Kinship, Body-painting, Fast Learner,
Fey-touched, Grit, Keen Memory, Night-sighted, Puzzle
Master, Time Sense.
Favored Weaknesses: Albino, Obsession (knowledge
or power), Lame, Phobia (urban areas), Oath-breaker,
Tainted.
Skills: You begin with 18 + your Intellect in skill points, plus
the following automatically—
Alchemy level 1
Crafting level 1
Herbalism level 1
Lore level 1
Magical Arts: Air, Death, or Shadow level 1
Resolve level 1
Survival level 1
TALENTS
Talents are one of the primary aspects of a player-character’s
capability, representing special knacks, stunts, maneuvers,
or other rarities. At character creation, you have 10 points
(or talent points) to “purchase” such talents, although if one
selects a weakness or two, the character could start with as
many as 15 points of talents (more on Weaknesses later).
Each race/culture has something called Favored Talents as
well, which can be acquired at one point cheaper than the
listed base cost. Same with Callings if one is chosen at char-
acter creation. A Favored Talent reduces a talent’s cost by
one point, although no talent can ever be reduced by more
than two points unless specifically mentioned (for example:
Dark Sidhe and Eluna Sidhe gain the Magic Affinity talent
for free).
There are six general categories of talents—battle, blood,
mystical, social, subterfuge, and other. These are explained
in further detail below. Each individual talent entry lists the
talent’s base point cost, any prerequisites required, and if
there is a Stamina cost to use the talent or not. As characters
advance, they acquire more talent points (in addition to
other improvements) which, in turn, causes the character to
grow and become increasingly more potent.
Note that a talent with an asterisk next to its title refers
to one that can only be taken after character creation with
GM approval and at least one month of Downtime (to rep-
resent training or some other form of adaptation).
TALENT DESCRIPTIONS BY CATEGORY
The following chapter details the various talents of the Sav-
age Kingdoms RPG, divided into the six categories of battle,
blood, mystical, social, subterfuge, and other. Additional
talents are likely to appear in upcoming supplements such
as The Savage East setting expansion book.

Starting Gear: You start with the following items, plus 10x
your Renown in silver coins (minimum 10 sc) to purchase
additional equipment if you so choose.

Sandals or Soft Boots

Breeches or Skirt/Kilt
Shirt or Tunic
Cloak or Over-tunic
Belt or 3-yard length of rope
Oil Lamp or Tallow Candles (x3)
Dagger or Staff
Crossbow or Sling
Pouch of 20 sling-stones or Quiver of 20 bolts

70 CHARACTER CREATION
 SAVAGEIII
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TABLE 2-3: BATTLE TALENTS

As the name implies, battle talents are either combat-based maneuvers or special backgrounds focusing on armed con-
flict. Player-characters may start with up to five battle talents at character creation.

Talent Cost Prerequisites

Agile Weaponry 3 Agility +0 and Weaponry: Melee level 1
Ambidexterity 3 Agility +0 and Brawling or Weaponry: Melee level 1
Armor Acclimation 3 Agi and Phy -1; Legionarri, Militia, Mercenary, Knight, or Squire
Back To Back 3 Weaponry: Melee level 2 and Perception level 2
Bashing Blow 3 Shattering Blow or Physique +2 and Weaponry: Melee level 2
Battle Dancer 3 Chenari or Sidhe or Gypsy; Acrobatics 5 and Weaponry: Melee 5
Battle Muse 3 Bard talent or Performance level 5
Battle Senses 3 Int +0, Perception level 3; Brawling or Weaponry: Melee level 2
Berserker Rage 3 Vigor +0 and must be of a barbaric war-like culture
Blade-honing 3 Crafting level 3 and Weaponry: Melee level 3
Blind-fighting 3 Perception level 2 and Brawling or Weaponry: Melee level 2
Break The Wall 3 Agility +1, Physique +1, and Willpower +0
Bullish Charge 2 Physique +1 and Brawling or Weaponry: Melee level 1
Careful Aim 2 Agility +1 and Weaponry: Ranged level 2
Choke Hold 3 Physique +0, Vigor +0, and Brawling level 4
Cleaving Blow 2 Physique +1 and Weaponry: Melee level 4
Close-quarters Archery 2 Agility +0 and Weaponry: Ranged level 3
Concentrated Defense 2 Willpower +0 and Weaponry: Melee level 1
Crippling Attack 3 Weaponry: Melee level 5 and Healing Arts level 1
Crushing Blow 4 Bashing Blow, Shattering Blow, or Weaponry: Melee level 8
Deadly Lunge 3 Agility and Physique +0 and Weaponry: Melee level 5
Decapitating Strike 4 Severing Blow talent and Weaponry: Melee level 10
Defensive Dash 2 Agility +2 and Mobility 10
Disarming Strike 3 Agility +1 and Weaponry: Melee level 3
Double-arrow Shot 3 Agility +1 and specialty with short, long, composite, or Sidhe bow
Double Throw 3 Agility +1 and specialty with any ranged Light throwing weapon
Draw The Line 3 Willpower +0; Magic Affinity talent or Magical Arts (any) level 1
Dual Blades 3 Ambidexterity talent or Weaponry: Melee level 5
Extreme Range 3 Physique +1 and Weaponry: Ranged level 3
Fell-handed 2 Agility or Physique +1 and Weaponry: Melee level 5
Fending Stance 3 Physique +0 and Weaponry: Melee level 4
Finessing Shot 3 Careful Aim talent or Weaponry: Ranged level 5
Gauge Opponent 3 Intellect +1, Perception level 3, and Weaponry: Melee level 3
Haft and Staff 3 Agi +0; Weaponry: Melee (Polearm, Spear, Staff, or War-spear spec) lvl 3
Hated Foe 2 Willpower +0
Heavy Hitter 3 Physique +1 and Brawling level 3
Hit And Run 3 Defensive Dash or Mobility 12 and Weaponry: Melee level 3
Hold The Breach 2 Physique +2 and Brawling or Weaponry: Melee level 3
Honor Duel 3 Magnetism +1 or Renown 6
Horseback Archery 3 Agility +1, Riding level 3, and Weaponry: Melee level 3
Improvised Weaponry 3 Agility +1, Physique +1, and Weaponry: Melee level 5
Impaling Shot 3 Agility +1 and Weaponry: Ranged level 7
Impaling Thrust 3 Agility +0, Physique +1, and Weapon: Melee level 2

CHARACTER CREATION 71
 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS

Inspiring Presence 3 Magnetism +2 and Renown 10

Kip 2 Mobility 8 and Acrobatics level 3
Leaping Strike 3 Mobility 10, Weaponry: Melee level 3, and Acrobatics or Athletics level 5
Meat Shield 2 Brawling level 5
Mighty Ranged 3 Physique +1 and Weaponry: Ranged level 1
Mounted Charge 3 Animal Handling level 3 and Weaponry: Melee level 1
Opportunistic Strike 3 Cat-like Reflexes talent or Agility +1 and Weaponry: Melee level 3
Parry Missiles 3 Agility +1, Physique +0, and Weaponry: Melee level 5
Parrying Specialist 3 At least three Weaponry: Melee skill specialties
Precision Strike 3 Agility +1 and Weaponry: Melee level 5
Pressing Attack 3 Mobility 7 and Brawling level 6 or Weaponry: Melee level 6
Pugilistic Follow-up 3 Brawling level 3 and Weaponry: Melee level 3
Punishing Charge 3 Phy +1, Mobility 8, and Bullish Charge or Rushing Attack talent
Quick Withdraw 3 Agility +0 and Shadowing Step talent or Weaponry: Melee level 5
Retaliating Strike 3 Swift Actions talent or Agility +2 and Weaponry: Melee level 3
Running Shot 3 Agility +1 and Weaponry: Ranged level 3
Rushing Attack 2 Agility +0, Mobility 8, and Brawling or Weaponry: Melee level 1
Severing Blow 3 Cleaving Blow or Precision Strike, plus Weaponry: Melee level 8
Shadowing Step 2 Mobility 10, and Brawling level 3 or Weaponry: Melee level 3
Shattering Blow 3 Heroic Strength talent; or Phy +2 and Weaponry: Melee level 4
Shield Bash 3 Agi or Phy +0 and Brawling or Weaponry: Melee level 1
Shield Specialist 3 Agility and Physique +0, plus Weaponry: Melee level 5
Shield Rush 3 Physique +0, Mobility 7, and Weaponry: Melee level 1
Shield Wall 3 Physique -1 and Weaponry: Melee level 1
Siege Specialist 3 Intellect +1 and Alchemy or Crafting level 2
Smiting Blow 3 Magic Affinity, or Magical Arts: Fire or Life level 1; Holy Warrior or Pious Faith
Stabbing Arrow 3 Agility +1 and Close-quarters Archery talent or Brawling level 3
Swashbuckling 3 Agility or Intellect +1, plus Mobility 10 and Acrobatics level 3
Tactician 3 Intellect +1 and Magnetism -1
Tripping Attack 3 Weaponry: Melee level 5
Unarmored Fighting 3 Agility +0, Mobility 9, and Weaponry: Melee level 1
War-cry 3 Berserker Rage talent, or Performance or Persuasion level 3
Warning Shot 3 Finessing Shot or Weaponry: Ranged level 7
Web of Steel 3 Agility +1, Physique +0, and Weaponry: Melee level 5
Wolfpack Tactics 3 Agility +1 and Perception level 2

AGILE WEAPONRY hand—striking with each weapon once during a combat

Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Agility +0 and Weaponry: Melee level 1
You may use your Agility attribute instead of your Physique
to modify your Weaponry: Melee skill rolls when using
Light weapons only (e.g. clubs, daggers, shortswords, etc.).
This does not include Brawling, however.
round. This is all part of the same single attack action, and
thus the second or “off-handed” attack roll is made at a -2
penalty. Note that you cannot benefit from a shield when
wielding dual weapons (or cast spells, since you need at
least one free hand).
Additionally, you pay one point less for the Double
Throw talent.

AMBIDEXTERITY ARMOR ACCLIMATION

Talent Point Cost: 3 Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Agility +0, and Brawling or Weaponry: Prerequisites: Agi and Phy -1, and Legionarri, Militia,
Melee level 1 Mercenary, Knight, or Squire talent

You can wield two Light weapons at once—one in each You are trained in how to move in armor and don (and
doff) it in an expedient fashion, enabling you to negate

72 CHARACTER CREATION
 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
one point of both Mobility penalty and Skill Penalty when
wearing armor and/or bearing a shield. For example, if you
are wearing a chain shirt and armed with a medium shield,
you would suffer no penalty to your Mobility and only a
-2 Skill Penalty.
BACK TO BACK
Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Weaponry: Melee level 2 and Perception
level 2
Stamina Cost To Use: 1
When you press yourself against the back of an ally, where-
in both of you are facing outward and ready for incoming
attacks, you and your ally both gain a +2 bonus to Defense.
Note that these attacks must come from within your field of
vision or be otherwise seen.
This talent costs you one Stamina for every round that
you choose to use it.
BASHING BLOW
Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Shattering Blow talent, or Physique +2 and
Weaponry: Melee level 2
Stamina Cost To Use: 1
By swinging with all your might, you can boost the Armor
Piercing of any weapon which already has such a rating
by +2. For example, you would increase the AP of a long-
sword used in both hands to +3 instead of the normal +1
when utilizing this talent.
This maneuver costs one Stamina point each round that
you choose to use it.
BATTLE-DANCER
Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Chenari or Sidhe race or Gypsy talent, plus
Acrobatics 5 and Weaponry: Melee 5
Stamina Cost To Use: 1
You have learned to use your agile grace and skill in acro-
batic dance, as you whirl about the battlefield in near-el-
egant, if deadly, combat. As such, you gain a +1 bonus to
your Defense, your Weaponry: Melee attack rolls, and a
+1 bonus to any Acrobatics skill rolls that you make during
the round.
This talent costs you one Stamina point for every round
that you use it, and is part of your attack action. Possessing
the Battle-dancer talent also enables you to pay one less
point for the Hit And Run, Leaping Strike, and Swashbuck-
ling talents.
BATTLE MUSE
Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Bard talent or Performance level 5
Stamina Cost To Use: 1
CHARACTER CREATION
You are skilled enough in performance art that you are ca-
pable of lending inspirational aid to your comrades in a
clash of arms. Thus, you may attempt a DL 10 Performance
skill roll, and if you succeed, all of those who are consid-
ered allies gain a +1 bonus to their Defense and Weaponry:
Melee attack rolls. If you score 10 over the DL, these bonus-
es then also apply to Endurance and Resolve rolls as well
during the round.
This talent costs you one Stamina point (and one action)
for each round that you choose to use it, and the benefits
cease immediately after you stop.
BATTLE SENSES
Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Intellect +0, Perception level 3, and Brawl-
ing or Weaponry: Melee level 2
In combat, and often in instances just before, your senses
are roused and you become quite attuned to the movement
of opponents, halving the Outnumbering bonuses gained
by being out-flanked or surrounded. For example, if you
are Outnumbered by three opponents, then each foe only
gains a +1 bonus (instead of the normal +2 bonus) to their
attack rolls against you. This can round all the way down
to a +0 bonus, such as in the case of two opponents Out-
numbering you.
Note that enemies with the Wolfpack Tactics talent will
get normal Outnumbering bonuses, since their doubled bo-
nuses are, essentially, halved.
BERSERKER RAGE
Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Vigor +0 and must be of a barbaric war-like
culture
Stamina Cost To Use: 1
You can choose to fly into a frenzied fury, granting you
the following benefits for each round that you utilize this
potent ability:
Ε +1 bonus to your Physique (this in turn temporarily
increases all Physique-based stats, which includes +2 to
Health)
Ε +1 bonus to your Brawling and Weaponry: Melee
rolls (this is +2 in total due to the Physique boost)
Ε +2 to your Endurance and Resolve skill rolls
Ε Utilizing this talent costs you one Stamina point for
every round you choose to use it.
BLADE-HONING
Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Crafting level 3 and Weaponry: Melee
level 3
Stamina Cost To Use: 2
With both your skill in craftsmanship and the use of me-
lee weapons, by spending 10 minutes’ time and 2 Stamina
points, you can hone one bladed weapon to a razor-sharp
73
 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
edge. This requires a DL 10 Crafting skill roll, and if success-
ful, yields +1 to the maximum damage and Armor Piercing
(AP) of the weapon for one combat encounter (lasting no
more than one minute) or 24 hours, whichever comes first.
On a critical success, the weapon is +2 to maximum dam-
age; upon a critical failure, the blade is damaged causing -2
to maximum damage and -1 to AP. This effect remains until
repaired via the Crafting skill or some feat of sorcery (such
as a Repair spell).
This special blade-honing ability works on all slashing
and piercing weapons of exceptional-quality or less, which
must be made of iron or steel; however, if you specifically
possess the ‘Blade-smithing’ specialty of the Crafting skill,
you can apply this talent to master-crafted weapons as well.
Furthermore, if you have at least 3 skill levels in Weapon-
ry: Ranged, you may also use Blade-honing on arrows and
bolts, as well as bladed throwing weapons.
Lastly, you must possess, in the very least, a whetstone
or a personal set of weapon-smithing (or blade-smithing)
tools to utilize this talent. You may do this “in the field”,
however, with no need for a smithy or forge.
BLIND-FIGHTING
Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Perception level 2 and Brawling or Weap-
onry: Melee level 2
You are practiced at fighting without sight, detecting the
positioning of opponents by way of your other senses. As
such, you do not suffer the -2 penalty to attack rolls for the
Partially Blinded condition and only suffer a -2 penalty if
Completely Blinded. This, however, only applies to oppo-
nents within 3 yards of you—targets further away than this
suffer the full and usual penalties for blindness. This includes
both melee and ranged attacks.
BREAK THE WALL
Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Agility +1, Physique +1, and Willpower +0
Stamina Cost To Use: 1
You are skilled in this daring, if perhaps foolhardy, maneu-
ver renowned among many “barbarian” peoples, such as
the Caernians, Gaerns, Cymreddi, and possibly the Norish
and Thorakki.
By expending a Stamina point, you rush forward at a
shield-wall, or similar formation, and with an energetic
leap, plow into it in an effort to break it apart or at least
knock a man or two down. This is represented by either
an Acrobatics or Brawling skill roll, against the Defense of
the poor shield-man you go directly against, with a suc-
cess meaning that you have knocked your target back one
yard. If you score 5 over his Defense, you have knocked
him back two yards instead or have knocked him prone
(your choice); if you score 10 over, then you also knock
a second man down adjacent to the target. Note that the
target’s Physique can be no greater than +5 of your own,
or otherwise he is not budged.
74
Note that anyone armed with weapons that have a
Reach greater than your own will get free reactive attacks
against you (as you charge forward), if they so choose.
BULLISH CHARGE
Talent Point Cost: 2
Prerequisites: Physique +1, and Brawling or Weaponry:
Melee level 1
Stamina Cost To Use: 1
By charging at an opponent, and then scoring a successful
Brawling or Weaponry: Melee attack versus his Defense,
you can drive the target back one yard if your Physique is
no less than 2 of your opponent’s Physique. If your Phy-
sique is 5 or more over your foe’s, then you either drive
him back two yards or knock him prone (your choice).
Note that if you gain a critical success, then you deal 5
points of Health damage to the target as well as the above
effects. This talent costs you one Stamina point every time
it is attempted.
CAREFUL AIM
Talent Point Cost: 2
Prerequisites: Agility +1 and Weaponry: Ranged level 2
Stamina Cost To Use: 1
By expending a Stamina point, you can make a Weapon-
ry: Ranged attack into melee without suffering the normal
-1 penalty for each ally engaged therein (and therefore no
chance of accidentally hitting said allies). This costs you a
Stamina point each time you make a ranged attack utilizing
this talent.
Note that you must still be able to at least partially see
the target (that is, the target cannot be behind full cover).
Check the Cover condition for further details about shoot-
ing or throwing into melee.
CHOKE HOLD
Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Physique +0, Vigor +0, and Brawling level
4
Stamina Cost To Use: 1
When you gain a grappling hold (via the Brawling skill) on
an opponent, whose Physique is no greater than +5 of your
own, you can then spend a second action to inflict a chok-
ing maneuver on him. This deals the normal Health damage
for such things, plus one point of Stamina damage per point
of Brawling success over the target’s Defense (maximum of
5 points).
Using this talent costs you one Stamina point per round
and counts as an attack action. Opponents may, of course,
attempt to break the grappling hold (the DL being your
Brawling roll result) on their turns costing them one action.
CLEAVING BLOW
Talent Point Cost: 2
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 SAVAGEIII
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Prerequisites: Physique +1 and Weaponry: Melee level 4
When wielding any Heavy slashing weapon, or Medium
slashing weapon in both hands, you can take an additional
Weaponry: Melee attack against an adjacent target that
you slay (this must cause death or unconsciousness, not
merely being knocking prone). Like all secondary attacks
within the same action, this is done at a -2 penalty, how-
ever.
CLOSE-QUARTERS ARCHERY
Talent Point Cost: 2
Prerequisites: Agility +0 and Weaponry: Ranged level 3
So skilled and comfortable are you in combat archery, that
you no longer suffer the normal -2 penalty when shooting
a bow or crossbow within melee reach of an opponent.
Furthermore, you are considered armed when a bow or
crossbow is in your hand, which means you can use your
Parry Defense instead of Dodge Defense in such situations.
CONCENTRATED DEFENSE
Talent Point Cost: 2
Prerequisites: Willpower +0 and Weaponry: Melee level
1 15 Endurance or Resolve roll or become Stunned for one
By focusing all of your attention on parrying, dodging, and
general guarding, you can increase your Defenses by +2.
This costs one action and the effects last until your next
turn in the Initiative order. Note that you cannot make an
attack (or cast a spell) in the round in which you utilize this
talent, which means you must spend your second action on
something else.
CRIPPLING ATTACK
Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Weaponry: Melee level 5 and Healing
Arts level 1
Stamina Cost To Use: 1
You are skilled in delivering precise strikes to specific areas
of an opponent’s anatomy such as joints, nerve centers, and
softer or narrower parts of the body. Thus, by taking a -2
penalty to your Weaponry: Melee attack roll and expend-
ing one Stamina point, you cause a living target to suffer
one of the following effects of your choice (in addition to
normal weapon damage):
Ε -2 to Agility
Ε -2 to Physique
Ε -5 to Mobility
Ε -5 to Stamina
Ε Bleeds out 1 point of Health per round until suc-
ceeding in a DL 15 Healing Arts roll as two actions.
This effect is in addition to normal weapon damage, al-
though you must score at least one point of damage in the
first place in order to inflict this effect. Note that if you
CHARACTER CREATION
have 5 skill levels in Brawling, you may use this talent in
unarmed attacks; if you have 5 skill levels in Weaponry:
Ranged, you may use Crippling Attack with ranged attacks
within short range only.
If this talent is used multiple times against the same op-
ponent, these effects are not cumulative, although a differ-
ent effect could be chosen each time.
CRUSHING BLOW
Talent Point Cost: 4
Prerequisites: Bashing Blow or Shattering Blow talent, or
Weaponry: Melee level 8
Stamina Cost To Use: 2
You can strike with bone-crunching accuracy and strength,
costing you 2 Stamina points (and one action) every time
you attempt this maneuver. If you score 10 or more over
your target’s Defense, and are wielding a bludgeoning
weapon with an AP of at least 1, you can break the arm
or leg of said target (assuming that it has such limbs). The
target creature, however, must have a Physique no greater
than +15.
If you choose that this is an arm, then the victim suffers a
-1 penalty to Agility and Physique, and must succeed in a DL
full round. If this roll is failed by 5 or more, then the victim
is also Terrified until the attacker moves away from him/her.
On a critical failure here, the victim is Cowering instead,
unmanned and demoralized. Note that a creature with this
injury will not be able to wield a weapon, or even use a
shield, properly (until healed).
If you choose the target’s leg, the victim suffers a -2 pen-
alty to Agility and -1 to Physique, and its Mobility is slowed
to one-quarter. A DL 15 Endurance or Resolve roll must
also be passed or the target is Terrified until the attacker
moves away from him/her. On a critical failure here, the
victim is Cowering instead, unmanned and demoralized.
A successful DL 25 Healing Arts roll (requiring at least
ten minutes’ time) can splint the broken limb, but otherwise
the creature will acquire the Maimed or Lame weakness
depending upon whether an arm or leg. This DL is lowered
to 15 if the healer possesses the Physician talent. Healing
magic can also mend a limb broken in this manner.
Note that you still deal damage in the normal fashion if
you fail to succeed in crushing the target’s limb, assuming
you still manage to beat its Defense.
DEADLY LUNGE
Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Agility and Physique +0, and Weaponry:
Melee level 5
Stamina Cost To Use: 0
Especially skilled in wielding thrusting weapons with some
measure of length to them, the Reach of any longsword,
greatsword, saber, polearm, staff, spear, war-spear, or great-
spear—in which you have a Weaponry: Melee specialty—
increases by 1. For example, a longsword with normally a
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 SAVAGEIII
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Reach of 1 would become a Reach of 2 in your hands, while
a greatspear or polearm would have its Reach of 3 effec-
tively lengthened to 4.
Note that this benefit does not affect such weapons in
which you are not specialized.
DECAPITATING STRIKE
Talent Point Cost: 4
Prerequisites: Severing Blow talent and Weaponry: Me-
lee level 10
Stamina Cost To Use: 2
You are a dangerous and terrible opponent, capable of sev-
ering arms, legs, and even heads with a single hard and
well-placed blow. By expending 2 Stamina points during a
melee attack, you can choose to strike your target’s head
off if you score a critical success. The target must have a
discernible head (or head-like organ) and a Physique of +15
or less. Note that if you fail to decapitate your opponent,
you still deal normal damage if applicable.
Naturally, most creatures will die more or less instantly
after having their heads severed, though certain adversar-
ies—such as animated undead and magical constructs—will
be largely unaffected aside from losing Health via normal
weapon damage. Lastly, note that only Medium and Heavy
slashing weapons with an AP of 1 or greater—such as battle-
axes, greataxes, longswords, greatswords, sabers, etc.—are
effective when using this battle talent.
DEFENSIVE DASH
Talent Point Cost: 2
Prerequisites: Agility +2 and Mobility 10
Stamina Cost To Use: 1
As someone swift and agile, if you spend two actions to
run or sprint, you gain a +2 bonus to your Dodge Defense
against ranged attacks until your next turn in the Initiative
order. Utilizing this talent costs one Stamina point per round
whether running (Mobility x2) or sprinting (Mobility x3).
DISARMING STRIKE
Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Agility +1 and Weaponry: Melee level 3
Stamina Cost To Use: 1
When attempting to disarm an opponent of his weapon,
you suffer only a -2 penalty to your Weaponry: Melee
attack roll instead of the normal -5 for disarming a Heavy
weapon or Medium weapon used in two hands. If attempt-
ing to disarm a Light weapon or Medium weapon used in
one hand, then there is no penalty at all.
Each time you attempt this talent, you expend one
Stamina point. If you succeed, the opponent (or his weap-
on) takes no damage, but lands one yard away from him in
the direction of your choice; if you score 10 or more over
his Defense, then the weapon lands in your possession if
you so choose.
76
DOUBLE-ARROW SHOT
Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Agility +1 and specialty with short, long,
composite, or Sidhe war-bow
Stamina Cost To Use: 2
An accomplished archer, you may shoot two arrows at the
same target—or two arrows at two separate targets—while
employing a longbow, shortbow, composite longbow, com-
posite shortbow, or Sidhe war-bow. Drawing and nocking
is still a free action, but you suffer a slight penalty to your
Weaponry: Ranged skill roll (see below).
When utilizing this talent, you expend two Stamina
points and make two Weaponry: Ranged attack rolls, both
at a -2 penalty, and apply the results to either a single target
in range or two separate targets within two yards of each
other. This counts as one (attack) action, and you must still
honor the penalties for medium or long range as applicable.
DOUBLE THROW
Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Agility +1 and specialty with any ranged
Light throwing weapon
Stamina Cost To Use: 1
You are skilled enough with at least one type of ranged
throwing weapon (such as daggers, handaxes, or clubs),
that you may hurl two such weapons—of the type you are
specialized in—as a single attack action. This costs you one
Stamina point every time you do this and both Weaponry:
Ranged attack rolls are at a -2 penalty.
Note that talent applies to all Light ranged throwing
weapons in which you have a specialty, and you also pay
one point less for the Ambidexterity talent.
DRAW THE LINE
Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Willpower +0, and Magic Affinity talent
or Magical Arts: (any discipline) level 1
Stamina Cost To Use: 1
As a warning, one that you are apt to follow up, you can
draw a noticeable line in the dirt, sand, or snow with your
weapon, daring the enemy to cross it. By staying within
two yards of this line, you gain a +2 bonus to any Brawling
or Weaponry: Melee attack roll against the first adversary
crossing this quasi-mystical barrier. In addition, you receive
a +2 bonus to your Defense against the same foe. After this
initial round, the effects of the line dissipate.
This line takes one action and must be between one yard
and five yards in length (and need be at least a rough line,
not a circle). Using this talent costs you one Stamina point
each time, and the effects of the drawn line remain for one
minute per point of your Willpower, or until the first ene-
my crosses it.
CHARACTER CREATION
 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
DUAL BLADES
Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Ambidexterity talent or Weaponry: Melee
level 5
You can wield two Light or Medium weapons at once, one
in each hand, making two Weaponry: Melee attack rolls as
but one single action. Note, however, that your “off-hand”
(the second attack roll) suffers a -2 penalty to the roll.
EXTREME RANGE
Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Physique +1 and Weaponry: Ranged level
3 roll succeeds against your opponent’s Dodge Defense, you
You gain an additional range category to any ranged weap-
on with which you are specialized. This is half again longer
than long range of the weapon type in question. For exam-
ple, the long range of a thrown axe is 15 yards, so extreme
range in this case would be 22 yards. Targets in extreme
range inflict a -5 penalty to your ranged attack roll; how-
ever, long range penalties are reduced to -2 (instead of the
normal -5).
FELL-HANDED
Talent Point Cost: 2
Prerequisites: Agility or Physique +1, and Weaponry:
Melee level 5
You have learned to swing your weapons with fell and
mighty power, either hitting with near-perfect accuracy or
with an exceptionally heavy hand. As such, you gain an
additional +2 to the maximum damage rating of all melee
weapons that you wield (except for unarmed attacks).
FENDING STANCE
Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Physique +0 and Weaponry: Melee level 4
Stamina Cost To Use: 1
While armed with any weapon that has a Reach of 2 or
more, you can attempt to hold at bay (that is, keeping out
of attack range) any opponent whose Physique is no great-
er than +5 of your own. To do this, you must succeed in a
Weaponry: Melee attack roll versus the foe’s Defense, but
instead of dealing damage, you simply keep it one yard
beyond your Reach (that is, a Reach 2 weapon keeps it
three yards away and a Reach 3 weapon keeps it four yards
away).
An enemy being held at bay by your Fending Stance
may attempt a Resolve skill roll on its turn (as an action)
in order to advance anyway, the DL being your original
Weaponry: Melee roll. If successful, it may then move to-
ward you, but you will get a free reactive attack against it
due to your established reach.
Using this talent costs you one Stamina point, and if you
score 10 over your opponent’s Defense on your attack roll
CHARACTER CREATION
to fend him off, you also deal 5 points (plus AP) of weapon
damage in addition if you so choose.
FINESSING SHOT
Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Careful Aim talent or Weaponry: Ranged
level 5
Stamina Cost To Use: 1
As part of your attack action, you can aim your ranged
weapon in such a focused matter as to be able to strike your
target in a soft or weak spot. This costs you one Stamina
point to attempt, and if your Weaponry: Ranged attack
hit him in a less armored location—which means he can
only subtract half of his armor rating from the damage,
rounded down. This functions with any ranged weapon,
be it bow, crossbow, throwing dagger, javelin, or whatever.
Note that some creatures have no soft or weak loca-
tions, such as animated statues, golems, elementals, and the
like. GM discretion applies here.
GAUGE OPPONENT
Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Intellect +1, Perception level 3, and Weap-
onry: Melee level 3
Stamina Cost To Use: 1
You are a smart and patient combatant, used to sizing up
opponents before going toe to toe with them. Therefore,
if you spend an entire round (two actions) gauging an ad-
versary, of whom must be within 10 yards of you, then you
gain a +1 bonus to all Brawling and Weaponry: Melee
attack rolls you make against him—as well as +1 to your
Defense—for a number of rounds equal to two plus your
Intellect or Willpower attribute.
In addition, you can also observe a creature for at least
one full minute and, if you succeed in a DL 15 Perception
(empathy or sight) roll, you learn its general offensive and
defensive capability (expressed by the GM as poor, fair, me-
dium, good, or excellent). If you score more than 10 above
the DL, then you also learn one specific “signature” combat
maneuver and one weakness; if you critically fail, then you
make some vastly incorrect assessment.
Each use of this talent costs you one Stamina point, and
you also pay one point less for the Tactician talent.
HAFT AND STAFF
Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Agility +0 and Weaponry: Melee (Polearm,
Spear, Staff, or War-spear specialty) level 3
Stamina Cost To Use: 1
As a skilled spear fighter, you are able to follow up with a
strike from the haft of your spear (or polearm or war-spear)
after your primary attack with the killing end. You can also
do this with a quarterstaff, using both ends in rapid succes-
sion. To do this, you make a normal Weaponry: Melee
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 SAVAGEIII
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attack roll with your spear, staff, or war-spear (dealing nor-
mal damage if you succeed), followed by a free follow-up
attack with the haft (or other end) of the weapon at a -2
penalty. This costs you one Stamina point, is all a part of
the same attack action, and if you possess the Dual Blades
talent, the -2 penalty is reduced to -0.
Note that the maximum damage of a haft (or other end
of a staff) is 10, and you must possess a Weaponry: Melee
specialty with the wielded weapon in question.
HATED FOE
Talent Point Cost: 2
Prerequisites: Willpower +0
Choose one specific race, culture, or organization, prefera-
bly in accordance to your own race, nationality, and per-
sonal history (and with GM approval). Your extreme hatred
of this group grants you a +1 bonus to all Brawling, Weap-
onry: Melee, and Weaponry: Ranged attacks you make
against them. In addition, you gain a +1 bonus to Lore,
Perception, and Survival skill rolls when, say, searching or
tracking members of this hated group.
You can choose this talent more than once, each time
representing a different group.
HEAVY HITTER
Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Physique +1 and Brawling level 3
Your punches, kicks, and other unarmed strikes are excep-
tionally powerful, and thus your maximum damage with
all Brawling attack rolls increase by 2 (note that a standard
kick or punch is maximum damage of 5). This affects nor-
mal brawling strikes, as well as a natural claw attack from,
say, a Chenari, Red Sslir, or the clawed hand attack of a
Gorgon-blood character.
HIT AND RUN
Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Defensive Dash talent, or Mobility 12 and
Weaponry: Melee level 3
You’re fast and agile enough to strike at an opponent, then
be gone before he can effectively retaliate. This allows you
to move through an opponent’s guarded zone (i.e. weapon
reach) with speed and safety, inflicting a -5 penalty to any
free reactive attacks the enemy might make against you (in-
stead of the normal -2 penalty).
If you have 3 or more skill levels in Animal Handling,
you can utilize this talent when mounted too (so long as
your mount meets the ‘Mobility 12’ requirement).
HOLD THE BREACH
Talent Point Cost: 2
Prerequisites: Physique +2, and Brawling or Weaponry:
Melee level 3
78
You are sturdy and skilled enough to resist most charges,
surges, and rushes in battle. As such, when an opponent
charges you, or perhaps some other action that causes you
to be knocked back or prone, you gain a +2 bonus to your
Defense (or any resistance roll that you must make) to resist
this effect.
HONOR DUEL
Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Magnetism +1 or Renown 6
Stamina Cost To Use: 1
You can challenge or “call out” an opponent of Intellect -2
or better so that he feels compelled, on his honor, to fight
you instead of anyone else. To use this talent, you expend
one Stamina point and make a Persuasion skill roll opposed
by your target’s Resolve roll, and if you win, the foe must
close for combat with you (ignoring all targets). This can
be in the midst of a skirmish or in the fashion of a single
combat or duel.
If the opponent has the Oath-bound weakness, or is a
member of a sect or order with a strict honor code, then
there is a -2 penalty to his Resolve roll to resist; if he pos-
sesses the Honorless or Oath-breaker weakness, then he
receives a +2 bonus to the roll.
The effects of a successful use of the Honor Duel talent
last for one combat round per point of failure on the tar-
get’s Resolve resistance roll (the DL being your initial Per-
suasion roll) and must be honored with melee (Brawling or
Weaponry: Melee), not ranged attacks. The opponent also
gains another Resolve roll to break off the duel if he’s re-
duced to half Health (i.e. Staggered). Note that if the called-
out opponent is harmed by anyone other than you during
the Honor Duel, the effects wear off and he may then do
as he pleases.
HORSEBACK ARCHERY
Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Agility +1, Animal Handling level 3, and
Weaponry: Melee level 3
A somewhat rare method of combat in the West, mounted
archers are known primarily in many lands of the eastern
continent (Hassan) across the Dragon Sea. However, some
warriors still develop such abilities in Western realms, al-
though it is more often used when hunting than in actual
battle.
Regardless, you can shoot arrows or bolts with only a
-2 penalty after you have taken two actions to move atop
your mount/steed. This effectively means that you are trot-
ting. You can also do this after two actions of cantering or
galloping, but the Weaponry: Ranged penalty in this case
is -5. This talent can be used with a composite shortbow
or regular shortbow, and also with a pre-loaded crossbow.
Note that if you use one action to move while mounted,
and a second action to shoot instead (meaning that you’ve
stopped moving), you receive no penalty to the attack roll.
CHARACTER CREATION
 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
IMPROVISED WEAPONRY
Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Agility +1, Physique +1, and Weaponry:
Melee level 5
You are agile, strong, and skilled enough to wield impro-
vised weapons—such as rocks, tools, chairs, torches, etc.—
as well as manufactured ones. Thus, you do not suffer the
usual -2 penalty for wielding (or throwing) an improvised
weapon.
Improvised weapons generally have maximum damage
ratings of 5 to 10, depending on how large or sturdy the
object is in question. None have Armor Piercing ratings or
any other special properties, and the range to effectively
throw such an item is 3/6/9 (although a rock might be as
good as 10/20/30 if the GM approves).
IMPALING SHOT
Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Agility +1 and Weaponry: Ranged level 7
Stamina Cost To Use: 1
As a master of ranged weapons, you are able to place your
shots (or throws) with such force and precision as to im-
pale specific body locations. Thus, by expending a Stamina
point, you may attempt a Weaponry: Ranged attack roll at
a target, and if the result is 5 or more over the opponent’s
Defense, then the missile has impaled him.
An impaling missile, which must be sharp or piercing
(such as an arrow, javelin, spear, handaxe, or dagger), caus-
es the victim to suffer normal Health damage plus a -2 pen-
alty to all die rolls and to Mobility. The missile weapon can
be removed as an action, but this causes 2 more points of
damage to the victim; for the cost of two actions, and a
successful DL 15 Healing Arts roll, the extra damage can be
The High-King of Aradorn musters the horde during the Gorgonic Wars
CHARACTER CREATION
prevented.
If you score 10 or more over the target’s Defense, then
you have—if you so choose—pinned the target to a nearby
object or even to itself (such as an arm pinned to its side)—
forcing the victim to succeed in a DL 15 Endurance roll or
become Stunned for one round. It requires a DL 10 Physique
roll, as an action, for the target to “unpin” itself.
Note that if an impaling shot does not outright slay the
target, this generally means that a fleshy part of the body
was struck or, more likely, its armor or equipment primar-
ily. Lastly, creatures with Physiques of +15 or greater are
immune to the effects of this talent.
IMPALING THRUST
Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Agility +0, Physique +1, and Weaponry:
Melee level 2
Stamina Cost To Use: 1
By expending one Stamina point and wielding a medium or
heavy thrusting weapon (such as a spear, lance, pike, etc.),
you can impale a target by scoring 5 or more over the op-
ponent’s Defense. This enables you to do one of two things
(your choice):
You can leave the weapon impaled in the opponent’s
body (or armor), thus giving up control of the weapon but
inflicting a -2 penalty to Agility on the target. The weapon
can be removed by the target (or an ally) as an action, but
this causes 2 additional points of Health damage; however,
by spending two actions and succeeding in a DL 15 Healing
Arts roll, this extra damage can be avoided.
You can attempt to control the impaled opponent by
succeeding in an opposed Physique roll, although if the
creature’s Physique is +5 greater than yours, you automati-
cally fail this maneuver. A controlled creature can be moved
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 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
up to one-quarter your Mobility in a given round or further
impaled for 2 additional points of Health damage (your
choice of which). This counts as one attack-based action.
INSPIRING PRESENCE
Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Magnetism +2 and Renown 10
Stamina Cost To Use: 1
While standing in the shield-wall, manning fortified battle-
ments, or some similar duty, you are generally viewed as an
excellent captain or inspirational leader, for your presence
alone is often enough to rally allies against a swarming foe.
As such, by expending a Stamina point, you grant a +1 bo-
nus to the Defense—as well as to Brawling, Weaponry:
Melee, and Weaponry: Ranged rolls—of all allies within a
number of yards equal to 5 plus your Magnetism attribute.
If you have a banner or shield emblazon, or a drawn weap-
on with the Prestige feature, then this effect area is doubled.
The effects of this talent, after spending the Stamina
point, remain for one full minute (ten rounds), even if you
are incapacitated (though you must still be visible to your
allies).
KIP
Talent Point Cost: 2
Prerequisites: Mobility 8 and Acrobatics level 3
Stamina Cost To Use: 1
When you are prone, you may “kip up” to a standing posi-
tion in one fluid move. This costs you no actions (instead of
the normal one action cost), although you might still suffer
a free reactive attack from any opponents within reach. Us-
ing this talent expends one Stamina point.
LEAPING STRIKE
Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Mobility 10, Weaponry: Melee level 3,
and Acrobatics or Athletics level 5
Stamina Cost To Use: 1
Sometimes called ‘Salmon’s Leap’ in the northwest and ‘Li-
on’s Leap’ in the southlands, you are athletic enough to
jump high into the air, while in combat, coming down hard
with your weapon upon your opponent’s head or neck.
This grants you one of the following options of your choice:
A +2 bonus to your Weaponry: Melee roll, costing you
one action and one Stamina point. You can only use this
maneuver twice on the same opponent, in the same com-
bat scene, since the target will begin to predict your leaping
attack.
If you move at least 5 yards toward your target, you
may then follow up with an Acrobatics or Athletics skill
roll, the DL being 15 + your opponent’s Physique. If you
succeed, you gain a +5 bonus to your following Weap-
onry: Melee attack roll against that opponent (as you go
flipping over the top of him). If you fail, then you open
yourself up to a free reactive attack from the opponent.
80
This entire maneuver costs you two actions (one move and
one attack) and also one Stamina point.
Note that if you have at least 5 levels in Brawling, you
may use this talent to make punching or kicking attacks.
MEAT SHIELD
Talent Point Cost: 2
Prerequisites: Brawling level 5
Stamina Cost To Use: 1
By expending a Stamina point, you can attempt to grab an
opponent (using the Brawling skill) in combat and effec-
tively use him or her as Cover. The opponent’s Physique
can be no greater than +5 of your own, or the maneuver is
ineffective; otherwise, the grappled opponent yields an ef-
fective number of armor points to you equal to its Physique
attribute +2. For example, a Physique +1 “meat shield”
would grant 3 points of armor/protection to the grappler,
but only for as long as the grappler continues the hold
against the opponent (the held opponent may attempt to
break out of the hold as an action on his/her turn). This bo-
nus protection stacks with any actual armor that you might
be wearing. Furthermore, if an attack roll succeeds against
you while you are using your “meat shield” for cover, then
the creature acting as the meat shield takes the damage.
Since establishing and maintaining a hold on the target
is considered an attack action, the grappler cannot attack
again during the round, but may spend his/her second ac-
tion to move, cast a non-attack spell, or whatever. For each
round a grapple is held, the attacker expends one Stamina
point regardless of success or failure.
MIGHTY RANGED
Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Physique +1 and Weaponry: Ranged level
1
You have adapted to applying as much of your size and
physical strength, when throwing a ranged weapon (such as
a dagger, handaxe, javelin, etc.), as possible. As such, you
may use your Physique attribute instead of your Agility to
modify your thrown ranged attack rolls.
MOUNTED CHARGE
Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Animal Handling level 3 and Weaponry:
Melee level 1
Stamina Cost To Use: 0-1 (see below)
When mounted upon a battle-trained steed (such as a war-
horse), you can strike at footed (that is, unmounted) op-
ponents, whose Physiques are no greater than +5 of your
own, gaining a +2 bonus to your Weaponry: Melee skill
roll if the weapon has the ‘Mount’ characteristic (or +1 if
any other type of melee weapon). This requires no Stamina
cost.
However, there other maneuvers that are at your dispos-
al too, as shown below (each one costing 1 Stamina point):
CHARACTER CREATION
 SAVAGEIII
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You can knock an opposing rider, whose Physique is no
greater than +5 of your own, from his steed if he fails an
Animal Handling (Riding specialty) skill roll whose DL is set
by your own Animal Handling roll. In such a case, the rider
is on the ground prone, though if upon a moving steed he
will take 1 point of damage for every point of failure of a
DL 20 Acrobatics or Animal Handling roll (maximum 5
points). Optionally, you can drive the target back one yard,
including the mount itself unless its Physique is +5 or greater
beyond your own mount’s. Using this maneuver costs you
two actions and one Stamina point, and requires at least 10
yards of movement.
You can lay into an opponent, be it mounted or un-
mounted, with a lance (as in a joust or hard cavalry charge),
gaining an additional +5 to your maximum damage. You
may attempt this with other weapons as well, but the bo-
nus maximum damage in this case is but +2. This maneuver
also costs you one Stamina point and requires 10 yards of
movement (and requiring two actions—one to move and
one to attack).
OPPORTUNISTIC STRIKE
Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Cat-like Reflexes talent, or Agility +1 and
Weaponry: Melee level 3
You are gifted in spotting brief openings in an opponent’s
guard, and therefore suffer no penalty to your Weaponry:
Melee rolls when taking free reactive attacks (instead of the
normal -2 penalty for such). In addition, you may make
two free reactive attacks in a given round (instead of the
normal one such attack), although not at the same target.
PARRY MISSILES
Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Agility +1, Physique +0, and Weaponry:
Melee level 5
So well-trained and precise are you with melee weapons,
that you may use your Parry Defense against ranged attacks
instead of your Dodge Defense. You must, however, be cur-
rently armed with a shield, buckler, or manufactured weap-
on in order to use this talent; you may do this unarmed as
well, but at a -2 penalty to your Parry Defense.
Note that Parry Missiles only works against Small or Me-
dium ranged weapons and ammunition, and not against
boulders and siege engine missiles.
PARRYING SPECIALIST
Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: At least three Weaponry: Melee skill spe-
cialties
You are accomplished enough with most weapons that you
may apply your +1 skill specialty bonus of any weapon in
which you are specialized to your Parry Defense. If you are
armed with a weapon in which you are not specialized,
then you cannot apply this bonus.
CHARACTER CREATION
PRECISION STRIKE
Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Agility +1 and Weaponry: Melee level 5
Stamina Cost To Use: 2
You are skilled in finding weak spots in opponents’ armor,
and thus by expending 2 Stamina points, you can attempt
a Weaponry: Melee attack which, if successful, ignores half
the target’s armor rating (rounded down). Note, however,
that only thrusting and slashing weapons can be utilized
with this talent, with the exclusion of battleaxes and great-
axes.
Certain creatures might be immune to Precision Strikes,
such as animated objects made of solid stone or metal. GM
discretion should apply.
PRESSING ATTACK
Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Mobility 7, and either Brawling level 6 or
Weaponry: Melee level 6
Stamina Cost To Use: 1
You are skilled at staying close to your opponent, often
forcing him to give ground or even to lose his balance.
Thus, by expending one Stamina point and scoring a success
against your target’s Defense with a Brawling or Weapon-
ry: Melee attack roll, you may drive your opponent back
one yard in any direction of your choice. If you score 5 or
more over the target’s Defense with a weapon of Reach 2
or greater, then you may drive him back two yards instead.
Note that your opponent’s Physique must be within +5
of your own for this talent to function. Furthermore, you
may move along with your opponent when forcing him
back, or choose not to do so.
PUGILISTIC FOLLOW-UP
Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Brawling level 3 and Weaponry: Melee
level 3
Stamina Cost To Use: 1
After a normal weapon attack, whether it is successful or
not, you may follow up with a Brawling attack roll to
punch, kick, head-butt, elbow, or otherwise pummel the
target. This costs you one Stamina point and, since it’s part
of the same attack action, you suffer a -2 penalty to the
Brawling skill roll. Maximum damage is 5 (or 7 with the
Heavy Hitter talent).
If you already gain a secondary attack, such as from
being a Chenari (claw) or Red Sslir (bite), then this talent
represents or tertiary attack which comes with a -5 penalty
instead of merely -2. (Note the maximum number attacks
any player-character can make as one action is three regard-
less of race, talents, skill, or whatever.)
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PUNISHING CHARGE
Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Physique +1, Mobility 8, and Bullish Charge
or Rushing Attack talent
Stamina Cost To Use: 1
You are quite skilled in using your size and momentum to
deliver punishing attacks. As such, if you spend an action to
move at least 4 yards, you can then use your second action
to gain a +2 bonus to a Brawling or Weaponry: Melee at-
tack roll (costing you one Stamina point). If your attack roll
scores 10 or above the target’s Defense, then the opponent
is automatically knocked prone or knocked back one yard
(your choice) in addition to taking damage.
QUICK WITHDRAW
Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Agility +0 and Shadowing Step talent or
Weaponry: Melee level 5
Stamina Cost To Use: 2
So swift is your step, and skilled is your weapon-play, that
you can disengage and move up to your Mobility as a single
action. As this takes some degree of concentration, doing
this costs you two Stamina points, and note that you can-
not move through a wary opponent's reach, as this talent
is merely a swift means of disengagement and retreat. This
can be done on horseback as well if you possess at least 3
skill levels in Animal Handling.
Furthermore, you pay one point less for the Shadowed
Step talent (if you don’t already have it).
RETALIATING STRIKE
Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Swift Actions talent, or Agility +2 and
Weaponry: Melee level 3
Stamina Cost To Use: 2
Also known as a reposte, you may make an immediate at-
tack (as an out-of-turn reaction) after an opponent, within
melee reach, makes one against you on his turn. This costs
you 2 Stamina points and does not change your turn in the
Initiative order. It also imposes a -2 penalty to your attack
roll like all reactive attacks. You can only use this talent once
in any given round, and only then when an enemy takes a
melee attack against you.
RUNNING SHOT
Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Agility +1 and Weaponry: Ranged level 3
You can shoot an arrow or bolt, or hurl a ranged weapon,
after using two actions to move (effectively meaning that
you are making a ranged attack while running). This, how-
ever, comes at a -2 penalty to your attack roll. If you possess
the Defensive Dash talent, you can even do this after mov-
ing triple your speed (as two actions).
82
RUSHING ATTACK
Talent Point Cost: 2
Prerequisites: Agility +0, Mobility 8, and Brawling or
Weaponry: Melee level 1
Stamina Cost To Use: 1
You can still make an attack (as a free action), albeit at a -2
penalty, after spending 2 actions to move double or more
your Mobility. This costs you one Stamina point.
SEVERING BLOW
Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Cleaving Blow or Precision Strike talent,
and Weaponry: Melee level 8
Stamina Cost To Use: 2
So well-placed and devastating are your weapon strikes,
that by expending two Stamina points, you can attempt to
sever a limb of any opponent in which you score a critical
success against. Like all attacks, this costs one action and
only functions against targets that have tangible arms, legs,
tails, tentacles, or similar extremities, and whose Physiques
are no greater than +15. If successful, you may choose what
limb you sever as follows:
If an arm (or arm-like member), then the victim suffers a
-2 penalty to both Agility and Physique, and must succeed
in a DL 15 Endurance or Resolve roll or become Stunned
for one full round. If this roll fails by 5 or more, then the
victim is also Terrified until the attacker that did the severing
is out of sight; on a critical failure, the victim is Cower-
ing instead. Naturally, the target takes the normal weapon
damage as well (and might be unconscious or slain outright
anyway).
This horrible injury will also cause one point of Health
damage per round thereafter, due to bleeding, unless a suc-
cessful DL 10 Healing Arts roll is made as two actions. Ob-
viously, a target missing an arm cannot wield two weapons,
or a weapon and shield, or do much of anything requiring
two hands.
If a leg (or leg-like extremity), the victim’s Agility drops
by -4 and he also suffers -2 to Physique. Mobility falls to
one-quarter as the injured victim can only hop, or more
likely, crawl about. A DL 15 Endurance or Resolve roll must
be passed or else the wounded creature suffers the same
effects as stated above (the bleeding can also be stopped as
outlined above).
Note that only slashing weapons with at least an Armor
Piercing of 1 can be used for this talent. A severed limb is be-
yond the normal skill of mundane Healing Arts, although
a DL 15 Healing Arts skill roll will allow the stump to be
cauterized, cleaned, bandaged, and made disease-free, this
feat taking at least ten minutes. Otherwise, there are tales
of rare and potent (and possibly dangerous) life-spells that
might be able to reattach (or even regrow) a limb.
CHARACTER CREATION
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SHADOWING STEP
Talent Point Cost: 2
Prerequisites: Mobility 10, and either Brawling level 3 or
Weaponry: Melee level 3
Stamina Cost To Use: 1
So focused are you on a single opponent in battle, that you
may move up to one-quarter of your Mobility immediately
and out of turn (as a reaction) if an opponent disengages
from you and moves away. This is all you can do, howev-
er—you cannot attack or take any other action. Note that
this does not count against how far you can move on your
actual turn, nor does it change your Initiative order. Each
time you use this talent, you expend a Stamina point.
Furthermore, you pay one less point for the Quick With-
draw talent.
SHATTERING BLOW
Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Heroic Strength talent, or Physique +2 and
Weaponry: Melee level 4
Stamina Cost To Use: 1
With a heavy hand and accurate eye, you know how to
come down hard on an opponent’s weapon or shield. By
expending a Stamina point, you make a Weaponry: Me-
lee roll while wielding a Large or Medium weapon in both
hands, and if you succeed against the opponent’s Defense,
his weapon or shield is destroyed if the following criteria
is met:
Your weapon must be exceptional-quality steel or other
material of master-crafted quality
The opponent’s weapon or shield must be predominant-
ly wood or of inferior metal (such as bronze, iron, or obsid-
ian), or be steel of average or less quality
If the opponent’s weapon or shield is master-crafted
quality, then your weapon would have to be of hero-
ic-quality or greater in order to shatter it
Legendary quality weapons or shields are immune to this
ability.
SHIELD BASH
Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Agility or Physique +0, and Brawling or
Weaponry: Melee level 1
Stamina Cost To Use: 1
When armed with a buckler or shield (any size), you can
make an off-handed attack with it at a -2 penalty after mak-
ing an attack with your normal weapon (all as one action).
If, however, you attack with only the shield, then there is
no penalty to the attack roll. Maximum damage for any
shield, regardless of size, is 5 (or 7 if master-crafted).
Every round that you utilize this talent, you must expend
a Stamina point.
CHARACTER CREATION
SHIELD SPECIALIST
Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Agility +0 and Physique +0, plus Weapon-
ry: Melee level 5
You are well-trained in the use of bucklers and shields, mov-
ing them with quick, but fluid, motion against harrowing
opponents. Thus, any shield you employ gains an addition-
al +1 armor rating in your hands. Furthermore, you pay
one point less for the Shield Bash, Shield Rush, and Shield
Wall specialties.
SHIELD RUSH
Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Physique +0, Mobility 7, and Weaponry:
Melee level 1
Stamina Cost To Use: 1
If armed with a shield, you can rush up to an opponent and
gain one of the following benefits upon a successful Brawl-
ing or Weaponry: Melee attack roll:
Drive him back one yard, if your Physique is within 2 of
your opponent’s Physique. If your Physique is twice that of
your target’s, then you push him back two yards or knock
him prone (your choice).
Pin his weapon or shield just enough to gain a +2 bonus
to any follow-up attack that round, which includes attacks
from adjacent allies (for that combat round only). Note
that your Physique must be no less than 2 of your oppo-
nent’s Physique.
Every time you attempt one of these maneuvers, you
expend one Stamina point.
SHIELD WALL
Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Physique -1, and Weaponry: Melee level 1
Stamina Cost To Use: 0-1
When you are standing next to at least one ally when both
of you are armed with shields (thus your shields touching
or even overlapping), you gain an additional +2 to your
armor rating. Furthermore, for every round in which you
spend a Stamina point, you can grant this bonus to your
adjacent allies in the shield wall as well. Naturally, if you
separate from your ally (or allies), these benefits are lost.
SIEGE SPECIALIST
Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Intellect +1, and Alchemy or Crafting level
2
You were likely raised in an advanced culture, understat-
ing the importance and lethal engineering of siege warfare
(or else perhaps you served as a mercenary for a number
of campaigns), you gain either the ‘Engineering’ specialty
of the Crafting skill or the ‘Warfare’ specialty of Lore skill
(your choice), as well as a +2 bonus to any skill roll in-
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volving the use of siege weapons (e.g. ballistae, catapults,
battering rams, etc.).
Additionally, you pay one point less for the Tactician
talent, although if you have the Savage weakness, you must
pay an additional point for the Siege Specialist talent.
SMITING BLOW
Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Magic Affinity, or Magical Arts: Fire or
Life level 1 and Holy Warrior or Pious Faith
Stamina Cost To Use: 2
Your faith in your gods, or your oath-sworn liege, is such that
you can smite opponents with a divinely enhanced strike,
as a faint nimbus of fire-like light enshrouds your weapons.
This costs you two Stamina points to attempt (as an attack
action) and grants you a +2 bonus on your Weaponry:
Melee attack roll and increases your maximum damage by
5. Against Nether-worldly (demonic) and undead creatures,
the maximum damage is boosted by 10.
Wounds caused by a Smiting Blow are more difficult to
heal, increasing the DL for Healing Arts or Heal Wounds
spells by 5. Tainted creatures will likely have a permanent
scar or a crude form of branding.
STABBING ARROW
Talent Point Cost: 3
Requirements: Agility +1, and either the Close-Quarters
Archery talent or Brawling level 3
Stamina Cost To Use: 1
You are agile and skilled enough in both archery and melee
that you can shoot an arrow or bolt (from any bow or
crossbow) as an action, and then follow up immediately
with a melee attack—using a bolt or arrow—as part of the
same attack action (and therefore at a -2 penalty). If you
possess the Improvised Weaponry talent, then this penalty
is nullified. This maneuver costs you one Stamina point and
requires at least one free hand.
Note that the maximum damage for an arrow or bolt
is 8 when used in this capacity. This is a favored talent for
Dark Sidhe and Wild Sidhe.
SWASHBUCKLING
Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Agility or Intellect +1, plus Mobility 10 and
Acrobatics level 3
Stamina Cost To Use: 1
A fairly uncommon fighting-style in a world where brutality
and heavy weapons do much of the gory work, acrobatic
and flashy swordsmanship is still utilized by the spry, clever,
quick, and usually young. While fighting in this style, you
may perform some movement-based action (one action),
such as toppling over a table or statue, knocking over a
heavy chair or stool, sliding down a snow-covered hill on a
shield, or the like.
84
This warrants an appropriate skill check—usually Acro-
batics or Athletics (GM adjudication)—against a DL of 15
or 20, depending on the maneuver’s apparent difficulty.
Upon a success, you gain a +2 bonus to any Brawling or
Weaponry: Melee attack roll that you make as a follow-up
attack action as you confuse (or entertain) your opponent.
If you score 10 over the DL of the movement-based activity,
then you have also either knocked prone or knocked back
(one yard) your opponent if you so choose.
TACTICIAN
Point Talent Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Intellect +1 and Magnetism -1
Stamina Cost To Use: 1
You are schooled in military strategies, or else naturally gift-
ed in the flow, ebb, and chaotic rush of combat. Regardless,
you gain +2 to your Initiative rolls, as well as the ‘Military’
specialty of the Lore skill for free. In addition, you may
grant a +1 bonus in one of the following of your choice—
Defense, Perception, Stealth, Weaponry: Melee, or Weap-
onry: Ranged—to all allies within a number of yards equal
to your Magnetism.
You do this by vocalizing these strategies aloud, which
costs you one Stamina point (and a non-attack action). This
means that you must be capable of speech, and you can
switch out the above benefits each round if you wish, each
round still costing you a Stamina and an action.
TRIPPING ATTACK
Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Weaponry: Melee level 5
Stamina Cost To Use: 1
You can use any Medium or Large weapon to knock an
opponent prone instead of dealing damage, assuming you
succeed in a Weaponry: Melee attack roll against the tar-
get’s Defense. You do not suffer the normal penalty for trip
attempts, unless it is a creature with more than two legs
(in which case it is -2). If you score 10 over the opponent’s
Defense, then you trip the target as well as deal regular
damage to him. If you critically fail the trip attempt, then
you are counter-tripped and knocked prone.
Each use of Tripping Attack costs you one Stamina point
and one (attack) action, and creatures with Physiques +10
or greater than your own are immune to this maneuver.
UNARMORED FIGHTING
Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Agility +0, Mobility 9, and Weaponry:
Melee level 1
You are from a culture that often eschews armor, or at least
does not often make use of it due to climate, lack of re-
sources, or personal choice. This, however, makes you more
of a light-footed combatant, relying more on quickness and
mobility than protective equipment.
As such, when you are Unencumbered and wearing no
CHARACTER CREATION
 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
armor at all (including shields), you gain a +1 bonus to Ac-
robatics (and therefore Dodge Defense as well), Weapon-
ry: Melee rolls, and even to Brawling rolls if you have at
least one level in that skill.
See Encumbrance in Chapter 15—Gear & Supplies for
more information about encumbrance levels. Note that the
benefits of this talent do not function if Hindered or wear-
ing anything that gives you an armor rating of 1 or more.
WAR-CRY
Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Berserker Rage talent, or Performance or
Persuasion level 3
Stamina Cost To Use: 2
Many warriors, particularly those from more savage cul-
tures, scream battle-cries and curses before (and after) they
launch themselves into a clash of bone and steel. As for you,
however, you have learned to refine this war-shout, and
thus by expending 2 Stamina points (and using an action),
you can project a terrible cry which allows you to make
a Performance or Persuasion (intimidation specialty) skill
roll. All non-allied creatures within a 5-yard radius of you
must then succeed in a Resolve skill roll against a DL set
by your roll or become Intimidated for one full round. If
the Resolve roll is critically failed, the creature is Terrified
instead.
By spinning your weapon fiercely about, you effectively
create a wall of steel (or wood) in a vicious and deadly
arc. This grants you a +2 bonus to your Parry Defense and
enables you to make a Performance or Persuasion (intim-
idation specialty) skill roll against all foes within 3 yards of
you. Those failing their Resolve resistance rolls are Intimi-
dated. This costs you one Stamina point per round of use
and counts as an attack action.
Furthermore, you gain a free reactive attack on any op-
ponent who closes within reach of your spinning weapon.
WOLFPACK TACTICS
Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Agility +1 and Perception level 2
You are gifted in working with others when it comes to
surrounding your opponents in combat, finding weak spots
and blindsides like a ravaging pack of wolves. As such, you
gain double the normal bonuses for Outnumbering an op-
ponent. For example, if you and two allies are surrounding
the same target, then you would receive a +4 bonus to
your attack roll instead of merely a +2.
The maximum bonus possible when using Wolfpack
Tactics is +5. See Chapter 17—Actions & Combat for more
information on Outnumbering.

WARNING SHOT
Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Finessing Shot or Weaponry: Ranged lev-
el 7
Stamina Cost To Use: 1

So skilled at archery or other ranged combat are you, that

you can send your arrows, bolts, javelins, or whatever, dan-
gerously and impressively close to a target whereas to terri-
fy or impress. This works by expending a Stamina point and
(as an attack action) making a Weaponry: Ranged attack
roll against your target’s Dodge Defense, which forces the
creature to succeed in a Resolve skill roll (versus the DL set
by your attack roll) or become Intimidated toward you. If,
however, he fails his Resolve resistance roll by 5 or more,
then the target is Intimidated toward anyone clearly allied
with and within 10 yards of you. If the Resolve roll is failed
by 10 or more, then the target is either Terrified or takes 5
points of damage from the missile as well as the Intimida-
tion effect (your choice).
Note that, like all other forms of Intimidation, such ef-
fects end when the causer of the Intimidation effect is visibly
harmed by the intimidated creature or a nearby ally.

WEB OF STEEL
Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Agility +1, Physique +0, and Weaponry:
Melee level 5
Stamina Cost To Use: 1

CHARACTER CREATION 85
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TABLE 2-4: BLOOD TALENTS

Blood talents refer to bloodlines and heritages and are quite rare. As such, player-characters may start with, at most,
one of these talents (and since they are birth traits, cannot be gained after character creation).

Talent Name Cost Prerequisites

Angelic-blood 6 Magnetism +0 and must be Human or Eluna Sidhe
Demon-blood 5 Must be Human, Dark Sidhe, or Sslir
Dragon-kindred 5 Duergar, Eluna Sidhe, or Sslir, plus Magnetism or Willpower +0
Giant-blood 6 Physique +2 and be of Human race
Goblin-blooded 4 Must be Human
Gorgon-blood 5 Must be Esmandian, Lorinthian, or Prydonian (Outer Islander)
Lycanthrope 6 Vigor or Willpower +0 and be of any Human ethnicity
Rhodonite Blood 5 Magnetism +0 and must be Prydonian or southern Lorinthian
Sidhe-blooded 6 Agility or Magnetism +0 and must be Human
Sslir-blooded 5 Must be Human of a non-arctic culture
Troll-born 5 Vig +1; Brythian, Caernian, Gaernic, Norish, Mulovian, Skathian, or Thorakki
Vampire Spawn 7 Must be Human

ANGELIC-BLOOD rolls. Furthermore, if your Intellect is +1 or better, you have

Talent Point Cost: 6
Prerequisites: Magnetism +0, and must be Human or Elu-
na Sidhe
Your heritage is rare and proud indeed, with the Oth-
er-worldly blood of angels (those ancient demons who re-
fused to strive against mortal-kind) flowing through your
veins. As such, your appearance is slightly altered—some
might even say enhanced—perhaps with a faint golden or
silver tinge to your skin, hair of white-gold, or eyes gleam-
ing with a subtle celestial light.
Due to this bloodline, the starting range and absolute
maximum of your Magnetism attribute both increase by
one (in accordance to your base race or culture), and you
receive +1 to your Renown, a +1 bonus to Healing Arts,
Magical Arts: Life, and Resolve skill rolls. Additionally, if
your Intellect is +1 or higher, then you know the Angelic (or
Over-speech) language for free; if not, you can always learn
it later if you gain at least two levels in the Language skill.
Lastly, you pay one point less for the Comeliness, Com-
manding Voice, Inspiring Presence, Magic Affinity, and
Supernatural Pact (angelic) talents.
DEMON-BLOOD
Talent Point Cost: 5
Prerequisites: Must be Human, Dark Sidhe, or Sslir
You are the product of an unholy union between the mor-
tal and the diabolical, likely having pointed or folded ears,
small horns, black nails, or a deep red or sooty tint to your
skin (though these features are often quite subtle). Howev-
er, you also gain some major advantages over full-blood-
ed humans, such as the Night-sighted talent for free, the
‘Bluffing’ or ‘Intimidation’ specialty of the Persuasion skill
(your choice), and a +1 bonus to Magical Arts: Death skill
86
knowledge of the Nether-speech (or Demonic) language;
if not, you can learn it later if you gain two levels in the
Language skill.
Lastly, you pay one point less for the Cultist, Magic Af-
finity, Seductive Dance, and Supernatural Pact (demonic)
talents. If you have any of the following weaknesses—Ad-
diction (black lotus, blood, red lotus, or wine), Cursed,
Infamous, Obsession (carnal pleasures or power), Phobia
(priests, silver, or sunlight), or Tainted—then you gain an
additional bonus point at character creation. If you have
two or more of these weaknesses, you still only gain the
one bonus point.
DRAGON-KINDRED
Talent Point Cost: 5
Prerequisites: Duergar, Eluna Sidhe, or Sslir, plus Magne-
tism or Willpower +0
You have a very close affinity with dragons and their kin,
some perhaps even whispering that you have draconic
blood in your veins (albeit unlikely). As such, you gain a +1
bonus to your Renown as well as a +1 ‘other’ bonus to your
Magical Arts: Air, Fire, and Water skills. Additionally, you
gain either the ‘Resist Cold’ or ‘Resist Heat’ specialty of the
Endurance skill (your choice) and the ‘Dragons’ specialty of
the Lore skill for free. Also, you know the Dragon-speech
language if your Intellect is +0 or better and pay one point
less for the Cultist (any draconic cult), Magic Affinity, Su-
pernatural Pact (dragon only), and True Name talents.
Furthermore, if you ever come in contact with a true
dragon, you gain a +2 bonus to your Performance and
Persuasion skill rolls when interacting with it, and if you
have the Obsession (treasure or power) weakness, you re-
ceive an additional bonus point for it.
CHARACTER CREATION
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GIANT-BLOOD
Talent Point Cost: 6
Prerequisites: Physique +2 and be of Human race
Sometimes known in the Southlands as being “titan-born”,
this rare blood talent represents a character’s exotic, and
likely violent, heritage in relation to Giant-kind. This mainly
includes Frost Giants (in the north), Fire Giants (in the mid-
lands), Storm Titans (in the south), and even Firbolgs (in
the west). One of your parents endured a tryst with one of
these mighty beings, producing you, or perhaps it is blood
left over from a grandparent a generation prior.
Whatever the case, you are likely tall and sturdy of
frame, and might possess blue-white (Frost Giant) hair or
beard, reddish skin or soot-colored hair (Fire Giant), green-
ish skin or hair (Storm Titan), or red-orange hair or beard
(Firbolg). Whatever the case, you pay one point less for the
Bashing Blow, Bullish Charge, Cleaving Blow, Gladiator,
Grit, Heroic Strength, Intimidating Physique, Meat Shield,
and Shattering Blow talents. Additionally, you gain +1 to
your Renown, the absolute maximum of your Physique in-
creases by one, and if your Intellect is +0 or higher, then
you know the Giant-tongue (if not, then you may learn it
later if you acquire two levels of the Language skill). Fur-
thermore, choose one of the following based on your base
culture and homeland:
Ε If you are from northern lands, you are most likely
a descendant of Frost Giants, and thus gain a +2 bonus
to Endurance rolls to resist cold/ice effects.
Ε If you are from the midlands (near the Bloodrock
Mountains), then you are most likely an offspring of
Fire Giants, and receive a +2 bonus to Endurance rolls
to resist heat/fire effects.
Ε If your homeland is in the southern realms (espe-
cially the Prydonian Isles), then your bloodline most
likely belongs to the Storm Titans and you therefore
gain a +2 bonus to Endurance rolls to resist electrical/
lightning effects.
Ε If, instead, you are from the far western reaches
(particularly the Emerald Islands), then you are proba-
bly a spawn of Firbolgs and gain a +2 bonus to Resolve
rolls to resist glamour and illusion effects.
GOBLIN-BLOODED
Talent Point Cost: 4
Prerequisites: Must be Human
You have the blood of Goblin-kind in your veins, that an-
cient fey-derived menace to much of the civilized world,
especially in the West. However, you enjoy some advan-
tages (as well as some expected disadvantages) depending
on the type of goblinoid to which you can trace your dark
ancestry.
If a “true” Goblin (or Gobling, as they are often called
in the north), the starting range and absolute maximum
of your Agility attribute increases by one (depending on
your base culture); however, the absolute maximum of
CHARACTER CREATION
your Magnetism decreases by one as well. You also gain
the ‘Smell’ specialty of the Perception skill for free, and
pay one point less for the Agile Climber, Agile Weaponry,
Assassin, Night-sighted, Sapping Blow, and Secret Strike
talents.
If of Hobgoblin (or Devil-goblin) ancestry, the starting
range and absolute maximum of your Vigor attribute in-
creases by one (in accordance to your base culture); the
absolute maximum of your Intellect attribute, however, de-
creases by one. In addition, you gain the ‘Intimidation’ spe-
cialty of the Persuasion skill for free, and pay one point less
for the Choke Hold, Hold The Breach, Impaling Thrust,
Grit, Night-sighted, and Pugilistic Follow-up talents.
GORGON-BLOOD
Talent Point Cost: 5
Prerequisites: Must be an Esmandian, Lorinthian, or Pry-
donian (Outer Islander)
Though you are no full-blooded gorgon, the part-human
monsters of Gorgotha, you can still trace your tainted an-
cestry to only a couple of generations removed. As such,
the starting ranges and absolute maximums of both your
Physique and Vigor attributes (as governed by your base
culture) increases by one; however, the starting range and
absolute maximum of your Magnetism attribute decreases
by one. Furthermore, you gain either a natural attack (using
your Brawling skill), such as a clawed hand or goring horn,
or a +2 bonus to Endurance skill rolls (your choice as to
which). If the former, the maximum damage is 8, and you
suffer no penalty to the Brawling attack roll even if used in
conjunction with a one-handed melee weapon.
Additionally, you pay one point less for the Grit, Magic
Affinity, Night-sighted, and Rushing Attack talents. If you
possess the Honorless or Tainted weakness, you gain an ad-
ditional bonus point at character creation (but only the one
bonus point, even if you have both of these weaknesses).
Note that will likely experience some prejudice due to your
appearance (albeit as subtle as your gorgonic traits are likely
to be), particularly within the Prydonian Isles and in regions
adjacent to Gorgotha and the Bloodrock Mountains.
LYCANTHROPE
Talent Point Cost: 6
Prerequisites: Vigor or Willpower +0, and be of any hu-
man ethnicity
Stamina Cost To Use: 2-4 (see below)
Some time ago, you were bitten or scratched by a were-
beast, an accursed lycanthrope. You probably nearly died
because of this rare and terrible affliction, and were likely
driven out of your community, but yet somehow you man-
aged to control this gift/curse to some extent.
Choose one of the following:
Were-bear—You were bitten by a werebear, and thus
receive a +1 bonus to Brawling and Survival skill rolls.
Additionally, you gain the Night-sighted talent, +2 to
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your Mobility trait, and suffer the Phobia (or silver—
major) weakness.
Were-boar—You were bitten by a wereboar, and
therefore receive a +1 bonus to Brawling and Endur-
ance rolls. Furthermore, you gain the Night-sighted
talent, +2 to your Mobility, and suffer the Phobia (of
silver—major) weakness.
Were-cat—You were bitten by a werecat, and as such,
receive a +1 bonus to Acrobatics and Perception rolls.
You also receive the Night-sighted talent for free, +2 to
your Mobility trait, and suffer the Phobia (of silver—
major) weakness.
Were-rat—You were bitten by a wererat, and receive
a +1 bonus to Perception and Stealth skill rolls. In addi-
tion, you gain the Night-sighted talent, +2 to your Mo-
bility, and the Phobia (of silver – major) weakness.
Were-wolf—You were bitten by a werewolf (“man-
wolf”), and thus receive a +1 bonus to Perception and
Survival skill rolls. You also gain the Night-sighted talent
for free, +2 to your Mobility, and must suffer the Pho-
bia (of silver—major) weakness.
Furthermore, during the three nights when Greater
Moon is full, and the two nights of the Lesser Moon’s full-
ness, you can shape-shift into either a full-blooded animal
version of the lycanthrope or a bestial hybrid of creature
and human. In regards to the animal form, see Chapter 21
—Animals & Gigantic Animals for statistics. If shifting into
hybrid form instead, then refer to the appropriate entry in
the following:
Were-bear—Gain +1 to Physique and Vigor attributes,
and +2 to Perception skill rolls.
Were-boar—+1 to Vigor and Willpower attributes,
and +2 to Endurance skill rolls.
Were-cat—+1 to Agility and Willpower attributes, and
+2 bonus to Acrobatics rolls.
Were-rat—+1 to Agility and Vigor attributes, and +2
bonus to Stealth skill rolls.
Were-wolf—+1 to Physique and Vigor attributes, and
+2 bonus to Perception rolls.
Note that while you are in animal or hybrid form, you
take 2 points less damage from all forms of weaponry save
for those made of silver. Also, unless you remove your ar-
mor (if any), it will be ineffective while in animal form,
either falling completely away or hanging awkwardly and
useless. If changing to hybrid form, the armor becomes
slightly damaged, losing 1 point of protection if a chainmail
shirt or less or 2 points if a chainmail hauberk or greater.
88
Damaged armor can be repaired later per the Crafting skill
rules.
You may remain in animal or hybrid form for up to five
hours plus your Vigor or Willpower (whichever is higher) if
on a full moon night, or half this amount if not a full moon
night. It costs you 2 Stamina points per form-shift (note that
changing from animal form and back to human counts as
two shifts and therefore 4 Stamina). Shape-shifting requires
one action.
It is possible to shape-shift into animal or hybrid form
even during nights (and days) that do not feature one of the
moons being full, but this requires a successful DL 17 Endur-
ance or Resolve roll and costs 1 additional Stamina point
(thus, 3 in total) per shape-shift. If you fail, you can keep
trying, but note the Stamina cost each time; if you critically
fail this roll, then you are stuck in animal form indefinitely,
though extremely rare sorceries or alchemies might be able
to help revert you back.
Final note: player-characters with the Lycanthropy tal-
ent are considered “natural-born” were-creatures, and so
cannot pass their affliction on to others.
RHODONITE BLOOD
Talent Point Cost: 5
Prerequisites: Magnetism +0 and must be Prydonian or
southern Lorinthian
The vast majority of Prydonians are descendants, if indirect-
ly, of the ancient people of Rhodon, the mighty island of
the gods at the “center of the world”. You, however—like
a few other rare and select individuals—can trace your an-
cestry directly back 1,300 years ago to the time of Rhodon
and the Elder Deities who once allegedly reigned supreme.
The Rhodonites believed themselves to be the true off-
spring of these ancient divinities and, as such, you have sev-
eral special abilities based on the Elder Deity to whom you
can supposedly trace your lineage. Thus, you receive +1 to
your Renown and may choose one of the following, grant-
ing further benefits:
AGATHON (god of fire, blood, and battle): You gain
a +1 bonus to Magical Arts: Death and Fire skill rolls,
the ‘Armor’ or ‘Weapons’ specialty of the Crafting skill
(your choice of which), and your choice of weapon
specialty—Javelin (Ranged) or Spear (Melee). You are
likely to have a fascination for fire, blood, weapons, or
violence.
ATORES (the bull-god, lord of time, order, and the sun):
You gain a +1 bonus to Animal Handling and Magi-
cal Arts: Fire skill rolls, and receive either the ‘Bulls’ or
‘Chariots’ specialty of the Animal Handling skill (your
choice of which). You are likely to have a fascination for
bulls, chariots, fire, or the sun.
LUCCIA (goddess of inspiration, love, seduction, and
the Greater Moon): You gain a +1 bonus to Persua-
sion, Magical Arts: Air, and Magical Arts: Shadow skill
rolls. In addition, you may choose one of the follow-
CHARACTER CREATION
 SAVAGEIII
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ing Performance specialties—Dancing, Lyre, or Singing.
You might possess a fascination with music, poetry, and
love-making.
NIPALOS (god of night, thieves, and the Lesser Moon):
You gain a +1 bonus to Disguise, Stealth, and Magi-
cal Arts: Shadow skill rolls, as well as the ‘Dagger’ spe-
cialty of either the Weaponry: Melee or Weaponry:
Ranged skill (your choice of which). Furthermore, you
might have an affinity for night-time, carousing, theft, or
moonless nights.
ORSEUS (god of knowledge, prophecy, and language):
You gain a +1 bonus to Alchemy, Language, and Lore
skill rolls, as well as either the ‘Writing’ specialty of the
Language skill or the ‘History’ specialty of the Lore skill
(your choice of which). It is likely that you have a fasci-
nation for books, scrolls, prophecies, and linguistics.
PRYDONIS (god of the sea, life, and good fortune):
You gain a +1 bonus to Magical Arts: Life and Water
skill rolls, as well as the ‘Swimming’ specialty of the Ath-
letics skill. You also receive either the ‘Ships’ specialty of
the Crafting skill or the ‘Trident’ specialty of the Weap-
onry: Melee skill (your choice of which). You might
possess an affinity for water, the sea, rain, and aquatic
things.
ROMEGA (goddess of dreams, magic, secrets, and the
stars): You gain a +1 bonus to Disguise and all Magical
Arts skill rolls (all disciplines). You also pay one point
less for the Second Sight talent. Furthermore, you might
possess a deep fascination of alchemy, sorcery, dreams,
astrology, and forbidden lore.
SARDONA (goddess of agriculture, growth, and har-
vest): You gain a +1 bonus to Herbalism, Magical
Arts: Earth, and Survival skill rolls. You also receive the
‘Farming’ specialty of the Crafting skill for free. As such,
you are likely to have a fondness for spring-time, har-
vest-time, flora, and fauna.
Note that Gorgothon, the Fallen (or Still-born) God,
lord of chaos and gorgons, is not considered as one of the
Elder Deities, for he was believed to have been still-born
on the Isle of Rhodon (from the loins of either Sardona or
Romega, depending on the telling) and was cast out into
the sea to be devoured by a near-divine creature called the
Leviathan. Therefore, there are no true human lineages go-
ing back to Gorgothon. However, see the Gorgon-blooded
talent above.
SIDHE-BLOODED
Talent Point Cost: 6
Prerequisites: Agility or Magnetism +0, and must be Hu-
man (any culture)
You are the direct descendant of the Sidhe (shee), sometimes
CHARACTER CREATION
known as the Fair Folk, Spirit-folk, or Other-folk among cer-
tain human cultures. Most humans with this bloodline are
of Eluna Sidhe (or Light Elf) descent but having Dark Sidhe
or Wild Sidhe blood is not unheard of. Thus, you gain a +1
bonus to your Renown and Stamina, and may choose one
of the following for additional benefits:
DARK SIDHE: You gain a +1 bonus to Acrobatics, Per-
ception, and all Magical Arts (all disciplines) skill rolls, as
well as receive the ‘Bluffing’ specialty of the Persuasion
skill for free. You also pay one less point for the Light
Sleeper, Magic Affinity, and Night-sighted talents. Fur-
thermore, you are likely to be relatively tall, lean, and
silver-haired, perhaps with slightly tapered ears.
ELUNA SIDHE: You gain a +1 bonus to Acrobatics,
Perception, and all Magical Arts (all disciplines) skill
rolls, as well as receive the ‘Diplomacy’ specialty of the
Persuasion skill for free. You also pay one point less for
the Animal Kinship, Light Sleeper, Magic Affinity, and
Night-sighted talent. It might be likely that you are tall,
lean, and golden-haired, perhaps with slightly tapering
ears and high cheek bones.
WILD SIDHE: You gain a +1 bonus to Acrobatics,
Athletics, Perception, and Survival skill rolls, as well
as paying one point less for the Animal Kinship, Light
Sleeper, Magic Affinity, and Night-sighted talents. Fur-
thermore, it is likely that you are relatively tall, lean, and
auburn-haired, perhaps with slightly pointed ears.
SSLIR-BLOODED
Talent Point Cost: 5
Prerequisites: Must be human of a non-arctic culture
For better or for worse, you have the blood of the Ser-
pent-folk in your ancestry, perhaps traced all the way back
to the terrible times of Is’sirrith, the Old Empire of the Sslir.
The Sslirian method of intermingling with humanity is hor-
rifying, yet some benefits are derived from this generally
uncouth coupling (most humans, particularly in the East,
abhor the Sslir race).
As such, you gain a +1 bonus to Alchemy and Magical
Arts: Earth, Fire, Death, and Shadow skill rolls, as well as a
+1 bonus to Endurance rolls against heat or fire effects. Fur-
thermore, the potential maximum of your Intellect attribute
increases by one, and you pay one point less for the fol-
lowing talents: Blood Magic, Craft Potion, Evil Eye, Magic
Affinity, Night-sighted, Sapping Blow, and Secret Strike.
In addition, you gain an additional bonus point if you take
the Addiction (opium or purple lotus), Obsession (power
or torture), or Tainted weaknesses. This also increases the
maximum number of points you receive at character cre-
ation for taking Weaknesses to six (instead of the usual five).
Note, however, you do acquire one drawback, in addi-
tion to possible social ostracization: you suffer a -1 penalty
to Endurance rolls when resisting cold or ice effects.
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 SAVAGEIII
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TROLL-BORN terrible creature—a Vampire—a servant of the night, a be-

Talent Point Cost: 5
Prerequisites: Vigor +1 and be Brythian, Caernian, Gaer-
nic, Norish, Mulovian, Skathian, or Thorakkian
You are the rare offspring of human and Troll, the product
of a most unfortunate mating. Your ancient (and mostly
tainted) blood, however, might have been Fomorian in-
stead, twisted troll-like creatures found mostly in the Em-
erald Islands. Whatever the case, the absolute maximum of
both your Physique and Vigor attributes increases by one
(in accordance to your base race/culture); however, the
absolute maximums of your Intellect and Magnetism de-
crease by one due to your slight dullness of mind and rather
brutish appearance (which is often slightly warty skin, black
or green nails, wiry or greenish hair, protruding brow, or
unusually long arms).
Additionally, you gain a +1 bonus to all Endurance skill
rolls, receive the ‘Intimidation’ specialty of the Persuasion
skill, and pay one point less for the following talents: Bash-
ing Blow, Berserker Rage, Bullish Charge, Break The Wall,
Cleaving Blow, Grit, Intimidating Physique, Night-sight-
ed, and Shattering Blow. You actually pay two less points
for the Quick Healer talent.
Lastly, if your Intellect is somehow +0 or higher at char-
acter creation, you begin play knowing the Troll-speak lan-
guage; if not, you can learn it later if you so choose when
you acquire two levels in the Language skill.
VAMPIRE SPAWN
Talent Point Cost: 7
Prerequisites: Must be Human
ing both demonic and undead. As it sucked away much of
your life-force, you in turn became a diabolical member of
the waking dead, cursed with virtual immortality so long as
the warm blood of humans (or mammals) is drunk, usually
violently from the still-thriving bodies of such creatures.
Fortunately, you survived the first phase of vampirism
as a slavering Ghoul, about which you barely remember,
and now—as of only a few weeks ago at most—you are
considered a true Vampire. You are, however, still the thrall
of a Greater (or Master) Vampire, the dark creature who
“turned” you in the first place. (See Chapter 22—Supernat-
ural Creatures for more about Ghouls and Vampires.) As
such, you still serve this vampiric master, at least indirectly,
though you might be called upon by this Greater Vampire
in some capacity at some point. If you make the 13 kills that
are required to progress to the next phase of vampirism—
that of a Greater or Master Vampire—then you are free
from your enthrallment. These kills must be done with your
Blood-drinking ability). Alternately, you can destroy your
master and be rid of your servitude in that manner.
In addition to the special abilities you gain as a Lesser
Vampire (Undead, Blood-drinking, Terrible Presence, and
Shape-shifting—see Chapter 22), you also receive the
Night-sighted talent for free and your absolute maximums
for both your Agility and Physique attributes increase by
one. You also acquire all the weaknesses of being a Vampire
as well, such as Light Vulnerability, Susceptibility to Impal-
ing, Water Immersion, aversion to certain holy icons, and
the general disdain and loathing from most normal folk.
Note that this talent should be approached with a
healthy measure of seriousness and gravitas, and should
only be allowed with GM approval and discretion.

Not so long ago, on a fateful night, you were bitten by a

TABLE 2-5: MYSTICAL TALENTS

This category represents special knacks or natural-born gifts which involve things magical and arcane, and as such, are
fairly rare among most humans (but not as much with, say, the Sidhe-folk). Several of these talents—such as Acolyte,
Apprentice, and Magic Affinity—are requirements for practicing the Magical Arts, the only skill needing a “qualifier”
talent. Player-characters may start with no more than four mystical talents at character creation.

Talent Name Cost Prerequisites

Acolyte 3 Intellect or Willpower +0
Battle Mage 3 Brawling level 3 or Weaponry: Melee level 3
Beast-master 4 Mag +1; Eluna Sidhe or Wild Sidhe race, or Animal Kinship talent
Blighter 3 Vigor or Willpower +0 and Magical Arts: Death or Life level 1
Blood Magic 3 Physique or Vigor +0 and Magical Arts: Death or Life level 1
Celestial Magic 3 Intellect +1, Lore level 1, and Magical Arts (any) level 3
Counter Magic 3 Agility +1, Willpower +1, and Magical Arts (any) level 6
Craft Potion 4 Alchemy level 3 and Magical Arts (any discipline) level 5
Create Spell 3 Intellect +2 and Magical Arts (any discipline) level 7
Cultist 3 Intellect or Magnetism +0
Dabbling Arcanist 3 Intellect and Willpower +0; Alchemy, Language, or Lore level 1

90 CHARACTER CREATION
 SAVAGEIII
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Talent Name Cost Prerequisites

Death-touched 3 Must have had a close call with death recently or in the past
Dual Focus 3 Agility or Willpower +1 and Magical Arts (any) level 8
Enchant Talisman 3 Rune Magic or Crafting level 1 and Magical Arts (any) level 5
Enchant Perm. Object 4 Craft Potion or Enchant Talisman, plus Magical Arts (any) level 10
Energize Spell 3 Vigor or Willpower +1 and Magical Arts (any) level 4
Evil Eye 3 Magnetism +0 and Magical Arts (any discipline) level 3
Extended Ritual 2 Willpower +0 and Magical Arts (any discipline) level 3
Familiar 3 Animal Handling level 1 and Magical Arts (any) level 1
Far-reaching Magic 3 Magical Arts (any discipline) level 5
Focal Object 3 Magnetism or Willpower +0 and Magical Arts (any) level 2
Grimoire 3 Int+0, Alchemy level 1, Language level 1, Magical Arts (any) level 1
Herbal Magic 3 Intellect +0, Herbalism level 2, and Magical Arts (any) level 1
Lingering Magic 3 Magnetism or Willpower +0 and Magical Arts (any) level 5
Mage’s Touch 3 Magnetism or Willpower +1 and Magical Arts (any) level 6
Magic Affinity 4 Intellect +0 or the Second Sight talent
Meditative Trance 3 Willpower +1 or Vigor +0
Mystic Tattoo 3 Vig or Wil +0 and Enchant Talisman or Magic Affinity talent
Mystic Trance 3 Magic Affinity or Meditative Trance talent
Penetrating Magic 3 Vigor or Willpower +0 and Magical Arts (any) level 3
Power of Silence 3 Magical Arts (any discipline) level 7
Priest 2 Magnetism +0 or Acolyte talent
Rune Magic 3 Crafting level 1, Language level 1, and Magical Arts (any) level 1
Sacred Oath 3 Willpower +0 and the Oath-bound weakness
Sanctum Magic 3 Acolyte, Apprentice, Dabbling Arcanist, or Magic Affinity talent
Second Sight 4 Willpower +1 or Perception level 3
Song Magic 3 Magical Arts (any discipline) level 3 and Performance level 3
Supernatural Pact 4 Magnetism +0
Swift Ritual 3 Intellect or Willpower +1 and Magical Arts (any) level 3
Totem Animal 3 Animal Kinship or Animal Handling level 1 and be from a barbaric culture
True Name 3 Song Magic or Words of Power and Magical Arts (any) level 8
Witch-hunter 3 Int or Wil +0, and Hated Foe, Hunter, or Magic Affinity talent
Words of Power 2 Magical Arts (any discipline) level 6

ACOLYTE* Prerequisites: Brawling level 3 or Weaponry: Melee lev-

Talent Point Cost: 3 el 3
Prerequisites: Intellect or Willpower +0 Stamina Cost To Use: 1 + spell’s base cost

You received training as an acolyte or similar servant to a
temple, sect, or religious order, which increases your Re-
nown by +1. Furthermore, choose a religious sect that is
recognized by your culture and—if your Intellect is +0 or
better—you may advance in one discipline (Air, Earth, Fire,
Life, etc.) of Magical Arts taught by that faith (See Orders &
Sects). Furthermore, you gain knowledge of one additional
spell of your choice, provided you meet its prerequisites.
Additionally, you pay one point less for the Cultist and
Priest talents.
BATTLE MAGE
Talent Point Cost: 3
As one used to the din and grit of battle, you do not suffer
the normal -2 penalty to your Magical Arts skill roll when
casting a spell while within an enemy’s melee reach. Doing
so, however, costs you the spell’s Stamina cost plus one ad-
ditional point.
BEAST-MASTER
Talent Point Cost: 4
Prerequisites: Magnetism +1, and Eluna Sidhe or Wild
Sidhe race or the Animal Kinship talent
Stamina Cost To Use: 0-1 (see below)
So gifted are you with beasts and animals that you have
the ability to speak to them near-telepathically, or perhaps

CHARACTER CREATION 91
 SAVAGEIII
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more accurately, with a deep sense of empathy. Thus, by
making eye contact with a creature of the Animal type, you
can intuit its general mood, general health, and current mo-
tivation or goal (such as food, water, mating, safety, etc.).
This takes a full round (two actions), or about five or six
seconds, and the creature must be within 10 yards of you.
Furthermore, by expending one Stamina point, you can
calm the general emotions of one such creature (again,
within 10 yards), making a hostile animal neutral or disin-
terested and a disinterested one friendly toward you. An
already friendly beast would be extremely loyal, perhaps
even sacrificing itself for you. This can also work in reverse,
agitating a creature or making it hostile. This also takes two
actions.
Lastly, you gain a +1 bonus to your Magical Arts skill roll
when attempting to learn, read, or cast the Beast-speech
or Beast-summoning spells, and pay one point less for the
Beast Companion and Familiar talents.
BLIGHTER
Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Vigor or Willpower +0, and Magical Arts:
Death or Life level 1
Stamina Cost To Use: See below
Also known as a Ravager, you are a “blighter”, a magician
who uses the life-essence of the flora (and small fauna)
around him or her to fuel magical spells. This is how most
scholars and lore-masters believe the Shadowlands were
created, or rather, how that once pristine region of the for-
est became known by that name in later times.
When you cast a spell that costs Health points, you may
instead draw upon the surrounding foliage and small wild-
life (such as vermin) to power your spell. Thus, you lose
no Health points in doing this; however, you cause an area
around you—of approximately two yards in radius—to be-
come essentially dead, the plant-life but blackened husks
and the tiny carcasses of worms, insects, and small reptiles
might be seen at your feet.
Most right-thinking folk witnessing a Blighter using his
or her corrupt power will not be amused, even if deeply
frightened by it, and so a magician with this talent should
be careful. In fact, every time this talent is called upon the
mage must succeed in a DL 10 Resolve roll or gain the Taint-
ed weakness. If this talent is already possessed, then the
Madness talent is acquired instead. The GM is also free to
assume someone to be “doubly Tainted” (or even trebly
Tainted) in regards to the Sense Corruption spell and the
ability for certain supernatural creatures to interact with the
Blighter-mage.
BLOOD MAGIC
Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Physique or Vigor +0, and Magical Arts:
Death or Life level 1
Stamina Cost To Use: See below
Your talent for magic-craft is based in the life force of blood,
92
the “sacred wine” of life and, by extension, death. As such,
if you sacrifice an animal of Physique -2 or greater as part
of a spell ritual, then the range, effect area, and duration
of that spell is doubled. Traditionally, this would be a goat,
lamb, ram, bull, or ox—at least in most cultures—though
even horses, deer, dogs, wolves, and panthers are not un-
common sacrificial victims.
If, instead, a human, Chenari, Djann, Duergar, Sidhe (any
type), Sslir (any type), or Tenku is sacrificed during such a
magical ritual, then you gain a +2 bonus to the Magical
Arts skill roll in addition to the doubled spell statistics men-
tioned above. Furthermore, if the victim is a young adult
virgin or has the Angelic-blood, Rhodonite Blood, or Sid-
he-blooded talent, then this bonus increases to +5.
A second use of Blood Magic, in addition to making
empowering sacrifices, is to enhance your magical prow-
ess by causing the spilling of your own life-blood. Thus,
you can cut yourself, enabling you to effectively convert
Health to Stamina on a one-for-one basis, up to a maxi-
mum number of points equal to 10 plus your Physique or
Vigor (whichever is greater). These bonus Stamina points,
which can go beyond your normal maximum Stamina, dis-
sipate once you are healed of the wound in question. For
example, if you gouged yourself for 4 bonus Stamina points
(and therefore causing 4 points of Health damage to you
as well), then once it was healed—whether by mundane
means or by way of magic—the extra Stamina would van-
ish too. Utilizing this aspect of Blood Magic costs you no
Stamina (Health points instead), and is part of the same
spell-casting action.
Being a blood-mage can be risky, and this above meth-
od of self-mutilation comes with some risk: every time you
cause your own blood to flow, you must succeed in an
Endurance roll whose DL is 5 plus the number of Health
points being converted to Stamina. Failure here means that
you have contracted a minor illness, suffering a -2 penalty
to all die rolls, Defense, and Mobility until cured by a suc-
cessful DL 20 Healing Arts roll or automatically after 24
hours. If you fail by 10 or more, then you fall into a death-
like coma for 24 hours and gain the Disfigured weakness (a
successful DL 25 Healing Arts roll can bring you conscious,
but still suffering the effects of the above-mentioned minor
sickness). If you score a critical success on this Endurance
roll, then you gain +1 additional Stamina for one hour.
Additional risks of practicing blood-magic is the very real
possibility of acquiring the Tainted weakness (or in the very
least the Infamous or Honorless weakness), especially if
done relatively often and with reckless abandon.
CELESTIAL MAGIC
Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Intellect +1, Lore level 1, and Magical Arts
(any) level 3
You have long studied the whirling celestial bodies over-
head, the great red sun, the two moons, and the infinite
stars beyond. Furthermore, you are familiar with the more
magically potent times of the year, such as the equinoxes,
solstices, and lesser known occasions.
CHARACTER CREATION
 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
Given this, by spending at least one minute observing
the heavens (or at least thinking back on when last you
saw them), you can then attempt either a Lore or Magical
Arts (any discipline) skill roll to see if you know of any
upcoming times where the stars or moons are in alignment
beneficiary to your magic-craft. The DL is 15 here and may
only be attempted once per 12 hours (since the same results
will be found if done sooner than that).
If successful, you gain a +1 bonus to any ritual spell you
attempt within the next 12 hours, or a +2 bonus if your skill
roll exceeded the DL by 10 or more. On a critical success,
you gain either a +3 bonus to the Magical Arts ritual roll or
the resulting spell’s duration is doubled (your choice). Upon
a critical failure, you have lost track of where the celestial
bodies are at this time and cannot use this talent again for
48 hours.
COUNTER MAGIC
Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Agility +1, Willpower +1, and Magical Arts
(any) level 6
Stamina Cost To Use: 0-2 (see below)
You are quite skilled in countering magical attacks, which
enables you to use a Magical Arts skill roll in place of a
the more common skills—such as Endurance, Resolve,
etc.—when resisting a spell. This only works against “true
spells” (not the special capabilities of certain supernatural
creatures), and if you use a magic discipline other than one
associated with the spell you are countering, the roll is at a
-2 penalty. This requires no Stamina or action cost.
Additionally, you may attempt to counter a spell of an
enemy magician within 10 yards of you as an out-of-turn
reaction (which does not affect your turn in the Initiative
order). This impressive feat, however, requires you to:
Ε Know how to cast the spell being cast
Ε Make a Magical Arts skill roll whose result is great-
er than the enemy mage’s
Ε Expend 2 Stamina points (regardless of success or
failure)
Ε Otherwise, the enemy spell occurs as normal, as-
suming his own Magical Arts skill roll succeeds.
CRAFT POTION
Talent Point Cost: 4
Prerequisites: Alchemy level 3 and Magical Arts (any dis-
cipline) level 5
Stamina Cost To Use: 1+ (see below)
Through a kindred knowledge of alchemy and traditional
magic-craft, you have learned how to create and brew mag-
ical elixirs. Similar to enchanting talismans, potions hold a
mystical power, and those who imbibe them gain (or suf-
fer) a prescribed effect for a duration of one hour. Wherein
talismanic objects maintain a spell effect for usually only 24
hours, magical potions remain potentially useable for up to
one month’s time after their creation.
CHARACTER CREATION
The magician can infuse the potion with any spell that
he or she knows, so long as its range is ‘Self’ or ‘Touch’.
The DL to successfully brew/create a magical potion is the
spell’s regular casting DL. The mage may use either the Al-
chemy or Magical Arts skill for this roll. A success means
the potion has been infused, a process of brewing, mixing,
and balancing exotic ingredients which requires a number
or hours equal to ¼ of the DL. This also costs the magician
1 Stamina point, per hour’s work, and a silver coin cost (for
exotic ingredients) equal to the DL. A critical success on the
magician’s potion-crafting roll yields one of the following
results of the mage’s choice:
Ε The potion keeps its power for two months in-
stead of one (or until imbibed)
Ε The duration of the potion’s effect is doubled to
two hours
Ε A double dose has been created (that is, effectively,
two uses of the potion)
A failure on the creation roll simply means that a
non-magical, likely foul-tasting, concoction remains, inert
and useless. A critical failure means one of the following
occurs (GM chooses or rolls randomly):
Ε You badly burn yourself, thus gaining the Disfig-
ured weakness
Ε A major piece of your equipment is destroyed/ru-
ined (such as a weapon, armor, etc.)
Ε You take a number of Health points damage equal
to 5 + the amount of critical failure.
CREATE SPELL
Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Intellect +2 and Magical Arts (any disci-
pline) level 7
Stamina Cost To Use: 1+ (see below)
As an extremely adept magician, you know how to research
and craft your own spells, formulas that must be tested, ex-
perimented, and scribed, all through diligent study and tri-
al-and-error. To do this, you must have a general spell effect
in mind and work with the GM in writing up the complete
spell statistics and details (the GM having final say). The de-
cided-upon DL of the spell, times two, represents the total
number of hours needed for research, experimentation, and
scribing (among other things).
For example, a spell with a casting DL of 20 would re-
quire 40 hours of work by the magician. This is also the
DL that you must succeed against in order to successfully
create the spell—failure means that the spell, as you have
imagined it, is incomplete and will not manifest correctly.
However, if successful, you may add it to your repertoire
of Known Spells and may, if you so desire, teach it to any
trusted apprentices, acolytes, or fellow members of your or-
der or sect (if any). Create Spell can be used as a Downtime
Activity, since it requires a goodly number of hours, or pos-
sibly “on the road” if the magician’s traveling companions
allow him or her enough time and patience.
93
 SAVAGEIII
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The creation of a new spell also costs a number of silver
coins equal to the spell’s DL (for special inks, parchments,
and other semi-exotic materials), as well as a Stamina cost
to the magician per 2 hours of research/work. Most “work
days” being 9-10 hours. A mage may take minor breaks
once every three or four hours, but if he or she steps away
from the research for more than six hours, the magician
must start over (though with only half the silver coin cost
this time).
Note that most spells in the SK setting are more intuitive
than “book-worthy”, and so many are not even written
down anywhere or perhaps only scribed in sigils, patterns,
or weird pictographs. This said, some magicians will en-
code, or encrypt, their spells so that unwanted trespassers
don’t easily steal such hard-won arcane knowledge. Encryp-
tion uses the Language skill and requires at least one skill
level to even attempt in regards to spells. (There are reasons
some ancient cultures distrust, or even forbid, writing, for it
can be too easily forged or stolen.)
Lastly, it is worth noting that the SK world is a fairly dark
and gritty one, based somewhat on Dark Ages history or at
least the heroic or mythological version of such. Therefore,
beware of “flashy” spell creations, ones that might tend to
break immersion—spells that cause massive explosions or
immediately summon multiple creatures from seemingly
nowhere—don’t fit well into the setting. The GM, natural-
ly, is the final authority on spells produced by this talent.
CULTIST*
Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Intellect or Magnetism +0
You are a member of a semi-established underground cult,
such as the Cult of Gorgothon, the Draconic Brotherhood,
or the Cult of Azrikoth (only the former included in this
book). This could also represent a splinter-sect, a breaking
away from the accepted traditions of an established sect or
similar mystical order (for example, the Order of the Ra-
ven-wolf in Mulovia). If your Renown is 10 or higher, you
could even start your own cult, but as is so often the case
with such matters, at your own risk. The GM will work with
you if go this route.
In addition, you gain a +1 bonus to Lore skill rolls and
94
either Disguise or Persuasion skill rolls (your choice).
DABBLING ARCANIST
Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Intellect +0 and Willpower +0, and Alche-
my, Language, or Lore level 1
Though you have no formal training, or even natural apti-
tude for the mystical arts, you’ve managed to learn a single
spell either by some half-moldering scroll, having observed
several magical rituals from afar, or some other mysterious
circumstance. This spell must be chosen from the ones listed
in Chapter 13—Spells & Magic, and you must meet all pre-
requisites and are assumed, for the purposes of this talent,
to have Magical Arts (any) level 1.
You can cast this spell, both spontaneous and as a ritual,
using whatever Magical Arts discipline(s) listed in the spell
entry and costing you Stamina just like a normal magician.
However, you can never learn more than this singular spell
unless you take the usual talents—Acolyte, Apprentice,
and/or Magic Affinity—for gaining access to Magical Arts
skill levels. (Or by becoming a member of a sect or oth-
er order which grants advancement in one or more of the
Magical Arts disciplines.)
DEATH-TOUCHED*
Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Must have had a close call with death re-
cently or in the past
Stamina Cost To Use: 1 (see below)
You had a close brush with a particularly powerful undead
creature in your past, or perhaps instead died for a few
moments—and thus experienced death—before a priestly
miracle (or some similar occurrence) brought you back to
life. Regardless of the exact event, you’ve acquired a dark
gift by way of this strange happening, gaining a +1 bonus to
all Healing Arts skill rolls and a +1 bonus to Resolve rolls
to resist Magical Arts: Death spells and the special abilities
of undead creatures.
In addition, for the cost of 1 Stamina point, you can fo-
cus your mind and spirit (as one action) to detect the pres-
ence of undead creatures, and their general number and
proximity, within a 30-yard radius.
DUAL FOCUS
Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Agility or Willpower +1, and Magical Arts
(any) level 8
As a near master of sorcery and magic-craft, you can focus
on two spells at one time without negating either one (most
magicians can only focus on one active spell at a time). For
example, you could have a Conjure Flame spell actively
going on one of your held weapons while an Ice Blade spell
emanates from a second drawn weapon.
Note that a casting of a third focus-based spell negates
the first (or oldest) of the two currently active spells.
CHARACTER CREATION
 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
ity and will likely eventually become legendary-quality ob-
jects over time.
ENCHANT TALISMAN In addition to the cost of having a dedicated exception-
Talent Point Cost: 3
al or master-crafted item made (though no less than 100
Prerequisites: Rune Magic talent, or Crafting level 1 and
sc), the magician must also have access to a suitable work-
Magical Arts (any discipline) level 5 place, such as a well-stocked forge, sacred grove or standing
Stamina Cost To Use: 1 + spell’s base cost stones, crystal cave, or similar “magical” location, in accor-
dance to the item’s nature and powers to be bestowed. As
You are skilled in storing the effects of your ritual spells in with ritual spell-casting, assistances (acolytes and apprentic-
talismans, objects containing spells that can be used at a es) can be used when in enchanting items, but only if the
later time (essentially making them minor one-shot magi- assistants possess the Magical Affinity talent or have at least
cal items). Such items must be “sympathetic” to the spell in
one skill level in any Magical Arts discipline.
question, and so must either be an object listed in the ‘Ritu-
Enchanters should be warned that there is a hefty price,
al Components’ paragraph of the spell entry in question or
beyond mere silver and gold, for creating permanent magi-
a focal object (assuming the magician possesses this Talent).
cal items—the magician loses one point of either Health or
Casting a ritualized spell into a talismanic item costs one
Stamina (his or her choice) permanently. However, should
Stamina point in addition to the spell’s base cost.
the enchanter score a critical success on his or her Magical
Stored spells remain effective for 24 hours after the time
Arts skill roll when enchanting the object, he or she may
of their enchantment ritual, and if not used before that
avoid this permanent loss. Another option for critical suc-
time, their energies simply fade from the object. If a critical
cesses is that the item increases to the next “quality step”—
success is scored on the Magical Arts skill roll when placing
that is, from exceptional to master-crafted, master-crafted
a spell into a talismanic item, then the storage-time increas-
to heroic-quality, etc. Mage’s choice.
es to 48 hours. Note that the Magical Arts roll result of the
Magical objects typically function by regular employ-
ritual is used when the spell is expended from the talisman,
ment of the item in question, such as wielding a magic
which usually makes talisman-magic even more potent. It
sword in combat, wearing an enchanted cloak, donning a
costs one action to summon forth a spell stored in such an
magical helmet, slipping on an enchanted ring or bracelet,
object, which is done by a command word or short phrase
etc. However, such items can be specifically enchanted so
while presenting it or holding it aloft.
that their powers are brought to bear by a different meth-
A magician cannot bear more than three talismanic ob-
od, such as a command word or phrase or by a specific ges-
jects on his or her person at the same time, a fourth such
ture or action. Doing this increases the DL to enchant by +2
item would effectively cancel out the first one and so on.
and costs an additional 50 silver coins for special compo-
nents and other rare accoutrements. (Note that characters
ENCHANT PERMANENT OBJECT with Intellects of -3 or less may have trouble invoking the
Talent Point Cost: 4 powers of such rare items.)
Prerequisites: Craft Potion or Enchant Talisman talent, Enchanted objects rarely have “always active” powers,
plus Magical Arts (any) level 10 save for those of legendary quality. Instead, the typical
magical item can be utilized once, twice, or three times
Stamina Cost To Use: 1 or more (see below)
per day in accordance to its quality level (that is, a mas-
ter-crafted object up to twice per day). Examples would
Your deep knowledge of magic-craft has granted you the
include invoking a Heal Wounds spell once (or twice) per
ability to enchant permanent magical items, objects consid-
day, causing a sword to burst into flame once (or twice)
ered heroic-quality (or better) and with a specific magical
per day which causes additional damage to its foes, or an
power or two. In order to do this, you must first possess
enchanted amulet granting a Blessing spell to its wearer for
an item that is “sympathetic” to the spell effect or other
one hour (or two) per day. Note that attuning an item to
power that will be enchanted into it, such as a ring, amulet,
dawn, dusk, or some other time of day is also possible and
or shield for containing a permanent protection spell, or a
probably more common.
staff or wand of oak for casting an innate Conjure Lightning
GM approval and adjudication must be utilized to great
or Thunderous Blast spell.
effect with this talent, for permanently enchanted ob-
Enchanting a permanent item requires a lengthy ritual
jects are quite rare in the SK world. If an item seems too
lasting at least one hour per DL of the spell, or similar effect,
over-powered, or accessed too cheaply, then the GM is free
being stored within. This also costs a number of Stamina
to rule that the craft of such an item is beyond the ken of
points equal to half the DL. Note that if an object is being
this talent (or the current Age of the campaign setting).
enchanted with no known spell equivalent, then the GM
should create a DL based on approximations. The enchant-
er’s Magical Arts skill roll must exceed this DL by 5 or more ENERGIZE SPELL
in order to succeed, or 10 or more if the item is to have two Talent Point Cost: 3
powers or spell-like effects. A permanent magical item must Prerequisites: Vigor or Willpower +1, and Magical Arts
be of exceptional-quality to hold one power or effect, or (any) level 4
master-crafted if storing two effects. Three-effect objects are Stamina Cost To Use: See below
extremely rare, and require an item already of heroic-qual-

CHARACTER CREATION 95
 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
You exert great control over your spells and the energy re-
quired to manifest them, which enables you to spend one
or two additional Stamina points to gain a bonus to your
Magical Arts skill roll when casting a spell. This bonus is
equal to the amount of additional Stamina spent—one ex-
tra Stamina point means a +1 bonus, while two additional
Stamina equates to a +2 bonus, and so on, all the way to a
maximum of +5 (for 5 additional Stamina points).
This only functions with spontaneous (i.e. combat)
spell-casting, and so does not affect ritual castings. Every
time you want to use this talent, you simply inform the GM
how many additional Stamina you’ll be burning and gain
the appropriate bonus.
EVIL EYE
Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Magnetism +0 and Magical Arts (any) lev-
el 3
Stamina Cost To Use: 1 + spell’s base cost
By spending an action intensely focused on one creature,
any spell you cast as a second action that round gains a
+2 bonus to your Magical Arts skill roll against that target
only. This costs you one Stamina point (in addition to the
spell’s Stamina cost) and only functions from 10 yards away
or less.
EXTENDED RITUAL
Talent Point Cost: 2
Prerequisites: Willpower +0 and Magical Arts (any dis-
cipline) level 3
Stamina Cost To Use: 2 + spell’s base cost
You are capable of performing elongated magical rituals
without losing focus or resolve. As such, you gain a +5
bonus to your Magical Arts skill rolls after completing a
four-hour ritual spell (as opposed to the normal +2 bonus
for a one-hour ritual). This costs you 2 Stamina points, in
addition to the spell’s normal cost. As per a normal ritual,
assistants/acolytes can be used in an extended ritual as well.
FAMILIAR
Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Animal Handling level 1 and Magical Arts
(any discipline) level 1
You have a small animal that is mystically bound to you, a
creature usually willing to do your bidding and assist you in
your pursuit of the arcane arts. This creature may be a small
cat, rat, bat, fox, toad, owl, raven, or snake with a Physique
of -4 and an Intellect of -3 (see Chapter 21 for additional
stats per specific creature type). This familiar knows four
tricks or tasks, plus one for every skill level of Animal Han-
dling you possess. Come, Fetch, Guard, Heel, Perform, Pil-
fer, Spy, and Stay are the more common commands; Attack
is possible, but remember that the creature is quite small
and probably not particularly effective.
In addition, having this creature present when identify-
96
ing, deciphering, or learning a spell grants a +1 bonus to
your Magical Arts skill roll, as does performing a ritual
version of a known spell. This bonus can also be added
if creating magical objects, be they mere potions or more
permanently enchanted items. The familiar also feels your
basic emotions (and you feel its emotional state too), and
thus you can generally tell when it is wounded, sick, hun-
gry, frightened, beguiled, angry, etc. As such, it might serve
well as a scout or spy, although this empathic connection
can only be felt up to a half-mile away.
If your familiar is slain, lost, or otherwise disposed of,
you may attempt to bond with another animal—which
must meet the requirements above—to you to serve as a
replacement. This requires a lengthy 4-hour rite and at least
20 sc worth of rare herbs and other materials, culminating
with a successful DL 10 Animal Handling or Persuasion skill
roll. Doubling the costs of herbs and other special materials
lowers this DL to 5.
Note that a familiar earns half the XP its master earns
per game-session, and instead of full benefits of Advance-
ment, it only earns 2 talent points and 3 skill points per
Advancement. Furthermore, the only talent category that
it can freely choose from is Subterfuge. The GM, however,
may allow the occasional Battle, Mystical, or Other talent if
appropriate. Lastly, this creature can gain up to an Intellect
of -1, via Advancement, although its other Attributes can
never improve beyond two more than is normal for its spe-
cies (see Bestiary or the GM for stats).
Note that you can begin play with only one Familiar, al-
though you may purchase this talent again later on (via Ad-
vancement) in order to represent a second bonded familiar.
FAR-REACHING MAGIC
Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Magical Arts (any discipline) level 5
Stamina Cost To Use: 2 + spell’s base cost
Focusing your internal strength, any spell you cast (as an
action or ritual) can have its range doubled. This costs you
2 additional Stamina points in addition to the spell’s cost.
FOCAL OBJECT
Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Magnetism or Willpower +0, and Magical
Arts (any discipline) level 2
Some practitioners of magic-craft learn to focus their pow-
er through a particular object, generally of a type utilized
by sorcerers and magicians going back through centuries of
tradition. Such focal items tend to be wands (one to two
feet in length), staves (usually oak, ash, or yew from four to
seven feet long), a knife (usually cold-iron, copper, or ob-
sidian), or a bowl or crucible (at least a half-foot deep and
made of bronze, iron, lead, or marble). Occasionally, other
items are chosen instead, such as bone (rib, femur, or whole
hand), bracelet, gemstone, or crystal shard or prism—usual-
ly depending on culture, sect/order, or tradition.
Whatever the object, when it is held in at least one hand
while casting a spell (either ritual or spontaneous), the ma-
CHARACTER CREATION
 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
gician gains a +1 bonus to one Magical Arts discipline of his
choice as shown from the options below. These items are
considered sympathetic to the type, and tradition, of magic.
Bone: Death or Shadow.
Bowl: Life, Shadow, or Water.
Bracelet: Earth or Life.
Crystal: Air, Shadow or Water.
Gem: Any, depending on type/coloration.
Knife: Death, Earth, or Life.
Staff: Air, Earth, Fire, or Water.
Wand: Air, Earth, Fire, or Shadow.
If the mage loses this focal object, or has it destroyed, it
is possible to make another one, but this requires a success-
ful DL 15 Crafting or Magical Arts roll (magician’s choice),
10 silver coins, 8 hours’ work-time, and 4 Stamina points.
Obviously, without the focal object, the +1 bonus is lost.
Note that some sects, orders, and traditions may have
a special, more specific, through which their practitioners
channel their magical energies. Some examples are a
gold-plated crucible for members of the Golden Crucible,
a bone or scythe for Priests of Anderok, a gold or red sun
symbol for Priestesses of Signa, etc.
Lastly, you may acquire this talent more than once (pay-
ing the talent cost again), but each time, it represents a new
object or a new discipline of magic.
GRIMOIRE
Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Intellect +0, Alchemy level 1, Language
level 1, and Magical Arts (any) level 1
Most magicians and sorcerers in the SK world use their pow-
ers more intuitively and via memory, seldom writing down
archaic formulas or astrological diagrams. You, however,
are the rare mage who prefers written versions of known
spells, keeping a leather-bound book (or, optionally, a long
scroll or old tablet, perhaps depending on your culture).
By expending an action to consult your grimoire, you
CHARACTER CREATION
gain a +1 bonus to your Magical Arts skill roll if casting a
spell as your second action. This means the tome or scroll
(or whatever) must be in at least one hand. Secondly, it
grants you a +1 bonus to Alchemy skill rolls when consult-
ed, and thirdly, the grimoire contains an additional spell
that you automatically know (of which you meet the pre-
requisites).
The writing can be in any language that you know, al-
though most magical tomes are coded and/or written in
several tongues. If you so desire, yours is encrypted and
would require a successful DL 20 Language or Magical Arts
(any) skill roll for someone else to decode. Should you ever
lose this grimoire, or should it be destroyed, you lose the
above benefits. However, if you possess the Keen Memory
talent, or at least five skill levels in Language or Magical
Arts (any), you could attempt to re-create the tome’s con-
tents with a successful DL 10 Crafting skill roll. This would
also cost you at least 25 silver pieces in materials.
HERBAL MAGIC
Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Intellect +0, Herbalism level 2, and Magi-
cal Arts (any) level 1
Stamina Cost To Use: 0-1 (see below)
Your knowledge in the ways of herb-craft, especially as it
pertains to the arcane arts, grants you some additional ben-
efit in the working of magic. As such, if you possess any of
the more rare and potent herbs listed in the Herbalism skill
entry (or some similar extraordinary herb approved by the
GM) when performing a ritual spell, you gain an additional
+1 bonus to your Magical Arts skill roll.
Furthermore, by expending a Stamina point—and the
herb itself (which is burned or otherwise used up)—you in-
stead gain an additional +2 bonus to the Magical Arts skill
roll when performing a ritualized spell.
LINGERING MAGIC
Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Magnetism or Willpower +0, and Magical
Arts (any discipline) level 5
Stamina Cost To Use: Spell’s cost plus 2 additional points
Due to your natural gifting and training, the durations of
your spells are increased by +50%. This, however, requires
some additional concentration, and so you expend 2 ad-
ditional Stamina points when using this talent as part of a
spell-casting action or when performing a ritual spell. Note
that spells with Instantaneous effects are not affected by
this talent.
Furthermore, if you fall unconscious or perish, any spells
you have active remain in effect for a number of rounds
equal to your Magnetism or Willpower (minimum of one).
MAGE’S TOUCH
Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Magnetism or Willpower +1, and Magical
97
 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
Arts (any) level 6
Stamina Cost To Use: 1 + spell’s base cost
You are able to deeply connect mentally or spiritually with
a target in regards to your magical abilities. As such, any
spell that you cast with a normal range of ‘Touch’ can be
done so from a range of up to 3 yards. Note that using this
talent adds an additional Stamina cost of one to the spell
in question.
In addition, having this talent also enables you to pay
one point less for the Evil Eye and Far-reaching Magic tal-
ents and is a favored talent for Dark Sidhe, Eluna Sidhe, and
Golden Sslir.
MAGIC AFFINITY*
Talent Point Cost: 4
Prerequisites: Intellect +0 or the Second Sight talent
You are naturally gifted in the arts of magic, likely born with
the talent or having observed—perhaps informally or in se-
cret—the sorcery-craft of another person over a period of
time. Regardless, you have an inborn knack for most things
mystical, and thus may attempt any skill tasks listed in the
Magical Arts skill entry (see Chapter 10—Skills), such as
Sensing Magical Auras, Deciphering Magical Writings, and
the like, even without possessing any actual skill levels in
any of the Magical Arts disciplines.
Furthermore, since you have little reason to follow the
traditional learning methodologies of a specific coven, or-
der, or sect—and due to your natural talent—you may ad-
vance in any (or all) of the Magical Arts disciplines (there
are seven in total). However, also due to this background,
which affords you little to no formal training, you may
have no more than 2 skill levels in any given Magical Arts
discipline at character creation. After this, though, you may
advance as you see fit.
Note that this talent is a racial ability of the Dark Sidhe
and Eluna Sidhe, and so they receive it free at character
creation.
MEDITATIVE TRANCE
Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Willpower +1 and Vigor +0
Stamina Cost To Use: 0-1 (see below)
You have been trained in the arts of deep meditation, and
thus for every hour you spend in such an uninterrupted
state, you regain 2 Stamina points (instead of the normal
1 point). You cannot go beyond your maximum Stamina,
naturally, although by expending a Stamina point, you can
gain a temporary +1 bonus to your Vigor or Willpower
after one hour’s focused meditation. This Attribute bonus
remains in effect for one hour.
MYSTIC TATTOO
Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Vigor or Willpower +0, plus the Enchant
Talisman or Magic Affinity talent
98
Stamina Cost To Use: 3 (see below)
You have a mystical and enchanted tattoo, or other mark
(such as a mysterious birthmark or inked sigil), somewhere
upon your person. You, of course, might have other tat-
toos, body paints, and similar markings in accordance to
your culture, but this particular mark—this mystic tattoo—
has one of the following powers of your choice:
Ε Gain +1 to Defense and all resistance rolls
Ε Gain a +1 bonus to any two skills of your choice
Ε Gain 2 Health points (even if above your normal
maximum)
Ε Gain the ability to sense magical auras per the
Magical Arts skill
Ε Gain +1 to Initiative and Mobility
Ε +10 bonus to a re-roll gained from using Luck
You may invoke the power stored within this mystical
mark by incanting a brief command-phrase, or a somatic
gesture (such as touching the tattoo or making a specific
gesture). This method cannot change and has been a part of
your tattoo-invoking ritual since you had it. Note that the
power/capability of the tattoo, as shown above, cannot be
changed either once chosen.
Every time you invoke your Mystic Tattoo, you expend
3 Stamina points. The effects last for one half-hour. No such
tattoo can be invoked more than thrice in a 24-hour peri-
od, even if the character still has Stamina remaining. The
arts of tattoo-magic are rare and carefully guarded, usually
among so-called barbarian peoples and those from across
the Dragon Sea.
MYSTIC TRANCE
Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Magic Affinity or Meditative Trance talent
Stamina Cost To Use: 1
After going into a deep meditative state for at least one
hour, you can achieve the following effects:
Ε You heal 1 Health point of damage.
Ε You gain a +2 bonus on any Second Sight (talent)
die rolls you make in the next hour; if you critically suc-
ceeded in such a roll, you either make contact with an
Other-worldly entity or otherwise gain some especial
insight on a recent dilemma.
Ε You gain a +2 bonus to any Lore or Perception
rolls you make in the next hour.
Note that you can only benefit from this talent up to
twice per day; after a full night’s sleep, you are then capable
of using Mystic Trance again.
PENETRATING MAGIC
Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Vigor or Willpower +0, and Magical Arts
(any) level 3
CHARACTER CREATION
 SAVAGEIII
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Your magic-workings can be violent and hyper-focused, in-
creasing the maximum damage of all your known spells by
2. (This requires no additional Stamina cost.)
POWER OF SILENCE
Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Magical Arts (any) level 7
Stamina Cost To Use: 2 + spell’s base cost
So gifted in magic-craft are you, that you can cast magical
spells without the use of spoken words with no penalty to
your Magical Arts skill roll (without this talent, you can
attempt to do so but only at a -5 penalty to the roll). Using
this talent, however, does cost you 2 Stamina points in ad-
dition to the spell’s Stamina cost.
This talented can be quite useful in many realms and
among numerous cultures where “sorcery” is often consid-
ered highly suspicious, unless the magician in question is a
known member of a trusted magical tradition.
PRIEST
Talent Point Cost: 2
Prerequisites: Magnetism +0 or Acolyte talent
You are an anointed or ordained priest (or priestess), a
true official of a recognized sect and “voice of the gods”.
Thus, you gain +1 to your Renown and enjoy the benefits
that your order or tradition has to offer, such as magical
knowledge, forbidden knowledge, monetary stipends, so-
cial power, and induction into the deeper mysterious of ex-
istence and reality. Depending upon your particular sect or
cult, of course.
Furthermore, you must choose one of the following sects
that you serve your priestly position in, depending on your
race and culture and/or the GM’s approval:
Atorean Brotherhood (Priests of Atores the bull-god)
Druidic Order (Order of the Grey Brotherhood and
Order of the Sacred Oak)
Merchant-priests of Titherius (also known as the
Brotherhood of the Coin)
Priests of Anderok (Order of the Frozen Skull or Or-
der of the Ravenwolf)
Priests of Prydonis (mage-priests of the sea-god of the
Prydonians)
Priestesses of Luccia (temple-dancers of the goddess
of art and seduction)
Priests of Orseus (temple-scholars and oracles of an
ancient god of knowledge)
Priestesses of Romega (mage-priestesses of the god-
dess of mystery and dreams)
Priestesses of Sardona (agrarian servants of an an-
cient goddess of the harvest)
Priests of Vradden (priests and priestesses of a north-
ern god of law and vengeance)
Smith-priests of Jorl (a small sect following a north-
ern god of craftsmanship)
CHARACTER CREATION
Sun-maidens of Signa (healer-priestesses of the
sun-goddess of the North)
Templar-priests of Agathon (war-like priests of the
blood and fire god)
Truthkeepers of Saint Paladyr (monastic priests of
the Lone True God of Aradorn)
War-priests of Fragnir (and priests of the Northern
gods of the West in general)
See Chapter 12—Orders & Sects for more information
about priestly traditions and cults.
RUNE MAGIC
Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Crafting level 1, Language level 1, and
Magical Arts (any discipline) level 1
Stamina Cost To Use: 1 + spell’s base cost
A tradition most known in the North, as well as among the
Duergar, this method of magic-craft enables a magician to
scribe or paint powerful runic sigils which help to temporar-
ily enchant objects or even creatures. This often dubs you a
rune-mage or rune-caster.
For use in combat, you must spend two actions (usually
a full round) painting or carving a rune onto a surface, most
likely a flat stone, flat piece of wood, wand or wooden
staff, or even your own flesh. The runic symbol must be at
least two thumb-widths (about two inches) square in size
and, if not carved, must be painted in a traditional color of
the rune-casters—black, gold, red, silver, or white. You can
make pigments in the wild using Herbalism, or purchase
them in most settlements for around 2 sc per vial (10 uses).
This quick rune-preparation enables you to cast a spell
the following round that doubles both the spell’s base range
and duration (see Chapter 13—Spells & Magic). Obviously,
this does not effect a spell with an ‘Instantaneous’ duration
or one with a range of ‘Self’ or ‘Touch’. This also costs you
one Stamina point in addition to the spell’s Stamina cost
itself. Note that a spell-rune’s potency lasts for one hour,
so you could, theoretically, prepare magical runes ahead of
time up to a maximum of three active runes at once.
Rune-magic can be useful in ritual spells as well, granting
a +2 bonus to your Magical Arts skill roll after the one-
hour ritual time. This still costs you one additional Stamina,
of course, but no extra time, as your rune-scribing is part of
the ritualized process. Additionally, knowledge of rune-lore
can be beneficial in creating permanent magical objects as
well, and magicians with both the Rune Magic and En-
chant Permanent Object talents gain a +2 bonus to their
Magical Arts skill rolls when creating magical items.
SACRED OATH
Talent Point Cost: 3
Requirements: Willpower +0 and the Oath-bound
weakness
In a world where words very often hold power—be they
spoken or written—you are especially gifted in keeping to
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 SAVAGEIII
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your vows, oaths, and promises. The gods are everywhere,
after all, and perhaps more importantly, so are those of
high influence and social importance. As such, whenever
you take an oath, either said aloud or perhaps written in
your own blood, you gain a +2 temporary bonus to two
skills in accordance to the general nature of the vow in
question.
Choose one option below that best reflects your type of
sacred oath:
Ε Assassinate someone: +2 bonus to Stealth and
Weaponry: Ranged skill rolls
Ε Protect a person or object: +2 bonus Brawling and
Weaponry: Melee skill rolls
Ε Track down someone: +2 bonus to Perception
and Survival skill rolls
Ε Gain audience of a famed personage: +2 bonus to
Performance and Persuasion rolls
Ε Sell/trade a very exotic object: +2 bonus to Ap-
praisal and Persuasion skill rolls
Ε Defend a sacred location in war: +2 bonus to En-
durance and Resolve skill rolls
Ε Craft a special or magical object: +2 bonus to
Crafting and Magical Arts (any one) rolls
Ε Nurse someone back from near-death: +2 bonus
to Healing Arts and Herbalism rolls
Ε Research a very obscure subject: +2 bonus to Lan-
guage and Lore rolls
For example, if you used Sacred Oath to make a promise
to guard and protect Lady Elsa of Skathia while escorting
her through Mulovia, then ‘Protect a person or object’ from
above would likely fit best. Or if you swore over the sick-
bed of the Arch-priest Belemor in Saint’s Haven that you
would not let him die in the night from a vicious disease,
then ‘Nurse someone back from near-death’ might apply in
this case.
Note that you may have no more than one sacred oath
at a time—you cannot attempt to fulfill another such vow
until you come to terms with the initial one. Furthermore,
you can only take a sacred oath up to thrice per year, and
each time you take one (and thus using this talent) the ef-
fects last for a number of days equal to 7 plus your Mag-
netism.
SANCTUM MAGIC
Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Acolyte, Apprentice, Dabbling Arcanist,
or Magic Affinity talent
You are gifted at recognizing and utilizing sacred spaces (or
places of power), perhaps better than most sorcerers, sha-
mans, and mage-priests. Thus, you gain a +2 bonus to Mag-
ical Arts (all disciplines) rolls when determining the type of
magical auras present (if any) in a sanctum or sacred space,
as well as to any Lore skill rolls made to determine the gen-
eral history and purpose of the place.
Furthermore, if you perform a ritualized spell within the
100
confines of a known sacred space, be it consecrated temple,
holy grove, standing stones, or the like, you gain a +2 bo-
nus to your Magical Arts skill roll. On a sacred night, such
as an equinox, solstice, new moon, full moon (only one
moon need be full), or eclipse, this becomes a +5 bonus
instead.
Lastly, if you know the Consecration spell, you always
cast it for one Stamina point less than normal, being that
sacred spaces—however small or temporary—are the focus
of this spell. You also pay one point less for the Celestial
Magic talent.
SECOND SIGHT*
Talent Point Cost: 4
Prerequisites: Willpower +1 or Perception level 3
Stamina Cost To Use: 2
You were born with the gift of Second Sight, sometimes
called Other-sight or simply ‘The Sight’. Some even deem
it a curse, for sometimes dream-visions and feelings of sad-
ness, anger, and despair (though occasionally elation and
happiness too) come unbidden to you. It is likely that you
came into the world with a “veil” (afterbirth) over your
eyes, have a mysterious birthmark, a streak of silver-white
in your hair, or perhaps were born during a terrible storm
or a “night without a day” (solar eclipse).
Whatever the case, you can sense powerful mystical ener-
gies in certain locations, usually up to 10 yards away. These
energies are often the lingering memories or powerful emo-
tions of major events from the past, such as a famous infant
being born (and the happiness or sadness of the occasion), a
terrible battle that was fought (and the associated emotions
of anger or victory), or the terrifying leftover feelings in-
volved with the attack of a powerful supernatural creature.
Sometimes these “visions” or deep feelings come easily and
without warning, though sometimes—perhaps in locales
that are not as storied or during a stressful situation such as
combat—the GM might require a DL 15 Perception roll to
sense such resonant emotions. Such an attempt would cost
you 2 Stamina points.
Additionally, you can actively use your gift of Sight to
“force” a vision (instead of waiting for them to come to
you, if they do at all) regarding a specific person, place, or
thing. This requires a DL 15 Resolve roll, and if you succeed
you get a deep intuitive sense about the subject matter in
question usually as a vague “riddle” of sorts, such as “I sense
tomorrow brings great pain for you” (the person’s demise?)
or “I see fire in the sky and feel the thundering of many
hooves” (an army burning the enemy’s fields?), and the like.
If you critically succeed this roll, then you receive a clear
dream-vision that reveals more information, albeit still in a
slightly vague and mysterious way. If you fail this roll by 5
or more, then you See nothing and are left with a painful
headache or ringing in your ears that causes you to suffer -2
to Defense and all die rolls for one full minute (10 rounds).
This second use of Second Sight also costs you two Stamina
points each time it is attempted.
Note that most visions are not clear as to whether they
represent the past, present, or future, the latter here only
CHARACTER CREATION
 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
representing a probable future (and not a foregone conclu-
sion).
SONG MAGIC
Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Magical Arts (any discipline) level 3 and
Performance level 3
Stamina Cost To Use: 1 + spell’s base cost
A style of magic-craft sometimes practiced by bards, skalds,
and other traveling minstrels and performers, this talent en-
ables a magician to cast spells by way of song or dance,
something often called ‘spell-singing’ (qualoreth) by the
Eluna Sidhe. Music and rhythm are the foundations of mag-
ic, after all, and some whisper that the true gods crafted the
mortal-world with the “deep music” of the universe.
Regardless, whenever you cast a spell, you can choose to
sing or sing-chant it instead which allows you to add half
of your skill levels in Performance to your Magical Arts
skill roll. This costs you one additional Stamina point (in
addition to the spell’s base cost), and in addition to making
your spells more potent, is a decent way to disguise your
working of magic (as a strange song in perhaps an ancient
tongue) in regions where sorcery is deeply mistrusted.
SUPERNATURAL PACT
Talent Point Cost: 4
Prerequisites: Magnetism +0
Stamina Cost To Use: 2
Not so long ago, you entered into a powerful agreement
with a being from beyond the Earth-world, such as a de-
mon, vampire, or mighty wyrm. This pact was a willing
one, although you might have been duped somewhat by
this supernatural bond-maker into thinking that such an
accord held no real power or that you no longer needed
outside assistance.
Choose one of the following: 1) Demon (or Angel), 2)
Dragon, 3) Faerie Lord, 4) Elemental (Elder), or 5) Vampire
(or other greater undead) lord. This is the type of creature
to which you made this supernatural oath and may attempt
to summon this being or creature up to once per week.
Calling this creature forth into the mortal world relies pri-
marily on a token or talisman you were given at the initial
pact-making, which requires a successful DL 10 Magical Arts
(any) or Persuasion skill roll, requiring one action and two
Stamina points. The pact-creature might even require some
sort of favor—such as a human heart, blood, gems, jewelry,
gold, or even a virgin maiden—especially if you have sum-
moned it thrice in the same month.
If you critically succeed this roll, your pact-mate appears
and will go beyond its usual activity, being especially helpful
or even gifting you with a small token (although if especial-
ly corrupt—such as a demon, undead, and most dragons—
the creature will likely have an ulterior motive behind this
behavior). In the event of a critical failure, the creature still
appears (or you appear before it) but is quite angry at your
pitiful timing. It will then do one of the following (GM dis-
CHARACTER CREATION
cretion): 1) attack you openly for your insolence, 2) break
the pact with you, never to be summoned by you again and
also giving you the Oath-breaker or Phobia (of whatever
type of creature your pact-mate was), your choice of which;
or 3) you are summoned to its Other-worldly domain and
imprisoned or severely tortured, though likely not slain.
Upon the successful DL 10 skill roll, the supernatural be-
ing remains for five minutes plus one minute equal to your
Magnetism. It will do most anything you ask, especially ea-
ger to attack any nearby foe, bear some heavy burden, or
perform some moderately laborious task. After this time, it
is gone as quickly as it came, vanishing often with a faint
odor of brimstone (demon), the glitter of fey lights (faerie),
a mist-like vapor (vampire), etc. However, note, that in the
case of a pact with a Dragon (which is almost always an
elder wyrm), you are magically summoned to it, brought
before the mighty beast in the wink of an eye. You can then
parley with it in its lair, though you might be far from home
or far from your companions.
Note that, in all cases here, your pact is with something
of a paragon of the creature’s race or type in general, such
as a greater demon, master vampire, elder dragon, etc.
Also, if you summon your pact-ally for overly destructive or
otherwise immoral reasons, such as razing an entire village
for little to no reason, you are apt to acquire the Tainted
weakness.
SWIFT RITUAL
Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Intellect or Willpower +1, and Magical
Arts (any discipline) level 3
Stamina Point Cost: 1 + the spell’s base cost
You are quick and precise with your ritualized spells, which
enables you to complete a spell ritual in but 10 minutes
instead of the normal one-hour time. This costs you one
additional Stamina point (in addition to the spell’s Stamina
cost) and has no effect on Extended Ritual spells.
TOTEM ANIMAL
Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Animal Kinship or Animal Handling level
1, and be from a barbaric culture
Perhaps like other members of your clan or tribe, you have
a special affinity with specific type of animal. Among some
cultures, this totem is taken to a deeply spiritual level, per-
haps even believing that the type of beast in question is an
ancestor reborn (a common Wild Sidhe belief). This totem
animal must be selected from the following, likely influ-
enced by one’s cultural traditions as well as one’s individual
tastes:
Bear: You gain a +1 bonus to two of the following skills
of your choice—Brawling, Endurance, or Survival. You
also pay one point less for the Beast Companion (bear),
Heroic Strength, and Intimidating Physique talents,
and when interacting with animals of this type, receive a
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 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
+2 bonus to any Animal Handling skill rolls.
Boar: You gain a +1 bonus to two of the following skills
of your choice—Brawling, Endurance, or Resolve. Ad-
ditionally, you pay one point less for the Beast Com-
panion (boar), Bullish Charge, and Grit talents, and any
Animal Handling rolls that you make while interacting
with bovines of any type are at a +2 additional bonus.
Eagle/Hawk: You gain a +1 bonus to either Acrobatics
or Perception (your choice) skill rolls, as well as a +1
boost to your Mobility. You also pay one point less for
the Beast Companion (eagle or hawk), Hit and Run,
and Rushing Attack talents, and when dealing with avi-
an animals of any type, receive a +2 bonus to any Ani-
mal Handling rolls that you make.
Mammoth: You gain a +1 bonus to either Brawling or
Persuasion skill rolls (your choice), as well as a +1 boost
to your Health. You also pay one point less for the Bull-
ish Charge, Keen Memory, and Intimidating Physique
talents, and any time you interact with a pachyderm-like
animal, you receive a +2 bonus to your Animal Han-
dling rolls.
Horse: You gain a +1 bonus to either Animal Handling
or Perception (your choice) skill rolls, as well as a +1
boost to your Mobility. You also pay one point less for
the Beast Companion (horse), Horseback Archery,
and Mounted Charge talents, and receive a +2 bonus
to your Animal Handling rolls when interacting with
equine animals.
Jaguar/Panther: You gain a +1 bonus to either Acro-
batics or Stealth (your choice) skill rolls, as well as a +1
boost to your Mobility. Furthermore, you pay one point
less for the Beast Companion (jaguar or panther), Leap-
ing Strike, and Night-sighted talents. You also receive a
+2 bonus to Animal Handling rolls when dealing with
feline animals of any type.
Raven: You gain a +1 bonus to two of the following
skills of your choice—Acrobatics, Perception, or Re-
solve. In addition, you pay one point less for the Beast
Companion (raven), Gift of Tongues, and Night-sight-
ed talents, and when interacting with ravens or crows,
receive a +2 bonus to any Animal Handling rolls that
you attempt.
Snake: You gain a +1 bonus to two of the following
skills of your choice—Perception, Sleight of Hand, or
Stealth. You also pay one point less for the Beast Com-
panion (viper), Intimidating Physique, and Poisoner
talents, and receive a +2 bonus to any Animal Han-
dling rolls you make when interacting with all snake-like
animals.
102
Stag: You gain a +1 bonus to either Acrobatics or Per-
ception skill rolls (your choice), as well as a +1 boost
to your Mobility. Additionally, you pay one point less
for the Beast Companion (stag), Defensive Dash, and
Leaping Strike talents, and receive a +2 bonus to Ani-
mal Handling rolls when dealing with deer, stags, and
elk.
Wolf: You gain a +1 bonus to two of the following skill
rolls of your choice—Endurance, Perception, or Surviv-
al. You also pay one point less for the Beast Companion
(wolf), Leaping Strike, and Wolfpack Tactics talents,
and when interacting with canine animals, receive a +2
bonus to any Animal Handling rolls that you might at-
tempt.
Lastly, all totem animals grant a +1 bonus to a magi-
cian’s Magical Arts skill roll when casting the Beast-speak,
Beast-summoning, and Beguile spells when influencing his
or her chosen animal type.
TRUE NAME
Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Song Magic or Words of Power talent,
and Magical Arts (any) level 8
Deeply imbedded in almost all magical lore is the power of
one’s true name. Normally, this “true name” is a person’s
birth-name, usually known only by the parents (or possi-
bly a close sibling), and almost certainly by the attending
priest or shaman who was present during the birthing or
naming-ritual. Your intimate studies of sorcery have taught
you the power of “name magic” and its potential hold over
another whose true name you know, granting you a +2
bonus to your Magical Arts skill roll when casting a spell
against them. This must be a verbal-based spell, and so you
must speak or sing the spell (no silent casting).
To know a person’s or other entity’s true name, you may
attempt a Lore skill roll calculated from 40 minus the sub-
ject’s Renown. If you succeed, then you know his or her
true/birth name and can use this talent against them. If you
possess the Second Sight talent, you gain a +2 bonus to this
Lore roll—there might be other ways to gain a small bonus
as well, such as exhausting research at a local temple-library,
persuading a close kinsperson of the subject to reveal it, etc.
Lastly, if you possess the Blood Magic talent, and you
have a drop of blood, fingernail trimming, spittle, or lock
of hair from the subject-creature in question, you receive
an additional +1 to your Magical Arts roll when casting a
spell against them. Note that these bonuses apply to both
spontaneous (battle) spells and ritual spells alike.
WITCH-HUNTER
Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Intellect or Willpower +0, and the Hated
Foe, Hunter, or Magic Affinity talent
You are specially trained to hunt down and capture, or put
CHARACTER CREATION
 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
to death, sorcerers and “witches”—that is, magicians often
thought as radical and heretical, and therefore often not
members of accepted religious sects or traditions. Alternate-
ly, you simply despise virtually all practitioners of the mysti-
cal arts, regardless of affiliation or lack thereof.
As such, you gain a +1 bonus to all Brawling and Weap-
onry (Melee and Ranged) rolls whenever in combat with
a known (or proven) mage of any sect, cult, order, or tradi-
tion. You also receive either the ‘Magical Societies’ specialty
of the Lore skill or the ‘Detect Mage’ specialty of the Per-
ception skill, your choice. Lastly, you pay one point less for
the Hunter and Inquisitor talents.
WORDS OF POWER
Talent Point Cost: 2
Prerequisites: Magical Arts (any discipline) level 6
Stamina Cost To Use: 2 + spell’s base cost
By merely the power of your voice and the ancient mys-
tical words intoned, you can cast spells without need of
hand gestures or other movements. This can be quite useful
if your hands are bound, wading into battle armed with
sword and shield, or you simply want to be more covert.
As such, whenever you cast as spell using Words of Power,
you do not suffer the usual -5 penalty for a lack of gestures
and subtle movements, although this does cost you 2 addi-
tional Stamina points.
You may also attempt ritual spells without the listed ‘Rit-
ual Components’, but such is done with a -5 penalty and
still costs the additional two Stamina points. However, if
you also possess the Power of Silence talent, then this penal-
ty is lessened to only -2. Lastly, having the Words of Power
talent qualifies you to pay one point less for the Exaltation,
Lampoon, Rallying Speech, and Song Magic talents.

TABLE 2-6: SOCIAL TALENTS

All player-characters must begin play with at least one social talent, but no more than four. This helps explain his or her
social class, or social status, and possible other background experiences. Social talents, as the name implies, are geared
toward societal settings and situations, often involving entertainment, rumor-gathering, court intrigue, and the like.

Talent Name Cost Requirements

Adept 3 Elite Affiliation or Priest talent
Apprentice 3 Intellect or Willpower +0
Artisan 3 Intellect or Magnetism +0
Bard 4 Intellect +0, Magnetism +0, and Performance level 2
Bodyguard 3 Back To Back talent or Wil +0 and Weaponry: Melee level 3
Captain 3 Magnetism or Willpower +0
Caravan Master 3 Gypsy or Merchant talent
Carouser 2 Vigor +0
Champion 3 Famed talent; or Brawling, Weaponry: Melee, or Weaponry: Ranged 5
Courtesan 3 Magnetism +0
Crusader 3 Pious Faith talent, Zealot weakness, or Weaponry: Melee level 3
Cutting Figure 3 Magnetism +0 or Bard, Merchant, or High-born talent
Educated 3 Intellect +0 and be of a civilized culture
Exaltation 3 Magnetism +0 and either the Bard talent or Performance level 4
Famed 2 Renown 4
Farmer 2 Crafting and Survival level 1
Followers 3 Magnetism +1 and Renown 10
Gift of Tongues 3 Int +1, Language level 1, and Bard, Merchant, Sage, or Scribe talent
Gladiator 3 Agility or Physique +0 and Weaponry: Melee level 2
Gypsy 3 Esmandian, Mulovian, or Chenari
Henchman 4 Magnetism +0 or Renown 4
Herald 3 Intellect +0 and Lore level 1
High-born 5 Cannot have the Low-born weakness
Holy Warrior 3 Crusader, Knight, Pious Faith, or Priest talent
Knight 3 Squire talent and High-born talent or Weaponry: Melee level 3
Legionarri 3 Lorinthian (or other Westerner) and Mercenary or Weaponry: Melee 3

CHARACTER CREATION 103

 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS

Talent Name Cost Requirements

Mariner 3 Sailing level 1 and be from a seafaring culture
Mentor 2 Intellect or Magnetism +0
Mercenary 3 Physique or Vigor +0 and Weaponry (Melee or Ranged) level 2
Merchant 3 Int or Mag +0 and cannot have the Low-born or Savage weakness
Militia 3 Phy or Vig +0 and Weaponry: Melee or Weaponry: Ranged level 1
Miner 3 Physique or Vigor +0 and Crafting or Survival level 1
Mountaineer 3 Must be from a mountainous region
Porter 3 Physique and Vigor +0
Sage 3 Intellect +2, Lore level 3, and Language level 3
Scribe 2 Intellect +0 and Language level 2
Senatori 3 Int or Mag +1, Lorinthian of age 30, and High-born, Legionarri, or Priest
Squire 3 Physique or Vigor +0 and be from a knightly (or similar) culture
Statecraft 3 Intellect +0 and Lore level 1 and Persuasion level 1
Street Rat 3 Must be from an urban-based culture
Willful Presence 2 Willpower +0 and Persuasion level 1
Woodsman 3 Crafting and Survival level 1 and be from a forested homeland

ADEPT* Prerequisites: Intellect or Magnetism +0

Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Elite Affiliation or Priest talent
You have advanced quite well in your duties and studies
within your order, sect, or company, and so you may start
at one rank above the “entry level” rank of this organi-
zation assuming you meet the requirements (see Chapter
12— Orders & Sects).
APPRENTICE*
Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Intellect or Willpower +0
At some point in your youth, or perhaps even some time
more recent, you were apprenticed to a craftsman, trades-
man, entertainer, or even a mysterious sorcerer. Thus, you
gain a free specialty (of your own choosing) in one of the
following skills of your choice: Crafting, Lore, or Perfor-
mance.
Alternately, you served a more mystical apprenticeship
and so may either take a specialty in Alchemy or gain access
to two Magical Arts disciplines of your choice. (Note that
you can never learn any other magical disciplines without
the Acolyte, Magic Affinity, or Priest talent—and certain
orders with the Elite Affiliation talent—or special circum-
stances with GM approval.) If your Intellect is +1 or bet-
ter, you also know one additional spell beyond the normal
amount (see the Magical Arts skill entry). You must still
meet all prerequisites for each known spell and must have
at least an Intellect of +0 in order to perform magical arts
in the first place.
ARTISAN
Talent Point Cost: 3
You have a natural-born gift for exquisite craftsmanship and
artistry, be it embroidery, carving, painting, sketching, forg-
ing, building, or whatever the case. As such, you gain a +1
‘other’ bonus to Crafting skill rolls and may choose one
free Crafting specialty. Furthermore, all things you create
using this skill specialty increase in “market value” by +25%
(but also takes 25% longer). If you score 10 over the DL
with your Crafting roll to make something, you increase
the market value by +50% instead.
BARD*
Talent Point Cost: 4
Requirements: Intellect +0, Magnetism +0, and Perfor-
mance level 2
You served as an apprentice to a bard, skald, or court min-
strel, or perhaps more rarely, even excelled in such a posi-
tion yourself through a natural gift of lore, song, and lan-
guage. Whatever the case, you receive a +1 ‘other’ bonus to
Language, Lore, Performance, and Persuasion skill rolls.
In addition, you gain a +2 bonus to your Renown and pay
one point less for the Battle Muse, Exaltation, Lampoon,
Words of Power, and Song Magic talents.
BODYGUARD
Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Back To Back talent, or Willpower +0 and
Weaponry: Melee level 3
You have a dutiful knack for guarding another’s person,
watching both their back and front against assassination at-
tempts and open assaults. As such, if you pledge yourself
to another individual—and thereby taking the Oath-bound
weakness (and gaining no bonus points for it)—this enables

104 CHARACTER CREATION

 SAVAGEIII
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you to give your charge +2 to Defense when you are within
weapon reach of him. This lowers your own Defense, how-
ever, by the same amount (2), although you can negate this
penalty by expending two Stamina points per round of use.
Additionally, you gain a +1 bonus to your Perception rolls
when within 3 yards of your charge.
Note that you can only apply this talent to one guarded
individual at a time, although if you are relieved of your
oath (or the oath is satisfied upon completion of a certain
time or the seeing-through of a particular event), you are
then free to apply the benefits of this talent to another per-
son. If you break your oath to your charge, by perhaps
leaving his company without warning or allowing him or
her to be assassinated, then you are likely to receive the
Oath-breaker weakness (or even Honorless or Tainted if
done in a spiteful manner—GM discretion).
CAPTAIN*
Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Magnetism or Willpower +0
At some point in your storied life, you attained the rank and
title of ‘captain’, either out at sea as a ship’s commander or
in reference to a more inland military title (which might
be ‘centurion’ instead, or something else, depending upon
your race and culture). Regardless, you gain +1 to your Re-
nown and a +1 ‘other’ bonus to Persuasion skill rolls. Lastly,
if you choose that you were a sea-captain, then you receive
a +1 ‘other’ bonus to Sailing skill rolls; if a land-captain,
you gain a +1 ‘other’ bonus to Animal Handling skill rolls
instead.
CARAVAN MASTER*
Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Gypsy or Merchant talent
You have experience in organizing and leading traveling
caravans, be they mercantile, pilgrimages, performance, or
mere survival. Perhaps you have some military quarter-mas-
tering experience instead or some similar ability in moving
goods and people. Therefore, you gain a +1 ‘other’ bonus
to Appraisal and Persuasion skill rolls, and you receive ei-
ther the ‘Geography’ specialty of the Lore skill or the ‘Navi-
gation’ specialty of the Survival skill (your choice).
Furthermore, you almost always know where you gen-
erally are on a major trade-route, be it land or sea; if upon
a slightly less known trade-route or sea-lane, then you may
have to succeed in a DL 15 Lore or Survival skill roll in order
to know roughly where you are and where you might be
headed.
CAROUSER*
Talent Point Cost: 2
Prerequisites: Vigor +0
You are used to the ways of carousing and light debauchery,
often reveling well into the latter part of the evening and,
occasionally, all the way until dawn. As such, you gain a +2
CHARACTER CREATION
bonus to Endurance rolls to specifically resist inebriation, as
well as the ‘Carousing’ specialty of the Performance skill.
This might be used to garner favor with important late-
night revelers, acquire information from half-drunk nobles,
seduce or flirt, or just have a pleasurable time being alive.
CHAMPION*
Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Famed talent; or Brawling, Weaponry:
Melee, or Weaponry: Ranged level 5
Practically the barbarian equivalent of the Knight social
talent, you have been recognized as a champion (wheth-
er officially or non-officially) of a minor lord, such as a
clan-chieftain, jarl, or chief/king of a small tribe. Alternately,
you could be a champion of a high priest or chief shaman,
or someone else of non-noble, yet high, social influence.
Regardless, you gain +1 to your Renown and enjoy a +2
bonus to Persuasion rolls made within your clan or trib-
al territory. Also, when fighting single combats (duels) on
behalf of your liege or when leading his troops into bat-
tle, you receive a +2 to Initiative and Resolve rolls. Lastly,
possessing the Champion talent enables you to pay one
point less for the Draw The Line, Honor Duel, Inspiring
Presence, Knight, Squire, and Valorous talents.
COURTESAN*
Talent Point Cost: 3
Requirements: Magnetism +0
Once a glorified harlot, you are gifted in the arts of charm
and seduction, seeing to the carnal desires of men (and per-
haps women too) and earning a fair living from it. Perhaps
you plied your trade on the streets of a well-known city or
even in the court of a local lord or pirate-king. Regardless,
you gain the ‘Seduction’ specialty of the Persuasion skill as
well as a +1 bonus to Perception and Performance skill
rolls.
Lastly, you pay one point less for the Gossip and Se-
ductive Dance talents. Note that this talent thematically re-
fers mainly to female characters, but a male character may
choose it if the GM is agreeable.
CRUSADER*
Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Pious Faith talent, Zealot weakness, or
Weaponry: Melee level 3
You once served in a great crusade, an armed group that
made its way into “infidel” territory to dispense justice,
might, and religious fervor on the ignorant and unwashed.
As such, you receive a +1 bonus to Animal Handling and
Survival rolls, and should you come into direct conflict with
members of your old enemy (as agreed upon with GM ap-
proval), you gain +1 your Defense, all attack rolls, and any
Endurance or Resolve rolls you must make against that par-
ticular foe.
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 SAVAGEIII
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Furthermore, you pay one point less for the Acolyte,
Hated Foe, Holy Warrior, Mounted Charge, and Pious
Faith talents.
CUTTING FIGURE
Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Magnetism +0 or Bard, Merchant, or
High-born talent
You are almost always impeccably dressed, garbed in the
finest clothing, furs, jewels, or whatever else is deemed the
current fashion at court or on the battlefield. This might
even include intricate tattoos and body paints if a mem-
ber of a more barbarous culture. Regardless, you gain a +1
boost to your Renown and if wearing clothing (and armor)
of at least exceptional quality, you receive a +1 bonus to
Performance and Persuasion skill rolls.
Furthermore, you pay one point less for the Inspiring
Presence talent and if you take the Decadent or Obsession
(fashion) weakness, you gain an additional point for it. You
still cannot have more than 5 points of Weaknesses, how-
ever, at character creation.
EDUCATED*
Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Intellect +0 and be of a civilized culture
You have a more or less formal education, likely from at
the feet of scholars or philosophers or temple-priests. Thus,
you receive +3 additional Skill Points to spend on skills at
character creation.
EXALTATION
Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Magnetism +0, and either the Bard talent
or Performance level 4
Stamina Cost To Use: 2
This talent enables a bard, skald, herald, or similar perform-
er to exalt another character—or perhaps even him/her-
self—in order to gain reputation and temporary fame. To
do this, the entertainer or performer makes a Performance
skill roll versus a DL equal to 10 + half the Renown of the
character that is to be exalted. This is because it is easier to
increase the fame and reputation of a lesser known perso-
na than one already established or otherwise of a celebrity
status. Note that if the performer chooses to increase his or
her own reputation, the DL is calculated by 15 + half the
performer’s Renown (it’s more difficult to improve your
own fame by you yourself).
The performance—which might be great oratories, sagas,
or epics featuring the target as the primary hero or protag-
onist—takes at least ten minutes and costs 2 Stamina points,
whether it succeeds or fails. If successful, based on the DLs
listed above, then the target of the Exaltation gains a +5
bonus to any upcoming Performance or Persuasion skill
rolls in that area (which is to be no larger than one square
mile) for a number of days per point of success. Upon a
106
critical success, the target also gains a +1 permanent increase
to Renown, but if the roll fails by 10 or more then the au-
dience assumes, for the most part, that your performance is
mostly a self-aggrandizing lie and may act accordingly.
Note that at least 100, relatively non-hostile, people
must be in attendance in order for this talent to work, or
perhaps a smaller audience of well-connected folks (such
as nobles, knights, priests, etc.). Also, this talent cannot be
used on the same target within the same month. Lastly, if
you possess the Lampoon talent, or are a member of The
Emerald Harp, then you pay one point less for this talent.
FAMED*
Talent Point Cost: 2
Prerequisites: Renown 4
You are famous for a particular deed in your past, perhaps
a heroic victory over a threat near your home-village or
a memorable performance before the royal court. Alter-
nately, you are known for something that you’ve done in
general, within a particular region, such as having served
as guard-captain for the local militia or a minor lord, or a
long-time stint as a messenger or a lay-priest to a popular
local temple. (Consult with your GM for more specifics.)
Whatever the case, you receive a +5 bonus to Perfor-
mance and Persuasion skill rolls while within the general
boundaries of where you’re most famed, such as an entire
tribe or large clan, or perhaps a large city or small province.
FARMER*
Talent Point Cost: 2
Prerequisite: Crafting and Survival level 1
Having spent a great deal of time working the land, or per-
haps serving as a gardener at some lord’s estate, you gain
the ‘Farming’ specialty of the Crafting specialty and a +1
‘other’ bonus to your Animal Handling skill. Furthermore,
if you take the Low-born weakness (since farming is gen-
erally peasant work), you gain an additional bonus point
for it.
FOLLOWERS
Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Magnetism +1 and Renown 10
Due to your magnetic personality and renowned deeds,
you have attracted a small following of admirers, servants,
and possibly fodder. The initial number of followers gained
is equal to your Renown rating, and you will acquire one
additional follower for every point of Renown increased
thereafter.
However, as this flock is more akin to “background ex-
tras” and not principal characters (such as a Henchman),
they are not overly powerful, skilled, or talented, serving
more as folks to deal with the player-character’s background
or “off-stage” dealings than as seasoned travel-along com-
panions. If statistics must be used, then each follower would
have Average (+0) attributes with no talents (save maybe
CHARACTER CREATION
 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
one) and perhaps five points worth of skills in total, no skill
level greater than one.
For example, a priestly character might use his follow-
ers as lay-folk, ritual-assistants, or even potential sacrifices,
depending on the sect in question (or personal choice);
a scholarly character might utilize his followers more as
scribes and lore-keepers, as a further example, or a noble or
knightly character may have need of pages and camp-ser-
vants. A group of followers might could be convinced to
fight on the battlefield (counting as untrained levies), but
only if the PC in question has the High-born, Knight, Priest,
or Inspiring Presence talent in the very least.
GIFT OF TONGUES
Talent Point Cost: 3
Requirements: Intellect +1, Language level 1, and Bard,
Merchant, Sage, or Scribe talent
You have perhaps traveled much of the known world, or
else are simply a natural-born linguist (or both). Regardless,
you begin play knowing one additional language from your
race’s or culture’s ‘Starting Language’s list (See Chapter 6—
Character Races), and gain knowledge of a new tongue for
every level in the Language skill you have (instead of the
normal one language every 2 skill levels).
Furthermore, you pay one point less for the Grimoire
and Words of Power talents and gain a +1 bonus to any
Magical Arts rolls made to interpret a written spell or mag-
ical formula.
GLADIATOR*
Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Agility or Physique +0, and Weaponry:
Melee level 2
You were once (and perhaps still are) a gladiator from one
of the more “civilized” realms, such as the Lorinthian Em-
pire or the various kingdoms of the Prydonian Isles. Alter-
nately, you could have been a pit-fighter or “show-fighter”
from a less formal society of blood-sports, such as in the
Zaramese Empire, the barbarous North-lands, or even the
brutal jousts of Aradorn or far-away Tarnia.
Whatever the case, you gain a +1 bonus to Acrobat-
ics and Performance skill rolls, and pay one point less for
the Crippling Strike, Dirty Tactics, Draw The Line, Hon-
or Duel, Kip, Leaping Strike, Pugilistic Follow-up, Shield
Bash, Tripping Attack, and Web of Steel talents.
GYPSY*
Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Must be Esmandian, Mulovian, or Chenari
You have a wandering, semi-nomadic background, and
many would call you “gypsy” (which in the world of SK
refers to a wandering folk living generally outside the law).
In Esmandos, for example, this is often due to that realm be-
CHARACTER CREATION
ing wrested by several kings or warlords, while in Mulovia
this is usually because of the corrupt and over-taxing ways
of the nobility forcing many of the local commoners to flee
to the half-wild and open countryside. As a more exotic ex-
ample of gypsy-hood, the Chenari were mostly brought to
the West as slaves and so some of them have formed roving
clans or semi-stationary encampments.
Whatever the case, you receive a +1 bonus to Perfor-
mance and Sleight of Hand skill rolls, and pay one point
less for the Battle Dancer, Fortune Teller, Herbal Magic,
Second Sight, Seductive Dance, and Secret Strike talents.
HENCHMAN
Talent Point Cost: 4
Prerequisites: Magnetism +0 or Renown 4
You enjoy the direct services or a loyal sidekick, a dutiful
retainer who will follow you to almost any end. He or she
requires no paid wage, save for basic traveling expenses,
room and board, some simple gear and clothing, and the
like. Note that the henchman must be of the same general
race as you, although he may be of a different ethnicity or
culture. A henchman will do most things that you ask of
him or her save perhaps the foolhardiest (or those that go
completely against his or her personal code of honor or
general demeanor).
Your henchman has a sum Attribute total of +2, and no
Attribute may start higher than +2 or lower than -2. He or
she receives 6 talents points to spend on Talents, 20 points
for Skills, and can have as many as 3 points’ worth of Weak-
nesses. (You, the player, create this henchman just as you
would a player-character.) The henchman has basic clothing
in accordance to his/her culture and social status, and 50 sil-
ver coins, but you must purchase anything additional gear.
Note that a henchman may earn XP at half the rate of his
or her PC liege; for example, if you’ve earned 23 XP in to-
tal, then your henchman would have 11 XP. Henchmen re-
ceive all the usual benefits for Advancement. Furthermore,
you may begin play with no more than one Henchman,
although you are free to take this talent again later on to
represent a second such sidekick (with GM approval and
probably after a month of Down-time).
Roleplaying-wise, you are mainly in control of your
henchman, although the GM might on occasion “take over”
the role especially in scenes where liege and henchperson
are having some important dialogue together or in situa-
tions where the henchman might not agree with his or her
liege. In combat, your henchman acts on your turn in the
Initiative, often awaiting your commands.
HERALD
Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Intellect +0 and Lore level 1
You are an expert in heraldry, noble titles, and other forms
of officiality and social nomenclature, perhaps having
served as a page or similar servant in a local court. As such,
107
 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
you gain the ‘Heraldry’ specialty of both the Crafting and
Lore skills for free, and since you were often required to
announce the arrival of guests, a +1 bonus to Performance
skill rolls.
Furthermore, you pay one point less for the Bard talent.
(Note that heraldry is still in fairly primitive form in most
regions of the known world.)
HIGH-BORN*
Talent Point Cost: 5
Prerequisites: Cannot have the Low-born weakness
You were born unto a noble house or family, or otherwise
from a clan of equal wealth and influence as minor nobility,
such as a successful merchant-house or perhaps the son or
daughter of a famed bard or high-priest. Regardless, you
begin play with a master-crafted (or otherwise rare) item of
your choice, which could be a helmet, shield, weapon, mu-
sical instrument, chariot, scroll containing a magical spell, or
what not (GM discretion). Additionally, you start with two
outfits of noble cloth (cloak, tunic, breeches, surcote, etc.),
which are perhaps of fine silk, leather, satin, or rare fur, all
considered to be of exceptional quality.
Furthermore, you gain +2 to your Renown, for those
of high and noble birth are almost always more known
than common-folk, and receive a stipend of 50 silver coins
plus 10 per point of Renown from your house/clan. After
character creation, this stipend is generally only available
to you once per year, for your house’s resources are not
without limit.
Lastly, you gain a bonus to Performance and Persua-
sion rolls equal to half your Renown rating while within
your domain (large city, province, or small kingdom), and
might inherit a title (and its rights and properties), such as
baron, count, chieftain, jarl, thane, or the like. Note that
king, queen, prince, and duke are royal titles, and not avail-
able to mere nobles unless you happen to marry upward
or usurp a kingdom’s throne by force. In the very least,
you are a lord or lady (and may use that title before your
name) and have the power of low justice in your domain.
You are likely to have other benefits, and many expected
duties, as well.
108
HOLY WARRIOR*
Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Crusader, Knight, Pious Faith, or Priest
talent
You are trained as both warrior and acolyte, perhaps having
once served as a temple-guard or even as the militant right-
hand of a small sect or cult. As such, you gain a +1 boost to
your Renown, a +1 bonus to Weaponry: Melee skill rolls,
and may advance in one of the Magical Arts disciplines of
your choice (this discipline must align with one taught by
the sect, temple, or cult you served).
In addition, you pay one point less for the Acolyte, Cru-
sader, Hated Foe, Healer’s Touch, Pious Faith, and Smit-
ing Blow talents.
KNIGHT*
Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Squire talent, plus either High-born talent
or Weaponry: Melee level 3
You have been given the title, privileges, and duties of
knighthood, likely in a traditional ceremony as befitting
your culture, liege-lord, and knightly order (if any). Not
every culture has an institution called ‘knighthood’, though
almost all of them have some general idea of it, such as a
samurai in the east or other oath-bound warrior in service
to a lord, chieftain, or king.
Benefits of this talent include receiving +2 to your Re-
nown, have the right to bear arms and dispense “low jus-
tice” on behalf of the realm, and if you so qualify, the pres-
tige to join an elite knightly order (see Chapter 12—Orders
& Sects). Furthermore, you gain at least a minor ally in your
liege-lord (usually a baron, count, duke, or minor king) and
may even have a voice at the royal court. You also pay one
point less for the Armor Acclimation, Beast Companion
(horse), Captain, and Mercenary talents.
LEGIONARRI*
Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Lorinthian (or other Westerner), plus Mer-
cenary talent or Weaponry: Melee level 3
You once fought in the Lorinthian armed legions, well-
trained and well-equipped professional soldiers who pro-
tect the sovereignty of the Lorinthian Empire, its emperor,
and its citizens. As such, you begin play with a large shield,
hard leather cuirass armor, and either a shortsword (gladius)
or war-spear (your choice). This war-gear is average quality
and likely well-used. In addition, you gain a +1 bonus to ei-
ther Endurance or Resolve skill rolls, your choice of which.
Also, for every month of Downtime you spend, you can
earn 30 sc (or 40 sc if you have the Captain or Knight tal-
ent), as it is assumed that you are still an auxiliary member
of said legion. Note that you could occasionally get sum-
moned to duty by a high-commander, praetor, or senatori
(or some other esteemed personage, such as a high-templar
of Agathon), similar to the Oath-bound weakness, if war is
CHARACTER CREATION
 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
at hand or some half-secret military mission requires extra
manpower.
MARINER*
Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Sailing level 1 and be from a seafaring cul-
ture
You receive a +1 ‘other’ bonus to Sailing skill rolls, and also
gain either the ‘Aboard Ship’ specialty of the Perception skill
or the ‘Ships’ specialty of the Crafting skill (your choice).
Furthermore, you pay one point less for the Merchant,
Navigator, Raider, Smuggler, and Privateer talents.
MENTOR
Talent Point Cost: 2
Prerequisites: Intellect or Magnetism +0
You are a naturally gifted teacher, perhaps having served
as a mentor in the past or in the instruction of a young ap-
prentice under your care. Whatever the case, by instructing
someone in a skill, for at least four hours a day (and for a
minimum of one week), you can grant your student a tem-
porary +1 ‘other’ bonus to that skill. This bonus dissipates
after a week’s time.
To make this work, you must succeed in a DL 10 Mag-
netism roll after this one-week period, although you gain
a bonus (or penalty) to this roll equal to your student’s
Intellect. If you score 10 over the DL, then the +1 bonus be-
comes permanent, although he can never benefit from your
mentorship again, or another mentor, in this particular skill.
MERCENARY
Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Physique or Vigor +0, and Weaponry
(Melee or Ranged) level 2
Due to your background as a mercenary warrior, you gain
a +1 ‘other’ bonus to one of the following skills of your
choice: Animal Handling, Brawling, Endurance, Weap-
onry: Melee, or Weaponry: Ranged. Furthermore, you
gain the ‘Military’ specialty of the Lore skill for free, and
pay one less point for the Armor Acclimation, Captain, Le-
gionnaire, Militia, Elite Affiliation (Company of the Black
Lion), and Siege Specialist talents.
MERCHANT
Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Intellect or Magnetism +0, and must not
have the Low-born or Savage weakness
You are from a wealthy merchant-family, almost considered
as lesser nobility due to your house’s wealth and prestige.
Alternately, you became an independent trader yourself,
learning the ropes alone or at the side of a skilled merchant
or caravan-master. Whatever the case, you gain the ‘Ap-
praisal’ specialty of the Crafting skill and either the ‘Barter-
CHARACTER CREATION
ing’ or ‘Haggling’ specialty of the Persuasion skill for free.
Additionally, you receive a one-time stipend in silver
coins equal to 25 plus 5x your Renown and a set of excep-
tional-quality clothing (tunic, cloak, breeches, etc.).
MILITIA
Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Physique or Vigor +0, and Weaponry:
Melee or Weaponry: Ranged level 1
You were once, and perhaps still are, a member of the lo-
cal militia serving your home village or town. If not Low-
born, you might have also served in the city watch or even
the local keep of a minor lord or knight. Militia-folk are
not full-time professional soldiers but are usually the more
able-bodied men (and some women) in the community and
often keep watches or even patrol the immediate territory
around their settlements.
Whatever the case, you gain +1 to your Renown and
a +1 bonus to Perception skill rolls. Additionally, you pay
one point less for the Hold The Breach, Light Sleeper, Mer-
cenary, Night-sighted, and Shield Wall talents.
MINER*
Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Physique or Vigor +0, and Crafting or Sur-
vival level 1
You have a mining (or other underground-oriented) back-
ground and are thusly used to dark and subterranean plac-
es. You receive both the ‘Mining’ specialty of the Crafting
skill and the ‘Subterranean’ specialty of the Survival skill for
free. Additionally, you pay one point less for the Moun-
taineer and Night-sighted talents.
MOUNTAINEER*
Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Must be from a mountainous region
Born and raised, at least in part, in a highland territory (such
as the Bloodrock, Iceclaw, Golden, or Sanctuary Mountains,
among others), you receive a +1 bonus to Athletics skill
rolls when climbing and gain the ‘Mountains’ specialty of
the Survival skill. In addition, you pay one point less for the
Agile Climber and Tireless talents.
PORTER*
Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Physique and Vigor +0
You once worked as a porter, teamster, or stevedore, or
perhaps were a hard-working slave for a number of years.
Regardless, you are stronger perhaps than you look, and
are used to bearing the weight of goods or handling teams
of horses or other sometimes ornery beasts. Thus, you resist
the penalties for Encumbrance as if your Physique was +1
greater than it is, and furthermore, gain a +1 bonus to Ani-
109
 SAVAGEIII
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mal Handling and Endurance skill rolls.
SAGE*
Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Intellect +2, Lore level 3, and Language
level 3
Perhaps you were educated at the foot of a wise priest,
clever philosopher, stoic war-councilman, or otherwise
practiced some other means of hoarding deep knowledge.
Whatever the case, you receive a “double specialty” in one
of your Lore specialties of your choice (that is, a +2 special-
ty bonus instead of merely +1). Note that this could stack
with the Double Specialty talent. In addition, you gain a +1
bonus in two of the following skills of your choice: Alche-
my, Healing Arts, Herbalism, Language, or Magical Arts
(any one discipline).
Lastly, if you spend at least 12 hours in research in any
decent-sized town, city, temple, monastery, or even an un-
interrupted commune out in the wilds, you may add +5 to
any singular Lore skill roll of your choice afterwards. This
represents an epiphany-like breakthrough in your research
or contemplation.
SCRIBE*
Talent Point Cost: 2
Requirements: Intellect +0 and Language level 2
You once served (and perhaps still occasionally do) as a
scribe in a temple, noble’s employ, or magistrate’s office of
a great empire. Alternately, perhaps you did a good deal of
ink-painting illuminations for a Western monastery or ex-
acting calligraphy for an Eastern one. Regardless, you gain a
+1 bonus to Language skill rolls as well as to any Magical
Arts rolls based on writing (such as identifying or learning
a written spell or casting the Fire-script spell, for example).
Furthermore, you gain the ‘Scribing’ specialty of the
Crafting skill and pay one point less for the Gift of Tongues,
Grimoire, and Rune Magic talents.
SENATORI*
Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Int or Mag +1, Lorinthian of age 30, and
High-born, Legionarri, or Priest talent
You are a member of the esteemed Senatori, a counsel of
wise men and politicians who serve as direct advisors to
the Imperial Lorinthian throne. This is a position of great
esteem and importance, each senatori (or senator) repre-
senting a small provincial region of the Empire or a particu-
lar sect or elite organization. As such, this talent grants you
+2 to Renown and a seat on the Senatorii Council, which
convenes at least once a month in the Imperial Capital of
Lorinthius. Often, the Emperor himself is present for these
gatherings, wherein many orders of business are discussed
and many new (and old) laws made or reinforced.
In addition, you are given a toga with a purple stripe (or
purple and gold if a Senior Senatori of more than 10 years
110
of service), and therefore gain a +5 bonus to all Persuasion
and Performance skill rolls when wearing such garb within
100 miles of the Imperial Capital. Furthermore, you gain
the ‘Oratory’ specialty of the Performance skill for free and
receive a 30 sc stipend per month of service (this can be
Downtime). If you miss more than four months of service,
in a row, then you are removed from your senatorial po-
sition.
Lastly, by having this talent, you pay one point less for
the Ally, Exaltation, Gossip, and Lampoon talents, and if
you also possess the Captain or High-born talent, then
you might be able to attain the social and political rank of
Governor, Prefect, or even Praetor (generally requiring a
Renown of at least 15).
SQUIRE*
Talent Point Cost: 3
Requirements: Physique or Vigor +0, and be from a
knightly (or similar) culture
You were apprenticed to a knight (or similar warrior of sta-
tus) for several years, perhaps serving as a page before then
at some local lord’s court. As such, you gain a +1 bonus to
two of the following skills of your choice: Animal Han-
dling, Healing Arts, Survival, or Weaponry: Melee.
Additionally, you gain +1 to your Renown and you likely
have a minor ally in your old knightly liege (assuming good
terms). You also have a relatively clear-cut path to knight-
hood at some potential point in the future, and therefore
pay one point less for the Knight talent.
STATECRAFT
Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Intellect +0, plus Lore level 1 and Persua-
sion level 1
You are especially gifted in the art of statecraft (or king-
craft), the ability to navigate the political landscape of your
homeland and beyond. Because of this, you are also quite
skilled in the local laws and customs of the realm, and so
gain the ‘Statecraft’ specialty of the Lore skill as well as a +1
bonus to Language and Persuasion skill rolls.
STREET RAT*
Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Must be from an urban-based culture
You were practically born and raised on the mean streets of
a large settlement, a city of at least 10,000 souls. You were
forced to survive (or perhaps even thrive) there, and thus
you gain a +1 bonus to Persuasion and Sleight of Hand
skill rolls. You also receive the ‘Urban’ specialty of either the
Lore or Survival skill (your choice), and when in the actual
city in which you grew up, you gain a +5 bonus to your
Performance and Persuasion skill rolls when dealing with
the common folk.
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WILLFUL PRESENCE WOODSMAN*

Talent Point Cost: 2
Prerequisites: Willpower +0 and Persuasion level 1
Strong-willed and self-assured, you may use your Willpow-
er attribute for Persuasion skill rolls (instead of Magnetism)
in negotiation scenes that take at least one minute.
Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Crafting level 1, Survival level 1, and be
from a forested homeland
Having spent time in a wooded region, you gain both the
‘Wood-working’ specialty of the Crafting skill and the ‘For-
est’ specialty of the Survival skill for free. Additionally, you
pay one point less for the Artisan, Herbal Magic, Hunter,
and Mountaineer talents.

TABLE 2-7: SUBTERFUGE TALENTS

This category refers primarily to all things subtle, sneaky, and covert. It contains combat-like talents that are used in
conjunction with stealth or ambushing tactics, as well as roguish backgrounds involving legerdemain and chicanery.
Player-characters may begin play with no more than 5 subterfuge talents.

Talent Name Cost Requirements

Assassin 3 Agility +1 and Brawling or Weaponry: Melee level 2
Dirty Tactics 3 Agility +1 or Intellect +1 or Gladiator talent
Faceless In A Crowd 2 Intellect +0 and Disguise level 1 or Stealth level 1
Feigned Attack 3 Persuasion (bluffing specialty) and Weaponry: Melee level 2
Fortune Teller 2 Intellect or Magnetism +0 and Performance or Persuasion level 2
Gambler 2 Intellect or Magnetism +0 and Performance or Persuasion level 1
Gossip 2 Intellect or Magnetism +0 and Persuasion level 1
Hunter 3 Perception and Survival level 1
Inquisitor 3 Int or Mag +0, Cultist or Priest talent, and Gossip or Pious Faith talent
Lampoon 3 Bard talent or Renown 7, plus Performance level 5
Poisoner 3 Agility or Intellect +0 and Alchemy or Herbalism level 2
Privateer 3 Perception and Sailing level 1; must be from a maritime culture
Raider 3 Agility or Vigor +0
Sapping Blow 3 Stealth level 5 and Weaponry: Melee level 3
Secret Strike 3 Agility +1, Stealth level 3, and Weaponry: Melee level 3
Seductive Dance 3 Performance level 3, and Magnetism +2 or Comeliness talent
Slaver 3 Animal Handling or Persuasion level 1; Decadent or Tainted weakness
Smuggler 3 Intellect +0
Tomb Robber 3 Agility +0, and Vigor or Willpower +0
Torturer 2 Vigor or Willpower +0, plus Healing Arts and Persuasion level 1
Trap-setter 3 Intellect +0 and Crafting or Survival level 3

ASSASSIN less for the Secret Strike talent.

Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Agility +1, and Brawling or Weaponry:
Melee level 2
Stamina Cost To Use: 1
You are trained, either formally or otherwise, as a stealthy
master of the quick kill. As such, receive a +1 bonus to Dis-
guise and Stealth skill rolls. Furthermore, by expending a
Stamina point, you can deliver a finishing blow (instant kill)
to a Helpless creature as one action instead of the normal
two actions to do so.
Possessing this talent also allows you to pay one point
DIRTY TACTICS
Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Agility +1 or Intellect +1 or Gladiator talent
Stamina Cost To Use: 1
You have learned a few dirty tricks that have proved use-
ful in battle, even if they aren’t always considered “honor-
able” or are better left to back-alley brawls and half-legal
pit fights. Things such as throwing sand or snow, reflecting
sunlight, foot-stomps, spitting—among other maneuvers—
are your bread and butter. As such, costing one (non-attack)

CHARACTER CREATION 111

 SAVAGEIII
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action, you can attempt an Intellect or Persuasion (bluffing)
roll which is opposed by your target’s Endurance or Re-
solve roll (target’s choice). If successful, and your opponent
is within 3 yards’ range, then you may choose one of the
following effects:
Ε Opponent suffers -1 to all die rolls and Defense for
one 1 round (groin kick, etc.)
Ε Opponent suffers -5 to Mobility for one full round
(foot stomp, shin rake, etc.)
Ε Opponent suffers -2 to Stamina for one hour
(stomach strike, dirt in eyes, etc.)
Ε Opponent is knocked prone for one full round
(trip, foot stomp, etc.)
Ε Opponent is Off-guard for one full round (sun re-
flection, nose smash, etc.)
If you score 10 or more over your target’s Endurance
or Resolve roll, then you have affected two targets (which
must be within one yard of each other) of your choice.
Performing one of these maneuvers costs you one Stamina
point each time. Note that a character without this talent
could, essentially, attempt such dirty tactical maneuvers, but
such would count as an attack action instead of a non-at-
tack action.
FACELESS IN A CROWD*
Talent Point Cost: 2
Prerequisites: Intellect +0, and Disguise or Stealth level 1
To you, fame and notoriety mean little, perhaps even find-
ing it detrimental to your chosen life-path. As such, when
others make Lore skill rolls against your Renown, only half
your Renown is applied toward calculating the DL (thus,
your deeds and weaknesses are less likely to be known).
Additionally, you gain a +1 bonus to Disguise skill rolls.
FEIGNED ATTACK
Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Persuasion (bluffing specialty) and Weap-
onry: Melee level 2
Stamina Cost To Use: 1
You are skilled in feinting and tricking opponents in combat,
enabling you to attempt a Persuasion (bluffing specialty)
skill roll—or Performance if you have at least 3 levels in
it—against a single adversary (this counts as a non-attack
action). The target receives a Perception (empathy special-
ty) or Resolve roll to resist your deception, against a DL set
by your roll. If the opponent fails, then you have feigned
him so well that he is considered Off-guard for any follow
up attack from you (and only you) for the remainder of
the round.
Note that every successive use of Feigned Attack, after
the first, against the same target comes with a -2 penalty
to your Persuasion (or Performance) skill roll, since oppo-
nents will begin to suspect a feint or mislead from you after
a time or two. Each use of this talent costs you one Stamina
112
point.
FORTUNE TELLER
Talent Point Cost: 2
Prerequisites: Intellect or Magnetism +0, and Perfor-
mance or Persuasion level 2
Skilled in the subtle (and often deceptive) art of reading
fortunes, which often consist of palm-readings, astrological
interpretations, numerology, and other forms of “low div-
ination”. Of course, you might be a legitimate fortune-tell-
er—especially if you are gifted in Second Sight or have
some minor magical training—but, then again, you very
well might not.
Whatever the case, you receive the ‘Fortune-telling’
specialty of specialty of the Performance skill or the ‘De-
ception’ specialty of the Persuasion skill (your choice of
which). You also gain a +1 bonus to Perception skill rolls
and pay one point less for the Dabbling Arcanist and Sec-
ond Sight talents.
GAMBLER
Talent Point Cost: 2
Prerequisites: Intellect or Magnetism +0, and Perfor-
mance or Persuasion level 1
You are a skilled (or lucky) gambler, who might have earned
a modest living in the towns and cities of more civilized
lands, or among the grimmer contests of places more sav-
age. Regardless, you receive the ‘Games’ specialty of the
Lore skill for free, and when bellying up to a card, dice, or
similar game (such as King’s Keep, Four Dragons, Pirate’s
Ante, Blade-gambit, etc.), an hour’s worth of gambling
can usually earn you 1 silver piece per point by which you
exceed a DL 15 Persuasion (bluffing specialty), Perception
(empathy), or Luck roll. You choose which one. If you fail
this roll by 5, then you lose 1 silver coin per point shy of 10
(maximum of 5).
Alternately, you can attempt to cheat thereby upping the
potential stakes, but the DL increases to 20. However, if you
succeed, you earn 2 silver coins per point of success instead
of merely 1, and you may add the Sleight of Hand skill to
the list of options above. You must, however, state to the
GM that you are intending to cheat before any die rolls are
rolled; if you fail your skill roll by 10 or more when cheat-
ing, then you are discovered and will likely be dealt with
accordingly. If you critically fail this roll, then every one of
your opponents (and possibly onlookers) turn their anger
upon you.
GOSSIP
Talent Point Cost: 2
Prerequisites: Intellect or Magnetism +0, and Persuasion
level 1
Stamina Cost To Use: 1
Gifted in the art of small talk and rumor-mongering, able
to pick up on innuendos and direct gossip about various
CHARACTER CREATION
 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
individuals, circles, groups, orders, and others in local so-
ciety. Thus, for every hour you spend in a settlement of
at least 100 inhabitants, you can discern the latest rumors
and gossip-talk in current circulation by succeeding in a DL
15 Perception or Persuasion roll. This produces one piece
of gossip provided by the GM. You can target one specific
individual or group, but if you critically fail, that person or
group learns of your doings and takes some form of action
against you (GM discretion). If you critically succeed this
skill roll, you learn two rumors instead.
A rumor is partly true 50% of the time, completely true
25% of the time, and completely false 25% of the time.
The GM makes this roll. Note that you take efforts to loiter
around central locations, such as inns, taverns, wells, bath-
houses, marketplaces, temples, docks, and the like, to best
gain these tidbits of information.
You may also attempt to circulation your own rumor or
gossip, by attempting a DL 20 Perception or Persuasion
roll. If successful, and this rumor is beneficial to yourself
(or another individual or group), then you (or they) gain
a +2 bonus to Performance or Persuasion skill rolls for a
three-day period. If you critically succeed, this period ex-
tends to one week and, if an individual, that person gains
+1 to Renown. If the rumor you circulate is meant to be
harmful to an individual or group (and you succeed in your
Performance or Persuasion skill roll), then that person or
group suffers a -2 penalty to Performance and Persuasion
rolls for the next three days. This extends to a week if you
score a critical success. If your roll is a critical failure, then
your gossip-mongering is discovered and appropriate ac-
tions taken (the GM’s discretion).
Each one-hour use of Gossip costs you one Stamina point,
and possessing this talent enables you to pay one point less
for the Gift of Tongues and Lampoon talents.
HUNTER
Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Perception and Survival level 1
You are a trained hunter in the wild, or alternately, a boun-
ty hunter used to more urban locales. Regardless, you
gain a +1 ‘other’ bonus to one of the following skills of
your choice: Endurance, Perception, Stealth, Survival, or
Weaponry: Ranged. Furthermore, you gain the ‘Hunting’
or ‘Tracking’ specialty of the Survival skill for free (your
choice of which), and pay one point less for the Extreme
Range, Hated Foe, Running Shot, and Woodsman talents.
INQUISITOR
Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Int or Mag +0, Cultist or Priest talent, and
either the Gossip or Pious Faith talent.
You hold a special position among your priestly sect, that of
an inquisitive insider who is, more often than not, of elite
or secretive status. In certain faiths, your title is Inquisitor—
such as within the Priests of Tarn, Truth-keepers of Saint
Paladyr, or even the Priesthood of Zarah—although other,
CHARACTER CREATION
more obscure (or primitive) sects, might have use a different
title altogether (such as Black Templar of Agathon).
Regardless, you gain +1 to your Renown and a free Lore
skill specialty in regards to your own sect, cult, or faith (par-
ticularly the inner workings of this organization). Further-
more, if you possess the Magic Affinity talent or any levels
in the Magical Arts: Shadow skill, you learn the Sense Cor-
ruption spell for free. If you already know this spell, then
you either can cast it at a +2 bonus or may learn the See
The Unseen spell instead (your choice).
Lastly, you pay one point less for the Crusader, Gossip,
Holy Warrior, Torturer, and Witch-hunter talents.
LAMPOON
Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Bard talent, or Renown 7 and Performance
level 5
Stamina Cost To Use: 2
Your gifts of word-play, performance, and overall level of
respect among others, has granted you a special talent for
satire. Known more as ‘lampoon’ in the far western realms
(and considered a bardic tradition), this represents the
means to lower an individual’s credibility and general in-
tegrity by satirizing him or her in a devastatingly influential
song, epic poem, or some similar medium.
To do this, you must succeed in a Performance skill roll,
the DL being 5 + the target’s Renown. (Thus, for example,
you would only need to get a 14 versus a subject with a Re-
nown of 9.) If you succeed, the target suffers a -5 penalty to
all Persuasion skill rolls, and gains the Infamous condition,
for the next three days per point of success. If you score a
critical success, then the subject permanently loses a point of
Renown in addition; if your result is a critical failure, then
you yourself gain the Infamous weakness and you are likely
harried off the “stage” or worse.
A lampooning performance requires at least 10 minutes
of work, which expends two Stamina points from you, and
can only be used once every three months on a given sub-
ject. Furthermore, you pay one point less for the Exaltation
talent.
POISONER
Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Agility or Intellect +0, and Alchemy or
Herbalism level 2
You are a skilled poisoner, both in the manufacture of
poisons and the application of it in its various forms. This
knowledge extends from alchemical-based toxins as well as
those found naturally in herbs, flora, and venomous fauna.
As such, you gain the ‘Poison’ specialty of both the Alchemy
and Herbalism skills, and when attempting to detect poi-
sons in food, drink, or otherwise, you receive a +2 bonus
to any skill rolls called for, such as Perception or Survival.
Additionally, you pay one point less for the Assassin tal-
ent.
113
 SAVAGEIII
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PRIVATEER
Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Must be from a maritime culture, plus Per-
ception and Sailing level 1
As something of a sailor, or perhaps even as a former pirate,
you worked as a privateer—a hunter of pirates sponsored
by a maritime realm—at some point in your past. You might
still pursue this livelihood on occasion, but regardless, you
receive +1 to your Renown, a +1 bonus to Sailing skill rolls,
and gain the ‘Outlaws’ specialty of the Lore skill.
Furthermore, you might have access to some minor
equipment or favors as supplied by your lord or employer,
though you might have to succeed in a DL 20 Persuasion
skill roll if requesting a major item (such as a ship). If you
ask more than once every six months, then the DL increases
to 25 or even 30 (GM discretion), and if you fail this roll by
10 or more, then you risk the ire of your liege.
Lastly, you pay one point less for the Mariner talent.
RAIDER*
Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Agility or Vigor +0
Stamina Cost To Use: 1
You have a less than lawful background as a marauder, pi-
rate, or raider, be it by land or sea (or both). Perhaps are
still engaged in such activities, taking food, livestock, gold,
jewels—and more—from the legal possession of others. As
such, you receive a +1 bonus to Perception skill rolls as well
as a +1 boost to your Initiative. In addition, by expending
a Stamina point, you can quickly detect the most appar-
ently valuable object in any given space (within your line
of sight), requiring one action to do so. In areas of poor
lighting or lots of concealment, the GM may require a Per-
ception skill roll here (DL 10 or 15).
Lastly, you pay one point less for the Privateer and
Smuggler talents.
SAPPING BLOW
Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Stealth level 5 and Weaponry: Melee level
3
Stamina Cost To Use: 1
If you catch a living target Off-guard, by way of stealth or
some other means, you can attempt to “sap” (i.e. knock
out) the creature with a successful Brawling or Weaponry:
Melee roll versus a DL equal to 10 + the target’s armor
rating. This knocks the target unconscious for one minute
per point of success, although it receives an Endurance re-
sistance roll (the DL being set by the sapper’s attack roll
result) to reduce this effect to being merely Stunned for one
full round.
Upon a critical success on the attack roll, or a critical fail-
ure of the target’s Endurance roll, the sapper has a choice
114
of two effects—the target takes 5 Health points of damage
as well, or has no recollection of the past hour or so which
includes being waylaid.
Each use of Sapping Blow costs the attacker one Stamina
point.
SECRET STRIKE
Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Agility +1, Stealth level 3, and Weapon-
ry: Melee level 3
When attacking an Off-guard opponent (that is, one that is
unaware of you), you gain an additional +2 bonus to your
Weaponry: Melee roll. This also functions for Weaponry:
Ranged rolls made at Close range, which is half the distance
of Short range for the weapon in question. If you have at
least 3 skill levels in Brawling, this talent even applies to
unarmed attacks against Off-guard opponents.
Note that Off-guard targets have Defenses of only 10, or
less, until they become aware of a threat. This talent also
allows you to pay one point less for the Assassin talent.
SEDUCTIVE DANCE
Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Performance level 3, plus either Magne-
tism +2 or the Comeliness talent
Stamina Cost To Use: 1+ (see below)
You are quite skilled in seducing (and distracting) others by
way of trained dances and evocative movements, be it the
Dance of the Seven Veils, the Air-Dance of the Djann, the sa-
cred dances of Luccia, or others. Regardless, after engaging
in this sensual performance art for one full round (i.e. two
actions), and expending 1 Stamina point, you can make a
Performance skill roll. The result is the DL that those within
10 yards of you have to make on a Resolve roll, failure
meaning that they are Distracted (-2 to all Perception rolls)
and are not willing to take any action apart from staring at
you in utter fixation. This goes primarily for those of the
opposite sex, or those with same-sex orientation or lean-
ings.
Your rather captive audience continues to be so for as
long as you perform, which costs you an additional Stamina
point per round afterward. Even after your performance,
those who failed their Resolve rolls are susceptible to your
whims, and you gain a +5 bonus to all Performance and
Persuasion rolls for the next half-hour.
SLAVER*
Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Animal Handling or Persuasion level 1,
and Decadent or Tainted weakness
Though slavery is accepted, at least to some degree, in even
the more advanced and civilized of realms, you—as a for-
mer (or present) dealer in the slave-trade—are generally a
less than ethical sort, often unfeeling toward your fellow
creature or simply hardened to a life suited to “wealth at
CHARACTER CREATION
 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
any expense”. Regardless, you can accurately judge the gen-
eral value of any slave or your own race (by examining for
at least one minute), as well as gain the ‘Whip’ or ‘Net’
specialty of the Weaponry: Ranged skill (your choice as to
which one).
Additionally, you pay one point less for the Caravan
Master, Merchant, Raider, Smuggler, and Torturer talents.
SMUGGLER*
Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Intellect +0
At some point in your past, you worked as a smuggler, per-
haps gaining such experience as a pirate, fence, or even a
less-than-honest merchant. You might even still pursue this
nefarious lifestyle from time to time. Regardless, you gain a
+1 bonus to all Sleight of Hand and Stealth skill rolls, and
may choose either the ‘Appraisal’ specialty of the Crafting
skill or the ‘Bluffing’ specialty of the Persuasion skill for free
(your choice as to which).
Furthermore, you might have a contact in most coastal
cities of note (numbering at least 5,000 inhabitants), the
GM possibly requiring a DL 10 or 15 Luck roll from you to
make sure. This contact will likely buy or trade for most
illicit goods (of which you are likely to receive no more
than 30% of the items’ market value), although you could
attempt a DL 20 Persuasion skill roll to bargain for more
when attempting to fence a particularly notorious or exotic
object.
TOMB ROBBER*
Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Agility +0, and Vigor or Willpower +0
You have enjoyed the occasional payoff that can come from
raiding tombs, crypts, cairns, and other sacred burial places,
often dodging traps, enduring ancient curses, and perhaps
tempting the wrath of the gods themselves. Due to this dar-
ing background, you receive a +1 bonus to Resolve skill
rolls, the ‘Tombs’ specialty of either the Lore or Perception
skill (your choice), and a +1 bonus to either Acrobatics or
Athletics skill rolls (your choice again).
TORTURER
Talent Point Cost: 2
Prerequisites: Vigor or Willpower +0, plus Healing Arts
level 1 and Persuasion level 1
You once worked as a torturer or executioner, either in an
official capacity to some minor lord or unofficially due to
a natural-born knack for pain and torture. Regardless, you
gain the ‘Torture’ specialty of the Persuasion skill, which
might be used to extract information from prisoners, strike
fear into captives, or similar less-than-wholesome applica-
tions. In addition, you receive a +1 bonus to Endurance
and Resolve rolls to resist torture yourself and pay one less
point for the Crippling Attack and Poisoner talents.
CHARACTER CREATION
Note that, even though torture is an acceptable means to
an end in most cultures (at least to some extent), use of this
talent extensively or without real cause could eventually
earn a character the Tainted weakness.
TRAP-SETTER
Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Intellect +0, and either Crafting level 3
or Survival level 3
Stamina Cost To Use: 1-2 (see below)
You are quite skilled in the building of snares, dead-falls, and
other traps constructed swiftly “out in the wild”. By spend-
ing at least 10 minutes, and expending 1 Stamina point, you
are able to create one of the following:
Alarm: Crafting or Survival DL 10 to set; Perception
DL 20 for others to detect; failure to detect means that
the intruder has triggered the alarm, which is usually a
gong, drum, crashing pottery, or some other means of
creating a loud and instantaneous sound.
Snare: Craft or Survival DL 12 to set; Perception DL 20
for others to detect; failure to detect means that one in-
truder of Physique +5 or less is ensnared (grappled); Ac-
robatics or Physique roll to break out of this snare-trap,
which is usually a rope or vine, springy limb, or the like.
Injury Trap: Crafting or Survival DL 16 to set; Per-
ception DL 20 for others to detect; failure to detect
means one intruder of Physique +15 or less takes Health
damage equal to the half trap-setter’s initial Crafting or
Survival roll (maximum of 15 points). The trap has an
Armor Piercing rating of 2.
All traps require a successful DL 20 Lock-picking or
Crafting (engineering) roll to disarm or bypass, assuming
they are detected in the first place. Being somewhat crude,
none of them reset automatically, although the DL to reset
an already-constructed trap is 5 lower and only five minutes
needed (but still a Stamina cost of 1).
Note that the above traps are assumed to be a one
square-yard effect area—that is, a creature must step into
that narrow vicinity. However, a two square-yard effect
area can be built instead, though this costs twice the usual
time (20 minutes) and Stamina (2). Anything larger or more
complex than this is beyond the scope of this talent and en-
ters into the realm of more sophisticated engineering.
GMs are free to rule that there are no materials in the
area to build a trap or snare, or enforce a -2 penalty to the
Crafting or Survival roll due to poor or heavily improvised
materials. Also, note that these types of traps could be at-
tempted by characters without this talent (using the Craft-
ing or Survival skill), but the DLs would be at least 5 (or
even 10) higher than the ones listed here and would require
at least a half-hour’s time if not more.
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TABLE 2-8: OTHER TALENTS

This category features a collection of talents that don’t quite fit elsewhere, many being somewhat one-of-a-kind. Play-
er-characters may have no more than three ‘Other’ talents at character creation.

Talent Name Cost Requirements

Agile Climber 2 Agility +0 and Athletics level 1
Agile Rider 2 Agility +0 and Animal Handling level 1
Animal Kinship 3 Magnetism +0
Beast Companion 2/4 Animal Kinship or Animal Handling level 1
Body-painting 3 Must be Caernian, Cymreddi, Gaernic, Chenari, Wild Sidhe
Cat-like Reflexes 3 Agility +0 and either Mobility 11 or Acrobatics level 1
Comeliness 3 Magnetism +0
Commanding Voice 2 Magnetism +0
Destiny 4
Double Specialty 2 Intellect or Willpower +0 and level 6 in the skill in question
Elite Affiliation 2 See Chapter 12 (Orders & Sects) for details
Fast Learner 3 Intellect +2 or both the Educated and Keen Memory talents
Fey-touched 3 Must be human and have Magnetism +1 or the Comeliness talent
Fire In The Head 3 Intellect +0
Fleet Of Foot 3 Agi or Phy +1 and cannot have the Lame weakness or be Hindered
Fortune’s Favor 2 Intellect or Magnetism +0
Grit 3 Vigor +1 or Endurance level 3
Healer’s Touch 2 Magnetism +1 and Healing Arts level 1
Heirloom 2/4
Heroic Strength 3 Physique +2 and Willpower +0
Intimidating Physique 2 Physique +2
Keen Memory 2 Intellect +0
Light Sleeper 3 Vig or Wil +1 and cannot be Sidhe (since they do not sleep)
Limber 2 Agility or Vigor +0
Navigator 3 Int +0, plus Keen Memory talent or Sailing or Survival level 3
Night-sighted 3 Must be human (any culture)
Pearl Diver 2 Physique or Vigor +0, and Athletics level 1
Pious Faith 3 Willpower +0 or Lore (religion specialty) level 1
Puzzle Master 3 Intellect +1 and Lock-picking level 1
Quick Healer 3 Vigor +1
Rallying Speech 2 Renown 7, and Commanding Voice talent or Performance level 1
Swift Actions 3 Initiative +10
Time Sense 2 Intellect or Willpower +0
Tireless 3 Vigor or Willpower +0
Valorous 3 Willpower +0 or Resolve level 3
Vigilant 3 Willpower +0 and Perception level 2

AGILE CLIMBER AGILE RIDER

Talent Point Cost: 2 Talent Point Cost: 2
Prerequisites: Agility +0 and Athletics level 1 Prerequisites: Agility +0 and Animal Handling level 1

You have learned to rely more on your sense of balance and Blessed with great balance and coordination, you may use
coordination, at times, than your musculature. Thus, when your Agility attribute instead of your Magnetism when mak-
making Athletics rolls to climb, specifically, you may use ing Animal Handling skill rolls specifically to ride a mount
your Agility attribute instead of your Physique. (such as a horse, camel, elephant, or whatever).

116 CHARACTER CREATION

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ANIMAL KINSHIP
Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Magnetism +0
You have a natural kind of animal magnetism, often be-
friending animals and getting along well with the various
fauna of the land. As such, you gain a +2 bonus to Animal
Handling skill rolls, and if you are trained in the magical
arts, receive a +1 bonus to any spell involving animals, such
as the Beast-speak or Beast-summoning spells. Furthermore,
you pay one point less for the Beast-master and Totem An-
imal talents.
BEAST COMPANION
Talent Point Cost: 2 or 4 (see below)
Prerequisites: Animal Kinship talent or Animal Handling
level 1
You are often accompanied by an animal cohort, a creature
that has likely been with you for a few moons (if not years)
and through several trials, tribulations, and escapades. This
beast is well-trained, having knowledge of 2 tricks plus 1
per skill level of Animal Handling that you possess. (See
the Animal Handling skill entry for more details.) It also
receives +5 to its Resolve skill rolls while within 10 yards
of you, for it is highly loyal and inspired by your presence.
Otherwise, it will do as you command it, within reason of
its Intellect and training, even following you into dangerous
(but not necessarily suicidal) situations. When commanding
it to attack or perform some other task—that the beast is
trained to do—it is a free action, although trying to goad it
to perform something for which it untrained, or completely
against its basic nature, costs you 1 action and successful DL
20 Animal Handling roll (GM discretion).
For the 2-point cost of this talent, your beast companion
can be a bat, cat, crow, dog (small), ferret, hare, raven, rat,
snake (small), toad, or something of similar size and general
intelligence. You can generally carry this creature, or even
fit it into a satchel or belt pouch.
For the 4-point cost, the animal companion can be larg-
er, such as a dog (large), bear (black), eagle, falcon, fox,
lynx, horse (riding), mule, panther, pony, or wolf. It proba-
bly can’t be carried (unless an eagle, falcon, or fox) and cer-
tainly won’t fit anywhere on your person. Note that some
realms and cultures have certain moors about “free-roam-
ing” beasts, trained or not, particularly wolves, panthers,
lynxes, eagles, and snakes.
Beast companions earn half the XP of their masters, and
thus can attain Advancements just as player-characters do
(albeit twice as slow). However, they earn only 1 talent
point and 3 skill points each Advancement, and any tal-
ents learned must be ones feasibly doable by the type of
animal in question (GM discretion). Same with skills, which
generally only include Acrobatics, Athletics, Brawling, En-
durance, Perception, Persuasion (bluffing or intimidation
only), Resolve, Stealth, and Survival. GM discretion again
applies.
Naturally, bestial companions can be slain, lost, or se-
CHARACTER CREATION
verely injured just as characters (and all other creatures)
can. If this happens, then you may attempt to find another
such companion, and after a month of Downtime (or cam-
paign time), the above-mentioned benefits regarding tricks,
loyalty, and such are gained again.
Lastly, you can begin play with only one Beast Compan-
ion, although you are free to take this talent again later on
to represent a second animal sidekick (and only then after
at least a month of Down-time and GM approval).
BODY-PAINTING
Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Must be Caernian, Cymreddi, Gaernic,
Chenari, or Wild Sidhe
Stamina Cost To Use: 1
Though many in your clan or tribe are skilled in the painting
(and tattooing) of woad and other pigments, you are ex-
ceptionally gifted and expedient with such body art. Thus,
if you have access to such pigmenting materials—such as
certain berries, coal, nuts, roots, etc.—it only takes you one
minute to body-paint yourself (or one other willing indi-
vidual) in order to accomplish one of the following of your
choice each time:
Camouflage: Gain a +2 bonus to Stealth rolls.
Intimidation: Gain a +2 bonus to Persuasion (intimi-
dation) rolls.
Battle Fury: Gain a +1 bonus to Brawling, Weaponry:
Melee, and Resolve rolls, but a -1 penalty to Defense.
This body paint remains effective for one hour per skill
level of Crafting you possess, or possibly even less if moving
through deep water, a sandstorm, or the like (GM’s call). It
can be re-touched by spending another Stamina point and
one minute’s time.
CAT-LIKE REFLEXES
Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Agility +0, and either Mobility 11 or Ac-
robatics level 1
You are gifted with incredible reflexes, enabling you to re-
act to being taken Off-guard in lightning-fast fashion. Thus,
whenever you are taken by surprise (see the Off-guard con-
dition) against an attacker, you still gain your full Defense
instead of merely a flat Defense of 10. Note that Cat-like
Reflexes doesn’t help you when you are Unconscious or
otherwise Helpless.
This talent also grants you a +1 bonus to Initiative rolls.
COMELINESS*
Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Magnetism +0
You are exceptionally attractive, thus gaining a +1 ‘other’
bonus to all Performance and Persuasion skill rolls. In addi-
tion, you receive +1 to your Renown due to these extraordi-
117
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narily good looks and general sexual appeal. Furthermore,
you pay one point less for the Bard and Courtesan talents.
COMMANDING VOICE
Talent Point Cost: 2
Prerequisites: Magnetism +0
Your voice is loud and rich, capable of commanding a room
when you speak. You might also be a gifted singer or know
how to use your voice to invoke powerful magics. What-
ever the case, you gain +1 to your Renown, and enjoy a +1
bonus to either Performance or Persuasion skill rolls (your
choice as to which). Lastly, you pay one point less for the
Words of Power, Rallying Speech, Song Magic, and War-cry
talents.
DESTINY
Talent Point Cost: 4
Prerequisites: None
You were born on an auspicious holy day, during the Mat-
ing of the Moons (the twin lunar eclipse every seven years),
or perhaps with a strange birthmark somewhere on your
body. Regardless, you are destined for some important
life-event, in accordance to village elders, a shaman, your
mother or father, or simply know intuitively from deep
within (possibly having observed strange omens and por-
tents).
As such, you receive +1 to your Luck, and with the GM’s
discretion, will likely attain some high position, save an en-
tire village or tribe from a terrible fate, or help fulfill some
ancient prophecy long foretold. Though you are by no
means guaranteed to survive these events, if you do man-
age to do so, you might be heaped with wealth, status, and
fame due to your destined achievement.
DOUBLE SPECIALTY
Talent Point Cost: 2
Prerequisites: Intellect or Willpower +0, and level 6 in
the skill in question
One of your skill specialties (of a skill in which you possess
at least six levels) becomes a +2 bonus instead of merely a
+1. You may take this talent multiple times if you so choose,
but each time it must apply to a different specialty.
ELITE AFFILIATION
Talent Point Cost: 2
Prerequisites: See Chapter 12—Orders & Sects for details
You are a member of an elite organization, be it covert,
overt, or somewhere in between. This might be due to an
old family allegiance or from special contact earlier in your
life. You may join this order or group if you qualify (see
Chapter 12—Orders & Sects for prerequisites), and if you
do not, you are still considered loosely associated with this
organization and may gain admittance later on when you
118
meet all the requirements.
Some of the more notable affiliations—some famous,
some infamous—are briefly as follows:
Order of the Sword & the Rose (knightly brother-
hood based in Aradorn)
The Golden Crucible (alchemist’s “guild” based in the
Lorinthian Empire)
The Iron Legion (elite legion of soldiers based in the
Lorinthian capital)
The Shadow Hand (network of thieves based primar-
ily in Lorinthia and Esmandos)
Blood Disciples (elite order of vampiric warriors based
in Mulovia)
The Emerald Harp (elite brotherhood or bards based
in Faerland and abroad)
Company of the Black Lion (freelance mercenary
warriors)
Shadow-knights of Lithilor (semi-secret order of
Dark Sidhe warrior-assassins)
The Golden Legion (little-known order of gor-
gon-slayers based in Prydonia)
The Wulfingas (elite order of warrior-knights sworn to
a duke in Aradorn)
Sky-riders of Celendoril (elite order of Eluna Sidhe
eagle-riders)
As mentioned in brief above, most of these organiza-
tions require fairly stringent qualifications for membership,
such as minimum Attributes, certain Talents, skill levels, and
such. However, the benefits offered by these groups is un-
surpassed, and player-characters involved in them stand to
receive secret knowledge, magical training, special equip-
ment, and sometimes even pay. It is rare to be a mem-
ber of two elite organizations, but possible with the right
campaign circumstances and GM approval. Membership in
three should be a virtually impossibility.
FAST LEARNER
Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Intellect +2 or both the Educated and
Keen Memory talents
You are a natural intellectual or a person with an acute and
swift mind, and perhaps likely a product of all these traits.
As such, you gain an additional Skill Point to spend at char-
acter creation as well as at every even-numbered Advance-
ment.
FEY-TOUCHED
Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Must be human and have Magnetism +1
or the Comeliness talent
Your homeland is likely one bordering on a Sidhe realm
or semi-untamed territory of wilder Faerie creatures. Gen-
erally, this is a forested region in, or near, kingdoms such
as Caerndon, Cymreddi, Faerland, and even Aradorn and
CHARACTER CREATION
 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
Brythia (among others still). Regardless, you have distant
Fey blood in your veins, or perhaps more commonly,
were “touched” by Other-worldly beings (or a singular Fa-
erie creature) such as the Eluna Sidhe, Dark Sidhe, Satyrs,
Nymphs, Kelpies, or the like.
This means that you might have experienced the Oth-
er-world (or Faerie-realms) for a measure of time, or wit-
nessed something Other-worldly such as a Satyr mating-rite,
a Nymph who held you captive for a while, or even a Gob-
ling or Red Cap who decided to toy with you instead of
killing you outright. Fey-touched characters gain a +1 bonus
to Resolve rolls made to resist glamour (illusions), receive a
+1 bonus to Magical Arts: Shadow rolls, and if they have
an Intellect of +0 or better, knowledge of the Faerie (or
“Other-tongue”) language for free.
Furthermore, if you have the Obsession (Fey or the Oth-
er-world) or Phobia (cold-iron) weakness, you receive an
additional bonus point for it even if it puts you beyond the
normal limit of +5. (Note that you still only gain a +1 bonus
even if you have both of these.)
FIRE IN THE HEAD
Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Intellect +0
Stamina Cost To Use: 0 (but see below)
A poetic term used often by the Gaernic people, and a few
others besides, to have “fire in the head” refers to someone
possessing the gift of inspiration, creativity, and innovation.
Though this precise kenning may not apply to most other
cultures, all races and tribes have their bards, their inven-
tors, their philosophers and artists.
This talent grants a +1 bonus to Crafting and Perfor-
mance skill rolls, and for the cost of 1 Luck point, may allow
a character to gain special inspiration or insight on a clever
approach to a situation, a new invention, or masterful cre-
ation, or some similar break-through at the GM’s discretion.
FLEET OF FOOT
Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Agility or Physique +1, and cannot have
the Lame weakness or be Hindered
Stamina Cost To Use: 1
You perhaps once served as a message-runner, or performed
in the great athletic events of Athelon, or simply dashed
almost everywhere you went as a child. Whatever the case,
you can move up to twice your Mobility as a single action,
so long as you are not Hindered or have the Lame weak-
ness.
FORTUNE’S FAVOR
Talent Point Cost: 2
Requirements: Intellect or Magnetism +0
You are perhaps favored by the gods, or else simply find
yourself getting out of strange predicaments with notice-
able and uncanny frequency. As such, you may spend up to
CHARACTER CREATION
4 Luck points in any given game-session instead of the usual
maximum of 3.
GRIT
Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Vigor +1 or Endurance level 3
You have an exceptionally high threshold for pain, and thus
you suffer no penalty to your Defense and die rolls when
being reduced to half Health. In addition, you gain a +5 bo-
nus to your Endurance skill roll to resist falling unconscious
when being brought to zero Health.
HEALER’S TOUCH
Talent Point Cost: 2
Prerequisites: Magnetism +1 and Healing Arts level 1
You are gifted with a calming presence and a natural bed-
side manner, enabling you to use your Magnetism attribute
instead of your Intellect for Healing Arts skill rolls.
HEIRLOOM
Talent Point Cost: 2 or 4 (see below)
Prerequisites: None.
A master-crafted, heroic-quality, or otherwise rare and
high-quality object has been bequeathed to you, perhaps
from a mysterious family member or an old mentor who
was fond of you. For the 2-point cost, this object can be any
one of the following (your choice):
Ε A master-crafted Light or Medium weapon
Ε An exceptional-quality Heavy weapon
Ε Ten master-crafted arrows or crossbow bolts (75%
chance of retrieval)
Ε An old scroll containing one spell of your choice
(you still must meet all prerequisites to learn it)
Ε A tome containing lost information which grants
you one free Lore specialty
Ε A magical potion containing the one-use effects of
a DL 15 or less spell
Ε A master-crafted small or medium shield
Ε An exceptional-quality large shield
Ε An exceptional-quality war-helm
For the 4-point cost, the heirloom is even more rare or
unique, of which you may choose from among the follow-
ing:
Ε A master-crafted Heavy weapon
Ε A quiver of 20 master-crafted arrows or bolts
(75% chance of retrieval)
Ε A Light weapon of heroic-quality
Ε An ancient scroll or book containing two spells of
your choice (must still meet all prerequisites to learn
them)
Ε An ancient tome granting you +1 bonuses to both
Language and Lore skill rolls
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 SAVAGEIII
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Ε A magical talisman containing three uses of a DL
20 or less spell effect
Ε A master-crafted large shield
Ε A master-crafted war-helm
Ε An exceptional-quality chain or scale hauberk
Ε A master-crafted chain shirt or hard leather cuirass
Ε A full harness of plate and chain armor
Ε A suit of Duergar plate armor (must be Duergar)
Ε Three heroic-quality arrows (must be Sidhe; can be
retrieved on a roll of 3+ on 1d20).
Though rare and potent items, heirloom objects can, of
course, still be damaged, lost, stolen, or whatever, just as
any material item can in the fairly brutal world of SK. Heir-
looms, as the name suggests, might even be passed down
eventually from the player-character to an heir or favorite
henchman.
HEROIC STRENGTH
Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Physique +2 and Willpower +0
Stamina Cost To Use: 3 or 6 (see below)
You are well-muscled, or in the very least, sinewy or stout-
framed or with a strong determined will. Regardless, for
the cost of 3 Stamina points, you can perform one of the
120
following feats of strength:
Ε Lift over your head three times your own body
weight for up to five rounds (half a minute). Takes one
action if in combat.
Ε Bend normal iron bars or lift a sturdy portcullis
gate; if they are master-crafted or better, then you will
need to succeed in a DL 15 Physique roll. Takes an ac-
tion if in combat.
Ε Carry a creature of your Physique or less at full
speed with no penalties.
Ε Completely shatter one small or medium object
(no larger than a chest or chair); if a master-crafted ob-
ject, a successful DL 15 Physique roll is required (hero-
ic-quality or better objects are not affected). Takes an
action if in combat.
For a cost of 6 Stamina points, you can use Heroic
Strength for even greater things, such as:
Ε Dead-lifting up to six times your own body weight.
Takes one action if in combat.
Ε Carrying two people (whose combined Physiques
must be within +5 of your own) at the same time, full
speed, without penalties
Ε Shatter a large object (cart, chariot, sled, etc.) or a
smaller master-crafted one automatically (heroic items
CHARACTER CREATION
 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
or better are not affected). Requires one action if in
combat.
Ε Some similar feat, such as carrying a horse for
several minutes, throwing a hay-bale up to ten yards,
keeping a boat from sailing off by its mooring, holding
up a collapsing ceiling for half a minute (5 rounds), etc.
Most uses of Heroic Strength should take place in
non-combat scenes, although there are opportunities for
in-combat uses as mentioned above. Destroying an oppo-
nent’s weapon or shield in combat, however, is more the
domain of the Shattering Blow battle talent.
INTIMIDATING PHYSIQUE
Talent Point Cost: 2
Prerequisites: Physique +2
As a tall, muscular, or otherwise strapping creature, you
have learned to throw your weight around, both literally
and figuratively. As such, you may use your Physique attri-
bute instead of your Magnetism when attempting to intim-
idate another using the Persuasion skill.
KEEN MEMORY
Talent Point Cost: 2
Prerequisites: Intellect +0
You automatically recall key information you have heard,
or read, from over the past 12 hours. This could be names,
titles, passwords, and the like. Additionally, you may at-
tempt to recall such information from the past month, al-
though this requires a successful DL 10 Intellect roll for basic
or general lore or DL 15 for trickier, more advanced bits of
information.
Lastly, you gain a +1 ‘other’ bonus to your Lore skill rolls.
LIGHT SLEEPER
Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Vigor or Willpower +1, and cannot be any
type of Sidhe (as they do not sleep)
You require less sleep than most folks, only requiring six
hours of slumber per night to restore all of your Stamina
(instead of the normal eight hours). Additionally, you suffer
only a -2 penalty to Perception when asleep (opposed to
the normal -5 penalty) and is a free action to fully awaken
(instead of the normal one action cost).
Lastly, you pay one less point for the Vigilant talent.
LIMBER*
Talent Point Cost: 2
Prerequisites: Agility or Vigor +0
You are incredibly limber, perhaps even lithe, either due to
a natural birth-trait or extreme exercise such as bull-dancing
or constant combat training. As such, you gain a +1 bonus
to your Mobility as well as to Acrobatics skill rolls.
CHARACTER CREATION
NAVIGATOR*
Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Intellect +0, and either the Keen Memo-
ry talent or Sailing or Survival level 3
You are a natural navigator with an innate gift for direc-
tion-finding and trail-blazing. Thus, you gain the ‘Naviga-
tion’ specialty of either the Sailing or Survival skill (your
choice) for free. Additionally, you have automatic knowl-
edge of the major roads, trade-routes, and sea-lanes of one
large region (such as a good-sized kingdom or vast terri-
tory). That is, where they lead, the general length of the
road or route, what main geographical features or natural
hazards might be expected, etc.
For knowledge of a minor or lesser known road, route,
or sea-lane, you may have to succeed in a DL 15 Sailing
or Survival skill roll, depending on whether the route in
question is sea-based or land-based. If you possess the Keen
Memory, Mariner, or Merchant talent, then the DL for this
drops to 10.
NIGHT-SIGHTED
Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Must be human (any culture)
You can see in twilight or near-darkness as it were broad
daylight, similar to a cat or wolf or other nocturnal pred-
ator, suffering no penalties to your Perception. This does
not, however, extend to complete darkness, in which you
must have some sort of light-source or else suffer a -5 pen-
alty to sight-based Perception rolls as normal.
PEARL DIVER*
Talent Point Cost: 2
Prerequisites: Physique or Vigor +0, and Athletics level
1
You most likely grew up in a coastal region, or at least spent
a few years of your life in such an area (or possibly an is-
land-realm or even a large inland lake). Here, you trained as
a pearl diver, or perhaps even a salvage-diver used to diving
down to sunken ships, retrieving pearls, coral, sponge, or
more unusual treasures from the surface world.
As such, you receive the ‘Swimming’ specialty of the Ath-
letics skill and the ‘Underwater’ specialty of the Perception
skill. Furthermore, you can hold your breath a number of
minutes equal to two plus your Vigor (instead of one min-
ute plus a number of one-half minutes equal to your Vigor),
and if you possess the Night-sighted talent, you can see un-
derwater nearly as well as broad daylight.
Lastly, you pay one point less for the Mariner and
Night-sighted talents.
PIOUS FAITH
Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Willpower +0 or Lore (religion specialty)
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 SAVAGEIII
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level 1
You are especially spiritual, perhaps even religious. That is
to say, you attend temple ceremonies or similar rites and
doubtless pay some attention to holy days and other sa-
cred times of the year, possibly even speaking prayers to
the gods and offering the occasional sacrifice. Whatever the
details, you receive +1 to Luck and a +1 bonus to Resolve
skill rolls. Additionally, you gain a +1 bonus to your Defense
and to all die rolls when in a recognized temple or similar
sacred space of your faith.
Note that if you fail to honor your religious fervor and
dedication, at least on occasion, the GM is free to disal-
low future use of this talent (perhaps until “atonement” is
made).
PUZZLE MASTER
Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Intellect +1 and Lock-picking level 1
You are mentally adept, and your mind is quick to solve
puzzles, riddles, and similar enigmas. As such, you may use
your Intellect attribute (instead of your Agility) for any
Lock-picking skill rolls that you make. Additionally, at the
discretion of the GM, you can attempt to solve riddles and
similar “mind-puzzles”, and by succeeding in a DL 15-20
Intellect roll (depending on complexity or difficulty), you
might receive a hint from the GM or perhaps even an ab-
solute resolution.
QUICK HEALER
Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Vigor +1
You are blessed with an uncanny ability to heal faster than
most, regaining 2 additional Health points of natural heal-
ing per day. In addition, anyone using the Healing Arts skill
on you, or healing-magic, gain a +2 bonus to their die rolls.
RALLYING SPEECH
Talent Point Cost: 2
Prerequisites: Renown 7, and Commanding Voice talent
or Performance level 1
Stamina Cost To Use: 2
You are quite skilled in rallying your followers, troops, ser-
vants, and allies, wherein if you succeed in a DL 10 Perfor-
mance roll (oratory specialty), everyone allied with you
gains a +1 bonus to all skill rolls, and Defense, for 1 minute
plus 1 per point of success. If you score a critical success on
this roll, then the bonus increases to +2 instead.
Your allies must be within 10 yards of you while deliv-
ering your Rallying Speech, in order to gain these bonuses,
and you must speak for at least one minute. This costs you
two Stamina points. Note that this talent only works once
per 24 hours on the same group of people (of whom must
have at least an Intellect of -2).
122
SWIFT ACTIONS
Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Initiative +10
Stamina Cost To Use: 2
So swift are you, mind and body, that you can gain a third
action in a given round by expending two Stamina points.
This even enables you to take two attack actions or two
spell-casting actions in a round, unlike the normal rule of
no more than one attack or one spell action in any given
round. However, due to the extreme haste in your move-
ments, you can only make use of Swift Actions once per
minute (ten rounds).
TIME SENSE
Talent Point Cost: 2
Prerequisites: Intellect or Willpower +0
You have a knack for knowing how much time as passed
after a given event or what time of day (or night) it is at
almost any given moment. Thus, you can estimate with
near-perfect accuracy what hour of day it is (usually within
15 minutes), although if you have been unable to see the
sun or moons for several days, you might have to succeed
in a DL 10 Intellect roll to make an accurate estimate to
within an hour (GM discretion).
TIRELESS
Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Vigor or Willpower +0
You are exceptionally energetic, often having the stamina
and resolve to keep going despite being pushed to the limit.
Thus, when you drop to half Stamina, you may attempt
a DL 10 Resolve roll with a success meaning that you do
not suffer the effects of the Fatigued condition (that is, a
-2 penalty to Defense and die rolls). Furthermore, if you
are reduced to zero Stamina points, and succeed in a DL 10
Resolve roll, you only suffer the effects of Fatigued instead
of Exhausted.
VALOROUS
Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Willpower +0 or Resolve level 3
You are especially stoic and brave, which grants you the
‘Resist Fear’ specialty of the Resolve skill and a +1 boost to
your Renown. Also, when you succeed in any fear-based
Resolve roll, you immediately gain a +1 bonus to your
Brawling and Weaponry: Melee skill rolls against the crea-
ture (or person) who attempted to frighten you.
VIGILANT
Talent Point Cost: 3
Prerequisites: Willpower +0 and Perception level 2
Stamina Cost To Use: 1+ (see below)
CHARACTER CREATION
 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS

rolls regarding this chosen “target”. This latter use of the

Ever observant and rarely disturbed, you are completely
immune to the Distraction condition. In addition, when
you declare that you are observing a specified location, ob-
ject, or creature, you gain a +2 bonus to Perception skill
talent costs you one Stamina point immediately plus one
point per hour (for extended periods). Note that you must
remain awake and not engaged in other activities.
Furthermore, you pay one less point for the Light Sleeper
talent.

TABLE 2-9: QUICK REFERENCE WEAKNESSES LIST

Like all interesting heroes, Savage Kingdoms characters are often flawed to some degree, which are expressed in game
terms as Weaknesses. Players may choose one or more (or none) of the following which might help further detail their
characters, as well as bring some deeper believability to them. Another benefit to having a Weakness or two (or more) is
gaining bonus points that can be converted into Talent Points or Skill Points (or some combination thereof) at character
creation. These bonus points are indicated as “+1” or “+2” (or whatever) in the individual entries below:
You cannot begin play with more than 5 bonus points’ worth of Weaknesses, unless a certain talent or racial ability
specifically says otherwise. Note that ‘Favored Weaknesses’ grant a character +1 additional point for having it, as they
reflect historical disadvantages endured by the race or culture in general or the general bent of a specific Calling.

Weakness Points Gained Prerequisites

Addiction 1-2
Albino 2
Blind 3 Cannot have the ‘Sight’ specialty of the Perception skill
Cursed 2-3
Decadent 2
Disfigured 2 Cannot have the Comeliness talent
Doomed 2 Cannot have the Destiny talent
Elderly 2 Cannot have the Very Young weakness
Enemy 1-2
Exiled 1-2
Geas/Taboo 1-2
Heretic 2
Honorless 2 Cannot have Sacred Oath talent or Oath-bound weakness
Illegimate 2
Indebted 1-2
Infamous 1-2 Cannot have the Famed weakness
Kin-slayer 2
Lame 2
Low-born 2 Cannot have the High-born weakness
Madness 1-2
Maimed 3
Mute 3 Cannot have any talent that is voice-based
Oath-bound 1-2 Cannot have the Honorless weakness
Oath-breaker 1-2
Obsession 1-2
Phobia 1-2 Cannot have the Valorous talent
Rotund 2 Cannot have the Waif talent
Savage 2 Cannot have the Decadent weakness
Short 2 Cannot have the Too Tall weakness
Tainted 2 Cannot have the Sacred Oath talent
Too Tall 2 Cannot have the Short weakness
Waif 2 Cannot have the Rotund weakness
Very Young 2 Cannot have the Elderly weakness
Zealot 2

CHARACTER CREATION 123

 SAVAGEIII
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9
WEAKNESSES
Like all interesting heroes, Savage Kingdoms characters are
often flawed to some degree, which are expressed in game
terms as Weaknesses. Players may choose one or more (or
none) of the following which might help further detail their
characters, as well as bring some deeper believability to
them. Another benefit to having a Weakness or two (or
more) is gaining bonus points that can be converted into
Talent Points or Skill Points (or some combination thereof)
at character creation. These bonus points are indicated as
“+1” or “+2” (or whatever) in the individual entries below:
You cannot begin play with more than 5 bonus points’
worth of Weaknesses, unless a certain talent or racial ability
specifically says otherwise. Note that ‘Favored Weaknesses’
grant a character +1 additional point for having it, as they
reflect historical disadvantages endured by the race or cul-
ture in general or the general bent of a specific Calling.
WEAKNESSES DESCRIPTIONS
The following chapter describes in more detail the various
Weaknesses available for Savage Kingdoms characters. Sev-
eral more Weaknesses will likely appear in future SK sup-
plements, such as The Savage East setting expansion book.
ADDICTION
Bonus Points Gained: 1 or 2
Prerequisites: None
You are physically addicted to something, such as purple
or pink lotus, wine, ale, slavka, opium, or some alchemi-
cal “drug” or similar substance. For the 1-point bonus, your
addiction must be appeased every three days or else you
suffer a -1 to your Vigor (until indulged). For the 2-point
bonus, this penalty is -1 to both your Vigor and Willpower
and the addiction must be indulged at least once per day.
The GM must approve your choice of addiction.
ALBINO
Bonus Points Gained: 2
Prerequisites: None
Somewhat similar to the Disfigured weakness, you were
born with an extreme lack of pigment to your skin. In a
largely superstitious world, this often means that you are
held in some suspicion and contempt, with those around
you perhaps naming you “ghost-child” or “bone-skinned”.
As such, this causes you to suffer a -1 penalty to Persuasion
skill rolls and to Endurance rolls made against heat or fire
effects.
124
BLIND
Bonus Points Gained: 3
Prerequisites: Cannot have the ‘Sight’ specialty of the
Perception skill
You are either completely blind in one eye or you are very
nearly blind in both. This could be a birth defect, a past
injury, or from some other cause. Regardless, you suffer a -5
penalty to all sight-based Perception rolls and cannot take
the ‘Sight’ specialty of the Perception skill. However, you
actually pay one point less for the Second Sight talent, for
this gift sometimes develops in those denied their earthly
sense of sight. Note that this weakness could, in theory, be
cured by rare magics, such as a Regeneration spell (or per-
haps darker, more forbidden sorceries).
CURSED
Bonus Points Gained: 2 or 3
Prerequisites: None
You were cursed with powerful magic some time ago, or
perhaps were born into an ancient ancestral curse. What-
ever the case, this curse could be of virtually any form or
variety, with some examples as follows.
For the 2-point bonus, cannot speak during the day (or
night), blind during the day (or night), fall instantly asleep
for one hour each day, take 2 additional points of damage
from silver weapons, cannot touch iron objects barehanded
(if so, you take 1 point of damage per round), cannot touch
salt or salt water, etc.
3-point bonus examples are as follows: cannot touch
running water (rivers and the like), cannot touch wood-
en objects (if so, you take 1 point of damage per round
of touching), you automatically shape-shift into a raven or
rabbit for four hours per night, you suffer terrible night-
mares that cause you a permanent -2 to your Stamina, you
have an old wound or injury that never heals (you have a
permanent -1 to your Health), etc.
Your GM must approve the specifics of your curse.
DECADENT
Bonus Points Gained: 2
Prerequisites: None
You tend to be lazy and over-civilized, perhaps the product
of a decadent society such as most of the Lorinthian Empire
and parts of Brythia and Mulovia (as well as much of Zara-
mahd and Ebenezzuk in the East). As such, you suffer a -1
penalty to Brawling and Survival skill rolls.
DISFIGURED
Bonus Points Gained: 2
Prerequisites: Cannot have the Comeliness talent
You were either born ugly and deformed, or are severely
scarred from the effects of acid, fire, or plague. Whatever
the case, you suffer a -1 penalty to all Performance and Per-
CHARACTER CREATION
 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
suasion skill rolls. Note that rare and potent magics (such as
a Regeneration spell) might provide a potential cure for this
weakness with the GM’s discretion.
DOOMED
Bonus Points Gained: 2
Prerequisites: Cannot have the Destiny talent
You were born under a disastrous star, on an auspicious
date, or under some other suspicious and grave circum-
stance. In short, your fate is intertwined with death and
suffering, although this demise could also prove quite he-
roic and perhaps even necessary for your people or your
cause. In game terms, you must work with your GM to
provide a potential moment—likely within the next five or
six game-sessions—that will cost you your life. Alternately,
you can leave this completely up to the GM and thus the
potential for a surprise reveal.
Such possibilities include being slain on the battlefield in
an epic meeting of two armies, having to sacrifice one’s
self in order for the rest of the party to escape alive, being
selected as a sacrifice to an elder wyrm or demonic being in
order to appease it, dying in child-birth as the “chosen one”
enters the world, etc. Such events, though devastating to
the character, could live on in song and tale.
Note that if the player genuinely wishes to extend the
life of his character, then the GM is advised to have the
Doomed weakness play out as a maiming or other type
of major setback. For example, the character loses a limb
(or two) in battle, has a heroic-quality item destroyed or
sacrificed, loses a major henchman or beast companion, or
something similar. GM discretion serves best as always.
ELDERLY
Bonus Points Gained: 2
Prerequisites: Cannot have the Very Young weakness
You have lived at least sixty years if human, or the equiv-
alent thereof if a member of one of the longer-lived races
(such as the Duergar, Sidhe, etc.). As such, you suffer a -1
penalty to Agility, Physique, and Vigor, but gain a +1 bonus
to your Intellect and Willpower. (See Chapter 11—Charac-
ter Aging/Lifespan for more information.)
ENEMY
Bonus Points Gained: 1 or 2
Prerequisites: None
You are currently being hunted by an individual of modest
skill and power (for the 1-point bonus version), or a pow-
erful individual or group of modest power for the 2-point
bonus version. Work with your GM in regards to who, or
what, this particular enemy might be, or you can leave it up
to the GM to be a complete surprise.
EXILED
Bonus Points Gained: 1 or 2
CHARACTER CREATION
Prerequisites: None
You have been in exile for a number of years, perhaps hav-
ing taken up with a band of gypsies, falling in with a group
of brigands, semi-adopted by another clan or tribe, or sim-
ply living more or less as a hermit.
For the 1-point bonus, your exile as self-induced, choos-
ing to leave your homeland over philosophical differences,
your involvement in a terrible event, the loss of a loved
one, or in pursuit of forbidden knowledge. As such, if you
return to your homeland, you suffer a -2 penalty to all Per-
formance and Persuasion skill rolls, at least for one month
(while your people readjust to having you back, perhaps
after a period of distrust).
For the 2-point bonus, you were forcibly banished, per-
haps forced into exile by a rival house or clan, the agree-
ment of a lord or council over some law-breaking, by the
behest of a high priest or shaman for breaking some ancient
taboo, or perhaps even from an allegedly horrible deed
that you didn’t even commit (but almost everyone assumes
that you did). In this case, you suffer a -5 penalty to Perfor-
mance and Persuasion skill rolls within your own home-
land, and could even run the risk of being apprehended or
otherwise punished. It might take several months, or years,
to be welcomed back into the fold (if ever).
GEAS/TABOO
Bonus Points Gained: 1 or 2
Prerequisites: None
An ancient tradition in many of the Western realms, you
have been placed under a geas (as it is often called in
Brythia, Cymredd, and the Emerald Islands)—or a taboo—
as it might be more widely known. This might have been
set upon you by a Druid, chieftain, shaman, or some other
affluential personage by your own free will (for unwilling
afflictions, see the Cursed weakness). Geasa and taboos, af-
ter all, often show respect to the gods, spirits, and other
ancient forces and laws, though more “civilized” societies
often have fewer restrictions and taboos.
For the 1-point bonus, this geas or taboo might be as
follows: cannot eat meat, cannot wear red, cannot wear
black, cannot write or draw symbols, must not draw a
weapon unless it is bloodied, may not attack a royal per-
sonage, cannot harm a white-colored animal, etc. Breaking
a 1-point geas/taboo immediately inflicts -1 to your Renown
and causes you to gain either the Infamous or Oath-break-
er weakness, your choice of which.
2-point bonus geasa (plural) could be of the following:
cannot use metal weapons or tools, many not any color
other than white (or green), cannot ever hide one’s face,
must sacrifice a lamb or bull once per week, may not carry
a weapon (other than a staff or small knife), must not read
the writings of any language, etc. If you break a 2-point
geas or taboo, then you suffer -1 to Renown and gain the
Cursed (minor) and Infamous weaknesses.
Please consult your GM for final approval of your geas/
taboo.
125
 SAVAGEIII
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HERETIC
Bonus Points Gained: 2
Prerequisites: None
At some time in your storied past, you acted openly (or
covertly) against the established religion(s) of your home-
land. This caused you to become branded, either literally or
figuratively, a heretic. As such, you suffer a -2 penalty to all
Performance and Persuasion skill rolls when dealing with
priests, acolytes, lay-persons, and “true believers” of that
particular faith or sect. Note, that in some realms, such as
Mulovia, this might indeed be the entirety of the region.
HONORLESS
Bonus Points Gained: 2
Prerequisites: Cannot have the Sacred Oath talent or
the Oath-bound weakness
You have never followed any sort of code of honor, tenet,
or edict, and probably few (if any) laws. As such, you are
considered a person without honor, devoid of ethics and
occasionally even morals, and therefore likely without dig-
nity. Most folks stay clear of you, and certainly have little
trust of you, and thus you suffer a -2 penalty to Perfor-
mance and Persuasion rolls to those who have heard of
you (via your Renown).
In addition, you cannot ever accept a position within an
organization that requires you to follow a specific code or
tenet, such as with virtually all Elite Affiliations.
ILLEGITIMATE
Bonus Points Gained: 2
Prerequisites: None
You were born a bastard, or an otherwise illegitimate off-
spring, unrecognized by most noble families and even oc-
casionally seen as an abomination by some of the more
“civilized” religions. As such, you suffer a -2 penalty to Per-
formance and Persuasion skill rolls when associating with
members of your house or clan. Furthermore, because most
of your kin refuse to speak about you, you suffer -1 to your
Renown.
INDEBTED
Bonus Points Gained: 1 or 2
Prerequisites: None
Somewhat similar to Oath-bound, except that this weak-
ness deals more directly with monetary obligations instead
of vows of service and allegiance.
For the 1-point bonus, you owe a merchant, gambler, ar-
tisan, or some minor lord 50 silver pieces (or the equivalent
thereof), a debt that you must pay at least 5 sc towards per
month. This can be done either as a Downtime Action or in
actual game-play.
For the 2-point bonus, you owe a more powerful indi-
126
vidual (or group of modest power) 100 silver coins, a debt
of which you must pay at least 10 sc per month. Just like
the lesser version of Indebted, you can do this either via
Downtime or in actual play.
Note that other forms of payment, such as serving as
a debt-slave or indentured servant, might suffice but only
with a successful DL 20 Persuasion roll against the debtor.
Payments missed are likely to have the creditor, or one or
two of his followers, searching for the character or perhaps
taking some other form of punishment, such as lampoon-
ing, hostage-taking, etc.
INFAMOUS
Bonus Points Gained: 1 or 2
Prerequisites: Cannot have the Famed weakness
You committed some past crime, sin, major failure, or other
such folly known throughout your clan, tribe, or home-city
(or some other territory with GM discretion). This could be
some event such as leading an army into an ambush or rout,
giving away tribal or national secrets, having a scandalous
tryst with a renowned personage, etc.
For the 1-point bonus, your infamy is known throughout
an area about the size of a large city or small tribal region.
For the 2-point bonus, your infamy is known throughout a
region about the size of a large province or small kingdom.
Whenever you are within this territory, you suffer a -2
penalty to Performance and Persuasion skill rolls when
dealing with the citizens or inhabitants of this area.
KIN-SLAYER
Bonus Points Gained: 2
Requirements: None
This weakness is similar to Infamous or Enemy, but deals
more specifically with a subject matter deeply frowned
upon by virtually all races and cultures. Kin-slayers are the
epitome of lawlessness and villainy, for they have slain
members of their own clans and immediate families, such
as nephews, uncles, or even fathers, mothers, and infant
offspring.
As such, you suffer a -2 penalty to Performance and
Persuasion skill rolls when dealing with anyone from your
homeland (that have heard of your ill doings). However,
this penalty increases to -5 if interacting with direct mem-
bers of your family, and you are likely to have retribution
taken against you such as capture.
LAME
Bonus Points Gained: 2
Prerequisites: None
You were born with a club foot, or else suffered a terrible
injury to a leg or foot in the past from which you have
never quite recovered. Thus, you suffer -2 to your Mobility
trait and take a -1 penalty to Acrobatics skill rolls. Note
that there are rare and potent magics that might cure this
condition (such as a Regeneration spell), but only with the
CHARACTER CREATION
 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
GM’s discretion.
LOW-BORN
Bonus Points Gained: 2
Prerequisites: Cannot have the High-born talent
You were born of low class and social rank, perhaps as a
slave, serf, or indentured servant. As such, you begin play
(at character creation) with only 1 silver coin per point of
Renown and, if you choose a Calling, you only receive ev-
ery other listed piece of equipment starting from the top
going down (see Chapter 7—Callings above).
MADNESS
Bonus Points Gained: 1 or 2
Prerequisites: None
You are sometimes, or even often, dubbed a “mad-man”
(or “mad-woman”). Perhaps suffering from a head injury
occurring years ago or else having some mental quirks or
other such issues. Whatever the case, for the 1-point bonus,
you are affected in a minor way, such as believing ravens or
crows are demonic spirits or you sit and stare at a full moon
for long spells.
For the 2-point bonus, this madness is more of a prob-
lem, and your options for lunacy might be such possibilities
as hiding for hours from a full moon, constantly worrying
and mumbling about a “soon-coming cataclysm”, or some
similar examples for one hopelessly mad.
Note that rare and powerful healing magics might be
able to restore your sanity, although in most cases this
“madness” represents extreme personality quirks or beliefs
than anything else.
MAIMED
Bonus Points Gained: 3
You are missing several fingers on your favored (or lead)
hand, making it somewhat difficult to grasp and manipulate
objects. Alternately, you could be missing the entire hand
instead. Whatever the case, you suffer a -1 penalty to Craft-
ing, Lock-picking, and Weaponry: Melee skill rolls (when
using this hand or your “off” hand).
Note that this injury is possible to correct with rare and
potent magics, such as a Regeneration spell or some similar
sorcery.
MUTE
Bonus Points Gained: 3
Prerequisites: Cannot have any talent that is voice-
based
You were either born unable to speak, perhaps due to brain
damage or some horribly psychological event, or perhaps
had your tongue cut out some years ago. Whatever the
case, you are not capable of speech, though you can still
read or write, naturally, if your Intellect is -1 or higher. You
CHARACTER CREATION
may attempt Persuasion skill rolls (pantomiming and such),
but such are done at a -5 penalty.
Note that when roleplaying a Mute character, it is high-
ly suggested that you narrate your actions even more so
than normal, since he or she will not be capable of actual
speech. Rare and powerful magics might exist (such as a
Regeneration spell) which could cure this condition with
GM discretion.
OATH-BOUND
Bonus Points Gained: 1 or 2
Prerequisites: Cannot have the Honorless weakness
You have sworn a serious oath to either an individual of im-
portance (such as a nobleman, high priest, or even a lover
or marital partner) or a group, such as a wizardly coven,
priestly sect, knightly order, pirate fleet, or noble house).
Like most traditional acts of honor, this vow is binding and
taken very seriously, and you will likely do your best to
not break it or deviate from it. In essence, the oath simply
means that you have sworn your loyalty to this person or
organization and, if called upon, will do your utmost to as-
sist them in virtually any manner possible. Many nobles and
warriors are oath-bound to another lord or liege.
For the 1-point bonus, you are oath-sworn to an import-
ant individual or small (or minor) group or organization.
Breaking your oath here means that you would earn the
Oath-breaker weakness and might have other repercus-
sions against you as well.
For the 2-point bonus, you are oath-bound to a very im-
portant personage or a large-sized (or major) group or or-
ganization. To break your oath in this case would earn you
the Oath-breaker weakness as well as the Enemy weakness
(major version). Naturally, your enemy here would be the
former oath-holder or at least some lieutenant or offshoot
thereof.
Note that it is possible to be relieved from an oath of
duty or loyalty, but this requires direct verbal communi-
cation from the oath-holder (and sometimes even a brief
ceremony).
OATH-BREAKER
Bonus Points Gained: 1 or 2
Prerequisites: None
Somewhat similar to the Honorless and Infamous weak-
nesses, although here Oath-breaker refers to something
more specific, a certain well-known (and likely well-re-
spected) vow that was broken, probably not so long ago,
and therefore still fresh upon the minds of those from your
homeland (or whatever region the oath affected). This oath
might have been to a lord, lady, high priest, shaman, or
some group or organization, and likely had a number of
witnesses and/or had taken place in a sacred space (such as
a temple or other holy site) where the gods might have also
borne witness.
For the 1-point bonus, a minor oath was broken (al-
though many would say that there are no such things as
“minor oaths”)—which could refer to a promise to a lover,
127
 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
spouse, or minor lord—and means that you suffer a -5 pen-
alty to Performance and Persuasion rolls when interact-
ing with those affected by your oath (the lord’s retainers, a
spouse’s clan or house, etc.).
For the 2-point bonus, you broke a major oath—perhaps
a major lord or king or a powerful organization—and suffer
-5 to all Performance and Persuasion rolls when associat-
ing with those affected (retainers, henchmen, lay-folk, etc.)
as well as -1 to your Luck trait. Furthermore, grave punish-
ments or other consequences might also be sought against
you.
OBSESSION
Bonus Points Gained: 1 or 2
Prerequisites: None
You are deeply obsessed with a particular individual, orga-
nization, object, or place. The might be the king or chieftain
of your homeland, a beautiful high priestess, a secret society
of thieves or sorcerers, a magical sword, a famous castle, a
valley known for producing mysterious flowers, an ancient
ring of standing stones, a chivalrous knightly order, among
other possibilities.
For the 1-point bonus, your obsession is minor, but
enough to where it can occasionally be a problem. As such,
it requires a DL 10 Resolve skill roll to pull yourself away
from your obsession when your attention might be acquired
elsewhere. For example, the woman you admire is nearby
and a traveling companion is asking for you to join him in
the tavern for a drink—you would need to succeed in the
above-mentioned Resolve roll in order to leave the area.
You receive a Resolve roll every minute (or every round if
a life or death situation) if necessary. In addition, you are
likely to talk a good deal about your obsession, perhaps
even to the point of mild annoyance.
For the 2-point bonus, your obsession is more serious and
you must seek to represent this in a more tangible fashion,
such as carving little figurines representing that of which (or
whom) you are obsessed or writing poems, songs, or tales.
You might even seek to travel to meet this obsession person-
ally, or at least to get a close view of it, him, or her. Perhaps
you speak of it a great deal to the point of great annoyance
to those around you. Furthermore, it requires you to suc-
ceed in a DL 20 Resolve skill roll to pull yourself away from
your obsession (if nearby); you receive a roll every minute
(or every round if a life or death situation) if the matter
requiring your immediate attention persists.
PHOBIA
Bonus Points Gained: 1 or 2
Prerequisites: Cannot have the Valorous talent
You have a moderate or severe fear of something, such as
spiders, heights, deep water, snakes, enclosed spaces, fire,
lightning, or whatever. For the 1-point bonus, this phobia is
moderate and you must succeed in a DL 12 Resolve roll skill
to overcome it temporarily. That is, to cross a high bridge
over deep water, to force yourself to enter a small enclosed
128
cavern, or whatever the case might be.
For the 2-point bonus, the phobia is severe and you must
succeed in a DL 20 Resolve skill roll to overcome it tempo-
rarily. Note that if you critically succeed in such a Resolve
roll, your Phobia is reduced by one degree—that is, severe
becomes moderate and moderate becomes non-existent.
However, on a critical failure, you become Terrified and
will automatically flee from the situation, returning to nor-
mal after you are at least 50 yards away from the source of
the phobia.
ROTUND
Bonus Points Gained: 2
Prerequisites: Cannot have the Waif weakness
You are grossly overweight, although this might be due in
part to being “big boned”. Regardless, you suffer a -1 penal-
ty to your Stamina and Mobility traits.
SAVAGE
Bonus Points Gained: 2
Prerequisites: Cannot have the Decadent weakness
You are either from a fairly savage and barbaric culture, or
else you were raised mainly in the wild or perhaps by an
old hermit who fended for himself (and you). As such, you
suffer a -1 penalty to Alchemy and Lock-picking skill rolls,
as well as any Crafting skill roll involving more advanced
feats of engineering (such as ship-building, castle construc-
tion, mechanical traps, etc.).
SHORT
Bonus Points Gained: 2
Prerequisites: Cannot have the Too Tall weakness
You are good bit shorter in stature (at least six inches) than
most of your race or nationality, enough to cause you to
suffer a -1 penalty to your Mobility as well as to all Persua-
sion skill rolls.
TAINTED
Bonus Points Gained: 2
Prerequisites: Cannot have the Sacred Oath talent
You have been corrupted with the spiritual (and sometimes
literal) darkness of Gorgotha or the Shadowlands (or the
blighted wastes of ancient Xarkon or the Forbidden Lands
in the East). Alternately, you are simply a wicked person,
having done terrible deeds in your past, now either con-
tinuing on in your dark path or perhaps making an effort
to step off of it.
Whatever the case, sorcerers with knowledge of the
Sense Corruption spell or even the Second Sight talent,
might detect your tainted corruption, and certain supernat-
ural creatures are likely to be able to do so as well (demons,
angels, etc.). In addition, you suffer a -2 penalty to resist
most temptations, such as find a scroll containing spells of
CHARACTER CREATION
 SAVAGEIII
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vilest sorcery or a chance to make a pact with a demonic
being.
TOO TALL
Bonus Points Gained: 2
Prerequisites: Cannot have the Short weakness
You are very tall for your race or nationality (at least six
inches over average), and possibly quite gangly to match.
Thus, you suffer a -1 penalty to your Stamina trait and to
all Acrobatics skill rolls (and therefore to Dodge Defense).
WAIF
Bonus Points Gained: 2
Prerequisites: Cannot have the Rotund weakness
You are very thin and overly lean, causing you to suffer a
-1 penalty to your Health trait and a -1 penalty to Brawling
skill rolls.
VERY YOUNG
Bonus Points Gained: 2
Prerequisites: Cannot have the Elderly weakness
You are below the age of majority (adulthood) in regards
to your race or culture, which generally means 15 or less
for most human nationalities. (See Character Aging for such
information on non-human races.) As such, none of your
Attributes can be greater than +2 at character creation.
ZEALOT
Bonus Points Gained: 2
Prerequisites: None
This is similar to the Obsession weakness, but has more to
do specifically with religion, faith, and over-enthusiastic
dedication to a deity or pantheon. Choose a god/goddess,
or group of deities (preferably from your home culture),
that you have become increasingly zealous over, causing
you to suffer a -1 penalty to Persuasion skill rolls when
dealing with others not of your faith or sect. When dealing
with a sect of faith diametrically opposed to your beliefs,
or an all-out enemy of your deity or pantheon, this penalty
increases to -2 as you find it difficult to hide your contempt
(and you might even come to blows with such folk).
10
SKILLS
Skills are one of the primary aspects of bringing a Savage
Kingdoms character to life, easily rivaling the importance
of attributes, talents, weaknesses, spells, and equipment. In
fact, skills are generally an extension of Attributes, as each
skill is governed by one of the following—Agility, Physique,
CHARACTER CREATION
Vigor, Intellect, Magnetism, or Willpower (as indicated on
the character sheet). Note, however, that there are several
talents which allow the use of a different Attribute to modi-
fy a skill in question (see the Chapter 8—Talents).
SKILL ROLLS
When using a particular skill, the GM will likely call for a
Skill Roll. Also known as a Skill Test, this is a roll of 1d20 +
the total skill modifier (comprised of the pertinent Attribute,
skill levels, and any miscellaneous bonuses due to race, tal-
ents, etc.). Thus, for example, a character with a Physique
attribute of +1 and 3 skill levels in Brawling would have a
total skill modifier of +4 in that particular skill. This means
that the player will be adding +4 to the die roll’s result and
trying to equal, or surpass, the DL (Difficulty Level).A play-
er can describe his or her character doing something—such
as searching a small chamber—and perhaps “trigger” a skill
roll (in this case a Perception roll), but ultimately, it’s up to
the GM when a skill roll is appropriate or applies.
To this end, some actions or activities are automatically
successful, such as putting on one’s boots, walking down
a well-lit street, or sheathing a blade into a scabbard. Skill
rolls really only apply when the action being taken is rea-
sonably challenging—attacking a foe, climbing a steep cliff
or wall, riding a horse at a full gallop, and crafting a horse-
shoe—are all activities requiring skill rolls to see if the action
is successful or not.
Optional Rule: In order to maintain easier math and
potential “stat bloat”, GMs are encouraged to cap skill rolls
at a maximum of +20. Granted, this is highly difficult to
attain, but this also includes all situational modifiers too.
SKILL POINTS
Skill Points are gained at character creation and at every
Advancement. The exact number of skill points is 25 + In-
tellect at character creation (i.e. Zero Advancements) and a
PC gains 5 skill points every Advancement. These “points”
become skill levels—on a 1:1 basis—when spent. For exam-
ple, a character with an Intellect of +2 would start with 27
skill points to spend on, or convert to, skill levels. Two skill
points put into Acrobatics, for example, would mean that
this character would have 25 points remaining, and so on.
SKILL LEVELS
A skill level represents how well-trained a character might
be in a given skill. When making skill rolls with no skill lev-
els (which is possible), the player only applies his or her At-
tribute modifier to the d20 roll. The maximum skill level of
any given skill is 10, which represents grand-mastery. Only
a handful of renowned folk in the known world possess ten
levels in a skill, and then usually only in a single forte (or
maybe two), be it brawling, herbalism, magical arts, stealth,
weapon-use, or whatever.
However, characters may only start with a number of
skills at 3rd level equal to 5 +/- their Intellect attributes.
For example, a character with an Intellect of +1 could start
with as many as 6 skills at skill level 3. Naturally, a character
doesn’t have to start with any skills rated as level 3 (or only
129
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one or two)—this is all up to the individual player. maelstrom (Sailing), among other near-endless possibilities.
Over time, and through Advancement (see the XP & Ad- Each skill description below, and spell descriptions later
vancement), characters earn additional skill points to im- on (as well as some talents), list several options in regards
prove existing skill levels or begin “training” in new skills. to critical successes. The GM can either roll randomly or
allow the player to choose the effect, or if the player is
experienced with the game system, the GM may even al-
“OTHER” MODIFIERS
low the player in question to create his or her own effect.
On the official SK character sheet, you will notice a column
The GM should choose which method to follow before the
in Chapter 10—Skills titled “Other”. This reflects miscella-
campaign begins, perhaps discussing this with the players as
neous bonuses (or penalties) acquired through certain Tal-
a collective group.
ents, Skill Level Achievements, Armor Penalties, and other
potentialities. Though they represent no actual training,
like Skill Levels do, it’s recommended that the GM limit the THE ”EXPLODING 20” ROLL
maximum number of “Other” bonuses (per skill) to +3 or Any “natural 20” on the die—that is, an unmodified ‘20’—
possibly +4 at most. means that the roll “explodes”; that is, you pick up the die
(after adding any modifiers) and roll again, adding the raw
result to the original result. For example, a player gets a
SKILL LEVEL RANKINGS
‘natural 20’ on the die when making an Acrobatics skill
roll. He then adds his +5 bonus for a result of 25, then rolls
Level 0 Untrained
the die again and adds that raw result (that is, he doesn’t
Level 1-2 Novice
add the +5 bonus again). This time, he gets a result of 12,
Level 3-4 Journeyman
meaning that his total skill roll result is a 37 (25 + 12). This
Level 5-6 Adept
helps one’s chances in getting critical successes, not to men-
Level 7-8 Expert
tion just normal successes. If you get a natural 20 on the
Level 8-9 Master
exploding roll, it “explodes” again and so on.
Level 10 Grand-master

CRITICAL FAILURE
In contrast to critical successes, a critical failure occurs on
DIFFICULTY LEVELS (DLs)
any die roll resulting in a “natural 1” which then produces
When the GM calls for a skill roll, that skill will be chal-
a modified result of zero (or less) or falls 10 (or more) shy
lenged by a DL (or Difficulty Level). DLs generally range
of the target DL (Difficulty Level). For example, Vladimir
from 5 to 35, depending on how difficult the task is, as
ends up with a result of -1 after a rolling a natural 1 on the
shown below:
die and applying his -2 modifier. Later on, he rolls another
natural 1, and though his +6 modifier makes this a 7, it’s still
DL 5 (optionally no roll re- 10 or more short of the task’s DL of 20.
Easy
quired here—GM discretion) Critical failure results might be falling off one’s horse
Moderate DL 10 (Animal Handling), falling into a chasm or river (Acrobat-
Challenging DL 15 ics), having an enemy sneak right up on you (Perception),
mistaking a poisonous plant for an edible one (Survival),
Tough DL 20 breaking a lock-pick (Lock-picking), accidentally conjuring
Extreme DL 25 a demonic being (Magical Arts), being mistaken as a locally
Near hated persona (Disguise), and many more possibilities.
DL 30 Much like critical successes, each skill description below
Impossible
(and spell descriptions later on), have a short list of po-
Legendary DL 35
tential critical failure options for the GM to roll random-
ly, choose, or perhaps even let the player choose or even
describe his or her own effect. As always, this is up to the
CRITICAL SUCCESS individual Game Master and should be agreed upon before
If a skill roll exceeds the DL by 20 or more, then a criti- a campaign begins.
cal success is gained instead of the more usual “normal”
success. That is, something extraordinary occurs in addition PARTIAL SUCCESS (OPTIONAL)
to what was sought by the skill text in question, such as As an optional rule, GMs (and players) may choose to use
identifying the exact number of soldiers in an army a half- partial successes. These occur whenever the skill roll result
mile away (Perception), intuiting the near-precise weight is exactly the DL. For example, a total skill roll result of,
and gender of a creature being tracked (Survival), knocking say, 20 in regards to a task whose DL is 20 would result
an opponent prone in addition to dealing damage (Brawl- in a partial success. Partial successes are, as the name im-
ing or Weaponry: Melee), creating an item one degree plies, successes with minor complications. Thus, a character
of quality higher (Crafting), gain a loyal ally or henchman might successfully ford the raging river, but might lose a
(Persuasion), acquire free lodgings or a temporary ally for a minor piece of equipment in the process; a trap might be
week or more (Performance), guide a ship through a raging deactivated, but not before causing some minor damage or

130 CHARACTER CREATION

 SAVAGEIII
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some other hardship; or the poison might be resisted, but 10—Skills.
the character is nauseous for ten minutes. These are merely For example, making a Lore skill roll in order to recall
examples of a multitude of possibilities. knowledge about a particular person, place, or thing, nor-
mally represents a couple of seconds (one action). Howev-
ASSISTANCE & TEAMWORK er, if spending half a day in a large library, the bonus to the
When working together on the same task, each character Lore roll could be as high as +5. Spending an hour making a
involved can make a skill roll appropriate to the situation. clay pot is about the normal time-allotment for such a task,
For example, if three characters are trying to find and fol- but if a character spends two or three hours on it, then he
low tracks or footprints, then all three would make Survival or she could be awarded a +2 or +3 bonus to the Crafting
(tracking or hunting) rolls. The highest result, in this case, is skill roll.
applied to the DL of the task, thus making it easier to suc- Certain skills, however, are not affected by extended pe-
ceed with teamwork. This method can be applied to most riods of performing the same task. These are usually com-
skill tasks, though perhaps not all—common sense and GM bat rolls, most Perception rolls, Resolve rolls, and the like,
discretion must prevail. although in rare circumstances (such as posting a watch on
However, if a minor NPC (with probably little or no a specific location for several hours to gain a bonus to Per-
levels in most skills) assists a player-character in a task, then ception), even some of these could justifiably be boosted
the NPC merely adds a +1 bonus to the PC’s skill roll. If two by spending additional time. As usual, the GM is the final
such minor NPCs are assisting, then the bonus is +2, and judge here.
so on. Henchmen and Beast Companions would fit in this
category, lending a bonus to their lieges/masters. This helps TARGETING (OR INTENT)
to speed up play somewhat, although major NPCs helping In most cases, when a player-character is attempting a skill
player-characters out might get their own skill rolls as desig- roll for a task with multiple DL possibilities (such as most
nated above per the GM’s discretion. spells in regards to Magical Arts), the player must state his
or her intention—that is, what effect is being attempted
REROLLS & MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS (and therefore what DL). This goes for most other skills as
When a skill roll attempt fails—in most cases—it is a done well—just because one is attempting to forge a dagger and
deal. For example, failing to decipher an ancient text via rolls high enough to match the DL of forging a longsword,
the Language skill doesn’t mean that you could try again doesn’t mean that such occurs. It’s all about the character’s
a minute later for no apparent reason. Common sense and initial intent. The exception here is critical successes where
GM discretion apply heavily in regards to when, or if, a sometimes the PC may choose a greater effect than what
character can retry (i.e. reroll) a particular skill task. was intended (see Chapter 10—Skills for more).
In Savage Kingdoms, the best rule of thumb for allowing
another skill roll attempt is that the character must change COMPLEX STILL TASKS (OPTIONAL)
his or her circumstances. That is, to approach the situation This optional rule reflects a slightly more realistic approach
with a new tool, new environment, or some other new or to longer skill tasks, such as forging a sword, building a
different approach (beyond merely “I change my tunic”,
boat, or even casting a ritual spell with the Extended Ritual
“I rub the sleep out of my eyes”, or the like). The GM is
talent. For every hour the task is supposed to take, the ap-
the final judge, of course, on what qualifies as something
propriate skill roll is made, with a success meaning that the
triggering another skill roll or not. If the GM is not certain,
character moves on to the next hour. A failure means that
another good rule of thumb might be allowing a new skill
the previous hour must be repeated (that is, you roll again
roll every hour for a task of DL 15 or less or every day for
without advancing further in the task). A critical failure
something of DL 16 or more.
means the entire endeavor has failed and the materials—
Some examples of “changing the circumstances” are
as mentioned in some of the skill descriptions below—are
having better light when appraising the value of an object,
ruined. A critical success equates to two hours’ worth of
gaining access to a temple’s library when researching a rare
success, plus possible other benefits per the individual skill
or forbidden subject, using a rope or climbing pitons when
description (see below).
making another attempt at scaling a cliff, using an actual
The Crafting skill often has tasks that will take more than
lock-pick to open a lock instead of the knife that was at-
an hour, and thus be considered complex, but this could
tempted earlier, etc.
apply to the Survival skill when on an extended hunt, the
Lore skill when doing extensive research in a library, many
SPENDING ADDITIONAL TIME tasks in the Alchemy skill and some within the scope of the
In regards to some skills and skill tasks, a character might
Herbalism skill. The GM has the final ruling in the use, or
increase his or her chances of success by spending more time
inclusion, of complex skill tasks.
on the job at hand. The general rule here is one doubles the
base time for a task, a +2 bonus can be gained to the skill
roll, tripling the normal time grants a +3 bonus, quadru- SKILL DESCRIPTIONS
pling yields a +4 bonus, and quintupling gains +5 (which is The following chapter gives the necessary rules and details
the maximum bonus applicable). The base time-periods for regarding all skills represented in the Savage Kingdoms sys-
all skills are indicated in each skill description in Chapter tem. Naturally, there would be hundreds or thousands of
actual skills in a real medievalesque setting, but only 28

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 SAVAGEIII
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have “made the cut” for our purposes here, which represent
what most adventuring heroes might dabble in and perhaps
eventually master. However, note that each skill has special-
ties within, therefore giving the SK skill system even more
depth and robustness.
In addition to a general description of the skill in ques-
tion, other terms that help support the functionality of a
skill in gameplay can be found under each skill’s individual
entry. Such things as follows:

Skill Title: Next to the name or title of each skill is an

abbreviation in parenthesis. This indicates the governing
Attribute for that skill (such as ‘Agi’ for Agility, etc.), with
the possible exceptions of certain talents that allow char-
acters to use a different Attribute.
Armor Penalty: This entry indicates whether or not
penalties apply to wearing certain types of body armor,
as well as bearing shields, when making skill die rolls
for the skill in question. This is normally a simple “yes”
or “no”. Skills affected by potential armor penalties are
indicated with an asterisk on the official SK character
sheet. Note that Armor Penalties don’t decrease one’s
Dodge Defense even though it’s based on the Acrobat-
ics skill.
Specialties: These are focuses, or fortes, within the
general skill itself. For example, ‘climbing’ in regards to
Athletics or ‘hearing’ in regards to Perception. Each skill
entry lists the possible specialties options, although oth-
ers might be allowed with GM discretion. A character
gains a specialty for every 3 skill levels acquired in a
given skill, which means an additional +1 bonus to the
skill roll applies. Given the above example, when specif-
ically climbing a wall or tree, the player would apply an
additional +1 to his Athletics skill roll; if using hearing
to eavesdrop on a nearby conversation, a +1 additional
bonus would be applied to the character’s Perception
roll.
Typical Tasks & Their DLs: Listed here are the com-
mon, and perhaps a few not-so-common, uses for the
skill in question, as well as the recommended Difficulty
Levels (DLs) of said tasks. A DL is the target number that
a skill roll must equal or exceed, or else the task fails.
Remember that critical successes occur when the DL is
exceeded by 20 or more, and critical failures if the roll
is a natural 1 whose modifiers are short of the DL by 10
or more.
Time Required: The in-game time needed, whether in
rounds (6 seconds), minutes, hours, or days, to accom-
plish the task in general. For example, leaping a chasm
general takes a couple of seconds, which would equate
to one action if in a combat scene, or a matter of days or
even weeks with regards to forging a longsword. Note
that long-duration skill tasks might be better done as
“downtime actions” (see Downtime Activities later on).
Skill Level Achievements: These are extra benefits
that are acquired at skill level 4, skill level 7, and again
at skill level 10. Since skill level achievements can some-
times be easily overlooked on a character sheet, consider
these to be Optional Rules material.
Failure: If the skill in question has special rules for nor-
mal failures, they will be listed in this entry.
Critical Success: Here are listed several potential ef-
fects for critical successes for when the final result of a
skill roll is 20 or more above the target DL. The GM
can choose to roll randomly for the result here, or he
or she can allow the player to choose from the list of
critical success effects (but beware of this slowing the
game down a bit).
Critical Failure: Listed here are several potential ef-
fects for critical failures, which is when the skill roll is a
natural 1 and the final modified result is 10 less than the
DL. The GM may choose to roll randomly for the result,
or he or she can allow the player to choose from the
list of critical failure options (but again, this may slow
the game down somewhat). When an entry in this field
reads “per point of critical failure”, this refers to every
point beyond 10 by which the roll was failed; for exam-
ple, a modified result of 3 (after a natural 1 was rolled)
versus a DL of 15 would indicate 2 points of critical fail-
ure.
‘Other’ Bonuses: Whenever it reads that “you gain a
+1 bonus to x skill”, or some similar nomenclature, the
meaning is quite literal and does not represent an addi-
tional skill level or anything else. On the official char-
acter sheet, such miscellaneous bonuses are recorded
under the ‘Other’ category in Chapter 10—Skills. Thus,
the final Skill Modifier for any skill is Attribute + Skill
level + Other bonus. Obviously, skills without any skill
levels in them are only Attribute rolls and represent raw,
natural, untrained ability.

132 CHARACTER CREATION

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TABLE 2-10: MASTER SKILL LIST

Skill Attribute Brief Description

Acrobatics AGI Balancing, juggling, tumbling, escaping bonds, etc.
Alchemy INT Identifying and creating semi-magical acids, oils, etc.
Animal Handling MAG Riding, taming, and training domestic and wild animals
Athletics PHY Climbing, jumping, swimming, and similar physicality
Brawling PHY Punching, kicking, grappling, and other unarmed combat
Crafting INT Appraisal and creation of tools, weapons, and other items
Disguise MAG Appearing as a different profession, race, gender, etc.
Endurance VIG Resisting poison, disease, physical torture, and the like
Healing Arts INT Treatment of wounded or otherwise ailing creatures
Herbalism INT Identifying wild herbs and creating herbal concoctions
Language INT Knowledge of spoken/written tongues, ancient and current
Lock-picking AGI Ability to open locks without a key and disarm small traps
Magical Arts: Air WIL Ability to detect, read, and cast air-based magical spells
Magical Arts: Earth WIL Ability to detect, read, and cast earth-based magical spells
Magical Arts: Fire WIL Ability to detect, read, and cast fire-based magical spells
Magical Arts: Water WIL Ability to detect, read, and cast water-based magical spells
Magical Arts: Death VIG Ability to detect, read, and cast death-based magical spells
Magical Arts: Life VIG Ability to detect, read, and cast life-based magical spells
Magical Arts: Shadow INT Ability to detect, read, and cast shadow-based spells
Perception INT Acuity of one’s surroundings via sight, hearing, smell, etc.
Performance MAG Gifted in song, dance, storytelling, musical instrument, etc.
Persuasion MAG Interacting with others via diplomacy, intimidation, etc.
Resolve WIL Resisting mind effects such as fear, beguilement, illusion, etc.
Sailing INT Knowledge of freshwater boats to large seafaring ships
Sleight of Hand AGI Pilfering a pouch or pocket, concealing a small item, etc.
Stealth AGI Hiding, moving quietly, camouflaging, remaining detected.
Survival INT Hunting, foraging, tracking, navigation, fire-building, etc.
Weaponry: Melee PHY Hand-to-hand weapons use, such as swords, spears, etc.
Weaponry: Ranged AGI Use of ranged weaponry, such as bows, javelins, slings, etc.

ACROBATICS (Agi) Specialties: Balancing, Contortions, Juggling, Tum-

This skill represents one’s ability to balance on narrow bling, Specific Terrain (Desert, Forest, Mountains, Snow,
ledges, tumble by an enemy, walk a tightrope without fall- Swamp, etc.), Specific Locale (Aboard Ship, Rivers, etc.).
ing, juggle small objects, or contort into (or out of) small
spaces. Typical Tasks & Their DLs:

Armor/Encumbrance Penalty: Yes, though not to dz Balancing on a 6-9 inch wide surface, such as a log
Dodge Defense. or ledge: DL 10*

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 SAVAGEIII
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dz Balancing on a 3-6 inch wide surface, such as a
limb or very narrow ledge: DL 15*
dz Balancing on a 1-3 inch wide surface, such as a nar-
row limb or thick rope: DL 20*
dz Balancing on any of the above in snow/ice or high
winds: +5 to the DL*
dz Tumbling by or around an opponent in combat**:
DL 10 + foe’s Melee skill modifier
dz Escape from rope bonds: DL 20 (or rope-user’s
Sailing or Survival roll +10).
dz Escape from iron manacles or chains: DL 20-25***
dz Juggle three small dangerous objects (such as a lit
torch, knives, etc.): DL 15
*Failing this roll by 5 or less means the character may at-
tempt a DL 20 Initiative roll to grab some ledge or foot-
hold at the last moment to keep from falling. If successful, it
would then be a DL 15 Athletics (climbing) roll to pull one’s
self up. Otherwise, the character falls (see Falling Damage).
**You can tumble up to half your Mobility as one action, or
your full Mobility as two actions. If you fail this roll, the op-
ponent gains a free reactive attack; if you fail by 5 or more,
you fall prone after running into your opponent (who still
gets a free reactive attack).
***Escaping from exceptional-quality manacles or chains
add +2 to the DL, and master-crafted manacles/chains add
+5 to the DL.
Stamina Point Cost: Tumbling through combat costs 1
Stamina for a two-action move. Tumbling or juggling as
a performance might cost 1 Stamina per half hour.
Time Required: Most Acrobatics maneuvers require
one action, or in some cases (such as falling), a reaction.
Escaping from chains or rope bonds requires two actions
(one full round) in the very least. Balancing on a narrow
log, ledge, or rope reduces your Mobility to half (per ac-
tion) in the very least. Note that juggling with the intent
to entertain might require a Performance roll instead of
Acrobatics (GM discretion).
Skill Level Achievements:
For every 3 skill levels you’ve acquired, you gain a Specialty
(see above) of your choosing.
Ƿ At skill level 4, you gain a +1 bonus to Athletics skill
rolls when jumping.
Ƿ At skill level 7, you gain a +1 bonus to Brawling skill
rolls.
Ƿ At skill level 10, you gain a +1 bonus to your Mobility
and to Stealth skill rolls.
Critical Success:
1) If tumbling, you can tumble your full Mobility as a single
action or twice your Mobility as two actions.
2) If tumbling, you gain a free reactive attack against any
134
foe you pass within reach.
3) If performing for an audience or a very renowned NPC,
you gain +1 to your Renown.
4) If escaping from bonds, you do so in merely one action
instead of two.
Critical Failure:
1) If balancing on a high ledge or rope, you take normal
falling damage plus an object of random selection is broken.
2) If tumbling by an opponent, you fall prone at your foe’s
feet and also take 1 point of damage per point of critical
failure.
3) If juggling or tumbling to entertain, you are routed from
the performance area and gain an enemy.
ALCHEMY (Int)
This skill represents one’s general knowledge, identification,
and the manufacturing of alchemical concoctions, such as
acids, elixirs, flammables, powders, and most poisons. In
the SK world, alchemy (or alchemia), is sometimes called
the “Eighth Magic” due to its quasi-magical nature and deep
study required.
Armor Penalty: No.
Specialties: Acids, Elixirs, Flammables, Oils, Metallurgy,
Poisons, Powders, etc.
Typical Tasks & Their DLs:
dz Identify a basic acid: DL 10
dz Identify a rare or advanced acid: DL 15
dz Identify a basic elixir, oil, or potion: DL 15
dz Identify a rare elixir or oil or an enchanted potion:
DL 20
dz Identify a basic poisonous liquid or powder: DL 15
dz Identify a strong or rare poison liquid or powder:
DL 25
dz Create a basic acidic liquid: DL 20*
dz Create a strong acidic liquid: DL 25*
dz Create a poisonous powder: DL 20-25*
dz Create a contact poison: DL 25-30*
dz Create an ingot/bar of Sildaril (“star-metal”): DL
25**
dz Create a magical potion (see Magical Arts skill)
*If no proper equipment (such as vials, mortar-and-pestle,
etc.), then add +5 to the DL. See specific examples below.
**If of Dark Sidhe or Eluna Sidhe race, the DL is 20 instead.
A smithy and Alchemy level 3 is required.
Time Required: Identifying any alchemical concoction
takes a full round (2 actions) with proper equipment;
otherwise, it requires a half-minute (5 rounds). Creating
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 SAVAGEIII
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an alchemical acid, elixir, oil, or powder requires one
hour per 5 points of the DL with proper equipment and
workplace. Creating/smelting a small bar of Sildaril takes
five hours and proper equipment and workplace.
Skill Level Achievements:
For every 3 skill levels you’ve attained in this skill, you gain
a Specialty (see above).
Ƿ At skill level 4, you gain a +1 bonus to Magical Arts:
Earth and Fire skill rolls.
Ƿ At skill level 7, you gain a +1 bonus to Crafting and
Magical Arts: Air and Water skill rolls.
Ƿ At skill level 10, you gain a +1 bonus to Language and
Lore skill rolls.
Creating Concoctions: When creating alchemical prod-
ucts or concoctions, a successful skill roll result represents
the making of one dose or usage. Generally, this is con-
sidered one vial (if a liquid) or one small pouch (if a
dust or powder). If you fail your Alchemy skill roll by 5
or less when fabricating an alchemical concoction, then
you have expended half of the materials after half of the
projected time required. This means you would need to
find/purchase more components, for half the listed Cost
Required, or else try again later on at a -5 penalty. If you
fail by 6 or more, then you ruin all the materials but only
after half the projected time. If you fail by 10 or more,
then you expend all the materials after the full projected
time. For critical failures, please consult the Alchemy skill
entry. Note that “proper equipment” means flasks, vials,
crucibles, mortar and pestle, a cauldron or brazier, and
various other implements for stirring and handling.
ACID, MILD
DL 10 to identify / DL 10 to create (must have Alchemy
level 1)
Material cost: 1 sc per dose / Time required: 2 hours / Stami-
na cost: 2
This is a basic alchemical acid capable of eating through a
half inch of wood and iron (or even steel), but does not
affect stone and only about a quarter-inch of silver or gold.
This type of acid does nothing to flesh or vegetable matter,
apart from wood.
ACID, STRONG
DL 12 to identify / DL 15 to create (must have Alchemy
level 3)
Material cost: 3 sc per dose / Time required: 3 hours /
Stamina cost: 3
A less common type of alchemical acid, this is capable of
eating through an inch of wood and iron (or steel), and a
half inch of bronze, copper, silver, or gold. Also dissolves a
quarter inch of stone. This acid also deals 2 Health points
of damage per round of exposure to living flesh or veg-
etable matter, to a maximum of 10 points of damage (or
CHARACTER CREATION
five rounds). If a thrown vial, then it deals 1 Health point
damage per point of success on the thrower’s Alchemy or
Weaponry: Ranged roll (maximum 10 points) versus the
target’s Dodge Defense. Note that armor only counts as
half-effective against acid. Most forms of strong acid are
outlawed in many regions, or at least under strict control
such as in the Lorinthian Empire.
ACID, VISCERAL
DL 15 to identify / DL 25 to create (must have Alchemy
level 5)
Material cost: 10 sc per dose / Time required: 4 hours /
Stamina cost: 5
Also known as Ender’s Acid or Gorgothon Ichor, this very
rare substance can eat through three inches of wood, two
inches of metal (including precious metals), and one inch
of hard stone. This deadly and rare form of alchemical acid
deals 5 Health points of damage per round of exposure to
living flesh, to a maximum of 20 points (or four rounds).
If an open vial of this substance is thrown (the vial itself
must be made of master-crafted steel, diamond, or sildaril),
it deals 2 points of Health damage per point of success on
the thrower’s Alchemy or Weaponry: Ranged roll (maxi-
mum 20 points) versus the target’s Dodge Defense. Visceral
forms of acid are illegal in virtually all known realms, save
for certain powerful (and often secretive) groups or orders.
BLACK DEVIL VENOM
DL 17 to identify / DL 20 to create (must have Alchemy
level 4)
Material cost: 12 sc per dose / Time required: 3 hours /
Stamina cost: 3
This deadly substance is a mixture of black lotus essence,
Devil Scorpion venom, and other more minor ingredients,
which produces a painful and oft-lethal poison. It is very
rare in the West, though only slightly more common in the
East, and is usually illegal in most realms.It is most effective
as an imbibed toxin, which requires the victim to succeed
in a DL 20 Endurance roll or temporarily lose 2 points of
Agility (and thus all statistics affected by this Agility loss) and
suffer 2 points of Health damage per point of Endurance
roll failure (maximum of 20 points). On a critical failure, the
victim is slain immediately and painfully (an expenditure of
2 Luck points will make the character comatose for six hours
instead with the GM’s approval).
Note that this venom can also be used on slashing or
piercing weapons, as a form of blade poison, but the En-
durance DL to resist in this case is but 15. One “dose” in
this case means one application to the weapon, which will
last for one hour or three successful weapon hits, whichever
comes first.
BLACKFIRE
DL 15 to identify / DL 20 to create (must have Alchemy
level 5)
Material cost: 15 sc per flask / Time required: 5 hours /
Stamina cost: 5
135
 SAVAGEIII
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Also known as Nether-fire or Agathon’s Wrath, this ex-
tremely rare substance is both difficult to create and hugely
devastating to almost anything it touches. Blackfire, you see,
burns and incinerates nearly anything, from wood to stone
to metal to flesh and bone. About the only thing it doesn’t
burn is water, Sildaril (star-metal), and heroic-quality or en-
chanted steel. All other substances are destroyed with swift
abandon, in a 2x2 square-yard area, as Blackfire ignites on
contact usually by way of shattering the flask containing
it against an unyielding surface. If tossed at a creature, the
thrower makes an Alchemy or Weaponry: Ranged roll
versus the target’s Dodge Defense with 3 points of dam-
age resulting per point of success (maximum of 30 points).
Armor is only half-effective if made of heroic-quality steel;
otherwise, 1 point of armor rating diminishes per 6 points
of damage dealt (repairs would be nearly impossible).
However, because Blackfire is extremely volatile, a crit-
ical failure on this ranged attack results in the thrower tak-
ing 3 points of damage per point of critical failure; if the
damage dealt is over 6 points, the victim also acquires the
Disfigured weakness. In fact, carrying around Blackfire can
be risky as falling down hard could potentially set a flask of
it off (GM discretion). Oddly enough, Blackfire is not com-
bustible through heat or open flame, even though it itself is
somewhat fire-like (though the “flames” are black in color).
BLACK SLAVKA
DL 15 to identify / DL 20 to create (must have Alchemy
level 2 and Herbalism level 1)
Material cost: 10 sc per flask / Time required: 4 hours /
Stamina cost: 4
Slavka is a popular drink in Mulovia, a clear fermented
drink that “puts fire in the belly”. Black slavka, however, is
less popular, mainly because it is rare (though less so among
the Mulovian nobility) and contains a fair amount of black
lotus (also called death lotus), a very rare semi-magical
plant found in only a couple of locations in the East. This
type of slavka is also rumored to contain blood, but this is
not a major ingredient and thus of little concern. Anyone
drinking at least three sips or one gulp of black slavka may
attempt a DL 10 Endurance roll or become Heavily Inebri-
ated (see Conditions) after one minute. This effect lasts for
10 minutes per point of Endurance roll failure, and on a
critical failure the drinker is Unconscious and Helpless for
one hour instead. If the Endurance roll is made, however,
the imbiber enjoys a slight drunken “buzz” and also has his/
her Vigor increased by +1 for one hour’s time. On a critical
success, the Vigor boost is +2 instead.
BLADE POISON, MILD
DL 10 to identify / DL 10 to create (must have Alchemy
level 1)
Material cost: 4 sc per dose / Time required: 2 hours /
Stamina cost: 2
This represents various forms of basic and somewhat minor
forms of blade poisons, that is toxins applied to piercing
136
and slashing weapons (which causes the poison to enter a
wound). When at least one point of Health damage is dealt
to a living target, the creature must succeed in a DL 15 En-
durance roll or suffer the Mildly Poisoned condition (see
Conditions). The onset time here is one minute. A dose, or
application, of this type of toxin remains effective for one
hour or three successful hits from the envenomed weapon.
An observing character might detect this form of blade
poison smeared on an opponent’s weapon with a successful
DL 15 Perception (sight specialty) roll, although he or she
might not know precisely what the substance is without a
successful DL 10 Alchemy skill roll.
BLADE POISON, STRONG
DL 12 to identify / DL 15 to create (must have Alchemy
level 3)
Material cost: 8 sc per dose / Time required: 3 hours /
Stamina cost: 3
Representing rare and more potent types of blade toxins,
Strong Blade Poison requires a wounded target to succeed
in a DL 22 Endurance roll or suffer the Strongly Poisoned
condition (see Conditions). It requires a successful DL 15
Perception (sight) roll to perceive this substance on an ad-
versary’s weapon (within fairly close proximity), although
the fact that this is alchemical poison requires a successful
DL 12 Alchemy roll.
ELIXIR, SLEEPING
DL 15 to identify / DL 15 to create (must have Alchemy
level 2)
Material cost: 4 sc per dose / Time required: 2 hours /
Stamina cost: 2
This some rare liquid concoction enables an imbiber to fall
asleep much faster and rest better, with few (if any) night-
mares. This means that a full six hours of sleep is equal to a
normal eight-hour sleep period. This drops to merely four
hours of needed slumber if the drinker has the Light Sleeper
talent. Additionally, this substance can be used offensive-
ly—that is, secretly placed (one dose) in a target’s food or
drink. In this case, the potential victim must succeed in a
DL 15 Resolve roll or fall fast asleep after one minute; the
slumber lasting for 10 minutes per point of Resolve roll fail-
ure. On a critical failure, the victim falls into a death-like
for eight hours, and only a DL 20 Healing Arts roll will
determine that the victim still lives.
FANGS OF XUR
DL 22 to identify / DL 22 to create (must have Alchemy
level 5)
Material cost: 13 sc per dose / Time required: 4 hours /
Stamina cost: 4
Called so due to its notorious pain-inducing effects, in ref-
erence to the ancient demon-god of Xarkon (in the East).
Also known as Thorns of Xur, this poison can be delivered
by ingestion, piercing or slashing wound, or even by con-
tact. Regardless of precise form, the victim must succeed in
CHARACTER CREATION
 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
a DL 22 Endurance roll or, after an onset time of merely
one round, gain the Poisoned (Heavily) condition and also
take 1 point of Health damage per point of Endurance roll
faiure. Some whisper that Fangs of Xur feature Xurian Ser-
pent venom, mummy-dust, and death lotus as its primary
ingredients. This type of poison, in addition to likely being
illegal in most realms, is extremely rare in the West and
somewhat less so in the East.
JAI’A (Sslirian healing-elixir)
DL 20 to identify* / DL 20 to create* (must have Alchemy
level 4)
Material cost: 15 sc per dose / Time required: 3 hours /
Stamina cost: 3
A foul-tasting, but quite effective, elixir invented by the Ser-
pent-folk (Sslir) eons ago, one imbibed vial of Jai’a instantly
heals 5 Health points and restores 5 Stamina points if the
drinker is a Sslir (any caste). If not a Sslir, then the imbiber
must attempt a DL 10 Endurance roll—if he succeeds, then
he heals 5 Health points (but no Stamina). If he fails, then
he is nauseated for one half-hour and has the Sickened con-
dition during that time. Jai’a is quite rare, and not exactly
common anymore even to the Sslir race; nonetheless, Ser-
pent-folk gain a +5 bonus* to identify and create it.
INGESTED POISON, MILD
DL 15 to identify / DL 15 to create (must have Alchemy
level 1)
Material cost: 2 sc per dose / Time required: 2 hours /
Stamina cost: 2
A not uncommon form of poison, often having various re-
gional names, that must be imbibed by the target (usually
via food or drink). In doing so, the imbiber must succeed
in a DL 12 Endurance skill roll take 1 point of Health dam-
age per point of failure, plus gain the Poisoned (Mildly)
condition for one hour. Note that if someone inspects the
poisoned food or drink, a successful DL 15 Perception (sight
or smell specialty) roll will detect that the food/drink has
been tampered with in some way. Even mild poisons are
outlawed in most realms.
INGESTED POISON, STRONG
DL 15 to identify / DL 20 to create (must have Alchemy
level 3)
Material cost: 6 sc per dose / Time required: 3 hours /
Stamina cost: 3
A fairly rare category of poison, occasionally having region-
al names, which must be imbibed by the targeted creature.
In this is the case, the victim must then succeed in a DL 15
Endurance roll or take 1 Health point damage per point of
failure, as well as acquire the Poisoned (Strongly) condition
for two hours. This type of toxin is illegal in virtually all
lands, save for the most vile and corrupt. Anyone examin-
ing the poisoned food or drink can tell detect the tampering
with a successful DL 15 Perception (sight or smell) roll.
CHARACTER CREATION
MAIDEN’S BLOOD
DL 20 to identify / DL 25 to create (must have Alchemy
level 5)
Material cost: 10 sc per dose / Time required: 4 hours /
Stamina cost: 4
This potent toxin is made with a combination of Basilisk
venom, blood from a Red Cap, and allegedly virgin’s (or
lamb’s) blood, plus a few other minor ingredients. If im-
bibed, the victim must succeed in a DL 20 Endurance roll
or suffer 1 point of Health damage per point of failure,
plus gain the Poisoned (Strongly) condition for four hours.
However, after each hour, the victim must attempt another
Endurance roll (DL 20), with a success meaning the poison
has been overcome. On a failure, more Health damage is
taken per above; on a critical failure, the victim falls coma-
tose for eight hours (before the poison completely runs its
course).
Note that Maiden’s Blood can be used as a contact poi-
son too, although it is not quite as lethal, with the onset
time being two rounds and a failed DL 15 Endurance roll
meaning the victim gains the Poisoned (Strongly) condition
for one hour.
PRYDONIAN FIRE
DL 12 to identify / DL 15 to create (must have Alchemy
level 2)
Material cost: 4 sc per dose / Time required: 2 hours /
Stamina cost: 3
This is a rare concoction in all regions, apart from the Prydo-
nian Isles, where it tends to be more common. The people
here invented it centuries ago, though the Zaramese might
claim that they had the secret to this destructive substance
first. Regardless, a flask of this stuff (which is sometimes
called “sea fire”) can be thrown with a range of 4/8/12 and,
though it doesn’t necessarily explode, its chemicals spread
out and cover a 2x2 yard area. The thrower makes an Al-
chemy or Weaponry: Ranged skill roll, and any creatures
within the effect-area must succeed in an Acrobatics skill
roll or suffer 1 Health point of damage per point of failure
(maximum 10 points). Armor only counts as half-effective
against fire attacks, which includes Prydonian Fire. A flask
of this stuff will actually burn atop water for 3 rounds, and
note that any sensitive combustibles are likely to ignite too
if touched by Prydonian Fire.
SALVE, HEALING
DL 12 to identify / DL 15 to create (must have Alchemy
level 2 and Herbalism level 1) Material cost: 3 sc per dose /
Time required: 2 hours / Stamina cost: 2
This represents several types of concentrated salve or balm,
a concoction containing alchemy, but also a pinch of heal-
ing herbs and poultices. If rubbed into a Fresh Wound (an
injury, or wound, that occurred in the past 15 minutes),
which costs an action, the patient will heal at twice his or
her normal rate; if successful long-term has been applied,
then the healing rate is tripled. Note that this salve also
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 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
grants a +2 bonus to Endurance rolls when resisting disease
or poisons, the effects lasting for one hour.
WITCHES’ SPITTLE
DL 18 to identify / DL 25 to create (must have Alchemy
level 1 and Herbalism level 1)
Material cost: 3 sc per dose / Time required: 3 hours /
Stamina cost: 3
Named so due to its ancient connection to herb-magic and
hedge-magic, Witches’ Spittle is usually crafted by simple
(yet knowledgeable) folk, as it contains spider and viper
venom, toxic mushroom extract, and other foul ingredients.
It is only effective when imbibed, causing the victim to suc-
ceed in a DL 15 Endurance skill roll or gain the Poisoned
condition for one hour; on a critical failure, the victim is
paralyzed (and gains the Mildly Poisoned condition too).
OTHER ALCHEMICAL CONCOCTIONS
At the GM’s discretion, other strange and likely potent
alchemical “recipes” might surely exist, like Sslirian glow-
stones, Chundri-poison, and Zhinju ale, or perhaps even
more exotic feats of alchemia, such as the hellish alchemia
of demon-lords.
Critical Success:
1) Identify an alchemical concoction immediately as a free
action.
2) create a concoction in half the usual time and cost.
3) you stumble upon a discovery which yields to you a +1
“other” bonus to your Alchemy skill rolls or gives you +1 to
Renown (your choice).
Critical Failure:
1) Accidentally injure yourself when examining or creating a
concoction, which is 1 Health point of damage per point of
resistance roll failure.
2) accidentally spill or destroy half of the concoction right
after entire process.
3) cause damage to your surroundings, such as burnt furni-
ture, destroyed flasks or vials, personal gear, or whatever
else with GM discretion.
ANIMAL HANDLING (Mag)
This skill involves the general handling, taming, training,
and even domestication of animals, such as horses, mules,
dogs, pigs, falcons, hawks, oxen, and the like. Using beasts
as mounts or when driving vehicles also falls within the
realm of this skill.
Armor/Encumbrance Penalty: No
Specialties: Cats, Dogs, Falcons, Horses, Mules, Oxen,
Pigs, Rats, etc., or by specific use such as Charioteering,
Performance, or Riding.
Typical Tasks & Their DLs:
dz Train a common animal (cow, dog, horse, etc.) to
138
come or follow: DL 10
dz Train a rare or exotic animal (bird, camel, cat, rat,
etc.) to come or follow: DL 15
dz Train a common or aggressive animal to fight in
combat: DL 15
dz Train an exotic or non-aggressive animal to fight in
combat: DL 20
dz Train an animal in a rare or exotic task/trick: DL 20
dz Befriend a neutral or disinterested animal: DL 10-15
(depending on animal type)
dz Peacefully bypass an agitated animal: DL 15-20
(depending on animal type)
dz Peacefully bypass a hostile or mean-tempered ani-
mal: DL 20-25 (depending on type)
dz Swiftly mount a horse, camel, or similar common
riding beast: DL 15
dz Ride at a canter for an hour in moderately difficult
terrain: DL 10
dz Ride at a gallop for one minute in moderately dif-
ficult terrain: DL 15
dz Make a “hard ride” (that is, push a steed to 1.5 its
normal overland speed): DL 20
dz Control a mount not trained for battle in close
combat: DL 15
dz Remain mounted after being struck in combat: DL
= 5 + damage taken (before armor)
dz Roll safely away from an overturning steed or ve-
hicle: DL 10 (or DL 15 Acrobatics)
Time Required: Mounting a horse, camel, or similar
steed requires one action (or a free action with a suc-
cessful DL 15 Animal Handling roll). Getting a mount
to full speed requires two actions. Commanding a bat-
tle-trained steed or animal companion to attack costs the
master one action. Attempting to get a nonbattle-trained
animal to attack costs one action and a successful DL 20
Animal Handling roll. Teaching a simple task or trick takes
one week’s time. Training in an advanced task requires
two weeks at least. (Training is usually best as Downtime
Activity). Befriending, or bypassing, an animal usually
costs an action.
Suggested Tasks/Tricks: Most animals, assuming their
physiologies are adapted to it, are capable of learning
the following tasks—Attack, Carry, Come, Fetch, Follow,
Guard (an individual or object), Herd (other non-preda-
tory animals), Hide, Hunt, Perform (a few simple tricks).
Skill Level Achievements:
For every 3 skill levels you’ve attained, you gain one Spe-
cialty of your choice (see above)
Ƿ At skill level 4, you gain a +1 bonus to Survival skills due
CHARACTER CREATION
 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
to being around birds and beasts
Ƿ At skill level 7, you gain a +1 bonus to any Magical Arts
skill rolls you make involving animals; also any animal that
you have battle-trained gains a +1 bonus to attack rolls
Ƿ At skill level 10, you gain a +1 bonus to attack rolls you
make while mounted or aboard a chariot, wagon, or similar
vehicle. You also gain +1 to Renown.
Critical Success:
1) If chasing or fleeing a foe, you move an additional num-
ber of yards equal to half your mount’s Mobility this round.
2) If in combat, your mount or animal companion gains a
+2 bonus to its attack roll this round. 3) If training a beast,
you manage to do so in half the normal time.
4) If attempting to befriend an animal, it follows you and
eventually becomes a 2-point Animal Companion (you
would have to pay 2 more talent points if a 4-point crea-
ture).
Critical Failure:
1) Your mount throws you off, dealing 1 point of damage to
you per point of critical failure.
2) The creature turns on you suddenly, attacking you all-out
for one full round.
3) You seriously injure the animal you were training, deal-
ing 2 points of damage to it per point of critical failure.
ATHLETICS (Phy)
A skill representing one’s aptitude for climbing, jumping,
and swimming, as well as more obscure or culturally specific
forms of physical endeavor, such as hammer-tossing, long
distance running, sprinting, and more.
Armor/Encumbrance Penalty: Yes
Specialties: Climbing, Distance-running, Jumping,
Sprinting, Swimming, or terrain specific (such as Desert,
Forest, Hills, Mountains, Swamp, etc.).
Typical Tasks & Their DLs:
dz Climb a moderately steep or rocky mountain-slope
or cliff: DL 10*
dz Climb a steep or rocky slope/cliff: DL 15*
dz Climb an extremely steep or exceptionally slick or
rocky slope/cliff: DL 20*
dz Climb a sturdy tree with many limbs: DL 5
dz Climb a sturdy tree with few limbs or an unstable
tree with many limbs: DL 10
dz Climb a slippery tree with few limbs or an unstable
tree no limbs: DL 15
dz Scale a mortared stone or brick wall: DL 15*
dz Scale a slippery wall or one without mortared
stone: DL 20-25*
dz Scale a shaft where you can brace yourself against
opposing walls: DL 10
CHARACTER CREATION
dz Float or swim in calm water at least 10 feet deep:
DL 5
dz Float or swim in rapid waters or wavy surf: DL 10
dz Float or swim in extremely rapid waters or storm-
tossed surf: DL 15
dz Make a 2-foot vertical (ground to bottom of feet)
leap: DL 10
dz Make a 3-foot vertical leap: DL 15
dz Make a 3-yard horizontal (or broad) jump: DL
15**
dz Make a 4-yard horizontal (or broad) jump: DL
20**
dz Make a 5-yard horizontal (or broad) jump: DL
25**
Time Required: Climbing up or down most surfaces
takes one action to move 1/3 your base Mobility. How-
ever, using climbing gear, such as rope or pitons, allows
you to climb downward at twice this rate (2/3 Mobili-
ty). Jumping a chasm or making a vertical leap to grab
something overhead costs one action. Swimming move-
ment is ½ your base Mobility (or the speed of rapid
waters) per action.
Stamina Cost: For every minute of swimming in rap-
ids or storm-tossed waters costs you 1 Stamina point.
Swimming in non-rapid water only costs 1 Stamina per
10 minutes.
Skill Level Achievement:
For every 3 skill levels you’ve attained, you gain one Spe-
cialty of your choice (see above)
Ƿ At skill level 4, you can climb 2/3 your Mobility and
swim ¾ your Mobility as an action
Ƿ At skill level 7, you gain a +1 ‘other’ bonus to Acrobat-
ics skill rolls
Ƿ At skill level 10, you gain a +1 ‘other’ bonus to Brawling
skill rolls and can now move your full Mobility (per action)
when climbing or swimming.
Failure: If you fail the DL by 4 or less when climbing,
you are stuck in place and cannot try to move again until
next round. If you fail the DL 5 or more when climbing,
you plummet from whatever height you’ve attained and
take Health damage (see Falling Damage); however, if
you succeed in a DL 20 Initiative roll, you can manage to
make a last-moment hold of something and a successful
DL 10-15 Athletics roll (GM discretion) can pull you back
up as another action.
Critical Success:
1) You make a climb or swim move as a free action.
2) If involved in a contest of athletics games or tourna-
ments, you win several events over the course of an hour or
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 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
two (and earn 2 sc per point of critical success.
3) If witnessed by at least several other persons, your feat of
athletics gains you +1 to your Renown.
Critical Failure:
1) You immediately fall from the height you have attained,
without the possibility of a last-moment grab.
2) A valuable piece of equipment or treasure falls from you
while climbing or jumping.
3) You strike your head or knee against something when
climbing or swimming, taking 1 point of Health damage per
point of critical failure.
BRAWLING (Phy)
This skill simulates one’s knowledge and execution of punch-
es, grapples, throws, kicks, elbow smashes, eye gouges, and
other unarmed forms of pugilism. This also includes more
refined martial arts styles found more often in the East.
Armor/Encumbrance Penalty: Yes
Specialties: Gouging, Grappling, Head Butt, Kicking,
Pinning, Punching, Throwing, Tripping, etc.
Typical Tasks & Their DLs:
dz Make an unarmed strike to deal Health damage*:
DL = opponent’s Defense
dz Grab/grapple an opponent*: DL = opponent’s De-
fense
dz Break out of an opponent’s grappling hold: DL =
opponent’s original Brawling roll
dz Trip or knock prone an opponent*: DL = oppo-
nent’s Defense
dz Pin an opponent to the ground**: DL = oppo-
nent’s Defense
dz Gouge an opponent’s eye (after gaining a hold)**:
DL = opponent’s Defense
dz Throw an opponent one yard (after gaining a
hold)**: DL = 15 + opponent’s Physique
dz Disarm a foe’s Light or Medium one-handed weap-
on: DL = opponent’s Defense +2
dz Disarm an opponent’s Heavy weapon: DL = op-
ponent’s Defense +5
* Making an unarmed attack against an armed opponent is
at a -2 penalty to the attack roll
**You must have established a successful hold on the oppo-
nent before this using this maneuver
Time Required: Like all attacks, making any sort of
Brawling attack costs one action. Breaking free of a grap-
pling hold takes one action too (and counts as an attack
action).
140
Maximum Damage: The maximum damage of any
Brawling attack is 5 Health points. However, the Heavy
Hitter talent increases this to 7. Wearing a cestus (spiked
gauntlet) increases this to 8. Having the Heavy Hitter tal-
ent and wearing a cestus would be a maximum damage
of 10. Certain races, such as the Chenari or Sslir, have
maximum damages of 10 with their claws/bites.
Skill Level Achievements:
For every 3 skill levels you’ve attained, you gain one Spe-
cialty of your choice (see above)
Ƿ At skill level 4, you no longer suffer the -2 penalty when
attacking armed opponents.
Ƿ At skill level 7, you gain a +1 bonus to Weaponry: Me-
lee rolls when wielding Light weapons, since you are quite
used to close-quarters hand-to-hand combat. Furthermore,
you can now use your Brawling skill to calculate your Parry
Defense, though at -2.
Ƿ At skill level 10, you can now escape a grappling hold (if
you succeed in your Brawling roll) as a free action. If you
fail your Brawling roll to escape, however, it costs 1 action.
Lastly, you can now use Brawling to calculate your Parry
Defense with no penalty.
Critical Success:
1) If grappling an opponent, you do so as a free action in-
stead of one action.
2) If throwing an opponent, you throw him/her one yard
plus one yard per point of your Physique.
3) You knock the target prone in addition to dealing dam-
age.
4) You knock your target back one yard in addition to deal-
ing damage.
5) If tripping an opponent, he falls hard enough to also take
1 point of Health damage per point of critical success.
6) In addition to dealing damage, you also gouge your tar-
get’s eye badly enough to where the creature suffers -2 to
Defense and all die rolls for one round per point of critical
success.
Critical Failure:
1) You slip and fall prone.
2) You manage to catch an elbow or knee from an adjacent
opponent, taking 1 point of Health damage per point of
critical failure.
3) You injure a major muscle causing you to suffer -2 your
Mobility and all die rolls until tended to with a successful DL
15 Healing Arts roll (requiring one minute).
4) You are Stunned for one round per point of critical fail-
ure.
CRAFTING (Int)
This broad skill represents one’s ability to make and repair
objects, or appraise their general worth or market value. It
covers such things as blacksmithing, carpentry, leather-work-
ing, masonry, ship-building, and many other possibilities.
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Armor/Encumbrance Penalty: No.
Specialties: Blacksmithing, Brewing, Cooking, Farming,
Gardening, Gem-cutting, Leather-working, Masonry,
Parchment-making, Ship-building, Tailoring. (Possible
others with GM approval.)
Typical Tasks & Their DLs:
dz Create a simple object out of wood (bowl, spoon,
torch, etc.): DL 10
dz Create a complex object out of wood (boat, chest,
door, etc.): DL 15-20
dz Create a simple object out of stone (altar, bench,
bowl, etc.): DL 15
dz Create a complex object out of stone (pillar, statue,
throne, etc.): DL 20-25
dz Create a simple object out of metal (fork, horse-
shoe, spoon, etc.): DL 15
dz Create a complex object out of metal (chain, pad-
lock, tongs, etc.): DL 20-25
dz Create a simple cloth or leather item (belt, pouch,
sandal, etc.): DL 10
dz Create a complex cloth or leather item (boot, gir-
dle, saddle, etc.): DL 15-20
dz Build a two-wheeled cart or four-wheeled wagon
(requires Crafting level 1): DL 17
dz Build a medium-sized longship, bireme, or similar
ship (need Crafting level 2): DL 20
dz Build a large ship such as a drakkar or trireme (re-
quires Crafting level 3): DL 22
dz Create soft leather or hide armor: DL 10
dz Create padded/gambeson armor: DL 15
dz Create brigandine, hard leather, or ringmail armor:
DL 15
dz Create a chainmail shirt or chainmail hauberk (re-
quires Crafting level 1): DL 20
dz Create a scalemail hauberk: DL 20
dz Create plated mail (or half-plate) armor (requires
Crafting level 2): DL 22
dz Create Duergar full-plate armor (requires Crafting
level 4): DL 25*
dz Create war-cap and chain coif or full war-helm (re-
quires Crafting level 2): DL 22
dz Create a buckler (or small shield): DL 10
dz Create a medium round or heater shield: DL 12
dz Create a large (scutum or kite) shield: DL 15
dz Craft a club or staff: DL 5
dz Craft a spear or war-club: DL 10
dz Forge a dagger or handaxe: DL 15
CHARACTER CREATION
dz Forge a shortsword, battleaxe, mace, warhammer,
or war-spear: DL 17
dz Forge a flail, greataxe, greatspear, longsword,
maul, or polearm (need Crafting 1): DL 20
dz Forge a greatsword or war-flail (requires Crafting
level 2): DL 22
dz Craft a sling or war-sling: DL 10
dz Craft a javelin or war-dart: DL 12
dz Craft a shortbow or 5 hunting arrows: DL 15
dz Craft a longbow or 5 war-arrows: DL 17
dz Craft a composite shortbow: DL 20
dz Craft a composite longbow: DL 22
dz Craft a Sidhe war-bow (requires Crafting level 3):
DL 25**
dz Craft a crossbow or bolt/quarrel: DL 20
dz Repair an object: -5 to the DL to create the same
object
dz Create an exceptional-quality object (requires
Crafting level 2): +5 to the above DLs
dz Create a master-crafted object (requires Crafting
level 4): +10 to the above DLs
dz Craft a cold-iron (not fire-forged) object: +5 to the
DL to create a metal object
dz Add silver plating to a weapon (requires Crafting
level 1): +5 to the DL to create the weapon in question
dz Forge an object with Sildaril (“star-metal”) plating
(requires Crafting level 5): +7 to the DL to forge a metal
item**
*The DL is 5 lower for Duergar characters.
**The DL is 5 lower for Sidhe characters.
Time Required: Crafting a simple item takes a number
of hours equal to the item’s DL, with the assumption that
a typical workday is 8-10 hours in a well-suited work-
space (such as a shipyard, smithy, tailor’s shop, tannery,
etc.). Crafting a complex or large object, such as a lock,
saddle, small tower, ship, etc., can take a number of days
equal to the DL and might also require at least an ap-
prentice or two (or more) in assistance. Repairing an ob-
ject can take anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour for a
simple object, and several days (or more) for a large or
complex one.
Skill Level Achievements:
For every 3 skill levels you’ve attained, you gain a specialty
of your choice
Ƿ At skill level 4, you gain a +1 bonus to Lore rolls involv-
ing architecture and engineering.
Ƿ At skill level 7, you gain a +1 bonus to Alchemy skill
rolls.
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Ƿ At skill level 10, you gain a +1 bonus to Survival skill
rolls and you automatically discern the quality and value of
all but the most exotic of items.
Cost Required: In general, you need a number of sil-
ver pieces worth of materials (and possible wages for
assistants) equal to half the DL for simple objects and the
full DL for complex ones. Large and complicated objects,
such as castles, multi-decked ships, siege engines, towers,
and the like, will cost anywhere from 3 to 10 times the
DL in silver coins (and possibly much more). GM discre-
tion applies. Repairing items seldom cost any coinage,
save for complex or large objects which cost about one-
third to three-quarters their DL in silver pieces.
Stamina Cost: Creating or repairing most objects gener-
ally cost the craftsman 1 Stamina point per hour of work,
possibly more if pressed or particularly difficult (such as
working cold iron).
Failure: If you fail a Crafting skill roll by 5 or more, you
lose half of the materials and waste half the targeted
time needed for the task (and you will likely need to
acquire more materials if attempting the task again).
Critical Success:
1) If attempting to create an average-quality object, you in-
stead produce an exceptional-quality one, or if attempting
to create an exceptional-quality item, you instead manage
to make a master-crafted one.
2) You succeed in your task in one-quarter the targeted time.
3) You create (or repair) an object for only half the targeted
cost in silver coins.
4) You create an object of incredible, if accidental, beauty
which earns you +1 to your Renown.
Critical Failure:
1) You accidentally ruin all the raw materials for the task in
question.
2) You injure yourself (or an assistant) in a terrible accident,
causing 1 Health damage per point of critical failure.
3) You damage several tools or a portion of the workplace’s
design (such as an anvil, bellows, workbench, etc.), costing
you 2 sc to repair or replace per point of critical failure.
DISGUISE (Mag)
This skill represents one’s ability to appear as another per-
son, which includes costuming, voice mimicry, and imper-
sonations. Being good at disguises can also mean simply
blending into the background (to not be noticed), such as
in a marketplace, court, feast, or whatever.
Armor Penalty: No, unless any worn armor is not part
of the disguise in question.
Specialties: Cross-gender, Specific Race, Specific Profes-
sion, Voice Mimicry, etc.
142
Typical Tasks & Their DLs:
dz Disguise yourself as someone else of your own
race, culture, or gender: DL 10
dz Disguise yourself as someone not of your gender
(but still your own race): DL 15
dz Disguise yourself as someone of a different ethnici-
ty or nationality: DL 15
dz Disguise yourself as someone of a different human-
oid race: DL 20
dz Disguise yourself as someone of a specific profes-
sion (but still your own race): DL 15
dz Disguise yourself as a known individual of your
race/culture/gender: DL 20
dz Disguise yourself as a known individual of a differ-
ent race or gender: DL 25
dz Disguise yourself of a famed individual (Renown
25+): DL = person’s Renown
Time Required: At least one minute’s time to don most
basic disguises, given appropriate clothing and other ac-
coutrements, but up to 5-10 minutes’ time perhaps to
look like a known personage.
Skill Level Achievements:
For every 3 skill levels you’ve attained, you gain a specialty
of your choosing.
Ƿ At skill level 4, you gain a +1 bonus to Performance
skill rolls.
Ƿ At skill level 7, you gain a +1 bonus to Sleight of Hand
and Stealth rolls.
Ƿ At skill level 10, your bonus to Performance skill rolls
increases to +2.
Detection & Success: You can wear the disguise as long
as you wish, of course, but every half-hour in an area
where there are others who could possibly detect your
chicanery grants such onlookers a Perception (empathy
or sight) roll versus a DL set by your Disguise skill roll.
Critical Success:
1) You’re able to get into your disguise in just one round’s
(two actions) time.
2) You wind up appearing as a renowned personage in the
area (whether you meant to or not), perhaps gaining some
social benefit from it.
3) You are so convincing in the disguise in question that
you gain a +1 bonus to all future attempts to use the same
disguise again.
Critical Failure:
1) You are mistaken for a local criminal or other less-than-rep-
utable sort who’s being sought after; 2) In your attempt to
appear as a known personage, the individual himself (or
someone very close to him) is seen not 10 yards from you.
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 SAVAGEIII
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3) You damage or destroy a portion of your disguise, cost-
ing you 2 sc per point of critical failure to repair or replace.
ENDURANCE (Vig)
This skill simulates one’s ability to resist or withstand pain,
hunger, poison, disease, and other effects upon the physical
body. Endurance is used often as a resistance roll to with-
stand, or at least reduce, certain hardship effects that can
occur during adventures.
Armor Penalty: No.
Specialties: Cold Resistance, Heat Resistance, Pain Tol-
erance, Resist Disease, Resist Hunger, Resist Poison, Resist
Thirst, Shape-shifting, Toiling.
Typical Tasks & Their DLs:
dz Resist a poison or venom: DL varies per effect (usu-
ally 10 to 25)
dz Resist a disease or serious illness: DL varies (usually
10 to 20)
dz Suffer only half normal Stamina loss after missing 1
night’s sleep/rest: DL 10
dz Suffer only half normal Stamina loss after missing 2
night’s sleep/rest: DL 20
dz Suffer only half normal Stamina loss after 3 days
without food: DL 10
dz Suffer only half normal Stamina loss after 7 days
without food: DL 15
dz Suffer only half normal Stamina loss after 2 days
without water: DL 15
dz Suffer only half normal Stamina loss after 3 days
without water: DL 20
dz Remain alive (but still suffering the effects of 0
Stamina) after 5 days w/out water: DL 25
dz Resist any Stamina loss in moderate cold or hot
weather: DL 10*
dz Suffer only half normal Stamina loss in extreme
cold or hot weather: DL 20*
dz Resist the effects of body-affecting magic: DL varies
per spell (usually 10 to 30)
dz Resist the effects of extreme pain or torture: DL
varies (usually 10 to 25)
dz Resist Stamina loss after 10 hours of normal trav-
el-time: DL 10 + 2 per hour afterward
Time Required: As most Endurance skill rolls are made
as resistance rolls (that is, a roll made as a reaction to
something like poison or intense pain), the time invest-
ment is more or less instantaneous. However, some ef-
fects come in “stages”—such as most diseases—and may
require an Endurance roll every hour until the effect is
CHARACTER CREATION
cured or the victim is deceased. Other effects, such as
enduring a blizzard or going a couple of days without
water, might require a roll every 12 or 24 hours. GM
discretion applies.
Skill Level Achievements:
For every 3 skill levels you’ve attained, you gain a specialty
of your choice.
Ƿ At skill level 4, you gain a +1 bonus to Athletics skill
rolls.
Ƿ At skill level 7, you gain a +1 bonus to Resolve skill rolls.
Ƿ At skill level 10, you gain +1 to your Renown and Stami-
na.
Critical Success:
1) You gain a +2 bonus to all future Endurance rolls against
the same ongoing effect for the next two hours.
2) If enough people witness your incredible feat of endur-
ance, you gain a +1 to your Renown.
3) So invigorated are you by your feat of physical resistance
that you gain a +1 bonus to all die rolls for the next hour.
Critical Failure:
1) You suffer one (additional) point of Health damage per
point of critical failure.
2) You suffer one (additional) Stamina damage per point of
critical failure.
3) You acquire a minor Weakness appropriate to the effect,
such as Disfigured, Lame, Maimed, or even Madness.
HEALING ARTS (Int)
This is the art of tending to the sick and fallen, whether
to tend wounds, set broken bones, neutralize poisons, cure
diseases, or diagnose a creature’s ailments. Much of it in-
volves cleaning and bandaging, as well as applying poul-
tices or cruder things like stitching lacerations or cauterizing
open wounds.
Armor Penalty: No.
Specialties: Birthing, Broken Bones, Chirurgery, Diseas-
es, Fresh Wounds, Healing Herbs, Long-term Care, Poi-
sons, Specific Creature.
Typical Tasks & Their DLs:
dz Diagnose the general nature of an ailment or inju-
ry: DL 10
dz Diagnose a rare or unusual injury/ailment: DL 15
dz Stop an unconscious and wounded human or hu-
manoid from bleeding out: DL 10
dz Stop an unconscious and wounded exotic creature
from bleeding out: DL 15
dz Treat fresh wounds*: DL 15 (patient heals 1 Health
plus 1 per 2 points rolled over the DL)
dz Treat fresh wounds on yourself or on an exotic
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creature*: DL 20 (same formula as above)
dz Administer long-term care**: DL 10 (patient heals 1
Health + his/her Vigor per 12 hours)
dz Neutralize poison in a creature: DL = poison’s
original resistance DL + 5
dz Cure disease in a creature: DL = disease’s original
resistance DL + 5
*Fresh wounds mean injuries that were caused less than
15 minutes ago; after this time, they are considered “old
wounds” only treatable by long-term care (or healing mag-
ic). The maximum Health points restored can never be
more than half the victim’s full Health.
**Long-term care refers to the treatment of old wounds/
injuries or recovering from the effects of disease or poison.
Without long-term care, a victim only heals 1 Health point
+ his/her Vigor every 24 hours of relative rest or light activ-
ity (minimum 1 point).
Time Required: It takes generally a minute to diag-
nose an injury or ailment. Stopping a creature’s bleeding
(when into negative Health points) takes two actions.
Treating fresh wounds requires a good 10 minutes’ time
(and must be tended to within 15 minutes or they be-
come “old wounds”). Long-term care requires the healer
to tend to the patient at least once an hour, cleaning
bandages, administering food and drink, etc. Treating
disease or poison takes at least a minute, perhaps more if
the ailment is rare or exceptionally potent.
Skill Level Achievements:
For every 3 skill levels you’ve attained, you may choose
one specialty.
Ƿ At skill level 4, you gain a +1 bonus to Herbalism skill
rolls.
Ƿ At skill level 7, you gain to all Magical Arts: Life and
Survival rolls.
Ƿ At skill level 10, you gain +1 bonus to your Health and
Renown.
Critical Success:
1) If diagnosing, you do so in merely a round’s time (two
actions) instead of a full minute.
2) If stopping the bleeding of a creature, you do so as but
one action instead of two.
3) If treating fresh wounds, you do so in merely one minute
instead of ten.
4) You grant the patient +1 to Health and Stamina for one
hour’s time.
Critical Failure:
1) If diagnosing, you come to a completely wrong assess-
ment.
2) You cause a creature who is bleeding out to lose one
additional Health per point of critical failure.
144
3) If treating fresh wounds, you cause further damage equal
to 1 Health per point of critical failure.
4) You cause a disease, poison, or long-term care patient
to either permanently lose a point of Health or gain the
Disfigured, Lame, or Maimed weakness.
HERBALISM (Int)
This skill represents one’s aptitude for the various herbs,
roots, and flora of the world and their various uses and
applications. This could be anything from simple hemlock
or nightshade, all the way up to the numerous varieties of
semi-magical lotus plants.
Armor Penalty: No.
Specialties: Cooking, Healing, Locating, Preserving,
Specific Terrain (Forest, Marsh, Plains, etc.).
Typical Tasks & Their DLs:
dz Identification and general knowledge of an exam-
ined common herb: DL 10
dz Identification and general knowledge of an exam-
ined rare herb: DL 15
dz Identification and general knowledge of an exam-
ined exotic herb: DL 20
dz Locating a wild herb in the wilderness: DL 15-25
(depending on terrain, season, etc.)
dz Locating a specific herb in a garden: DL 5-15 (de-
pending on garden’s size, season, etc.)
dz Drying and preserving a common or rare herb (for
use up to 1 month later): DL 10
dz Drying and preserving an exotic herb (for use up to
one month later): DL 15
dz Preparing a large or exquisite meal utilizing cook-
ing herbs: DL 10
dz Creating a special herbal concoction: DL 10 to 25
(see below)
Time Required: Locating herbs in a wilderness area usu-
ally takes an hour or so. Locating herbs in a garden could
take anywhere from one minute to half an hour depend-
ing on the size of the garden. Preserving or drying herbs
requires maybe a half-hour of preparation, then at least
six to eight hours afterward for the herbs’ complete “dry-
ing out”. Preparing a large or exquisite meal using spices
or other herbs might take one to four hours. Creating
a special herbal concoction (see below) takes one half-
hour per 5 points of DL (for example, a ‘DL 15 to create’
herbal concoction would require 1.5 hours’ work-time).
Skill Level Achievements:
For every 3 skill levels you’ve attained, you gain a specialty
of your choosing.
CHARACTER CREATION
 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
Ƿ At skill level 4, you gain a +1 bonus to Healing Arts
skill rolls.
Ƿ At skill level 7, you gain a +1 bonus to Alchemy skill
rolls and Magical Arts: Earth and Life skill rolls.
Ƿ At skill level 10, you gain a +1 bonus to your Renown
and to all Survival skill rolls.
Creating Herbal Concoctions: Creating an herbal con-
coction—be it draught, poultice, sachet, tea, or whatev-
er—generally requires one to two hours (see ‘Time Re-
quired’ below for each herbal entry). Such concoctions,
some of which are quasi-magical in nature and effect,
require either fresh herbs (no more than 24 hours after
being harvested) or dried/preserved herbs no more than
one month old. Some herbs can even be cooled or fro-
zen to keep their potency even longer. If a concoction
is created, then obviously the herb (be it root, spring,
flower, etc.) is expended. Lastly, most herbal concoctions
have a Stamina cost for creating it, since this takes some
energy and focus. The following entries represent some
of the more useful or exotic uses for herbal concoctions,
although the GM is free to invent more. Note that ‘to
identify’ means to locate the herb in question and iden-
tify it for what it is. It usually takes at least an hour to
find a specific herb in the wilderness, and then only if the
season, climate, and terrain is appropriate for it.
BARROW-WEED
DL 10 to identify / DL 15 to create a concoction (must have
Herbalism level 1)
Material cost: None / Time Required: 1 hour / Stamina Cost:
2 DL 15 to identify / DL 20 to create (must have Herbalism
Also known as Grave-wort, this is a grey-brown herb (often
considered a mere weed) with small black or midnight-blue
flowers and usually found in temperate to sub-arctic regions
in late summer to early winter. It can be made into a pow-
der that, when burned, emits an odd-smelling brownish
smoke.
If this smoke is inhaled, the inhaler gains the benefits of
the Death-touched talent for one hour (if this talent is al-
ready possessed, then it can now be used without the Stami-
na cost for it for the hour). The inhaler also gains a +1 bonus
to Magical Arts: Death and Shadow skill rolls for the hour,
and furthermore, if the Second Sight talent is possessed,
then he or she automatically experiences a dream-vision
within this hour-long period.
However, those inhaling Barrow-weed smoke must also
succeed in a DL 10 Endurance roll or suffer the Sickened
condition for the hour (though still gaining the benefits
mentioned above); a critical failure here means the charac-
ter falls comatose instead for an hour, only waking before
such time with a successfully applied DL 20 Healing Arts
skill roll, and therefore gaining no benefits from the Grave-
wort whatsoever.
BLACK LOTUS FLOWER
DL 10 to identify / DL 15 to harvest/create (must have
CHARACTER CREATION
Herbalism level 2)
Material cost: None / Time Required: 2 hours / Stamina
Cost: 2
A rare and extremely potent plant native to the continent
of Hassan, across the Dragon Sea, and then only in a couple
of select locales, one of them being along the Black River
(and the shores of the Sea of Shadow) in what is now called
the Wastes of Xarkon. Black Lotus is also known as Death
Lotus, an apt name given the fact that it can cause horrible
nightmares and hallucinations to any living creature within
3 yards of a black-flowered stalk of it. Only a successful DL
15 Resolve roll can prevent one from experiencing these
dreadful phantasms, delusions, and waking nightmares for
an hour (causing the victim to suffer -2 to Defense and all
die rolls). On a critical failure, the victim becomes Terrified
of things that aren’t there, suffering a -5 penalty to all die
rolls for one hour’s time. Furthermore, if the victim is not
treated with a successful DL 20 Healing Arts application (or
a Cure Ailment spell) during this hour, he dies a horrible,
nightmare-induced, death.
A courageous, or curious, mage could inhale the heady
aroma as to benefit from the lotus’ essence—+2 to Stami-
na and all Magical Arts: Air, Death, Earth, and Shadow.
Lastly, note that Death (or Black) Lotus can be addictive,
so every time a person comes in contact with a preserved
pinch of it, a DL 13 Resolve roll must be passed; failure
means the Addiction (black lotus—minor) is gained by the
character. Any subsequent failures would upgrade this to
the major version.
BLACK LOTUS POISON
level 4 and Alchemy level 1) Material cost: 15 sc per dose /
Time Required: 4 hours / Stamina Cost: 4
One of the deadliest poisons in all the known world, this
toxic herbal concoction also contains its fair share of alch-
emia. It can either be ingested or used on a blade, but re-
gardless, the effects are the same: the victim must succeed in
a DL 20 Endurance roll or suffer 1 point of Health damage
per point of failure (maximum 20 points), as well as 1 point
of Agility and Willpower loss for every 5 Health points’
damage. If the victim’s Agility falls to -5, then he or she is
essentially Immobile; if Willpower is reduced to -5, then the
victim is comatose. The victim must attempt this Endurance
resistance roll every round until the DL is met, a successful
Cure Ailment spell is cast (at DL 20), a DL 25 Healing Arts
roll (to treat poison), or the victim perishes.
This is one of the rarer herbalism concoctions requiring
a workshop, or some similar space, since a measure of al-
chemical precision is involved (as well as costs for special
materials).
BLOODTHORN BLOSSOM
DL 12 to identify / DL 15 to create (must have Herbalism
level 2)
Material cost: None / Time required: 1 hour / Stamina cost:
1
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Bloodthorn trees are said to only grow in the Bloodthorn
Forest in northern Aradorn, though they once were seen as
far west as the Celenothien Forest (where the Sidhe-realm
of Celendoril can be found). Only a handful of these no-
ble, brown-red trees still exist today, guarded sometimes
by the Wild Sidhe or roving Knights of the Sword and the
Rose. Rose-like blossoms grow high up on their limbs, a rich
burgundy or maroon in color. These flowers, when mixed
with some of the tree’s sap and bark, produce a pleasing
aroma and can be prepared as a sachet to be worn about
the neck or on a belt. This herbal sachet grants the wearer
+1 to all Resolve rolls for one week’s time, which probably
plays into the folk lore that Bloodthorn offers “protection
from evil”.
DEADLY NIGHTSHADE
DL 10 to identify / DL 15 to create a concoction (must have
Herbalism level 2)
Material cost: None / Time required: 1 hour / Stamina cost:
1 small dosages of other semi-potent herbs and spices, typical-
Often shortened to “Nightshade”, this herb is capable of
creating a potent poison as outlined in the Alchemy skill
entry (use the Strong Ingested Poison statistics). In addition,
parts of this plant can also be used to make a Sop (use the
Sleeping Elixir statistics in the Alchemy skill entry). Both of
these concoctions are DL 15 to create. This herb is often reg-
ulated in more civilized realms, but usually accepted among
nature-oriented barbarian peoples.
FAERIEWORT
DL 12 to identify / DL 17 to create (must have Herbalism
level 3)
Material cost: None / Time required: 2 hours / Stamina
cost: 2
This beautiful plant, most often seen with bluish-purple
blossoms flowering in the spring to midsummer, is heavi-
ly associated with the Other-world and, thusly, the Sidhe
and all Faerie-folk in general. Though a rare herb-plant
indeed, harvesting the petals and part of the stalk (and a
drop or two of the sap), and brewing them all together
in a silver-plated or crystal pot, produces a tea-like tinc-
ture capable of granting +2 to the imbiber’s Stamina and
an additional +2 bonus to all Perception skill rolls for the
next hour. Some even whisper that otherwise hidden por-
tals into the Other-world might be detected while under the
influence of Faerie-wort.
HEMLOCK POISON
DL 10 to identify / DL 15 to create a concoction (must have
Herbalism level 1)
Material cost: None / Time Required: 1 hour / Stamina Cost:
1
This reddish-purple stalked plant, with white or yel-
low-white flowers, is generally only seen in late spring and
late autumn and tends to be found most often in, or near,
146
forests. Tea-like poisons can be made with hemlock essence
(mixed with other minor ingredients), one dosage being
capable of potentially paralyzing a victim. If imbibed (hem-
lock poison is often hidden in food or drink), the imbiber
must succeed in a DL 15 Endurance roll or lose some mus-
cle-control, reflected in a -1 to Agility and Physique plus an
additional -1 per 5 points of failure; furthermore, if this roll
is failed, then the victim must make another Endurance roll
a minute later, with failure meaning full paralysis and the
Helpless condition. A DL 20 Healing Arts roll can neutral-
ize the poison (or a successful Cure Ailment spell), with the
Agility and Physique returning after 1 hour.
MANDRAKE BREW
DL 10 to identify / DL 15 to create (must have Herbalism
level 2)
Material cost: None / Time Required: 2 hours / Stamina
Cost: 2
This fairly rare concoction is made from mandrake root with
ly all brewed together in a small cauldron. If made success-
fully, one of dose of this stuff grants the drinker +1 to Vigor,
as well as a +1 bonus to Magical Arts: Earth, Fire, Water,
and Life skill rolls, for one hour. Mandrake appears as a
grey-brown or dark brown root, somewhat man-shaped,
and is long-associated with vim, vigor, and voraciousness.
MISTLETOE SACHET
DL 10 to identify / DL 15 to create (must have Herbalism
level 3)
Material cost: none / Time Required: 2 hours / Stamina
Cost: 2
Mistletoe is famed throughout most cultures, but especially
among those of the far west and northwest, such as the
Caernians, Cymreddi, and Gaerns (where the Druid-priests
hold it sacred and in great mystery). Mistletoe can be quite
deadly, represented by the fact that it slowly chokes the life
out of the tree hosting it, but yet if used sparingly and in
near-precise balance, it can offer some life-enhancing prop-
erties.
A well-preserved batch of mistletoe, after being cut down
at dawn or dusk on an equinox or solstice, and placed in a
sachet (a small mesh-like bag or pouch usually worn around
the neck), can provide a suitable sacred focus-item which
grants +1 to Stamina and a +1 bonus to all ritual Magical
Arts (all disciplines) spells for one full month.
MISTLETOE ABORTIVE
DL 10 to identify / DL 15 to create (must have Herbalism
level 2)
Material cost: none / Time Required: 1 hour / Stamina Cost:
1
Mistletoe berries and certain other parts of the sprig are
used make this ingested elixir, a gentle yet potent poison
which is taken by women to abort an unwanted pregnancy.
Such a thing is rare, but if the woman is ravaged by some
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terrible half-human thing (or to be rid of the spawn of an
illicit affair), this this mixture can be a godsend.
However, the imbiber must attempt a DL 10 Endurance
roll; if she makes it, the pregnancy is safely aborted, but if
not, the fetus survives. If she fails by 5 or more, not only is
the child still intact, but she also suffers -2 to her Agility and
Vigor for one full day (unless a successful DL 20 Healing
Arts roll can be applied beforehand). On a critical failure,
the mother is killed (and, by extension, the fetus too).
RED LOTUS FLOWER
DL 15 to identify / DL 15 to create or harvest (must have
Herbalism level 2)
Material cost: none / Time Required: 1 hour / Stamina Cost:
1 Furthermore, a single dosage of the White Lotus Flower
Also known as Blood Lotus, this rare red-blossomed plant
grow best in hot and damp environments, such as the south-
ern Prydonian Isles and across the Dragon Sea in much of
northern Emanju and southern Hassan. If kept warm, raw
red lotus petals (often mixed with the sap-like juices) can
cause a great heightening of passion, invoking both sexual
desire and anger—that is, lust and blood-lust. If eaten, a
dose of raw blood-lotus flower temporarily increases the
imbiber’s Health by 2 and grants a +1 bonus to Brawling
and Endurance skill rolls for one hour.
At the end of this time, however, the lotus-eater must
succeed in a DL 12 Endurance roll or lose 1 Stamina point
per point of failure due to the exertion; upon a critical fail-
ure, the eater also passes out unconscious for one hour and
gains the Addiction (red lotus—minor) weakness. The typi-
cal Red Lotus plant has 3 harvest-worthy doses.
RED LOTUS PERFUME
DL 15 to identify / DL 15 to create (must have Herbalism
level 3 and Alchemy level 1) Material cost: 3 sc per dose /
Time Required: 2 hours / Stamina Cost: 2
Utilizing the lust-invoking potency of the Red (or Blood)
Lotus, this is a perfume-like body oil that master herbal-
ists (sometimes with the assistance of alchemists) learned
to produce centuries ago from blossoms and juices of the
semi-magical plant. It can be made into liquid or powdered
form, but regardless, a typical dosage represents only a drop
or small pinch. When worn on the body, as a perfume-like
oil or facial powder (or worn around the neck in a sachet),
all living creatures of Intellect -2 or higher, that are within 2
yards of the wearer, to become lust-filled (see the effects in
the Red Lotus Flower entry above) unless a DL 15 Resolve
roll is made.
The wearer might feel these effects as well, at least nom-
inally, but can easily control the feelings, particularly after
a week or two of use. Note that a single dose of Red Lo-
tus Perfume remains effective for eight hours; however, the
wearer must succeed in a DL 5 Resolve roll at the end of this
time or gain the Addiction (red lotus—minor) weakness.
On a critical success, the wearer becomes immune to the
effects of Red Lotus Perfume; on a critical failure, the Addic-
tion increases to the major version.
CHARACTER CREATION
WHITE LOTUS FLOWER
DL 10 to identify / DL 15 to create or harvest (must have
Herbalism level 3) / Material cost: none
Time Required: 1 hour / Stamina Cost: 1
Growing only in the coldest regions of the world, seemingly
kept alive by snow and ice, the rare White Lotus, as such,
is a quasi-magical plant indeed. Also known as Snow Lotus,
skillfully harvested blossoms contain amazing healing prop-
erties, and a single dose restores a wounded eater a number
of Health points equal to his/her Vigor plus two after one
minute’s time (for example, someone with Vigor +1 would
heal 3 Health points).
counters disease and poison as well, granting a victim of ei-
ther a +5 bonus to any upcoming Endurance rolls to throw
off the condition(s) or a +5 bonus to the Healing Arts roll
of any attending healer. Note that White Lotus must be kept
cold; if this can be arranged, then potentially up to five
doses of the above effects can be harvested from one single
Snow Lotus plant.
White Lotus is less addictive than virtually all other types
of lotuses, although for every 3 dosages imbibed, the eater
must succeed in a DL 7 Resolve roll or acquire the Addic-
tion (white lotus—minor) weakness. The DL increases by
one every time it is tested. A second failure to this means
the Addiction increases to major.
WHITE LOTUS ELIXIR
DL 15 to identify / DL 20 to create (must have Herbalism
level 5 and Alchemy level 1) Material cost: 20 sc per dose /
Time Required: 4 hours / Stamina Cost: 4
Made from a precise extract requiring two full doses of
White Lotus Flower (and some other potent additives), this
extremely powerful concoction instantly heals (as one ac-
tion) the drinker a number of Health points equal to 5 plus
his or her Vigor, restores 5 Stamina points, grants a +5 bo-
nus to Endurance rolls to resist any ongoing or upcoming
diseases or poisons (for the next hour), and a +1 Magical
Arts: Life skill rolls (for the next hour). Even a half-dose
heals the imbiber 2 Health points and restores 2 Stamina.
Though Snow Lotus is less addictive than practically all
other forms of lotus-plants, for every White Lotus Elixir im-
bibed, the drinker must succeed in a DL 7 Resolve roll or
gain the Addiction (white lotus—minor) weakness. A sec-
ond failure increases the weakness to major.
WITCH-ROOT ELIXIR
DL 15 to identify / DL 20 to create (must have Herbalism
level 4)
Material cost: 5 sc per dose / Time required: 3 hours /
Stamina cost: 3
This rare root-like herb, which can be found in most times
of year save for coldest winter and warmest summer, pre-
ferring to thrive in somewhat harsh terrain (such as rocky
hills, low mountains, thick forest, or even near-desert con-
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 SAVAGEIII
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ditions) and in twilight or darkness. A brewed elixir can
be made from it, which must be done in a cold-iron or
lead-plated cauldron, which yields a +1 bonus to all Magi-
cal Arts skill rolls (whether ritual or spontaneous), as well as
+1 to both Health and Stamina, to anyone imbibing a dose
of this potent stuff. These effects last for four hours.
Since there is a coinage cost (for additional exotic ingre-
dients, herbalist’s tools, and a workspace), an actual work-
shop or some facsimile thereof must be used to make this
brew. Otherwise, it is a -2 penalty if done strictly “in the
wild” or “on the road”.
Critical Success:
1) You find a herb you were searching for in 10 minutes’
time in the wild or only one minute in a garden.
2) If creating an herbal concoction, you succeed in one-half
the usual time and expend only half the usual Stamina.
3) You manage to create two doses/uses of an herbal con-
coction you were crafting instead of merely one.
4) If preparing a meal for at least a dozen, your herbal
additives produce the finest of results which grant a +1 to
your Renown.
Critical Failure:
1) You locate an herb that is completely the opposite of
what you thought it was (that is, a curative becomes a poi-
son, a poisonous herb is beneficent to its victim, etc.).
2) You ruin the entire herb when attempting to dry it out or
craft a concoction out of it.
3) Something from the herb burns your hands or causes
horrible welts, thus inflicting upon you the Mildly Poisoned
condition for one hour (or until cured with a DL 20 Heal-
ing Arts roll).
4) If preparing a meal, you accidentally cause all who con-
sume it to suffer the Sickened condition for one hour (or
until cured with a DL 15 Healing Arts roll).

TABLE 2-11: THE KNOWN LANGUAGES OF THE WEST

Language Scarcity Writing Other Notes

Angelic Very rare Yes (letters) a.k.a. Over-speech
Brythian Common Yes (runic)
Caernian Rare Semi (ogham)
Chenari Rare Semi (letters)
Cymreddi Uncommon Semi (ogham)
Dragon-speech Very rare Semi (runic)
Druidic Rare Semi (ogham) a.k.a. “Tree-tongue”
Duergar Rare Yes (runic)
Esmandian Uncommon Yes (letters) Old Esmandi is the root
Faerie-tongue Very rare Semi (ogham) a.k.a. Other-speech
Gaernic Uncommon Semi (ogham)
Giant-speech Rare Semi (runic)
Goblin-tongue Rare Semi (runic)
Gorgonic Rare Semi (letters) a.k.a. Gorgothan
Lorinthian Common Yes (letters) a.k.a. Imperial tongue
Mulovian Uncommon Yes (runic)
Nether-speech Very rare Semi (script) a.k.a. Demonic
Norish Rare Semi (runic)
Prydonian Uncommon Yes (letters)
Shadow-tongue Very rare No Shadow Hand speech
Sidhe Rare Yes (script) Dark, Eluna, and Wild
Skathian Uncommon Yes (runic)

148 CHARACTER CREATION

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Sslirian Rare Yes (script)

Thorakkian Rare Semi (runic)
Titanic Very rare Semi (letters) a.k.a. Titan-speech
Troll-speak Rare No

ANCIENT & NEAR-EASTERN LANGUAGES*

Language Scarcity Writing Other Notes
Arrese Very rare Yes (hieroglyphs)

Azirian Rare Yes (script)

Mezcan Very rare Semi (glyphs)

Old Aradornii Very rare No

Old Esmandi Very rare Semi (letters)

Old Guldari Very rare Semi (letters)

Rhodonite Rare Yes (letters)

Tarnian Rare Yes (letters)

Valnr Rare Semi (runic)

Zaramese Rare Yes (script) a.k.a. Imperial Zaramese

Zunti Rare Semi (glyphs)

*There are dozens of other languages from “the east” (i.e. continents of Emanju, Hassan, and beyond). These are
beyond the scope of this book and are scheduled to appear in a future campaign expansion supplement.

LANGUAGE (Int) dz Speak in subtext or innuendo in order to convey

This skill represents a character’s knowledge of linguistics,
be it the spoken or written tongue, and could be used to
decipher ancient glyphs, runes, and other forms of writing.
Note that player-characters automatically know their own
native language (plus a possible cultural bonus tongue at
character creation), so any additional ones are governed
by this skill.
Armor Penalty: No.
Specialties: Deciphering, Encryption, Forging, Innu-
endo, Reading, Writing, or a specific tongue such as
Brythian, Caernian, Cymreddi, Duergar, Esmandian,
Gaernic, Goblin-tongue, Lorinthian, Mulovian, etc. (See
the list of languages of the known world below.)
Typical Tasks & Their DLs:
secret information: +5 to base DL
dz Understand the gist of someone’s words in a
tongue unknown to you: DL 20
dz Decipher a badly written missive or ancient dialect
of a known tongue: DL 10
dz Decipher an encrypted or encoded missive: DL =
encoder’s skill (usually 15-25)
dz Encrypt/encode a simple message: DL 15*
dz Encrypt/encode a complex message: DL 25*
*The receiver/decoder of the missive must succeed in a Lan-
guage roll vs. this DL to interpret
**The receiver/decoder of the message must succeed in a
Language roll vs. this DL to interpret

dz Speak your native tongue: DL 0 (no skill roll re- Time Required: Speaking a phrase or short sentence
quired) can take but an action if in combat (which is usually con-
dz Write your native tongue: DL 0 (unless Intellect -1 sidered a free action unless the speech invokes a spell
or lower, then DL 10) or certain talent). An entire oratory speech could take
a half-hour or more. Trying to convey a basic message
dz Speak your native tongue using a regional dialect: to an ally through innuendo takes a few seconds (one
DL 10
action if in combat), or longer (two actions or more) if
dz Speak in a regional dialect of a secondary or tertia- complex information is being given. Writing a message
ry tongue: DL 15 or poem could take anywhere from a minute to an hour,
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 SAVAGEIII
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depending on its details and complexity. Deciphering
and encrypting requires at least five minutes, and usually
much longer (an hour or more) for a complex missive.
Skill Level Achievements:
For every 2 skill levels you’ve attained, you may choose
another tongue to add to your list of known languages.
See the list of languages below. (Note that you must have
at least an Intellect of -1 or better, possess the High-born
talent, or have at least one skill level in Language in order
to read and write.) For every 3 skill levels you’ve attained,
you may choose one Specialty (see above).
Ƿ At skill level 4, you gain a +1 bonus to Lore skill rolls.
Ƿ At skill level 7, you gain a +1 bonus to Alchemy skill
rolls and all Magical Arts skill rolls when learning a new
spell from a scroll, book, or other written source.
Ƿ At skill level 10, you gain +1 to your Renown and a +1
bonus to Persuasion skill rolls.
Critical Success:
1) If attempting to speak a simple innuendo to an ally, you
do so as a free action.
2) You compose a lengthy or complex missive in just one
minute’s time.
3) If composing a poem or saga, and it is later read or heard
by others, you gain +1 to your Renown for its masterful
composition.
4) If decoding a message, you do so in but a few moments
(one action) if simple, or but one minute if complex.
Critical Failure:
1) You completely misinterpret the information you were
deciphering (or the innuendo you were hearing), and must
role-play that you believe it to be correct.
2) Some particularly arcane or archaic writing you were at-
tempting to decipher inflicts the Cursed weakness (minor
version) upon you unless you succeed in a DL 20 Magical
Arts (any) or Resolve roll.
3) A missive, or innuendo, that you sent is wildly misinter-
preted by the receiver.
LOCK-PICKING (Agi)
A covert skill involving opening locks without a key, as well
as related activities, such as disarming mechanical traps and
150
disabling similar devices. Picking locks is not exactly legal
in most realms (locks are, in fact, quite rare in more savage
lands), and so this skill is often frowned upon save by the
most roguish and underground sub-societies.
Armor/Encumbrance Penalty: No.
Specialties: Chests, Doors, Manacles, Padlocks, Pitfalls,
Portcullises, Snares, Trapdoors, etc.
Typical Tasks & Their DLs:
dz Pick a simple iron padlock or bolt-lock: DL 15*
dz Pick a difficult iron padlock or bolt-lock: DL 20*
dz Pick a difficult a master-crafted padlock or complex
gear-lock: DL 25*
dz Slide away or “disarm” a wooden door-bar on
other side of a door: DL 20*
dz Slide away/disarm a heavy wooden or iron door-
bar: DL 25*
dz Disable the bolts and/or hinge-work from a basic
wooden door: DL 15*
dz Disable the bolts and/or hinge-work from a heavy
wooden or metal door: DL 20*
dz Make an accurate imprint of a key using wax, tal-
low, or the like: DL 10
dz Disable or disarm a simple bear-trap or portcullis
gate: DL 15*
dz Disable/disarm a mechanical trapdoor or pit-trap:
DL 20**
*The DL is 5 higher without the use of appropriate “thieves’
tools” or similar utensils.
**Complex traps, such as what Duergar might construct,
can only be disarmed or bypassed via the Crafting (engi-
neering specialty) skill. These types of traps are quite rare
in the SK world.
Time Required: Picking a simple lock takes a full round
(two actions), while picking a moderately difficult lock
requires a half-minute (5 rounds). Picking a master-craft-
ed or advanced lock, such as a Duergar gear-lock, could
take one to three minutes. Disabling bolts or hinges on
a door takes at least a minute, and probably much more
for a well-crafted or particularly sturdy portal. Disarm-
ing a simple trap requires a full round (two actions),
although a master-crafted simple trap might require at
least a minute.
Skill Level Achievements:
For every 3 skill levels you’re attained, you may choose one
Specialty (see above).
Ƿ At skill level 4, you gain a +1 bonus Crafting skill rolls
made to repair or create locks and to build simple traps.
You can now attempt to disarm larger, more advanced me-
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KINGDOMS
chanical traps.
Ƿ At skill level 7, you gain a +1 bonus to Sleight of Hand
skill rolls.
Ƿ At skill level 10, you gain +1 to your Renown and a +1
bonus to Stealth skill rolls.
Critical Success:
1) If picking a lock, you do so in half the normal time.
2) If disabling a door or similar object, you do so in half the
normal time.
3) You disarm a simple trap in just one action (one-half
round).
4) You disarm a master-crafted or more advanced trap in
but one round (two actions).
Critical Failure:
1) You damage your lock-picking tools while attempting a
lock or trap, causing you to suffer a -2 penalty to future
lock-picking attempts until repaired (Crafting DL 15) or re-
placed entirely.
2) You accidentally injure yourself when attempting to pick
or disarm, taking 1 point of damage per point of failure.
3) Your failed efforts were panicked, costing you 1 Stamina
point per point of failure.
LORE (Int)
This skill simulates a general knowledge of things, either
gained through formal training and study, or by picking up
bits of lore in one’s journey through life. Scholars, sages,
and many priests and nobles, often study various forms of
lore and keep their ears and eyes open to news from far-
away realms and the latest discoveries.
Armor/Encumbrance Penalty: No.
Specialties: Arcane, Demons, Dragons, Fey, Folk, Ge-
ography, Heraldry, History, Law, Military, Nobility,
Religion, Runes, Sagas, Songs, Specific Culture, Specific
Realm, Traps, etc.
Typical Tasks & Their DLs:
dz Basic knowledge of a somewhat common subject:
DL 5
CHARACTER CREATION
dz Advanced knowledge of a somewhat common
subject: DL 15
dz Basic knowledge of an uncommon subject: DL 10
dz Advanced knowledge of an uncommon subject:
DL 20
dz Basic knowledge of a rare or obscure subject: DL 15
dz Advanced knowledge of a rare or obscure subject:
DL 25
dz Identify a specific type of rare, exotic, or gigantic
animal: DL 10 + creature’s CL
dz Identify a specific type of supernatural creature: DL
15 + creature’s DL
dz Identify or recognize a specific person: DL 30 mi-
nus person’s Renown*
dz Identify a heroic-quality or otherwise enchanted
object: DL 20-25
dz Identify an obscure or legendary-quality object: DL
30-35
*Base DL becomes 35 if person/individual is from a differ-
ent continent
Time Required: Trying to identify a creature or person
while in combat requires one action. Researching a sub-
ject in a library could take ten minutes to several hours,
depending on the obscurity of the subject and size of the
library itself.
Libraries & Lore-places: If a character utilizes a library
or some similar lore-place, he or she can gain anywhere
from a +1 to +5 bonus to the Lore skill roll depending
on the size, depth, and accessibility of the library and its
source materials.
Skill Level Achievements:
For every 3 skill levels you’ve attained, you may choose
one Specialty (see above).
Ƿ At skill level 4, you gain a +1 bonus to Language skill
rolls.
Ƿ At skill level 7, you gain a +1 bonus to Magical Arts skill
rolls (all disciplines).
Ƿ At skill level 10, you gain +1 to your Renown and a +1
bonus to Alchemy skill rolls.
Critical Success:
1) If in a library, you discover the knowledge you’re seeking
in but five minutes’ time.
2) You discover or recall a crucial piece of long-forgotten
knowledge which grants you a free Lore skill specialty.
3) If around at least several others, you recall a great and
long-lost piece of lore that grants you +1 to your Renown.
Critical Failure:
1) If in a library, you accidentally tear an aging scroll or a
few pages of an old tome.
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 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
2) You draw the wrong conclusion about the subject and
must role-play that you truly believe what you’ve discov-
ered.
3) If in a library, you stumble upon a very ancient and sin-
ister bit of forbidden lore, and unless you succeed in a DL
15 Resolve roll, you immediately acquire the Cursed (major
version) or Tainted weakness, your choice.
MAGICAL ARTS (Varies)
This skill is sub-divided into seven disciplines—Air, Earth,
Fire, Water, Death, Life, and Shadow—and simulates
one’s training and natural aptitude for the mystical arts of
spell-working and similar practices supporting the working
of magic. In short, this is the skill used to govern spell-cast-
ing, be it spontaneous (or “battle magic”) or ritualized.
Note that advancing in any of the Magical Arts disci-
plines requires several prerequisites as shown below.
Prerequisites: Intellect +0, and the Acolyte, Apprentice,
Dabbling Arcanist, Holy Warrior, or Magic Affinity tal-
ent.
PERFORMING MAGIC:
When attempting to perform magic—that is, casting a
spell—you must succeed in a Magical Arts roll of the ap-
propriate discipline (per the DL in the individual spell entry;
see Chapter 13—Spells & Magic). If you succeed, the spell
works (or manifests) and the effects occur per the descrip-
tion in the spell entry. In addition, you must have at least
one hand free when casting a spontaneous, or battle, spell,
and you must be able to speak the mystical words involved
152
in magic-craft. Thus, a drawn weapon and armed shield
won’t cut it, or some similar situation where both hands are
otherwise engaged with objects.
However, you may attempt to cast a spell without the
use of both hands, but you do so with a -5 penalty to the
Magical Arts roll. Similarly, if you attempt to cast a spell
without words or voice, you also do so at a -5 penalty. At-
tempting a spell without both hands and the use of words
cumulates to a -10 penalty to the Magical Arts roll. This
might be important if you are denied the use of your hands
and voice—whether you are bound in captivity or merely
wish to disguise your spell-casting (this is a world where sor-
cery is often distrusted)—or simply want to show off your
great power of “thought-only” magic-use. Lastly, if casting
a spell while within the melee reach of an active and hostile
enemy, you suffer a -2 penalty to the Magical Arts skill roll
(unless you possess the Battle Mage talent).
MAINTAINING A SPELL:
Working magic requires intense concentration, and thus
when in the middle of casting a spell—or maintaining a
spell with a range of ‘Self’—while being struck by a weap-
on, riding hard on a horse, on the deck of a storm-tossed
ship, or some similarly stressful or challenging situation, the
GM may require you to make another Magical Arts roll to
maintain focus on the spell. If the roll fails, the spell immedi-
ately ends. The DL is the original DL to successfully cast the
spell, with the following modifiers:
dz For every point of damage taken (before armor),
you suffer a -1 to the Magical Arts roll
dz If casting upon a mount moving at a canter, you
take a -2 penalty to the Magical Arts roll
dz If casting upon a mount moving at a gallop, you
suffer a -5 to the Magical Arts roll
dz If casting upon a storm-tossed ship, you suffer a -2
to the Magical Arts skill roll
dz If casting while climbing or balancing precariously,
you suffer -5 to the Magical Arts roll
dz If casting while within melee reach of an active op-
ponent, you suffer -2 to the roll*
*The Battle Mage talent negates this penalty.
Note, also, that when a magician is slain, brought to Un-
consciousness, Cowering, or Despaired, then whatever spell
he or she was maintaining (that is, still running toward its
duration) is automatically ended. Sorcery and the sorcerer
are deeply connected, although see the Lingering Magic
talent earlier in this book.
RITUAL MAGIC:
All of the above information deals primarily in what most
mages would call “spontaneous magic” (or even “battle
magic”)—that is, spells cast quickly in but a few seconds
(one or two actions) usually in combat or some similar
quick-response or life-or-death situation. In the SK world,
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 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
the true way of sorcery is through rituals, ceremonious mag-
ic-working requiring at least one hour’s time. The greatest
advantage to ritualized spells is that the magician gains a +2
bonus to his or her Magical Arts skill roll, although certain
rare components can increase this to +3 as shown in each
spell’s write-up entry. This, of course, generally requires a
safe (and sometimes) sacred space, and relative uninterrupt-
ed focus; if an event occurs that could challenge the magi-
cian’s control or concentration of an in-progress ritual spell,
then the appropriate penalty (as outline above) is applied
to the mage’s Magical Arts skill roll. Failure means that the
spell does not manifest correctly and the usual loss of Stami-
na. (The one-hour ritual time represents setup, preparation
of material components, as well as the actual ritual itself.)
The ‘Ritual’ specialty of the Magical Arts skill or the
Performance skill add a further +1 bonus to Magical Arts
skill rolls when attempting a ritual spell. Additionally, as-
sistants—often referred to as acolytes or apprentices—may
assist the lead (that is, casting) magician, granting him or her
a +1 bonus for each assistant (to a maximum bonus of +5).
These magical “apprentices” also help defer the ritual spell’s
Stamina cost, with the cost being split evenly between all
involved (the lead mage pays any leftover Stamina). Note,
also, that only trained or skilled magicians are of any real
help in a spell ritual—that is, only those with the Magic
Affinity talent or having at least one skill level in the appro-
priate Magical Arts discipline.
Finally, those magicians possessing the Extended Ritual
talent (as noted in that talent’s description), gain a +5 bo-
nus to their Magical Arts skill rolls when performing a ritu-
alized spell when choosing to make use of it. This requires
four hours and an additional Stamina point (in addition to
the spell’s base cost).
Ritual Components:
When performing ritual spells, the mage must have at least
two of the materials or conditions listed in the ‘Ritual Com-
ponents’ paragraph of the spell entry. Otherwise, the spell
will fail. GMs might allow sorcerers to begin play automat-
ically with most, or all, of these somewhat exotic compo-
nents, or he may prefer them to search around for them.
Note that some objects or substances grant additional ben-
efits, such as Dragon’s blood, a lock of hair from a Giant,
and the like, as indicated in the spell entry.
Sacred Spaces & Sanctums:
Safe areas—such as forest glades, hilltops, ancient ruins,
and the like—are often used in order to assure that a rit-
ual spell doesn’t get interrupted by hostile creatures, busy
passers-by, skulking spies, or whatever. In addition, certain
“places of power” can add even more power to a ritual,
and such locales are often referred to as ‘sacred’ or ‘holy’,
which are often charged with extra celestial or geomantic
energy. Typically, these are most temples, druidic groves,
nemetons, stone circles, crystal caves, and similar areas—
often local magicians, regardless of tradition, sect, or lack
thereof—know of such sites within a ten-mile or so area
from their territories.
For example, a temple dedicated to Agathon (a major
CHARACTER CREATION
Lorinthian god of blood, fire, and victory) might yield a +1
or +2 additional bonus to Magical Arts: Death or Fire rolls
to any ordained Templar-priest of that deity, or perhaps to
any magician in general. An ancient oak-grove might pro-
vide an additional +1 bonus to Magical Arts: Life or Shad-
ow rolls when casting ritual magic, or perhaps even grant
an additional Stamina point or two for magic-working. A
circle of standing-stones, or maybe a crystal cave, could
grant an additional +2 Stamina for sorcery-working and
a +1 additional bonus to all Magical Arts rolls, regardless
of discipline. The maps of the known world (in this very
tome) show several renowned sacred spaces, which should
help the GM provide specific statistics for these locations.
However, there are dozens—even hundreds—of other sa-
cred places throughout the SK world, so GMs are encour-
aged to craft their own sanctums and holy sites.
By contrast, there are also “void regions” in the world,
places of non-power, locations that are now (or always
have been) devoid of magical essence or have a lingering
energy about them that make performing magic exception-
ally difficult. These forbidden places, which are often blight-
ed by some terrible past occurrence or cataclysmic event,
inflict anywhere from a -1 to -2 penalty to magicians’ Mag-
ical Arts skill rolls when attempting to cast spells, be they
spontaneous or ritual. A “void area” can often be detect-
ed, however, by detecting the presence of magic (or, in this
case, the lack thereof) or by other means, such as Second
Sight or merely someone highly skilled in Perception. GM
discretion again applies here.
Sacrifices & “blood magic”:
Blood, especially human blood, contains the rawest and
most primal essence of magical power. It is the life-wine,
the sacred essence, of vitality and existence after all, and so
many believe this to be the “wine of the gods”. These things
have been a known fact for eons, particularly to those in-
volved in the learned and mysterious ways of magic, sor-
cery, and even alchemy. Chenari, Duergar, Sidhe, and Sslir
blood is just as potent as human, and the life-blood of Gob-
lings and other “lesser fey” runs a close second.
Some of the beasts and animals of the world also have
magical essence in their blood too, but only those con-
sidered “noble” or “sacred”, such as bulls, goats, horses,
lambs, and rams. In some cultures, bears and boars are also
counted among such sacred animals, but this is left to the
discretion of the GM. Furthermore, the more “unusual” or
“magical” the beast is in appearance—such as white or red
bulls, black or white goats, black lambs, or golden or white
rams—the more sacred or “holy” the beast is considered
to be.
Knowing this bit of dark lore, if a magician (that is, some-
one with the Magic Affinity talent or with at least one skill
level in any of the Magical Arts disciplines) sacrifices a hu-
man, humanoid, or sacred animal within a known sacred
space (such as a temple, ancient grove, standing stones,
etc.—see above), then another +2 bonus is added to any
Magical Arts skill roll for performing a ritual spell. This is
considered part of the one-hour (or four-hour if using the
Extended Ritual talent) ritual time.
Note, however, that sacrificing (ritually killing) another
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human, save for the most despicable scum (such as those
with the Kin-slayer, Honorless, Oath-breaker, or Tainted
weaknesses), is an act that is likely to earn the magician the
Tainted weakness if done repeatedly, unless the sacrificial
subject is willing (which is possible in those considered Zeal-
ots and such).
COUNTERING ENEMY SPELLS:
It is possible to counter or negate an enemy mage’s incom-
ing spell, but only with the Counter Magic talent (see Mys-
tical Talents in Chapter 8—Talents).
SPELLS & MAGIC FORMULAE:
For every odd-numbered skill level you possess in Magical
Arts (any of the seven disciplines), you thusly have knowl-
edge and command of one spell of your choice, as long as
the prerequisites for that spell are met (see Chapter 13—
Spells & Magic). For example, if you have 3 skill levels in
Magical Arts: Air and 2 skill levels in Magical Arts: Death,
then you would begin play knowing three spells. If you
possess the Apprentice or Acolyte talent, or are a member
of a certain order or sect, you might have knowledge of a
fourth spell (see Chapter 8—Talents and Elite Affiliation).
As you advance via XP, you may learn additional spells
per the requirements and qualifiers noted above. In addi-
tion, magicians might stumble upon other spells, usually in
written form (although a sorcerer could possible tortured
to give out knowledge of a non-written spell), be it scrib-
bled half-mad on some forgotten cave wall, penned in mys-
terious ink in a weathering old tome, or by some other
means. As such, spells can be, theoretically, given out as
“treasure” or reward benefits, although this should be done
sparingly—magic, and the spells that can be woven from its
essence, are mainly things of the past and are a rare aspect
of the world of SK.
Learning A Found Written Spell:
To determine if you can learn a spell not automatically
gained through Advancement (again, this is usually a spell
in written form), you must succeed in a Magical Arts skill
roll using the appropriate discipline. The DL is the same as
for successfully casting the spell (see Chapter 13—Spells &
Magic for each spell’s statistics), and in the case of a spell
that has two or even three listed DL, the highest one is used.
For example, to learn a Fiery Blast spell captured from an
enemy sorcerer’s scrolls, you would have to succeed in a DL
15 Magical Arts: Air or Fire skill roll. The time required to
learn/command a new spell is a number hours equal to the
spell’s highest DL to cast. Thus, this same Fiery Blast spell
would require at least 15 hours of study, which can be bro-
ken up in no less than five-hour spans at a time. Note that
constant interruption, or in places of extreme discomfort,
could make this learning process impossible (or at a -2 to -5
to the Magical Arts roll). GM discretion, as always, applies.
Note that you if the spell in question is not of a type/
discipline that you are trained in—that is, possess skill levels
in—then you cannot make any sense of it at all. If you later
on gain at least one skill level in a discipline associated with
this spell, you may then try again to learn it. The Magic
154
Affinity talent, as always, counts as “training” in all seven
magical disciplines.
DETECTING THE PRESENCE OF MAGIC:
Detecting the presence of magic, or sensing magical “auras”,
requires no spell proper, but instead can be attempted by
those with at least one skill level in any Magical Arts disci-
pline or with the Magic Affinity talent. The DLs to do this
can be found below. The range is up to 5 yards’ distance
from the magician, although touching the source in ques-
tion makes this task easier (see below).
Furthermore, you also discern the general power level
of the magical aura, from Dim, Moderate, Strong, or Over-
bearing. Note that ‘overbearing’ degrees of magic can cause
the magician discomfort and disorientation, and he must
succeed in a DL 20 Endurance or Resolve roll or become
Stunned for one round per point of failure; if the magician
fails by 10 or more, then he or she falls immediately Uncon-
scious for one minute per point of failure (a successful DL 20
Healing Arts roll can revive him to Stunned in two actions).
Detecting the presence of magic takes one action (or
about 3 seconds), and if done at range (up to 5 yards),
it costs the magician 1 Stamina point plus 1 Stamina point
per minute of concentration. A mage can move up to half
speed (a slow walk) and still maintain focus.
WILD MAGES
Magicians (that is, someone who utilizes the magical arts)
who are not a part of any tradition or known order or sect
are sometimes dubbed “wild mages”. This is not a title of
respect, in general, and refers to a sorcerer who wanders
the land unattached and “wild”.
Armor/Encumbrance Penalty: Yes.
Specialties: Countering Magic, Detecting Magic, En-
chanting Items, Reading Magic, Ritual Magic, Specific
Spell, Specific Terrain, etc.
Typical Tasks & Their DLs:
dz Successfully cast/manifest a spell that you know:
DL Varies (see individual spell entry)
dz Detect the presence of magic by touch (object or
place): DL 10
dz Detect the presence of magic at distance (active
spell, object, or place): DL 15
dz Intuit the general purpose of a magical object or
place (touch only): DL 25*
dz Identify a ritual spell being performed: DL = spell’s
DL to successfully cast**
dz Learn a new spell from a written source: DL =
spell’s highest DL to cast***
dz Dispel a currently active spell effect: DL 25 (or 30
if not of a discipline that you know)
dz Dispel a magic item for one round (touch only): DL
30 (35 if heroic or 40 if legendary)
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*More precise information, such as command words or the
creator of the item or location, only occur with a critical
success or possibly by way of a successful DL 30-35 Lore
skill roll
**The DL increases by 5 if you do not know the spell in
question
***You must have skill levels in a magical discipline pertain-
ing to the spell
Stamina Cost: Manifesting and channeling magical en-
ergies is quite taxing, and so whenever a magician at-
tempts a spell, it costs a number of Stamina points as
indicated in the individual spell entry (see Chapter 13—
Spells & Magic). It is possible to cast a spell without ex-
pending Stamina, but only with a critical success and
only then if the base Stamina cost was only one. Note
that, whether a spell succeeds in manifesting or not, the
full Stamina cost is still expended. In addition, attempt-
ing to detect magical emanations from a distance (up to
5 yards) costs 1 Stamina plus 1 Stamina per additional
minute of concentration.
Skill Level Achievements: See the sub-sections below.
Time Required: Casting a spontaneous (or “battle”)
spell usually costs one action, although there are several
exotic ones that require longer casting-times. Performing
a ritual spell normally takes one hour, but those with the
Extended Ritual may choose to perform a four-hour ver-
sion of it for additional benefits. Detecting the presence
of magic is generally one action (about 3 seconds), as
is identifying the general purpose of an enchanted ob-
ject or location. Deciphering magical writing might take
anywhere from one round to several minutes or much
more. Learning a new spell from writing takes one hour
per point of the spell’s highest DL to cast.
Critical Success:
When casting a specific spell, see the individual spell entries
in Chapter 13—Spells & Magic for possible critical effects.
Otherwise, here are some other potentialities:
1) If attempting to detect the presence of magic, you not
only do so, but discern its power level and general purpose
as well.
2) If determining the general purpose of a magical object
or location, you discern all possible knowledge, including
secret command-words, the creator of the item or place,
and its general history.
3) If learning a newly-discovered written spell, you do so in
half the normal time.
4) If attempting to decipher a coded (or otherwise deeply
archaic) spell, you do so in merely one action or you gain
a +1 ‘other’ bonus to your Language skill (your choice).
5) If performing a ritual spell, you do so in but 10 minutes
instead of one hour.
Critical Failure:
CHARACTER CREATION
1) If detecting the presence of magic, you greatly misinter-
pret what you’ve discerned and must role-play believing
this inaccurate information.
2) If learning a written spell, you accidentally tear a page in
the book or scroll (or ruin a part of the writing or carving),
causing a -2 penalty to anyone attempting to learn it (in-
cluding yourself) in the future.
3) If identifying the general purpose of a magical item or lo-
cation, you discern widely inaccurate information and must
role-play that you believe it.
4) If performing a ritual spell, you accidentally destroy one
of your key components.
THE SEVEN DISCIPLINES OF THE MAGICAL ARTS:
Most magical traditions divide the mystical arts into seven
types—or disciplines—of magic. In some sects or traditions,
these are known, spoken, and somewhat organized, while
in other magical societies, these seven so-called disciplines
are not especially recognized as the nifty little categories
that they seem to be. As such, the seven disciplines—air,
earth, fire, water, death, life, and shadow—are more of a
game mechanic, a way for GMs and players of Savage King-
doms to quantify (and qualify) the various spells and their
effects.
Regardless of whether these terms exist in-game or out-
of-game, magical disciplines serve to more or less categorize
the various spells known in the SK world, each type (or
discipline) having a general theme or “flavor”. This is better
described in the following entries below, along with the
governing Attribute that modifies the Magical Arts disci-
pline:
AIR MAGIC (Wil)
Sometimes called Wind Magic, this discipline of magic-craft
typically involves the summoning and manipulation of the
element of air. Mental-based spells might also fall into the
discipline of air, although they are most known to be of
the Shadow discipline. Air Elementalists, or Wind-mages,
are often shamans, Druid-priests, rogue sorcerers, or priests
of deities involved with air, wind, storms, birds, or the skies.
A few examples of spells that might fall into the disci-
pline of air might be Conjure Wind, Flight, Mental Mes-
sage, Summon Storm, and Thunderous Blast.
Skill Level Achievements:
For every odd-numbered skill level you’ve attained, you
gain knowledge of one spell of your choice. You must meet
the prerequisites of the spell in question.
For every 3 skill levels you’ve acquired, you may choose
one Specialty (see above).
Ƿ At skill level 4, you gain a +1 bonus to Sailing skill rolls.
Ƿ At skill level 7, you gain a +1 bonus to Alchemy skill
rolls.
Ƿ At skill level 10, you receive +1 to your Renown and
automatically gain knowledge of a new spell for which you
meet the prerequisites.
EARTH MAGIC (Wil)
This elemental discipline represents the power a magician
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might have over the physical around him, particularly rocks
and other earthen materials (including trees). Earth-magic
also represents warding spells and the enhancement of ma-
terial objects. Earth-mages are often shamans, black-smiths,
rune-smiths, Druids, or heath-witches.
Some sorcerers of Earth are also priests of elemen-
tal-based sects, such as Priests of Duradin, Priests of Jorl,
Priestesses of Sardona, and Cultists of Gorgothon, among
others. Examples of Earth-magic spells are: Conjure Acid,
Earthen Grasp, Earth Tremor, Enhance Weapon, Object Ma-
nipulation, and Warding.
Skill Level Achievements:
For every-numbered skill level you’ve attained, you gain
knowledge of one spell of your choice. You must meet the
prerequisites of the spell in question.
For every 3 skill levels you’re achieved, you may choose
one Specialty (see above).
Ƿ At skill level 4, you gain a +1 bonus to Alchemy skill
rolls.
Ƿ At skill level 7, you gain a +1 bonus to Herbalism skill
rolls.
Ƿ At skill level 10, you receive +1 to your Renown and
gain knowledge of an additional spell of your choice for
which you meet the prerequisites.
FIRE MAGIC (Wil)
A discipline of magic-craft which enables a magician to con-
jure and manipulate flame, and other feats of pyromancy.
Fire-magic can represent beguilement and quick-movement
spells as well, and is often pursued by battle-mages and de-
struction-hungry wizards. Alchemists sometimes dabble in
fire-sorcery too (being relatable), and Templar-priests of Ag-
athon, Priests of the sun-god Atores, and Priestesses of Signa
are notable in their knowledge of fire-based magics.
Some examples of fire-magic spells are Conjure Flame,
Elemental Summoning, Quickening, Repair, Summon Infer-
no, and Wall of Flame.
Skill Level Achievements:
For every odd-numbered skill level you’ve attained, you
gain knowledge of one spell of your choice. You must meet
all of the spell’s prerequisites.
For every 3 skill levels you’re acquired, you may choose
Specialty (see above).
Ƿ At skill level 4, you gain a +1 bonus to Alchemy skill
rolls.
Ƿ At skill level 7, you gain a +1 bonus to Survival skill
rolls.
Ƿ At skill level 10, you receive +1 to your Renown and
gain the knowledge of one additional spell for which you
meet the prerequisites.
WATER MAGIC (Wil)
The final archetype of the four “elemental” disciplines,
Water-magic involves the conjuration and manipulation of
water itself, as well as sorceries dealing with shape-shifting,
156
malleability, divination, and the forces of ice, snow, and
rain. The Druid-priests of the West often know some wa-
ter-magic, as do most other shamanic types. The Priests of
Prydonis, among the Prydonian Isles, are masters of water
and sea, and Priests of Anderok in the north typically dab-
ble in ice-magic.
A few examples of water-magic spells are Conjure Water,
Ice Wall, Maelstrom, Rain of Ice, Tidal Wave, and Shape-
shift.
Skill Level Achievements:
For every odd-numbered skill level you’ve attained, you
gain knowledge of one spell from the Water discipline. You
must meet all of the spell’s prerequisites.
For every 3 skill levels you’re achieved, you may choose
a Specialty (see above).
Ƿ At skill level 4, you gain a +1 bonus to Sailing skill rolls.
Ƿ At skill level 7, you gain a +1 bonus to Alchemy skill
rolls.
Ƿ At skill level 10, you receive +1 to your Renown and
gain knowledge of an additional spell of the Water disci-
pline. You must meet all the spell’s prerequisites.
DEATH MAGIC (Vig)
Sometimes known as Necromancy or “Black Magic”, the
dark and secretive discipline involves associating with dead
and undead things, including mastering one’s power over
them. Death-mages, or necromancers, or often some of the
most ill-favored and disreputable magicians, often feared
and loathed in many lands. This can, however, earn them
a grudging respect and veil of fear about them, something
that many sorcerers crave.
An acceptable sect of death-mages (at least in Mulovia)
are the Priests of Anderok, and even some Templar-priests
of Agathon practice such dark arts. Many cultists dabble
in necromancy, something much less tolerated by nor-
mal-thinking citizens. Some examples of spells from of this
discipline include Death-speak, Hex, Mental Torment, Rean-
imation, Venomous Touch, and Summon Plague.
Skill Level Achievements:
For every odd-numbered skill level you’re achieved, you
gain knowledge of one spell of the Death discipline. You
must meet all the spell’s prerequisites.
For every 3 skill levels you’re attained, you may choose
one Specialty (see above).
Ƿ At skill level 4, you gain a +1 bonus to Lore skill rolls.
Ƿ At skill level 7, you gain a +1 bonus to Healing Arts
skill rolls.
Ƿ At skill level 10, you receive +1 to your Renown and
gain knowledge of an additional spell from the Death disci-
pline. You must meet all the spell’s prerequisites.
LIFE MAGIC (Vig)
Often simply called Healing Magic, this discipline of mag-
ic-craft deals with much more than just the healing and
well-being of the body. Some Life-magic spells also deal
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with life-essence itself, the source of life (and its close coun-
terpart, death), and can thus animate objects or communi-
cate with beasts and plants. Shamans typically practice at
least some degree of Life-magic, as do other hedge-mag-
es, healers, and herbalists. The Priestesses of Signa are re-
nowned users of healing-magic, as are the Truthkeepers of
Saint Paladyr (when they practice any magic-craft at all).
A few sample spells from this discipline are Cure Ailment,
Heal Wounds, Object Animation, Purification, Regenera-
tion, and Restore Life.
Skill Level Achievements:
For every odd-numbered skill level you’ve attained, you
gain knowledge of one spell of the Life discipline. You must
meet all the spell’s perquisites.
For every 3 skill levels you’re achieved, you may choose
one Specialty (see above).
Ƿ At skill level 4, you gain a +1 bonus to Healing Arts
skill rolls.
Ƿ At skill level 7, you gain a +1 bonus to Lore skill rolls.
Ƿ At skill level 10, you receive +1 to your Renown and
gain knowledge of an additional spell of the Life discipline.
You must still meet all the spell’s prerequisites.
SHADOW MAGIC (Int)
This discipline of the magical arts deals mainly with glamour
and illusion, divination, mind-manipulation, and more liter-
al light and darkness (and the twilight in between). It is the
dweomer-craft of the Other-world, sometimes called the
Shadow-world, though few know this as a certainty. Practi-
tioners of this discipline are sometimes called Shadow-mag-
es or Illusionists, and on rarer occasion Shadow-magic is
referred to as Fey Magic (especially in the far west).
Many Druid-priests practice Shadow-sorcery, as do oth-
er types of shamanic mages. Priests of Nipalos are said to
know a Shadow-magic trick or two, as do some Priests of
Titherius. The Dark Elves, perhaps not surprisingly, are said
to delve deeply into this discipline. Example spells are Be-
guile. Conjure Darkness, Conjure Light, Glamour, Mental
Message, and Dream-walking.
Skill Level Achievements:
For every odd-numbered skill level you’ve attained, you
gain knowledge of one spell of the Shadow type. You must
meet all the spell’s prerequisites.
For every 3 skill levels you’re acquired, you may choose
one Specialty (see above).
Ƿ At skill level 4, you gain a +1 bonus to Perception skill
rolls.
Ƿ At skill level 7, you gain a +1 bonus to Stealth skill rolls.
Ƿ At skill level 10, you receive +1 to your Renown and
gain knowledge of an additional spell of the Shadow disci-
pline. You must still meet all the spell’s perquisites.
PERCEPTION (Int)
A skill representing a character’s ability to discern or per-
CHARACTER CREATION
ceive the environment, generally though the five (or six)
senses. Perception is therefore useful against potential
threats, assessing one’s physical whereabouts, and engaging
in the surrounding world.
Armor/Encumbrance Penalty: No.
Specialties: Empathy, Hearing, Investigation, Sight,
Smell, Taste, Touch, Specific Terrain (Desert, Forest,
Mountains, and the like), etc.
Typical Tasks & Their DLs:
dz Spot a man on clear day, in open terrain, from 100
yards away: DL 5
dz Spot a man on a rainy day, in open terrain, from
100 yards away: DL 10
dz Spot a man on a clear night or stormy day from
100 yards away: DL 15
dz Spot a man attempting to hide from you: DL =
man’s Stealth skill roll
dz Hear a bird chirping from 50 yards away in open
terrain: DL 10
dz Hear a bird chirping from 50 yards away on a
rainy or windy day: DL 15
dz Hear a man trying to move quietly 20 yards away
from you: DL = man’s Stealth roll
dz Smell a burning campfire from 100 yards away: DL
= 10
dz Smell a burning village from a mile away: DL 15
dz Smell purple lotus on an addict: DL 20
dz Detect poisoned food or drink: DL varies by poi-
son type (usually 15-25)
dz Taste and identify a rare or subtle spice on food:
DL 15
dz Sense the difference between two different horses
by touch: DL 15
dz Sense the different between identical twins by
touch: DL 20
dz Searching/investigating a 20’x20’ area for clues,
prints, etc.: DL 10-20 (depending terrain)
dz Detect whether or not a person is lying: DL = per-
son’s Persuasion (bluffing) skill roll
Time Required: Spotting, hearing, or smelling some-
thing as a reaction to something usually costs no actions
if in combat. Actively doing this, during combat, costs
one action. Investigating an entire area for clues, prints,
or hidden details, generally requires one minute per
10’x10’ area. A character a lookout or manning a watch
could, effectively, be using Perception for several hours
at a time or even all night. Attempting to discern poi-
sonous substances takes at least one full round (or two
actions).
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Skill Level Achievements:
For every 3 skill levels you’ve attained, you may choose
one Specialty (see above).
Ƿ At skill level 4, you gain a +1 bonus to all Crafting skill
rolls.
Ƿ At skill level 7, you gain a +1 bonus to Sleight of Hand
skill rolls.
Ƿ At skill level 10, you receive +1 to your Renown and
gain a +1 bonus to Weaponry: Ranged attack rolls
Critical Success:
1) You discern precise details about a creature, place, or ob-
ject, be it a tiny scar, one ear lower than another, a small
tattoo, a subtle gesture, etc.
2) You can smell the exact type of wood on a fire and/or for
how long, within minutes, it’s been burning.
3) You can discern precisely what parts of a tale a person is
lying about and what parts he isn’t.
4) You determine exacting details of a scene by merely ex-
amining a drop of blood or a shallow footprint.
Critical Failure:
1) If hoping to detect a sneaking assassin, the opponent
manages to completely surprise you instead gaining a free
action before Initiative is rolled.
2) You completely misinterpret the intent of someone’s
whose body language you were observing (and must role-
play believing this).
3) If searching an outdoors area, or any area with poor
lighting, you accidentally twist and ankle or burn yourself,
taking one Health point of damage per point of failure.
PERFORMANCE (Mag)
This skill simulates an individual’s ability to entertain an au-
dience and communicate in an interesting and often artistic
manner, be it through acting, dancing, juggling, musical in-
strument, pantomime, singing, storytelling, or similar forms
of performance art. Entertainers in the SK world, not only
serve to perform and captivate, but also to deliver informa-
tion, lore, and occasionally propaganda.
Armor Penalty: No.
Specialties: Acting, Dancing, Juggling, Musical Instru-
ment (Bagpipe, Drums, Flute, Harp, Lute, Lyre, Pan-pipe,
Recorder, etc.), Oratory, Poetry, Riddling, Storytelling,
Tumbling, etc.
Typical Tasks & Their DLs:
dz Perform a known simple song or narrate a known
simple tale: DL 10
dz Perform a known complex song or narrate a
known lengthy tale or saga: DL 15
dz Perform a known simple folk-dance or courtly
dance: DL 10
158
dz Perform a known complex folk-dance or courtly
dance: DL 15
dz Provide quality entertainment for a tavern-full of
patrons for a night: DL 15*
dz Provide exquisite entertainment for a grand feast
or nobleman’s court: DL 20**
dz Improvise a simple poem or short song: DL 15
dz Improvise an epic poem or lengthy song: DL 20**
dz Perform a simple song or dance while playing a
musical instrument: +5 to above DLs
dz Perform a complex song or dance while playing a
musical instrument: +5 to above DLs
dz Inspire (or incite) an audience or mob, granting
them +2 to Resolve rolls: DL 20***
*You might earn a free meal or room for the night, and
possibly 1 bc per point of success
**You could earn up to 1 silver coin per point of success
***Against a singular cause for up to one hour’s time; also
+1 to combat rolls if 10+ over DL
Time Required: Performing a simple poem, song, or
tale is about 2-3 minutes’ time. Performing a complex
song or tale (especially if a saga) could take up to 15
minutes or more. Dancing is usually a 2-5 minute affair,
although complex courtly or sacred dances could take
up to 15 minutes. A night’s entertainment represents
about 2-4 hours of dancing, singing, storytelling, or in-
strument-playing, or what not. Improvised tales, poems,
and songs require about 1-10 minutes.
Skill Level Achievements:
For every 3 skill levels you’ve attained, you may choose
one Specialty (see above).
Ƿ At skill level 4, you gain a +1 bonus to all Persuasion
skill rolls.
Ƿ At skill level 7, you gain a +1 bonus to Disguise skill
rolls.
Ƿ At skill level 10, you receive +1 to your Renown and
gain a +1 bonus to all Magical Arts rolls when performing
ritualized spells.
Critical Success:
1) You stun an audience (of 20+ patrons) with one of the
best performances of your life, gaining an immediate +1 to
your Renown.
2) You earn a free meal, free drinks, and three nights’ hos-
pitality with a stellar performance (and also 2 sc per point
of critical success).
3) You gain the Ally (minor version) talent in regards to
a well-connected or powerful patron present during your
epic performance.
4) You inspire a crowd to a passionate fervor, granting
them a +2 bonus to Resolve rolls, attack rolls, and Defense
(against one cause for two hours’ time).
CHARACTER CREATION
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KINGDOMS
Critical Failure:
1) You lose half of your audience before your performance
is halfway over.
2) You cause several patrons to become hostile, heckling
you in the time-honored tradition.
3) If playing a musical instrument, you accidentally damage
it (-2 to Performance rolls with it until repaired with a suc-
cessful DL 15 Crafting roll).
4) If dancing, juggling, or tumbling, you accidentally injure
yourself, suffering 1 point of damage per point of critical
failure.
Famed Bardic Songs, Sagas, & Tales
There are myriad well-known, and not so well-known,
stories and songs in the SK known world, many of them
kept alive by common folk around the hearth-fire or spread
about by traveling bards, skalds, and gypsies. Although the
player-characters are free to create their own tales and songs
(preferably within the somewhat grim and serious SK atmo-
sphere), the following are some of the greater known ones
of which PCs (and NPCs) might have some knowledge:
ǣ The Saga of Valric Redbeard (Performance
DL 10)
Valric Redbeard (or Bloodbeard) was a famed Norish
raider, the son of a chieftain who grew tired of his clan’s
boring and landlocked lifestyle. So, Valric took to the
high seas and harried dozens of Brythian—and some
Esmandian—vessels, making a small fortune off of cap-
tured ships and their various cargoes (and sometimes
their captured crews). Valric eventually would be cap-
tured at age 56, but in a near-miraculous escape from
Brythian captors just two days before his execution, he
fled and apparently returned to the Western Sea. This
saga takes around ten minutes to perform.
ǣ The Isle of Night (Performance DL 15; must
have Lore or Performance level 1)
Also known as the Isle of the Damned, this saga-like sto-
ry mentions the near-sunless island in the far northern
Western Sea (far off the northwestern shores of Nor-
lund), a place of mad-men, nightmares, and perhaps
even demons. The story (there is a song too) even makes
mention that the place was, or is, a region of the Neth-
erworld. If this tale is spoken in Nether-speech, and the
performer succeeds in his or her Performance skill roll,
the performer can force all audience members who hear
it to succeed in a DL 15 Resolve roll or become Intimi-
dated (of the performer) for one minute. This saga-tale
requires at least ten minutes to perform.
ǣ The Still-born God (Performance DL 15; must
have Lore or Performance level 1)
This is an ancient epic (and song) regarding Gorgothon,
Lord of Gorgons, the so-called Still-born God of the
CHARACTER CREATION
Rhodonites. The musical tale goes on to mention Gor-
gothon washing ashore after being drowned by his own
father, Prydonis (the sea lord), and then being left alone
on the Peninsula of Gorgotha and eventually “creating”
strange hybrid lifeforms called ‘gorgons’ (after their mas-
ter). The climax of the tale and song has Gorgothon in
a pitched battle with the Leviathan, after Prydonis sum-
moned the massive beast to swallow the Still-born god
and trap him for all eternity. Note that if the performer
scores 10 over the Performance DL then he or she can
cause any audience members of Prydonian descent to
gain +1 to their Defenses and all die rolls for the next ten
minutes. Both the epic and the song versions requires a
full 15 minutes to perform.
ǣ The Ascension of Saint Paladyr (Perfor-
mance DL 12; must have Lore or Performance level 1)
This epic song regales Saint Paladyr’s rise to godhood
after he, as a mortal man, was captured by the Lorin-
thians for a thief and bandit. The story goes that after
seven days of captivity, just a day or two from his likely
execution, Paladyr rose from the Lorinthian prison-wag-
on in a golden chariot, with fire streaming behind it,
led by seven white horses (some variations say that the
steeds were winged or that they were actually Galen,
Aradwen, and Calawyr, and four other arch-angels, in
disguise). If the performer succeeds in the Performance
skill roll, then all audience members with the Pious Faith
(of Saint Paladyr) talent gain a +1 bonus to Luck for the
next hour. This song requires at least ten minutes to per-
form.
ǣ The Tipsy Mermaid (Performance DL 8)
This jaunty song, often accompanied by the lute (and
occasionally the flute too), features a merfolk maiden
who was inadvertently captured in a fishing net. A mor-
tal fisherman tried to heal her minor wounds with a fer-
mented brew, causing her to become drunken, wanton,
and a little destructive. The people of the fishing village
decided to send her back into the sea, but she wanted
to stay with the fisherman and his brew. This little ditty
takes only about five minutes to perform.
ǣ The Wolf in the Water (Performance DL 12)
This dark, mood-inducing tale (sometimes put to deep
drumming and/or haunting harp) mentions a man bit-
ten by a strange black wolf who was then cursed with
lycanthropy. The man-wolf managed to never look at
the moons for the next thirteen years of his life, until
one fateful night, he accidentally caught the image of the
full Greater Moon (and his own soon-changing visage)
in a puddle in the road. This story requires about seven
minutes to perform.
ǣ The Maiden and the River Serpent (Perfor-
mance DL 15; must have Lore or Performance level 1)
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This song is about a beautiful Cymreddi girl and how
she charmed an Afanc (river-serpent) one evening after
it capsized her father’s only fishing boat, thus sparing
it her clan’s (and father’s) wrath. This song is said to
have actual power over such creatures, causing any Af-
anc within 10 yards of the performer (who must also be
a Sidhe or Sidhe-blooded female) to have to succeed in a
Resolve roll against a DL set by the singer’s Performance
skill roll or become Beguiled for ten minutes. This sooth-
ing song requires at least five minutes to perform.
ǣ The Star-Smith (Performance DL 13; must have
Performance level 1)
A tale about a Dark Sidhe metal-smith named Talendor
who knew the secret of Sildaril (“star-metal”). He is said
to know how to fashion prosthetic hands and feet out
of it, though refuses to make weapons out of it unlike
most of his kin. There is a verse in the song that also
mentioned Talendor being “half in the mortal world and
half in the Other”, as well as being capable of crafting
the most beautiful jewels. If a performer scores 10 over
the DL when performing this tale, he or she can inspire
audience members to gain a +1 bonus to Crafting skill
rolls for the next hour.
ǣ The Song-Sword of Aramor (Performance DL
15; must have Performance level 1)
This sometimes overdone saga-like song is the story of
Sir Galen of Aradorn, who defeated a demon in the ru-
ined castle of Aramor, to gain a beautiful sword that
seemed to “sing” like a heavenly host as it clove its foes.
The sword is lost by the end of the song, but leaves hope
that it will be found again. If a performer scores 10 over
the DL when performing this song-saga, he can inspire
his or her audience members to gain +1 to Defense and
all die rolls for five minutes. This tale-song takes at least
ten minutes to perform.
ǣ The Lover Moons (Performance DL 12)
This lusty, but romantic, tale regales us with an ancient
myth about the twin moons—Cynric and Ceira (or Kora
and Vladnov in another version)—who come together
every seven years to make love and continue the cycle
of existence in the mortal world below. The sun is fea-
tured here as a villainous, hot-headed tyrant. This tale
requires ten minutes to perform.
ǣ The Changeling Emperor (Performance DL 10)
A fairly old tale about one of the earlier rulers of Lorin-
thius and his ancestral curse caused him to forget every-
thing he learned the day before. As such, the servants
around him thought he was a changeling-child, a de-
monic or fey imposter. The story ends with his curse
being lifted by a powerful priest of Agathon in a “ritual
by fire”. This story takes five to ten minutes to perform.
160
ǣ The Breaking of Arvelindor (Performance DL
17; must have Lore or Performance level 2)
One of the most difficult songs to master, this tale-song,
with its multiple mood and tempo changes, speaks of
the antiquated event—the shattering of the old Sidhe
“empire” Arvelindor—wherein the Fair-folk became vi-
olently separated into Light (Eluna) and Dark Sidhe. It
ends with a somber mention of the resulting Shadow-
lands and the terrible magic that bore such a foul region,
a grim reminder of what could happen again without
vigilance and tolerance. Note that if the performer suc-
ceeds in performing this piece (DL 17), those within the
audience must then succeed in a DL 15 Resolve skill roll
or become melancholy (per the Stunned condition) for
one round per point of failure. This impressive saga-song
requires at least one-half hour to perform, and often
even longer.
PERSUASION (Mag)
A skill representing a character’s ability to negotiate and
influence others, be it through diplomacy, intimidation, de-
ception, haggling, bargaining, and other (if similar) means.
The Persuasion skill only functions against people and crea-
tures with Intellects of -3 or better, and so doesn’t work on
animals, animated undead, and the like. (For dealing with
animals and similar beasts, see the Animal Handling skill.)
Armor Penalty: No.
Specialties: Bluffing, Diplomacy, Fast-talking, Haggling,
Intimidation, Recruitment, Torture, etc.
Typical Tasks & Their DLs:
dz Persuade a hostile individual to become indifferent
or disinterested: DL 20
dz Persuade an indifferent creature to become friend-
ly or interested: DL 15
dz Persuade a hostile individual to become friendly or
interested: DL 25
dz Intimidate the average commoner into doing
something minor for you: DL 10
dz Intimidate the average commoner into doing
something major for you: DL 20
dz Intimidate a noble or other official into doing
something minor for you: DL 15
dz Intimidate a noble or other official into doing
something major for you: DL 25
dz Bluff your way past a typical guardsman or town
official: DL 15
dz Bluff a guardsman or official into assisting with an
illegal activity: DL 20-25
dz Haggle a lower price on goods: DL = merchant’s
Persuasion (haggling) skill roll
dz Go about town gathering rumors regarding a re-
CHARACTER CREATION
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cent/upcoming event: DL 10-15
Time Required: Using Persuasion in combat takes 2 ac-
tions, whether it is to bluff, deceive, or intimidate. Hag-
gling over the price of goods or making some similar
bargain takes at least a minute, and often more. Nego-
tiating with an enemy host could take an hour and per-
haps much more if during an event such as holding court
or a special holy feast. Going about town gathering ru-
mors or other information takes at least one hour, and
possibly more if a large city.
Skill Level Achievements:
For every 3 skill levels you’ve attained, you may choose
one Specialty (see above).
Ƿ At skill level 4, you gain a +1 bonus to Disguise skill
rolls.
Ƿ At skill level 7, you gain a +1 bonus to Performance
skill rolls.
Ƿ At skill level 10, you receive +1 to your Renown and
gain a +1 bonus to all Magical Arts: Shadow rolls involving
the mind, such as beguilement, delusion, and fear.
Critical Success:
1) your persuasiveness is so incredible that you gain the indi-
vidual or group as an Ally (per the talent—minor version).
2) If attempting to intimidate, the individual is instead Terri-
fied; if already Terrified, then he or she gains the Cowering
condition.
3) A bluffed guard or official goes beyond what was asked,
becoming extremely cooperative.
4) If haggling for a lower price, you get the goods or ser-
vices at half the original asked-for price; 5) Your diplomatic
ways are so smooth and impressive at court (or similar set-
ting), that you gain +1 to your Renown.
Critical Failure:
1) You manage to enrage an indifferent or disinterested in-
dividual into becoming extremely hostile.
2) You cause a once-friendly or interested creature to be-
come cold and indifferent toward you.
3) If attempting to intimidate someone, that individual
turns the tables and immediately gains his or her own free
Persuasion (intimidation) roll against you.
4) An attempted bribery works against you, and the guard
or other official tries to apprehend you.
5) Information you attempted to gather in the streets turns
out to be completely false, and you must role-play believ-
ing it to be truthful.
RESOLVE (Wil)
This skill deals with one’s ability to resist or withstand men-
tal, emotional, and psychological effects. This includes such
things as fear, sleep deprivation, mental torture, insanity,
and various forms of charm and beguilement. It might also
be used to test a character’s resolve against losing focus or
CHARACTER CREATION
concentration, or resisting mental exhaustion.
Armor Penalty: No.
Specialties: Concentration, Discipline, Initiative, Resist
Charm, Resist Corruption, Resist Fear, Resist Sleep, Resist
Torture, Shape-shifting, Toil.
Typical Tasks & Their DLs:
dz Resist a mind-affecting spell (e.g. Beguile or Slum-
ber): DL = Magical Arts roll of magician
dz Resist someone trying to intimidate or terrify you:
DL = foe’s Persuasion skill roll
dz Resist a supernatural fear effect: DL varies (usually
between 10 and 25)
dz Wake up at a specific time during the night: DL 10
dz Attempt to remain awake during an entire night:
DL 10
dz Not cry out or give away any information under
mild torture: DL 10
dz Not cry out or give away any information under
extreme torture: DL 20
dz Resist fleeing (animals only) if brought to half
Health: DL 15*
dz Resist fleeing (monsters & NPCs) if brought to half
Health: DL 15**
dz Resist fleeing from 2:1 odds on battlefield (NPCs
only): DL 10***
dz Resist fleeing from 3:1 odds on battlefield (NPCs
only): DL 15***
*Depends on animal type in question; carnivores are gener-
ally less likely to flee than herbivores
**Creature adds its CL as a bonus to the Resolve roll
***Commander’s Magnetism is added as a bonus to the
unit-members’ Resolve rolls
Time Required: Resolve skill rolls are often made as
Reactions; that is, in response to something that costs the
character no actual actions. However, some Resolve rolls
might be made more “actively”, such as trying to main-
tain focus (or resist sleep) while studying a lengthy tome
or deliberately trying to wake one’s self up at a certain
time at night—these uses of the skill might come in stages
(such as every hour, etc.).
Skill Level Achievement:
For every 3 skill levels you’re attained, you may choose one
Specialty (see above).
Ƿ At skill level 4, you gain a +1 bonus to Persuasion skill
rolls.
Ƿ At skill level 7, you gain a +1 bonus to Endurance skill
rolls.
Ƿ At skill level 10, you receive +1 to your Renown and
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gain a +1 bonus to Initiative.
Critical Success:
1) You gain a +2 bonus to future Resolve rolls, against the
same type of creature or effect, for the next 24 hours.
2) You gain a +1 permanent bonus to Resolve rolls when
resisting this specific creature or effect.
3) If enough onlookers witnessed your epic defiance, you
gain +1 to your Renown.
4) If resisting a fear effect, then you gain a +1 bonus to all
attack rolls and Defense against that opponent for the next
hour.
Critical Failure:
1) If Stamina damage is involved, then you also take one
point of Health damage per point of critical failure as well.
2) You become spooked and unsure, and thus your Will-
power is reduced by one for the next hour.
3) You acquire a Weakness appropriate to the effect that
you were trying to resist, such as Madness, Oath-breaker,
Phobia, or even Tainted.
4) You are shaken enough to suffer a -1 penalty to all die
rolls and Defense for the next minute.
SAILING (Int)
This skill encompasses the piloting, rowing, rigging, naviga-
tion, and general operation of waterborne vessels, be they
sailing or rowing craft (or some combination thereof). Sail-
ing governs both sea-going and freshwater-bound vessels,
from small boats to large ships and everything in-between.
Armor Penalty: No.
Specialties: Barges, Biremes, Canoes, Coracles, Galleys,
Lakes, Longships, Navigation, Oceans, Rivers, Triremes,
etc.
Typical Tasks & Their DLs:
dz Row/maneuver a small boat (like a coracle, canoe,
or rowboat) in still waters: DL 5
dz Row/maneuver a small boat in rough or rapid wa-
ters: DL 10
dz Row/maneuver a small boat in stormy or extreme-
ly rapid waters: DL 15
dz Sail or row a medium to large vessel (bireme, long-
ship, etc.) in still waters: DL 10
dz Sail or row a medium to large vessel in choppy or
rapid waters: DL 15
dz Sail or row a medium to large vessel in stormy or
extremely rapid waters: DL 20
dz Sail a medium sailing-ship alone (without a crew):
+5 to above DLs
dz Sail a large sailing-ship alone (without a crew): +10
to above DLs
dz Successfully navigate a 100-mile voyage using a
162
known sea-route: DL 10
dz Successfully navigate a 500-mile voyage using a
known sea-route: DL 15
dz Successfully navigate a 1,000-mile voyage using a
known sea-route: DL 20
dz Successfully navigate (as above) using an unknown
sea-route: +5 to above DLs
dz Make an easy/common repair to a vessel while at
sea or in-water: DL 10*
dz Make a moderate/uncommon repair while at sea
or in-water: DL 17*
dz Make a difficult/rare repair to a vessel while at sea
or in-water: DL 25*
dz Make a repair to a vessel in “dry dock” (beach,
port, harbor, etc.): -5 to above DLs**
*The Crafting (carpentry or ship-building) skill can be used
here instead at -5 to the DL
**Some large city-ports, famed for their shipyards, might
grant -10 to the DL instead
Time Required: Depending on the length of voyage
and distance to one’s destination, sailing (or rowing) can
take anywhere from a minute—for a quick cross-river
jaunt—to several days if on a grand-sized lake or oceanic
journey. In general, a ship’s or boat’s pilot or “captain”
makes a Sailing skill roll per day of a long a voyage (or
more often in stormy weather), or merely one-time only
if a brief sojourn downriver a short distance. Note that
Sailing skill rolls could replace Crafting skill rolls when
appraising water-craft, or even Survival rolls when nav-
igating at sea.
Stamina Cost: Sailing in relatively calm waters is no
more strenuous that walking or trotting, but trying to
stay afloat and navigate in rough or stormy waters costs
each sailor one Stamina point per half-hour. Also, if row-
ing feverishly for maximum speed, one Stamina per min-
ute might be expended for each rower.
Skill Level Achievements:
For every 3 skill levels you’ve achieved, you may choose
one Specialty (see above).
Ƿ At skill level 4, you gain a +1 bonus to Crafting skill rolls
involving boats or ships.
Ƿ At skill level 7, you gain a +1 bonus to Lore and Surviv-
al rolls involving the sea or large bodies of water.
Ƿ At skill level 10, you receive +1 to your Renown and
gain a +1 bonus to Athletics skill rolls involving swimming.
Critical Success:
1) You catch perfect weather, winds, and other conditions,
and thus make the voyage in two-thirds the expected time.
2) You make a repair in half the expected time.
CHARACTER CREATION
 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
3) You gain a +1 permanent bonus to all future Sailing rolls
when operating this vessel in specific.
4) If you have a crew of at least ten, you gain a +1 to your
Renown for your maritime heroics.
Critical Failure:
1) If in stormy or rapid-moving waters, one-tenth of your
crew is sweep overboard.
2) You yourself are swept overboard, requiring a successful
DL 15 Athletics (swimming) roll to stay afloat long enough
for a possible rescue.
3) You make a voyage in twice the time that it should’ve
taken, using twice as many resources such as food and drink.
4) Your vessel is moderately damaged from your ill-maneu-
verings, taking on enough water to sink in 1-10 hours (GM
rolls) if not repaired at sea (DL 17) or brought to harbor.
SLEIGHT OF HAND (Agi)
A skill representing an individual’s knack for filching, pilfer-
ing, parlor tricks, concealment of small items (palming), and
similar acts of manual dexterity and legerdemain. Charac-
ters might use this skill to pick another person’s pocket (or
belt pouch) or perform illusory tricks, among other creative
uses. Note that the Performance skill might be utilized in-
stead for prolonged parlor tricks and “illusions”, especially
when the goal is to persuade an audience or earn money.
Armor Penalty: Yes.
Specialties: Escaping Bonds, Hand-eye Tricks, Item Con-
cealment, Palming, Pilfering (pocket-picking), etc.
Typical Tasks & Their DLs:
dz Pilfer a small object (coins, etc.) from a typical
townsperson: DL 15*
dz Pilfer a medium object (dagger, goblet, etc.) from a
typical townsperson: DL 20*
dz Pilfer a large object (sword, axe, helmet, etc.) from
a typical person: DL 25*
dz Pilfer an object worn by or very close to a typical
person (ring, etc.): DL 25*
dz Palming a fist-sized or smaller object from a table,
etc.: DL 20*
dz Palming a larger than fist-sized object from a table,
etc.: DL 30*
dz Pilfer an object from someone aware of your pres-
ence: +10 to the above DLs
dz Performing a simple trick of misdirection or leger-
demain: DL 20*
dz Performing a complex trick of misdirection/leger-
demain: DL 25*
dz Concealing a knife-sized item somewhere on your
person: DL 15
dz Concealing a club or shortsword sized item on
CHARACTER CREATION
your person: DL 20
dz Concealing a longsword or mace sized item on
your person: DL 25**
*Perception opposes Sleight of Hand, so this assumes an
average Perception skill; more heroic targets (or marks)
might receive opposed Perception skill rolls at the GM’s
discretion.
**Concealing anything larger than this on your person is
impossible without magical aid.
Note: If the character is trying to gain “whatever is in
his belt pouch”, then the GM can assume the character
pilfers 1 bc per point of success (for a poor mark) or 1 sc
per point of success (for a well-off mark). A noble target
might even have a gold coin per 5 points of success.
Time Required: Pilfering a pocket or belt pouch takes
a few seconds, which equates to an action in combat.
Palming an item also takes a few quick moments, and
thus is also counts as an action. Performing legerdemain
or parlor tricks might be a one-minute chicanery or up
to a full half-hour long show, depending on the setting
and interest of the audience. Concealing an item on your
person requires an action (if in combat), and if larger
than a knife, two actions instead.
Skill Level Achievements:
For every 3 skill levels you’re attained, you may choose one
Specialty (see above).
Ƿ At skill level 4, you gain a +1 bonus to Lock-picking
skill rolls.
Ƿ At skill level 7, you gain a +1 bonus to Disguise skill
rolls.
Ƿ At skill level 10, you receive +1 to your Renown and
gain a +1 bonus to Stealth skill rolls.
Failure: If you fail your Sleight of Hand skill roll when
pilfering, you are only discovered by the target (or
mark) if you failed the DL by 10 or more. Otherwise,
you simply fail to pilfer the object(s), perhaps drawing
your hand back just in time as not to be seen. You may
try again on the same target/mark, but the DL increas-
es by 2 every time since you might have aroused some
suspicion. Failing a Sleight of Hand roll to conceal an
item means that the object in question is spotted by most
casual onlookers.
Critical Success:
1) You score an even more valuable item for your target’s
pouch or pack than you originally intended.
2) You manage to pilfer or palm in ridiculously quick order,
doing so as a free action.
3) If performing “parlor tricks”, your audience was so
pleased at your near-magical legerdemain that you earned
a number of silver coins equal to one-third of your total
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KINGDOMS
skill roll result.
4) If concealing an object on your person, you manage to
easily conceal two such items instead of merely one if you
so choose.
5) When performing legerdemain, you do so with such au-
thority as to earn +1 to your Renown.
Critical Failure:
1) You spill the contents of the pouch or pack you were tar-
geting, not only alerting the target, but most people nearby
as well.
2) A weapon (or other hidden object) falls out right in front
of your host or some similar person that you didn’t want
to alert.
3) You injure yourself on something inside a pouch or pack
you were pilfering, inflicting 1 point of Health damage to
you (armor does not count here) per point of critical failure.
4) If performing parlor tricks, you manage to anger most of
the audience, some of whom might seek retribution.
STEALTH (Agi)
This skill represents a character’s or creature’s ability to
hide, move quietly, camouflage, and other similar covert
movement and concealment. Stealth is opposed by the Per-
ception skills of any observers or potential observers, and
you must have at least Light Concealment or Light Cover to
even attempt Stealth in the first place.
Armor Penalty: Yes.
Specialties: Desert, Forest, Hiding (non-movement),
Mountains, Sneaking (silent movement), Snow, Subter-
ranean, Swamp, Urban, Water, etc.
Typical Tasks & Their DLs:
dz Sneak or move silently passed a deaf person: DL
10*
dz Hide from a blind person: DL 10*
dz Hide from a typical wild animal (bear, panther,
wolf, etc.): DL 15*
dz Hide from an expert tracker or supernatural hunt-
er: DL 20*
dz Sneak up on or hide from a typical person: DL 15*
dz Sneak up on an alert guard or domesticated ani-
mal: DL 17*
dz Sneak up on an elite guard or wild animal: DL 20*
dz Use Stealth in Heavy Concealment or Light Cover:
-2 to above DLs**
dz Use Stealth in Medium Cover: -5 to above DLs**
*Stealth is opposed by the Perception of potential observ-
ers, so this assumes an average Perception skill. The GM is
free to make Perception rolls for extraordinary individuals.
**You must have at least Light Concealment or Light Cover
164
to attempt Stealth at all.
Time Required: You can move using Stealth at half your
Mobility as one action. You can try to use Stealth while
moving at normal speed (that is, your full Mobility in
yards as an action), but it’s at a -5 penalty to the Stealth
roll. Attempting Stealth at a run (double speed) is at a
-10 penalty. Finding cover to use for hiding or camou-
flage usually takes one action (and can be part of one’s
movement), assuming there is any cover or concealment
around at all. Note that once discovered, you may only
attempt Stealth again if you move to a different area (at
least 5 yards away), even if merely a different section
of the previous cover or concealment you were using
originally. However, intelligent observers are likely to re-
alize that you are somewhere in the general vicinity and
gain a +2 bonus to their Perception skill rolls to detect
you. Furthermore, if you hide or camouflage yourself in
a busy area, you may have to make a new Stealth roll
for every hour that you are there (since you’re being
constantly exposed to potential observers).
Skill Level Achievements:
For every 3 skill levels you’re attained, you may choose one
Specialty (see above).
Ƿ At skill level 4, you gain a +1 bonus to Disguise skill
rolls.
Ƿ At skill level 7, you gain a +1 bonus to Sleight of Hand
skill rolls.
Ƿ At skill level 10, you receive +1 to your Renown and
may move at normal speed without the -5 penalty (and
double speed, which is a run, with only a -5 penalty).
Failure: If you fail your Stealth skill roll, then you are de-
tected by an observers or onlookers in the general area.
If they don’t have line of sight to you, then they might at
least hear you or, if appropriate, smell you (or otherwise
discern your presence).
Critical Success:
1) If sneaking up to a creature, you do so with such preci-
sion and quickness as to gain two actions (instead of merely
one) before Initiative is rolled.
2) If hiding in a busy area, you are so well hidden, that you
only need the one Stealth skill roll for up to an entire 12-
hour period.
3) If at least 20 people witnessed you coming out of seem-
ingly nowhere to assassinate someone (or steal some major
object), you receive a +1 to your Renown.
Critical Failure:
1) If attempting to pilfer an object from someone, the target
is so enraged at your audacity and flies into a terrible fit of
hostility against you.
2) Your attempted heist was noticed by an especially loud
and expressive individual who shouts “thief!” at the top of
his or her lungs until a guard or other official shows up on
CHARACTER CREATION
 SAVAGEIII
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the scene.
3) You stumble and fall hard, or else step into a heretofore
unbeknownst trap, causing you 1 Health point of damage
per point of critical failure (armor does not count here).
4) If sneaking up on someone, you stumble right into the
target’s drawn blade (or if a beast, its slashing claws or
teeth)—the tables are now turned, and the mark gets a free
reactive attack against you if he or she so chooses.
SURVIVAL (Int)
A skill representing one’s ability to hunt or forage for food,
track game animals (or other creatures), start a campfire,
build an impromptu shelter, detect natural hazards, and
other such feats pertaining to survival in the wilderness (or
even a large urban area). Characters excelling in this skill are
often hunters, trackers, woodsmen, scouts, or even gypsies
and outcasts.
Armor Penalty: No.
Specialties: Fire-building, Fishing, Hazards, Hunting,
Navigation, Specific Terrain (Desert, Forest, Hills, Moun-
tains, Snow, Swamp, etc.), Tracking, Trapping, Water-
borne, etc.
Typical Tasks & Their DLs:
dz Locate and identify the tracks of a common ani-
mal: DL 5-10
dz Locate and identify the tracks of a rare animal or
beast: DL 15
dz Locate and identify the tracks of an exotic animal
or monstrous beast: DL 20
dz Follow human footprints for a mile through open
terrain or wet ground: DL 15
dz Follow human footprints for a mile through rough
terrain or dry ground: DL 20
dz Follow horse, camel, or oxen tracks for a mile: -5
to above DLs
dz Follow a small or exotic animal’s tracks for a mile:
+5 to above DLs
dz Reading or following footprints/tracks in snow or
mud: -5 to above DLs
dz Reading or following tracks in mist, fog, or rain:
+5 to above DLs
dz Reading or following tracks during a storm or
heavy rain: +10 to above DLs
dz Locating or identifying tracks on a hard ground or
stone/wood floor: +5 to above DLs
dz Discern exacting information from tracks (gender,
health, age, etc.): +10 to above DLs
dz Masking or covering tracks: Sets the DL for track-
ers’ Survival rolls +5
dz Start a fire with flint and steel and dry wood: DL 5
CHARACTER CREATION
dz Start a fire with dry wood and some improvised
tools: DL 10
dz Start a fire with wet wood, half-dry dung, or dry
wood during a storm: DL 20
dz Dig a fire-pit or embankment to help conceal a
campfire: +5 to above DLs
dz Hunt or forage for small game or edible plants: DL
10 + 2 per person fed per day
dz Hunt or forage for small game or edible plants in
winter or desert: +5 to above DL
dz Erect a crude lean-to or similar structure: DL 10 + 2
for each person to be housed*
*You may use the Crafting skill instead for this type of task.
Time Required: Searching for tracks or footprints takes
at least two actions (if in combat), and sometimes lon-
ger if in darkness or challenging terrain. Following tracks
takes a good hour per mile, as this requires one to move
at one-third to half speed (at most). One must usually
make a Survival roll per hour of tracking, to see if the
tracks are lost, although if in open and muddy or snowy
terrain, only one roll might be required for a full day’s
travel. Starting a fire takes only a minute or two if armed
with flint and steel (and dry wood or dung), but this
could take upwards of a half-hour if in high winds, rain,
or equipped with poor fuel and/or tools. Hunting and
foraging require a Survival skill per hour, and if traveling
overland while hunting or foraging, the rate of travel
drops by 25% for every hour of food-gathering. Erect-
ing a makeshift lean-to or other crude shelter requires
a good half-hour (or more if housing more than two
people).
Stamina Cost: For every hour spent hunting or forag-
ing, one Stamina point is expended. Digging a fire-pit
costs one Stamina per half-hour, as does erecting a crude
shelter.
Skill Level Achievements:
For every 3 skill levels you’re attained, you may choose one
Specialty (see above).
Ƿ At skill level 4, you gain a +1 bonus to Perception skill
rolls.
Ƿ At skill level 7, you gain a +1 bonus to Herbalism skill
rolls.
Ƿ At skill level 10, you receive +1 to your Renown and
gain a +1 bonus to Stealth rolls.
Critical Success:
1) If tracking, you discern the tracks so well that you may
follow them at your full normal Mobility without fear of
losing them.
2) When tracking, you identify precise information about
the person or creature, perhaps even recognizing the iden-
165
 SAVAGEIII
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tity of the creature and its name.
3) If fire-building, you manage to get a fire going in one
round (two actions).
4) If building a shelter, you get it done (for up to six people)
in merely five minutes’ time.
5) If navigating through the wilds, you manage to find a
shorter path saving you half a day’s travel.
Critical Failure:
1) If tracking, you find another set of tracks that you firmly
believe to be the right ones, only to have them lead you off
in a completely random direction.
2) You accidentally start a wildfire which will require a suc-
cessful DL 15 Survival roll to bring under control, taking at
least five minutes.
3) If building a shelter or litter, the construct falls apart after
an hour or so of use, causing anyone inside to succeed at a
DL 15 Acrobatics roll or take 1 Health damage per point of
failure (maximum 5 points).
4) You find some plants or roots that you thought were
edible, but turns out they are poisonous, forcing you and
your companions to succeed in a DL 15 Endurance roll or
suffer the Sickened condition for one hour (or shorter with
a successful DL 20 Healing Arts roll to treat poison).
WEAPONRY, MELEE (Phy)
This useful skill simulates a character’s proficiency in vari-
ous forms of hand-to-hand weaponry, such as axes, dag-
gers, spears, swords, and many others. When a character or
non-player character attacks with a melee weapon, he or
she uses this skill. Note for unarmed attacks, characters use
the Brawling skill, and for distance attacks, the Weaponry:
Ranged skill is used.
Armor Penalty: No.
Specialties: Battleaxe, Club, Dagger, Flail, Greataxe,
Greatsword, Handaxe, Lance, Longsword, Mace, Maul,
Pike, Polearm, Spear, War-club, War-flail, Warhammer,
War-spear, etc.
Typical Tasks & Their DLs:
dz Strike an opponent in combat to score Health
damage: DL = opponent’s Defense
dz Defend against an opponent’s melee strike: foe’s
DL = your Dodge or Parry Defense*
166
dz Disarm a foe’s Light or Medium one-handed weap-
on: DL = opponent’s Defense +2
dz Disarm a foe’s Heavy or Medium two-handed
weapon: DL = opponent’s Defense +5
dz Disarm an opponent’s shield or knock off his hel-
met: DL = opponent’s Defense +10
dz Trip (knock prone) an opponent in combat: DL =
opponent’s Defense +5
dz Trip a creature with four legs: DL = creature’s De-
fense +10
dz Force an opponent back one yard: DL = oppo-
nent’s Defense +5
dz Melee attack against an outnumbered opponent:
+1 bonus to attack roll per ally
dz Mounted attack (horseback, etc.) against a
non-mounted foe: +1 bonus to attack roll
dz Melee attack against a prone target: +2 bonus to
the attack roll
dz Free reactive attack against an opponent: -2 pen-
alty to attack roll
*Your Parry Defense is a static calculation of 10 + your total
Weaponry: Melee skill modifier. You may instead use your
Dodge Defense (10 + total Acrobatics skill modifier), unless
you are pinned in somewhere and can barely move (GM
discretion). You must be armed with a weapon or with a
shield in order to use Parry Defense.
Time Required: A standard melee attack costs one ac-
tion. This not only represents the usual way of dealing
damage to an opponent, but also disarms, trips, weap-
on-shatters, and other forms of offense with hand-held
melee weapons. (Note that you may only take one at-
tack-based action in a combat round, pending special
circumstances such a talent that grants you a secondary
attack or a third action in a round, such as the Swift
Actions talent.) Free reactive attacks are Reactions and
so don’t count as attack actions since they’re not taken
on your turn. In large-scale battles, one-minute combat
rounds are generally used instead of the normal six-sec-
ond rounds.
Skill Level Achievements:
For every 3 skill levels you’re attained, you may choose one
Specialty (see above).
Ƿ At skill level 4, you gain a +1 bonus to all Brawling skill
rolls.
Ƿ At skill level 7, you gain a +1 bonus to Crafting skill rolls
when appraising or making melee weapons.
Ƿ At skill level 10, you receive +1 to your Renown and
gain a +1 bonus to Weaponry: Ranged skill rolls when us-
ing thrown weapons (daggers, handaxes, javelins, etc.).
Critical Success:
CHARACTER CREATION
 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
1) In addition to scoring Health damage to your opponent,
you also succeed in disarming him, tripping him, or forcing
him back one yard (your choice).
2) You score such an impressive strike that temporarily
shocks your opponent, gaining you an immediate free at-
tack (at the usual -2 penalty for such).
3) You sever your opponent’s shield strap (if applicable)
causing him or her to suffer -2 to armor rating until re-
paired.
4) You knock your opponent’s helmet crooked and down
over his eyes, causing him to suffer -1 to future attack rolls
and Perception rolls, until he spends an action to readjust
the headwear.
5) You gouge your opponent’s eye causing him to suffer -1
to future attack and Perception rolls for one minute; oppo-
nent must also succeed in a DL 15 Endurance or Resolve roll
or become Stunned for one round.
6) You cut off a portion of your opponent’s ear or nose,
causing him or her to become Stunned for one round if
failing a DL 15 Endurance or Resolve roll.
7) You destroy or tear-away a significant piece of your op-
ponent’s armor, causing him or her to lose two points of ar-
mor rating until replaced or repaired (see the Crafting skill).
8) You knock your opponent instantly prone, unless his or
her Physique is +5 or more over your own; if so, then op-
ponent is knocked back one yard instead.
Critical Failure:
1) You accidentally drop your weapon which lands one
yard away (or two yards away if you critically failed by 3
or more).
2) The strapping in your helmet (if you’re wearing one)
breaks, causing it to go askew and making you suffer a -1
penalty to future attack and Perception rolls unless you
spend an action to correct it or throw it off.
3) You slip on wet ground or blood, causing you to fall
instantly prone.
4) You weapon bends out of shape, or is otherwise slightly
damaged, causing a -1 to future attack rolls with until re-
placed or repaired (see the Crafting skill).
5) You accidentally strike an ally within weapon reach for
a number of base Health points’ damage equal to 3 plus
the amount of critical failure (for example, if you critical-
ly failed with a -2 Weaponry: Melee roll result, then you
deal 5 base points of damage—allies armor still applies if
applicable).
6) You manage to injure yourself, perhaps with a badly
timed flail stroke or even a poorly executed downward
sword-stroke (into your foot) or spear-thrust; you take a
base of 2 Health points’ damage plus one point per amount
of critical failure (for example, if you critically fail your
Weaponry: Melee attack roll by -1, then you would take
3 points of Health damage, minus half your armor, if any).
WEAPONRY: RANGED (Agi)
This simulates an individual’s skill and knack for thrown
and propelled weapons, such as bows, crossbows, javelins,
hurled spears, tossed axes, and chucked knives. Note that
CHARACTER CREATION
ranged, or distance, attacks target an opponent’s Dodge
Defense (Parry Defense can only be used here with the Par-
ry Missiles talent). Furthermore, there are three range incre-
ments to consider: short, medium, and long (see Chapter
17—Actions & Combat for more in-depth information).
Armor Penalty: No.
Specialties: Composite Longbow, Composite Shortbow
(or recurve), Crossbow, Javelin, Longbow, Shortbow (or
hunting bow), Sidhe War-bow, Sling, Thrown Dagger,
Thrown Handaxe, Thrown Spear, War-sling, etc.
Typical Tasks & Their DLs:
dz Shoot or throw a weapon to deal Health damage
to a foe: DL = foe’s Dodge Defense
dz Shoot or throw a weapon while adjacent to an
armed foe: -2 to your ranged attack roll
dz Shoot or throw a weapon to disarm a Light or
one-handed Medium weapon: -5 to roll
dz Shoot or throw a weapon to disarm a Heavy or
2-handed Medium weapon: -10 to roll
dz Knockdown/trip a humanoid with a shot or
thrown weapon: -5 to ranged attack roll
dz Knockdown/trip a four-legged or Physique +10 (or
greater) creature: -10 to attack roll
dz Pin an opponent’s clothing to a wall, fence, etc.:
-10 to your ranged attack roll*
dz Shoot an apple off someone’s head at short range:
DL 25**
dz Shoot an apple off someone’s head at long range:
DL 30**
*Target must succeed in a DL 10 Physique roll, as an action,
to pull free.
**A miss by 10 or more strikes the target instead, dealing
appropriate weapon damage.
Time Required: Ranged weapon attacks, like all at-
tacks, require an action. Nocking an arrow, however, is
a free action unless the arrow comes from a non-quiver
location, such as a saddlebag or backpack (or the bow
is not unslung and ready). It is two actions to string a
bow or crossbow, although if you have no skill levels in
Weaponry: Ranged, then it takes at least 30 seconds (5
rounds). Loading a crossbow takes one action, though
heavier types take two actions. Archery tournaments,
and other ranged weapon contests, could take any-
where from ten minutes to several hours (for a major
kingdom-wide tourney).
Skill Level Achievements:
For every 3 skill levels you’re achieved, you may choose
one Specialty (see above).
167
 SAVAGEIII
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Ƿ At skill level 4, you gain a +1 bonus to Survival skill rolls
when hunting.
Ƿ At skill level 7, you gain a +1 bonus to Perception skill
rolls.
Ƿ At skill level 10, you receive +1 your Renown and only
suffer a -1 penalty when throwing weapons that aren’t
meant as ranged weapons (axes, swords, polearms, etc.).
These have a range of 4/8/12 if Light or Medium, or 3/6/9
if Heavy.
Critical Success:
1) In addition to dealing regular damage to a foe, you also
knock him or her prone.
2) You manage to disarm your target of one weapon, in
addition to dealing regular damage.
3) In addition to dealing regular damage to your target,
you also pin him or her to a nearby wall or tree.
4) You cause blood to flow or splatter into your target’s
eyes, causing the target to suffer a -1 penalty to all attack
rolls, Perception rolls, and Defense until healed with a suc-
cessful DL 10 Healing Arts roll.
5) Your shot or throw was so performed so incredibly epic,
that you gain +1 to your Renown if at least a dozen indi-
viduals witnessed it.
6) Your shot or throw was performed at such a high speed
that you may take another shot or throw (as part of the
same action), though at the usual -2 penalty for free or sec-
ondary attacks.
Critical Failure:
1) Your bowstring breaks (if applicable), causing the bow or
crossbow to only be functional again with a replacement or
successful DL 10 Crafting roll requiring half
2) Your bow cracks or your sling partially breaks, causing a
-2 penalty to future ranged attack rolls with that weapon
until replaced or repaired with a successful DL 12 Crafting
roll.
3) The head of your thrown axe or javelin, or blade of your
thrown dagger, comes completely off (DL 12 Crafting skill
roll to repair).
4) Your sling or war-sling (if applicable) accidentally glanc-
es your head, causing you to become Stunned for one full
round.
5) You mishandle and cut yourself on the weapon in ques-
tion, causing 1 point of Health damage per point of critical
failure (armor does not apply here).

11
CHARACTER AGE & AGING
Most human player-characters start their adventuring careers between the ages of 17 and 25, although a year or two
earlier (or a few years after) is not especially uncommon either. In fact, what is actually uncommon in a quasi-medieval
(albeit very early medieval) world is the notion of “adventuring” at all, save occasional mercenary forays, hunting
sprees, a religious pilgrimage, or some similar far-traveling task. The vast majority of people would be pursuing a craft
or apprenticeship, or serving as a lay-priest at a local temple, or perhaps trying to marry upward to someone of some
wealth or position.
However, most player-characters represent those who mostly walk against the grain or have been dictated by some
strange fate to continually quest or seek higher adventure, often fraught with danger, mystery, and strange occurrences.
As such, player-characters of practically any age, gender, and social status are viable options, especially given a good
back-story and mayhap a bit of assistance from the GM.

Human Age Categories & Their Effects:

Though each human culture in the West is slightly different in their assumption of when a youth ascends to adulthood
or who might be considered elderly, the following age categories reflect some general truths regardless. Note that
player-characters are assumed to begin play in the Majority category (or Middle-aged with GM approval), PCs may
begin as older Youths if the Very Young weakness is selected or Elderly if the weakness by the same name is chosen. (See
Chapter 9—Weaknesses for more information.)
When a character enters a new age category, the bonuses and penalties of that category—as shown below—are
applied. Though no player-character will be an infant, and unlikely to become Wizened, the Attribute adjustments for
such are given anyway for the GM to use with NPCs if need be.

Infant (0-2 years): Max AGI -2, Max PHY -3, Max VIG -2, Max INT -3, Max MAG -2, Wil -2
Child (3-10 years): Max AGI +0, Max PHY -1, Max VIG +0, Max INT -1, MAG +0, Wil -1
Youth (11-16 years): Max AGI +2, Max PHY +2, Max VIG +2, Max INT +2, MAG +2, WIL +2
Majority (17-35 years)*: Standard maximums per culture (see the Races/Culture chapter).
Middle-aged (36-55): -1 AGI or VIG, +1 to INT or WIL
Elderly (56-70 years): -1 to AGI, -1 to PHY, -1 to VIG, +1 to WIL, +1 to INT or MAG

168 CHARACTER CREATION

 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS

Wizened (71+ years): -1 to AGI, -1 to PHY or VIG, and +1 to INT or WIL

*The standard starting category for player-characters. Note that after Majority, the effects of the Middle-aged, Elderly,
and Wizened categories are cumulative.

Non-Human Age Categories:

Most non-human races age differently than humans as shown below through the various categories. These aging cate-
gories use the same Attributes as above.

Infant Child Youth Majority Middle- Elderly Wizened Maximum

aged
Chenari 0-2 3-8 9-12 13-29 30-40 41-50 50+ @55
Duergar 0-4 5-15 16-29 30-99 100-150 131-170 171+ @240
Sidhe, Dark 0-4 5-20 21-39 40-120 121-180 181-270 271+ @300*
Sidhe, Eluna 0-4 5-20 21-39 40-120 121-180 181-270 271+ @300*
Sidhe, Wild 0-4 5-18 19-38 39-110 111-170 171-250 251+ @280**
Sslir (all types) 0-2 3-12 13-19 20-38 39-60 61-75 76+ @100

*Sidhe, particularly Eluna Sidhe, generally retreat to the Otherworld before the age of 300; they seldom die of old age,
but can be killed by violence or even deep despair.
**Wild Sidhe seldom retreat to the Otherworld, usually dying as a mortal being around the age of 280 or so.

12
both politically and martially—and though, technically,
still loyal to the king, the Blood Disciples have their own
agenda (or so many believe) and have even been banned
from the courts of several counts and barons in the Winter
Kingdom (Mulovia).
They are renowned for their blood red armor, ferocity
and fearlessness in battle, and, of course, their undead su-
ORDERS & SECTS pernatural powers.

There are elite organizations throughout the SK setting, Requirements—

from knightly orders, priestly sects, monastic traditions,
magical covens, secret societies, and more. Such groups of-
fer prestige, special training, access to secret lore, or rare
equipment—or all the above. As such, most orders or sects
only accept specifically qualified members into their fold.
The following are available for player-characters who
meet the qualifications, although there are dozens of other
such organizations beyond the scope of this simple docu-
ment. Note that player-characters start at the lowest rank
within the sect or order—even if they have the minimum
age or Renown for a higher rank—unless they possess the
Adept talent. Advancement within the order can only occur
as a Downtime Action or during the course of actual play.
BLOOD DISCIPLES
A small, but extremely elite, organization based in wintry
Mulovia, the Blood Disciples are extremely secretive and
were once entirely loyal to the Mulovian crown. But this
order’s most intriguing (and terrifying) trait is that virtually
all of its members have received the “dark gift” of vampir-
ism which accentuates its name.
In recent times, they have become a powerful entity—
Special: Must have the Death-touched talent or be a
(non-ghul) Vampire.
Attributes: Magnetism +1, Intellect or Willpower +0,
and Physique or Vigor +0
Skills: Weaponry: Melee level 5, Weaponry: Ranged
level 3, Animal Handling level 1, Disguise level 1, Endur-
ance level 1, Lore level 1, Resolve level 1, and Alchemy or
Magical Arts: Air, Death, Earth, or Shadow level 1.
Benefits of Membership—
ǩ Blood Initiate: All recruits below age 30 or Re-
nown 7 are of this rank and title, and they each receive
the following when accepted into the order: +1 to Re-
nown, a master-crafted blood-red hard leather cuirass
(armor), and a master-crafted longsword or saber (your
choice). If you are wearing this kit within the borders of
Mulovia, you receive a +2 bonus to all Performance
and Persuasion skill rolls therein.
ǩ Blood Adept: At age 40 or Renown 8, this rank

CHARACTER CREATION 169

 SAVAGEIII
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TABLE 2-12: MASTER LIST OF ORDERS & SECTS

Blood Disciples Select group of elite vampiric warriors serving the Mulovian king
Circle of the Raven Elite coven of witches and sorceresses dedicated to a night-goddess
Company of the Black Lion Widely spread band of mercenaries serving the highest bidder
Cult of Gorgothon Underground cult worshipping the fallen god of the gorgons
The Druidic Order Elite group of shamanic priests serving the Gaernic gods and spirits
Duergar Rune-smiths Secretive elite order of mystic smiths from Thrimnor and Uldarak
Emerald Harpers Elite bards, lore-masters, and messengers who travel widely abroad
The Golden Legion Hand-chosen band of warriors who seek the defeat of all gorgons
Green Knights of Cormac Mysterious elite band of hunter-knights and protectors of the wild
The Iron Legion Select Praetorian guard sworn to defend the emperor and capital
Knights of the Sword & Rose Highly elite company of warriors sworn to protect king and church
Monastic Order of St. Paladyr Also called Truthkeepers, priests sworn to serve the Lone True God
Order of the Golden Crucible Select order of alchemists and sorcerers from the Lorinthian Empire
Order of the New Republic Very secretive group of anti-Imperialists in Lorinthia
Order of the Shadow Knights Select band of Dark Sidhe warrior-assassins serving Lithilor
Pirates of the Crimson Skull Large fleet of maritime outlaws scouring the Sunset Sea and beyond
Priests of Anderok Priestly sect of the Northern god of death and winter, Anderok
Priests of Agathon Also called Templars, a sect of warrior-priests serving Agathon
Priests of Atores Religious order dedicated to the Prydonian sun and bull god
Priestesses of Luccia Female sect in direct service to Luccia, goddess of love and the arts
Priests of Nipalos Priesthood in service to the Prydonian god of thieves and nighttime
Priests of Prydonis Sect dedicated to the chief Prydonian god, Prydonis, lord of the sea
Priestesses of Signa Female sect of healer-priestesses serving the Northern sun-goddess
Priests of Titherius Merchant-priests of the “golden god” of commerce and wealth
The Shadow Hand Secretive organization of thieves and assassins based in Lorinthia

and title can be attained. If the Blood Disciple is not yet
a Vampire, then he or she will be turned into one now.
Refusal is banishment at best; food for the senior mem-
bers at worst. Otherwise, the new adept receives a suit
of exceptional plate-and-chain (plated mail) armor and
gains a +1 bonus to Magical Arts: Death skill rolls.
ǩ Blood Captain: At age 50 or Renown 13, this
rank/title can be potentially acquired. A hell-bred war-
horse is gained (use light warhorse stats, but +1 to Will-
power and Mobility and unafraid of lesser demons and
all undead), as well as another +1 boost to Renown.
ǩ Blood Master: At age 60 or Renown 20, this rank
and title could be attained. If so, the member receives
the special gift of “Dark Rage” (exactly as the Berserker
Rage talent, but must blood-drain a creature of at least
one point of Vigor within the past hour). Another +1 to
Renown is also gained.
ǩ Blood Lord: At age 75 or Renown 25, this
unique rank and title (for there is only one such individ-
ual) might be attained. Rumors claim that the reigning
Blood-lord must be defeated in single combat, but such
is not entirely confirmed. Regardless, upon becoming
a Blood Lord, you gain another +1 to Renown, +1 to
Health and to Stamina, receive a master-crafted suit of
plate armor or an average-quality suit of Duergar plate
armor (your choice), and either a master-crafted greats-
word or a heroic-quality longsword (or saber). Note
that you must be an Elder-Vampire in order to gain the
titles and responsibilities of the Blood-lord.
Code/Tenets: Failure to adhere strictly to the following
edicts, commands, and oaths will likely result in banish-

170 CHARACTER CREATION

 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
ment from the order and realm, torture or maiming,
imprisonment, or ritual execution by sunlight or molten
silver, depending on the severity of the infraction.
ǧ Respect and honor the Blood-lord, his Blood-mas-
ters and Blood-captains, and all fellow Disciples in that
order.
ǧ You may only slay another Disciple through single
combat, approved by the Blood Lord him/herself.
ǧ Slay all others as you and the order seem fit, but
beware wanton destruction for its own sake.
ǧ Honor and respect the Mulovian crown, and all its
nobles and czars worthy of such.
ǧ Seek to recruit worthy Vampires into the fold; de-
stroy any others two weak or foolish.
CIRCLE OF THE RAVEN
Also known as the Coven of the Raven Witches, this se-
cretive society of sorceresses and enchantresses is said to
be based in the dark and mysterious Mistwood Forest of
Cymredd. Primarily dedicated to Llywella Ravendark, the
“night goddess” of the Cymreddi and Gaernic peoples, this
coven only accepts women into its ranks, which totals no
more than sixty or seventy members in total.
Ravens are sacred to the order, just as they are to the
Night Goddess, and many are also members of the Druidic
Brotherhood or possibly other more minor sects or tradi-
tions, although this is almost kept in secret due to potential
rivalries. Only nine women are allowed in the Inner Circle
of the coven, most of whom are Crones (elder females of
at least 60 years of age). This inner echelon is even more
secretive than the greater whole of the order.
Requirements—
Gender: Female only, preferably of Cymreddi, Gaernic,
or Caernian descent.
Age: 19 years old.
Attributes: Intellect and Willpower +0
Talents: At least one of the following—Acolyte, De-
mon-blood, Magic Affinity, or Sidhe-blooded.
Skills: Herbalism level 2, Lore level 2, Healing Arts level
1, Perception level 1, Resolve level 1.
Benefits of Membership—
ǩ Initiate: All members of age 19 begin their careers
with this rank and title. Initiates receive a +1 boost to
their Renown and may advance in all Magical Arts disci-
plines save for Life magic. Additionally, they are given a
raven-black robe which, when worn, grants a +2 bonus
to Persuasion skill rolls while in Brythia, Cymredd, or
the Emerald Isles.
ǩ Adept: At age 26 or Renown 4, this rank and title
may be attained. If so, the Adept gains a free skill spe-
CHARACTER CREATION
cialty in one of the following—Herbalism (healing or
poisons), Magical Arts: Air (specific spell), or Magical
Arts: Shadow (specific spell). You also gain one of the
following talents of your choice for free—Create Po-
tion, Enchant Talisman, Evil Eye, or Familiar (bat, owl,
or raven).
ǩ High Priestess: At age 39 or Renown 10, this
rank/title could be attained. As such, the High Priest-
ess may now advance in Magical Arts: Life if she so
chooses, and also receives a magical staff or wand (your
choice) which yields +1 to all Magical Arts skill rolls
when casting spells and a +1 boost to Stamina.
ǩ Crone: At age 60 or Renown 17, a position in the
Inner Circle—as a Crone—might be attainable. Howev-
er, there are only nine such positions through the whole
of the order. The Elder Crone, who is often at least 70
(or Renown 22), is the head of the Inner Circle. Regard-
less, the benefits of being a member of this level are
being included in the secret moots (meetings) of the
order, a +1 boost to both Luck and Renown, as well
as learning the ability to shape-shift (as the spell) into
a Raven or Giant Raven (see Chapter 21—Animals &
Gigantic Animals). This costs one action and 3 Stamina
points, and the duration is one hour. On the two nights
of the new Greater Moon and the one night of the new
Lesser Moon, the Stamina cost is only 2 and the duration
extends to two hours.
Code/Tenets: The following oaths and bylaws must be
strictly adhered to or else members face the likelihood
of banishment from the Circle, slavery in a foreign land,
torture, or ritual execution depending upon the severity
of the infraction.
ǧ Respect and obey the commands and whims of the
members of the Inner Circle
ǧ Respect fellow members of the coven and, in gen-
eral, Druids, witches, and shamans
ǧ Strive to oppose the encroachment of decadent
civilizations and their corrupted ideas
ǧ Respect and honor Llywella Ravendark, and all the
ancient deities of the Far West
ǧ Do not amass unnecessary wealth; only keep what
you (and a horse) can carry
ǧ Respect clan-chieftains and tribal kings, unless they
prove to be foolish and honorless
COMPANY OF THE BLACK LION
Once a scrappy company of free mercenaries and sell-
swords, the Black Lions were all but eradicated during the
Gorgon Wars. However, they eventually resurfaced, this
time a more organized continent-wide organization of war-
riors dedicated, most often, to the highest bidder. Often clad
in black, trimmed with the grey and black emblazonry of a
rampant lion, kings and warlords seek out the Company in
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 SAVAGEIII
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their wars for domination, vengeance, and empire-making.
Black Lion soldiers are renowned for their grit, skill, and
determination, even if the main motivation is gold. Yet
some are still driven by honor and glory, and so can be—at
least occasionally—every bit as tenacious as an oath-bound
elite unit of royal guards. The Company totals over 5,000
members, usually divided into specific units (though they
have little cavalry), and are sometimes loathed by the com-
mon-folk (and some nobles) as little more than brigands
and marauders.
Requirements—
Attributes: Physique +0, and Vigor or Willpower +0.
Skills: Weaponry: Melee level 2, Weaponry: Ranged
level 2, Brawling level 1, Endurance level 1, and Animal
Handling or Survival level 1.
Benefits of Membership—
ǩ Lion Recruit: All new members of age 18 or Re-
nown 4 or less are considered Lion Recruits. This rank
and title grants the warrior-member a +1 boost to Re-
nown, a war-helm (average quality), a medium shield
(average quality), and an exceptional-quality chain hau-
berk or an average-quality breastplate (your choice).
Often this gear will have a black lion insignia embossed
upon it somewhere.
ǩ Sergeant: At age 24 or Renown 5, this rank and
title might be attained, which grants the Black Lion the
‘Military’ specialty of the Lore skill and a +1 bonus to
either Weaponry: Melee or Weaponry: Ranged skill
rolls (your choice). You also receive a small monthly sti-
pend of 10 sc which you must pick up at a Black Lion
headquarters (or as part of Downtime Activity).
ǩ Captain: At age 28 or Renown 9, this rank and
title could be acquired. Captains receive a +1 boost to
Renown, either a light warhorse or an exceptional-qual-
ity medium weapon of your choice. Additionally, you
gain an exceptional-quality breastplate with a rampant
black lion embossed on the front.
172
ǩ Commander: At age 34 or Renown 15, the rank
and title of Commander (or Lion Commander) might
possibly be attained. This nets the Black Lion member a
master-crafted breastplate or exceptional-quality plated
mail (your choice), as well as +1 boost to either your
Initiative or Health (your choice again).
ǩ Commander-General: At age 40 or Renown 21,
the rank and title of Commander-General (or Lord Com-
mander) could possibly be attained, although there are
but two or three Lions of this status in the entire Compa-
ny. This rank grants you +1 to Renown, a master-crafted
medium or heavy weapon of your choice, and a +5
bonus to Persuasion skill rolls when dealing with other
members of the Black Lions.
Code/Tenets: Failure to adhere to the following edicts
and commands will very likely result in banishment from
the company, in the very least, or in the case of serious
transgressions, execution by combat or torture.
ǧ Honor and obey your superior officers, unless
clearly corrupt or magically manipulated
ǧ If of Captain rank or higher, never accept a
war-contract without half payment up front
ǧ Keep always your war-gear clean, serviceable, and
ever at the ready
ǧ Never be routed in battle, and never retreat unless
given a command for an orderly one
ǧ Plunder not spoils while there is fighting still to be
done, or suffer severe punishment
CULT OF GORGOTHON
There have been, and perhaps still are, several cults dedicat-
ed to the Fallen and Still-born deity called Gorgothon, the
lord of the gorgons, but this one is likely the largest and best
organized one known at present. It is thought to be based
in the ruined city of Ursyllia, on the far southwest of the
Lorinthian Empire, though some rumors claim the island of
Miurga or even a small island off the mountainous, south-
ern coast of Gorgotha as the center of the cult’s power. Or
possibly all of these locations.
Natural enemies of the Golden Legion, and most of the
civilized world, the Cult of Gorgothon almost always meets
and operates in secret, trusting only in their members to
keep such information as gathering places and other forbid-
den lore as private as possible. The Cult’s power, after all,
is largely based on mystery, intimidation, and secret knowl-
edge (which includes sorcerous spells). Perhaps the greatest
appeal toward membership is learning and dabbling in the
dark arts, rare spells accessible to the clever, attentive, and
less-than-scrupulous.
Members of the Cult of Gorgothon often garb them-
selves in black or dark red as a show of unity and mystery;
however, a few offshoot sub-cults have been known to
wear nothing at all (“sky-clad”) or darkest blue robes which
CHARACTER CREATION
 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
represent the deepest part of the ocean-river. Occasional-
ly, a symbol of Gorgothon (usually a three-eyed skull or a
blood-red wave) can be seen on a necklace or as a tattoo.
Requirements—
Race/Culture: Any, though peoples from southern Ast-
agonia are most common.
Age/Gender: Any, although at least age 16 is preferred.
Talents: Cultist, plus one of the following—Acolyte,
Dabbling Arcanist, Evil Eye, Gorgon-blood, Grimoire, Pi-
ous Faith (in Gorgothon), Prophet, Ritual Sacrifice, Sec-
ond Sight.
Weaknesses: One of the following—Exiled, Heretic, Ob-
session (power or forbidden knowledge), Tainted, Zealot
(of Gorgothon). If you do not possess any of these when
first entering the cult, then you may take one freely with-
out the benefit of bonus points.
Skills: Alchemy level 1, Disguise level 1, Herbalism level
1, Language level 1, Lore level 1, Stealth or Survival level
1.
Benefits of Membership—
ǩ Initiate (or Gorgonic Initiate): When first en-
tering the Cult,after a brief and dark ceremony, you are
usually given a robe or mantle, often of a midnight blue
coloration. You might also receive an exceptional-quali-
ty sacrificial knife and can now advance in the Magical
Arts disciplines of Death, Water, and Shadow. Lastly, you
can learn the Gorgonic tongue in a month’s time (either
as Downtime or actual in-game play).
ǩ Adept: Upon reaching age 19 or Renown 7, you
may attain this rank and therefore receive a black-hued
robe of exceptional-quality and either a master-crafted
sacrificial dagger or a master-crafted quarterstaff (your
choice). Additionally, you gain a +1 bonus to all Magi-
cal Arts: Shadow and Lore skill rolls, and pay one point
less for the Blood Magic, Evil Eye, Grimoire, and Ritual
Sacrifice talents.
ǩ High Priest(ess): If you reach age 26 or Renown
13, you qualify for this rank which yields you a grey
robe of master-crafted quality, an enchanted holy icon
(necklace, ring, or tattoo) which grants +1 to Health
and Stamina, and a +1 bonus to Renown. Furthermore,
you automatically gain knowledge of a carefully guard-
ed spell (Gorgon Summoning), which is similar to the
Demon-summoning spell in all ways except that it calls
forth a Minotaur (counts as a Lesser creature), Manticora
(counts as Greater creature), or a Chimaera (counts as
a Lord). A five-headed Hydra is also possible, counting
also as a Lord.
ǩ Guardian of Forbidden Lore: If somehow you
qualify for this rank, assuming you are of age 33 or Re-
nown 20, then you are given a full-body tattoo in a
half-day long ceremony, this body art consisting of an-
cient runes and grotesque images of gorgonic creatures
CHARACTER CREATION
(this is your new “robe”). This detailed and semi-magical
tattoo also grants you the ‘Intimidation’ specialty of the
Persuasion skill, though if you already possess such, then
you receive a “double specialty” in it. In addition, you
gain another +1 to Renown and also to Luck and Stami-
na as well. Lastly, you might have access to several an-
cient relics and artifacts, several of which might be of en-
chanted nature and/or heroic-quality (GM’s discretion).
Code/Tenets: Though this cult is almost universally
thought as heretical, forbidden, and even sinister, it still
follows some minor strictures and by-laws to guide its
members. Serious infractions of any of these tenets are
generally met with banishment or even death through
sacrifice (depending on severity).
ǧ Speak not to outsiders of the Gorgonic Brother-
hood, its members, or its inner secrets
ǧ Respect and obey fellow members of superior rank
ǧ Seek only to slay gorgons in defense; instead, seek
answers and lore in their physiologies
ǧ Help not others unknown to you unless there is
some obvious gain in doing so
ǧ Seek always to gain power, knowledge, and to un-
derstand the heretofore unknown.
THE DRUIDIC ORDER
Sometimes called the Order of the Sacred Oak or the Grey
Brotherhood, particularly in the north and west, this is one
of the more ancient priesthoods, a semi-organized collec-
tion of shamanic priests in service to the Old Gods. Some
of these “old gods” have sacred names—Briannon, Cormac,
Bran Finnon, Gaelrith, and Lywella Ravendark—and are
served by these Druids, men (and sometimes women) who
speak their wills, read their portents, and perform miracles
from knowledge allegedly granted from these antiquated
deities and natural spirits. The Fair Folk, or Faeries, are often
revered too by the Druid-priests of this sect, as they repre-
sent the storied past and are believed to be direct descen-
dants of at least some of the Old Gods.
Druids were once traditionally male, but in recent times,
female druidesses (sometimes called ‘Enchantresses’) have
been allowed, especially in lands such as Cymredd and the
Emerald Islands. They interpret omens for their clans and
tribes, often advising chieftains in various affairs regarding
the natural and supernatural (and sometimes even in com-
merce and warfare). Many are skilled healers, herbalists,
and magicians, dabbling in many arcane art-forms partic-
ularly those associated with the natural elements or the
Other-world. Some Druids seek out membership within the
brotherhood, while others are chosen at birth to serve.
Requirements—
Race/Culture: Human, preferably of Brythian, Caerni-
an, Cymreddi, or Gaernic stock
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 SAVAGEIII
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Age: 21 years old
Attributes: Intellect +0, and Magnetism or Willpower
+0
Talents: Priest and one of the following—Acolyte, Mag-
ic Affinity, or Second Sight
Skills: Healing Arts level 2, Herbalism level 2, Lore level
2, Language level 1, Perception level 1, Survival level 1,
and either Endurance or Resolve level 1 (your choice).
Benefits of Membership—
ǩ Initiate: At age 21, you begin within the sect at
this rank and title. This earns you a +2 boost to Renown
and the ability to progress in the Magical Arts of Air,
Earth, Fire, and Water. Additionally, you receive a cere-
monial undyed wool robe as part of your station, and
when worn within the realms of Cymredd, Brythian,
Caerndon, or the Emerald Islands, you gain a +2 bonus
to Persuasion skill rolls.
ǩ Adept (or Ovate): At age 25 or Renown 6,
you might attain the rank of Adept (sometimes called
Ovate). This qualifies you to receive another +1 to your
Renown, an exceptional-quality staff or sacrificial dag-
ger (your choice), and the ability to now progress in
the Magical Arts discipline of Shadow if you so choose.
Furthermore, you automatically gain one of the follow-
ing talents of your choice—Bard, Enchant Talisman, Evil
Eye, Sanctum Magic, Song Magic, or Words of Power.
You must still meet all prerequisites, however.
ǩ High Priest (or Priestess): At age 30 or Renown
12, you qualify for the rank and title of High Priest or
High Priestess. This gains you +1 to Renown, a +1 boost
to your Health or Stamina (your choice), and a mas-
ter-crafted staff of oak, rowan, or ash which yields a +1
bonus to all Magical Arts skill rolls when casting spells
and sensing magical auras. Furthermore, your ceremoni-
al robes are now dyed and embroidered or stained with
animal motifs, usually ravens, wolves, hawks, stags, or
boars. Your bonus to the above-mentioned Persuasion
rolls when wearing these garments now improves to +5.
ǩ Master Druid (or Arch-druid): At age 45 or
Renown 18, you might achieve this rank and title. If so,
you receive +1 to both your Luck and Renown, and ei-
ther your Health or your Stamina (your choice). You are
given master-crafted robes, possibly red or black instead
of ivory-white, and also gain a +1 bonus to Language,
Lore, Perception, and Survival skill rolls.
ǩ Chief Druid (or Elder Druid): Though there
are but four or five such Druid-priests of this rare ech-
elon, acquiring the age of 60 or a Renown of 24 does
qualify you for such a rank and title. As such, you would
receive another +1 boost to Renown, master-crafted
robes of black embroidered with animal and tree mo-
tifs, a master-crafted headpiece mounted with antlers or
horns, and the ability to now advance in Magical Arts:
Life. Furthermore, your staff becomes heroic-quality
(and gains a minor power that you and your GM can
174
work out together), and you might have access to sever-
al other enchanted objects that belong to the communal
sect itself.
Code & Tenets: The following edicts, laws, and tenets
must be adhered to or else the druid or druidess faces
likely banishment from the sect (and possibly the entire
clan or tribe), in the very least, or ceremonial death in
the very worst. Also possible acquisition of the Honor-
less, Infamous, or Tainted weakness depending upon the
nature of the infraction.
ǧ Respect and obey all Druids or superior rank, as
befitting their wisdom and authority
ǧ Respect and honor all clan and tribal chieftains, un-
less proven foolish or untrustworthy
ǧ Respect and honor the Old Gods of the natural
world, as well as the Sidhe and Fey-folk
ǧ Provide advice to clan-leaders, and healing and
guidance to the common folk
ǧ Observe and respect the Holy Days, such as equi-
noxes, solstices, full moons, and eclipses
ǧ Keep only what you can carry, and donate to
those deserving what you cannot take.
DUERGAR RUNE-SMITHS
In the Duergar-realm of Thrimnor especially—but also in
other Duergar-kingdoms such as Uldarak and Durtharon—
there exists a legendary secret order of Dwarf-smiths to
rival, or surpass, any in the known world. These are the
Rune-smiths, and they guard ancient secrets of stone-craft,
metal-craft, and magic-craft handed down through myriad
generations of Duergar masters.
Duergar rune-smiths are learned in the deeper meanings
and innate magic of runic sigils, not only used in the Dwarf-
tongue, but also runes from such languages as Giant-speak,
Titanic, Sidhe, and even Dragon-speech. The smiths use
these runes to carve, emboss, or otherwise decorate their
crafts thus imbuing them with primal magical power. These
powers might be the make something more durable, sharp-
er, denser, and a wide number of mystical possibilities.
Though Duergar rune-smiths closely protect the secrets
of their order, and in most things Duergar in general, they
will—on rare occasion—travel friendlier lands in search of
additional knowledge in the ways of smith-craft, building,
mining, magic-working, and more. Otherwise, most live
deep in their mountain-homes, usually not far from the
fire-forges and rune-carving chambers to which they are so
deeply sworn to as a member of this elite group.
Prerequisites—
Race/Culture: Must be Duergar.
Age/Gender: Must be at least 50 years old.
Attributes: Physique +0 and Intellect +0.
CHARACTER CREATION
 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
Talents: Rune-magic, plus one of the following—Aco-
lyte (of Duradin), Apprentice, Artisan, Enchant Talisman,
Magic Affinity.
Skills: Alchemy level 1, Crafting level 2, Language level
1, Lore level 1, Magical Arts (any) level 1, and Endurance
or Resolve level 1.
Weaknesses: Cannot have Honorless, Kin-slayer,
Oath-breaker, or Tainted.
Benefits of Membership—
ǩ Rune Apprentice: After an initiation rite, you
are considered of this rank when first entering the or-
der, and are given a master-crafted set of smithing tools
(for both metal and stone) and an exceptional-quality
warhammer. You also receive a master-crafted ring or
bracer (your choice) that signifies you as a Rune-smith
and grants you +1 to Renown when worn.
ǩ Rune Adept: Upon attaining age 65 or Renown
6, you qualify for this rank and title. If so, your war-
hammer is upgraded to master-crafted (you must attain
it during Downtime or travel there during actual play)
and you learn how to inscribe the Rune of Biting rune-
spell (Discipline: Earth, Fire, or Life / DL: 10 / Stamina
Cost: 2 / Casting Time: One full round / Range: Touch /
Effect Area: 1 cutting or piercing weapon / Duration: 1
hour or until used / Result: The weapon gains +3 to AP
and maximum damage on one successful strike; the spell
fades after this blow (or after one hour if unused).
ǩ Rune Master: At age 90 or Renown 11, you
might attain this rank and title. As such, you automat-
ically gain +1 to your Renown and Stamina, as well as
to all Crafting skill rolls. Additionally, you learn how
to inscribe the Rune of Omens rune-spell (Discipline:
Earth, Shadow / DL: 10 / Stamina Cost: 2 / Casting Time:
One full round / Range: Self / Effect Area: 1 rune-stone /
Duration: Instantaneous / Result: By successfully carving
this rune in a stone, you can see the likely outcome of a
major event up to 72 hours into the future.
ǩ Rune Lord: Upon reaching the age of 120 or Re-
nown 18, this rank and title could possibly be attained.
If so, you gain another +1 to your Renown, but also
to Alchemy, Crafting, and Lore skill rolls. Additionally,
you gain a heroic-quality enchanted warhammer which
has the power to deliver a Shattering Blow once per
day and yields +1 to all Magical Arts skill rolls when
performing a ritual. Lastly, you learn the Rune of Remak-
ing rune-spell (Discipline: Life / DL: 20 / Stamina Cost: 7
/ Health cost: 2 / Casting Time: 1 minute / Range: Touch
/ Effect Area: 1 object, carcass, or corpse / Duration:
Permanent / Result: By painting hundreds of runic sym-
bols on a broken object or slain carcass or corpse, the
rune-smith can fully repair the object in question or even
restore life to a creature that had died within the past
hour. Note that every time you make use of this rune-
spell to raise the dead, you lose a permanent Health or
Stamina point (your choice).
CHARACTER CREATION
Code/Tenets: Duergar Rune-smiths must strictly adhere
to the following code of else risk the very real possibil-
ity of excommunication (or long-term imprisonment or
even execution).
ǧ Always regard the Rune-lord as your leader and
high-commander
ǧ Never yield the secrets of the order, especially
rune-spells
ǧ Honor and obey Duergar priests of Duradin, god
of smith-craft and creation
ǧ Accept a crafting commission with no less than half
payment up front
EMERALD HARPERS
Entertainers, minstrels, and bards, members of The Em-
erald Harp (often called Emerald Harpers) are renowned
across the western continent of Astagonia, particularly in
the northern and western realms. The Emerald Harp was
once associated with the Druidic Order—like many bards of
the northwest—but has recently broken almost completely
away from their mystical and religious forebears over the
past half-century or so.
An Emerald Harper is often a sight for sore eyes (and
ears) in many an inn, tavern, or great hall, for many people
look to them as news-bringers, storytellers, messengers, and
entertaining comforters. Most Harpers are recognizable in
their emerald-green cloaks and a travelling harp strapped
across their backs. Many travel in pairs—master and ap-
prentice (or journeyman).
Requirements—
Age: 21 years old
Attributes: Magnetism +1 and Intellect +0
Talents: Elite Affiliation and one of the following—Ap-
prentice or Bard.
Skills: Performance level 3, Language level 2, Lore level
2, Persuasion level 1, and Endurance or Resolve level 1.
Benefits of Membership—
ǩ Harper-Journeyman: Those members of at
least age 21 are given this rank and title. They receive an
exceptional-quality traveler’s harp (+1 to Performance
rolls with it), an exceptional emerald-green cloak, and a
harp-shaped brooch. Also gain +2 to Renown, a +1 bo-
nus to Performance and Persuasion skill rolls, and the
‘Harping’ specialty of the Performance skill.
ǩ Harper-Adept: If age 25 or Renown 6 is
achieved, this rank/title could be attained. This grants
the Emerald Harper either a master-crafted traveler’s
harp (you are expected to turn in your former harp) or
exceptional-quality standing harp (or large court-harp),
your choice. Also gain a +1 boost to your Mobility and
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 SAVAGEIII
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Stamina traits, and if you so choose, you may now ad-
vance in the Magical Arts: Shadow skill.
ǩ Harper-Master: If age 35 or Renown 13 is ac-
quired, this rank and title might be attained. As such,
you gain a +1 boost to your Renown, a +1 bonus to
Lore and Persuasion skill rolls, and may choose to have
a “double specialty” in Performance (harping) or a nor-
mal specialty in either bodhran (a type of drum), bag-
pipes, or storytelling. Your choice.
ǩ Harper-Elder: If age 50 or Renown 20 is at-
tained, then this title and rank is a possibility. Only a
dozen or so Harper-Elders exist, and those receiving this
rank gain +1 to Renown, +1 to Luck or Stamina (your
choice), and a +1 bonus to Language and Resolve skill
rolls. Furthermore, your harp becomes a heroic-quality
item, and thus gains some minor enchantment such as
casting Beguile twice a day, deafens enemies, heals ail-
ments, etc.
Tenets/Code: The following bylaws and traditions must
be adhered or the Harper faces the real possibility of
banishment from the order or, in extreme cases, lam-
pooning of one’s misdeeds or even exile to a faraway
island, such as Innis Nor, or some remote part of the
Shadowlands.
ǧ Must obey all “laws of hospitality” when visiting
and performing in venues
ǧ Must receive payment for services, be it coinage,
food, lodging, or companionship
ǧ One-tenth of all earnings must go to the Emerald
Harp order itself (once per 3 months)
ǧ Always give your best at every performance, be it
with harp, pipes, song, or tale
ǧ Remain neutral in political conflicts; be not manip-
ulated into spying or lampooning
ǧ Stay no more than three days in any one venue,
unless arranging otherwise beforehand.
THE GOLDEN LEGION
This ancient and secretive organization was allegedly estab-
lished only a few centuries after the Fall of Rhodon, the leg-
endary island of the Prydonian deities, and therefore might
be a millennium old. It was founded with purpose to pre-
vent the encroachment of gorgonic creatures—the so-called
Spawn of Gorgothon—and general protection against oth-
er, generally, supernatural foes.
As such, Golden Legionnaires are quite gifted in mon-
ster-slaying, particularly gorgons, often working in semi-se-
cret, not always with the knowledge of local nobles, kings,
and warlords. On occasion, however, a desperate lord or
high priest might hire a Golden Legion company to protect
his city or fortress from marauding minotaurs or manticores
or to go forth and slay an especially dangerous hydra or
176
medusa.
Called such due to their golden armor (which is often
quite antiquated in its appearance), the Golden Legion—
as it is collectively known as—can be mainly found, when
found at all, in the South-lands of the Astagonian conti-
nent, typically in Prydonian or Lorinthian lands. Many gor-
gonic beasts still haunt the Bloodrock Mountains, perhaps
above all regions, although the occasional gorgon can yet
be found in all manner of forlorn locales.
Requirements—
Race/Culture: Usually Lorinthian or Prydonian human,
of at least 17 years of age. Others (save for those cursed
with gorgon blood) are occasionally accepted based on
merit.
Attributes: Vigor +0, Willpower +0, and Agility or
Physique +0.
Talents: At least one of the following—Angelic-blood,
Champion, Hated Foe (gorgons), Hunter, Rhodo-
nite-blood, Second Sight, Smiting Blow.
Weaknesses: Cannot have any of the following—Addic-
tion (any), Masterless, Oath-breaker, Tainted.
Skills: Athletics level 1, Brawling level 1, Endurance level
1, Lore level 1, Perception level 1, Resolve level 1, Weap-
onry: Melee level 2, Weaponry: Ranged level 2, Survival
level 1, and Animal Handling or Sailing level 1.
Benefits of Membership—
ǩ Golden Warrior: When first entering into the
Golden Legion (usually after an ancient and somewhat
mysterious anointing ceremony), you are given this rank
and title and are therefore given an exceptional-quality
bronze breastplate with matching greaves and vambrac-
es. Often, there is the imagery of spears, titans, and bulls
or lions on this armor. Additionally, you gain the Hated
Foe (gorgons) battle talent, or if you already possess this
talent, then you gain the Armor Acclimation, Grit, or
Tireless talent for free (your choice of one).
ǩ Golden Slayer: At age 21 or Renown 7, you may
achieve this rank and receive a master-crafted longspear,
warspear, or composite longbow (your choice of one) as
well as an exceptionquality war-helm. In addition, you
gain +1 to your Health or Stamina (your choice) and the
‘gorgons’ specialty of the Lore skill.
ǩ Golden Captain: At age 25 or Renown 13, you
now gain +1 to both Renown and Luck, and may also
advance in the Magical Arts: Life or Fire skills. Fur-
thermore, you acquire a light warhorse or Matica rid-
ing-horse (your choice as to which), complete with hard
leather barding.
ǩ Lord of the Golden Legion: At age 30 or Re-
nown 20, you might qualify for this rank and title (of
which there are but two or three such positions) and, if
so, receive another +1 bonus to your Renown, Health,
and Stamina, as well as to all Lore skill rolls. Addition-
CHARACTER CREATION
 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
ally, you now acquire a heroic-quality longspear, war-
spear, or composite longbow or a Winged Horse (Peg-
asus) steed. Lastly, you might also have further access to
rare relics, artifacts, and other secrets of the order.
Code/Tenets: Members of the Golden Legion must ad-
here to the following edits, by-laws, and code of honor
or risk the very real possibility of banishment or even ex-
ecution, depending upon the severity of the infraction.
ǧ Destroy all gorgonic creatures, unless capture
proves more optimal for the task at hand
ǧ Honor, respect, and obey all Golden Legion mem-
bers of superior rank
ǧ Wear the armor and kit of the Legion, even if rela-
tive secrecy is also desired
ǧ Secrecy and discretion are key; a cunning gorgon
might find out your true purpose
ǧ Spoils from victories may be kept, though one-
tenth of such must go to the Legion itself
GREEN KNIGHTS OF CORMAC
CHARACTER CREATION
Mysterious warrior-guardians of forest, field, and stream,
the Green Knights are generally comprised of able-bodied
men (and a few women) who share a common interest in
protecting the ancient ways of the far west, particularly as
they concern the Druidic Order, its Druid-priests, and the
Old Gods themselves.
Members of this militant order are often not truly
knights at all, at least not in the classic sense of privilege and
sponsorship, but are simply called that due to their fairly
elite status as warriors, hunters, and scouts. Even still, some
Green Knights of Cormac are precisely that—warriors born
with some measure of rights, respect, and responsibility
within their respective realms.
Green Knights are generally allegiant to the Druidic Or-
der and the Emerald Harp, and some members are even
oath-bound to local chieftains, kings, and others strictly
committed to the “old ways” of the green forests, hills, and
rolling plains of the half-wild natural world.
Requirements—
Race/Culture: Usually human of Brythian, Caernian,
Cymreddi, or Gaernic stock, or Eluna Sidhe or Wild Sidhe
Attributes: Vigor +1 and Physique +0
Talents: Elite Affiliation, plus one of the following—Fey-
touched, Magic Affinity, Night-sighted, or Sidhe-blooded
Skills: Weaponry: Melee level 3, Endurance level 2, Per-
ception level 2, Survival level 2, Weaponry: Ranged lev-
el 2, Brawling level 1, Animal Handling level 1, Athletics
level 1.
Benefits of Membership—
ǩ Hunter-Knight: When first being initiated into
the Order (at least 17 years of age), you are given the
rank and title of Hunter-Knight. As such, you are gifted
with a light warhorse, saddle and bags, a dark green
cloak (or surcote), and your choice of one of the fol-
lowing exceptional-quality—battleaxe, lance, spear, or
war-spear.
ǩ Errant-Knight: At age 21 or Renown 4, you may
attain the rank of Errant-Knight and thusly gain +1 to Re-
nown, +1 to either Health or Stamina (your choice), and
master-crafted battleaxe or lance (your chance again).
ǩ Guardian-Knight: At age 25 or Renown 9, you
qualify to attain this rank and title. As such, you acquire
another +1 to your Renown, a +1 to your Endurance
or Mobility (your choice), a heavy warhorse equipped
with exceptional-quality saddle and an exceptional-qual-
ity medium shield.
ǩ Master-Knight: At age 33 or Renown 15, you
could attain the rank of Master-Knight, which gains you
another +1 to Renown, +1 boost to both Health and
Stamina, an exceptional harness of brigandine horse
barding or an exceptional chain shirt or scale hauberk
(your choice of which).
ǩ Lord (or Lady) of the Green: At age 40 or Re-
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 SAVAGEIII
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nown 22, you qualify as this top-ranking title (of which
there is only one). This grants you +1 to Renown, +1
bonus to Endurance, +1 bonus to Resolve, and a he-
roic-quality lance, battleaxe, or medium shield (your
choice of which). This item has accumulated mysteri-
ous fey powers over during its storied existence, such
as shedding a 5-yard radius of heatless light, counting
as both cold-iron and silver versus certain supernatural
creatures, granting the wielder immunity against glam-
our, etc. GM discretion applies.
Code & Tenets: Green Knights not adhering to the fol-
lowing rules and bylaws risk the likelihood of banish-
ment from the order or even ritual execution by behead-
ing depending upon the severity of the infraction.
ǧ Respect and honor the Old Gods of the west, espe-
cially Cormac, lord of the hunt
ǧ Respect and obey those of superior rank in the or-
der and to honorable lords in general
ǧ Tithe one-tenth of all earned income so that the
order itself may function adequately
ǧ Dispense the justice of death or captivity to those
deliberately bringing harm to the wilds
ǧ Serve at least two months of every year patrolling
and scouting in the West-lands
THE IRON LEGION
Also known as the Imperial Praetorian Guard, this elite mil-
itary unit numbers no more than 2,000 soldiers. A healthy
mix of both show and action, every member of the Iron
Legion is hand-chosen by the Lorinthian emperor himself,
with perhaps some advice from the senatori, praetors, and
lord-commanders of the provincial legions. They are best
recognized by their black armor, shields (with a blood-red
three-headed eagle painted on them), stalwart demeanors,
and athletic forms.
Iron Legionnaires are quite privileged, well-paid, and
well-respected (and feared), and have the high honor of
guarding the Imperial Capital (Lorinthius), a deed for which
they seldom leave the capital-city save for specific missions
of daring-do or when protecting the emperor on his occa-
sional out-journeys. They can, however, earn plenty of time
for other pursuits—such as adventuring, family-making,
mercenary-work, and other things—though their greatest
oaths must be to the emperor, his family, the capital, and to
the empire, in that order.
Requirements—
Race/Culture: Must be a Lorinthian citizen (and most
often male)
Age/Renown: 22 years old or Renown 3.
Attributes: Physique +1, Vigor +0, and Willpower +0.
Talents: Elite Affiliation and two of the following tal-
178
ents—Back To Back, Bodyguard, Captain, Fending
Stance, Hold The Breach, Legionarri, or Shield Wall.
Skills: Weaponry: Melee level 5, Weaponry: Ranged
level 3, Perception level 3, Persuasion level 2, Athletics
level 1, and Lore level 1.
Benefits of Membership—
ǩ Iron Legionnaires: New members of the Iron
Legion are of this rank and title, which grants them a +2
boost to Renown, a master-crafted hard leather cuirass
(armor), as well as an exceptional-quality large shield
and exceptional-quality war-helm. You also gain a +5
bonus to Persuasion skill rolls when inside, or within 15
miles, of the imperial capital (Lorinthius). Furthermore,
you earn a wage of 40 senarii (silver coins) for every
month of Downtime you spend pursuing your primary
duties, which are training, drilling, and guarding the em-
peror and his imperial city.
ǩ Iron Decurion: At age 25 or Renown 6, you
might attain this rank and title. If so, you gain another
+1 to Renown, a +1 boost to Health, and earn 60 sc
per month spent in Downtime. Additionally, you gain
one of the following talents for free (you must still meet
all prerequisites)—Hold The Breach, Impaling Thrust,
Inspiring Presence, and Shield Wall.
ǩ Iron Centurion: At age 30 or Renown 12, you
could qualify for the rank and title, which nets you an-
other +1 bonus to both your Health and Renown. You
also receive a light warhorse (with saddle and harness),
an exceptional-quality suit of plated mail, and a mas-
ter-crafted warhelm. In addition, you receive a 90 silver
coin (senarii) stipend for every month that you spend in
Downtime pursuits.
ǩ Iron Commander: At age 40 or Renown 18, this
rank and title is possible to be attained, which yields
a heavy warhorse (with exceptional-quality saddle and
harness), an ivory-hilted master-crafted shortsword or
war-spear (your choice), and now receive a monthly sti-
pend of 130 silver coins per month of Downtime spent.
Additionally, you gain another +1 to your Renown as
well as a +1 bonus to Initiative.
Code/Tenets: Failure to adhere to the following guide-
lines, edicts, bylaws, and honor-codes is grounds for
banishment from the order in the very least, or even
imprisonment, indentured servitude, beheading, or even
crucifixion depending on the severity of the infraction.
ǧ Respect, honor and obey the Iron Legion first, the
emperor second, and yourself third.
ǧ Respect and honor the gods, particularly Agathon,
god of battle, blood, and victory.
ǧ Keep all spoils of victory, save for one-tenth of
it, which must go to the legion’s coffers. (this one-tenth
must be paid at least once every three months—this can
be Downtime).
CHARACTER CREATION
 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
ǧ Respect your enemies, give quarter when asked,
but slay them without worry if necessary.
ǧ Have dignity and always respect yourself; do not
traffic with harlots and thieves.
ǧ Must serve at least two months of every year with-
in the imperial capital (this can be done as Downtime).
KNIGHTS OF THE SWORD & THE
ROSE
Officially known as The Order of The Sword and The Rose,
this is the premiere elite knightly brotherhood in Aradorn,
and likely all the West. Most members are born of some
privilege (usually lesser noblemen), but some come from
poorer backgrounds who have earned an esteemed place
among this legendary knighthood largely from extreme acts
of heroism and gritty determination.
A knight of The Sword and The Rose serves, if indirect-
ly, the monastic Truth-keepers of Saint Paladyr, but also to
some extent the Aradornian crown. As such, their loyalties
might be occasionally tested or even torn, though such
is rare. A Sword and Rose knight often protects the tem-
ple-monasteries of Aradorn, and sometimes beyond, and
is often called upon to ride into battle alongside the high-
king or one of three dukes of the realm. They might also be
challenged with a holy quest, such as seeking a lost relic or
protecting sacred items along a trade-route.
The livery and heraldic colors of the order are mulberry
Sir Gareth Whitehart, a Knight of the Sword and Rose, on a quest to the frozen North.
CHARACTER CREATION
(burgundy-like) and white, or silver, typically with the main
device being a downward-pointed sword with a rose en-
twined around the hilt and blade. Most knights of the order
wear these colors proudly, for they are considered blessed
and represent the highest ideals of chivalry (a very new
concept) and honor.
Requirements—
Gender: Must usually be male (and preferably Arador-
nian), but there are exceptions
Age: 21 years old
Attributes: Vigor +1, Willpower +1, and Physique +0
Talents: Elite Affiliation and one of the following—
Squire or Knight
Skills: Weaponry: Melee level 3, Animal Handling level
2, Endurance level 1, Resolve level 1, Survival level 1, and
Persuasion level 1
Weaknesses: Cannot have Oath-breaker, Honorless, or
Tainted.
Benefits of Advancement—
ǩ Knight-Errant: At age 21 or Renown 3, this rank
and title can be attained by members of the order. This
entitles you to a +2 boost to your Renown as well as a
surcote and cloak (mulberry and white/silver), a medium
shield emblazoned with the order’s coat-of-arms, and a
light warhorse with all the necessary accoutrements such
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 SAVAGEIII
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as saddle and harness. When in the boundaries of Ara-
dorn, you receive a +2 bonus to Persuasion skill rolls
when wearing the above-mentioned livery. Lastly, you
have the right to dispense “low justice” to petty crimi-
nals and oath-breakers, which is generally imprisonment
or even execution, or sometimes detainment before a
higher authority can be summoned in the case of trea-
son, kin-slayings, and “higher crimes”.
ǩ Knight-Captain: At age 26 or Renown 8, the
rank and title of Knight-captain might be acquired,
which grants you another +1 to Renown, an upgrade
to a heavy warhorse, and an exceptional-quality bas-
tardsword (often called a saddle-sword in Aradorn).
Furthermore, your bonus to Persuasion skill rolls while
wearing your knightly garb in Aradorn increases to +5.
ǩ Knight-Commander: At age 35 or Renown 15,
this rank and title might be bestowed upon you. As such,
you receive another +1 boost to your Renown as well
as to both your Health and Stamina. Your main steed
is now upgraded to an Aradornian destrier (a special
breed of heavy warhorse), and you receive either a mas-
ter-crafted chainmail hauberk or exceptional-quality suit
of plated mail (your choice).
ǩ Knight-Lord: At age 50 or Renown 22, you
qualify for this rank and title, although there are only
about five or six Knight-lords of the Sword and the Rose.
Should this occur, you would receive another +1 to Re-
nown, a +1 boost to your Luck, and may choose one
of the following talents for free—Commanding Voice,
Inspiring Presence, Pious Faith, Smiting Blow, or Tac-
tician (your choice). In addition, your bastardsword is
now upgraded to a master-crafted weapon and you may
be rewarded land equal to a manor or small barony.
Code & Tenets: The following edicts and bylaws must
be strictly adhered to or else the knight faces the very
real likelihood of banishment from the order, banish-
ment from the realm, or even death by ritual combat or
execution depending on the severity of the infraction.
ǧ Must respect and obey those knight-brethren of
higher rank, especially on the battlefield
ǧ Must honor and respect the priests of Saint Paladyr
and the nobility of Aradorn
ǧ Must defend the weak and defenseless when nec-
essary, but only if they are deemed true
ǧ Must tithe one-tenth of all earnings to the order or
to the nearest temple of St. Paladyr
ǧ Must give at least two months of service to the
order, the church, or the kings of Aradorn
ǧ Your word is your oath, honor is your currency;
hold to what you say with action.
180
MONASTIC ORDER OF SAINT PALADYR
Also known as the Truth-keepers, this monastic priesthood
serves the One Lone God, Saint Paladyr, who allegedly as-
cended into the heavens (the Over-world) nearly 250 years
ago before moments before being executed by the Lorin-
thian emperor for “crimes of war, heresy, and treason”. A
flaming chariot pulled by seven white horses swept out of
the sky, some claim, and snatched Paladyr (as he was called
then) from the very jaws of a terrible fate.
Those dedicated to this belief, and to the fact that Pala-
dyr—soon after dubbed a Saint Paladyr—is the newly risen
god of gods, are thusly called Truth-keepers, a moniker the
monks themselves likely initiated. As monastics, these men
(almost all of whom are Aradornian) live in small private
communal cells or occasionally in a large cloister resem-
bling more a traditional abbey or monastery. In addition to
many hours of prayer and meditation, often done at ded-
icated times of the day—brecken, middens, and eva—the
Truth-keepers of St. Paladyr also learn trade-crafts, such as
brewing, illumination, scribing, weaving, or even smithing.
Perhaps less surprising is their skill in herbal and medicinal
healing, as well as their quiet dedication to the cause of
truth, chivalry, and purity.
Monastic-priests (Truth-keepers) of Saint Paladyr often
use simple burgundy or mulberry-dyed robes as vestments,
most of which are hooded with a plain under-tunic beneath.
They either don sandals or, in wintry weather, soft boots or
buskins. Few are true warriors, and so the Knights of the
Sword and the Rose often serve as protectors of Truth-keep-
er monasteries.
Requirements—
Gender: Must be male (and preferably Aradornian),
though there are exceptions
Age: 18 years old
Talents: Pious Faith or Priest
Skills: Crafting level 1, Healing Arts level 1, Resolve level
1, and either Language or Lore level 1
Special: Must be a firm believer in Saint Paladyr as the
“lone true god” (although can still have belief in the ex-
istence of other deities).
Weaknesses: Cannot be Honorless or Tainted.
Benefits of Membership—
ǩ Initiate (or Initiated Brother): At age 18, new
members can become Initiates or Initiate Brothers. This
grants you a +1 boost to your Luck trait, due to your
deep faith, and you are also given an exceptional-qual-
ity mulberry or burgundy hooded robe. Furthermore,
you may now advance in the ways of Magical Arts:
Life if you so desire (and have an Intellect of at least
+0) and gain one of the following specialties of your
choice—Beekeeping (Animal Handling), Blacksmithing
(Crafting), Brewing (Crafting), Scribing (Crafting or
Language), or Weaving (Crafting).
ǩ Adept (or Adept Brother): At age 21 or Re-
CHARACTER CREATION
 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
nown 4, you qualify to become an Adept. As such, you
gain a +1 bonus to Crafting, Healing Arts, Herbalism,
Language, and Lore skill rolls. Furthermore, if your
Willpower is at least +1 (and you are not Honorless,
Oath-breaker, or Tainted), you might be entrusted to
advance in Earth, Fire, or Water magic (your choice of
one).
ǩ Father (or Ordained Father): At age 28 or Re-
nown 8, you might attain the rank and title of Father
and thus receive a master-crafted holy symbol (rose and
sword icon) which grants a +1 bonus to Magical Arts:
Life skill rolls when performing ritual spells and also if
used to repel undead or demonic creatures. Addition-
ally, you gain +1 to Renown and another +1 bonus to
Language and Lore skill rolls.
ǩ High Priest (or High Father): At age 35, or Re-
nown 13, this rank and title might be achieved. As such,
you gain another +1 boost to your Renown, +1 to your
Stamina, and a +1 bonus to Crafting and Healing Arts
skill rolls. In addition, you gain the Meditative Trance
talent for free.
ǩ Abbot (or Grand High Father): At age 50 or
Renown 20, you could qualify for this highest of ranks
and titles within the order (although there are but a
handful of monks with this ranking). If gained, you re-
ceive another +1 to your Luck and Renown, a +1 bonus
to Language, Lore, and Persuasion skill rolls, and might
gain access to several potent relics belonging to the sect.
Code & Tenets: The following tenets must be adhered to
in order to gain and keep the above-mentioned benefits;
failure to do so can result in excommunication from the
order and the possibility of acquiring the Oath-breaker
weakness (or even Honorless or Tainted).
ǧ Always assist the sick, wounded, and helpless even
if they ask not for it
ǧ Seek always to give mercy and compassion to
those asking it, even a mortal enemy
ǧ Put no other gods before Saint Paladyr or His three
arch-angels (Galen, Aredwyn, and Caladwyr)
ǧ Respect and obey the edicts of the Abbot and his
chosen senior high priests
ǧ Tithe at least 50% of all material earnings, and be
not corrupted by gold or jewels
ǧ Must spend at least three months in a sect monas-
tery; must attend rites and ceremonies and assist the local
folk (this can be done as Down-time)
ǧ Never dabble in the black arts; this is generally
Death-magic and some forms of alchemy.
ORDER OF THE GOLDEN CRUCIBLE
An elite organization of alchemists and magicians, the
CHARACTER CREATION
‘Golden Crucible’ is one of the few magical societies openly
accepted within the Lorinthian Empire (where the practice
of sorcery is controlled and contained). Named so because
of the order’s close association with alchemia (alchemy)
and the natural “science” of the earth and its elements,
members of this elite brotherhood are taught both ancient
and newfound lore, which in turns helps serve the greater
causes of the empire—feats of commerce, invention, and
even healing and more.
Students and members of this order are often identi-
fied by the golden-hued crucible worn either around their
necks or hung from their belts, in addition to gold-trimmed
toga-like robes. Many are also members of the Lorinthian
legions or double as temple-priests, merchants, craftsmen,
and even politicians.
Requirements—
Race/Culture: Must be considered a Lorinthian citizen
(and be preferably human)
Age: 20 years old
Attributes: Intellect +1, and Vigor or Willpower +0
Talents: Elite Affiliation and one of the following—Ap-
prentice, Dabbling Arcanist, Educated, or Magic Affinity
Skills: Alchemy level 3, Lore level 2, Perception level 1,
Resolve level 1
Benefits of Membership—
ǩ Novice: Upon first entering the order, you are
called a Novice. As such, you gain +2 to your Renown
and may now advance in the Magical Arts disciplines
of Air, Earth, Fire, and Water if you so desire. You also
receive an exceptional-quality gold-plated crucible and
gain a free Alchemy skill specialty, which must be one of
the following—Acids, Elixirs, Oils, or Poisons.
ǩ Journeyman: At age 25 or Renown 3, you qual-
ify to attain the rank and title Journeyman, an advance-
ment that yields you a +2 bonus to Persuasion and Per-
formance skill rolls while within the Lorinthian Empire
(but only if you openly wear your order’s Crucible or
robes). Furthermore, you gain a +1 bonus to Alchemy
and Crafting skill rolls, and receive a golden-trimmed
robe.
ǩ Adept: At age 30 or Renown 8, the rank and title
of Adept (or Crucible-adept) is attainable, a feat which
yields a master-crafted gold-plated crucible, which in
turn grants a +1 bonus to all Alchemy and Magical Arts:
Air, Earth, Fire, and Water rolls. Additionally, you re-
ceive +1 to your Stamina trait.
ǩ Master: At age 35 or Renown 15, the rank and
title of Master might be attained, a feat yielding +1 to
both Renown and Stamina, as well as your choice of
one of the following talents: Battle Mage, Craft Potion,
Create Spell, Enchant Talisman, or Focal Object. Last-
ly, you gain +1 bonus to Endurance rolls since you’ve
become more used to toxic and volatile substances. You
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 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
might also have access to several minor magical objects
(that belong to the order) from time to time.
Code/Tenets: The following edicts and bylaws must be
strictly adhered to or else the member faces the real pos-
sibility of torture, indentured servitude, or even ritual
execution depending upon the infraction’s severity.
ǧ Respect and obey all Crucible Masters, and their
Adepts, both chapter and provincial
ǧ Seek to advance the order, your brethren, and the
empire; not merely yourself only
ǧ Always share new discoveries within the order;
keep them secret for all others
ǧ Must pay dues to the order, to the sum of 10 sc (or
1 gc) per month.
ORDER OF THE NEW REPUBLIC
Sometimes called the New Dawn Society (or more mysteri-
ously the Order of the Fallen Eagle), this secret underworld
society is comprised primarily of Lorinthian nobles dedicat-
ed to seeing the Empire converted into a republic, such as
the old days of Prydon. Commoners are occasionally grant-
ed membership as well, always in subtle privacy, but they
must in some way be well-connected or have particularly
especial talents.
The primary goal of the Order of the New Republic is to
remove the Imperial family, either through social estrange-
ment (by way of public riots and protests) or, in extremis,
physical force. However, this secret society is more based
on subterfuge and social abilities than any sort of real and
organized military threat.
It is thought that at least a dozen Lorinthian houses of
some note, power, and wealth are involved with this order,
either directly or indirectly, and some whisper that even
the occasional Priest of Nipalos or even Titherius claims
membership within the order. To see the Lorinthian Empire
become a republic, with the senatorii representing the var-
ious cities and provinces of the realm, is the over-arching
mission.
Requirements—
Race/Culture: Must be Lorinthian, or sometimes rarely,
Prydonian.
Age/Gender: Must be at least age 17, male or female.
Attributes: Intellect +0 and Magnetism +0.
Talents: Must have at least one of the following—Edu-
cated, High-born, Legionarri, Merchant, or Priest.
Weaknesses: Cannot have the Low-born weakness.
Skills: Language level 1, Lore level 1, Perception level 1,
Persuasion level 1, and Sleight of Hand or Stealth level 1.
Benefits of Membership—
ǩ Dawn-bringer: As a new member, you are given
182
a master-crafted signet ring etched with the secret sym-
bol of the order, which is a rising sun within a triangle.
This ring is used to seal messages and to signify member-
ship to other members of the society. In addition, you
gain +1 to Renown as well as a +1 bonus to all Percep-
tion skill rolls.
ǩ Throne-breaker: At age 21 or Renown 3, you
may attain this rank and title, As such, you are granted a
master-crafted dagger or exceptional-quality shortsword
(your choice) and are taught a secret language (which
is both spoken and written, though not in great detail)
called Free Speech. Furthermore, you gain a +1 bonus to
Persuasion and Stealth skill rolls.
ǩ People’s Champion: At age 26 or Renown 9,
you could attain this position and thus acquire another
+1 to Renown and the ‘Nobility’ specialty of the Lore
skill. In addition, you are given either an enchanted sig-
net ring (which grants a +1 bonus to Magical Arts: Shad-
ow skill rolls and +2 to Stamina) or a master-crafted
shortsword (your choice). You may also now advance in
the Magical Arts: Shadow skill.
ǩ Grand Champion of the Republic: At age 32
or Renown 15, the rank and title of Grand Champion of
the Republic is a possibility. If so, you gain another +1 to
Renown, a +1 bonus to Perception and Sleight of Hand
skill rolls, and receive 2 doses of any poison of your
choice (see the Alchemy skill entry). Furthermore, you
gain the Ally, Familiar, Gossip, Grimoire, Henchman,
Merchant, or Smuggler talent for free (your choice of
one), although you must still meet any prerequisites.
Lastly, you gain a seat on the senatorii council in Lorin-
thius, the Imperial Capital of Lorinthia (you must be
there at least 3 months out of the year).
Code & Tenets: Members of this order or secret society
follow a fairy strict code of ethics, and any breaking the
following tenets and bylaws might be subject to banish-
ment, torture, or even death depending upon the sever-
ity of the foul.
ǧ Dedicate your life to converting Lorinthia from an
empire to a republic “ruled” by the senatorii
ǧ Respect and obey all members of superior rank
and title
ǧ Uphold and honor the ideal of the Prydonian Re-
public from days of olde
ǧ Honor only those aristocrats and officials personi-
fying truth, integrity, and lawfulness
ǧ Champion the common man or woman whenever
possible
ǧ Never volunteer information about the order, its
meeting places, and its membership
CHARACTER CREATION
 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
ORDER OF THE SHADOW
KNIGHTS
This order, which resembles some of the knightly organi-
zations among certain human cultures, can only be found
in the Dark Sidhe realm of Lithilor. More specifically, this
secretive, mysterious, yet militant order serves the Unseelie
(or Shadow) Court of that mystical kingdom. With a mem-
bership totaling no more than 300, Shadow-knights are
therefore elite, chosen—often at a young age—to serve the
capital city and royal-house of Lithilor as protectors, cham-
pions, and even occasionally as advisors.
A Shadow-knight will, typically, lay down his life for his
king or lord, although this is rare—the Dark Sidhe are not
always especially martyr-like, after all. Thriving in stealth
and subterfuge, Shadow-knights often work as assassins,
spies, and bounty-hunters, in addition to their more mili-
tary-like duties. They tend to dress in dark colors—blacks,
midnight-blues, and dark greys—and even their armor is
the color of night or deepest shadow.
The heraldic symbol of the order is thought to be a
black sword, outlined in grey or silver, on a shield of black,
which, in turn, is super-imposed upon a shield of dark grey,
which itself is super-imposed on a shield of light grey. Thus,
a shield within a shield within a shield.
Requirements—
Race/Culture: Must be a Dark Sidhe from Lithilor.
Age/Gender: Must be at least 50 years-old and be of
either gender.
Attributes: Agility +1, Vigor +0, and Magnetism or
Willpower +0.
Talents: High-born, Knight, or Squire plus one of the fol-
lowing—Assassin, Hunter, Opportunistic Strike, Sapping
Blow, Secret Strike.
Weaknesses: Must have one of the following—Here-
tic (of the Eluna Qualae), Oath-bound (to the Shadow
Court of Lithilor), Obsession (devotion to Lithilor), Zeal-
ot (of the Eluna Dol). Note that you may take one of
these weaknesses (for no bonus point gain) upon enter-
ing the order.
Skills: Acrobatics level 1, Disguise level 1, Perception lev-
el 1, Stealth level 1, Weaponry: Melee level 1, Weaponry:
Ranged level 1, Lock-picking or Sleight of Hand level 1,
Endurance or Resolve level 1.
Benefits of Membership—
ǩ Shadow-Knight Apprentice: Upon admittance
into this prestigious (if under-headed) order, you are
considered a Shadow-knight Apprentice. As such, you
receive an exceptional-quality chain shirt or exception-
al-quality medium shield, your choice, the item in ques-
tion being painted or dyed black. Furthermore, you are
given a dark-hued broadsword, shortsword, or war-
spear (your choice of one), and also gain a +1 boost to
Renown and a +1 bonus to Stealth skill rolls.
ǩ Shadow-knight Errant: Upon reaching age 55
CHARACTER CREATION
or Renown 8, you may attain this rank and title and
therefore gain a fine Sidhe-bred light warhorse complete
with black and dark grey livery. Additionally, you gain a
+1 bonus to Disguise and Weaponry: Melee skill rolls,
as well as +1 boost to your Stamina trait.
ǩ Shadow-knight Master: If you reach age 60
or Renown 13, you qualify for this rank and thus re-
ceive another +1 to Renown. In addition, you receive a
master-crafted shield or master-crafted war-helm (your
choice), black of hue, as well as +1 bonus to Magical
Arts: Shadow skill rolls.
ǩ Shadow-knight Lord: Upon reaching age 75
or Renown 20, you could possibly attain this lone po-
sition after defeating the incumbent knight-lord. If so,
you acquire another +1 to Renown and also +1 to Luck.
Furthermore, you ceremoniously receive a heavy Sidhe
war-horse, with exceptional-quality chainmail barding,
and a master-crafted longsword or lance (your choice).
You also receive +1 to both your Health and Stamina.
Code/Tenets: Knights of the Shadow Court, or Shad-
ow-knights, must adhere relatively strictly to the fol-
lowing edicts and by-laws of the order or face possible
banishment from the realm (and thusly acquiring the
Oath-breaker weakness) or even ritual death, depending
on the severity of the offense.
ǧ Honor and defend the Shadow Court, the royal
court of the Sidhe-realm of Lithilor
ǧ Honor and obey all Shadow-knights of superior
rank
ǧ Reveal not the secrets and inner workings of the
order, especially to outsiders
ǧ Deliver death when necessary, and delay not
against any command given by the Court
ǧ Treat Eluna Sidhe (and most humans) as the mind-
less fools they all have shown themselves to be.
PIRATES OF THE CRIMSON SKULL
Sometimes mockingly called the Order of the Crimson Skull,
in an attempt to make the organization sound more legiti-
mate, these are little more than pirates, raiders, smugglers,
and buccaneers. Yet, however, they are an elite group—or
fleet—of piratical ne’er-do-wells and so worthy of some re-
spect (and most certainly fear), especially by those who ply
the salty waters of the Sunset Sea and beyond.
Renowned four their black flags and sails, often with a
blood-red skull depicted on them, Crimson Skull Pirates are
sometimes commanded by the once-elite fallen captains of
the loftier seafaring nations, such as Brythia and Esmandos.
Still, just as many have always been buccaneers and lawless
rogues, and their quickness for violence and propensity to
make a quick score of plunder serves them well.
Some armadas and scholars of the sea have placed the
total number of ships in the Crimson Skull fleet at close to
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 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
two hundred but, in truth, known can ever truly know. The
order’s rivalry was once the Scarlet Brotherhood, but that
piratical group has since fallen away in almost totally obscu-
rity, mainly at the hands of the Crimson Skull itself during a
fierce head-to-head confrontation several decades ago.
Requirements—
Attributes: Agility +0 and Vigor or Willpower +0
Talents: At least one of the following—Assassin, Cap-
tain, or Swashbuckling.
Skills: Sailing level 2, Acrobatics level 1, Athletics level 1,
Perception level 1, Weaponry: Melee level 1, Weaponry:
Ranged level 1, and Crafting or Lock-picking level 1.
Benefits of Membership—
ǩ Sea Dog (or Crimson Dog): Upon first being
accepted as a member of this extensive outlaw fleet, you
are given the “title” of Sea Dog or Crimson Dog. As
such, you gain a +1 boost to Renown and a +2 bonus
to Performance and Persuasion skill rolls when in ports
“friendly” to the Crimson Skull. These ports and harbors
are all non-Brythian and non-Athelonian. Furthermore,
you now gain the Infamous weakness without benefit of
the bonus points.
ǩ Boatswain (or First Mate): At age 22 or Re-
nown 5, you could acquire this rank and title, which
grants you two of the following skill specialties of your
choice—Acrobatics (balance or aboard ships), Athletics
(climbing or jumping), Crafting (carpentry, gold, silver,
or spices), Lock-picking (chests), Perception (sight or at
sea), or Persuasion (bluffing or intimidation). In addi-
tion, you are given a master-crafted dagger, saber, or
shortsword (your choice of one).
ǩ Captain: Upon attaining age 28 or Renown 10,
you qualify for the rank and title of Captain. If you do
accept this position, you are given a medium-sized gal-
ley or merchant cog (your choice) and gain +1 to Re-
nown and to Luck, Mobility, or Stamina (your choice of
which). Additionally, you receive the Captain talent for
free if you don’t already have it.
ǩ Commander (or Commodore): If somehow
this rank and title is attained, which requires you to be
of age 35 or Renown 16, you gain command of several
vessels (usually between three and five) plus the crews
that go with them (150-300 men in total). GM discre-
tion. Furthermore, you receive another +1 boost to
Renown and one of the following talents for free—In-
spiring Presence, Pugilistic Follow-up, Rushing Attack,
War-cry, or Web of Steel.
Code & Tenets: The following bylaws and guidelines
must be adhered to or else members face the likelihood
of exile (usually to a small uncharted island), thrown
overboard, tortured and maimed, or even execution,
depending upon the severity of the infraction.
184
ǧ Respect and obey the ship’s captain and, in turn,
any other officers aboard the vessel
ǧ Accept whatever share of the loot the captain gives
you, which is generally one full share
ǧ Take prisoners when necessary, especially those
worth a healthy ransom
ǧ Destroy all rival pirate-gangs on sight, for they are
as dogs and leeches in your territory
ǧ Respect your ship and your crew as you would
your mother and the gods, in that order.
PRIESTS OF ANDEROK
Rumors persist that the priesthood of Anderok has recently
split apart, the new sect calling itself the Order of the Ra-
ven-wolf (and allegedly founded by Countess Ivana Rusel-
ova of eastern Mulovia) while the original sect maintains its
loose nickname: the Order of the Frozen Skull. Regardless,
however, the dogma and organization of the two sects are
still quite similar, so the below information covers them
both, though especially the Frozen Skull priests.
Anderok is the chief deity of Mulovia—and is also re-
vered among all of the northern peoples of Norlund, Skath-
ia, and to a lesser extent, in the Thorakkian ice-wastes of
the far north. He is a god of death, winter, and night, and
ravens and wolves are closely associated with this ancient
divinity. The original priestly sect dedicated to him, the
Order of the Frozen Skull, is nearly four centuries old and
its anointed priests are known to wear grey or bone-white
robes and carry rune-carved scythes as weapons and sym-
bols of station. As for the new Order of the Raven-wolf, less
is known about their mode of dress or more social mores,
for not only are they newly formed, but seem even more
steeped in mystery than their forebears.
Priests of Anderok, regardless of exact sect, often further
themselves in the learning of magical and forbidden lore.
However, some are dedicated to assisting their temples and
home-villages, generally serving as interpreters of the Win-
ter God’s will or, perhaps more often the case, work as
appeasers of the death-god’s many wraths.
Requirements—
Gender: Must be male (except for the Order of the Ra-
ven-wolf which allows females) and preferably Mulovi-
an-born
Age: 21 years old
Attributes: Vigor or Willpower +0
Talents: Priest and one of the following—Death-touched
or Magic Affinity
Skills: Healing Arts level 1, Lore level 1, Persuasion level
1, and either Alchemy or Herbalism level 1 (your choice)
and either Endurance or Resolve level 1 (your choice)
Benefits of Membership—
CHARACTER CREATION
 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
ǩ Initiate: At age 21, you are considered an Initiate,
the first and lowest rank in the order (apart from aco-
lytes and lay-servants). As such, you are given a black
(or dark grey) robe and an exceptional-quality sacrificial
dagger. You also gain a +1 boost to your Renown and
may now advance in the Magical Arts of Air, Death,
Shadow, and Water if you so desire (and have an Intel-
lect of at least +0).
ǩ Adept: At age 26 or Renown 5, you may attain
the rank and title of Adept, which nets you another +1
to your Renown as well as to your Stamina trait. In ad-
dition, you gain a +1 bonus to Lore and Magical Arts:
Death skill rolls and are given an exceptional-quality
sickle or staff (your choice).
ǩ High Priest: At age 35 or Renown 11, you qualify
for this rank and title. If this comes to fruition, you are
given a bone-white ceremonial robe and an exception-
al-quality scythe, the ultimate symbol of your station.
When carrying this item and donned in your vestments,
you gain a +2 bonus to Persuasion skill rolls when with-
in the borders of Mulovia. Furthermore, you receive an-
other +1 to your Renown, a +1 boost to your Luck trait,
and your choice of either the ‘Undead’ or ‘Forbidden
Lore’ specialty of the Lore skill.
ǩ Death-master: At age 50 or Renown 17, you
might achieve the rank of Death-master, which would
net you a semi-enchanted set of bone armor (protection
rating 2, Mobility penalty -1, Skill penalty -2, and a +1
bonus to Persuasion rolls when attempting to intimi-
date), +1 to Renown, and a +1 bonus to Lore and Mag-
ical Arts: Death rolls.
ǩ Death Lord: At age 66 or Renown 24, this rank
and title—though extremely rare—could theoretically
be attained. If so, you gain another +1 to your Renown
and a +1 boost to Luck, Health, and Stamina. You also
receive an additional +1 bonus to Magical Arts: Death
and Water skill rolls, and if you so desire, may receive
the “dark kiss” of vampirism, essentially gaining the
Vampire Spawn talent for free. Furthermore, you might
have access to several potent relics.
Code & Tenets: The following edicts and bylaws must
be strictly adhered to or else the priest risks the very
real possibility of banishment (from the sect and possibly
even the region), maiming or disfigurement, or a tortu-
ous death (depending upon severity). If executed, the
ex-priest’s body is almost always burned to ash and the
ashes scattered to the sea or to the winds.
ǧ Must respect all Anderokkian priests of superior
rank and power
ǧ Must seek to supplant or oust an obviously weak
priest within the order
ǧ Must serve at least two months of every year at a
temple or shrine of Anderok, one month of which must
be during winter (performing rites, duties, and councils)
CHARACTER CREATION
ǧ Must observe holy days, especially new moons,
eclipses, and the winter solstice
ǧ Breaking any of the above sacred vows is likely
to result in excommunication at best, or tortuous death
at worst (with body turned to ash and spread about in
different areas)
PRIESTS OF AGATHON
Also known as the Templars of Agathon, this is a potent sect
of warrior-priests who serve and revere the Lorinthian and
Prydonian god of fire, war, and conquest. As such, Tem-
plars receive a great deal of respect (and fear) from other
members of society, for many once served as legionnaires
or even gladiators in the myriad arenas. A Templar-priest
maintains his physical body as well as his mind and spirit.
Members of this order garb themselves in robes of deep-
red, colors reflecting both blood and fire, greater aspects of
battle, conquest, and competition. They often wear light to
medium armor beneath their vestments, even when serving
in the civilized confines of a temple, for they are trained for
readiness and fitness. The typical Agathonian temple is built
of blood-red marble, often accentuated with black or dark
grey, and sacred flames often burn (sometimes eternally)
throughout both the interior and exterior.
Requirements—
Gender: Male only (and preferably a Lorinthian or Pry-
donian citizen)
Age: 18 years old
Attributes: Physique +0, and Agility or Vigor +0
Talents: Priest, plus at least one battle talent
Skills: Athletics level 1, Endurance level 1, Resolve lev-
el 1, Weaponry: Melee level 1, and either Acrobatics or
Brawling level 1 (your choice)
Benefits of Membership—
ǩ Initiate (or Blood Initiate): Newly anointed
priests of at least age 20 are given this rank, which en-
titles you to a blood-red mantle (short robe), an excep-
tional-quality shortsword, and an average-quality hard
leather cuirass (armor). Furthermore, you can advance
in the Magical Arts disciplines of Fire and Death if you
so choose and have an Intellect of at least +0.
ǩ Templar (or Templar-priest): At age 22 or Re-
nown 4, you qualify for this rank and title, thus gaining
a +1 boost to your Renown. Your hard leather cuirass is
now upgraded to exceptional-quality, and you receive
a +1 bonus to Acrobatics, Athletics, and Brawling skill
rolls, and gain the ‘Intimidation’ specialty of the Persua-
sion skill for free.
ǩ Templar-Adept: At age 28 or Renown 8, you
might achieve the rank of Templar-Adept. This grants
you a master-crafted javelin or spear (your choice), an
exceptional-quality chainmail shirt, and a +1 boost to
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 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
your Health, Renown, and Stamina.
ǩ High Templar (or High Priest): At age 35 or
Renown 14, you could attain this rank and title. As such,
you are upgraded to a master-crafted mail shirt or ex-
ceptional-quality breastplate (your choice), and receive
another +1 to your Renown and a +1 bonus to Magical
Arts: Fire, Lore, and Weaponry: Melee skill rolls.
ǩ Templar Lord: At age 45 or Renown 20, you
could qualify to become a Templar Lord (or Lord of the
Temple). If given this rank and title, you would receive
a master-crafted war-helm trimmed in black and blood-
red livery, and gain another +1 boost to your Renown.
You also gain a +1 bonus to Alchemy, Brawling, and
Persuasion skill rolls, and would likely have access to
several sacred (and likely enchanted) relics.
Code & Tenets: Those templar-priests not adhering
strictly to the following honor-codes and bylaws risk ex-
communication from the sect, torture, or ritual execu-
tion in accordance to the severity of the infraction.
ǧ Respect and obey all superiors in the order; disci-
pline and organization is key to success
ǧ Seek stern and fair diplomacy, but if such is failed,
then do not hesitate to give battle
ǧ Seek always victory in your contests and pursuits,
but let losing serve a great lesson
ǧ Honor not a weakling; respect only superiors,
great heroes, and the emperor himself
ǧ Tithe at least 20% of your earnings to the sect, and
your other rewards will be great
ǧ Must serve at least two months of every year in
an Agathonian temple, tending to rites, duties, and train-
ing-time. (This can be done as Down-time.)
PRIESTS OF ATORES
The Prydonian bull-god, Atores, is known as the lord of
the sun, time, order, and precision. As such, his priests take
on very similar aspects, thriving on law, order, and the
slow and inexorable march of time. Some, too, are famed
for their staunch and firm natures, with the iron wills of
the very creatures—that is, bulls—considered so sacred to
Atores himself. At times, or in certain specific regions, he is
also thought to be a deity associated with fire and destiny,
for the sun is purest flame with the oncoming tide of time
representing destined outcomes. After, it is Atores himself,
many believe, who pulls the sun-chariot across the sky start-
ing every dawn.
Priests of Atores are all male, as tradition demands,
though female lay-priestesses are not especially uncommon.
Most serve in the black and red marbled temples, found
all throughout the Prydonian Isles—and especially on Torin
where Atores is considered the patron deity of that gor-
gon-ridden island—although some, on occasion, sally forth
186
on expeditions holy, professional, or personal.
Requirements—
Gender: Male only (and preferably of Prydonian race/
culture).
Age/Renown: 20 years old or Renown 2.
Attributes: Intellect -1, and Vigor or Willpower +0.
Talents: Elite Affiliation or Priest, and at least one of the
following—Grit, Tireless, or Second Sight.
Skills: Lore level 1, Persuasion level 1, Resolve level 1,
and Endurance or Survival level 1.
Benefits of Membership—
ǩ Initiate (or Bull Acolyte): Those first becom-
ing fully anointed into the sect are considered of this
rank and title. You receive a yellow-orange robe or ex-
ceptional-quality, gain a +1 boost to your Renown, and
may now advance in the Magical Arts disciplines of Air,
Earth, and Fire if you so choose (and have an Intellect of
at least +0). In addition, you gain the Time Sense talent
for free.
ǩ Adept (or Sun Adept): At age 24 or Renown 4,
you qualify to inhabit this rank and title, which grants
you a +1 boost to either your Health or Stamina (your
choice) and a +1 bonus to Lore and Persuasion skill rolls.
Furthermore, you receive a crimson-red belt to add to
your vestments.
ǩ High Priest: At age 30 or Renown 10, the rank
and title of High Priest might be attained. This gives you
another +1 to your Renown and a +1 bonus to Magical
Arts: Earth, Magical Arts: Fire, and Resolve skill rolls.
Additionally, you receive crimson-hued robes and either
a master-crafted staff or dagger (your choice of which).
ǩ Master of the Temple: At age 38 or Renown 15,
you qualify to become a member of this rank and title.
If thusly attained, you gain another +1 boost to both
Renown and Stamina, as well as a +1 bonus to Crafting,
Lore, and Persuasion skill rolls. You also receive excep-
tional-quality black robes to go with your crimson belt
denoting your status.
ǩ Sun Lord: At age 56 or Renown 22, you could
possibly attain the rank and title of Sun Lord, a position
numbering no more than a half dozen Atorean priests
throughout the entire sect. This grants you another +1 to
Renown, a +1 boost to Luck, as well as a master-crafted
chariot pulled by a pair of exceptional red-brown horses
or bulls (your choice). In addition, you receive a mas-
ter-crafted white robe embroidered with a red sun and
black bull, and may have access to several sacred (and
likely enchanted) relics belonging to the sect.
Code/Tenets: The following bylaws and ordinances
must be adhered to or else the priests runs a very real
risk of being excommunicated, or in extreme cases of
blatant betrayal, burned alive.
CHARACTER CREATION
 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
ǧ Respect and obey all priests of superior rank, for
honor breeds order, loyalty, and duty
ǧ Honor the rising and setting sun each day with at
least a minute’s prayer or reflection
ǧ Help those who come in need, but bother not to
force your assistance on others
ǧ Tithe one-fifth of your monetary gains, for the
temple-coffers assist everyone in the end
ǧ Serve at least three months of every year at an Ato-
rean temple, honoring all duties, rites, and services. (This
can be done as Down-time Activity.)
PRIESTESSES OF LUCCIA
Sometimes referred to as Temple-dancers, the priestesses of
the sect of Luccia—goddess of the arts, love, passion, and
seduction—are renowned for the beauty, grace, and charm.
Most Luccian priestesses are trained at an early age (some-
times even hand-chosen) in the ways of dance, acrobatics,
seduction, love-making, and sometimes in the more mysti-
cal and arcane arts. More often than not, most Priestesses
of Luccia serve as lay-servants for a number of years until
they come of age to become fully anointed temple-clergy.
Temples dedicated to the goddess Luccia, worshipped
primarily by the Lorinthians and Prydonians, are often
lavish (at least on the inside), although in some city-states
and provinces they are forbidden to outshine the “great-
er” temples of Agathon, Titherius, or even Prydonis. In the
Lorinthian Empire, Luccia takes on a slightly more sinister
persona—and is thusly reflected in her priesthood there—
wherein the more traditional Prydonian sect embodies a
somewhat more artistic Luccia.
Requirements—
Gender: Must be female (males can only be lay-priests
and then only at certain temples).
Age/Renown: 18 years old or Renown 1.
Attributes: Magnetism +1, and Agility or Vigor +0.
Talents: Elite Affiliation or Priest, plus one of the follow-
ing—Comeliness, Courtesan, or Limber.
Skills: Acrobatics level 1, Performance level 1, Persuasion
level 1, and Endurance or Resolve level 1.
Benefits of Membership—
ǩ Initiate (or Temple-dancer): Those newly
anointed into the sect receive this rank and title, and
are also given gossamer (white or pink) “temple-danc-
er” vestments and gain a +1 bonus to Acrobatics and
Performance skill rolls. Additionally, you gain either the
Seductive Dance or Song Magic talent for free (your
choice) and may now advance in the Magical Arts dis-
ciplines of Air and Shadow if they so choose (and have
at least an Intellect of +0).
CHARACTER CREATION
ǩ Adept: At age 22 or Renown 5, this rank and ti-
tle might be attained, a position yielding a +1 to your
Renown as well as to your Mobility. You also receive an
exceptional-quality lyre, flute, or pan-pipes (your choice
of one), a +1 bonus to Persuasion skill rolls, and your
choice of either the ‘Dancing’ or ‘Singing’ specialty of
the Performance skill.
ǩ High Priestess: At age 27 or Renown 9, the rank
and title of high-priestess is valid possibility. As such, you
would receive another +1 boost to your Renown. You
also gain a +1 boost to your Stamina and your ‘other’
bonus to Performance skill rolls increases again by +1.
Furthermore, you receive pearly silver-white robes (less
skimpy but still quite lovely), a master-crafted lyre, and
gain your choice of either the ‘Empathy’ or ‘Seduction’
specialty of the Persuasion skill.
ǩ Mistress of the Temple: At age 33 or Renown
15, this great rank and title could be attained. If so, you
automatically acquire the Henchman (major version)
talent, which usually represents a promising Adept or
male temple-guardian (your choice). You also gain an-
other +1 to Renown and a +1 ‘other’ bonus to Magical
Arts: Air and Shadow skill rolls. Lastly, you are given a
heroic-quality flute or lyre (your choice) capable of cast-
ing the Aura of Majesty or Beguile spell (your choice of
which), without failure, once per 12 hours.
ǩ High Mistress of Luccia: At age 40 or Renown
21, this rank and title—of which there are only six or
seven such positions within the entire continental sect—
is perhaps possible. As such, you would gain another +1
boost to both Renown and Stamina, as well as anoth-
er +1 bonus to Performance and Persuasion skill rolls.
Additionally, you would acquire the Words of Power
talent for free (or Song Magic if you don’t already have
it), receive a +1 bonus to Language and Lore skill rolls,
and might have access to several rare (and likely en-
chanted) relics of the sect.
Code/Tenets: The following edicts and tenets must
be adhered to by all anointed priestesses; failure to do
so could result in excommunication from the sect as
well as the potential earning of the Infamous or even
Oath-breaker weakness.
ǧ Respect and obey your Sisters of superior rank, es-
pecially the Mistress of the Temple
ǧ Honor always Luccia, the Artist, Acrobat, and Se-
ductress; embody her at all times
ǧ Serve and please all those seeking solace in the
temples, be they man or woman
ǧ Wed not to one man, unless you are of Mistress
rank, for pleasure knows many forms
ǧ Serve at least 2 months of every year in a Luccian
temple, honoring your rituals, duties, and studies. (This
can be done as Down-time.)
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PRIESTS OF NIPALOS
The sect of Nipalos—god of night, harlots, and thieves—is
run primarily by male priests, although some temples (par-
ticularly in the Outer Prydonian Isles) allow fully anointed
priestesses as well. For the most part, Nipalos is a Prydonian
deity, although it is thought he might have a cult following
in Esmandos and perhaps somewhere in the southern reach-
es of the Lorinthian Empire. Nipalos is secondarily associat-
ed with the Lesser Moon.
Many priests and priestesses of this sect are former
thieves, harlots, or gamblers, creatures of the proverbial
(and literal) night. Some still cling to these ways, a trait
that is often overlooked since the god Nipalos is associated
with such backgrounds and similar illicit activities. As such,
a Nipalosian temple-priest might be skilled in assassination,
thievery, forgery, smuggling, and other areas of skulldug-
gery and subterfuge, in addition to their more traditional
scholarly training.
Requirements—
Age: 19+ years old
Attributes: Agility and Magnetism +0
Talents: Elite Affiliation or Priest, plus one of the fol-
lowing—Assassin, Courtesan, Gambler, Light Sleeper,
Night-sighted, or Smuggler.
Weaknesses: Cannot have the Lame weakness.
Skills: Lore level 1, Lock-picking level 1, Perception level
1, Sleight of Hand level 1, Stealth level 1, and either Acro-
batics level 1 or Athletics level 1.
Benefits of Membership—
ǩ Initiate: Upon becoming a fully anointed priest,
you gain the rank and title of Initiate. This entitles you to
an exceptional-quality toga or robe of light grey color as
your vestments, as well as either an exceptional-quality
set of lock-picks or weighted dice which grant +1 to your
Persuasion or Sleight of Hand roll when using them for
gambling (your choice). In addition, you advance in the
Magical Arts disciplines of Air and Shadow if you are so
inclined (and have an Intellect of +0 or better) and gain
a +1 bonus to Stealth skill rolls.
ǩ Acolyte (or Moon Acolyte): At age 21 or Re-
nown 3, you might attain this rank and title, which grants
a +1 boost to your Renown, a +1 boost to your Initiative
or Mobility (your choice), and either a master-crafted
dagger or master-crafted lock-picks (your choice).
ǩ Adept (Moon Adept): At age 25 or Renown 7,
you qualify as an Adept (called an Moon Adept in some
temples). If this comes to fruition, then you gain a +1
boost to both your Luck and Stamina, and are given an
exceptional-quality shortsword or silver-plated dagger
(your choice).
ǩ High Priest: At age 33 or Renown 13, one might
188
attain this rank and title, a position which yields a +1
to your Renown, +1 to Initiative, and +1 to Stamina.
Furthermore, you would receive your choice of a mas-
ter-crafted shortsword, master-crafted crossbow, or mas-
ter-crafted silver dagger (your choice of one).
ǩ Master of the Night: At age 40 or Renown 20,
you might qualify to rise to the rank and title of Master
of the Night, a position which would grant you anoth-
er +1 to Renown, Luck, and Stamina. In addition, you
are gifted with solid black toga-like robes which denote
your lofty station, and also yield to you a +2 bonus to
all Persuasion skill rolls made when in Esmandos, the
Prydonian Isles, or southern Lorinthia when worn. Last-
ly, you might have access to several relics (likely enchant-
ed) belonging to the sect itself.
Code/Tenets: Failure to adhere to the following te-
nets and bylaws may result in excommunication from
the sect; in the case of extreme transgression, this could
mean enslavement or even ritual execution.
ǧ Must obey all high priests and those of superior
rank, as to honor Nipalos
ǧ Must spend at least two months over every year
in a Nipalosian temple, tending to duties, rites, schemes,
and ceremonies
ǧ Must yield one-tenth of all earnings to the temple’s
coffers for communal use
ǧ Aid (when asked) the poor, downtrodden, and
desperate, especially thieves and harlots.
PRIESTS OF PRYDONIS
This ancient and eternally powerful sect honors the chief-
god of the Prydonians and the former Rhodonites of famed
antiquity, for Prydonis—lord of the sea, life, death, and
fate—still reigns supreme among all Elder Deities of the
myriad island-realms of the far south. For here, the prima-
ry ocean-river—the Sea of Prydonis—is named after this
mighty sea-god, reflecting the importance the people of the
Prydonian Isles place upon him and his attending priest-
hood.
Known also as the Sea-Magi, priests of Prydonis are often
stoic, wise, and socially and politically potent, as this sacred
sect still enjoys much prestige and respect, the vast majority
of which is well-earned. The priesthood of Prydonis, at least
some iteration of other, has been around for nearly two
millennia, members of the sect often serving as advisors,
healers, mentors, and omen-readers for their communities.
Since the beginning of the Prydonian Republic, over a thou-
sand years ago, the Basileus—the holy emperor—ruled that
islandic collective, a position some say is still in commission
to this day in the half-drowned city of Prydon.
Requirements—
Gender: Male only (women may become lay priestess-
CHARACTER CREATION
 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
es), preferably Prydonian stock
Age: Age 20 years old
Attributes: Willpower +1, and Intellect or Magnetism
+0
Talents: Priest, plus one of the following—High-born,
Magic Affinity, or Second Sight
Skills: Lore level 1, Persuasion level 1, Resolve level 1,
and either Sailing or Survival level 1 (your choice)
Weaknesses: Cannot be Tainted or have a Phobia (mi-
nor or major) of water
Benefits of Advancement—
ǩ Initiate (or Sea-Brother): Newly anointed
priests of at least age 20 are given this rank and title,
which grants them light green-colored robe and an ex-
ceptional-quality spear or staff (your choice), vestments
and symbols of your position. Additionally, you gain
a +1 boost to your Renown and may advance in the
Magical Arts disciplines of Air, Water, and Life if your
Intellect is +0 or better. Lastly, when wearing your vest-
ments, you receive a +2 bonus to Persuasion skill rolls
when on any of the Prydonian Isles or aboard-ship any-
where on the Sea of Prydonis.
ǩ Adept (or Sea-Adept): At age 23 or Renown
4, you qualify for the rank of Adept. This would entitle
you to an exceptional-quality silver-scaled corselet (ar-
mor rating 2; mobility penalty -1; skill penalty -1; does
not stack with any other armor types), as well as anoth-
er +1 to Renown and a +1 boost to Health. You also gain
the ‘Swimming’ specialty of the Athletics skill for free.
ǩ High Priest: At age 30 or Renown 9, this rank and
title might be attained, which gains you a master-crafted
trident and blue-green vestment robes, another +1 to
Renown, and a +1 boost to Stamina. You also receive
a +1 bonus to Lore and Magical Arts: Water skill rolls,
and if you are still without the Tainted weakness, you
may be trusted to advance in Magical Arts: Death.
ǩ Magus (or Sea-Magus): At age 37 or Renown
14, one qualifies for the rank of Magus. As such, you are
given a bireme ship (although the sect still owns half of
it) for travel and sacred voyages, and gain another +1
to your Renown. You also receive a +1 bonus to Lan-
guage, Lore, and Sailing skill rolls, and a master-crafted
blue robe to signify your station.
ǩ Basileus: There is but one in this position, and the
power and dignity of that post has declined in recent de-
cades. The Basileus traditionally dwells in the High Tem-
ple in the half-sunken city of Prydon and would have
access to a goodly number of relics and other treasures.
Code & Tenets: The following ordinances and bylaws
must be closely adhered to by all priests of the order or
else face the likelihood of excommunication; in extreme
cases, this could mean banishment to a faraway unchart-
ed island or ritualized execution by drowning.
CHARACTER CREATION
ǧ Respect and obey your brothers of superior rank;
serve them as you would Prydonis
ǧ Respect the secular authority of magistrates and
nobles, as befitting their station
ǧ Honor the ancient memory of Prydon, the Repub-
lic, and moreover, the Basileus
ǧ Assist and defend honorable people asking of such,
but help not a dishonorable foe
ǧ Serve no less than three months of every year in a
temple to Prydonis, tending to all duties, ceremonies, and
services. (This can be done as Down-time.)
PRIESTESSES OF ROMEGA
This highly secretive sect is peopled only by women, for
men are forbidden its inner mysteries. In fact, only a few
temples accept men even as lay-priests and most others for-
bid them entirely. Romega, after all, is an ancient goddess,
decidedly feminine in her wiles and ways, and some say she
was once a queen of Rhodon, the legendary island of the
gods “at the edge of the world”. She was second in pow-
er, only to Prydonis himself, and was said to be keeper of
magic and other mysteries, and interpreter of dreams and
portents. As such, her priestesses are very similar in their
approach to their service in Romegan temples.
This order is most popular in the Prydonian Isles, par-
ticularly among the central islands, and especially on the
isle-kingdoms of Neopos and Phylasteus. However, far-
flung temples dedicated to this mystery-goddess have been
found as far as southern Lorinthia and Esmandos, either
as fully realized sects or slightly-altered cults. In addition
to dreams, magic, and mystery, Romega is also associated
with cats, snakes, and celestial bodies such as the stars and
moons.
Priestesses of Romega are somewhat renowned for their
masked visages, a tradition that both helps them preserve
an aura of mystery about them as well as protect their iden-
tities from jealous rivals. Masks (or veils) are almost always
donned in public and are often used in ritual ceremonies.
Requirements—
Gender: Female only
Age: 21 years old
Attributes: Intellect and Willpower +0
Talents: Priest, plus one of the following—Angel-
ic-blood, Demon-blood, Magic Affinity, or Second Sight.
Skills: Alchemy level 1, Herbalism level 1, Resolve level 1,
and either Language or Lore level 1
Benefits of Advancement—
ǩ Initiate: All members of at least 21 years of age
begin in the order as Initiates, a rank and title whose
longer form is actually ‘Initiate of the First Mystery’. At
this level, you are given a black hooded robe or excep-
189
 SAVAGEIII
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tional-quality along with a black mask of silk, leather, or
ceramic (these are your official vestments). In addition,
you gain a +1 bonus to Alchemy, Disguise, Herbalism,
and Lore skill rolls, and can now advance in the Magical
Arts disciplines of Air, Fire, Water, Death, and Shadow if
you so choose.
ǩ Adept (or Keeper of the Second Mystery):
At age 25 or Renown 3, you qualify for this rank and
title, which grants you a +1 bonus to Magical Arts: Air
and Shadow skill rolls. Furthermore, you automatical-
ly gain any one of the following talents of your choice
(you must still meet all prerequisites)—Energize Spell,
Evil Eye, Power of Silence, or Enchant Talisman.
ǩ High Priestess (or Mistress of the Third Mys-
tery): At age 30 or Renown 9, you might achieve this
rank and title. If so, you gain a +1 boost to your Renown
and Stamina, as well as receive a +1 bonus to Language,
Lore, and Magical Arts: Death, Fire, and Water skill
rolls. Furthermore, you are gifted with a master-crafted
mask (made of rare wood and black pearl) which grants
a +1 bonus to Persuasion skill rolls when attempting to
intimidate another (but only when worn).
ǩ High Lady (or High Lady of the Fourth Mys-
tery): At age 39 or Renown 15, this highly coveted
rank could be attained. As such, you gain a +1 boost
to both your Luck and Stamina, as well as a +1 bonus
to Alchemy and Magical Arts (all disciplines) skill rolls.
Additionally, you gain the Second Sight talent for free,
although if you already have it, you may choose one
of the following—Craft Potion, Far-reaching Magic, or
Fire In The Head instead.
ǩ Queen of the Stars and Guardian of the Fi-
nal Mystery: Though there are likely no more than
four or five Romegan priestesses of this echelon, if you
are age 50 or Renown 21, then it is certainly possible.
This rank and title would grant you a +1 to your Luck
and Renown, as well as either the ‘Dreams’ or ‘Forbid-
den Lore’ specialty of the Lore skill (your choice). In ad-
dition, you are given a master-crafted robe of purple
or midnight blue and an enchanted wand capable of
storing 3 additional Stamina points (for spells only). You
also might have access to several magical objects that
belong to the sect in general.
Code & Tenets: The following tenets and taboos must
be adhered to strictly or else the priestess runs the very
real possibility of excommunication from the sect; in ex-
treme situations, this might be ritual sacrifice by drown-
ing or being shut inside a dark place and being forgotten.
ǧ Obey your elder or superior priestesses, for true
knowledge comes from wisdom
ǧ Reveal yourself to only a select few, for there is
great power in the hidden mysteries
ǧ Seek always to learn from dreams, visions, and div-
inations; guidance is key to success
190
ǧ Help only those worthy, and always have a price;
nothing worthwhile has ever been free
ǧ Serve at least three months of every year at a
Romegan temple, seeing to all rites, ceremonies, studies,
and other duties there. (This can be done as Down-time.)
PRIESTESSES OF SIGNA
This sacred sect, comprised strictly of women, is highly
well-respected in the North-lands, particularly in the king-
dom of Skathia. In fact, the past several Skathian monarchs
have been Signan elder-priestesses, and so the realm has es-
sentially become a theocracy. A priestess of Signa is almost
always a sight for sore eyes in these lands, especially to the
sick or wounded, for they are skilled healers, care-givers,
mid-wives, and hearth-tenders.
Signan priestesses are known for their sun-red robes,
gentle natures, and more-often-than not, attractive appear-
ances and demeanors. This helps accentuate their bedside
manners and is in virtual contrast to the harder priests of,
say, Fragnir or Anderok, the sect of the latter being dia-
metrically opposed to the priestesses of Signa within the
boundaries of Mulovia sometimes to the point of violence
or imprisonment.
Requirements—
Gender: Must be female (and preferably Skathian or
Norish, though not necessary)
Age: 19 years old
Attributes: Magnetism +0, and Intellect or Willpower
+0
Talents: Priest
Skills: Healing Arts level 2, Herbalism level 1, Persuasion
level 1, and either Animal Handling or Lore level 1 (your
choice)
Weaknesses: Cannot have Honorless, Oath-breaker, or
Tainted.
Benefits of Advancement—
ǩ Hearth-maiden: By age 19, all newly anointed
priestesses begin at this rank and title. As such, you may
now advance in the Magical Arts of Earth, Fire, Water,
and Life if your Intellect is at least +0, and you gain a
+1 bonus to Healing Arts and Herbalism skill rolls as
well as when casting the Cure Ailment and Heal Wounds
spells (if you know them).
ǩ Sun-maiden: At age 24 or Renown 4, you qualify
to become a Sun-maiden, essentially an adept rank. You
gain a +1 boost to your Renown, as well as given ivory
or light beige robes (or under-tunic) and an exception-
al-quality staff or dagger (your choice). When wearing
these vestments you receive a +2 bonus to Persuasion
skill rolls when in Skathia and Norlund, although this
becomes a -2 penalty in Mulovia.
ǩ High Priestess (or Volga): At age 33 or Re-
CHARACTER CREATION
 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
nown 10, you might attain this rank and title, and would
therefore receive master-crafted robes (or over-tunic) of
sun-red color, representing the sun and motherhood,
and as master-crafted sun-sigil necklace which grants a
+2 bonus to Magical Arts: Life skill rolls when casting
Repel Undead (assuming you know this spell) and to
Persuasion (intimidation) skill rolls when dealing with
undead creatures. Furthermore, you gain a +1 boost to
your Renown and a +1 bonus to Lore skill rolls.
ǩ Crone (or Elder Priestess): At age 50 or Re-
nown 16, you qualify to become a Crone (also known
as an Elder Priestess). This means you automatically
gain one of the following talents for free—Night-sight-
ed, Rune Magic, Second Sight, or Song Magic (your
choice). In addition, you are gifted with master-crafted
black (or dark grey) robes, and when worn they grant a
+5 bonus to Persuasion skill rolls when in Norlund and
Skathia.
ǩ High Volga: There is only one such position, re-
quiring at least a Renown of 20 (and age 40+). Tradi-
tionally, the high-volga of the Signa sect is also named
Queen of Skathia.
Codes & Tenets: The following bylaws and edicts must
be strictly adhered to or else the priestess faces the like-
ly possibility of excommunication, public disgrace, or
the acquisition of the Oath-breaker (or even Honorless)
weakness depending upon the severity of the infraction.
ǧ Must respect and obey your fellow priestesses of
superior rank
ǧ Must respect chieftains, jarls, and kings, and most
certainly the Skathian queen
ǧ Must serve at least three months of every year at
a Signan temple or shrine, tending to duties, ceremonies,
and other sacred services (this can be done as Down-time)
ǧ Must observe holy days, especially the summer sol-
stice, spring equinox, and full moons
ǧ Must tithe one-third of all earnings to the sect;
there are greater rewards forthcoming.
PRIESTS OF TITHERIUS
Also known as ‘Merchant-priests of Titherius’, this priestly
sect serves the Lorinthian god of commerce, wealth, and
fortune, a deity often referred to as the Golden God. Many
Titherian priests were former (or even present) merchants,
or possibly master-craftsmen, and carry that knowledge
into their service to the temples and their respective com-
munities.
The typical Titherian priest often aspires to political of-
fice, perhaps even serving as a senatori at some point (ad-
vising the emperor himself), and most continue to work
their wiles as merchants, traders, bargainers, and diplomats.
As such, Merchant-Priests of Titherius tend to be, by and
large, respected even if they might occasionally gain a rep-
CHARACTER CREATION
utation as materialists and narcissists.
Requirements—
Gender: Must be male (and preferably of Lorinthian cit-
izenry)
Age: 20 years old
Attributes: Intellect and Magnetism +0
Talents: High-born, Merchant, or Priest
Skills: Crafting level 1, Persuasion level 1, Language level
1, and Lore level 1
Benefits of Advancement—
ǩ Silver Acolyte: Newly anointed Merchant-Priests
are given this rank and title, assuming they are of at least
20 years of age. As such, you are given a silver-dyed
toga, which serves as your official vestment, and receive
a +1 boost to your Luck and Renown. You also gain a
+1 bonus to Language and Persuasion skill rolls, and
receive the ‘Appraisal’ specialty of the Crafting skill for
free. Though it is rare to practice the mystical arts in this
order, you may advance in the Magical Arts disciplines
of Earth and Shadow if you so desire.
ǩ Golden Adept: At age 24 or Renown 4, you may
progress to the rank of Golden Adept, which gains you
a golden-dyed toga to serve as your vestments and an
exceptional-quality set of merchant’s scales (yields +1 to
Crafting rolls when appraising coins, gems, spices, etc.).
In addition, you improve your Renown again by +1 and
can now earn a 15 sc stipend for every month of Down-
time you serve at a Titherian temple performing duties
and services.
ǩ High Priest: At age 30 or Renown 9, you qualify
for this rank and title, which would grant you another
+1 to Renown as well as to your Stamina trait. Addition-
ally, you receive a +1 bonus to Alchemy, Crafting, and
Persuasion skill rolls, and are given either an exception-
al-quality chariot or small river-galley (your choice). You
can now earn 25 sc per month of Down-time.
ǩ Master of the Golden Scales: At age 45 or Re-
nown 20, you might achieve the rank and title of Master
of the Golden Scales (or Temple Master). There are only
four or five priests of such a position, but if you are
fortunate enough to be named one of them, you gain
another +1 to both Luck and Renown, a master-crafted
gold-trimmed white toga, and qualify to earn a 50 sc
per month (of Down-time) stipend from the sect.
Code & Tenets: The following ordinances and bylaws
must be followed or else the priest risks the real pos-
sibility of excommunication, the public stripping of all
clothing and goods, or even ritual execution if the trans-
gression is severe.
ǧ Obey the edicts of the High Priest or Master of the
Golden Scales
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 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
ǧ Tithe one-tenth of all earnings to the order; oth-
erwise, keep what you have skillfully and justifiably ac-
quired
ǧ Must serve no less than two months of every year
in a Titherian temple, assisting with rituals, services, and
other duties (this can be done as Down-time)
ǧ Regard only the Lorinthian emperor as above the
Master of the Golden Scales
ǧ Advise local magistrates, senators, praetors, and
renowned merchants when called upon.
THE SHADOW HAND
Also known as the Shadow Blade, and a half-dozen oth-
er monikers through the decades, this semi-elite (if un-
der-handed) organization traffics in theft, contraband, ab-
duction, and even assassination. As a wide-spread group
of professional thieves, pirates, assassins, spies, and worse,
the Shadow Hand is quite powerful throughout the more
urbane provinces of the Lorinthian Empire and, to a lesser
extent, beyond.
Shadow Hand members are often hired by the wealthy
and the influential to perform daring (and almost always
illegal) missions, such as abduction, burglary, con-artistry,
extortion, smuggling, and murder. In former times, when
thieves were sentenced by Lorinthian magistrates, they
were branded on the arm or back of the hand with image
of a human hand, which showed to society that they were
“red-handed” criminals. Over time, a somewhat organized
network of such outcast folk formed what is now known
today as the Shadow Hand.
na (your choice).
ǩ Master Thief (or Shadow-master): At age 35
or Renown 11, you might attain this rank and title. As
such, you gain +1 to your Renown, +2 to your Initia-
tive, and your lock-picks and dagger are upgraded to
master-crafted quality.
ǩ Shadow-lord: At age 50 or Renown 20, you
might be able to achieve this rank and title, a rare ac-
quisition indeed (there are only about five known Shad-
ow-lords in the entire organization). If so, you gain +1
to your Renown, a +1 bonus to Disguise and Stealth skill
rolls, and either a master-crafted shortsword or a minor
enchanted item (your choice).
Code & Tenets: The following codes and bylaws must
be strictly obeyed or else the member faces a very real
likelihood of maiming or disfigurement, arduous torture,
being sold into slavery, or even execution, depending
upon the severity of the infringement.
ǧ Must never betray the whereabouts or true identi-
ties of your fellow Shadow Handers
ǧ Must yield one-tenth of any “professional earn-
ings” to the organization
ǧ Leave no trace or evidence of your presence on a
job (excepting a “black hand” symbol)
ǧ Breaking any of these bylaws is grounds for banish-
ment at best, tortuous execution at worst.

Requirements—

Attributes: Agility or Magnetism +1, and Intellect +0

Talents: Elite Affiliation
Skills: Stealth level 2, Disguise level 2, Perception level 2,
Sleight of Hand level 1, and either Acrobatics or Athletics
level 1

Benefits of Membership—

ǩ Footpad (or Black Hand): Initiates into the or-

ganization start at this rank, and are branded (or tat-
tooed) with the image of a black (hence “shadow”)
human hand, unless such was already earned from past
criminal activity. Usually this is on the back of the hand,
but sometimes the forearm or even the palm of the
hand. You also gain the ‘Bluffing’ or ‘Intimidation’ spe-
cialty of the Persuasion skill for free as well as a +1 boost
to your Luck (representing your knack for getting out of
tight situations).
ǩ Shadow-Thief: At age 25 or Renown 4, you qual-
ify for the rank and title of Shadow-thief. This enables
you to receive an exceptional-quality set of lock-picks
(and other “thieves’ tools”), and exceptional-quality
dagger, and either a +1 boost to your Mobility or Stami-

192 CHARACTER CREATION

 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
13
SPELLS & MAGIC
Those trained in the Magical Arts (and all Dark Sidhe or
Eluna Sidhe) know one spell per odd-numbered skill level
in any given Magical Arts discipline. For example, you if
have 3 skill levels in Magical Arts: Air and 2 skill levels in
Magical Arts: Death, then you know how to cast three
spells—two from the 1st and 3rd skill level of Air Magic and
one from the 1st level of Death magic. You might also know
a bonus spell, such as from the racial abilities of the Sidhe or
via the Acolyte talent.
When you attempt to cast a spell, you must make a Mag-
ical Arts skill roll based on the type (or discipline) of magic
as shown in the spell entries below. If you equal or exceed
the DL (Difficulty Level), then, like any other skill, you have
succeeded in your task (in this case, casting a spell). Most
spells have a chance to be resisted by those affected, which
are usually Endurance or Resolve skill rolls, although Ac-
robatics (to dodge aside) and even Perception are occa-
sionally called upon. Each spell entry indicates this as well
in the ‘Details/Description’ paragraph. The DL for this resis-
tance roll is the Magical Arts skill roll result of the casting
magician, so the more experienced the sorcerer—generally
speaking—the more potent his or her magic will be.
Note that when a spell fails to work (or manifest)—
that is, falling short of the spell’s DL to cast—then the full
amount of Stamina listed in the spell entry is expended.
The primary fatigue of sorcery-working is from the effort to
manifest it, and less so in the actual channeling of it.
SPELL TERMINOLOGY
The following are terms, and their explanations, found
below in each individual spell entry. As a general note,
the term “magician” is often used, which is virtually inter-
changeable with “mage,” “sorcerer,” “wizard,” or the more
generic “spell-caster.”
Discipline: One or more of the seven classifications (i.e.
disciplines) of the Magical Arts skill. This summarizes the
general type of magic the spell invokes.
Prerequisites: The minimum number of skill levels of
Magical Arts required to learn and cast the spell, as well as
any other training or background (such as Alchemy, Heal-
ing Arts, Lore, etc.). Note that a magician need only one
of the listed Magical Arts disciplines when multiple ones
appear here.
DL: This is the Difficulty Level—and therefore the target
number needed to be equaled or exceeded by the casting
magician—for the spell to manifest (or function) correctly.
This is a Magical Arts skill roll, based on the discipline in
194
question, with a failure meaning the spell does not manifest
as described (that, basically fails).
Stamina Cost: This is the cost in Stamina points that the
magician pays when casting the spell in question, regardless
of whether it succeeds or fails (see DL above). Note that
casting a spell as a ritual costs an additional Stamina point.
Casting Time: Most spells cost 1 action to cast, although
some cost 2 actions or even a minute or more. A ritual cast-
ing of a spell takes one hour (or in the case of the Extended
Ritual talent, four hours).
Range: This is how far away from the magician the spell
can materialize. ‘Self’ means that the spell only works on
the magician him/herself, while ‘Touch’ means the mage
must physically touch the target. Other ranges might be
anywhere from 5 yards to 50 yards (though the Far-reach-
ing Magic talent can double these base ranges).
Effect Area: An area, of a specific size, that the spell man-
ifests within. This could be a radial effect centered on the
magician, a single creature, a 2x2 or 5x5 yard area (or much
greater), etc. Note that a spell’s effect area cannot carry
behind the spell’s range.
Duration: How long the spell remains in effect before dis-
sipating. Note that some spells require ‘Focus’ to maintain
them, though never longer than their listed durations apart
from a critical success. Casting another spell causes the ma-
gician to lose focus automatically, and taking damage (or
being jostled, tripped, and the like) forces the mage to make
another Magical Arts roll versus the normal DL + ½ the
amount of damage taken (before armor rating is applied) in
order to keep the spell going.
Ritual Components: This lists the necessary components
when performing a ritualized version of a spell (which
grants a +2 or higher bonus to the Magical Arts roll after
one hour). If the minimum number of items or conditions
are not met, or the incorrect ones, then the spell will only
have a chance of manifesting by normal means (that is,
without the ritual bonus).
Details/Description: Here contains additional de-
tails regarding the spell, such as any resistance rolls that
target creatures might receive, damage dealt, or var-
ious bits of history or lore.
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TABLE 3-1: MASTER SPELL LIST

Spell Name Magical Arts Prerequisites Other Prerequisites

Aura of Majesty Fire, Life, or Shadow level 5
Beast-summoning Earth or Life level 3
Banishment Air, Life, or Shadow level 5 Magnetism or Willpower +0
Beast-speak Life or Shadow level 1
Beguile Fire, Water, or Shadow level 1
Blessing Earth, Water, or Life 1
Cloud of Madness Air or Shadow level 5
Conjure Acid Death, Earth, or Water level 3
Conjure Darkness Shadow level 1
Conjure Flame Fire level 1
Conjure Fog Air, Shadow, or Water level 1
Conjure Light Shadow level 1
Conjure Lightning Air, or Water level 3
Conjure Water Water level 1
Conjure Wind Air level 1
Consecration Earth, Life, or Water level 3
Cure Ailment Life level 3
Curse Air, Death, or Shadow level 5
Death-speak Death or Shadow level 1
Demon Summoning Air, Earth, Death, or Fire level 7 Magnetism +0
Despair Death or Shadow level 5
Destroy The Soul Death level 9 Vigor or Willpower +1
Disappearance Air or Shadow level 5
Dispel Curse Life level 7 Magnetism or Willpower +0
Dream-walking Air or Shadow level 7 Willpower +0
Earthen Grasp Earth level 3
Earth-shaping Earth level 5 Crafting level 1
Earth Shards Earth level 5
Earth Tremor Earth level 5
Elemental Summoning Air, Earth, Fire, or Water level 5 Magnetism +0
Enhance Weapon Death or Earth level 1
Evaporate Air or Fire level 1
Far-sight Water or Shadow level 3
Fear Death or Shadow level 3
Fiery Blast Air or Fire level 3
Fire-script Fire or Shadow level 1
Fire-shaping Fire level 5
Flaming Bolt Fire level 5
Flight Air level 5
Freeze Water Air or Water level 1

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Spell Name Magical Arts Prerequisites Other Prerequisites

Ghost Fence Death or Shadow level 1
Glamour Shadow level 1
Glamour Fire Fire or Shadow level 3
Heal Wounds Life level 1
Heighten Durability Earth or Life level 1
Hex Death or Shadow level 1
Homunculus Earth, Life, or Water level 7 Alchemy 3, Healing Arts 1
Ice Blade Water level 3
Ice Prison Water level 7 Crafting level 1
Ice Wall Water level 5
Icy Transformation Death, Life, or Water level 5
Incinerate Fire or Death level 9 Vigor or Willpower +0
Instant Travel Air, Earth, or Shadow level 9 Lore level 3
Maelstrom Water level 7 Sailing level 1
Melting Air or Fire level 1
Mental Message Air or Shadow level 1
Mental Torment Air, Death, or Shadow level 3
Mind Wash Death, Life, or Shadow level 3
Object Animation Earth or Life level 5
Omen-reading Fire, Shadow, or Water 1
Otherworldly Portal Death, Life, or Shadow level 9 Willpower +1
Possession Air, Death, Fire, or Life level 7 Magnetism or Willpower +0
Purification Air, Earth, Water, or Life level 1
Quagmire Earth or Water level 1
Quench Fire Fire or Water level 3
Quickening Air, Fire, or Life level 5
Rain Of Acid Air, Water, or Death level 9 Willpower +0
Rain Of Ice Water level 5
Ravenous Summoning Air or Life level 7 Animal Handling level 1
Reanimation Death level 5
Regeneration Life level 9 Healing Arts level 1
Repair Earth, Fire, or Life level 1
Repel Undead Life level 3
Restore Life Life level 10 Magnetism or Willpower +1
Sandstorm Air or Earth level 5
Scry Ward Air, Earth, or Shadow level 3
See The Unseen Air, Life, or Shadow level 1
Sense Corruption Death, Life, or Shadow level 1
Sense Undead Death or Life level 1
Serpent Staff Earth or Life level 5 Animal Handling level 1
Shadow Reaper Death or Shadow level 5
Shapeshift Air, Fire, Water, or Life level 7 Vigor or Willpower +1

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Spell Name Magical Arts Prerequisites Other Prerequisites

Shatter The Heart Death level 7 Willpower +0
Simulacrum Life level 10 Vigor +1
Slumber Death, Life, or Shadow level 1
Spirit Weapon Air or Shadow level 5
Summon Inferno Death or Fire level 5
Summon Plague Air or Death level 7 Vigor or Willpower +0
Summon Storm Air or Water level 7 Willpower +0
Thunderous Blast Air or Water level 5
Tidal Wave Water level 7 Willpower +0
Transform Liquid Water level 3
Tree-speak Life or Shadow level 3
Unseen Hand Air level 3
Venomous Touch Death level 3
Vermin Swarm Death, Earth, or Life 5
Wall of Flame Fire level 5
Warding Air, Earth, or Life 1
Water-shaping Water level 5
Water Walk Water level 7 Willpower +1
Winter’s Breath Air or Water level 5

AURA OF MAJESTY such, this spell can be useful to battle-chiefs, commanders,

Discipline: Fire, Life, Shadow
Prerequisites: Magical Arts: Fire, Life, or Shadow level 5
DL: 10 to cast on self / 15 to cast on another willing creature
Stamina Cost: 2 / 3
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: Self or Touch
Effect Area: 10-yard radius centered on subject
Duration: 10 minutes
Ritual Components: At least two of the following—1)
Smoke or fire from a brazier; 2) Mirror or bowl of reflective
water; 3) A pinch of gold or silver dust; 4) Four white or
gold candles. A lock of hair from a Sidhe lord (or lady) or a
wing-feather from any Angel grants an additional +1 bonus
to ritual castings of this spell.
rulers, performers, and other types often found at the cen-
ter of attention.
Critical Success:
1) You expend two less Stamina points.
2) The boost to Magnetism is +3 instead of +2.
3) The spell’s duration is doubled.
4) The spell’s effect area is doubled.
Critical Failure:
1) You expend two additional Stamina points.
2) Your Magnetism drops by one for ten minutes’ time.
3) You acquire the Obsession (physical appearance) or Pho-
bia (crowds or public appearance) weakness, your choice,
both minor versions.

Details/Description—
Also known as Inspiring Aura, this spell enables a magician
(the DL 10 version) or another willing subject (DL 15 ver-
sion) to heighten his or her own innate beauty, charm, and
presence. Thus, a successfully casting of this spell increases
the subject’s Magnetism by +2, which in turn improves all
Magnetism-based derived traits and skills (except for Luck).
In addition, all allies of the creature subjected to an Aura
of Majesty, who are within the effect area (including the
subject), automatically have the effects of Despaired and
Intimidation removed, and the condition of Terrified is less-
ened to Intimidated and Cowering lessened to Terrified. As
BEAST-SUMMONING
Discipline: Earth, Life
Prerequisites: Magical Arts: Earth or Life level 3
DL: 10 for a beast of Physique +0 or less / 15 for a beast of
Physique +1 to +6 / 20 for a beast of Physique +7 to +12
Stamina Cost: 1 / 2 / 3
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: 1 half mile
Effect Area: 1 living animal or gigantic animal
Duration: 1 minute per point of magician’s Magnetism

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Ritual Components: At least two of the following—1) a
horn, claw, tooth, or hoof from any animal or gigantic ani-
mal which must be burned in a fire or buried in the earth. 2)
a pinch of wet dung from any animal; 3) a drop of animal
blood. A lock of hair from a Wild Sidhe shaman or a whole
tusk from a Great Boar grants an additional +1 bonus to
ritual castings of this spell.
Description/Details—
This shamanic spell summons forth an animal or gigantic
animal within a half-mile of the magician. If the beast is
not seen (i.e. within line of sight), then it will appear, mov-
ing at top speed, by the mage’s side in 3 rounds; however,
if the magician succeeds in a DL 15 Luck roll, the creature
was closer when summoned and appears in 2 rounds. The
spell-caster concentrates on any animal or gigantic animal
he believes to be in the half-mile vicinity (note that the GM
has every right to deny, for example, a summoned fish in a
desert or some other absurd attempt).
If the mage attempts to summon a seen creature—that
is, an animal or gigantic animal within line of sight (or oth-
erwise one from a nearby known location)—then it will
come toward the magician at full speed, taking a full round
to do so. All summoned beasts receive a Resolve skill roll to
resist the summons, the DL set by the mage’s Magical Arts
roll (if successful).
Animals and Gigantic Animals fight for the magician, or per-
form other simple basic tasks, for a number of minutes equal
to five plus the magician’s Magnetism. They can, of course,
be dismissed before this time and if mistreated, the spell is
broken and the beast will flee (or attack if aggressive).
Critical Success:
1) You expend two less Stamina.
2) You summon two beasts of the type you were concen-
trating on.
3) The summoned creature is magically gated adjacent to
you instantly.
Critical Failure:
1) You expend two additional Stamina.
2) You cause one animal or gigantic animal of Physique +12
or less to instantly turn on you, attacking you for one round
per point of critical failure.
3) You acquire the Phobia weakness (of the type of animal
you attempted to summon), minor version.
BANISHMENT
Discipline: Air, Life, Shadow
Prerequisites: Magnetism or Willpower +0, and Magical
Arts: Air, Life, or Shadow level 5
DL: 15
Stamina Cost: 3 / 5
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: 10 yards
Effect Area: 1 creature
Duration: 1 hour or more (see below)
198
Ritual Components: At least two of the following—1)
Four white or silver candles; 2) A wand of ash or oak; 3)
Bowl of salt; 4) A pinch of silver dust. A tooth or lock of
hair from any Angel, Demon, or Genie yields an additional
+1 to ritual castings of this spell.
Details/Description—
This potent spell enables a magician to banish, or cast out,
entities native to places beyond the mortal world (Earth-
world). That is, Angels, Demons, Elementals, Genies, and
Fey (save for the Sidhe-folk), creatures native to the Oth-
er-world and the various regions within, such as the Neth-
er-world and Shadow-world.
When successfully cast on one such being, the creature
receives an Endurance or Resolve roll (whichever is high-
est) with a failure yielding the following consequences:
If of ‘Lesser’ status (such as a Shadow-daemon), the crea-
ture is banished from the Earth-world for an entire year. It
cannot be summoned or otherwise enter the mortal plane.
If of ‘Greater’ status (such as a Hell-cat), the creature is
banished from the Earth-world for one month. It can’t be
summoned or otherwise enter the mortal plane during this
time.
If of ‘Elder’ or ‘Lord’ status, the creature is banished from
the Earth-world for one day. Until after this time, it can’t be
summoned or otherwise enter the mortal plane.
Banishment does not affect mortal, earth-bound crea-
tures, such as animals, gigantic animals, humans, and lesser
forms of undead. However, creatures with vaguely super-
natural origins, such as greater types of undead (Vampires,
Dread-knights, etc.), Gorgons, Sidhe (all kinds), and human-
oids with the Angelic-blood and Demon-blood talents, are
Stunned for one round if they fail an Endurance or Resolve
resistance roll as mentioned above.
Critical Success:
1) You expend two Stamina points less.
2) The spell’s duration is doubled.
3) You potentially affect another supernatural being within
two yards of your target.
4) You bend the creature to your will, causing it to willingly
serve you for a number of minutes equal to 10 plus your
Magnetism (after this time, it is banished per the normal
effects of this spell).
Critical Failure:
1) You expend two additional Stamina points.
2) You are Stunned for one full round.
3) You gain the Madness (any) or Phobia (of the creature
type you were trying to banish) weakness, your choice,
both major versions.
BEAST-SPEAK
Discipline: Life, Shadow
Prerequisites: Magical Arts: Life or Shadow level 1
DL: 10 for a normal animal / 15 for a gigantic animal
Stamina Cost: 2
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 SAVAGEIII
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Casting Time: 1 action
Range: Touch
Effect Area: 1 living animal or gigantic animal
Duration: 1 minute
Ritual Components: At least two of the following—1) A
tooth or piece of tongue from an animal; 2) A patch of fur;
3) A feather. A bone or tooth from a Gorgonic beast (such
as a Manticora, Minotaur, etc.) grants an additional +1 to
ritual castings of this spell.
Details/Description—
It is believed by some cultures, particularly the Sidhe and
several of the more ancient human tribes, that all beasts—as
well as some trees—were blessed with the gift of speech,
long ago when the world was very young and the old gods
still stirred in the Earth-world. As such, this spell enables
a magician to tap into that mystical connection again, en-
abling him or her to communicate on a deeper level with
an animal (or gigantic animal) of Intellect -3 or less.
The mage must touch the creature in question, so at-
tempting a Beast-speak spell on a less-than-friendly creature
comes with some measure of risk. If the spell succeeds, the
sorcerer can them, essentially, converse back and forth, ma-
gician and creature understanding each other, though the
target animal gains no increased intelligence and so doesn’t
know any more than its bestial intellect allows.
Beast-speak might be useful in gaining information that
only the beast might have access to, calming a distraught
animal, finding the nearest “watering hole,” or perhaps lo-
cating the closest “gathering of Two-Legs.” Note that this
spell will not function on any beast or gigantic beast with
an Intellect of -2 or higher, nor any creature not considered
an animal or gigantic animal.
Critical Success:
1) You expend two less Stamina points.
2) The spell’s duration is doubled.
3) The beast in question becomes extremely friendly and
helpful to you, perhaps even leading you somewhere spe-
cific if necessary.
4) The creature is mildly bonded to you, and if you later
take the Animal Companion talent, it counts as one point
toward that talent.
Critical Failure:
1) You expend two additional Stamina points.
2) The targeted creature becomes extremely hostile toward
you, attacking you for one round per point of critical fail-
ure.
3) You acquire the Obsession (animal type in question) or
Phobia (animal type in question) weakness, your choice,
both minor versions.
BEGUILE
Discipline: Fire, Shadow, Water.
Prerequisites: Magical Arts: Fire, Water, or Shadow lev-
el 1
SPELLS & MAGIC
DL: 10 for a humanoid target / 15 for a non-humanoid
target
Stamina Cost: 2 / 3
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: 1 creature within 10 yards
Duration: 1 hour
Ritual Materials: At least two of the following—1) three
red or iridescent candles; 2) a small mirror; 3) a crystal or
pendulum. A lock of hair from a Dryad or Siren grants an
additional +1 bonus to ritual castings of this spell.
Details/Description—
You can magically charm another creature into becoming
friendlier toward you, perhaps even believing you to be a
virtually perfect ally and confidante. The target of the spell
receives a Resolve skill roll to resist the effects (the DL being
set by your Magical Arts roll); if the resistance roll is failed,
then you can then follow up with a Persuasion skill roll
with a +10 bonus due to the mystical mind-influence of this
spell (as another action).
If you, or a companion clearly allied with you, harms the
beguiled target, the spell ends immediately and the creature
can take action if it so desires. If harmed indirectly, such as
being left outside during a terrible storm or made to attack
an obviously dangerous opponent, the beguiled creature
receives another Resolve roll to break the spell.
Note that this spell only influences the spell-bound target
and does not allow automaton-like control by the magician.
Most requests will be found as favorable by the recipient,
although such sentiments are toward the casting mage and
not his or her companions. When this spell breaks, or wears
off after an hour, the recipient becomes generally aware
that he or she was spellbound (and may not be entirely
pleased about it).
Critical Success:
1) The duration is doubled to two hours.
2) You expend two fewer Stamina points.
3) The target voluntarily gives away even his most intimi-
date information (or perhaps a key or other small gift) with-
out hesitation.
4) You beguile all creatures within 2 yards of the target as
well, although they each receive Resolve rolls to resist.
Critical Failure:
1) You expend two additional Stamina points.
2) You are Stunned for one full round.
3) You instantly acquire the Obsession (of the attempted
target) weakness, minor version.
BLESSING
Discipline: Earth, Water, Life
Prerequisites: Magical Arts: Earth, Water, or Life level 1
DL: 10 for a minor blessing / 15 for a major blessing
Stamina Cost: 2 / 4
Casting Time: 1 action
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Range: Self or Touch (1 creature)
Duration: 1 hour
Ritual Components: At least two of the following—1)
burning incense; 2) a drop of holy water or sacred oil; 3)
a pinch of salt or silver dust. A lock of hair from an Angel
(any type) or a preserved Bloodthorn blossom grants an
additional +1 bonus to ritual versions of this spell.
Details/Description—
Sometimes known as Anointment or Sanctification, this
spell is somewhat typical of most religious sects, both civi-
lized and savage, as it uplifts and fortifies the mind, body,
and soul of the recipient.
As a minor Blessing (the DL 10 version), you grant a +1
bonus to all die rolls and to the Defense of one living crea-
ture, be it yourself or another. If upon another creature, the
recipient must be willing or else the spell does not work.
As a major Blessing (the DL 15 version), you grant a +1
bonus to all die rolls and Defense to all allied creatures who
remain within 5 yards of you during the spell’s duration;
in addition, if you are a member of a known religious sect,
those affected by the spell—who are also followers or be-
lievers in your faith—also gain a +1 to their Luck (for the
duration of the spell only).
Optionally, a major Blessing might temporarily negate a
minor Weakness, with the GM’s approval, or even “cleanse”
an unholy or Tainted object for the one-hour duration.
Critical Success:
1) You expend two less Stamina points.
2) The bonuses granted increase to +2 instead of merely +1
(except for Luck).
3) The spell’s duration is doubled.
Critical Failure:
1) You expend two additional points of Stamina.
2) You suffer a -1 penalty to all die rolls for one round per
point of critical failure.
3) You acquire either the Obsession (temples or other sa-
cred sites) or Phobia (temples or other sacred sites) weak-
ness, your choice, both minor versions.
CLOUD OF MADNESS
Discipline: Air, Shadow
Prerequisites: Magical Arts: Air or Shadow level 5
DL: 15
Stamina Cost: 4
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: 15 yards
Effect Area: 5 square-yard area within range
Duration: 1 minute (or until resisted—see below)
Ritual Components: At least two of the following—1)
smoke from a brazier or campfire; 2) a lock of hair from a
known madman (or someone with a major version of the
Madness weakness); 3) a dried pink or black lotus blossom.
A pinch of dirt from a Banshee’s cairn/grave or an object
200
carried by a Shadow-wraith yields an additional +1 bonus
to ritual castings of this spell.
Details/Description—
This spell conjures a faint cloud of grey mist or vapor, four
yards square, that appears anywhere you choose within the
15-yard range. All living creatures caught in this vaporous
cloud must succeed in a Resolve against a DL set by your
Magical Arts roll (assuming the spell succeeds) or become
overcome with a strange madness which causing random
actions. On the affected creature’s turn in the Initiative or-
der, the GM rolls 1d20:
1-8 = The creature is numb-witted and Stunned for the
entire round.
9-12 = The creature goes into a mad frenzy, and is able
to do nothing but defend itself for the entire round at -2
to its Defense and an expenditure of 3 Stamina points.
13-16 = Creature goes into a battle-frenzy, attacking the
closest target (even if an ally) with whatever weapon it
is currently armed (if no weapon, then it will use Brawl-
ing to punch).
17-20 = Creature runs away, in a random direction, as
quickly as its Mobility will allow given the surrounding
terrain.
Affected creatures may attempt Resolve rolls again each
round they remain in the cloud’s 4x4 yard effect area. If
they succeed, they are free to do whatever they like; if they
fail, the GM rolls again to see what they do this round (and
so on).
Any creature failing its Resolve roll by 10 or more is also
inflicted with the Madness (minor version) weakness; if the
creature already has a minor version of Madness, then it is
instead increased to a major one. The exact details of this
madness are up to you and the GM.
Critical Success:
1) You expend two less Stamina points.
2) The duration is doubled to two minutes.
3) The effect area is doubled to 10 square-yards.
4) Each creature failing its resistance roll also takes 2 points
of Stamina damage due to the duress.
Critical Failure:
1) You expend two additional Stamina points.
2) You become Stunned until your next turn.
3) You acquire the Madness weakness (this is the minor
version unless you already have it, in which case it now
becomes a major version).
CONJURE ACID
Discipline: Death, Earth, Water.
Prerequisites: Magical Arts: Death, Earth, or Water level
3
DL: 10 to summon to hand or a weapon / 15 to shoot forth
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 SAVAGEIII
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an acidic globule
Stamina Cost: 2 / 3
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: Self or 10 yards
Duration: 1 minute or instantaneous
Ritual Materials: At least two of the following—1) A
piece of any creature’s gullet or intestines; 2) A few drops
of Dragon’s or Basilisk’s spittle; 3) A piece of well-rusted
metal. A vial of Dragon’s or Basilisk’s blood yields an addi-
tional +1 bonus to ritual castings of this spell.
Details/Description—
You summon acid to your hands or one weapon held
(which does not harm you), which could enable you to
attack with Brawling (if using your hand to touch or punch)
or Weaponry: Melee (if a held weapon). If this attack is
successful against the target’s Defense, it deals an additional
3 points of acid damage (and maximum damage improves
by 3 as well).
For the greater DL 15 version, a fist-sized globule of
acid shoots forth toward one target dealing 1 point of acid
damage for every point of success over the target’s Dodge
Defense (maximum of 10 damage). The range is 10 yards
with no range modifiers. Targets’ armor only counts as half
effective.
Critical Success:
1) You expend two Stamina points less.
2) The maximum damage increases to 15 instead of merely
10.
3) If casting forth a globule, the acid is large enough to af-
fect two targets adjacent to each other.
4) The acid greatly corrodes your opponent’s armor, lessen-
ing its armor rating by 2.
Critical Failure:
1) Your hands burn with a sudden acidic sensation, causing
you 1 point of Health damage per point of critical failure.
2) You expend one additional Stamina point.
3) You immediately gain the Obsession (alchemy) or Pho-
bia (acids) weakness, your choice of which, both minor
versions.
CONJURE DARKNESS
Discipline: Shadow
Prerequisites: Magical Arts: Shadow level 1
DL: 10
Stamina Cost: 1
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: 20 yards
Effect Area: 5 square-yard area within range
Duration: 1 minute
Ritual Components: At least two of the following—1)
being within a dark cave or similar subterranean locale; 2)
a piece of jet or obsidian; 3) a handful of soot; 4) two
unlit black candles. A pinch of dirt from the dread wastes
SPELLS & MAGIC
of Xarkon or from where a Shadow-wraith has tread in the
Shadowlands added as an additional component grants an
additional +1 bonus to ritual castings of this spell.
Details/Description—
You summon forth a “cloud” of darkness, or rather, an
area which negates virtually all light. All mundane sources
of light—such as from a candle, torch, lantern, campfires,
etc.—are completely blotted out within the spell’s effect
area. Creatures with Deep-sight (such as Duergar) or Neth-
er-sight (such as most demons) can, however, visually pene-
trate a Conjure Darkness spell.
In the case of magically created light, such as that from
a Conjure Light spell, the highest Magical Arts roll result
wins. For example, if you cast Conjure Darkness in the same
effect area as a Conjure Light spell (or some magical equiv-
alent thereof), then the spell with the highest Magical Arts
roll overtakes the other effect. In cases where the DL might
not be known, GMs may assume a DL of 20.
Critical Success:
1) You expend 2 less Stamina points.
2) The effect area is doubled.
3) Or the duration is doubled.
Critical Failure:
1) You expend 2 additional Stamina points.
2) You become Blinded for one round per point of critical
failure.
3) You must succeed in a DL 15 Resolve skill roll or acquire
the Obsession (complete darkness) or Phobia (complete
darkness) weakness, your choice of which, both minor ver-
sions.
CONJURE FLAME
Discipline: Fire
Prerequisites: Magical Arts: Fire level 1
DL: 10 to ignite a nearby object / 15 to summon to hand
or a weapon
Stamina Cost: 1 / 2
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: 5 yards or touch
Duration: 1 minute
Ritual Materials: At least two of the following—1) a bra-
zier or small fire-pit; 2) a piece of coal or soot; 3) a pinch of
brimstone or flask of oil. A Dragon’s tooth or a lock of Fire
Giant hair (as an additional component) grants a further +1
bonus to ritual castings of this spell.
Details/Description—
You instantly ignite one flammable object within five yards
of you, or for the greater DL 15 effect, one weapon that
you are holding. The object burns for as long as it would
normally allow, although a flaming weapon only lasts
for one minute (you can dispel it before then). A flaming
weapon deals an additional 3 points of fire damage upon a
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successful Weaponry: Melee attack roll (and its maximum
damage thusly increases by 3).
You can instead cause one of your own hands to erupt
into flame (not harming you), and if you attack with it, this
would be a Brawling skill roll (also causing 3 additional fire
damage). Note that in both cases, the maximum damage
also increases by 3 due to the flames.
Critical Success:
1) You expend two less Stamina.
2) The duration is doubled.
3) You summon an especially hot fire whose maximum
damage is seven instead of five.
4) The target catches fire, dealing three points of additional
damage to him next round before going out.
Critical Failure:
1) You expend two additional points of Stamina.
2) Your hands burn with sudden intense heat, causing you
one point of Health damage per point of critical failure.
3) You gain either the Obsession (fire) or Phobia (fire)
weakness, both minor versions, your choice of which.
CONJURE FOG
Discipline: Air, Shadow, Water
Prerequisites: Magical Arts: Air, Shadow, or Water level
3 Range: 10 yards
DL: 10
Stamina Cost: 2
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: 20 yards
Effect Area: 10 square-yard area within range
Duration: 10 minutes (see below)
Ritual Components: At least two of the following—1)
Crucible or brazier producing smoke; 2) several drops of
dew; 3) a mirror, 4) a bowl of water. A lock of hair from a
Kelpie or Sluagh yields a +1 bonus to ritual castings of this
spell when used as an additional ritual component.
Details/Description—
By properly casting this spell, you can summon forth a
dense mist-like fog, thick enough to count as Heavily Ob-
scured (see Conditions) in the 10x10 square-yard effect area.
That is, creatures inside this magical fog suffer a -5 penalty
to sight-based Perception skill rolls and -2 to Weaponry:
Ranged skill rolls, although they gain the ability to use the
Stealth skill (at a +2 bonus) within the fog as well. As such,
conjured fog can be used against an enemy or in support of
the magician and his companions, giving this spell, essential-
ly, two primary uses. Naturally, those outside the magical
fog also gain the same penalties and benefits against those
inside the effect area, just as a conjured fog-cloud interpos-
ing two groups would yield these disadvantages and advan-
tages to both parties in reference to each other (depending
upon line of sight).
The conjuring magician may, as an action, move the fog
202
up to 5 yards (or double this as two actions) in any giv-
en round. Note that this fog can be moved away with a
Conjure Wind spell (or some equivalent sorcery), and even
by natural winds if strong enough. A 20+ mph breeze can
move the fog cloud 5 yards per round, while 40+ mph
winds will disperse it immediately.
Critical Success:
1) You expend two less Stamina points.
2) The effect area is doubled.
3) The duration is doubled.
Critical Failure:
1) You expend two additional Stamina points.
2) Your mind becomes exceptionally foggy, causing you to
become Stunned for one full round.
3) You immediately acquire the Obsession (the Otherworld)
or Phobia (heavy fog) weakness, both minor versions, your
choice of which.
CONJURE LIGHT
Discipline: Shadow
Prerequisites: Magical Arts: Shadow level 1
DL: 10
Stamina Cost: 1
Casting Time: 1 action
Effect Area: 5 yard-radius sphere within range
Duration: 1 hour
Ritual Components: At least two of the following—1)
three lit candles; 3) a brazier; 3) or a crystal. The hide of
an Atorean Bull, or a lock of hair from an angelic being or
Eluna Sidhe queen, yields an additional +1 bonus to ritual
castings of this spell.
Details/Description—
Also known as Faerie Light, this magical illumination can
be as faint as candlelight or as bright as a campfire (magi-
cian’s choice). This spell can be cast upon an object, and
can therefore be carried around like a torch or lantern, or it
can simply emanate from the very air where first cast. This
mystical light gives off no heat signature.
Conjure Light might also have adverse effects on crea-
tures susceptible to bright light (such as Goblings, certain
demons, etc.), possibly requiring an Endurance or Resolve
resistance roll. This light is generally bright white in hue,
and can be possibly negated by a Conjure Darkness spell
whose Magical Arts skill roll result is higher than the Con-
jure Light caster’s.
Critical Success:
1) You expend two Stamina points less.
2) You double the spell’s effect area.
3) The duration is doubled.
Critical Failure:
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1) You expend two additional Stamina.
2) You are Blinded for one full round.
3) You instantly acquire the Obsession (light) or Phobia
(darkness) weakness, your choice, both minor versions.
CONJURE LIGHTNING
Discipline: Air, Water
Prerequisites: Magical Arts: Air or Water level 3
DL: 10 to call lightning to hand / 15 to conjure onto a held
weapon
Stamina Cost: 2 / 3
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: Self or touch
Effect Area: Mage’s hands or one held weapon
Duration: 1 minute (or until focus is broken)
Ritual Components: At least two of the following—1)
a lightning-struck twig or branch; 2) a patch of thick fur or
lock of human hair; 3) a piece of glass or crystal. A lock of
hair from a Storm Titan or lock of hair from someone slain
by a Corpse Lantern grants an additional +1 bonus to rituals
castings of this spell.
Details/Description—
You call forth lightning onto your hands, which does not
harm you, but adds 3 more points of damage to your
Brawling attacks using your fists. This damage is electrical
based, which might harm certain creatures even more than
usual. If you possess at least one skill level in Weaponry:
Melee, then you can summon this lightning to one of your
melee weapons; if you have at least one skill level in Weap-
onry: Ranged, you can cause one of your ranged weapons
to become infused in lightning instead (such as a throwing
dagger, thrown axe, or a single arrow or bolt). In either
case, the weapon deals an additional 3 points of damage
and its maximum damage also increases by 3.
This spell remains in effect until one minute passes or the
magician willingly, or unwillingly, loses focus on it.
Critical Success:
1) You expend two Stamina points less.
2) The additional damage increases by +6 instead of merely
+3.
3) Your electrified hands, or weapon, deals 3 points of
Stamina damage to the target as well as the normal Health
damage.
4) The opponent is knocked prone upon a successful attack
from your electrified hands or weapon, unless his Physique
is +6 or greater.
Critical Failure:
1) You expend two additional Stamina points.
2) Your hands are burned for one Health damage per point
of critical failure.
3) You gain the Obsession (lightning storms) or Phobia
(lightning storms) weakness, your choice, both minor ver-
sions.
SPELLS & MAGIC
CONJURE WATER
Discipline: Water
Prerequisites: Magical Arts: Water level 1
DL: 10 to create water / 15 for a jet-blast of water
Stamina Cost: 1 to create one gallon of water / 2 to shoot
forth a jet of water
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: Touch or 10 yards
Duration: Permanent or Instantaneous
Ritual Components: At least two of the following of the
following—1) a bowl or chalice; 2) a drop of watered wine;
3) a pebble from a river. Water once infused by a Water
Elemental or the scale of a Sea Serpent grants an additional
+1 bonus to ritual castings of this spell.
Details/Description—
You summon forth one gallon of water, perhaps to fill a
waterskin or other vessel. Or, for the DL 15 effect, a sudden
jet-blast of water shoots from your hand. In this latter case,
your Magical Arts: Water roll must succeed against the tar-
get’s Dodge Defense and, if in doing so, knocks the creature
prone and back one yard if its Physique is +1 or less. If this
roll exceeds by 5 or more, the target is also blinded for one
round.
Critical Success:
1) You expend two less Stamina points.
2) The spell’s range is doubled.
3) You also deal one point of Health damage per point of
critical success to the target (maximum five points).
4) The water blast ends in a 2x2 yard terminus, potentially
striking more than one target.
5) You conjure two gallons of water instead of merely one.
Critical Failure:
1) You take one point of Health damage per point of critical
failure as you drain away some of you own body fluids.
2) You are Stunned for one full round.
3) You instantly gain the minor Phobia (of deep water)
weakness.
4) You expend two additional Stamina points.
CONJURE WIND
Discipline: Air
Prerequisites: Magical Arts: Air level 1
DL: 10 for a gust of wind / 15 for a heavy blast / 20 for a
heavy radial blast of wind
Stamina Cost: 1 / 2 / 3
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: 1 creature or object within 10 yards
Duration: Instantaneous
Ritual Components: At least two of the following—1)
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 SAVAGEIII
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several feathers from any avian; 2) several bird bones; 2) a
preserved wing (bat-like or feathered); 4) the presence of
fog or smoke. A piece of wing from a Dragon, Wyvern, or
Sphinx grants a +1 bonus to ritualized castings of this spell.
Details/Description—
You summon a sudden gust of wind capable of blowing out
candles, torches, and uncovered lamps and lanterns, as well
as most gases and vapors. Alternately, for the DL 15 version,
you can summon forth a heavy blast of wind capable of
knocking over small objects and knocking prone creatures
with Physiques of +0 or less. Or, instead (for the DL 20 ver-
sion), you could summon a heavy blast of wind capable of
knocking over medium to large objects or knocking prone
creatures of Physique +5 or less.
In the latter two versions, creatures knocked prone must
also succeed in an Acrobatics or Endurance roll (against a
DL set by your Magical Arts roll) or become Stunned for
one round.
Critical Success:
1) You call forth a blast of wind ending in a 2x2 yard termi-
nus effect with the potential of getting more than just one
target.
2) The range is doubled.
3) You expend two less Stamina than normal.
4) You deal 1 Health point of damage per point of critical
success in addition to the normal effects (maximum of five
points).
Critical Failure:
1) You are Stunned for one full round.
2) You expend two additional Stamina points.
3) You gain the Obsession (storms) or Phobia (hurricanes
or tornados) weakness, both minor versions, your choice
of which.
CONSECRATION
Discipline: Earth, Life, Water
Prerequisites: Magical Arts: Earth, Life, or Water level 4
DL: 15
Stamina Cost: 3
Casting Time: 1 minute
Range: Self
Effect Area: 1 object (no larger than a chest or door) or a
5 square-yard area
Duration: One month
Ritual Components: At least two of the following—1) a
chalice of pure water; 2) burning incense; 3) a pinch of salt
or silver dust. A stone from a ruined temple or dirt removed
from a renowned burial site (as an additional component)
grants a further +1 bonus to ritual castings of this spell.
Details/Description—
An ancient spell traditionally taught in many temples, or to
shamanic students in sacred groves, wherein the consecra-
204
tion of hallowed spaces (or objects) is held in high impor-
tance to virtually all cultures. It is here, in these sacred sites,
that magical essence flows best as some believe the voices
of the gods can be better heard in such mysterious locales.
Such blessed, or holy, ground is where temples are often
built. Consecrating an area (a 5x5 yard space) enables sev-
eral benefits for the casting magician as follows:
DZ Ritual spells are cast within the consecrated space
at a +2 bonus to the Magical Arts roll
DZ Endurance and Resolve rolls made by the magi-
cian in this space are with a +2 bonus
DZ Certain supernatural creatures may be shunted, or
warded away, from the sacred space
Objects can also be consecrated, some of which are
famed for their associations with the various sects, orders,
and traditions of the known world, such as the holy water
or roses of Saint Paladyr, sacred wine for many of the Lo-
rinthian sects, mistletoe or holly for the Druidic shamans of
the West, skulls or wolf-pelts for the Priests of Anderok, and
such. They gain the following benefits:
DZ +1 to any skill roll associated with the object (such
as +1 to attack rolls with a sword, etc.)
DZ Item quality improves by one category (average
becomes exceptional, etc.)
DZ Certain objects or substances might have oth-
er properties as well, such as holy water which deals
1 Health point damage to most undead and demonic
creatures as a splash (a full vial poured on such a crea-
ture would deal 10 points damage), among other items
DZ An object intended to be consecrated, or in some
way magical, for a longer time than the duration of this
spell are probably better served with the Enchant Per-
manent Object talent.
Critical Success:
1) The effect area is doubled (or if a singular object, you can
consecrate two such items instead of merely one).
2) You expend two fewer Stamina points.
3) The spell’s duration is doubled.
Critical Failure:
1) You expend two additional Stamina points.
2) You acquire the Obsession (temples or sacred sites) or
Phobia (temples or sacred sites), your choice of which, both
minor versions.
3) You gain the unwanted attention of some unsavory spirit
or entity that is somehow connected with the place (or ob-
ject), which could be a lesser demon, elder elemental, fey
creature, or other.
CURE AILMENT
Disciplines: Life
Prerequisites: Magical Arts: Life level 3
DL: See below
SPELLS & MAGIC
 SAVAGEIII
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Stamina Cost: 2 for ailments of up DL 20 / 4 for ailments
of DL 21 or greater
Health Cost: 1 per 2 Stamina points spent
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: Touch
Effect Area: One disease or poisoned creature
Duration: Permanent
Ritual Components: At least two of the following—1)
bowl of pure water, 2) a bowl or brazier of fire; 3) in intact
egg; or 4) a white lotus petal. A fingerbone or lock of hair
from a martyred priest of Saint Paladyr (as an additional
component) grants a further +1 bonus to ritualized castings
of this spell.
Details/Description—
This potent spell enables a magician to neutralize the effects
of poisons and diseases (an similar ailments) with a single
living creature. The DL for this spell to work is equal to the
DL of the poison or disease in question; that is, if a creature
was affected by the Grey Plague, which has a DL 20 Endur-
ance roll to resist, then the DL for Cure Ailment is the same.
If the spell works, it neutralizes the effects of the ailment
immediately, although any past damage done by the dis-
ease or poison (or other) is not reversed. In short, this spell
prevents further damage and other ill effects from occur-
ring. Note that if a creature is afflicted by two such ailments,
be it poison or disease or whatever, then the Magical Arts
roll result applies to both (and upon a success, cures them
both).
Critical Success:
1) You expend two less Stamina points.
2) The spell also works on another poisoned or disease
creature within one yard of the original target.
3) In addition to neutralizing the ailment, the creature also
instantly regains 2 Health and 2 Stamina points.
Critical Failure:
1) You expend two additional Stamina points.
2) You cause the target creature to take 1 Health point of
damage per point of critical failure.
3) You are inflicted with the Poisoned condition for one
full round.
CURSE
Discipline: Air, Death, Shadow
Prerequisites: Magical Arts: Air, Death, or Shadow level
5 Critical Failure:
DL: 10 to curse a creature or object / 15 to curse a 10x10
yard area
Stamina Cost: 2+ (see below)
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: 10 yards
Effect Area: 1 or more creatures, 1 object, or a 10x10 yard
area
Duration: 24 hours
SPELLS & MAGIC
Ritual Components: At least two of the following—1) A
skull or several bones, 2) a bowl of urine or dirty water, 3)
a broken runestone, or 4) being in most areas of the Shad-
owlands. The spittle or blood of a Tainted demon-blood
sorcerer or a lock of hair from a Demon-hag grants an addi-
tional +1 bonus to ritual castings of this spell.
Details/Description—
This spell enables you to channel your anger and powerful
words into a magical, tangible curse. One creature is usually
the target of a Curse spell, although additional creatures can
be targeted as long as they are within the spell’s range—in
this case, the spell costs an additional Stamina point per
target beyond the first.
All targeted creatures gain a Resolve skill roll to resist
(the DL being set by the Magical Arts roll of the casting
mage), with those failing suffering a -2 penalty to Defense
and all die rolls for the next 24 hours.
Instead, the magician can choose to curse a singular ob-
ject, one that cannot be held or carried by another creature
at the time of the casting. If the spell works, the object in
question degrades in quality by one level (for example, an
exceptional-quality object becomes average-quality), and
any creature using it suffers a -2 to any skill rolls involved.
This might be a -2 penalty to Sailing rolls if a boat or small
ship, -2 to Animal Handling rolls if a saddle or a horse’s bit
and bridle, or a -2 penalty to Weaponry: Ranged rolls if,
say, a bow or thrown dagger. Note that this does not affect
objects of legendary quality.
Lastly, instead of a creature or object, you can choose
to curse a small area of land (up to 10 square-yards in size),
such as a large inn-room, small temple, etc. Assuming the
spell is successful, anyone within this cursed space suffers a
-2 penalty to Defense and all die roll. This use of the spell
is sometimes known in some cultural traditions as Desecra-
tion, and could be countered by a Blessing (known some-
times in this case as Consecration), depending upon the
higher of the two Magical Arts rolls.
Note that Blessing and Curse are opposing magical ef-
fects, with the higher Magical Arts roll result winning out
as mentioned above. Also, it might be possible (perhaps
with the Enchant Permanent Object) to more permanently
curse an item, space, or creature.
Critical Success:
1) You expend 2 less Stamina points.
2) The spell’s duration is doubled to 48 hours.
3) The penalty increases to -3 instead of merely -2.
4) Even a legendary object is affected.
1) You expend the full amount of Stamina.
2) You are Stunned for one full round.
3) You immediately acquire the Cursed (minor version) or
Tainted weakness, your choice.
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 SAVAGEIII
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DEATH-SPEAK
Discipline: Death, Shadow.
Requirements: Magical Arts: Death or Shadow level 1
DL: 10-30 (see below)
Stamina Cost: 1 per question
Casting Time: 2 actions
Range: Touch
Effect Area: 1 corpse touched
Duration: 30 seconds (5 rounds) per question asked
Ritual Materials: At least 2 of the following, or 3 of the
following if DL 25 or higher—1) black or white candle, 2)
drop of fresh blood, 3) a bit of fresh food or wine, 4) being
inside a renowned mausoleum or cairn/tomb. A pinch of
dirt from a Grave-wight’s tomb or the tooth or nail of a
Vampire grants a +1 bonus to all ritual castings of this spell.
Details/Description—
This powerful form of divination enables a magician to
communicate with the animus (that is, the residual life-en-
ergy) remaining within the corpse of a sentient (Intellect -3
or higher) being. The creature in question must have, in the
very least, its head intact for the spell for function proper-
ly. Speaking with the dead is an ancient practice, though
occasionally taboo, and the longer the corpse has been de-
ceased, the more difficult it is to communicate.
Only the magician may communicate with the deceased
being in question (and is the only one who can “hear” the
faint spirit-like voice), with the Difficulty Level of the spell’s
success dependent upon the following:
DZ Corpse deceased for up to a day: DL 10
DZ Corpse deceased for up to a week: DL 15
DZ Corpse deceased for up to a month: DL 20
DZ Corpse deceased for up to a year: DL 25
DZ Corpse deceased for up to a decade: DL 30
It takes roughly 30 seconds (or 5 rounds) to both speak
a question and receive a reply, with each query costing the
mage one Stamina point per question. The spirit-like animus
of the creature only knows what it knew in life, but even
such information is distant and general, like a fleeting shad-
ow. However, it will give the magician the truth, or what it
believes to be the truth, although if a particularly powerful
or renowned creature (GM’s discretion), then a DL 20 Per-
suasion roll might be required.
Note that this spell might even allow for communication
with active undead spirits, such as Wraiths, Ghosts, and the
like.
Critical Success:
1) You expend zero Stamina for the first three questions.
2) You are able to communicate with a corpse of someone
who expired up to a century ago.
3) The corpse gives you precise information, perhaps even
more than it knew in its earthly life.
4) You automatically succeed in making a powerful or or-
nery corpse speak.
206
Critical Failure:
1) You expend two additional Stamina points.
2) The animus or spirit becomes angry, forcing you to suffer
-1 to all die rolls for the next 12 hours.
3) You instantly gain the Obsession (of death—minor),
Phobia (of undead—minor), or Tainted weakness, your
choice of which.
DEMON-SUMMONING
Discipline: Air, Earth, Death, Fire
Prerequisites: Magnetism or Willpower +0, and Magical
Arts: Air, Earth, Death, or Fire level 6
DL: 15 for a lesser demon / 20 for a greater demon / 25 for
a known demon-lord
Stamina Cost: 3 / 4 / 5
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: Inter-planar (Nether-world and beyond)
Effect Area: Demon appears within 3 yards of the magi-
cian
Duration: 1 plus the mage’s Magnetism or Willpower in
minutes (minimum of 1 minute)
Ritual Materials: At least two of these for DL 15-20, and
three for DL 25: 1) A conjuration or thaumaturgical circle
drawn out with soot, powdered iron, and/or blood; 2) be-
ing in Gorgotha, the Forbidden Lands, or the Xarkonian
Wastes; 3) five lbs of human flesh or blood; 4) five black
and/or red candles. (If summoning an angelic being, substi-
tute gem dust or powdered silver for component #1, being
in Ar or Celendoril for component #2, five lbs of pure in-
cense or lamb’s blood for component #3, and seven white
and/or golden candles for component #4.). A virgin human
or Sidhe sacrifice grants +5 to the Persuasion skill roll (see
below), but only with regards to demons.
Details/Description—
This potent and daring spell enables a magician to sum-
mon forth a demonic entity from the Nether-world (and
beyond), hopefully doing the mage’s bidding if only for a
brief time. The demon summoned will carry out any kind
of violence the magician (and only the summoning magi-
cian) requests, short of attacking another demonic creature
of superior status or any type of angelic being.
For these demands, and any others more complex than
mere blood-letting, the mage will need to succeed in a Per-
suasion skill roll versus the creature’s Resolve skill roll. If a
virginal human or Sidhe sacrificial victim is involved, then
a +5 bonus to the mage’s Persuasion roll is gained. Other
offerings might also lend bonuses to such Persuasion rolls,
such things as gold, an enchanted object, or an oath that a
favor is owed by the magician in question (GM discretion).
The magician may direct the demon in battle, using one
of his or her actions to do so. Otherwise, the demon will
attack whatever mortal is deemed the mage’s enemy, but
won’t hesitate to harm allied creatures as well if they are
considered “in the way” or make the demon especially an-
gry.
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 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
Note that you may attempt to summon an angelic being
instead, but the DLs in this case are 25 for a greater angel
and 30 for an angelic lord (there are no “lesser” angels save
perhaps for certain devas found mostly in the East). If the
spell in this case is successful, the angel will fight for the ma-
gician in question, though if against another angelic being
then a DL 20-25 Persuasion roll might on the mage’s behalf
will be necessary. If a great gift is offered, such as a mas-
ter-crafted or heroic-quality object—or better yet an oath
of purity or temporary service—then a +2 to +5 bonus
might be granted with the GM’s discretion.
A magician with the Tainted weakness actually gains a
+2 bonus to the Magical Arts skill roll when attempting this
spell (since demonic entities are attracted to such negative
auras), although this works in reverse (a -2 penalty) when
attempting to summon an angelic being.
Critical Success:
1) The summoned being will automatically perform a com-
plex or foolhardy action without need of a Persuasion skill
roll.
2) The creature you summon is especially potent, perhaps
armed with an enchanted weapon or shield (GM discre-
tion).
3) You expend two less Stamina points than normal.
Critical Failure:
1) Though the spell failed, you still managed to attract the
attention of the creature you attempted to summon, who
will seek retribution against you in the next 1d20 hours
(GM rolls secretly).
2) You immediately acquire the Obsession (of power—
major version) or the Tainted weakness, your choice as to
which.
3) You expend one additional Stamina point and suffer -1 to
Vigor for one hour.
DESPAIR
Discipline: Death, Shadow
Requirements: Magical Arts: Death or Shadow level 5
DL: 15 to affect one creature / DL 20 to affect all within a
10-yard aura
Stamina Cost: 2 / 3
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: 1 creature within 10 yards or all creatures within a
10-yard aura around the magician
Duration: 1 minute (or until focus is broken)
Ritual Materials: At least two of the following: 1) three
black or grey candles; 2) tears from a renowned priest or
saint (Renown 20+); 3) a piece of stone from an ancient
dungeon or prison; 4) being anywhere within the Shadow-
lands. Dirt from the ground where a Shadow-wraith passed
over grants a +1 bonus to all ritual castings of this spell.
Details/Description—
This spell enables you to project your own melancholy,
perhaps coupled with a measure of hate and fear, into the
SPELLS & MAGIC
psyche of another living creature. For the lesser (DL 15) ver-
sion of the spell, one creature can be targeted within 10
yards; for the greater (DL 20) version, all living creatures
within 10 yards of the magician are potentially affected.
Such creatures receive a Resolve skill roll, versus a DL set
by your Magical Arts roll result, or else immediately gain
the Cowering condition (that is, they may take no actions
other than to slump near-lifeless to the ground, broken and
unmanned, until the duration of the spell passes).
An affected target may attempt another Resolve roll (at
the same DL) every round thereafter, until finally break-
ing free of the melancholy or having the spell run its full
one-minute course. Note, however, that it takes one action
to come out of this malaise and stand up from the prone
position. In the case of the greater version of this spell, crea-
tures—both allies and enemies—reentering the mage’s aura
must attempt Resolve rolls again to resist the spell’s effects.
Critical Success:
1) You expend two less Stamina point.
2) The despair of one creature is so great that he or she is
crushed to unconsciousness and will not return to a con-
scious statue until one round after the spell’s duration runs
its course.
3) The spell’s duration is doubled to two minutes.
4) One additional creature is targeted.
Critical Failure:
1) You expend two additional Stamina points.
2) You become Despaired yourself for one full round.
3) You immediately gain the Madness or Obsession (death
or darkness) weakness, your choice, both minor versions.
DESTROY THE SOUL
Discipline: Death
Prerequisites: Vigor or Willpower +1, and Magical Arts:
Death level 9
DL: 20
Stamina Cost: 5
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: 10 yards
Effect Area: 1 creature
Duration: 1 round or permanent (see below)
Ritual Materials: At least two of the following—1)
knowledge of the target’s true name; 2) five black candles;
3) an altar made of bone, obsidian, or black jade; 4) a bro-
ken mirror. Being inside an ancient pyramid of one of the
Witch-lords of Xarkon or the semi-preserved heart of a de-
mon grants a +2 bonus to all ritual castings of this spell.
Details/Description:
This severe and ominous spell is (fortunately) mastered by
only a few of the truly learned and/or truly corrupt. In fact,
whenever you cast this spell, you must immediately succeed
in a DL 12 Resolve skill roll or acquire the Tainted weak-
ness (if you already have this weakness, then you gain your
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 SAVAGEIII
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choice of the Honorless or Madness weakness instead). You
may forego attempting this Resolve roll, and therefore em-
bracing your dark fate, which enables you to gain one-third
of the target’s Stamina if the spell is fully successful (see be-
low). These extra Stamina points lasts for one hour or until
spent.
A successful casting of this terrible spell destroys the vic-
tim’s very essence, spirit, or soul, although if a creature not
wholly mortal (such as a demon, fey, genie, etc.), then it
may return to life after one year per point of success on the
mage’s Magical Arts roll. Note that most animals and any
other creature with an Intellect or -4 or less, are immune to
the greater effects of this spell (but not the stunning effect).
Such a creature affected by Destroy The Soul must suc-
ceed in a Resolve roll against a DL set by the sorcerer’s
Magical Arts roll. A failure means that the target is Stunned
for one full round. On the second round, the creature then
gets an Endurance roll versus the same DL—if this resis-
tance roll is failed, then the target is immediately (and often
irrevocably) slain. Note that if the magician possesses the
True Name talent, and knows the true name of the target,
then the target suffers a -2 penalty to both the Resolve and
Endurance rolls.
If a target succeeds in the Endurance roll, then he or she
is no longer Stunned or otherwise affected by the spell and
is free to act as it chooses.
Critical Success:
1) The target is Stunned for two rounds if it makes its Endur-
ance resistance roll.
2) You expend two Stamina points less than normal.
3) You gain one-third of the victim’s Stamina even if you
resisted the Tainted weakness, and if you did not make the
effort to resist, you also gain one-third of its Health for one
hour.
Critical Failure:
1) You gain double the effects of your Tainted weakness,
which means you now suffer from a physical mutation, such
as growing small black or red horns, blackened and elongat-
ed nails, or some other hideous feature.
2) You endanger your own soul, and thus slip into a deep
sleep fraught with horrible nightmares for one minute per
point of critical failure.
3) You gain the Madness or Phobia (of death) weakness,
your choice of which, both major versions.
DISAPPEARANCE
Discipline: Air, Shadow
Prerequisites: Magical Arts: Air or Shadow level 5
DL: 10 for one creature / 15 for radial effect
Stamina Cost: 2 for one creature / 4 for radial effect
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: Self or Touch
Effect Area: 1 creature or 3-yard radius around magician
Duration: 10 minutes (or until focus is broken)
208
Details/Description—
This spell enables you to make yourself, or another willing
ally, effectively invisible to others. Alternately, you can also
cause all willing allies within 3 yards of you (at all times)
to become disappeared along with yourself (the DL 15 ver-
sion). The spell does not, however, dampen noise made
while invisible or cloak smells, affecting only the visual spec-
trum.
In game terms, those affected by a Disappearance spell
gain a +10 bonus to Stealth skill rolls when moving at half
speed (that is, half one’s Mobility); if moving at full Mo-
bility, the Stealth bonus is only +5. If running, there is no
Stealth bonus from this spell, although Stealth can at least
still be attempted. All clothing and equipment also vanish
from sight, although any objects you pick up after the spell
is cast do not become invisible and could therefore be seen
by others as “floating mysteriously.” Obviously, any delib-
erate sounds (such as talking, shouting, kicking a noise-pro-
ducing object, etc.) made will negate the Stealth bonuses
granted by this spell.
You can attempt to attack a target while disappeared,
most likely against its Off-guard Defense (unless you some-
how failed your Stealth roll), but in doing so, you become
effectively visible due to the appearance of blood, sound,
footprints, and the like. Note that in the radial version of
this spell, all allies affected must remain within 3 yards of
you for the spell’s duration or lose the benefits of the spell
(that is, they will become visible).
Critical Success:
1) You expend two less Stamina points.
2) The duration is doubled.
3) The bonus to Stealth improves to +15 (for half speed
movement) or +10 (for full speed).
4) Any objects you pick up during the spell’s duration be-
come invisible too.
Critical Failure:
1) You are Completely Blinded for one round plus one
round per point of critical failure.
2) You become nauseous, gaining the Sickened weakness for
ten minutes.
3) You immediately gain the Obsession (of secrecy) or Pho-
bia (of large crowds), minor versions, your choice of which.
DISPEL CURSE
Discipline: Life.
Requirements: Magnetism or Willpower +1, and Magi-
cal Arts: Life level 7.
DL: 20-30 depending on severity of curse (see below).
Resistance: None.
Stamina Cost: 3-5 depending on severity of curse (see be-
low).
Casting Time: 2 actions
Range: Touch
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 SAVAGEIII
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Effect Area: 1 creature or object (see below)
Duration: Permanent
Ritual Components: At least three of the following—1)
Being within a sacred circle of standing stones; 2) A broken
circlet or ring; 3) A horseshoe; 4) A shamrock. A lock of
hair from any type of Angel or Titan yields an additional +1
bonus to ritual castings of this spell.
Details/Description:
By successfully performing this spell, a magician can dispel
or remove one known curse upon a single creature or ob-
ject. The Difficulty Level for this is equal to the Magical Arts
roll result of the original curse-weaver—if the exact number
is not known, then assume a DL 20 for lesser curses and 30
for greater ones. If successful, the curse is removed from the
target creature or item permanently. Note that the minor
version of the Cursed weakness is a DL of 25, while the
major version is DL 35.
Note that lycanthropy and vampirism are considered
to be curses, and therefore can effectively be cured by this
spell. Lycanthropy that is inflicted is a DL of 20 to successful-
ly negate, “natural born” lycanthropy (per the Lycanthrope
talent) is DL 25, and vampirism DL 30. There might be even
rarer, more obscure forms of hexes and curses in the Savage
Kingdoms setting, the GM having final say on which ones
are affected by a Dispel Curse spell and at what DL.
In all cases, the subject must be a willing one or else the
spell will fail.
Critical Success:
1) You expend 2 Stamina points less.
2) The spell’s range is doubled.
3) The subject is immune to all forms of curses for one
hour’s time.
4) The target creature gains a +1 boost to Vigor foe one
hour’s time.
Critical Failure:
1) You expend 2 additional points of Stamina.
2) You are Stunned for one round plus one round per point
of critical failure.
3) You immediately gain the Phobia (of curses or sorcery)
or Obsession (curses or sorcery), your choice, both minor
versions.
DREAM-WALKING
Discipline: Air, Shadow
Prerequisites: Willpower +0, and Magical Arts: Air or
Shadow level 7
DL: 15 for self only / 20 to bring others along (up to 3
“passengers”)
Stamina Cost: 3 for self, plus 2 per “passenger”
Casting Time: 1 minute
Range: Self (or Touch if bring along passengers)
Effect Area: Self (or up to 3 other sentient allies)
Duration: 1 hour
SPELLS & MAGIC
Ritual Components: At least two of the following—1)
Four white and/or silver candles; 2) a handful of fine sand;
3) a petal from a dream lotus (pink lotus) plant. A lock of
hair from a Demon Hag or a high-priestess of Romega in-
creases the spell’s duration to two hours.
Details/Description—
Known also as Astral Projection or Spirit-walking, this spell
enables a magician (and up to three other sentient allies
present at the time of the entire casting) to enter a deep
dream state, one potent enough to take him or her into
the so-called “dream-world” (or the Other-world, or some
portion of it, as most would assume it to be). In this state,
the mage and any “passengers” are incorporeal, invisible to
all but the most astute of creatures.
Dream-walking persons can see into the normal mor-
tal-realm, as their spirits or psyches travel about, although
this sight is hazy at best, penetrating no further than 10 yards
in any direction (everything beyond this range appears as
fog, mist, or a silver-grey haze). Furthermore, the magician
and his passengers can move, at their normal Mobility, but
without being inhibited by terrain. Astral-projected charac-
ters keep all other Attributes and statistics as well, although
they cannot manipulate physical objects. A dream-walker
may, however, attempt to make a sound or even speak a
short whispered phrase with a successful DL 15 Resolve roll.
If the listener is asleep, he or she hears this as if part of a
dream.
While dream-walking, the physical body remains in
an unconscious state, equivalent to being in a deep sleep
(while the spirit or psyche “walks” the Other-world, view-
ing into the Earth-world as mentioned above). Thus, the
body is helpless, although trusted earthly assistants could
hide the mage’s body (and his passengers) away or stand
guard over them until their astral-forms return. If the body
is slain, after all, the spirit or psychic conscience is effectively
destroyed too, as the spirit/soul with have no physical form
in which to return.
Note that it is possible for an onlooker to detect a spir-
it-walking individual, but this is difficult and requires a
successful DL 30 Perception roll (or a DL 15 Magical Arts
roll to sense a “magical aura” in the general vicinity of the
magician). Creatures succeeding in this Perception skill roll
notice a very faint ghostly form and/or hear “ghost voic-
es” or “phantom echoes,” although dream-walking “spirits”
(or astral projections) cannot be directly harmed, although
powerful magics might be able to rapidly dispel or count-
er the spell, thus sending the psyche swiftly and somewhat
violently back into its physical body in the earthly domain.
Critical Success:
1) You expend two Stamina points less.
2) You can sense your environment in a 20-yard radius in-
stead of the normal 10 yards.
3) The spell’s duration is doubled.
Critical Failure:
1) You fall into a deep dreaming slumber from which you
cannot awaken for one minute per point of critical failure
(short of being immersed in water, smothered, or harmed
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 SAVAGEIII
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for at least one point of Health damage).
2) You acquire either the Addiction (dream lotus) or Obses-
sion (dreams) weakness, both major versions, your choice
of which.
3) You gain the immediate and unwanted attention of a
Shadow-daemon, Shadow-wraith, or Demon Hag (GM’s
choice).
EARTHEN GRASP
Discipline: Earth
Prerequisites: Magical Arts: Earth level 3
DL: 10 for a small area / 15 for a larger area
Stamina Cost: 2 for small area / 3 for larger area
Casting Time: 1 action (focus)
Range: 15 yards
Effect Area: 2x2 yard area or 4x4 yard area
Duration: 1 minute
Ritual Components: At least two of the following: 1) A
piece of crystal or marble shaped into a fist; 2) a bowl of
mud, tar, or tree sap; 3) a bear-trap or pair of iron mana-
cles. A strand of web from a Giant Spider or a piece of rock
once belonging to an Earth Elemental increases the spell’s
duration to two minutes.
Details/Description—
This potent spell enables you to channel your will into the
very earth itself, causing it heave and grasp at the feet (or
hooves or paws) of your enemies. Thus, all creatures (in-
cluding allies) that are in the effect area—which is either
two square-yards or four square-yard (see above)—must
succeed in an Acrobatics skill roll (the DL is set by your
Magical Arts: Earth skill roll) or become held fast and grap-
pled by the earth itself. The Immobile condition is therefore
gained by those so held (-5 to Agility and a Mobility of 0)
until the victim(s) can break free, which costs 1 action and
a successful DL 17 Acrobatics or Brawling roll on the crea-
ture’s turn.
Creatures with Physiques of +15 or greater are immune
to an Earthen Grasp spell, as they are simply large enough
to automatically break free from the grasping terrain. Note
that if the terrain is paved or dressed stone, or extremely
hardy wood-planking, this spell will still function but at the
cost of an additional Stamina.
Critical Success:
1) You expend two less Stamina than normal.
2) Not only are your targets grappled by the spell, but they
each suffer 1 Health point damage (if you so choose) per
point of critical failure.
3) The spell’s effect area or duration is doubled (your choice
of which).
Critical Failure:
1) You are Stunned for one round plus one round per point
of critical failure.
2) You gain the Lame weakness until healed by a successful
210
DL 15 Healing Arts skill roll (taking at least one minute’s
time), appropriate healing-magic, or one hour, whichever
comes first.
3) You expend two additional Stamina points.
EARTH-SHAPING
Discipline: Earth
Prerequisites: Magical Arts: Earth level 7 and Crafting
level 1
DL: 10 for clay, sand, or wood / DL 15 for hard stone
Stamina Cost: 3 for clay, sand, or wood / 4 for a hard
stone
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: 5 yards
Effect Area: 2x2 yard area
Duration: Permanent
Ritual Components: At least two of the following—1)
Pinch of diamond, emerald, or ruby dust; 2) a piece of bro-
ken statuary; 3) bowl or clay or mud. A piece of a creature
turned to stone by a gorgonic creature or an exception-
al-quality gem crafted by a Duergar or Sidhe grants +2 to
ritual castings of this spell.
Details/Description—
This spell allows a magician to reshape an earthen, stone,
or wooden object or area of raw unworked earth or wood.
The object(s), or area, in question must be no larger than
a 2x2 yard area—if a singular object larger than this cu-
bic area, then it is only partially affected by this spell. The
mage may reshape or reform an object, or group of ob-
jects, within the effect area, changing its general appearance
and possibly its function based on how much it is reshaped.
Minute or mechanical details are beyond the power of this
spell, but—for example—altering the likeness of a statue in
basic way or turning a cart into a ruined heap of wood is
generally within the scope of Earth-shaping. However, if the
magician possesses at least 4 skill levels in Crafting, he or
she can reshaped earth, stone, or wood into much greater
detail, such as turning a statue’s likeness into the image of
an individual of a different race or gender or shaping a cart
into a chariot or a small boat.
An object at least as hard or sturdy as hard clay, stone, or
wood, can be—in theory—reshaped into a surface or ob-
ject that could cause harm to enemies, such as a section of
a stair suddenly becoming soft mud or slick marble (forcing
an Acrobatics skill roll versus a DL set by the mage’s Magi-
cal Arts skill roll) or a sinkhole or pit opening up beneath a
creature in a sudden (also requiring an Acrobatics roll). The
maximum damage that can be caused by an earth-shaped
object is 10 Health points.
Most stone-based objects or areas will remain reshaped
permanently, unless it the substance is wet clay or living
wood in which case it will eventually return to its original
shape (at least to some degree). In regards to living wood,
such as a tree, any major reshaping done from this spell will
likely kill it, unless the mage also possesses at least 3 skill
levels in Herbalism or Magical Arts: Life.
SPELLS & MAGIC
 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
Lastly, if cast against a wood, stone, or clay-based crea-
ture—such as an Elemental or Tree of Death—the creature
must succeed in an Endurance skill roll (versus a DL set by
the mage’s Magical Arts: Earth roll)—or take 1 point of
Health damage per point of failure. Maximum damage here
is 15.
Critical Success:
1) You expend two Stamina less than normal.
2) The maximum damage increases by +5.
3) The effect area is doubled to 4x4 yards.
Critical Failure:
1) You accidentally affect the largest wood or stone object
on your person, such as a shield, spear-haft, stone-headed
maul, or whatever, causing it to become damaged enough
to lower in quality by one category.
2) You acquire either the Obsession (statuary or trees) or
Phobia (large trees or caves) weakness, your choice of
which, both major versions.
3) You expend 2 additional Stamina points.
EARTH SHARDS
Discipline: Earth
Prerequisites: Magical Arts: Earth level 5
DL: 10 for a 2x2 yard area / 15 for radial shards around
magician
Stamina Cost: 3 for 2x2 area / 4 for radial shards
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: 10 yards or 5-yard radius around mage
Effect Area: 3x3 yard area or 5-yard radius around mage
Duration: 1 minute
Ritual Components: At least two of the following—1) a
dozen pieces or small shards of crystal; 2) four arrowheads
or spearheads; 3) a dozen sharped sticks of yew-wood. A
piece of earth that once belonged to an Earth Elemental or
a lock of hair from an Earth Titan increases the spell’s range
by 5 yards.
Details/Description—
Calling forth the power of earth, this spell lets the magi-
cian summon forth great jagged shards of crystal and sharp
rock from the very ground, lunging upwards in a swift
earth-shaking motion. Any creatures caught within the ef-
fect area must succeed in an Acrobatics skill roll (versus a DL
set by the mage’s Magical Arts: Earth roll) or take 1 point
of Health damage per point of failure. These earthen shards
have an Armor Piercing rating of 3. Maximum damage is
15. Furthermore, those failing by 5 or more are knocked
prone.
Once the shards have jutted forth from the earth, they
remain for the spell’s duration (no focus needed) and count
as challenging terrain (which cuts Mobility in half). When
the spell ends, most of the shards and jagged rocks retreat,
though some might remain to some degree and the earth in
that area will be generally upturned.
SPELLS & MAGIC
Critical Success:
1) The earthen shards you call forth are exceptionally sharp
and jagged, causing bleeding wounds to anyone injured
by them (victims bleed out 1 Health point per round until
stopped by a DL 10 Healing Arts roll as two actions).
2) The duration or effect area is doubled (your choice).
3) You expend two Stamina less than normal.
Critical Failure:
1) Your body suddenly becomes rigid and you become Im-
mobile for one round per point of critical failure.
2) You acquire either the Lame or Obsession (gems or rare
metals) weakness, your choice, the latter a minor version.
3) You expend two additional Stamina points.
EARTH TREMOR
Discipline: Earth
Prerequisites: Magical Arts: Earth level 4
DL: 10 for a radius around magician / 15 for an area up to
ten yards from magician
Stamina Cost: 2 for radial effect / 4 for large peripheral
area
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: Self (effect centered around magician) or 10 yards
Effect Area: 5-yard radius around mage or 5x5 yard area
up to 10 yards away
Duration: 1 round
Ritual Components: At least two of the following—1) a
crystal or amethyst shard; 2) a chunk of volcanic rock; 3)
an iron horseshoe; 4) pinch of dirt from a Giant’s footstep.
A lock of hair from a Giant or Titan (any type), or the scale
from an Elder Dragon, grants a +2 bonus to ritual castings
of this spell.
Details/Description—
This impressive spell causes the earth to quake and tremor,
either around the mage’s person or up to ten yards out
from him or her. With regards to the radial effect around
the magician, this affects all creatures in the 5-yard radius
except for the casting sorcerer at the very center. All crea-
tures (apart from the magician) caught in the effect area
of an Earth Tremor spell must succeed in an Acrobatics
roll (versus a DL set by the mage’s Magical Arts roll) or be
knocked prone for one round (even if the creature has the
Kip talent).
Creatures with more than two legs receive a +2 bonus to
this resistance roll, although snakes and other legless beasts
are immune to this effect. Additionally, those failing their
Acrobatics rolls by 10 or more also take 5 points of Health
damage as they fall hard upon the bucking, reeling, and
unforgiving ground (armor counts as half-effective). Crea-
tures whose Physiques are +25 or greater are completely
immune to this spell.
Small wooden structures, such as a crude hut, cart, or
fence—or things inside the ground like a pool or small
pond—might be damaged as well (GM discretion)—either
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 SAVAGEIII
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outright or else having their quality-levels reduced by one
category (from average to poor, exceptional to average,
master-crafted to exceptional, etc.). Soft or medium stone-
work, such as statuary, pottery, or flagstone, are also likely
to become damaged or even all-out destroyed. All items
outside the effect area are unaffected.
Critical Success:
1) You expend two less Stamina points.
2) The effect area is doubled.
3) The duration is doubled to two rounds.
4) The Health damage taken is 10 instead of 5.
Critical Failure:
1) You are Stunned for one round plus one round per point
of critical failure.
2) A small fissure opens beneath you, causing you 1 point
of Health damage per point of critical failure (armor does
not help here).
3) You acquire the Madness or Phobia (enclosed spaces)
weakness, both minor versions, your choice of which.
4) You expend two additional Stamina points.
ELEMENTAL SUMMONING
Disciplines: Air, Earth, Fire, Water (see below)
Prerequisites: Magnetism +0 and Magical Arts: Air,
Earth, Fire, or Water level 5
DL: 15 for a lesser elemental / 20 for a greater elemental /
25 for an elder elemental
Stamina Cost: 3 / 4 / 5
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: A source of air, earth, fire, or water within 5 yards
of the magician
Duration: 1 minute plus 1 per point of mage’s Magnetism
(minimum one minute)
Ritual Components: At least two of the following—1)
Presence of smoke or fog (for an air elemental), a chunk of
granite or petrified wood (for an earth elemental), brazier
of fire or campfire (for an fire elemental), or bowl or goblet
of water (for a water elemental); 2) a clear crystal (for air
elemental), a green gem or piece of jade (for earth elemen-
tal), a red or orange gem (for fire elemental), or a blue or
blue-green gem (for water elemental). A lock of hair from
a Fire Giant, Frost Giant, Earth Titan, or Storm Titan grants
+2 to ritual castings of this spell.
Details/Description—
Perhaps developed by sorcerers afraid (or otherwise un-
willing) to traffic with demonic creatures from the Neth-
er-world, this slightly less potent summoning spell deals
with less intelligent beings, elemental “spirits” infused—if
only temporarily—within the physical shells of their own
element. They often appear as vaguely humanoid in shape,
but can easily take on other forms without changing their
general mass (see Chapter 22—Supernatural Creatures for
more information on Elementals).
A magician attempting this spell must have at least 5 skill
212
levels in the discipline of Magical Arts in question (be it
air, earth, fire, or water) and must within 5 yards of the
element in question. That is, to summon an air elemental,
there need only be air and wind around, while summoning
an earth elemental requires but dirt, sand, stone, or even
wood. Calling forth a fire elemental would need a near-
by fire-source and summoning a water elemental requires a
nearby source of water. If the spell succeeds, the elemental
being appears immediately, infusing the nearby element (es-
sentially “animating” it). It takes the summoning magician
one action to command the elemental, although they know
how to do little more than attack or guard. Commanding it
to do anything else would require a successful DL 15 Persua-
sion skill roll, although a critical failure causes the magician
to lose control of the elemental—the mage may attempt a
DL 15 Persuasion roll in subsequent rounds to bring it back
to bear.
Elementals will choose to stay within 10 yards of the
source from which they were summoned, although the
summoning sorcerer can command it to move further than
that—in doing so, the duration becomes half what is listed
above. (Their game statistics appear in Chapter 22—Su-
pernatural Creatures.) If damaged, they are not sentient
enough to particularly care, and therefore never flee or sur-
render to an opponent.
Critical Success:
1) The elemental you summon forth has +1 to its Physique
(and therefore +2 to its Health and +1 to Mobility).
2) The spell’s duration is doubled.
3) You expend two less Stamina than normal.
Critical Failure:
1) You expend two additional Stamina than normal.
2) The elemental appears anyway, though you have no
control over it, and randomly attacks you (or a nearby ally)
for one round per point of critical failure before vanishing.
3) You acquire the Madness or Phobia (of the elemental in
question—major) weakness, your choice of which.
ENHANCE WEAPON
Discipline: Death, Earth
Prerequisites: Magical Arts: Earth, Fire, or Life level 1
DL: 10
Stamina Cost: 2
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: Touch
Effect Area: 1 manufactured weapon
Duration: 10 minutes
Ritual Components: At least two of the following—1) An
anvil; 2) a set of exceptional-quality smith’s tools; 3) a horn,
tusk, or tooth of a predatory creature; 4) a cavern inside a
volcano. An arrowhead or weapon hilt of heroic-quality, or
a lock of beard-hair from a Duergar lord, grants a further +1
bonus to ritual castings of this spell.
SPELLS & MAGIC
 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
Details/Description—
Sometimes known in the North-lands as “Shield-biter,”
this spell allows a magician to increase the effectiveness of
any melee weapon or piece of ranged ammunition (such
as an arrow or sling-stone). The weapon’s Armor Piercing
improves by +2. If the weapon type in question normally
doesn’t have an AP rating, it will now.
Note that the spell directly affects the weapon—be it
dagger, axe, spear, arrow, or javelin—and not the attacker.
Thus, if another character or creature picks up a discarded
Enhanced Weapon it will function for that combatant as
well for the spell’s duration.
Critical Success:
1) You expend two Stamina less than normal.
2) You enhance to weapons instead of merely one, which
must be within one yard of each other.
3) The weapon’s quality is increased by one category (e.g.
average to exceptional, exceptional to master-crafted, etc.).
Critical Failure:
1) You inadvertently cause the weapon to suffer -1 to AP for
one full minute.
2) You acquire the Cursed (cannot wield steel weapons) or
Obsession (battle or warfare) weakness, your choice, both
minor versions.
3) You expend two additional Stamina points.
EVAPORATE
Discipline: Air, Fire.
Prerequisites: Magical Arts: Air or Fire level 1
DL: 10 for a three cubic-yard area / 15 for a six cubic-yard
area
Stamina Cost: 1 for DL 10 / 2 for DL 15
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: 5 yards
Effect Area: 3 cubic-yard or 6 cubic-yard area
Duration: Permanent
Ritual Components: At least two of the following—1)
Handful of salt or sand; 2) bowl of water or wine; 3) being
within an area of heavy fog. The sandy essence of a Sand
Demon or chunk of earth that once comprised an Earth
Elemental grants a +1 bonus to ritual castings of this spell.
Details/Description—
This relatively simple spell enables a magician to instantly
evaporate a source of water, either three cubic-yards or six
cubic-yards in area, up to five yards away. If more than
one source of water is within the effect area (such as mul-
tiple mud-puddles or flagons of water), then all of them
are affected. An Evaporate spell will affect (at least in part)
ponds, pools, bogs, creeks, fountains, and the like, although
if the water source is free-flowing—such as a waterfall or
aqueduct—then the source will, naturally, refill eventually.
Ice and snow are, subsequently, affected as well, leaving
little more behind than a light fog.
This spell can also affect water-based liquids, such as
SPELLS & MAGIC
wine and ale, leaving behind a dry, worthless residue of
its former existence. Poisons place in liquids would also be
effectively neutralized by an Evaporate spell. Furthermore,
creatures comprised of water or ice—such as Water Elemen-
tals—take 5 points of Health damage when targeted by this
spell, although they receive an Endurance roll to resist this,
the DL being the mage’s Magical Arts roll result.
Critical Success:
1) You expend two Stamina point less than normal.
2) The effect area is doubled.
3) If targeting a water-based creature, the creature takes 10
Health damage instead of merely 5 if it fails its Endurance
resistance roll.
Critical Failure:
1) You are Sickened for one full round per point of critical
failure as the fluids of your own body are temporarily af-
fected.
2) You acquire the Phobia (deep water) weakness, minor
version.
3) You expend two additional Stamina points.
FAR-SIGHT
Discipline: Water, Shadow
Prerequisites: Magical Arts: Water or Shadow level 3
DL: 10 for up to ten miles distance / 15 for up to one-hun-
dred miles distance
Stamina Cost: 2 / 3
Casting Time: 1 minute
Range: Up to 100 miles
Effect Area: 5 square-yard viewing area
Duration: 1 minute
Ritual Components: At least two of the following—1)
a bowl of water (one pint or more); 2) a mirrored surface
such as a silver platter or burnished bronze shield; 3) a crys-
tal prism. The eye of a Cyclops or Giant Eagle grants an
additional +1 bonus to all ritual castings of this spell.
Details/Description—
Using a bowl filled with at least one pint of water, a suc-
cessful casting of this spell enables the magician to see a far-
away scene, a practice known to the Prydonians as “clair-
voyance” and perhaps to others as “remote viewing.” The
mage can effectively view a location known to him—one
that he or she has personally visited or has detailed informa-
tion about—up to a hundred miles away. If the location is
not familiar, then the divining magician can instead concen-
trate on a known creature (or one from whom he owns a
lock of hair, drop of blood, or fingernail shaving).
The area the sorcerer is able to discern is roughly a 5
cubic-yard area, which is about the size of a large pavilion
tent or two rooms at a fine inn. If the viewing area has poor
lighting, then the magician will see into poor illumination
as well; however, daylight and torch (or campfire) light is
enough to discern the scene with some detail. Far-sight, as
the name implies, is visual only, so there are no audible and
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olfactory elements to what the mage sees. However, read-
ing lips is possible, which usually requires a DL 15 Language
or Perception roll to interpret the general meaning of what
is being said, if anything.
Creatures viewed do not generally know they are being
watched, although if there is cause to guess or assume such,
the GM might allow a DL 25 Magical Arts or Perception
roll to detect some “watchful presence.” Rare supernatural
beings might be able to sense this presence as well, as might
characters with Second Sight. Far-sight can be blocked by a
Scry Ward spell, but only if the caster of the latter’s original
Magical Arts result is higher.
Critical Success:
1) You expend two Stamina less than normal.
2) The spell’s duration is doubled.
3) The spell’s range is doubled.
4) You tap into a brief source of clairaudience, enabling you
to hear the viewed scene as well.
Critical Failure:
1) You are left queasy after your attempt to manifest the
spell, suffering the effects of the Sickened condition for one
minute per point of critical failure.
2) You gain the Madness (paranoia) or Obsession (secrets
or spying) weakness, your choice, both minor versions.
3) You expend two additional Stamina points.
FEAR
Discipline: Death, Shadow
Prerequisites: Magical Arts: Death or Shadow level 3
DL: 10 for a single target / 15 for an aura around magician
Stamina Cost: 2 / 3
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: 10 yards or 5 yard-radius around mage
Effect Area: 1 living creature or 5 yard-radius around
mage
Duration: 1 minute
Ritual Components: At least two of the following—1)
Horn or tusk from a bull, boar, or mammoth; 2) an intact
human or humanoid skull; 3) four black candles; 4) being
in most regions of Gorgotha, the Shadowlands, the Xar-
konian Wastes, or the Forbidden Lands. A tooth, claw, or
horn from a Dragon or a weapon once wielded by a Wraith
grants an additional +1 bonus to ritual castings of this spell.
Details/Description—
A successful casting of this spell causes a deep feeling of
dread and terror to form quickly within the heart(s) of ei-
ther one living creature (the DL 10 version) or all living
creatures within 5 yards of the magician (the DL 15 version).
All such targets must then succeed in a Resolve (resist fear)
roll or become Intimidated for one full minute or until the
casting sorcerer is out of sight. If this resistance roll is failed
by 10 or more, then target is Terrified instead. Creatures
with Physiques of +20 or greater are immune to this spell.
214
If an ally spends at least one action attempting to quell
the fear in an affected subject, then the subject receives an-
other Resolve roll on its next turn (the DL is the mage’s orig-
inal Magical Arts roll result); if successful, then the spell’s
effects end immediately on that creature.
Critical Success:
1) The affected subject(s) is Cowering instead.
2) The spell’s duration is doubled.
3) The spell effects creatures even beyond Physique +20.
4) You expend two Stamina less than normal.
Critical Failure:
1) Fear swells in your own heart and you are Stunned for
one round per point of critical failure.
2) You acquire the Phobia (any type of your choosing—mi-
nor version) or the Tainted weakness, your choice of which.
3) You expend two additional Stamina points.
FIERY BLAST
Discipline: Air, Fire
Prerequisites: Magical Arts: Air or Fire level 3
DL: 10 for a single target / 15 for a 2x2 yard terminus
Stamina Cost: 2 / 3
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: 10 yards
Effect Area: 1 creature or 2x2 yard terminus area (see be-
low)
Duration: Instantaneous
Ritual Components: At least two of the following—1) a
pinch of brimstone/sulphur; 2) a bowl or brazier of fire; 3)
a sun-bleached bone; 4) being inside (or atop) a volcano.
A Dragon-scale or the tooth or tongue of a Nether-hound
grants an additional +1 bonus to ritual castings of this spell.
Details/Description—
The magician evokes a mighty rush of fire and wind, target-
ing either a single target within range (the DL 10 version)
or shaping the blast to end in a 2x2 yard terminus. The 2x2
yard area can be anywhere the sorcerer wishes it as long as
it is within the spell’s range. The spell halts, going no further
when it strikes a target or ends in the terminus effect.
Affected creatures must succeed in an Acrobatics resis-
tance roll, to dodge out of the way, with the DL being the
mage’s Magical Arts roll result. Those failing take 1 Health
point of fire/heat damage per point of failure. Maximum
damage is 10. Armor is only half-effective against this spell
(that is, targets use only half their armor ratings).
Note that this spell does not normally cause materials
to ignite, unless there are some especially combustible sub-
stances (oil, cotton, lard, etc.) in the effect area. GM dis-
cretion.
Critical Success:
1) You expend two Stamina less than normal.
2) You also knock your target(s) prone, unless they have a
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Physique of +7 or more.
3) The spell’s terminus effect area increases to 3x3 yards.
4) Your target(s) catches fire and will take another 3 Health
damage on their next turn unless they spend two actions
smothering the flames.
Critical Failure:
1) A nimbus of fiery air surrounds you for a brief instant,
dealing 1 Health point of damage to you per point of criti-
cal failure (armor does not count here).
2) You accidentally ignite a combustible item on your per-
son or within one yard of you.
3) You gain the Obsession (fire) or Phobia (fire) weakness,
your choice of which, both minor versions.
4) You expend two additional Stamina points.
FIRE-SCRIPT
Discipline: Fire, Shadow
Prerequisites: Magical Arts: Fire or Shadow level 1
DL: 10
Stamina Cost: 2
Casting Time: 1 minute
Range: Touch (magician must write the message)
Effect Area: 1 sheet or parchment or papyrus
Duration: Up to one month or until invoked by firelight
(see below)
Ritual Components: At least two of the following—1) a
crucible or brazier of fire; 2) four red candles; 3) a pinch of
red gem dust; 4) an ancient tome or scroll. A lock of hair
from a Fire Giant or Sword-Angel grants an additional +1
bonus to ritual versions of this spell.
Details/Description—
This somewhat rare spell was once known only by the such
sects as the Priestesses of Signa, in the north, and possibly
the Templars of Agathon in the central and south. In fact,
members of these sects—as well as Priests of Atores—gain
a +1 bonus to Magical Arts skill rolls to learn and cast this
spell.
A Fire-script spell enables a magician to scribe hidden
messages, up to 200 total characters (or about 40 words)
in length. It only becomes visible by running a fire-source—
such as a candle, lamp, or torch—along the parchment or
papyrus (within an inch of it) for a full half-minute. Another
half-minute later, the writing will begin to appear, glowing
faintly red-gold on the parchment or papyrus. (No other
writing surfaces will work save perhaps for fine leather, sail-
cloth, or silk.) The missive appears, in the original language
in which it was scribed, for one minute’s time. After this, it
fades to nothing, never to be re-invoked again. Fire-script
spells are clearly meant to be a mystical means to convey a
secret or sensitive message to, ideally, someone who knows
the sender and his or her magical capabilities. Obviously,
the mage must know how to write the language in question
being used.
Rumors claim that there are other similar versions of the
Fire-script spell, such as writing that only reveals itself in
SPELLS & MAGIC
the light of a full Greater (or Lesser) Moon, or a version in
which several drops of blood must be placed upon the page
in order to invoke the writing.
Critical Success:
1) The magic is potent enough to scribe a longer message,
up to 300 characters (or 60 words) in length.
2) You expend two Stamina points less than normal.
3) Once your Fire-script is invoked on the page, it becomes
permanent and does not fade away (if you so choose).
Critical Failure:
1) Your fingertips burn for a brief moment, causing you to
suffer 1 point of Health damage per point of critical failure.
2) You acquire the Obsession (fire) or Phobia (fire) weak-
ness, your choice of which, both minor versions.
3) You expend two additional Stamina points.
FIRE-SHAPING
Discipline: Fire.
Prerequisites: Alchemy level 1 and Magical Arts: Fire lev-
el 5
DL: 10 for a small fire / 15 for a large fire
Stamina Cost: 1 / 2
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: 10 yards
Effect Area: One fire-source up to the size of 3x3 cu-
bic-yard area
Duration: 1 minute (or focus)
Ritual Components: At least two of the following—1)
Crucible or brazier of smoke or fire; 2) a pinch of soot or
ash; 3) three lit red candles; 4) being inside a volcano. A
lock of hair from a Fire Giant or ashes left in the wake of
a Fire Elemental grant an additional +1 to ritual spell rolls.
Details/Description—
This spell enables a magician to gain control of any sin-
gle fire-source within range, from a candle-sized flame to
as large as a massive bonfire or funerary pyre. The pyro-
mancer can enlarge the controlled fire up to twice its size
and/or reshape it to where it strikes out at an enemy, catch-
es fire to a nearby object or substance, or other whatever.
If using it to attack, note that a torch-sized flame has a
Reach of 1 yard, a campfire-sized fire has a Reach of up to
2, and a larger fire (up to 3x3 cubic yards) has a Reach of up
to 3. Attacked creatures must succeed in an Acrobatics skill
roll against a DL set by the mage’s Magical Arts: Fire roll.
Failure means the victim takes 1 point of Health damage per
point of failure. Maximum damage is 5 for a campfire-sized
or smaller fire and 10 for a larger fire. As with all fire effects,
armor only counts as half effective.
Another use of this spell is shaping a large fire-source into
a vaguely monstrous form or visage, perhaps resembling
a Fire Elemental, fiery demon, or some similarly terrifying
thing. All onlookers within 5 yards of this flaming horror
must succeed in a Resolve (resist fear) roll versus a DL set by
the sorcerer’s Magical Arts: Fire roll result. Those failing are
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Intimidated by the fiery “creature,” although those failing
by 10 or more are Terrified instead.
Note that a magician can’t create both above effects un-
less he or she gains a critical success when casting this spell
(see below):
Critical Success:
1) The maximum damage of an attacking fire-shape increas-
es by 5.
2) if shaping a fire-source into a terrifying visage, the effects
of those failing their Resolve rolls are Terrified and those
failing by 10 or more are Cowering.
3) You manage to control a fire-source able to both attack
and frighten as per in the description above.
4) The spell’s duration is doubled.
5) the effect area is doubled to a 6x6 cubic area.
6) You expend two Stamina points less.
Critical Failure:
1) You cause a random flammable object on your person to
suddenly burst into flame, destroying it within one round;
if you spend two actions to put it out, you can save the
object, but you take 1 point of Health damage per point of
critical failure.
2) You expend two additional Stamina points.
3) You gain the Obsession (fire) or Phobia (fire) weakness,
your choice, both minor versions.
FLAMING BOLT
Discipline: Fire
Prerequisites: Magical Arts: Fire level 5
DL: 10
Stamina Cost: 3
Range: 20 yards
Effect Area: One target within range
Duration: Instantaneous
Ritual Components: At least two of the following—1)
a pinch of garnet or ruby dust; 2) a pinch of Sulphur; 3) a
partially burnt arrow or crossbow bolt. A lock of hair from
a Fire Giant or pinch of dried lava from a Lava Demon
grants an additional +1 bonus to ritual versions of this spell.
Details/Description—
This use of fire-magic enables a magician to instantly shoot
a small, but deadly, bolt of flame from his or her hands. This
might damage small flammable objects, perhaps destroying
extremely combustible things such as straw, wool, wood-
en crates, etc. If the target is a creature, then the mage’s
Magical Arts roll result is compared to the target’s Dodge
Defense, with one point of damage occurring per point of
success. Per usual, armor only counts as half-effective against
fire effects, and the maximum damage here is 10 points.
If the magician succeeds by 10 or more in his Magical
Arts: Fire roll (versus the target’s Defense), then the target
also catches fire (unless a Water Elemental or the like). If the
target spends two actions putting the fire out on its turn,
no further harm is done; otherwise, the target will burn for
216
another round causing 5 more points of Health damage
(armor rating halved).
Critical Success:
1) You expend two less Stamina points.
2) The bolt continues on after striking the target, affecting
another target of the mage’s choice within 3 yards.
3) The fire takes two actions for a target to put out, but still
deals 5 Health damage during the process.
4) You cause the target creature to drop his weapon or
shield (your choice) due to the intense sudden heat; the
object will be too hot to touch for one full round.
5) The flaming bolt knocks the target prone, unless its Phy-
sique is +10 or higher.
Critical Failure:
1) You expend two additional points of Stamina.
2) Your skin burns momentarily, causing you 1 point of
Health damage per point of critical failure (armor does not
help here).
3) You acquire the Obsession (fire) or Phobia (fire), your
choice, both minor versions.
FLIGHT
Discipline: Air
Prerequisites: Magical Arts: Air level 5
DL: 10 to slow fall or levitate / 15 for forward flight
Stamina Cost: 1 + 1 per minute
Range: Self or Touch
Effect Area: Up to five willing creatures (see below)
Duration: Up to 10 minutes (or focus)
Ritual Components: At least two of the following—1) a
bird’s feather; 2) a bone from an eagle, hawk, or owl; 3) a
pinch of sand gathered in a sandstorm; 4) an oak or maple
leaf gathered before hitting the ground. A feather from a
Winged Horse or lock of hair from a Storm Titan grants an
additional +1 bonus to ritual castings of this spell.
Details/Description—
This spell enables a skilled magician to perform several oth-
erwise impossible feats. Firstly, it can be utilized to levitate
up or down (without forward movement), with the mage
being able to attain a height of up to 20 yards from ground
level. This can also be “quick-cast” as a Reaction to falling,
although the mage in this case suffers a -2 penalty to the
Magical Arts: Air roll due to the split-second nature of a
surprise or sudden fall. This costs the mage but 1 Stamina
point.
The second use of this spell is even more fantastical,
enabling the magician to fly with forward momentum at
twice his or her normal Mobility (armor penalties still ap-
ply). Naturally, hazardous and challenging terrain can be
avoided—including water surfaces—so overland move-
ment is seldom (if ever) slowed down. Thus, a mage with a
Mobility of 10, for example, could fly 20 yards per action
or a little over 2 miles in about ten minutes. This costs the
magician 1 Stamina point, plus an additional Stamina per
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 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
minute of flight-time. Maximum height from the ground or
surface is 20 yards.
If the air-mage so desires, he or she may take up to four
other passengers along, but they must be willing partici-
pants and have an Intellect no lower than -3. These passen-
gers must touch or hold on to you while in flight (or else
they will plummet to the ground), and maximum height
from the surface below is 20 yards. Furthermore, unless the
passengers have flown before (doubtful), they must succeed
in a DL 10 Agility or Willpower roll in order to keep them-
selves righted during flight; if failing by 10 or more, they
have become disoriented or slightly sickly (per the Mild In-
ebriation condition).
Critical Success:
1) You expend two less Stamina points at the initial casting
of the spell
2) The spell’s duration is doubled.
3) Flight speed improves to 3x Mobility instead of merely
x2.
Critical Failure:
1) You suffer a -1 penalty to all die rolls and Defense, due to
dizziness, for one round per point of critical failure.
2) You expend two additional Stamina points.
3) You acquire the Obsession (fire) and Phobia (fire) weak-
ness, both minor versions, your choice.
FREEZE WATER
Discipline: Air, Water
Prerequisites: Magical Arts: Air or Water level 1
DL: 10 for a small area / 15 for a large area
Stamina Cost: 1 / 2
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: 10 yards
Effect Area: Up to a 10-square yard area
Duration: 10 minutes
Ritual Components: At least two of the following—1)
Bowl or chalice of snow or ice; 2) a shard of crystal quartz;
3) a bone from a frozen corpse; 4) a pinch of diamond or
sapphire dust. The frosty essence of an Ice Demon or the
tooth of an ice-breathing Dragon grants an additional +1
bonus to ritual castings of this spell.
Details/Description—
This relatively simple spell enables a magician to instantly
freeze an area or volume of water. For the DL 10 version,
this is an area of water up to 5 square-yards in size; for the
DL 15 version, this area can be as large as 15 square-yards. If
a surface of a lake, pond, or river, the ice becomes one inch
thick per square-yard of area. On swiftly moving waters,
such as a waterfall, this spell has virtually no effect.
Frozen surfaces can thusly be crossed by most creatures,
with Physique +15 being the maximum-sized creature with-
out breaking through the ice for the lesser effect; Physique
+20 for the greater version. If a small vessel of water, such
as a flagon or trough, then the area is small enough to
SPELLS & MAGIC
freeze solid.
A Freeze Water spell also affects other liquids—such as
wine, ale, blood, urine, and even acid—but at only half the
spell’s normal effect area and duration. Note that certain
supernatural creatures, such as Water Elementals, can be
harmed by a Freeze Water spell cast upon them, suffering 1
point of Health damage per point of failure on an Endur-
ance resistance roll (maximum of 10 points’ damage).
If opposed by a rival magician’s Melting spell, then the
higher of the two Magical Arts rolls results—between the
two mage’s—wins out.
Critical Success:
1) You expend one less Stamina point.
2) The spell’s effect area is doubled.
3) The spell’s duration is doubled.
4) If casting on a water-based creature, the maximum dam-
age is doubled.
Critical Failure:
1) A terrible chill runs through your bones causing you to
become Stunned for one round per point of critical failure
2) Your fingers become mildly frostbitten, causing you to
suffer a -2 penalty to all die rolls requiring use of your hands
for one minute
3) You gain the Obsession (ice or snow) or Phobia (fro-
zen lakes or deep snow) weakness, your choice, both minor
versions.
4) You expend two additional Stamina points.
GHOST-FENCE
Discipline: Death, Shadow
Prerequisites: Magical Arts: Death or Shadow level 1
DL: 10 for a line up to 10 yards long / 15 for an enclosed
area up to 10x10 yards
Stamina Cost: 2 / 4
Casting Time: 1 minute
Range: Touch
Effect Area: A line up to 10 yards in length or a 10x10
yard enclosed area
Duration: 12 hours
Ritual Components: Must have the following, even if
a non-ritual: two or four humanoid skulls (depending if a
line or enclosed effect). In addition, must have at least one
of the following—1) four rune-carved bones; 2) four black
or red candles; 3) being within a known haunted space.
A handful of dirt “walked” over by a Shadow-daemon or
Wraith (any type), or a piece of blood-soaked hair or cloth-
ing from a Banshee, grants an additional +1 bonus to ritual
castings.
Details/Description—
A somewhat barbarous and shamanic spell, the magician
must place either two (for the DL 10 effect) or four skulls
(for the DL 15 version) to mark the Ghost-fence itself, be it a
line or an enclosed area, respectively. If cast successfully, any
creature not considered an ally of the mage must succeed
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 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
in a Resolve roll versus a DL set by the magician’s Magical
Arts roll result. Failure means that the intruding creature
is Terrified, and must flee away from the Ghost-fence for
at least one minute’s time. This effect is not strictly visual,
so sightless creatures gain no advantage here. Furthermore,
a sleeping magician is immediately awakened mentally by
an intruder crossing his or her Ghost-fence, making this is a
preferred spell of wilderness travelers.
If a Terrified creature is harmed in its flight from the
Ghost-fence, then it gains another immediate Resolve roll
versus the same DL to throw off the fear. Also, creatures
thusly Terrified by a Ghost-fence will not willing try to cross
the barrier again (unless bodily forced to somehow or mag-
ically mind-influenced) until the spell’s duration is ended.
Those succeeding in their Resolve rolls to cross over a
Ghost-fence barrier can do so easily, without even perceiv-
ing any real effect, and are thusly immune to this particular
Ghost-fence for its entire duration.
Critical Success:
1) You expend two less Stamina points.
2) The spell’s duration is doubled.
3) Intruders failing their Resolve rolls are Cowering instead
of Terrified.
Critical Failure:
1) You expend two additional Stamina points.
2) You are Stunned for one round per point of critical fail-
ure, as a wave of dread passes through you.
3) You acquire the Obsession (haunted places) or Phobia
(haunted places) weakness, your choice, both minor ver-
sions.
GLAMOUR
Discipline: Shadow
Prerequisites: Magical Arts: Shadow level 1
DL: 10 for an audible or olfactory effect / 15 for a visual
effect / 20 for all three effects
Stamina Cost: 1 / 2 /3
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: 20 yards
Effect Area: Up to a 3x3 cubic-yard area
Duration: 1 minute
Ritual Components: At least two of the following—1)
Bowl or brazier of smoke (but no fire); 2) being in an area
of heavy mist or fog; 3) a pinch of silver or crystal dust; 4)
being in most regions of Innis Avalarn or the Shadowlands.
A lock of hair from a Nymph, Satyr, or Sluagh grants an
additional +1 bonus to ritual castings of this spell.
Details/Description—
This spell creates false, or illusory, impressions or sensations,
be they smell, taste, or sound (the DL 10 version)—or sight
(DL 15 version)—or all of them combined (DL 20). If done
convincingly and “realistically” enough, those witnessing
the glamourous effect must succeed in a Perception or Re-
218
solve (their choice) roll versus a DL set by the magician’s
Magical Arts roll result. A failure means that the subject
believes the Glamour and will act accordingly. Thus, a horse
may shy away from a sudden loud noise or illusory fire, or
a dog might flee from an illusory wolf or panther. Note
that Glamour does no actual harm to those believing in the
illusion, acting upon their minds and senses only (and not
their physical bodies).
If the Glamour is not especially believable or is partic-
ularly far-fetched (such as a crocodile in the frozen North
or smoke where there is no fire), then the GM is free to
rule that a +2 or +5 bonus applies to the resistance roll.
Obviously, those succeeding in their Perception or Resolve
rolls discern the illusion, or delusion, for what it truly is.
Furthermore, if a creature succeeds in the resistance roll,
and communicates to his or her fellow allies that the spell
is illusory, those allies gain another such resistance roll the
following round (at the same DL). A second failure, how-
ever, is final unless the circumstances change enough for the
GM to warrant another roll (such as an ally clearly walking
across an englamoured pit without falling in, etc.).
Glamour can also be used to enhance one’s appearance,
granting a +1 bonus to the subject’s Magnetism for the DL
10 version, a +2 bonus for the DL 15 version, and a +3 bo-
nus for the DL 20 version of the spell. It could also be used
for disguises or even stealth, appearing to cloak the subject
in camouflage or in shadow, granting him or her a +2 bonus
to Disguise or Stealth for the DL 10 and DL 15 versions and
a +5 bonus for the DL 20 version.
Critical Success:
1) You expend two less Stamina points.
2) The spell’s duration is doubled.
3) You create an especially realistic illusory effect, causing
enemy observers to become Stunned for 1 full round.
4) If using Glamour to enhance an ally, the ally gains an
additional +2 bonus to Magnetism, Disguise, or Stealth for
the spell’s duration.
Critical Failure:
1) You expend two additional Stamina points.
2) You are Blinded for one round per point of critical fail-
ure.
3) You gain the Madness, Obsession (Shadow-world), or
Phobia (Otherworld) weakness—your choice of which
one, all minor versions.
GLAMOUR FIRE
Discipline: Fire, Shadow
Prerequisites: Magical Arts: Fire or Shadow level 3
DL: 10 for a 3x3 yard area / 15 for a line of up to 10 yards
long
Stamina Cost: 3 / 4
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: 15 yards
Effect Area: 3x3 yard area or a straight line up to 10 yards
long
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 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
Duration: 1 minute
Ritual Components: At least two of the following—1)
Bowl or brazier of fire; 2) a mirror or object with a mir-
rored surface; 3) a pinch of green gem dust; 4) being al-
most anywhere in the Shadowlands. A lock of hair from a
Demon Hag or a drop of blood from a Banshee grants an
additional +1 to ritual castings of this spell.
Details/Description—
When successfully cast, this potent spell causes greenish hell-
fire to seemingly erupt from the very ground (or even a
watery surface). All enemy observers within 5 yards of this
green flame must succeed in a Perception or Resolve roll—
against a DL set by the magician’s Magical Arts roll—or
become mesmerized, gaining the Stunned condition for one
full round. Furthermore, creatures failing this initial Percep-
tion or Resolve roll, who are also caught within the spell’s
effect area, must then also succeed in a DL 15 Endurance
roll (resist fire or pain specialty) or become immediately
Unconscious. On a critical failure, the creature is instantly
slain, the mind convincing the body that it was horribly and
fatally burned.
To those succeeding in the initial Perception or Resolve
resistance roll, they merely see a shadowy flicker of harm-
less greenish light, smoke, or mist. If such creatures commu-
nicate to their comrades that the Glamour-fire is illusory,
then those allies gain a second Perception or Resolve roll
on the following round; if this is failed, a third chance is
impossible without vastly altered circumstances (such as
a close-by friend clearly passing through the green flames
without harm, etc.). Even then, it might be too late if the
creatures are within the effect area of the flames themselves.
For matters of flying creatures, or large creatures who
can leap high, the Glamour Fire is approximately ten feet in
height. It cannot be moved by the magician after casting it,
but requires no focus by the mage once brought into being.
Critical Success:
1) You expend two less Stamina.
2) The effect area is doubled.
3) The spell’s duration is doubled.
4) The fire creates an especial sensation of heat, increasing
the Endurance resistance DL to 20.
Critical Failure:
1) You expend two additional Stamina points.
2) A burning sensation runs painfully through your body,
causing you to become Stunned for one minute per point
of critical failure.
3) You acquire the Obsession (of the Shadow-world) or
Phobia (of fire) weakness, your choice, both minor ver-
sions.
HEAL WOUNDS
Discipline: Life
Prerequisites: Magical Arts: Life level 1
DL: 10 for a single creature / 15 for a radial effect
SPELLS & MAGIC
Stamina Cost: 2 / 4 (plus Health point cost—see below)
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: Touch or 1-yard radius
Duration: Permanent
Ritual Components: Two of the following—1) three
white or red candles, 2) several drops of fresh blood, or 3)
a bowl of boiled water or fresh spring water. A lock of hair
from an angelic creature or the intact blossom of a Blood-
thorn tree grants an additional +1 bonus to ritual castings
of this spell.
Details/Description—
You touch a singular living creature, which restores 1 Health
point plus 1 point per 2 points of success on your Magical
Arts skill roll (but no higher than the creature’s maximum
Health). For example, if your roll result is 17, then you
would heal the target 4 Health points.
For the greater DL 15 version, you heal every living crea-
ture within one yard of you the same amount of Health as
mentioned. (Maximum Health points restored per casting
is 10 in either application.) Note, however, that you take
1 point of Health damage yourself for the lesser version
of this spell, and 2 points for the greater radial version (in
addition to the Stamina cost). This represents using a small
measure of your own life-force to fuel the spell. As such,
healing-magic in the SK world can be quite rare.
A Heal Wounds spell has no effect on poisons, diseases,
curses, and other such maladies and conditions (but see the
Cure Ailment spell entry).
Critical Success:
1) Any additional Health points healed over the target’s
maximum are kept, up to an amount equal to two plus the
patient’s Vigor for one hour’s time.
2) You expend two Stamina points less than normal.
3) You boost the patient’s Vigor by +1 for one hour.
4) You grant the target +2 to Stamina for one hour.
Critical Failure:
1) The patient feels worse, suffering a -1 to Vigor for one
hour.
2) You take some of the hurt and pain into your own body,
suffering an additional point of Health and Stamina damage
per point of critical failure (maximum of 5).
3) You gain the Disfigured or Phobia (of fresh blood—
minor version), your choice of which; if you critically fail
this resistance roll, then you acquire the Lame or Maimed
weakness (your choice) instead.
4) You expend two additional Stamina points.
HEIGHTEN DURABILITY
Discipline: Earth, Life
Prerequisites: Magical Arts: Earth or Life level 1
DL: 10 for enhancing an object / 15 for enhancing a creature
Stamina Cost: 2 / 3
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: Self or Touch
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 SAVAGEIII
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Effect Area: 1 object no larger than a wagon or 1 creature
no larger than Physique +20
Duration: 1 hour
Ritual Components: At least two of the following—1)
Several drops of blood; 2) a tool used once by a master
craftsman; 3) a broken rib or femur bone; 4) being with-
in the ruins of Prydon or Galagodsin City. A vial of Troll’s
blood or lock of hair from a Duergar-king grants an addi-
tional +1 to ritual castings of this spell.
Details/Description—
When this spell is successfully cast, an object’s or creature’s
durability is enhanced and improved. For the DL 10 version,
this means one object improves in quality by one “step”—
that is, a poor-quality item becomes average, an aver-
age-quality object becomes exceptional, and an exceptional
item becomes master-crafted. (No item can be improved to
heroic-quality or greater with this mere spell.)
If cast on a willing creature, his or her Physique and Vigor
improves by +1 for the one-hour duration, thusly temporar-
ily increasing any statistic affected by these two Attributes
(such as Health, Stamina, certain skills, etc.).
Since tracing a rune-like sigil on the object or creature is
usually part of the casting this spell, a magician possessing
the Rune Magic talent always enjoys a +1 to his or her
Magical Arts roll when casting this spell, whether ritual or
spontaneous.
Critical Success:
1) You expend two less Stamina points.
2) If cast on a master-crafted object, it actually becomes
heroic-quality for the duration.
3) A second object on the target’s person is likewise affected
as well4) If cast on a creature, his or her Physique and Vigor
improves by +2 instead of +1.
Critical Failure:
1) You expend two additional Stamina points.
2 If cast on a creature, it feels a sudden rush of discomfort
and suffers -1 to Physique and Vigor.
3) You gain the minor Obsession (of engineering or smith-
ing) weakness.
HEX
Discipline: Death, Shadow
Prerequisites: Magical Arts: Death or Shadow level 1
DL: 10 for a minor hex / 15 for a major hex
Stamina Cost: 1 / 2
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: 10 yards
Effect Area: 1 living creature
Duration: 1 hour
Ritual Components: At least two of the following—1)
Broken horseshoe; 2) a broken or shattered rabbit’s foot;
3) a burnt or withered shamrock; 4) being inside a known
defiled temple or sacred space. A drop of blood from a Me-
dusa or pinch of dirt from where a Banshee once trod grants
220
an additional +1 bonus to all ritual castings of this spell.
Details/Description—
This spell enables a magician to temporarily curse another
creature, causing him or her to suffer a -1 penalty to all die
rolls and Defense (the DL 10 version) or a -2 penalty to all
die rolls and Defense, as well as a -1 to Luck (DL 15 version).
The target receives a Resolve skill roll to resist a Hex
spell, the DL being set by the magician’s Magical Arts roll
result. If this resistance fails, the effects last for one hour.
Critical Success:
1) You expend two less Stamina.
2) The spell’s duration is doubled.
3) You affect another creature within 2 yards of the original
target if you so desire.
Critical Failure:
1) You expend two additional Stamina points.
2) In a quirk of fate, you accidentally hex yourself, causing
you to suffer -1 to all die rolls for one round per point of
critical failure.
3) You acquire the Phobia (of cursed regions—minor) or
Tainted weakness, your choice of which.
HOMUNCULUS
Discipline: Earth, Life, Water
Prerequisites: Alchemy level 3, Healing Arts level 1, and
Magical Arts: Earth, Life, or Water level 7
DL: 20
Stamina Cost: 5
Health Cost: 2 (1 of which is permanent)
Casting Time: 10 minutes
Range: Touch
Effect Area: 1 bowl or similar vessel
Duration: Permanent (see below)
Ritual Components: Must have a bowl (or similar ves-
sel) and a vial of magician’s own blood (which causes the
Health damage), plus at least two of the following—1) A
tooth from any humanoid; 2) A lock of hair from any hu-
manoid; 3) Yoke from a raw egg. A piece of a Golem or
lock of hair from a Simulacrum grants an additional +1 bo-
nus to ritual castings of this spell.
Details/Description—
Using advanced life-creation theories, such as from a Simu-
lacrum spell (among other half-forbidden sorceries and al-
chemia), this spell enables a magician to effectively “bring
to life” a small Homunculus. This is a familiar-like creature
animated from the alchemist-sorcerer’s own blood and tis-
sue, which swiftly grows from the blood-filled bowl used
in the working of this potent spell. Since the creature is an
offshoot of the mage’s own being, the magician forfeits a
permanent point of Health (the other expended Health
point returns per normal means).
A Homunculus is extremely loyal to its creator/master,
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 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
with a Morale Rating of 20 + its master’s Magnetism. This list above.
means it will do just about anything the creator-mage de-
mands, short of an obvious and meaningless act of self-de- Critical Failure:
struction. The Homunculus, which appears as a two-foot 1) You expend one additional (non-permanent) Health
tall humanoid (sometimes with flightless wings or green- point.
ish-yellow skin), has the following statistics: 2) You expend two additional Stamina points.
3) You suffer the Sickened condition for one hour.
Ƕ Attributes: Agility +2, Physique -3, Vigor -1, In- 4) You obtain the Madness, Obsession (power), or Phobia
tellect -2, Magnetism -1, Willpower +0. (artificial life-forms) weakness, your choice of which one,
Ƕ Derived Traits: Health 4/2; Stamina 9/4; Initia- all major versions.
tive +2; Mobility 9; Luck 0; Defense 12. Renown is half
that of its master.
Ƕ Talents (choose two): Agile Climber, Grit,
Light Sleeper, Magic Affinity, Night-sighted, or Quick
Healer, Tireless.
Ƕ Weaknesses (choose one): Addiction (blood),
Obsession (carnal lust or pilfering), Phobia (fire or large
creatures), or Tainted.
Ƕ Key Skills: Perception +2 (smell or taste +3), Per- ICE BLADE
suasion +1 (bluffing or intimidation +2—choose one),
and Stealth +4. Discipline: Water
Ƕ Languages: Crudely speaks (but does not read or Prerequisites: Magical Arts: Water level 3
write) one tongue known by its creator. DL: 10
Ƕ Other Abilities/Notes: Has a limited form of Stamina Cost: 2
empathic communication with its master, sensing his/her Casting Time: 1 action
general emotions (and vice versa) within a half-mile. Range: Self
Effect Area: Self or 1 held melee weapon
The Homunculus is truly only loyal to its master, al- Duration: 1 minute
though like other type of familiar or intelligent companion, Ritual Components: At least two of the following—1) a
it might obey—to some extent—charismatic individuals frozen ice-sickle; 2) a dagger or knife; 3) a crystal shard. The
associated with its creator over time. The creature can be heart of an Ice Demon or the tooth or claw of an ice-breath-
trained in certain commands and tasks, a number of “tricks” ing Dragon grants an additional +1 bonus to ritual castings
equal 5 + it’s master’s Magnetism. These can be the usual of this spell.
things such as Alarm, Attack, Guard, Hunt, Scout, Perform,
and the like, but since it has an Intellect of -2 (or more), the
Details/Description—
Homunculus is likely to understand slightly more complex
This battle spell conjures forth a sheath of jagged ice that
commands like mounting/riding an animal, pilfering from
coats one weapon held by the magician. If a melee weap-
another creature, distract opponents in combat, etc. GM
on, then the mage uses his Weaponry: Melee skill to attack
discretion applies.
with it per normal; if a ranged weapon, the mage uses his or
Like all Beast Companions, Familiars, and Henchmen,
her Weaponry: Ranged skill to throw it. Regardless of the
the master must spend an action to command the Homun-
actual weapon in question, the weapon’s AP increases by
culus to perform a specific trick or task.
+3 and its maximum damage improves by 3 (this enhances
Note that the Familiar talent is not necessary for creat-
even a weapon that normally has an AP of 0). This is con-
ing or commanding a Homunculus, however pre-existing
sidered cold/ice damage.
familiar might choose to leave its mage-master if a Ho-
If the weapon is dropped, thrown, or given to another
munculus is brought into being to serve. In the very least,
person, the ice shards crumble away immediately, melting
the two familiars will likely not get along particularly well.
soon after (unless in a sub-arctic location). Thus, throwing
The Homunculus earns half the XP that its master earns per
an ice-blade is generally only good for one use.
game-session. Lastly, a Homunculus requires food, water,
A magician with knowledge of the Conjure Water spell
and basic sustenance (such as sleep), preferring raw meats
gains a +1 additional bonus to learn (and cast) an Ice Blade
and grains.
spell.
Critical Success:
Critical Success:
1) You expend one Health point less (but still suffer the per-
1) You expend two less Stamina points.
manent loss of one Health point).
2) The spell’s duration is doubled.
2) You expend two Stamina points less.
3) The maximum damage increases to +10.
3) The Homunculus receives a permanent +1 boost to one
4) A second weapon on your person is also affected by this
Attribute of your choice.
spell.
4) The Homunculus gains one additional talent from the

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 SAVAGEIII
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Critical Failure:
1) You expend two additional Stamina points.
2) Your hands become numbed with extreme cold, causing
you to suffer a -1 penalty to all manual skill rolls (combat,
lock-picking, crafting, etc.) for one minute per point of crit-
ical failure; 3) You take 1 point of Health damage per point
of critical failure.
4) You acquire the Obsession (cold environments) or Pho-
bia (ice-based creatures) weakness, your choice, both minor
versions.
ICE PRISON
Discipline: Water
Prerequisites: Magical Arts: Water level 7 and Crafting
level 1
DL: 15 for a small (2x2 yard) area / 20 for a large (4x4
yard) area
Stamina Cost: 3 / 5
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: 10 yards
Effect Area: 2x2 yard area or 4x4 yard area
Duration: 1 hour
Ritual Materials: At least two of the following—1) Small
chunks of ice or snow; 2) A crystal prism; 3) A piece of
manacle or iron-bar from a dungeon; 4) being within an icy
cavern or ice-dragon’s lair. The remains of an Ice-Demon,
Frost Giant, or Rathkiri yields an additional +1 bonus to
ritual castings of this spell.
Details/Description—
This powerful spell enables a magician to call forth pillars
and sturdy shards of ice from the ground, thrusting quickly
upward to imprison any creatures in the effect area. The
surrounding terrain, however, must contain at least some
snow, ice, or permafrost for the spell to function. Creatures
caught within the effect area must succeed in an Acrobatics
roll versus a DL set by the mage’s Magical Arts roll result,
success meaning the creature dodges away at the last mo-
ment.
Those failing their Acrobatics rolls are captured within
the icy pillars and giant shards, which form a crude and,
literally, cold prison cell. There are small holes, cracks, and
window-lets, however, and thus a successful DL 25 Acro-
batics (contortions) skill roll, as an action, enables a cap-
tured creature—of Physique +5 or less—to escape. It is also
possible to damage an Ice Prison, from either outside or
within, against a Defense of 10 and 50 Health points per
square-yard. If at least 50 Health damage is dealt, then a
large enough hole for a creature of Physique +5 or less can
escape. Against fire effects, the Ice Prison has only a Defense
of 5.
Critical Success:
1) You expend two Stamina points less.
2) The spell’s duration is doubled.
3) The effect area is doubled.
222
4) If the mage desires, the icy shards and pillars also deal 5
points of Health damage to those captured within.
Critical Failure:
1) You expend two additional Stamina points.
2) You are Stunned for one full round due to an extreme
chill that runs through you.
3) You suffer 1 point of Health damage per point of critical
failure.
4) You gain the Obsession (fire or heat) or Phobia (cold
environments) weakness, your choice of which, both major
versions.
ICE WALL
Discipline: Water
Prerequisites: Magical Arts: Water level 5
DL: 10 for a straight wall / 15 for a dome or hemisphere
Stamina Cost: 3 for a straight wall / 4 for a dome or
hemisphere
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: 15 yards
Effect Area: 15-yard long line or dome up to 3 yards’
radius around magician
Duration: 1 minute
Ritual Components: At least two of the following—1)
Bowl or chalice of icy water or snow; 2) A piece of stone or
mortar from a castle wall; 3) Being inside a sub-arctic cavern
or anywhere on the isle-continent of Ragnagard. A lock of
hair from a Frost Giant or piece of hide from an Ice Worm
grants an additional +1 bonus to ritual castings of this spell.
Details/Description—
This potent spell causes a sudden wall of ice and solid snow
to appear, formed from the very air (perhaps assisted by
any nearby sources of snow, ice, or water). The rampart of
ice can be made up to 15 yards in total length and 5 yards
(15 feet) in height, or instead can be created as a hemispher-
ical dome centered on the magician. Any creature in the
direct area of this line (or the radial edge of the hemisphere)
must succeed in Acrobatics skill rolls, against a DL set by the
mage’s Magical Arts roll result, or take 1 point of Health
damage per point of failure (maximum 5 points). If the
creature’s Physique is +0 or less, it is also knocked prone.
Characters or creatures attempting to climb an Ice Wall
must succeed in a DL 25 Athletics roll to clamber over, or
in the case of a hemispherical dome, on top (or complete-
ly over). The wall or dome can bear up to approximately
one ton, or up to a dozen average-sized humanoids (or a
single Physique +20 creature). Hacking through the wall or
hemisphere is possible, even if slow and difficult—axes and
mauls being the most effective tools/weapons.
Critical Success:
1) You expend two less Stamina points.
2) The spell’s duration is doubled.
3) The effect area is doubled.
4) The maximum damage of the quickly rising wall becomes
SPELLS & MAGIC
 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
10.
Critical Failure:
1) You expend two additional Stamina points.
2) A terrible chill courses through you causing you to be-
come Stunned for one full round.
3) You acquire the Obsession (ice or snow) or Phobia
(snow-covered areas) weakness, your choice, both minor
versions.
ICY TRANSFORMATION
Discipline: Death, Life, Water
Prerequisites: Magical Arts: Death, Life, or Water level 5
DL: 15
Stamina Cost: 4
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: 10 yards
Effect Area: 1 creature of Physique +15 or less
Duration: 1 hour
Ritual Materials: At least two of the following—1) Chal-
ice/bowl of ice or frosty water; 2) A cracked or ice-covered
bone; 3) A piece of crystal or sapphire. The icy remains of
an Ice-Demon or a fingerbone from a Death-lord of Ander-
ok yields an additional +1 bonus to ritual castings.
Details/Description—
This fell bit of sorcery was once closely guarded by the
priests of Anderok, and though the spell has recently found
its way out into the greater world, members of the sect of
the Mulovian god of winter and death gain an additional
+1 bonus to their Magical Arts rolls to learn and cast Icy
Transformation.
When successfully cast upon a target, the creature must
immediately succeed in a Resolve roll (versus a DL set by
the mage’s Magical Arts roll result) or suffer -5 to Defense,
Mobility, and all die rolls. In addition, a creature failing this
Resolve resistance roll must also succeed in an Endurance
roll the following round or becomes transformed into solid
statue-like ice. A target succeeding in the initial Resolve roll
suffers no ill effect.
While in ice-form, a creature is not considered slain,
but can of course be damaged by axes, hammers, picks, or
whatever. The “statue” has an Armor Rating of 3, the same
number of Health points it had in fleshly form, a Mobility
and Defense of 0. Fire, or the effects of a Melting spell,
bypasses “armor” here and delivers 1 point of damage per
round of exposure. Note that an affected target’s clothing
and equipment also becomes ice, save for those of heroic
or legendary quality.
If not destroyed/slain, a target reverts back to its original
form after the spell’s duration runs its course. In addition,
the original magician can automatically end the spell’s ef-
fects before such time if he or she should so choose. Crea-
tures larger than Physique +15 are immune to an Icy Trans-
formation spell.
SPELLS & MAGIC
Critical Success:
1) You expend two less Stamina.
2) The spell’s duration is doubled.
3) All enemies within one yard of the affected creature suf-
fer the “slowed” effects for one round; 4) The affected tar-
get drops to zero Mobility and Defense in the first round’s
effect.
Critical Failure:
1) You expend two additional Stamina points.
2) A deep and severe chill runs through your body, causing
you to become Stunned for one full round.
3) You gain the Madness (major version) or Tainted weak-
ness, your choice of which.
INCINERATE
Discipline: Death, Fire
Prerequisites: Vigor or Willpower +0, and Magical Arts:
Death or Fire level 9
DL: 20 for a creature (or object) of Phy +10 or less / 25 for
a creature (or object) up to Phy +20
Stamina Cost: 4 / 6
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: 10 yards
Effect Area: 1 creature (or object) up to Physique +20
Duration: Instantaneous
Ritual Components: At least two of the following—1)
Five lit black candles; 2) Brazier ablaze with fire or filled
with ash; 3) Burnt shards of bone. The remnants of a Lava
Titan or a scale or tooth from a fire-breathing Dragon grant
an additional +1 bonus to ritual castings of this spell.
Details/Description—
Also called Nether-fire, this powerful sorcery creates in-
tense heat in a relatively small and controlled area, capable
of internally blasting a single creature of Physique +10 or
smaller (the DL 20 version) or up to Physique +20 (DL 25
version). Singular objects can also be targeted instead, the
largest possible being roughly the size of a one-room cabin
or a large oak tree.
If a creature, then he or she receives an Endurance roll
versus a DL set by the magician’s Magical Arts roll result—
failure means the creature takes 5 points of Health damage,
plus one point of Health damage per point of failure. (For
example, a failed Endurance roll of 16 against a DL of 20
would be 9 points of Health damage taken.) Even a success-
ful Endurance roll still deals 5 Health damage to the target
creature. Maximum damage from this spell is 25 points.
An Incinerate spell is almost like disintegration, the heat
being so intense that it leaves little more than black ash,
and even flesh and bone is severely burned. Thus, armor is
completely ineffective against the effects of this spell, and
for every 5 points of damage dealt, the victim loses one
point of armor rating (+5 to the Crafting DL to repair).
Wounds caused by this spell are hideous and absolute, and
so the DLs for treatment via the Healing Arts skill and Cure
223
 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
Wounds spells are increased by +5.
Note that objects, or clothing worn by targeted crea-
tures, do not catch fire apart from the possible effects of a
critical success.
Critical Success:
1) You expend two less Stamina points.
2) The object or creature catches fire, requiring two actions
to extinguish or else an additional 3 points of damage oc-
curs during the creature’s next turn.
3) The fire is especially hot, causing the target to become
Stunned for one full round (in addition to the damage).
Critical Failure:
1) You expend two additional Stamina points.
2) Intense heat courses through you, and you are thusly
Sickened for one round per point of critical failure.
3) You obtain the Obsession (necromancy or fire), Phobia
(necromancy or fire), or Tainted weakness—your choice of
which one, all major versions.
INSTANT TRAVEL
Discipline: Air, Earth, Shadow
Prerequisites: Magical Arts: Air, Earth, or Shadow level
9 and Lore level 3
DL: 20 for magician only / +2 to DL per additional pas-
senger
Stamina Cost: 6 for magician, plus 3 per additional pas-
senger
Casting Time: 1 minute
Range: Varies (see below, but usually no more than 300
miles)
Effect Area: Varies (see below, but usually a 3-yard radius
around magician)
Duration: Instantaneous
Ritual Components: All three of the following—1) Feath-
ers from an eagle, hawk, or honing bird; 2) A horseshoe; 3)
A handful of pebbles from a well-used road. A lock of hair
from any Angel, Demon, or Faerie grants an additional +1
bonus to ritual castings of this spell.
Details/Description—
Perhaps one of the most potent of mortal-known spells,
and often well-guarded because of this fact, Instant Travel
(sometimes called ‘Teleportation’ by scholarly Prydonians)
allows a magician—and possibly other allies—to cover long
distances in little more than the blink of an eye. However,
one cannot simply “teleport” without a marker, a “way-sta-
tion” usually located along a major ley-line. Most often,
these are standing stones (or “stone circles”), great men-
hirs, nemetons, and occasionally temple-buildings, sacred
groves, and other sacred places (or “places of power”), and
by leaving this gateway, the mage and any “passengers”
end up at another similar point, up to 100 leagues (or 300
miles) away.
Most of these “gateway locations” are at least 10 yards
in diameter, with some being even larger and a few per-
224
haps smaller. There are easily two dozen known “telepor-
tation portals” across the known continent of Astagonia,
and probably two or three times that number in regards to
secretive or lesser known locales (not to mention a dozen
or two in the East). The GM may call for a successful Lore
roll to know where most of these points are, a DL of 20-25
being about right. Furthermore, the mage must know or
be aware of his “landing target,” the final destination of
his mystical journey. It is possible, however, to attempt an
Instant Travel to an unknown gateway-place, but the DL in-
creases by 5 and if the spell is a critical failure, the mage and
all passengers are doomed to appear in solid earth, slaying
them all instantly.
An Instant Traveling magician may take others along
with him or her, up to a total of a dozen total travelers.
This includes equipment as well, although note that a horse
or other mount counts as one creature; however, for the
purposes of this spell, a creature of Physique +15 or more
counts as “two creatures” and one of Physique +16 to +30
counts as three. Creatures larger than Physique +30 are un-
able to Instant Travel.
Note that Dark Sidhe and Eluna Sidhe characters gain a
+1 bonus to learn and cast this spell, as do all Druid-priests,
Priestesses of Romega, and Priests of Atores. These cultures
and sub-cultures have a deeper and more ancient under-
standing of travel-magic and “time flow”.
Critical Success:
1) You expend three Stamina points less.
2) You may appear in a “gateway” location up to 100 miles
further than your intended target if you so choose.
3) You’re able to take two more creatures with you (in the
general vicinity) if you so choose.
Critical Failure:
1 You expend three additional Stamina points.
2) You and all passengers appear in the either the Shad-
ow-world (50%) or Nether-world (50%), where survival
might be an issue.
3) You gain the Madness (any sort approved by GM) weak-
ness, major version.
4) You gain the attention of an Otherworldly being, who
proceeds to exact its violent anger upon you unless you can
succeed in a DL 25 Persuasion roll to negotiate with it (and
even then, it will want something for disturbing its rest).
MAELSTROM
Discipline: Water
Prerequisites: Magical Arts: Water level 7 and Sailing
level 1
DL: 15 for a large whirlpool / 20 for a great maelstrom
Stamina Cost: 3 / 5
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: 60 yards
Effect Area: Up to a 20-yard diameter area or 50-yard
diameter area.
Duration: 1 minute
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 SAVAGEIII
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Ritual Components: At least two of the following—1) MELTING

Large bowl of stirred water; 2) A pearl; 3) a nautilus shell;
3) A piece of flotsam from a shipwreck. A Sea Serpent’s Discipline: Air, Fire
scale or lock of hair from a Storm Titan grants an additional Prerequisites: Magical Arts: Air or Fire level 1
+1 bonus to ritual castings of this spell.
DL: 10 for a small (5x5 yard) area / 15 for a large (15x15
yard) area
Details/Description—
Stamina Cost: 1 / 2
This spell creates a mighty swirling effect in a body of water
Casting Time: 1 action
(which must be at least the size of a Lorinthian bathing-pool
Range: 10 yards
or small pond), turning it into a powerful churning whirl-
pool (the DL 15 version) up to 20 yards in diameter or a Effect Area: Up to a 15x15 yard area
maelstrom (DL 20 version) up to 50 yards across. Duration: 10 minutes
Any creatures, that are not natives to the body of water Ritual Components: At least two of the following—1)
in question, must succeed in an Athletics (swimming) roll Lamp or brazier of fire; 2) Bowl or cup of lukewarm water;
against a DL set by the magician’s Magical Arts roll result 3) A pinch of snow or butter; 4) Being inside a known vol-
or become essentially “grappled” by the inexorable pulling cano. A Dragon’s scale or a master-crafted sun-symbol of
of the whirlpool-like effect. On his turn on the following Signa grants a +1 bonus to ritual castings of this spell.
round, the creature may attempt the Athletics roll again,
with failure this time meaning the creature has been sucked Details/Description—
under the water’s surface. He or she will become disorient- Virtually the opposite of a Freeze Water spell, this spell
ed, suffering the effects of the Sickened condition, and must enables a magician to melt ice and snow, and to a lesser
extent, other materials such as butter, tallow, wax, and the
now succeed in a DL 20 Endurance roll—failure means 1
like. The area affected is up to a 5x5 yard area (DL 10 ver-
point of Health and Stamina damage per point of failure
sion) or more than that, up a to 15x15 yard area (the DL 15
from pummeling and water intact. The creature may still
version). The depth of this melting effect, mainly in regards
attempt Athletics (swimming) rolls each round, but with all
to dense ice, is the same measure in feet—for example, five
penalties already mentioned.
feet deep for a 5x5 yard area.
Ships and other vessels caught in the effect area of a Mael-
Ice-based creatures, such as Ice Demons or Ice Wraiths,
strom spell must have their captains and crew succeed in
can be harmed by a Melting spell if they fail an Endurance
a Sailing skill roll (versus a DL set by the mage’s Magical
roll against a DL set by the mage’s Magical Arts roll result.
Arts roll result) or else see their water-craft pulled toward
This is Health damage equal to 1 point per point of failure
the center of the swirling waters. They may attempt this
(maximum of 10 points).
roll again on the next round, if need be, with a failure this
The effect area remains heated for up to the 10-minute
time meaning that the vessel has been overwhelmed by wa-
duration, so re-freezing will not occur during the time. Note
ter and will sink in 1d20 rounds (GM rolls secretly). Crew
that when rival mages cast Freeze Water and Melting in the
members in the water will need to make Athletics (swim-
same effect area, the higher of the two Magical Arts roll
ming) rolls as outlined above. Note that in the lesser (DL
results “wins out.”
15) whirlpool effect, all vessels from rowboat to longship
size gain a +5 bonus to their Sailing rolls to resist the Mael-
Critical Success:
strom’s effects. Larger craft, such as triremes, are immune.
1) You expend two less Stamina points.
For the greater (DL 20) effect, no vessel gains a bonus or is
2) The spell’s duration is doubled.
immune.
3) The area effect is doubled.
4) If being targeted at an ice-based creature, the creature
Critical Success:
is also Stunned for one round in addition to the Health
1) You expend 2 Stamina points less.
damage.
2) The spell’s duration is doubled.
3) The effect area is doubled.
Critical Failure:
1) You expend two additional Stamina points.
Critical Failure:
2) You experience a brief sensation of internal heat which
1) You expend 2 additional Stamina points.
causes you to become Sickened for one round per point of
2) A terrible sensation of drowning suddenly strikes you,
critical failure.
causing you to become Sickened for one round per point
3) You acquire the Obsession (fire or ice) or Phobia (fire or
of critical failure.
ice) weakness, your choice, both minor versions.
3) You acquire the Madness or Phobia (or deep water or
sea-storms) weakness, your choice of which, both major
versions.

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 SAVAGEIII
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MENTAL MESSAGE
Discipline: Air, Shadow
Prerequisites: Magical Arts: Air or Shadow level 1
DL: 10 for line of sight / 15 for up to one league away
Stamina Cost: 1 / 2
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: Line of sight up or to one league away (see below)
Effect Area: 1 creature of Intellect -3 or higher
Duration: Instantaneous
Ritual Components: At least two of the following—1) A
conch shell; 2) A signal-horn; 3) A feather from a sparrow,
wren, or honing-bird. A lock of hair or fingernail from an
Angel or a Sidhe lord or lady grants a +1 bonus to ritual
castings of this spell.
Details/Description—
This spell enables a magician to send a silent message, up
to 20 words in length, to a target within line-of-sight (the
DL 10 version) or up to one league (3 miles) away (DL 15
version). However, in the latter case, the recipient must be
a known kinsman or ally and the casting mage must possess
a lock of the target’s hair, a fingernail shaving, or a drop of
blood. Possessing the True Name talent, and having knowl-
edge of the Mental Message recipient’s true (or birth) name,
can be substituted for the bit of hair, fingernail, or blood.
This communication is one-way, so any verbal or mental
response the message-receiver makes goes unheard by the
magician.
Note that Mental Message is language-dependent, the
message-sender choosing which of his or her known tongues
to send the message in at the time of the spell’s casting.
Critical Success:
1) You expend two less Stamina points.
2) You tap into enough power to send up to a 40-word
message if you so desire.
3) The message is delivered in a second known language
as well.
4) All allies of the recipient, within 5 yards, “hear” the Men-
tal Message as well if the sending-mage so desires.
Critical Failure:
1) You expend two additional Stamina points.
2) A terrible headache suddenly swells within you causing
you to become Distracted for one round per point of crit-
ical failure.
3) You gain the Madness (any) or Obsession (gossip) weak-
ness, your choice, both minor versions.
MENTAL TORMENT
Discipline: Air, Death, Shadow
Prerequisites: Magical Arts: Air, Death, or Shadow level
3 Range: Touch
DL: 15
Stamina Cost: 2
226
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: 15 yards
Effect Area: 1 creature
Duration: 1 minute (or focus)
Ritual Components: At least two of the following—1) A
piece of broken human skull; 2) Three red candles; 3) A lock
of hair from a known madman (or madwoman). A pinch
of dirt from the Isles of Night or a piece of matter from a
Nether-ooze grants an additional +1 to ritual castings.
Details/Description—
This dreaded spell allows a magician to inflict pain upon
another living creature from a distance. The torment
stems from the victim’s brain, and so comes from no vis-
ible force—the mind inflicting a sort of harsh, delusional
punishment. A creature successfully targeted with a Mental
Torment spell must succeed in an Endurance or Resolve roll
(victim’s choice)—against a DL set by the mage’s Magical
Arts roll result—or take one point of Stamina damage per
point of failure (maximum of 5). In addition, the target
suffers a -2 penalty to Defense, Mobility, and all die rolls.
The target gains another Endurance or Resolve roll at the
beginning of its turn (if in combat) to overcome the spell,
with a failure seeing the horrible effects continue.
This spell lasts for up to one minute, assuming if the ma-
gician continues to focus on it. Note that the Stamina dam-
age that a victim receives remains until normally recovered.
Critical Success:
1) You expend two Stamina point less.
2) The victim Stunned for one round after the spell’s normal
effects end.
3) The victim also doubles over, falling prone, due to the
intense pain.
4) The target also takes 5 points of Health damage.
Critical Failure:
1) You expend two additional Stamina points.
2) A flash of intense pain flashes through your mind, causing
you to become Stunned for one full round.
3) You are Sickened for one round per point of critical fail-
ure.
4) You gain the Obsession (pain or torture—minor version)
or Tainted weakness, your choice.
MIND WASH
Discipline: Death, Life, Shadow
Prerequisites: Magical Arts: Death, Life, or Shadow level
3
DL: 10 for a humanoid subject / 15 for a non-humanoid
subject
Stamina Cost: 1 / 2
Casting Time: 1 action
Effect Area: 1 living creature with at least an Intellect of -4
Duration: 1 hour
SPELLS & MAGIC
 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
Ritual Components: At least two of the following—1)
Water from a recent bath; 2) Three white or green can-
dles; 3) A pinch of brain matter; 4) Fingernail shaving of
a known madman. A lock of hair from a Dark Sidhe noble
or a Doppelganger grants an additional +1 bonus to ritual
castings of this spell.
Details/Description—
This spell causes temporary memory loss in a living subject,
the events of the last hour being washed away. As such, a
Mind Wash spell might be particularly useful in blanking a
guardsman’s brain regarding a theft or abduction, or per-
haps to ease a friend or innocent bystander of some espe-
cially horrible occurrence.
Unwilling targets of this spell receive a Resolve roll
(against a DL set by the mage’s Magical Arts roll result)
to resist the effects of this spell. If failed, the past hour of
the subject’s memory is erased, although after the one-hour
duration expires, the memories will return immediately (in-
cluding possibly recalling the magician using Mind Wash on
the subject in the first place).
Note that this spell is not potent enough to cause enemy
sorcerers to suddenly forget their spells or mighty warriors
their battle maneuvers, but instead, suppresses short-term
memories from the past hour prior to the spell’s casting.
Critical Success:
1) You expend two less Stamina points.
2) The spell’s duration is doubled.
3) The target also forgets long-term memories for one min-
ute, which includes talents and skills (which are all tempo-
rarily reduced to “level zero”), but not racial abilities.
4) If a willing subject, one of the subject’s Weaknesses is
cured or lessened to a minor version (this can only occur
once ever in the subject’s lifetime).
Critical Failure:
1) You expend two additional Stamina points.
2) An extreme headache causes you to become Stunned for
one full round.
3) Intense confusion inflicts the Distraction condition on
you for one round per point of critical failure.
4) You gain the Addiction (any), Obsession (any), or Mad-
ness (any) weakness—your choice of which—all minor ver-
sions.
OBJECT ANIMATION
Discipline: Earth, Life
Prerequisites: Magical Arts: Earth or Life level 5
DL: 15 for a small object / 20 for a large object
Stamina Cost: 2 / 3
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: 10 yards
Effect Area: 1 small or large object (see below)
Duration: 1 minute (or focus)
Ritual Components: At least two of the following—1)
Several drops of blood; 2) A pinch of gem dust; 3) A piece
SPELLS & MAGIC
of a life-like statue or idol; 4) Being inside a chamber where
a Golem was once created. The remnants of an Earth Ele-
mental or heart of a Vampire or Troll yields a +1 bonus to
ritual castings of this spell.
Details/Description—
This incredible spell enables a magician to temporarily an-
imate, or bring to life, a singular object. For the DL 10 ver-
sion, the object must be relatively small (from the size of a
goblet or dagger to a treasure chest or battleaxe), while the
DL 15 version can animate larger-sized objects (as great in
size as a man-sized statue or chariot). The object must be
free-standing and not attached to a greater object or struc-
ture, which would prevent it from operating independently.
The animated item is under complete control of the
sorcerer, although if an enemy magician attempts to wrest
control of it then the higher Magical Arts roll result wins
out, the DL being set by the original mage’s roll. Most ani-
mated objects can move (unless of a design prevent such—
GM discretion) up to their Mobility ratings, which takes an
action on the animating mage’s turn. Furthermore, the con-
trolling magician can also have the object attack, the item in
question using its Brawling skill (see below) or the mage’s,
whichever is higher.
Animated small objects have the following statistics:
DZ Agility -2, Physique -4, Vigor -2, Intellect --, Mag-
netism --, Willpower --; Health 2, Mobility 4, Stamina --;
Armor 0-8 (depending if paper, wood, stone, or metal);
Brawling -2 (maximum damage 1-5 depending on ma-
terial).
Animated medium objects have the following statistics:
DZ Agility -3, Physique -2, Vigor +0, Intellect --; Mag-
netism --; Willpower --; Health 6, Mobility 5, Stamina
--; Armor 0-9 (depending if paper, wood, stone, or met-
al); Brawling +0 (maximum damage 3-7 depending on
material).
Animated large objects have the following statistics:
DZ Agility -4, Physique +0, Vigor +2, Intellect --; Mag-
netism --; Willpower --; Health 12, Mobility 6, Stami-
na --; Armor 0-10 (depending if paper, wood, stone, or
metal); Brawling +2 (maximum damage 5-10 depend-
ing on material); AP +1 if solid stone or metal.
While focusing on this spell, the mage is still free to
use his or her second action on something else, such as a
physical attack, movement, or whatever—casting another
spell would cause the Animated Object to fail since it re-
quires focus (unless the magician has the Dual Focus talent).
Note also that when animated objects are brought to zero
Health, they are damaged enough to break the temporary
enchantment of the spell—twice maximum Health in dam-
age means the item in question is destroyed.
Critical Success:
227
 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
1) You expend two fewer Stamina points.
2) The object you animate gains an additional +2 to its
Health.
3) The animated object gains an additional +2 to its Mo-
bility.
4) The spell’s duration is doubled.
Critical Failure:
1) The targeted object degrades by one category, from mas-
ter-crafted to exceptional, exceptional to average, average
to poor, or poor to destroyed.
2) You are Sickened for one round per point of critical fail-
ure.
3) You obtain the Obsession (life creation or undead) or
Phobia (animated objects or undead) weakness, your
choice of which, both minor versions.
OMEN-READING
Discipline: Fire, Shadow, Water
Prerequisites: Magical Arts: Fire, Shadow, or Water lev-
el 1
DL: 10
Stamina Cost: 2
Casting Time: 1 minute
Range: Self
Duration: Instantaneous
Ritual Components: At least two of the following*—1)
Three small rune-stones; 3) Four rune or ogham sticks; 3) A
pair of dice or carved bones; 4) A bowl of fire or water; 5)
Fresh animal entrails. The knucklebones of an old crone, the
mask of a high priestess of Romega, or the eye of a Cyclops
grant an additional +1 bonus to ritual castings of this spell.
Details/Description—
Sometimes known as an Augury, a successfully performed
Omen-reading spell enables a magician to predict the most
gainful future regarding a potential action or direction.
That is, a good or favorable omen. Note that the sorcer-
er must have at least one of the components mentioned
above even for the non-ritual, one-minute version of the
spell*. When casting Omen-reading, the mage gazes into
the bowl or at the patterns formed by the bones, sticks,
228
or dice and determines, through the assistance of portents
from the Other-world, the best course of action. For exam-
ple, whether it is a good or bad omen to enter a newly-dis-
covered tomb or whether it is favorable to ignore a king’s
advice on something.
If the magician scores 10 over the DL on his Magical Arts
skill roll, then he or she has gained some additional knowl-
edge, perhaps contained within a dream-vision or flashes of
deep intuition. This might be more information on the sub-
ject at hand, including more precise details regarding any
potentially upcoming hazards, dangers, and rewards.
It is possible to receive a “grey omen,” which is neither
favorable nor unfavorable or could mean that the poten-
tial good equals the potential bad (or that there is neither
at all). The GM makes the final decision, keeping in mind
the various twists, turns, risks, rewards, and possibilities.
Omen-reading only sees about 24 hours into any potential
future action or direction, so looking for answers to poten-
tial actions a week down the road have no effect.
Critical Success:
1) You expend two less Stamina points.
2) You “see” exacting details on a potential action up to 48
hours in the future.
3) You gain such future insight as to receive a free Luck point
to use within the next 24 hours.
Critical Failure:
1) You expend two additional Stamina points.
2) You experience a sudden and disturbing dream-vision,
causing you to become Distracted for one round per point
of critical failure.
3) You make wildly inaccurate conclusions when reading
the omens (of which you must convincingly role-play).
4) You gain the Addiction (pink lotus, purple lotus, or oth-
er mind-affecting “drug”) or Obsession (omens) weakness,
your choice, both minor versions.
OTHERWORDLY PORTAL
Discipline: Death, Life, Shadow.
Requirements: Willpower +1 and Magical Arts: Death,
Life, or Shadow level 9
DL: 20 for a small portal / 30 for a large portal.
Resistance: None.
Stamina Cost: 5 for small portal / 7 for large portal
Casting Time: 2 actions
Range: 10 yards
Effect Area: 2x2 or 4x4 yard opening
Duration: 1 minute
Ritual Components: At least three of the following—1)
Being within a circle of sacred standing stones; 2) Being be-
tween two great oak or yew trees; 3) Being inside a crys-
talline cave; 4) Being within a cairn or covered tomb. Rit-
ual castings of this spell performed on a solstice or equinox
grant an additional +1 bonus to the Magical Arts roll.
SPELLS & MAGIC
 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
Details/Description—
This incredibly rare and potent spell enables a magician to
open, albeit temporarily, a mystical gateway or portal lead-
ing from the Earth-world to the Otherworld (or vice ver-
sa). If cast successfully, then this magical doorway remains
open but for one minute allowing the mage, and any others
along with him, to enter.
If cast from the Earth-world (that is, our mortal plane),
then the destination depends upon the discipline of Magi-
cal Arts used by the magician. If Magical Arts: Death was
used, then the portal will lead to the Nether-world; if Mag-
ical Arts: Life was invoked, then the portal leads to the
Over-world; if Magical Arts: Shadow is utilized, the portal
then leads to the Shadow-world (also known as the Mir-
ror-world). Apart from this, the magician has little control
as to precisely where the gate will appear within that par-
ticular realm.
If cast from the Other-world (any region), then the ma-
gician can generally exit within 1d20 miles of his or her tar-
get—for example, if concentrating on, say, the city of Cor-
rington in Brythia, then the exit portal will appear within
one to twenty miles of that great port-city (which means it
could be in the sea or in a marshland, etc). However, if the
mage mentally focuses on a known permanent gateway,
such as a famed circle of standing stones or crystal cave,
then he or she (and any allies with him or her) can appear
there instead.
A successfully opened portal will either be approximately
two by two, or four by four, square-yards in size as noted in
the statistics above. This doorway is generally roundish or
oval in shape, with the smaller size being large enough for
any creature (or object) up to Physique +15 and the larger
portal sizeable enough for Physiques of up to +35. When
creatures enter a world or dimension that they are not na-
tive to, they might experience some strange sensations for
quite a while and must therefore succeed in an Endurance
or Resolve skill roll to resist potential drawbacks.
The DL is 15 for the Shadow-world (note that Sidhe
characters do not need such a roll as they are mostly of
Faerie heritage), and those failing this resistance roll will ex-
perience a -1 penalty to their Willpower attributes as they
become enamored and distracted with the familiar, yet jux-
taposed, sights and sounds. For the Netherworld, the DL
is 20 and those failing will suffer also -1 to Willpower and
-2 to Stamina; if this roll is failed by 10 or more, then the
Tainted weakness will be gained after an hour’s time here.
Regarding the Over-world, the DL is 25 and all failing this
roll will suffer -1 to Willpower and -5 to any Magical Arts:
Death skill rolls; if this roll is failed by 10 or more, then
the penalty to Willpower is -2 instead. Furthermore, any
creature with the Tainted weakness will be eventually de-
tected if remaining in this realm for longer than one hour.
There might also be additional penalties (or possibly even
perks) for traversing non-native dimensions; see Chapter
14—Cosmology & the Seven Magics. (Note that time runs
differently in all regions of the Over-world, so these times
are based on Earth-world standards.)
The magician, and any allies, will need to successfully cast
another Other-worldly Portal spell to return to the plane of
SPELLS & MAGIC
their origin (unless, of course, they plan to remain in an-
other world indefinitely). Sidhe characters, of all types, will
feel almost at home in the Otherworld, however, and those
with Demon-blood or Angelic-blood might feel somewhat
comfortable in the Nether-worlds and Over-worlds, respec-
tively. As such, the GM can feel free to award a +2 bonus
to the above-mentioned resistance rolls to characters with
such exotic bloodlines.
Lastly, it should be noted that exploring (or otherwise
entering and interacting with) the Otherworld and its var-
ies regions, should not be taken lightly. In addition to the
possible immediate effects as noted above, there are often
aftershock repercussions later as well. Primarily, the pas-
sage of time—for every hour that is perceived to pass in
another dimension, 2d20 times more have passed in the
Earth-world. Thus, a returning magician might return two
or three days later in actuality. On rarer occasion, especially
in the Shadow-world, actual time passes very slowly in that
a magician thinking that he was away for an hour might
find that, when he returns to the Earth-world, that only
a few seconds have passed. The GM should use creativity
and, most of all, discretion here.
Critical Success:
1) You expend two less Stamina points.
2) The spell’s duration is doubled (your choice).
3) You gain a +5 bonus to the resistance roll to endure the
effects of the dimension.
4) The passage of time runs normally.
Critical Failure:
1) You expend two additional Stamina points.
2) You are Stunned for one round per point of critical fail-
ure.
3) You open a brief portal that allows a being native to that
realm to enter angrily, attacking you directly—this might be
a Shadow-daemon, Angel of Swords, Sidhe lord, Hobgoblin
warlord, or other (GM discretion).
4) You acquire the Madness, Obsession (of the Other-realm
in question), or Phobia (Other-worldly beings) weakness,
your choice of which, all major versions.
POSSESSION
Discripline: Air, Death, Fire, Life
Prerequisites: Magnetism or Willpower +0, and Magical
Arts: Air, Death, Fire, or Life level 7
DL: 15 to banish a creature’s soul to a nearby vessel / 20 to
possess another creature’s body
Stamina Cost: 4 + 1 per hour of possession
Casting Time: 2 actions
Range: 5 yards
Effect Area: 1 creature (see below)
Duration: See below
Ritual Components: At least three of the following—1)
An exceptional-quality chalice or bowl; 2) A vial-full of hu-
manoid blood; 3) An intact humanoid skull; 4) Being within
a renowned haunted location. A full vial of demon-blood
229
 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
or a large master-crafted gem (worth at least 100 sc) grants
an additional +2 bonus to ritual castings of this spell. (Note
the gem can be used as a vessel.)
Details/Description—
This extremely powerful (and potentially dangerous) spell
enables a magician to either place his or her soul or spirit
into the physical body of another humanoid creature, or
entrap the spirit of another creature into a vessel in his or
her possession. In this latter case, the vessel must be at least
of exceptional-quality craftsmanship or be a container of
semi-legendary renown, such as the burial urn of a great
king or the chalice used by a renowned hero during his last
feast.
When cast upon a creature, which must be a humanoid,
the target receives an Endurance or Resolve roll (against
a DL set by the sorcerer’s Magical Arts roll result) to resist
the Possession. If the creature fails, its spirit is then trapped
within an appropriate vessel as mentioned above (the DL
15 version of this spell) or the mage’s own psyche possesses
the target’s body (the DL 20 version).
A creature forced into a vessel, which is most often an
urn, lamp, crystal, jewel, or some other appropriately sym-
pathetic container (which can be no smaller than a large
gem and no larger than a standing urn or small statue), is
thusly contained until the spell ends (usually by the magi-
cian no longer paying the Stamina cost), the mage destroys
the vessel, or otherwise frees the spirit within. This does not
kill the creature’s psyche, but instead releases it onto the
environment where it will wander, half-aware, as a haunt-
ing apparition. If a particularly powerful creature, it might
eventually find another “vessel” for its soul (often this is
another living body) or even grow strong to become a
threatening undead being, such as a Ghost, Wraith, or even
a Vampire. It might even seek revenge upon the offending
sorcerer at some later time if possible.
In the case of possessing another creature’s physical form,
the mage “controls” the being’s body, using its Mobility and
all other physical statistics, such as Agility, Physique, and
Vigor—the sorcerer maintains his own Intellect, Magnetism,
and Willpower. The magician may even attempt to access
memories and deeper fragments of the vessel-creature’s
personality, but this requires a second Magical Arts skill roll
opposed by the creature’s Endurance or Resolve roll. Note
that only on a critical success here would a possessing mage
be able to tap into deeper-seated abilities of the host crea-
ture, such as spells, racial abilities, and the like.
There is danger, however, when possessing another hu-
manoid’s body, as go the ancient laws of the gods and na-
ture. Firstly, the possessed subject receives a Resolve roll
(opposed by the mage’s Magical Arts roll result) for every
hour of possession, with a success meaning that he has over-
thrown the invading psyche. If the mage’s body is within
one mile at the time, it will travel instantaneously back to
it; if not, then the mage himself must wander bodiless and
half-aware, though able to eventually make his or her way
back to the original body at normal travel speeds.
Naturally, the sorcerer’s true body must still be alive,
although when soul-less, it is considered Helpless and Un-
conscious. Secondly, if the sorcerer remains at least 12 hours
230
within the possessed body, he or she must succeed in a DL
15 Resolve to keep from becoming permanently attached
to the host-creature’s form. This is a recurring thing for ev-
ery 12 hours that pass, with the DL increasing by 2 for every
12 hours afterward.
Critical Success:
1) You expend two less Stamina points.
2) You gain access to the host creature’s mental Attributes as
well, though you may use still use yours if higher.
3) The duration is doubled, meaning that you only pay 1
Stamina per two hours after the initial casting.
4) If possessed in a vessel, you can utterly slay the creature
within by destroying said vessel.
Critical Failure:
1) You expend two additional Stamina points.
2) You are in a mindless haze and become Stunned for one
round per point of critical failure.
3) Your mind and body become separated briefly, causing
you to become Sickened for one full minute.
4) You acquire the Madness (any) or Phobia (incorporeal
undead creatures) weakness, your choice, both major ver-
sions.
PURIFICATION
Discipline: Air, Earth, Life, Water
Prerequisites: Magical Arts: Air, Earth, Life, or Water
level 1 (see below)
DL: 10 for a small area / 15 for a large area
Stamina Cost: 1 / 2
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: Touch
Effect Area: 3x3 yard area or 6x6 yard area
Duration: Permanent
Ritual Components: At least two of the following—1)
Bowl or chalice or salt; 2) A pinch of silver; 3) Three white
or blue candles; 4) A preserved White Lotus blossom. A
lock of hair from an angelic being or preserved Bloodthorn
blossom grants an additional +1 bonus to ritual castings of
this spell.
Details/Description—
This spell enables a magician to purify poisoned, polluted,
or otherwise impure air, food, or water. It might even af-
fect magically Tainted or similar foul areas (or substances),
although this could either be temporary, such as one minute
or one hour, or at +5 or +10 to the spell’s DL to cast (GM
discretion).
Note that it specifically requires Magical Arts: Air level
3 for a mage to successfully purify the air in a 3x3 (the DL
10 version) or 6x6 yard area (DL 15 version). This would
cleanse the area of poisonous vapors, gases, spores, air-
borne diseases, and the like. Likewise, it requires Magical
Arts: Earth skill level 3 to purify food—that is, dispel any
poisons or molds from spoilage—and Magical Arts: Water
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 SAVAGEIII
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skill level 3 to purify water (that is, cleanse any poisons
or diseases) in the aforementioned areas (3x3 or 6x6 yard
area).
If you have 3 skill levels in Magical Arts: Life, you can
purify all three of the above—air, food, and water (even all
of them at one time if applicable). Naturally, a Purify spell is
useful in dispersing deadly gases, dispelling mold and small
vermin from foodstuffs, turning stagnant or poisoned water
into drinkable sources, etc.
Critical Success:
1) You expend two less Stamina points.
2) The effect area is doubled.
3) You cleanse the area or substance to such an extent, that
any who breathe/eat/drink it gain +1 to Health and Stamina
for one hour.
4) If water, you have purified it to a point that it is, essen-
tially, holy water (which can deal up to 5 Health points of
damage to most undead creatures)
Critical Failure:
1) You expend two additional Stamina points.
2) You take some of toxicity of the area or substance into
yourself, causing you to become Sickened for one minute.
3) You gain the Obsession (cleanliness) or Phobia (disease)
weakness, your choice, both minor versions.
QUAGMIRE
Discipline: Earth, Water
Prerequisites: Magical Arts: Earth or Water level 3
DL: 10 for a small (2x2 yard) area / 15 for a large (4x4
yard) area
Stamina Cost: 2 / 3
Casting Time: 1 action
Effect Area: 2x2 or 4x4 yard area
Duration: 1 minute
Ritual Materials: At least two of the following—1) Bowl
or chalice or dirt mixed with water. 2) Three drops of thick
sap from a tree. 3) A handful of fine sand. 4) A stick of
wood pulled from quicksand. A strand of webbing from a
Giant Spider’s nest or a bit of Nether-ooze essence yields an
additional +1 bonus to ritual castings of this spell.
Details/Description—
When successfully cast, this spell causes the ground to be-
come suddenly muddy and unstable, essentially becoming a
quicksand-like mire. Any creatures in the 2x2 yard (the DL
10 version) or 4x4 yard (DL 15 version) effect area must suc-
ceed in an Acrobatics roll—against a DL set by the mage’s
Magical Arts roll result—to leap safely away from the
Quagmire. Those failing are held fast in the muck, sinking
down about one-third of their height. Creatures may make
one escape attempt per round (which costs an action), at
the beginning of their turns, although the second and third
attempts are Athletics skill rolls against the same DL. After
three rounds, if the creature is still stuck in the Quagmire,
then it begins to suffocate or drown and will be completely
SPELLS & MAGIC
slain after two more rounds of complete submersion. Crea-
tures with Physiques of +20 or greater are too large to be
affected by this spell.
To pull a creature out, the creature pulling—who’s pre-
sumably on safe and hard ground—must succeed in a Phy-
sique roll whose DL is the initial Magical Arts roll result. If
the sinking creature is willing and not unconscious, he or
she can assist the pulling ally, which grants an additional +5
bonus to the Physique roll. Pulling a comrade out takes one
action and, for our purposes here, consider the Quagmire
to be 10 feet deep.
Creatures held fast in a Quagmire are considered Prone
for the purposes of striking them, their Mobility ratings es-
sentially at zero. They also suffer a -2 to any attack rolls
(and Magical Arts rolls if spell-casting) they might attempt
while grappled by the effects of this spell, but only during
the first round of entrapment—subsequent rounds will see
their weapons well under the surface of the muck. Note
that, when the spell’s manifestation ends (one minute), all
creatures within—be they dead or alive—are shunted onto
the surface and out of the mire.
Critical Success:
1) You expend two fewer Stamina points.
2) The spell’s duration is doubled.
3) The effect area is doubled.
4) Your spell is so effective that those trapped within are
considered Helpless instead of merely Prone.
Critical Failure:
1) You expend two additional Stamina points.
2) You are dizzy from a quick sensation of drowning, caus-
ing you to become Sickened for one round per point of
critical failure.
3) You gain the Obsession (drowning) or Phobia (deep wa-
ter or enclosed spaces) weakness, your choice, both minor
versions.
QUENCH FIRE
Discipline: Fire, Water
Prerequisites: Magical Arts: Fire or Water level 1
DL: 10 for a mundane fire / 15 for a magically induced fire
Stamina Cost: 1 / 2
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: 15 yards
Effect Area: 5x5 cubic-yard area of flames
Duration: Instantaneous
Ritual Components: At least two of the following—1)
Bowl of water or sand; 2) Being in the presence of heavy
smoke or mist; 3) A handful of ash from a recent fire. Left-
over “essence” of a Water Elemental or the tooth or scale
from an ice-breathing Dragon grant an additional +1 bonus
to ritualized castings of this spell.
Details/Description—
This spell allows a magician to instantly quench all fires
within range (and effect area), be they mundane fires (the
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 SAVAGEIII
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DL 10 version) or sorcerous ones such as from a Summon
Inferno spell (DL 15 version). The latter use also applies to
incredibly hot and tenacious fires, such as lava or magma.
If the spell works, little more than smoke and ash remain
where the fire once burned.
Note that if used against fire-based creatures, such as Fire
Elementals or Afreet, damage might be dealt if the fiery
creature fails an Endurance roll (the DL being set by the
mage’s Magical Arts roll result). The damage is 1 Health
point per point of failure to a maximum of 10 points.
Critical Success:
1) You expend two less Stamina points.
2) The spell’s range is doubled.
3) The effect area is doubled.
4) If you so choose, no fire at all can burn in the effect area
for one hour.
Critical Failure:
1) You expend two additional Stamina points.
2) You become suddenly and incredibly thirsty, suffering -1
to all die rolls for the next minute.
3) You acquire the Obsession (fire or ice) or Phobia (fire or
deep water) weakness, your choice, both minor versions.
QUICKENING
Discipline: Air, Fire, Life
Prerequisites: Magical Arts: Air, Fire, or Life level 5
DL: 15 for self / 20 for another creature
Stamina Cost: 3 / 4
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: Self or Touch
Effect Area: 1 living creature
Duration: 5 rounds
Ritual Components: At least two of the following—1)
Three red or purple candles; 2) Pinch of lightning-struck
sand or wood; 3) The feather of a falcon or sparrow. A lock
of hair from a Storm Titan or the feather of a Giant Eagle
grants an additional +1 to ritual castings of this spell.
Details/Description—
This spell enables a magician creature to become “quick-
ened,” literally charging his body with extra life or elemen-
tal force. Quickening can also be cast on another willing
creature, who must be alive, but the DL to successful cast
this version is 20 instead of 15.
When successfully cast, the magician (or other creature)
temporarily increases his or her Defense and Initiative by
+2. The subject also gains 3 actions per round, instead of
the normal 2, although if this additional action is used to
make an attack or cast a spell, it is done at a -5 penalty due
to the haste.
Note that if cast on another creature (that is, not the
magician him/herself), the recipient must succeed in a DL
10 Endurance roll or become Stunned for one round after
the spell’s duration expires; on a critical failure, the subject
is Sickened instead for one hour. This is due to the physical
232
stress that a Quickening spell places upon the body.
Critical Success:
1) You expend two Stamina points less.
2) The spell’s duration is doubled.
3) Your Mobility also increases by 150% for the spell’s du-
ration.
4) The penalty for attacking or casting a spell for the “bo-
nus” action is only -2 instead of -5.
Critical Failure:
1) You expend two additional Stamina points.
2) Your heartbeat suddenly increases by threefold, causing
you to become Stunned for one round.
3) You gain the Madness (any) or Obsession (speed) weak-
ness, your choice, both minor versions.
RAIN OF ACID
Discipline: Air, Water, Death.
Prerequisites: Alchemy level 2 and Magical Arts: Air,
Water, or Death level 9
DL: 15 if outdoors / 20 if indoors
Stamina Cost: 4 / 6
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: 15 yards
Effect Area: 5x5 yard area
Duration: Instantaneous (see below)
Ritual Components: At least three of the following—1)
Bowl or crucible of acid; 2) Pint of stagnant or polluted wa-
ter; 3) Corroded piece of metal; 4) Being anywhere within
the Shadowlands, Gorgotha, or the Forbidden Lands (in the
far East). The severed tongue of a Basilisk or a high-born
Golden Sslir grants an additional +1 bonus to ritual versions
of this spell.
Details/Description—
This potent and horrifying spell allows a magician to create
an instant rain of acidic liquid originating from a point as
low as 10 feet above the ground or as high as 30 feet above
the ground (mage’s choice). Thus, in a tight tunnel with
ceilings only, say, six feet high, this spell would not func-
tion. All creatures within this 5x5 square-yard effect area
must succeed in an Endurance skill roll (versus a DL set by
the Magical Arts roll) or suffer 2 points of acid damage
per point of failure. Maximum damage is 20 Health points.
Armor is only half-effective.
Creatures failing by 10 or more also reduces the Protec-
tion Rating of any armor, helmet, or shield currently worn
or wielded by 1, and also reduces its quality by one “step.”
For example, exceptional-quality armor becomes average,
average becomes poor, and so on. A critical failure on the
Endurance roll means, in addition, the acquisition of the
Disfigured weakness (assuming the target survives the dam-
age in the first place).
Critical Success:
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 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
1. You pay two Stamina points less than normal.
2. The effect area is doubled to 10x10 yards.
3. Targets’ drawn weapons and clothing also have their
quality “levels” reduced by one step.
4. Maximum damage increases to 25 points.
Critical Failure:
1. You expend two additional Stamina points.
2. You momentarily suffer horrible acid burns to a random
body part, causing you to take 5 points of Health damage
(armor does not apply).
3. You immediately acquire the Tainted weakness; if you
already have this, then you gain a major Phobia (of acids
or rainstorms—your choice) instead.
RAIN OF ICE
Discipline: Water
Prerequisites: Magical Arts: Water level 5
DL: 10 if outdoors / 15 if indoors
Stamina Cost: 2 / 3
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: 15 yards
Effect Area: 5x5 yard area
Duration: Instantaneous (see below)
Ritual Components: At least two of the following—1)
Bowl or chalice or water; 2) Several shards of crystal or
glass; 3) Three arrowheads or knives; 4) Being inside an ice
or glacial cave. A few icy remnants from an Ice-demon or a
bone from a Death-master of Anderok grants an additional
+1 bonus to ritual castings of this spell.
Details/Description—
Using the moisture in the surrounding environment, this
spell enables a magician to summon forth a sudden and
powerful release of ice and sleet from above any creatures
or objects within the effect area. Note that this must be
either outdoors (the DL 10 version) or indoors (the DL 15
version), the latter needing at least 10 feet of ceiling height.
Creatures within the effect area must succeed in an Ac-
SPELLS & MAGIC
robatics roll (versus a DL set by the mage’s Magical Arts
roll result) or take 1 point of cold/ice damage per point of
failure. Maximum damage is 10. In addition, those failing
this resistance roll by 10 fall immediately prone due to the
extreme slipperiness of the ice-slicked ground.
Note that while the damage applies only the first round
(as it has an ‘Instantaneous’ duration), the slippery ice and
sleet remain on the ground for at least one minute (if in a
hot environment) and possibly up to an hour if in a sub-arc-
tic location. GM discretion applies.
Critical Success:
1) You expend two less Stamina points.
2) The spell’s effect area is doubled.
3) The spell’s maximum damage increases to 15.
Critical Failure:
1) You expend two additional Stamina points.
2) An icy chill runs through you, causing you to become
Stunned for one round.
3) You gain the Obsession (cold regions) or Phobia (ice-
storms) weakness, your choice, both minor versions.
RAVENOUS SUMMONING
Discipline: Air, Life
Requirements: Magical Arts: Air or Life level 7 and Ani-
mal Handling level 1
DL: 15 for a 5-yard radius around magician / 20 for a 5x5
yard area out to range
Stamina Cost: 3 / 4
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: Self or 20-yard range (see below).
Effect Area: 5 square-yard area, either centered around
magician or out to 20-yard range
Duration: 5 rounds
Ritual Components: Raven skull or feathers, black soot
or ink, a piece of a standing stone or a yew tree. A lock of
hair from a member of the Raven Circle or a feather from
a Giant Raven or Tenku grants an additional +1 bonus to
ritualized versions of this spell.
Details/Description—
Upon successfully casting this spell, the magician summons
forth a black murder of ravens—some 100 or so in num-
ber—which immediately attack anyone within the effect
area (other than the summoner) in a fierce and ravenous
manner. Such creatures caught within this 5-yard effect area
at the beginning of their turns in the Initiative order, must
succeed in an Acrobatics skill roll (versus a DL set by the
magician’s Magical Arts roll) or suffer 1 point of Health
damage per point of failure. Maximum damage is 5 points
per round, and targets’ armor ratings are considered half
effective against this spell.
Furthermore, if the creature fails the Acrobatics roll by
10 or more, then the creature is also Partially Blinded (-2
to die rolls and Defense) until at least 5 Health points are
healed.
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 SAVAGEIII
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Creatures may, of course, move safely out of the effect
area of this spell, as the summoned ravens will not move
out of the 5 square-yard effect area. However, if this spell
is cast at range—that is, not centered on the magician him/
herself—the mage may spend an action to move the ra-
ven-swarm up to 10 yards per round (although not beyond
the range of the spell).
Note that Priests of Anderok and members of the Circle
of the Raven have near-perfected this spell now for centu-
ries, and thus characters from these sects or orders gain a +1
bonus to their Magical Arts rolls for identifying, learning,
or casting this spell. A Raven-witch of the Inner Circle rank
gains +2 to these rolls instead.
Critical Success:
1) You expend two less Stamina than normal.
2) effect area or duration is doubled (your choice of which).
3) the spell also deals 5 points of Stamina damage to the
target.
4) the target has an eye completely ruined and is now per-
manently Blinded (only something like a Regeneration spell
can repair this damage).
Critical Failure:
1) You are partially Blinded (-2 to all die rolls and Defense)
for one round per point of critical failure.
2) You immediately acquire the Madness, Obsession (ra-
vens), or Phobia (ravens) weakness, your choice of which,
all major versions.
3) You accidentally summon an angry Giant Raven, Shad-
ow-daemon, or Shadow-wraith (GM discretion) that is like-
ly to attack you and your companions.
REANIMATION
Discipline: Death
Prerequisites: Magical Arts: Death level 5
DL: 10 for a humanoid corpse / 15 for a carcass
Stamina Cost: 2 per corpse
Health Cost: 1
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: 10 yards
Effect Area: 5-yard radius around magician
Duration: 10 minutes
Ritual Components: At least two of the following—1)
A vial of blood from the magician. 2) An intact skull. 3)
A femur bone. 4) A scrap of cloth once worn by an un-
dead creature. A Vampire’s tooth or handful of dirt from a
Grave-wight’s tomb yields an additional +1 bonus to ritual
castings of this spell.
Details/Description—
This spell infuses a mostly intact corpse (the DL 10 version)
or carcass (DL 15 version) with necromantic energy, causing
it to rise as one of the Shambling Dead (i.e. a Zombie). This
undead creature will do the mage’s general bidding, though
only very simple commands such as Attack, Carry, Guard,
Follow, and the like. For each creature that you reanimate
234
within the spell’s effect area, there is a cost of 2 Stamina
points. In addition, the magician must also pay one Health
point, for some small measure of his or her life-essence is
needed to “power” such undead servants.
Reanimated corpses or carcasses have the same Physique
and Vigor attributes they had in life. Other Attributes—
Agility, Intellect, Magnetism, and Willpower—are at -4.
The creatures’ Initiatives are at -8 and Mobility at 6, with
Health and Stamina being calculated per normal. Reanimat-
ed corpses have no skill levels in anything. Note that Sham-
bling Dead cannot run or sprint, although they have immu-
nity to the following things: despair, disease, fear, hunger,
illusion, pain, paralysis, poison, sleep, stun, and thirst.
After the spell’s duration expires, the reanimated ser-
vants simply fall limply to the ground again as if no life-
spark had ever stirred in them.
Critical Success:
1) All reanimated corpses/carcasses gain a +2 boost to one
of their Attributes (mage’s choice).
2) All reanimated corpses/carcasses can run (double Mobil-
ity as one action).
3) The spell’s duration is doubled.
4) You expend two Stamina points less.
Critical Failure:
1) You expend two additional Stamina points.
3) You expend one additional Health point.
3) You are wracked with immediate nausea, inflicting the
Sickened condition on you for one round per point of crit-
ical failure.
4) You gain the Obsession (immortality or necrophilia),
Phobia (corporeal undead), or Tainted weakness, your
choice of which. The first two are minor versions.
REGENERATION
Discipline: Life
Prerequisites: Magical Arts: Life level 9 and Healing Arts
level 1
DL: 20 for a small body part / 25 for a medium body part
/ 30 for a large body part (see below)
Stamina Cost: 4 / 6 / 8
Health Cost: 1 / 2 / 3
Casting Time: 1 minute
Range: Self or Touch
Effect Area: 1 living creature whose Physique does not
exceed +25
Duration: Permanent
Ritual Components: At least three of the following—1)
A chameleon’s tail; 2) Vial of blood; 3) Six red or white
candles; 4) A figurine made of wet clay. Bathing the subject
in Dragon’s or Troll’s blood, or in the being in possession
of a lock of hair from a Fomorian, grants an additional +1
bonus to ritualized castings of this spell.
Details/Description—
This potent and often well-guarded spell enables a magi-
SPELLS & MAGIC
 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
cian to restore, or “grow back,” a missing body part or one
that has been virtually destroyed. The patient or subject
must still be alive, however, and be of a Physique of +25
or smaller. Heads and similar life-sustaining organs cannot
be reattached or “re-grown” even with this extraordinary
spell.
If the healer-mage is restoring a small body part—a fin-
ger, toe, ear, nose, and the like—then the DL is only 20.
This also costs the magician 1 Health point. If attempting
to restore a medium-sized body part—such as a hand, foot,
or tongue—the DL is 25 and there is a Health point cost of
2. Only a successful DL 30 Magical Arts: Life roll can re-
store large body parts—arms and legs—and only then with
a Health point cost of 3. It requires one hour’s time for a
newly grown body part to be fully functional.
Note that if a severed body part is still generally intact,
it can be reattached to the appropriate portion of the sub-
ject’s body causing the DLs to be decreased by 5. Thus, as
an example, a cleanly severed hand could be reattached
via this spell with a successful DL 20 instead of the DL 25
needed it the hand was not present (or was completely mu-
tilated). Reattached body parts are fully functional after a
minute’s time. Severed body parts can be kept on ice, or
some similar preservation method, though this would re-
quire a successful DL 15 Healing Arts roll and, naturally,
access to ice, snow, or the like.
Certain injuries and physical conditions are curable with
a successful Regeneration spell as well—weaknesses such as
Blind, Disfigured, Lame, Maimed, and even Mute (if due
to a missing tongue). The DL to dispel any of these charac-
teristics is 25. This spell has no effect on mental afflictions
such as Addiction, Madness, Phobia, etc.
Critical Success:
1) You expend two less Stamina points.
2) You expend one less Health point.
3) The patient has immediate use of the restored body part
and gains +1 to Vigor for one hour. 4) The spell functions
of a subject regardless of size (that is, greater than Physique
+25).
Critical Failure:
1) You expend two additional Stamina points.
2) You expend one additional Health point.
3) You cause the patient to gain the Disfigured, Lame, or
Maimed weakness (your choice of which).
4) You acquire the Addiction (white lotus), Obsession (im-
mortality), or Phobia (disease or disfigurement) weakness,
your choice of which, all major versions.
REPAIR
Discipline: Earth, Fire, Life
Prerequisites: Crafting level 1 and Magical Arts: Earth,
Fire, or Life level 1
DL: 10 for a simple object / 15 for a complex object
Stamina Cost: 2 / 3
Casting Time: 1 action
SPELLS & MAGIC
Range: Touch
Effect Area: 1 object, or area, up to 2 square-yards in size
(see below).
Duration: Permanent
Ritual Components: At least two of the following—1) A
set of exceptional-quality craftsman’s tools; 2) Vial of mud
or tar; 3) An iron nail from a ship; 4) Being within a temple
of Duradin or Jorl. A lock of hair from a Duergar king or
Fire Giant grants an additional +1 bonus to ritual castings
of this spell.
Details/Description—
This useful spell allows a magician to instantly repair any
singular simple object—no larger than a 2x2 cubic-yard
area—that has not been completely annihilated. Thus, even
most Destroyed items can be repaired so long as the object
in question is of master-crafted quality or less (this spell has
no effect on heroic or legendary quality items, although see
Critical Success below).
Complex objects, such as locks or metal armor, can also
be made whole again with a successfully cast Repair spell
(DL 15) as long as it is no greater than the 2x2 cubic-yard
effect area. Things like stone walls or ships, since they are
generally comprised of several materials, count as “complex
items” for the purposes of this spell.
Note that the magician may add his skill levels in Craft-
ing as an additional bonus to his or her Magical Arts roll
when performing this spell.
Critical Success:
1) You expend two less Stamina points.
2) The spell’s effect area is doubled to 4 cubic yards.
3) You’re able to repair a heroic-quality item if applicable.
4) The repaired object is remade better than it was, and
moves up a “step” in quality (for example, average quality
becomes exceptional).
Critical Failure:
1) You expend two additional Stamina points.
2) You take a small portion of the object’s brokenness into
yourself, causing you to become Sickened for one minute
per point of critical failure.
3) The object is hopelessly destroyed by your errant mag-
ic-craft.
4) You gain the Madness or Obsession (building or crafting)
weakness, your choice, both minor versions.
REPEL UNDEAD
Discipline: Life
Prerequisites: Magical Arts: Life level 3
DL: 10 for lesser undead / 15 for greater undead
Stamina Cost: 2 / 3
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: 10 yards
Effect Area: 10-yard radius around magician
Duration: 1 minute
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 SAVAGEIII
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Ritual Components: At least two of the following—1)
Four white candles; 2) Pinch of silver shavings; 3) A holy
symbol associated with a life-based deity. A lock of hair
from an angelic being or the bone of a saint or similarly
revered holy figure grants an additional +1 bonus to ritual
castings of this spell.
Details/Description—
This spell is useful to many traditions centered on the ideals
of light and life, enabling a magician to repel, or turn away,
undead creatures. The DL 10 version of this spell influenc-
es lesser (or mindless) undead beings, such as Animated
Skeletons and Shambling Dead (Zombies). The DL 15 ver-
sion shunts out greater, free-willed undead, such as Ghosts,
Ghouls, Vampires, Wraiths (all types), and worse.
All undead creatures within 10 yards of the mage must
succeed in a Resolve roll—versus a DL set by the magician’s
Magical Arts roll result—or be shunted away from him or
her, and will come no closer for the one-minute duration of
the spell. However, if the magician forces an undead crea-
ture into a corner or some other area where it cannot move
further away, the creature gains another Resolve roll to
break the spell’s hold on it. This is also true if a repelled un-
dead creature is harmed by the magician or his companions.
If the magician holds aloft a recognized holy symbol or
icon of Briannon, Prydonis, Saint Paladyr, or Signa (or some
similar deity associated with life, light, and the natural order
of things), the mage gains an additional +1 bonus to his or
her Magical Arts roll when casting this spell. If the magician
is an anointed or ordained priest of one of these sects, then
the bonus increases to +2.
Critical Success:
1) You expend two less Stamina points.
2) The spell’s duration is doubled.
3) The effect area is doubled.
4) One of the repelled undead creatures (mage’s choice) is
instantly destroyed if a lesser undead or is reduced to half
Health if of the greater undead.
Critical Failure:
1) You expend two additional Stamina points.
2) You are Intimidated by the very creatures you tried to
repel for one round per point of critical failure.
3) You acquire the Madness or Phobia (undead creatures)
weakness, your choice, minor version in the latter case.
RESTORE LIFE
Discipline: Life
Prerequisites: Magnetism or Willpower +1, and Magical
Arts: Life level 10
DL: 20-50 (see below)
Stamina Cost: 5-9 (see below)
Health Cost: 5-9 (one of which is permanent)
Casting Time: 1 minute
Range: Touch
Effect Area: 1 once-living creature no larger than Physique
236
+20
Duration: Permanent
Ritual Components: Must have all three of the follow-
ing—1) Seven white or red lighted candles; 2) A vial of the
magician’s own blood or a vial of blood from a loved one
of the target creature (1 Health damage worth); 3) Incense
worth at least 50 silver coins. Performing this spell in a
known holy or consecrated space grants an additional +1
bonus to ritual versions of this spell.
Details/Description—
Certainly one of the most powerful and awe-inspiring of
all magical spells, Restore Life (also known as Resurrection)
enables a magician to reinfuse a deceased creature with life-
force, and thus enticing the original soul or spirit back to it.
If for some reason, the creature is unwilling to be restored
to its earthly life, then it receives an Endurance or Resolve
roll (whichever is higher) to resist, the DL being set by the
mage’s Magical Arts roll result.
If the spell is successful, the life-restored creature (whose
Physique must be +20 or less) remains deeply comatose
and with merely a -4 Vigor. However, for every day of
complete bed-rest the subject regains one Vigor point until
reaching its normal Vigor rating when alive. (For example,
a creature with Vigor +1 would require five days of full rest
until his or her Vigor is completely restored. This, obviously,
will affect its Health, Stamina, and other statistics temporar-
ily as well.
Note that the subject’s physical body must be primarily
intact—missing heads and limbs do not mysteriously grow
back, although “normal” minor wounds and injuries will
heal as normal. For curing poisons, diseases, or missing
body parts, a Regeneration spell is likely needed.
The Difficulty Level (DL) of this spell depends on how
long the subject has been deceased as follows:
DZ Less than one day (24 hours): DL 20
DZ Up to one week (7 days): DL 25
DZ Up to one month (30 days): DL 30
DZ Up to one year (365 days): DL 35
DZ Up to one decade (10 years): DL 40
DZ Up to one century (100 years): DL 45
DZ Up to one millennium (10 centuries): DL 50
In addition to the Stamina cost for performing this spell,
the magician must also pay the same amount in Health as
well. One Health point, however, is permanent since the
mage is, essentially, using a portion of his or her own vitali-
ty to reinvigorate the subject-corpse. If the magician prefers,
this permanent point of Health can be paid by the subject
instead.
Critical Success:
1) The resurrected subject is restored to his or her full Vigor
after 24 hours.
2) All ailments in the subject’s body, such as disease or poi-
son, are cured.
3) You expend two fewer Health and Stamina points.
4) There is no permanent one point loss of Health.
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Critical Failure:
1) You expend two additional Health and Stamina points.
2) Two Health points are permanently lost, at least one of
which must be from the magician.
3) You lose one permanent Stamina point.
4) The subject immediately rises as an undead creature
equivalent to a Zombie (if Renown 10 or less), Cairn-wight
(if Renown 11-20), or Vampire-lord (if Renown 21+).
5) You obtain the Madness, Obsession (immortality), or
Tainted weakness, your choice of which, all major versions.
SANDSTORM
Discipline: Air, Earth
Prerequisites: Magical Arts: Air or Earth level 5
DL: 15 for a small storm / 20 for a larger storm
Stamina Cost: 2 / 4
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: 20 yards
Effect Area: 3x3 yard or 6x6 yard area
Duration: 1 minute (or focus)
Ritual Components: At least two of the following—1)
Smoke from a candle or brazier; 2) Pinch of crushed glass
or crystal; 3) A handful of sand; 4) Three yellow or brown
candles. A lock of hair from a Genie (any type) or piece of
hide from a Desert Worm yields an additional +1 bonus to
ritual castings of this spell.
Details/Description—
Also known as a Sirocco, this spell enables a magician to
call forth a whirling mass of grit and sand, either a 3x3 yard
“sand devil” (the DL 10 version) or a 6x6 yard “cyclone”
(DL 15 version). The former is also 3 yards in height while
the latter is 6 yards high. A Sandstorm spell only functions
if the surrounding terrain is primarily desert, wastelands, or
sandy beachhead. It might also work in other areas, such as
an extremely dusty chamber, at the GM’s discretion.
Creatures caught within the effect area must succeed in
an Endurance roll—against a DL set by the mage’s Mag-
ical Arts roll result—or suffer 1 point of Health damage
per point of failure. Maximum damage is 10 per round.
Even those succeeding in this resistance roll are still Partially
Blinded until they leave the Sandstorm’s effect area. The
summoning magician can move the Sandstorm up to 10
yards per round as one action, which requires focus. (Oth-
erwise, without maintaining focus, the spell lasts for only
one round.)
Disciples of Zanthalah, an elite order of sorcerers who
follow the teachings of Zanthalah the Great (a now-de-
ceased magician from the eastern continent of Hassan), gain
a +1 bonus to learn and cast this spell.
Critical Success:
1) You expend two Stamina points less.
2) The spell’s effect area is doubled.
3) The Sandstorm can be moved up to 15 yards per round
SPELLS & MAGIC
instead of merely 10.
4) The spell’s maximum damage increases to 15.
Critical Failure:
1) You expend two additional Stamina points.
2) You are Partially Blinded as a small sand-zephyr whirls
about you for one round.
3) You gain the Obsession (sand or storms) or Phobia
(sandstorms) weakness, your choice, both minor versions.
SCRY WARD
Discipline: Air, Earth, Shadow
Prerequisites: Magical Arts: Air, Earth, or Shadow level
3
DL: 10 to ward a 5x5 yard area / 15 to ward a singular
creature
Stamina Cost: 2 / 3
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: Touch or centered on magician
Effect Area: 5x5 yard area or one creature
Duration: 1 hour
Ritual Components: At least two of the following—1) A
lodestone; 2) A pinch of lead dust; 3) A thaumaturgical cir-
cle drawn out with chalk, lead, or iron dust; 3) Being inside
a crystalline cave. A pinch of diamond dust (worth at least
25 sc) or the scale of an Elder Dragon grants an additional
+1 bonus to ritual castings of this spell.
Details/Description—
A successfully cast Scry Ward spell allows a magician to
shield a 5x5 yard area (the DL 10 version) or a singular
creature from mystical forms of detection, such as Far-sight,
See The Unseen, and Sense Corruption spells for example.
However, this is not automatic, as a rival mage (or super-
natural creature with such powers) must equal or surpass
a DL set by the Scry Ward caster’s Magical Arts roll result
in order to penetrate this warding-spell. Failure to do this
means the enemy or rival fails to “see” through the Scry
Ward spell, effectively seeing or sensing little more than a
“grey fog” or a “solid black veil”.
If cast on an individual creature, the subject in question
can move about (and is not stuck in one defined area), any
outsiders attempting to detect him or her getting the same
results as mentioned above unless exceeding the Scry Ward-
er’s Magical Arts roll result. Otherwise, the simpler version
of this spell only blocks or shields an immobile 5x5 yard
area,
Critical Success:
1) You expend two less Stamina points.
2) Even quasi-divination spells are blocked, such as Men-
tal Message (if so chosen), Dream-walking, or even Instant
Travel.
3) The spell’s duration is doubled.
4) The spell’s effect area is doubled or two creatures are
warded instead of merely one.
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Critical Failure:
1) You expend two additional Stamina points.
2) You are Stunned for one round.
3) You are Blinded for one round.
4) You acquire the Obsession (eavesdropping) or Phobia
(paranoia) weakness, your choice, both minor versions.
SEE THE UNSEEN
Discipline: Air, Life, Shadow
Prerequisites: Magical Arts: Air, Life, or Shadow level 1
DL: 10
Stamina Cost: 1
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: Self
Effect Area: 10-yard radius around magician
Duration: 10 minutes
Ritual Components: 1) At least two of the following—1)
Three lit white candles; 2) A pearl or crystal; 3) Being
most anywhere on Innis Avalarn or in the Twilight Forest
of Lithilor. A pinch of grave-dust from a known Vampire’s
tomb or a lock of hair from a Sidhe noble yields an addi-
tional +1 bonus to ritual castings of this spell.
Details/Description—
This spell enables a magician to sense the presence of all
invisible, incorporeal, or otherwise normally unseen crea-
tures and objects with the effect area. It also penetrates the
essence of illusory effects, allowing the mage to intuit or
“see through” glamorous spells and similar things, effective-
ly automatically succeeding in any Perception or Resolve
rolls against these for the spell’s duration.
Note, however, that See The Unseen grants no addition-
al skill in detecting mundanely hidden objects or creatures,
such as those using the Stealth skill or otherwise hidden
from plain sight.
Critical Success:
1) You expend one less Stamina point.
2) The effect area is doubled.
3) The spell’s duration is doubled.
4) You gain precise knowledge of each creature or object in
the effect area.
Critical Failure:
1) You expend two additional Stamina points.
2) You are Partially Blinded for one round.
3) You gain the Blind, Obsession (disguises or hiding), or
Phobia (air or shadow-based creatures), your choice of
which, the latter two being minor versions.
SENSE CORRUPTION
Discipline: Death, Life, Shadow
Prerequisites: Magical Arts: Death, Life, or Shadow level
238
1
DL: 10
Stamina Cost: 1
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: Self
Effect Area: 10-yard radius around magician
Duration: 1 minute
Ritual Components: At least two of the following—1)
Crystal prism; 2) Handful of rose petals; 3) Three white
candles. A lock of hair from an angelic being or virginal
Sidhe noble yields an additional +1 bonus to ritual versions
of this spell.
Details/Description—
A successful casting of this spell enables a magician to discern
whether creatures, objects, or even spaces/locales them-
selves are corrupted or tainted (in the diabolical sense). De-
mons, or all sorts, almost always emanate a strong aura of
taint and true evil, while most Vampires and Ghouls (and
other “greater undead”) generally do as well. Lycanthropes
often do as well, as do Trolls, Giants, Hobgoblins, Goblings,
and some Dark Sidhe.
Humans typically do not detect as corrupted unless they
possess the Tainted weakness. An exception here might be a
human, or humanoid, with both the Honorless and Kinslay-
er weaknesses or one who is an Oath-breaker of a major
oath or multiple oaths. (GM discretion here.)
Note that anointed priests of Saint Paladyr (Truthkeep-
ers) gain a +1 bonus to their Magical Arts skill roll when
casting this spell, assuming they know the spell.
Critical Success:
1. You expend one spell point less.
2. You discern the precise reasons as to why the target is
corrupted or tainted (assuming it is in the first place).
3. Gaining some mystical insight, you gain a +1 bonus to
your Defense and all attack rolls against the target(s), for
one minute, if it should come to blows
Critical Failure:
1. You expend an additional Stamina point.
2. You become light-headed and Sickened for one minute
per point of critical failure.
3. You acquire the Phobia (of Tainted creatures) weakness,
minor version.
SENSE UNDEAD
Discipline: Death, Life
Prerequisites: Magical Arts: Death or Life level 1
DL: 10
Stamina Cost: 1
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: Self
Effect Area: 15-yard radius around magician
Duration: 10 minutes (or focus)
Ritual Components: At least two of the following—1)
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 SAVAGEIII
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A skull or two femur bones; 2) A mirror; 3) Three white
or black candles. A pinch of tomb-dust from the Wastes
of Xarkon (in the East) or the body part of a Vampire-lord
grants an additional +1 bonus to ritual castings of this spell.
Details/Description—
This spell enables a magician to detect the presence and
quantity of undead creatures within a 15-yard radius, be
they mindless automatons like Animated Skeletons or
Shambling Dead (Zombies) or more potent beings such as
Dread-knights or Vampires. Thus, Sense Undead can be use-
ful when entering a crypt or similar venue wherein the po-
tentiality for undead could be somewhat high, or perhaps
discerning whether a long-lived noble is still “alive.”
If the mage scores 10 or more over the DL, then he or
she also learns the general potency or “power level” of the
undead creature, or creatures, detected as follows: Low (CL
1-3), Moderate (CL 4-6), Strong (CL 7-9), or Extreme (CL
10+). CL is Challenge Level; see Chapter 22—Supernatural
Creatures for more information.
This spell lasts for ten minutes, or until the magician
drops his focus on it.
Critical Success:
1) You expend one less Stamina point.
2) The effect area is doubled.
3) You pinpoint the exact type(s) of undead beings present.
Critical Failure:
1) You expend two additional Stamina points.
2) You are Distracted by perceived whispers for one round
per point of critical failure.
3) You acquire the Obsession (death or immortality) or
Phobia (undead creatures), your choice, both minor ver-
sions.
SERPENT STAFF
Discipline: Earth, Life
Prerequisites: Magical Arts: Earth or Life level 5 and An-
imal Handling level 1
DL: 10 for one held club or staff / 15 for up to three sticks
or branches in a 3x3 yard area
Stamina Cost: 2 / 3
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: Self or 10 yards
Effect Area: Self or 3x3 yard area
Duration: 1 minute
Ritual Components: At least two of the following—1)
Staff or wand of oak, rowan, or alder; 2) Strip of snakeskin;
3) A handful of eggshells; 4) Pieces of a cocoon. A lock of
hair from a shape-shifting creature or a drop of venom from
a Medusa yields an additional +1 bonus to all ritual castings
of this spell.
Details/Description—
When this spell is successfully cast, one club or staff held
by the magician transforms into a venomous viper (the
SPELLS & MAGIC
DL 10 version) which can be used to bite opponents. The
mage uses either his Weaponry: Melee skill or the serpent’s
Brawling skill (see Viper stats in Chapter 21—Animals &
Gigantic Animals), whichever is higher. As with all attacks,
this costs the mage one action per round in combat.
The DL 15 version of this spell enables a sorcerer to in-
stantly transform up to three sticks (large twigs, branches,
etc.) in a 3x3 yard area into vipers which then follow the
mage’s command. The command, however, must be basic,
such as Attack, Defend, Guard, or even Perform, keeping in
mind the -4 Intellect of the creatures in question. The snakes
can also move up to 5 yards per round at the magician’s
behest—all commands cost the mage an action. Note that
if the snakes aren’t given a particular command during a
round, they will simply attack anyone within their reach
save for the mage.
At the end of the spell’s duration, the snakes revert
to their original forms, becoming staves, sticks, or wands
again. If a viper is slain, then the piece of wood will be bro-
ken when it transforms, unable to be affected by a Serpent
Staff spell again.
Critical Success:
1) You expend two less Stamina points.
2) The spell’s duration is doubled.
3) An additional stick is transformed in the effect area, mak-
ing it four snakes it total.
4) Your held club or staff becomes a viper with an addition-
al +2 bonus to its attack roll.
Critical Failure:
1) You expend two additional Stamina points.
2) You are Sickened for one round per point of critical fail-
ure.
3) You immediately gain the Obsession (snakes) or Phobia
(snakes) weakness, your choice, both minor versions.
SHADOW REAPER
Discipline: Death, Shadow
Prerequisites: Magical Arts: Death or Shadow level 5
DL: 15
Stamina Cost: 3
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: 10 yards
Effect Area: 1 shadow cast by a creature of Physique +20
or less
Duration: Instantaneous
Ritual Components: At least two of the following—1)
Four black candles, two which are lit and two which are
not; 2) A handful of ash or soot; 3) A blood-smeared blade.
A pinch of dirt from where a Shadow-daemon or Shad-
ow-wraith passed over grants an additional +1 bonus to
ritual castings of this spell.
Details/Description—
This rare and ominous spell allows a sorcerer to effectively
gain control of another creature’s shadow, turning it against
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its “owner” in a vicious and likely surprising assault. Infused
with the incarnated darkness of both the Nether-world and
Shadow-world, the shadow attacks immediately which
forces its target (which is always its owner/originator) to
succeed in an Endurance roll—versus a DL set by the mage’s
Magical Arts roll result—or suffer 1 point of both Health
and Stamina damage (maximum of 10 points). Even if the
target succeeds in its resistance roll, he or she is Distracted
for one full round due to the sudden weirdness of being
assaulted by such an otherwise harmless thing.
Shadows of inanimate objects are not affected by this
spell, nor are the shadows created by creatures with greater
than +20 Physiques. This spell does not function in utter
darkness where there is no shadow-play or in other ar-
eas where there no shadows are cast (which is rare—most
chambers and outdoor areas in the SK known world typi-
cally have some shadow-play).
Critical Success:
1) You expend two Stamina points less.
2) The maximum damage increases to 15.
3) The target is Stunned instead of Distracted for one full
round.
Critical Failure:
1) You expend two additional Stamina.
2) Your own shadow, very briefly, rails against you, causing
you 1 point of Health damage per point of critical failure.
3) You gain the Madness, Obsession (darkness), or Tainted
weakness, your choice of which, all minor versions.
SHAPE-SHIFT
Discipline: Air, Fire, Life, Water
Prerequisites: Vigor or Willpower +0, and Magical Arts:
Air, Fire, Life, Water level 7
DL: 10 for a humanoid form / 15 for a non-humanoid form
(plus see below)
Stamina Cost: 3 / 4
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: Self or Touch
Effect Area: Self or one willing creature
Duration: 1 hour
Ritual Components: At least two of the following—1) A
handful of lard or soft clay; 2) A bowl of water; 3) A cru-
cible of smoke or fire. A pinch of fur from a Werewolf or a
piece of Doppelganger hide grants an additional +1 bonus
to ritual castings of this spell.
Details/Description—
This rather potent spell enables a magician, or another
creature touched, to transform into another living creature.
Any physical or fleshly form can be assumed as long as it is
within 5 points of the magician’s (or other target creature’s)
Physique attribute. For example, a mage with a Physique
of +1 could transform into a creature with up to Physique
+6 or one with a Physique as low as -4 (the lowest possible
being -5).
240
Some of the more common forms used by masters of
this spell are boars, dogs, goats, panthers, ponies, sheep,
wolves, Duergar, Goblings, Hobgoblins, Sidhe, and more.
The shapeshifter gains the physical Attributes of the new
form—Agility, Physique, and Vigor—but retains his or her
own mental Attributes (Intellect, Magnetism, and Willpow-
er). Any Special Abilities and Talents of the creature’s type
are gained as well, save for those costing Stamina points.
Skills are governed by the higher Attribute between the two
forms, be it new creature or magician (or mage’s target).
For example, the magician would likely use his Intellect to
modify, say, the Perception skill instead of an animal’s Intel-
lect. However, no new languages are suddenly learned nor,
for that matter, does the ability to speak suddenly manifest
in a non-speaking form such as a dog or eagle.
Note that if another creature is the target of a Shape-shift
spell, the DLs increase by 5. If the target creature is unwill-
ing, then it receives an Endurance or Resolve roll (whichev-
er is higher) to resist the transformation (the DL being set by
the mage’s Magical Arts roll result). All creatures shapeshift-
ed must also, save for the magician him/herself, succeed in a
DL 10 Endurance roll after the spell expires or suffer 1 point
of Health damage per point of failure due to the pain and
near-torture of the physical transformation. A critical failure
here means a horrid body-twisting death.
Critical Success:
1) You expend two Stamina points less.
2) Your new form is better than anticipated, granting you a
+1 boost to any one Attribute for the duration of the spell.
3) The spell’s duration is doubled.
4) Your transformation is so amazing that you gain the abil-
ity to speak for the spell’s duration.
Critical Failure:
1) You expend two additional Stamina points.
2) A part of your body managed to transform slightly, and
painfully, causing 1 point of Health damage per point of
critical failure.
3) You gain the Madness, Obsession (flight or hunting), or
Phobia (flight or lycanthropes), your choice of which, all
major versions.
SHATTER THE HEART
Discipline: Death
Prerequisites: Willpower +0 and Magical Arts: Death
level 7
DL: 20
Stamina Cost: 5
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: Touch
Effect Area: 1 living creature
Duration: 2 rounds (see below)
Ritual Components: At least two of the following—1)
Bowl or goblet of blood; 2) A piece of heart from a mam-
mal; 3) A fingerbone from a humanoid; 4) A shattered mir-
ror or crystal. A fingerbone from a Titan (any type) or the
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 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
preserved heart of a Demon-hag grants an additional +1
bonus to ritual castings of this spell.
Details/Description—
This terrible spell can cause a living creature’s heart to in-
stantly cease functioning, virtually shattered and quite lit-
erally broken. The sorcerer must touch the target’s chest,
however, which in combat would require a successful
Brawling skill roll. Upon a success, the target creature must
succeed in an Endurance roll (versus a DL set by the mage’s
Magical Arts roll result) or become Stunned for one round.
On the following round, the creature receives another En-
durance roll against the same DL, though this time failure
means immediate death.
Creatures with Physiques of +20 or higher are immune
to Shatter The Heart spells, as are all undead beings and
magically animated constructs, since the creature must have
an actual heart-like organ.
Critical Success:
1) You expend two less Stamina points.
2) Even if the target succeeds in its second Endurance roll,
it is still Stunned for one full round.
3) You manage to gain some of the target’s life-essence, thus
receiving a +1 boost to your Vigor for one hour.
4) You deal 5 points of damage to the target in the off-
chance that it survives the spell’s primary effects.
Critical Failure:
1) You expend two additional Stamina points.
2) You are Stunned for one full round as your own heart
lurches to a brief stop.
3) You acquire the Obsession (death) or Tainted weakness,
your choice, the former a major version.
SIMULACRUM
Discipline: Life
Prerequisites: Magical Arts: Life level 10
DL: 25
Stamina Cost: 6
Health Cost: 3
Casting Time: 1 minute
Range: Touch (created creature appears within Touch
range)
Effect Area: 1 square-yard space adjacent to magician
Duration: 1 year or until dismissed or destroyed
Ritual Components: All three of the following—1) A vial
of the magician’s own blood; 2) lock of magician’s own
hair; 3) magicians birth/true name inscribed on a bone,
stone, or stick of oak. A piece of a Golem or Doppelganger
grants an additional +1 bonus to ritual castings of this spell.
Details/Description—
This rare and highly advanced spell enables a magician to
create a facsimile, or simulacrum, of him/herself. During the
casting time, the created simulacrum creature grows out of
SPELLS & MAGIC
near nothingness, eventually forming—hair, teeth, flesh,
bones, skin, and all—into a veritable twin of the casting
sorcerer.
In fact, the Simulacrum is so convincing that only a suc-
cessful DL 25 Perception skill roll can tell the difference,
however slight, between magician and artificial creation.
However, the creature’s personality and general mentality
is quite “wooden” at first, although it can be trained after a
full month’s time with a successful DL 20 Persuasion roll on
the mage’s part. If a success, the Perception DL to discern
the difference between sorcerer and simulacrum increases
to 30.
The Simulacrum-creature has precisely the same Attri-
butes, Derived Traits, Talents, Weaknesses, and Skills, as the
creating magician. It can even cast the same spells that its
master knows, although such is done at a -5 penalty to the
Magical Arts roll since simulacra lack a true soul and fully
developed mind. A Simulacrum can be slain, just like any
other fleshly mortal being, but are not receptive to a Re-
store Life spell. It can, however, be affected by Reanimation
spells.
Note the Health cost that the magician must pay (in ad-
dition to the usual Stamina) when performing this difficult
spell. Furthermore, 1 Health point is permanently lost by
the sorcerer as the simulacrum is infused with a dash of his
or her own life-energy.
Critical Success:
1) You expend two less Health and Stamina points.
2) The spell’s duration is doubled.
3) The Simulacrum automatically has the mage’s completely
personality, and so no “training” time is required.
4) The Simulacrum is your superior, to some extent, gaining
a +1 boost to any two of its Attributes of your choice.
Critical Failure:
1) You expend two additional Health and Stamina points.
2) You lose one permanent Health or Stamina point (your
choice).
3) You gain a major version of the Obsession (immortality
or power) weakness.
SLUMBER
Discipline: Death, Life, Shadow
Prerequisites: Magical Arts: Death, Life or Shadow level
3
DL: 10 for a single target / 15 for a 2x2 yard area
Stamina Cost: 2 per creature affected
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: 10 yards
Effect Area: 1 living creature
Duration: 1 minute
Ritual Components: At least two of the following—1)
A handful of sand; 2) A large feather; 3) A pendulum or
crystal. A Purple Lotus or Pink Lotus petal or the tongue of
a Siren yields an additional +1 bonus to ritual castings of
this spell.
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 SAVAGEIII
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Details/Description—
This mind-based spell enables a magician to instantly put
to sleep any living creature whose Intellect is at least -4.
As such, it does not affect undead beings or animated con-
struct, nor does it affect any creature whose Physique is
+20 or greater. The slumbering effects are deep, causing
the affected creature to become Unconscious and Helpless
(and thus easily dispatched with a Finishing Blow). Either
one creature can be targeted (the DL 10 version) or a small
group of creatures in a 2x2 yard area (DL 15 version).
Vigorously shaking a magically sleeping creature will
cause it to awaken, although this takes a full round (2 ac-
tions).Submersion in water, or some other form of suffoca-
tion, will also cause the slumbering victim to awaken as well
after one full round. Otherwise, the creature remains asleep
for the full one-minute duration of the spell.
Critical Success:
1) You expend two less Stamina points.
2) The spell’s duration is doubled.
3) The effect area is doubled.
Critical Failure:
1) You expend one additional Stamina point.
2) You are groggy, gaining the Distracted condition, for one
round per point of critical failure.
3) You acquire the Addiction (pink lotus, purple lotus, or
some other sleeping “drug”) or Obsession (dreams or sleep-
ing), your choice, both minor versions.
SPIRIT WEAPON
Discipline: Air, Shadow
Prerequisites: Magical Arts: Air or Shadow level 5
DL: 10 for a melee spirit weapon / 15 for a ranged spirit
weapon
Stamina Cost: 2 / 3
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: Self or up to 12 yards (see below)
Effect Area: Self (magician only)
Duration: 1 minute
Ritual Components: At least two of the following—1)
Three white or grey candles; 2) A knife, dagger, or spear;
3) Being inside a tomb or cairn or near a known portal to
the Other-world. A handful of dirt from where a spirit-like
creature passed or the weapon of a Shadow-wraith grants
an additional +1 bonus to ritual castings of this spell.
Details/Description—
The magician conjures forth an incorporeal spirit-like weap-
on, be it dagger, sword, spear, or whatever (mage’s choice).
This mystical force can be wielded as either a melee (DL 10
version) or ranged weapon (DL 15 version), using the ma-
gician’s appropriate Weaponry skill or Magical Arts: Air or
Shadow, whichever is better. Thus, in one round, a sorcerer
could cast this spell as one action and then attack with it as
a second action.
242
A melee-type Spirit Weapon can have a Reach of up to
2, and a ranged Spirit Weapon (which might resemble a
javelin or thrown dagger, etc.) has a Range of 4/8/12. It
takes an action for a thrown Spirit Weapon to return to
the magician. Spirit Weapons deal 1 point of Health and
Stamina damage, per point of success, to non-corporeal (or
spirit-like) creatures. Maximum damage is 10 points.
Note that corporeal creatures can still be dealt Stamina
damage from the spiritual or psychic “force” of the weap-
on, but not Health damage. Spirit Weapons cannot be used
to parry physical weaponry, although they can be used to-
ward one’s Parry Defense against a rival mage’s own Spirit
Weapon.
Critical Success:
1) You expend two Stamina points less.
2) The maximum damage improves to 15.
3) The Spirit Weapon gains an AP rating of 2.
4) If a melee Spirit Weapon, it gains a Reach of 3; if a ranged
weapon, the Range increases to 6/12/18.
Critical Failure:
1) You expend two additional Stamina points.
2) You are dazed and detached from reality for a moment,
gaining the Stunned condition for one full round.
3) You gain the Obsession (Shadow-world) or Phobia (in-
corporeal undead), your choice, both minor versions.
SUMMON INFERNO
Discipline: Death, Fire
Prerequisites: Magical Arts: Death or Fire level 5
DL: 15
Stamina Cost: 3
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: 20 yards
Effect Area: 4x4 yard area
Duration: 1 minute
Ritual Components: At least two of the following—1)
A bowl or brazier of fire; 2) Handful of ash or soot; 3) A
pinch of Sulphur/brimstone; 4) Being anywhere inside an
active volcano. A captured Fire Elemental or a lock of hair
from a Fire Giant grants an additional +1 bonus to ritual
castings of this spell.
Details/Description—
The magician summons forth a large quantity of fire, burst-
ing up from the very floor or ground in a sudden. This will
burn or ignite any combustible materials in the effect area,
and any creatures so affected must succeed in an Acrobatics
roll (versus a DL set by the mage’s Magical Arts roll result)
or take 1 point of Health damage per point of failure. Max-
imum damage is 15 points for every round spent within this
inferno. As with all fire damage, armor is only half effective.
Note that the Inferno cannot be moved by the magician,
although it will continue to burn in the effect area for the
one-minute duration of the spell. Any combustible material
affected is still likely to continue burning for a while after-
SPELLS & MAGIC
 SAVAGEIII
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wards per the GM’s discretion.
Critical Success:
1) You expend two less Stamina points.
2) The duration is doubled.
3) The effect area is doubled.
4) Maximum damage per round increases to 20.
Critical Failure:
1) You expend two additional Stamina points.
2) You are Stunned by a feeling of intense heat for one full
round.
3) You gain the Obsession (fire) or Phobia (fire) weakness,
your choice, both minor versions.
SUMMON PLAGUE
Discipline: Air, Death
Prerequisites: Vigor or Willpower +0, and Magical Arts:
Air or Death level 7
DL: 15 for a lesser plague / 25 for a greater plague
Stamina Cost: 3 / 5
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: 30 yards
Effect Area: 10x10 square-yard area or half-mile square
area
Duration: 1 hour
Ritual Components: At least two of the following for
a lesser plague or three for the greater version—1) Several
half-rotten bones; 2) A handful of festering dung or a bowl
of urine; 3) A half-gallon of the mage’s own blood (dealing
2 points of Health damage); 4) Being with the Wastes of
Xarkon (across the sea in the East). A piece of rotting flesh
from a Ghoul or plague-bearing demon yields an additional
+1 bonus to ritual castings of this spell.
Details/Description—
This potent, if morally wicked spell, summons forth a terri-
ble plague-like disease. This epidemic strikes either a 10x10
yard area (the DL 15 version) or a half square-mile (the DL
25 version). Most plant-life in the effect area will wilt and
become blighted, as well as most of the smaller forms of
fauna (with less than -5 Physiques).
All other creatures must succeed in an Endurance roll
versus a DL set by the sorcerer’s Magical Arts roll result
or gain the Severely Diseased condition. Each stage is one
hour in length over a course of eight hours (see the Con-
ditions entry under Chapter 17—Actions & Combat). Fur-
thermore, for every 5 points of Health damage a victim
succumbs to, one point of Magnetism is also lost due to the
horrible purple-black bolls, sores, and seeping puss brought
on by this horrid spell.
The effect area of Summon Plague remains effective for
one hour’s time, meaning that any creature entering that
area must succeed in the above-mentioned Endurance roll
for every minute spent within. It does not move, not by
the mage’s will nor by high winds. Obviously, the effects of
being diseased (as mentioned above) can last much longer
SPELLS & MAGIC
that one hour and can often be fatal.
Note that the magician is not immune to his or her own
summoned plagues, and—fortunately—victims of this spell
cannot pass their illness off to another creature. Lastly, ex-
tensive or over-use of this spell could inflict the magician
with the Honorless or even Tainted weakness at the GM’s
discretion.
Critical Success:
1) You expend two less Stamina points.
2) The duration is doubled.
3) The effect area is doubled.
4) You are immune to this casting of Summon Plague and
can thus safely enter the effect area if so desired.
Critical Failure:
1) You expend two additional Stamina points.
2) You inflict yourself with a minor contagion, causing the
loss of 1 point of Vigor for one hour (or if cured with a DL
25 Healing Arts roll beforehand).
3) You gain the Madness, Phobia (disease), or Tainted
weakness, your choice of which, the former two major ver-
sions.
SUMMON STORM
Discipline: Air, Water
Prerequisites: Willpower +0 and Magical Arts: Air or
Water level 7
DL: 15 for a modest storm / 25 for a large storm
Stamina Cost: 3 / 5
Casting Time: 2 actions
Range: 50 yards
Effect Area: 50x50 yard or half square-mile area
Duration: 1 minute
Ritual Components: At least two of the following—1)
Lightning-struck wand of ash or oak; 2) A bowl of water;
3) A piece of a shipwreck; 4) Being most anywhere off the
coast of Gorgotha. A lock of hair from a Storm Titan or an
Angel of Vengeance grants an additional +1 bonus to ritual
castings of this spell.
Details/Description—
This potent spell conjures forth a moderate-sized (the DL 15
version) or large storm (DL 25 version) in a 50x50 yard or a
half-mile square area, respectively. The storm contains light-
ning, thunder, driving rain and hail, and high winds, causing
any creature in the effect area to succeed in an Endurance
roll—versus a DL set by the mage’s Magical Arts roll re-
sult—or suffer 1 point of both Health and Stamina damage
per point of failure. Maximum damage is 5 per round, and
armor is half-effective. This roll must be repeated for every
round that a creature remains in the spell’s effect area. If the
Endurance roll fails by 10 or more, then the creature is also
knocked prone by the buffeting winds unless its Physique is
+10 or greater.
Creatures with soft cover (such as a tent, thatched hut,
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 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
ruined building, etc.) gain a +2 bonus to their Endurance
rolls, while hard cover (a shallow cave opening, a well-
built cottage, etc.) yields a +5 bonus to this roll. Full cover,
such as that from a stone castle, well-built temple, or be-
low-decks of a finely built ship, might grant immunity to the
spell’s effects with the GM’s discretion.
Note that over-use of Summon Storm, particularly the
heavy storm version (and especially on innocent bystand-
ers), might earn the magician the Honorless or possibly
even the Tainted weakness—GM adjudication applies.
Critical Success:
1) You expend two less Stamina points.
2) The spell’s duration is doubled.
3) The spell’s effect area is doubled.
4) Maximum damage increases to 10 Health and Stamina.
Critical Failure:
1) You expend two additional Stamina points.
2) You are Stunned for one full round.
3) You acquire the Obsession (destruction), Phobia
(storms), or Tainted weakness, your choice of which, all
major versions.
THUNDEROUS BLAST
Discipline: Air, Water
Prerequisites: Magical Arts: Air or Water level 5
DL: 10 for a bolt of lightning / 15 for a radial blast
Stamina Cost: 3 / 4
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: 20 yards or Self
Effect Area: 1 target or a 5-yard radius centered on ma-
gician
Duration: Instantaneous
Ritual Components: At least two of the following—1)
Piece of wood from a lightning-struck tree; 2) A vial of rain-
drops; 3) A piece of glass. A lock of hair from a Storm Titan
or from the Basileus of Prydon yields an additional +1 bo-
nus to ritual castings of this spell.
Details/Description—
The DL 10 version of this spell allows a magician to call
forth a bolt of lightning, shooting it swiftly toward a single
target. If a creature, the creature must succeed in an Ac-
robatics roll (against a DL set by the mage’s Magical Arts
roll result) or suffer 1 point of Health damage per point of
failure. Maximum damage is 15 and armor is only half-ef-
fective. If the target-creature fails the Acrobatics roll by 10
or more, then it is also knocked prone unless its Physique is
+10 or greater.
The DL 15 version enables a sorcerer to send forth a sud-
den blast of electricity from his or her body which auto-
matically throws any creature down prone within the effect
area (5 yards) unless its Physique is +15 or better. Further-
more, the creatures in question must also succeed in an En-
durance roll (versus a DL set by the magician’s Magical Arts
244
roll result) or become Deafened for one round per point of
failure. Maximum 10 rounds. Note that even allies within
the 5-yard aura are affected, so the sorcerer must be wise.
Critical Success:
1) You expend two less Stamina points.
2) The effect area is doubled to 2 targets or a 10-yard radius
centered on mage.
3) If the DL version, the target is also Stunned for one full
round; if the DL 15 version, 5 points of Health damage is
delivered in addition.
Critical Failure:
1) You expend two additional Stamina points.
2) You are Stunned for one full round.
3) You are Deafened for one round per point of critical
failure.
4) You acquire the Disfigured weakness, from internal fa-
cial burns, or the Phobia (thunderstorms) weakness, your
choice of which, both minor versions.
TIDAL WAVE
Discipline: Water
Prerequisites: Willpower +0 and Magical Arts: Water
level 7
DL: 15 for a great wave / 20 for a massive wave
Stamina Cost: 3 / 4
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: 30 yards
Effect Area: 50 or 150 yard length of water, 20 yards in
height
Duration: 1 round
Ritual Components: At least two of the following—1)
A bowl or chalice of sea water; 2) Large nautilus shell; 3)
A handful of salt mixed with a handful of sand. A lock of
hair from a Storm Titan or the fingerbone of a high priest
of Prydonis grants an additional +1 bonus to ritual castings
of this spell.
Details/Description—
This mighty spell is capable of calling forth a great 50-yard
long wave (the DL 15 version) or a massive 150-yard long
wave (DL 20 version), either of which can be up to 20
yards in height at the magician’s behest. The tidal wave
forms from as far away as 30 yards (the spell’s range) and
moves at a rate of up to 30 yards during its one-round du-
ration. Any creature caught in the wave’s effect area must
succeed in an Athletics (swimming) roll—against a DL set
by the mage’s Magical Arts roll result—or suffer 1 point of
Health damage per point of failure. Furthermore, the crea-
ture is knocked prone, and if failing the roll by 10 or more,
also Stunned for one round. Maximum Health damage here
is 10 for a great wave and 15 for a massive wave. The result
is the same whether in the water or on a shoreline (up to
50 or 150 yards inland, respectively), and armor is only half
effective.
Small waterborne vessels, such as rowboats, fishing
SPELLS & MAGIC
 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
boats, canoes, small barges, and the like, are automatically
destroyed or submerged, while larger craft—like biremes,
triremes, longships, and such—receive a Sailing skill roll
from their captains or pilots (the DL being the Magical Arts
roll result). A failure means the vessel takes 10% damage
per point of failure, with 100% meaning sunk/submerged.
A half (50%) damage craft, for example, is likely dead in
the water until major repairs are done with up to half of its
crew being swept off the deck. A 20% damaged vessel is,
obviously, lighter damage, but still needs light repairs. And
so on. Any vessel with 50% or more damage will sink in
1d20 hours if no significant repairs are done before then.
GM discretion applies.
Shoreline buildings, such as harbor docks, shanties, and
even water-breaks or fortified walls, will also suffer com-
parable damage to larger ships, with 10-100% damage be-
ing taken as described above (with 100% damage meaning
completely destroyed). Well-built fortified walls, designed
for port cities, might only suffer 10-50% damage per GM
adjudication.
Note that this spell will not function on any body of
water smaller than a lake, deep or wide river, or an ocean
body.
Critical Success:
1) You expend two Stamina points less.
2) The Tidal Wave is extremely fast, moving at up to 60
yards in a round.
3) The wave contains chunks of ice or other debris which
increases its maximum damage by 5 (or an additional 20%
to structures).
4) The length of the wave is doubled.
Critical Failure:
1) You expend two additional Stamina points.
2) The water in your body is slightly affected, causing you
to become Sickened for ten minutes.
3) You must acquire the Obsession (destruction or water) or
Phobia (deep water or sea-storms) weakness, your choice
of which, both major versions.
TRANSFORM LIQUID
Discipline: Water
Prerequisites: Magical Arts: Water level 3
DL: 15 for a cubic-yard of liquid / 20 for a three cubic-yard
area
Stamina Cost: 2 / 3
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: Touch
Effect Area: 1 to 3 cubic yards of liquid
Duration: 1 hour
Ritual Components: At least two of the following—1)
A vessel of water or wine; 2) Piece of chameleon skin; 3)
A handful of salt, soot, or similar powder. A lock of hair
or tooth from a lycanthropic creature (such as a werewolf,
were-bear, etc.) yields an additional +1 bonus to ritual cast-
ings of this spell.
SPELLS & MAGIC
Details/Description—
Sometimes called Water To Wine, this spell enables a magi-
cian to transmute various liquids into other types of liquids.
This could involve turning water into wine, wine into wa-
ter, poison into water, urine into water, bad ale into good
ale, etc. It does not, however, adversely affect the fluids in
a living creature’s body.
There are other limitations as well—turning water, wine,
or some other liquids into poison is possible, but only Mod-
erate versions are created. Same with transforming liquids
into acids—only Moderate versions can be attained. How-
ever, in reverse, this spell works at its fullest potential, with
even the most potent of acids and poisons being made as
water if so desired by the mage (or simply made less potent,
more watered-down versions of themselves).
Even the waters of a small pool or pond can be affected,
in addition to the those contained in more obvious vessels
(such as flagons, chalices, bowls, vials, etc.), although bear
in mind that in the case of moving water—like from a river
or waterfall—the transformed portion will quickly mingle
in with the non-transformed remainder, diluting it quickly.
Critical Success:
1) You expend two less Stamina points.
2) The duration increases to eight hours.
3) The effect area is doubled to 2 cubic and 6 cubic yards.
4) If trying to create an acid or a poison, it can be of ‘Mod-
erate’ degree.
Critical Failure:
1) You expend an additional Stamina point.
2) You become nauseous and gain the Sickened condition
for one minute.
3) You gain the Obsession (ale, wine, slavka, etc.) or Pho-
bia (acid, poison, deep water, etc.) weakness, your choice,
both minor versions.
TREE-SPEAK
Discipline: Life, Shadow
Prerequisites: Magical Arts: Life or Shadow level 3
DL: 10 for a young tree / 15 for an old tree
Stamina Cost: 2 / 3
Casting Time: 2 actions
Range: Touch
Effect Area: 1 living tree
Duration: 5 minutes
Ritual Components: At least two of the following—1)
Bowl of acorns or hazelnuts; 2) Tooth or tongue of a speak-
ing creature; 3) A wood-carving of a humanoid being. A
tendril-stalk from a Death Lotus or branch or root from a
Tree of Death grants an additional +1 bonus to ritualized
castings of this spell.
Details/Description—
This divinatory spell allows a magician to access the
“thoughts” or sensory impressions of trees. As living things,
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 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
and once “awakened” eons ago, some believe that trees
have the power to gather and absorb knowledge of their
surroundings at a near-sentient level, and were even once
capable of speech when the first gods created the first arbo-
real giants when the world was very young.
The DL 10 version of this spell enables a magician to
communicate with a tree—of virtually any variety (as long
as it is still alive)—of up to 100 years in age. For the DL 15
version, the tree can be 100 or more years old, some variet-
ies capable of living two to five (or more) times that. A tree
tapped into by a Tree-speak spell is aware of an area around
it equal to 5 yards per year that it has lived. For example, a
40 year-old elm tree would “know” most happenings with-
in 200 yards of its roots.
Since trees communicate slowly and methodically, it takes
one minute per question answered or piece of information
given. Thus, only a maximum of five questions or bits of
information can be passed onto the magician per casting of
this spell. Most trees would likely know the whereabouts
of fresh water, what creatures might dwell or hunt in the
general area, where certain herbs might grow, and the like,
as long as it is within the “knowledge radius” of the tree in
question as mentioned above.
Critical Success:
1) You expend two fewer Stamina points.
2) The duration is doubled (and thus the number of ques-
tions answered).
3) You bond exceptionally with the tree in question, gaining
extremely detailed information within a “knowledge area”
twice the normal size.
Critical Failure:
1) You expend two additional Stamina points.
2) You are temporarily lost in the deep and silent dreams of
the tree’s psyche, causing you to become Distracted for one
minute per point of critical failure.
3) You gain the Obsession (trees) or Phobia (plant-like crea-
tures) weakness, your choice, both minor versions.
UNSEEN HAND
Discipline: Air
Prerequisites: Magical Arts: Air level 3
DL: 10 to move an object / 15 to throw an object
Stamina Cost: 2 / 3
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: 10 yards
Effect Area: 1 object no larger than Bulk 1
Duration: 10 minutes (or focus) or Instantaneous
Ritual Components: At least two of the following—1)
An owl or raven feather; 2) Three white or yellow can-
dles; 3) Glove or finger ring. A feather from the wing of
a Winged Horse or a piece of a Dragon’s wing yields an
additional +1 bonus to ritual castings of this spell.
Details/Description—
This spell allows a magician to move, and to some degree
246
manipulate, one object weighing up to 20 pounds (or Bulk
1). This assumes the DL 10 version of the spell, wherein the
sorcerer can move said object—as if from invisible hands—
up to 5 yards per round. The mage can even manage some
basic fine manipulation, such as a large key going into a
large keyhole, triggering a known physical trap, pouring
liquid into a large vessel, etc. Tasks requiring finer or more
detailed manipulation are at a -2 to -5 penalty, depending
on how difficult the GM judges the action to be. For exam-
ple, using Unseen Hand to manipulate a lock-pick to open
a lock would be a -2 penalty if a simple lock or a -5 one if
more advanced or master-crafted. The Unseen Hand will
remain in existence for ten minutes or until the magician
ceases focus on it, whichever comes first.
The DL 15 version of this spell enables the mage to hurl
an object, no greater than mentioned above (20 lbs. or
less), with some velocity and momentum behind it. If a
creature is the target of the hurled item, then it gets an Ac-
robatics roll to avoid it, the DL being set by the magician’s
Magical Arts roll. Damage is generally 1 point per point of
failure for an object made of metal, stone, or heavy wood,
and if not an actual manufactured weapon (which use their
own statistics), will have a maximum damage rating of 10.
If the object is lighter or less hardy—such as being made
of wicker, clay, or flesh—then the maximum damage is 5
instead.
If an Unseen Hand is being used to snatch away some-
thing from the hands of a conscious and non-helpless being,
the latter receives a Brawling roll (against a DL set by the
mage’s Magical Arts roll result) to resist the assault. Oth-
erwise, unattended objects—as long as they are within the
weight restrictions—are “free game” as long as the sorcerer
succeeds in the Magical Arts roll to properly manifest the
spell.
Critical Success:
1) You expend two Stamina points less.
2) The duration is doubled (but still requires focus).
3) You can move and lift objects up to Bulk 2 (about 40
lbs).
4) If hurling an object, the maximum damage increases by
5.
Critical Failure:
1) You expend two additional Stamina points.
2) The object you attempted to move or throw is damaged
if of average to master-crafted quality (or destroyed if poor
quality).
3) The air suddenly leaves your chest, causing you to be-
come Stunned for one full round.
4) You acquire the Obsession (kleptomania) or Phobia
(high winds or storms) weakness, your choice, both minor
versions.
VENOMOUS TOUCH
Discipline: Death
Prerequisites: Magical Arts: Death level 3
SPELLS & MAGIC
 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
DL: 10 to summon to hand / 15 to conjure onto a weapon
Stamina Cost: 2 / 3
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: Touch
Effect Area: Magician’s hand or held weapon
Duration: 1 minute
Ritual Components: At least two of the following—1) A
drop of snake or spider venom; 2) Fingerbone or severed
hand; 3) A piece of a weapon that was used by a known
assassin. A drop of venom from a Basilisk, Oni-spider, or
Xurian Serpent grants an additional +1 bonus to ritual cast-
ings of this spell.
Details/Description—
The magician conjures an oily poisonous substance onto ei-
ther one of his hands (the DL 10 version) or a single held
weapon (DL 15 version). The former requires a successful
Brawling roll to succeed if attacking a target with Venom-
ous Touch, while the latter requires a successful Weaponry:
Melee roll. Both are resolved in the usual ways, against the
opponent’s Dodge or Parry Defense.
A successful strike means the target must then succeed in
an Endurance (resist poison specialty) roll—versus a DL set
by the mage’s Magical Arts roll result—or immediately gain
the Moderately Poisoned condition. The poisonous effect
runs its course in one hour’s time should the target fail his
or her resistance roll. In addition, if the DL 10 version of the
spell, the target also takes 1 point of punching damage per
point of success over its Defense to a maximum of 5 points
(or 10 if the Heavy Hitter talent is possessed by the mage).
If the DL 15 version, then Health damage is dealt as well in
the usual manner via weapon type.
This spell does not function on ranged weapons, but
only on hand-held melee weapons and the mage’s very
own hand. Note that a magician’s own Venomous Touch
does no harm to his hands, although the magical poison of
a rival sorcerer could still affect him or her. Constant use of
this spell could cause the magician to gain the Honorless,
or perhaps even the Tainted, weakness given GM adjudi-
cation.
Critical Success:
1) You expend two Stamina points less.
2) The spell’s duration is doubled.
3) The target gains the Strongly Poisoned condition for one
hour instead.
Critical Failure:
1) You expend two additional Stamina points.
2) You are Sickened for one minute per point of critical
failure.
3) You gain the Honorless or Phobia (poisons) weakness,
your choice, the latter a minor version.
VERMIN SWARM
Discipline: Death, Earth, Life
SPELLS & MAGIC
Prerequisites: Magical Arts: Death, Earth, or Life level 5
DL: 15 for a 2x2 yard area / 20 for a 4x4 yard area
Stamina Cost: 2 / 3
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: 15 yards
Effect Area: 2x2 or 4x4 yard area
Duration: 1 minute
Ritual Components: At least two of the following—1)
An intact skull; 2) Tail of a rat; 3) Pinch of dried dung; 4) A
piece of a hornet’s nest. A stinger, mandible, or pincer from
a Giant Spider or Giant Scorpion yields an additional +1
bonus to ritual castings of this spell.
Details/Description—
This spell enables a magician to call forth a swarm of ver-
min, such as maggots, flies, worms, cockroaches, small rats,
and the like, which then bite and sting and otherwise annoy
(and harm) all creatures within the effect area. Such crea-
tures must succeed in an Endurance roll—against a DL set
by the mage’s Magical Arts roll result—or suffer 1 point of
Health damage per point of failure (maximum damage of
5). Furthermore, if the victim fails this resistance roll by 10
or more, he or she is also Blinded or Sickened (magician’s
choice) for one full round. This roll must be made for every
round a creature is within the effect area.
As one action, the sorcerer can cause the swarm to move
up to 5 yards (or 10 yards as two actions). This requires fo-
cus on the sorcerer’s part; otherwise, the swarm will simply
stop moving forward, although it will still continue to harm
creatures in its effect area until the spell ends. Note that ar-
mor only counts as half value against a Vermin Swarm spell.
Critical Success:
1) You expend one less Stamina point.
2) The spell’s duration is doubled.
3) The effect area is doubled.
4) Maximum damage from the swarm improves to 10.
Critical Failure:
1) You expend one additional Stamina point.
2) You take 1 point of Health damage, per point of critical
failure, from several summoned verminous creatures that
vanish after one round.
3) You acquire the Honorless or Phobia (rats or insects)
weakness, your choice, the latter being a minor version.
WALL OF EARTH
Discipline: Earth
Prerequisites: Magical Arts: Earth level 5
DL: 15 for a straight line / 20 for a dome or hemisphere
Stamina Cost: 3 / 4
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: 15 yards
Effect Area: Up to a 15-yard long wall or 5-yard diameter
dome
Duration: 1 minute
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 SAVAGEIII
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Ritual Components: At least two of the following—1) A
handful of crystal or marble dust; 2) A hammer or spade; 3)
Piece of stone from a castle wall. The remnants of an Earth
Elemental or a lock of hair from an Earth Titan grants an
additional +1 to ritual castings of this spell.
Details/Description—
With this spell, a magician can raise from the very ground
a bastion of earth and rock. It thrusts up quickly from the
earth itself, whether outdoors or indoors, so long as there
is raw earth not far beneath the surface. Creatures caught in
the exact effect area when the spell is first cast must succeed
in an Acrobatics roll—versus a DL set by the mage’s Magi-
cal Arts roll result—or take one point of Health damage per
point of failure (maximum of 5 damage) and be knocked
prone (unless of Physique +20 or greater). Creatures failing
fall on the side of the wall of the mage’s choice. Those suc-
ceeding by 5 or more fall on the side of their choice, or may
even elect to remain on top of the wall itself.
The DL 15 version of this spell only allows for a straight
line, or wall, although the mage may place the wall in any
alignment or configuration within the spell’s range. The
earthen wall is 12-feet high and one-foot wide (or thick)
and requires creatures with a combined Physique of +35
to push over the wall or breach a one-yard section of it.
Bludgeoning and cleaving weapons grant a bonus to their
wielders—a bonus equal to their Armor Piercing ratings—
when figuring the strength of those attempting to topple
or breach the Wall of Earth. It requires a DL 20 Athletics
(climbing specialty) roll to clamber over the wall.
As for the DL 20 version, a hemispherical dome (the flat
end being the bottom or ground level) is brought into being,
with the magician him/herself being considered the center
or it. Thus, the earthen structure forms around the conjuring
sorcerer and, naturally, any allies or objects within 4 yards
of him or her. This dome has no windows, doors, or other
portals or designs, its walls being one-foot thick as per the
straight wall (DL 15) version. It thus has the same structural
integrity as the straight-wall version, requiring a combined
Physique of +25 or better to topple it or to breach a one-
yard section of it. The dome is 12-feet in height at its apex
and requires a DL 15 Athletics roll to climb atop it.
After the spell’s duration expires, the wall or dome sim-
ply falls into ruin, though chunks and pieces of it will re-
main.
Critical Success:
1) You expend one less Stamina point.
2) The spell’s duration is doubled.
3) The effect area is doubled.
4) The wall is two-feet thick and exceptionally strong, re-
quiring a combined Physique of +35 to topple or breach it.
Critical Failure:
1) You expend one additional Stamina point.
2) The earth beneath your feet trembles a moment, causing
you to be knocked prone for one round.
3) You gain the Obsession (gems or precious metals) or
Phobia (avalanches or earthquakes) weakness, your choice,
248
both minor versions.
WALL OF FLAME
Discipline: Fire
Prerequisites: Magical Arts: Fire level 5
DL: 10 for a straight wall / 15 for a dome or hemisphere
Stamina Cost: 3 / 4
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: 15 yards
Effect Area: Up to a 15-yard long wall or a 5-yard diam-
eter dome
Duration: 1 minute
Ritual Components: At least two of the following—1) A
burning brazier or lamp; 2) Pinch of Sulphur; 3) A piece of
a castle wall. A lock of hair from a Fire Giant or material
scorched by a Fire Elemental grants an additional +1 bonus
to ritual castings of this spell.
Details/Description—
This spell enables a magician to conjure forth a wall-like
sheet of flame from the very ground or floor—any surface
other than water. Any creature standing where the fiery
wall or dome first appears (the wall is but one foot wide,
be it straight line or dome) must succeed in an Acrobatics
roll versus a DL set by the mage’s Magical Arts roll result or
suffer 1 point of Health damage per point of failure. Max-
imum damage is 10. Note that the interior of the dome or
hemisphere (the DL 15 version) is hollow and only slightly
warm, for the flames burn outward. A Wall of Fire is 12 feet
(4 yards) in height, as is the hemispherical dome.
Any creature walking through a Wall of Flame will auto-
matically take 10 points of fire damage—if it succeeds in an
Endurance (resist fire specialty) roll, however, against the
same DL, it only takes 5 points of damage. Upon a critical
success, the creature takes no damage at all. Armor is only
half effective.
The fiery curtain will also ignite any combustibles within
the effect area. Any creature within one yard of the Wall,
at the beginning of its turn in the Initiative order, will suffer
1 Health damage and 1 Stamina damage if it fails an En-
durance roll (DL set by the Magical Arts roll result), for so
intense is the heat. Armor has no effect in this case.
Note that looking through the flaming wall comes with
a -5 penalty to Perception skill rolls due to the distortion,
crackling sounds, and other challenges and distractions.
Critical Success:
1) You expend two less Stamina points.
2) The spell’s duration is doubled.
3) The effect area is doubled.
4) The fiery wall is extraordinarily hot, having a maximum
of 15 damage instead of 10.
Critical Failure:
1) You expend two additional Stamina points.
2) You experience a sensation of extreme heat for a mo-
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 SAVAGEIII
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ment, causing you to become Stunned for one round.
3) You acquire the Disfigured (from sudden burns), Ob-
session (fire), or Phobia (fire)—your choice of which—the
latter two being minor versions.
WARDING
Discipline: Air, Earth, Life
Prerequisites: Magical Arts: Air, Earth, or Life level 1
DL: 10 for personal ward / 15 for a 3x3 yard area
Stamina Cost: 2 / 3
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: Self or Touch
Effect Area: 1 creature or a 3x3 yard area
Duration: 1 hour
Ritual Components: At least two of the following—1)
A mostly intact eggshell; 2) A tortoise shell; 3) A ring or
circlet; 4) A buckler or shield of exceptional-quality. A piece
of stone from a well-known nemeton (standing stones) or a
lock of hair from an Elder Priestess of Signa grants an addi-
tional +1 bonus to ritualized castings of this spell.
Details/Description—
This basic protective spell enables a magician to ward him-
self or another willing creature (the DL 10 version), or all
creatures within a small space (DL 15 version). This grants a
+2 bonus to Defense and to all resistance rolls made against
one specific type of creature, force, or effect as follows: De-
mons, Dragons, Elementals, Fey, Genies, Giants, Gorgons,
Lycanthropes, Oni, or Undead. The mage must specify
when the spell is cast.
Note that in regards to the DL 15 version of this spell,

SPELLS & MAGIC 249

 SAVAGEIII
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the 3x3 yard effect area does not move, but rather remains
where the magician first intended. (This is because the actu-
al space or ground is warded.) However, those within this
space gain the above-mentioned benefits.
Critical Success:
1) You expend two less Stamina points.
2) The spell’s duration is doubled.
3) The effect area is doubled to 2 individuals (the DL 10
version) or a 6x6 yard area.
Critical Failure:
1) You expend two additional Stamina point.
2) You become Distracted for one round per point of critical
failure.
3) You obtain the Obsession (temples or sacred spaces) or
Phobia (temples or sacred spaces) weakness, your choice,
both minor versions.
WATER-SHAPING
Discipline: Water
Prerequisites: Magical Arts: Water level 5
DL: 10 for a 3x3 cubic-yard area / 15 for 6x6 cubic-yard
area
Stamina Cost: 2 / 3
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: 10 yards
Effect Area: Up to 6x6 cubic-yards
Duration: 1 minute (or focus)
Ritual Components: At least two of the following—1)
Bowl or chalice of water; 2) At least two seashells; 3)
A handful of smooth river-stones; 4) Being within the
half-sunken city of Prydon. A lock of hair from a Siren or
hair or bone from a Fomorian yields an additional +1 bonus
to ritual castings of this spell.
Details/Description—
A Water-shaping spell enables a magician to “reshape” an
area of water, such as that from a pool, pond, lake, river,
sea, or whatever. This manipulation is by no means perma-
nent, and in fact the sorcerer must maintain his or her focus
on it or the spell will fail (or one minute, whichever comes
first). The mage can control this shaped water as an action
each round.
Firstly, watery areas can be reshaped as to cause fear or
concern in those observing it, perhaps creating horrible fac-
es in the water itself or shaping in the form of an aquama-
rine serpent (among other possibilities). In this use, enemy
onlookers must succeed in a Resolve (resist fear specialty)
roll—against a DL set by the mage’s Magical Arts roll re-
sult—or become Intimidated.
A second utilization of this spell is for the sorcerer to
have the manipulated water “attack” an enemy within a
250
melee Reach of 2 yards (for the DL 10 version) and 3 yards
(for the DL 15 version). The target must succeed in an Ac-
robatics roll—versus the DL set by the magician’s Magical
Arts roll result—or suffer 1 point of damage per point of
failure (maximum damage is 5). If the target fails this resis-
tance roll by 10 or more, he or she is also knocked prone
by the force of the watery shape unless it has a Physique
or +15 or greater. The watery form can’t really be directly
defeated, short of powerful magics, so long as the sorcerer
maintains focus on it.
Note that, apart from the 2-yard reach of the watery
form, the magician cannot make the water move on its own
accord, although he or she could shape water to where it
splashes out of its natural container or some similar concept.
Critical Success:
1) You expend two less Stamina point.
2) The spell’s duration is doubled.
3) The effect area is doubled.
4) The watery force is exceptionally strong, boosting its
maximum damage to 10 and the effects of Intimidated be-
come Terrified instead.
Critical Failure:
1) You expend two additional Stamina points.
2) You inadvertently “shaped” the waters in your own body
slightly, causing you to become Stunned for one full round.
3) You gain the Obsession (water or the sea) or Phobia
(deep water or the sea) weakness, your choice, both minor
versions.
WATER WALK
Discipline: Water
Prerequisites: Willpower +1 and Magical Arts: Water
level 7
DL: 15 for self / 20 for a 3-yard radius
Stamina Cost: 3 / 6
Range: Self
Effect Area: Self or 3-yard radius around magician
Duration: 1 minute
Ritual Components: At least two of the following—1)
Bowl or decanter with one pint of water; 2) A feather from
any bird; 3) A horseshoe or slipper. The watery essence of a
Water Elemental or a piece of wing from a flying beast such
as a Dragon, Pegasus, or Wyvern yields an additional +1 to
all ritual castings of this spell.
Details/Description—
This rare and potent spell allows the magician to tread
upon water as if it were solid ground (the DL 15 version) or
a small group of willing allies which always remain within
3 yards of the mage (DL 20 version). In the latter case,
the combined Physique of creatures within this radial effect
cannot exceed a total of +15. Otherwise, the spell will fail
and those involved with plunge through the surface of the
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 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
water (this also happens when the duration expires unless
landfall is made before that time).
Only normal movement can be sustained during a Wa-
ter Walk spell, with anything faster than a swift walk (that
is, standard Mobility) breaking the spell. Furthermore, this
spell does not defy the forces of gravity, and thus walking
down a waterfall, for example, will still be as if falling down
a cliff-side or the like. Landing on a watery surface via Water
Walk is similar to hitting a hard surface, such as ice or solid
earth. Falling damage would apply in such cases.
Rivers, streams, fjords, ponds, pools, moats, and small
coves or bays, could be potentially traversed with a success-
ful Water Walk spell.
Critical Success:
1) You expend two fewer Stamina points.
2) The spell’s duration is doubled.
3) The effect is doubled.
4) Double movement (Mobility x2) can be attained.
Critical Failure:
1) You expend two additional Stamina points.
2) The water in your body solidifies briefly, causing you to
become Stunned for one full round.
3) You gain the Obsession (the sea) or Phobia (deep water)
weakness, your choice, both major versions.
WINTER’S BREATH
Discipline: Air, Water.
Requirements: Vigor +0 and Magical Arts: Air or Water
level 5
DL: 10 for a single target / 15 for a 3x3 yard terminus at
end of range
Stamina Cost: 2 / 3
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: 10 yards.
Effect Area: 1 single target or 3x3 yard terminus within
range
Duration: Instantaneous
Ritual Components: At least two of the following—1)
being on a glacier or iceberg in winter; 2) an ice-sickle or
ball of snow; 3) a predatory beast’s tooth or tongue. A
tooth or lock of hair from a Frost Giant or a tooth or scale
from an ice-breathing Dragon gain an additional +1 bonus
when casting ritual versions of this spell.
Details/Description—
This scarce, but potent, spell causes a magician’s very breath
to become as cold and frosty as deepest winter, nearly mim-
icking an ice-breathing wyrm. All creatures affected—either
a single target or those caught within a 3x3 yard terminus at
the end of the spell’s range—must succeed in an Endurance
skill roll (versus a DL set by the mage’s Magical Arts roll
result) or suffer 1 Health point of cold/ice damage per point
of failure. Maximum damage is 15 points and targets’ armor
ratings are considered halved against Winter’s Breath.
Furthermore, for every 5 points of Health damage suf-
SPELLS & MAGIC
fered, the creature also takes 1 point of Stamina damage.
Note that this magical breath, though quite chilled, does
not last long enough to freeze water (see the Freezing spell
for such effects). Lastly, Priests of Anderok, and characters
possessing the Dragon-kindred talent, gain a +1 bonus to
their Magical Arts rolls when learning and casting this spell.
Critical Success:
1) You expend one less Stamina point than normal
2) One of the target’s weapons or some other held, or ob-
viously exposed, object is instantly shattered unless of mas-
ter-crafted quality or better
3) The target is also knocked prone if of Physique +5 or less
4) You manage to affect another target adjacent to the one
you were aiming at (or adjacent to the 3x3 terminus area).
Critical Failure:
1) You are Stunned for one round per point of critical failure
2) You develop a freezing headache causing you to suffer
-1 to all die rolls for one minute per point of critical failure
3) You immediately gain the Obsession (winter) or Phobia
(of snow-covered regions or iced-over waters), your choice,
both minor versions.
14
COSMOLOGY &
THE SEVEN MAGICS
The cosmology and deep beliefs of the Savage Kingdoms
world is nearly as varied as the races, cultures, and deities
which spawned them. There is no one “truth,” despite what
some may tell you, and even those learned enough in the
ancient arts of magic-craft or are otherwise of privileged
knowledge do not know for certain of any one “absolute
truth,” or any truths (or truth) for that matter.
Most human scholars, particularly those from more
ancient and/or traditional cultures, agree that there have
been, thus far, five Ages that have gone before in the histo-
ry of the known, mortal world. The first being the Age of
the Gods, a time of both elemental and spiritual warfare,
when sometimes deity strove against deity. Secondly, came
the Age of Giants, the alleged spawn of the Elder Deities
(though it is the Titans that can more readily claim this
fact), followed thirdly by the Age of Dragons, a notable
era where the mighty drakes and wyrms swam up from the
Dragon Sea and made much of the world their terrorized
subject. Fourthly, there was the Age of Faerie, which saw
the Eluna Sidhe, Goblings, and others come into the Earth-
world, and then finally, there is the current time, the Age
of Man. Some have reckoned, though, that a new age has
begun since the last Cataclysm, often dubbed the Age of
Gorgons.
251
 SAVAGEIII
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Human-kind supposedly first saw the light of the sun and
stars in the middle or latter part of the Age of Giants, but it
was a brutish collaboration of savages and barbarians bare-
ly beyond the status of apes. However, when the world be-
came somewhat more tamed, and the gods and titans and
giants had all but went to their final sleep, nations of Men
became to rise, some of which became great kingdoms, ter-
ritories, or even empires. Some of these ancient hero-gods
would be remembered, and so humans came to worship
the Old Gods, and even Titans, some Giants, and to some
degree, Duergar (that some foolish Men called ‘Dwarves’).
THE SEVEN MAGICS
A common belief, at least among the learned, is that the
magical arts can primarily be divided into seven disciplines:
Air, Earth, Fire, and Water (comprising the Elements), and
Death, Life, and Shadow (comprising the Energies or Forc-
es). The former is often represented by a square, and the
latter a triangle, and the two combined make a powerful
magical and alchemical symbol, popular with practitioners
of these mysterious arts.
Despite this fairly tidy structure, the mystical arts are
still generally beyond the mind of humans (and others),
for these are often the very forces in which the Primal and
Elder Gods used to create, not only the Mortal World,
but the various spheres of reality beyond. Even the very
disciplines—Air, Earth, Death, Shadow, etc.—are short-cut
descriptions, with the various sects, orders, and individuals
who practice sorcery often having their own names to bet-
ter describe the flavor and purpose of their own particular
mystical art.
THE EARTH-WORLD
Also known as the Mortal World or Prime Sphere, this is
the world as most know it. It is, after all, the material world
comprised of all four primary elements—air, earth, fire, and
water—materials in which virtually all mortals interact with
on a daily basis. Night and day, darkness and light, always
act (and react) upon the Earth-world constantly, as well
as shadow, that which conceals and yet reveals, and thus
sometimes creating glamour, illusions, and alternate reali-
ties.
Certainly, there is life here too, and death, and all ex-
periences in between (shadow), although these forces or
energies are believed to originate from other realms be-
yond. There is no such belief in “elemental planes,” spheres
specifically comprised of air or fire or water, at least not
in the West. The four primary elements, after all, are daily
substances of the mortal world.
THE OTHER-WORLD
Often referred to as the Mirror-world, this is the belief in a
plane or sphere of existence just beyond the Prime or Mor-
tal World. In many ways, the Other-world mirrors Earth-
world, yet in others, contrasts, for, here, life and death is
prominent, and perhaps moreover shadow. Scholars and
sorcerers tend to break the Other-world down into three
basic regions:
The Shadow-world: Sometimes called the Faerie Realm
252
or Fey-world, this is the domain of the Eluna Sidhe, Goblins,
and other creatures of Faerie origin. As such, it is a place of
both subtle and eminent shadow, half-light and half-truths,
dreams, and illusory glamour. Rumors claim that there are
portals to the Shadow-world scattered about the known
world—but primarily in the West—and that only a few
wise folks remain (mostly of the Eluna Sidhe) who know of
their secrets, if only in part.
Those who practice Shadow Magic may be tapping into
the essence of the Other-world, yet to wholly define such
in an orderly “scientific” manner is to fly in the very face
of the mystical arts, and perhaps the Gods, themselves. As
such, Shadow Magic is often referred to as Faerie Magic,
for it is highly associated with the glamour and trickery of
the Fey.
The Nether-world: Also called Hell-world or Under-
world, this is the ultimate plane of death and darkness, a
desolate place where some believe evil, honor-less, or oth-
erwise worthless souls go. The Nether-world is said to be
utterly black and lightless in most regions, although some
speak of areas of deep shadow and false light, as if symbol-
izing lost hope, fading life, and misplaced truth.
As with all regions of the Other-world, there are alleged-
ly gateways to this hellish sphere as well, and sometimes
demons—the “gods” of the Under-world—are called from
these terrible regions into the Prime World of Men. Some
Death-mages can call forth demonic entities from the Neth-
er-planes, and many scholars believe that the art of Death
Magic itself is merely tapping into the dark and negative
forces of this horrible, lifeless, region.
To some cultures, the Nether-world is often considered
below-ground, hence the tendency to name it the Un-
der-world, but to others, it is the deepest, darkest place be-
tween the stars, a terrible void well beyond our mortal rea-
soning. As such, it may be from these forlorn reaches that
demons are summoned, instead of from the under-bowels
of Earth-world itself.
The Over-world: Sometimes called the Light-world or
Celestial Planes, this is believed to be the smallest region
of the Other-world. Light came last into existence, after all,
following darkness, and thus creating shadow in the pro-
cess. Therefore, the Celestial Realms are indicators of such,
a tiny but robust area found allegedly beyond a great wall
of towering mountains at the highest points in the Oth-
er-world. Here angelic beings dwell, those demons who
rebelled against their evil natures and came to help mor-
tal-kind (or at least not strive against them).
Life Magic is most prominent here, where light and
life-essence is prevalent, and so some believe that healers
and Life-mages summon most of their power from this
sphere. A few priests whisper that the Old Gods came here
to hide away, or at least a few of them, and that benevolent
prayers are brought before them by angels.
OTHER BELIEFS & TRADITIONS
The above represents merely a somewhat common, general
overview of the Great Beyond, but there are many other
spiritual, religious, and metaphysical beliefs in the world.
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 SAVAGEIII
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Oridon: An ancient Rhodonite belief in a lonely, barren
island on an endless, grey sea. Evil and honorless souls drift
there after death, sent their as punishment by the sea-god
Prydonis. The concept of Oridon still permeates modern
Prydonian culture, and some scholar-priests believe that it
must be located somewhere in the Nether-world in a vast,
empty, watery region.
Rhodon: Virtually the opposite of Oridon, this was be-
lieved to have once been the paradisal Island of the Gods.
Supposedly, it was located in some faraway region of the
Sea of Prydonis, or perhaps a “higher plane” (such as the
Over-world) overlapping the sea, and contained massive
palaces of white and gold marble, pearl, gold, and gems—
the houses of the Gods. Only great heroes could ever find
Rhodon, and even then it usually required a physical death
first.
Fragnir’s Halls: A Northern belief that after an earth-
ly death a brave, valorous, and honorable warrior might
make his way to the great halls of Fragnir, god of battle, the
sea, and luck. Here, allegedly the mead and food is plenty,
and mock battles are fought daily.
Signa’s Hearth: Another Northern tradition where it is
believed a gentle and honorable soul might travel to the
great hearth of Signa, goddess of the sun, healing, and
motherhood. It is here, which might be somewhere in the
Over-world, that warmth and song are in endless supply.
The Grey Realm: Also known as the Grey Waste, this is
supposedly the divine realm of Anderok, Northern god of
death, winter, ravens, and wolves. If it truly exists, it would
be found in the Underworld (or perhaps some borderland
between there and the Shadow-world). Souls wander here,
half-frozen and forlorn, awaiting a chance to be recalled as
undead.
Innis Avalarn: A Western, mostly Gaernic, belief in a
mist-shrouded island that exists somewhere between the
Mortal and Faerie World. As such, it simultaneously oper-
ates in several dual realms at once—land and sea, mortal
and immortal, storm and calm, etc. It is said by the Druids
that only the courageous and honorable may find this place
in the far northwestern seas.
Innis Nor: Meaning “island of night” in the Gaernic
tongue, this is allegedly a forlorn, storm-racked island,
uncharted by mortal sailors, where the worst of men are
sent—thieves, oath-breakers, kin-slayers, and the mad and
Tainted. The Norish also believe in this place, perhaps hav-
ing heard many tales from the Gaerns and Brythians, which
can only be found at night.
Venta Titherus: Or “city of great wealth” in the Lorinthi-
an tongue, this is an ancient belief, perhaps even pre-Impe-
rial, in a great city made of gold that wealthy and successful
souls go to after their worldly demise. If it truly exists, it
SPELLS & MAGIC
would likely be in the Over-world or Shadow-world (or
someplace in between).
Halls of the Dead: Or “Bel Mordain” in the Duergar lan-
guage, this is the supposed cavern-halls where the honored
dead of the Dwarves go after their earthly demise. It is said
to be a massive interior realm in the Other-world where
Duergar souls gather to feast and recite past deeds.
Eluna Qualae: Meaning “primal light” in the tongue of
the Elves, an allusion to Nature as a living, sentient, force.
It can also be paraphrased to mean “essence,” for the es-
sence—life force—of nature can be found in things worthy
(things devoid of Nature are therefore unworthy). It might
be said that Eluna Qualae is the sum-total of all the Seven
Magics in known reality.
Eluna Dol: Roughly translated as “primal dark” or “primal
void” in the Elvish language, this is the Unseelie (Dark Elf)
belief that Darkness was first and foremost, and is therefore
more ancient, more wise, and more powerful than Light.
The Dark Elves allegedly discovered this “truth” when they
were driven underground after the Breaking of Arvelindor
over 3,500 years ago.
MAJOR RELIGIONS & FAITHS
The Savage Kingdoms milieu is filled with many ancient and
colorful cultures, and religion, faith, and belief play a very
important part of these societies. Some religions are still
very primal, even barbaric, while others show some signs
of “evolving” into urbane, temple-based faiths. A few, still,
fall somewhere in between or cannot be so easily classified.
AGATHON—A major deity in the pantheons of both
Lorinthia and Prydonia, Agathon is regarded as a god of
battle, conquest, blood, and competition. As such, he is
sometimes referred to as The Crimson God. Only male
priests (called Templars) serve his sect, almost always dress-
ing in deep-red robes over cuirassed armor. Agathon’s sym-
bol is usually a red spear. In some regions of the Lorinthian
Empire, Agathon is known as “Argathon”.
ANDEROK—A deity closely associated with death, win-
ter, and black magic, Anderok is the patron god of Mulovia
(where he is worshipped even above Fragnir). His common
symbols are wolves and ravens, and more specifically a ra-
ven with blood dripping from its beak or a white wolf,
sometimes treading over a frozen skull. The priests of An-
derok are a secretive lot, allowing no anointed women,
and wield great power in the kingdom of Mulovia.
ATORES—The Prydonian bull-god, a deity associated with
the sun, time, order, and precision. In ancient Rhodonian
(pre-Prydonian) legend, Atores was the prize scarlet-hued
bull of Prydonis, and the sea-god charged the mighty bo-
vine with pulling the “sun chariot” across the sky every day
to light the mortal world. Only male priests are known in
this ancient sect.
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BRAN FINNON—A relatively minor god whose main
popularity seems to now be in western Brythia and much
of Faerland (in the Emerald Islands), Bran Finnon is most
associated with roads, travel, horses, and story-telling, and
as such, is highly revered by bards and other entertainers.
His most common icon seems be that of a galloping horse
or a blue-green horseshoe, and if he has any priests at all,
they are of the Druidic Order.
BRIANNON—Often called the “mother-goddess” or “the
triple goddess,” Briannon is the unofficial queen of the
Western pantheon, the nature-based deities of the Gaernic
peoples. She is most associated with the moons (especially
the Greater Moon), plants, animals, and healing. Some-
times she is seen as a beautiful maiden, sometimes a mother,
occasionally an old crone, but often all three at once. Her
common symbols are doves, sparrows, and wrens, or a full
moon.
CORMAC—This is perhaps the chief male deity of the
West, nearly rivaling Briannon in popularity and influence.
It is mainly men who revere Cormac most, for he is a god
of strength, battle prowess, and hunting. As such, he is of-
ten associated closely with beasts, especially boars and stags
(representing strength and agility), and like Briannon, his
priests are always Druids. The most common symbols of
this deity are a red hammer or a red-tipped spear.
FRAGNIR—The chief god of Norlund and the Northern
realms in general, a deity concerned with luck, fate, war,
and the sea. There are few dedicated priests to Fragnir—for
most Northern priests are semi-shamanic and more or less
serve the entire pantheon—but those few who in existence
are almost always warriors (or retired elderly warriors).
The most common symbol associated with Fragnir is a dou-
ble-bladed battleaxe.
GAELRITH—An ancient deity of the sea, and often also
associated with fate, death, luck, and storms. Generally as-
sumed to be a goddess (or simply without gender), Gael-
rith’s only known priests are the shamanic Druids. Her only
known religious symbols are a swirling whirlpool or a wa-
ter-logged skull, and the colors of dark grey and grey-green
seem to be sacred to her followers.
GORGOTHON—Perhaps more demon than god, and
maybe even more myth than reality, Gorgothon is often
called the Still-Born God (or Lord of Oridon, the World
Under-sea). Legend has it he was still-born on the Isle of
Rhodon, and after being cast into the sea, washed ashore
on Gorgotha where he later “created” the gorgons. A small
cult to Gorgothon is said to exist.
JORL (yorl)—A fairly minor god comparatively, Jorl is a
deity of fire, trickery, and sometimes even theft and murder.
In short, he is most associated with disorderly things, al-
though many smiths pray to him for mastery of fire and the
turning out of masterful crafts. Thieves might also revere
Jorl, and murderers and kin-slayers, but they are often few
254
and far between in the North (where such a person is often
very quickly hounded and dispatched).
LLYWELLA RAVENDARK—Or simply Llywella, this is a
dark and primal deity, a goddess of night, the lesser moon,
ravens, crows, and black magic. Sometimes called the Dark
Goddess or “goddess of night,” her primary priesthood
consists of Druids, although it is fairly known that a semi-se-
cretive cult has spun off from that order well over five
centuries ago. Llywella’s most common symbols are three
crows flying in a circle, or a simple black ring or circlet.
LUCCIA—A goddess of love, lust, and the arts (particularly
the performing arts), Luccia’s sect consists only of priestess-
es, most of whom are physically attractive. In the Lorinthian
Empire, she takes on more of a seductive quality, and her
priestesses are often trained lovers, acrobats, and musicians.
The goddess’ primary symbol is a lyre tied with pink, flow-
ing ribbons.
MYRASTEA—Once highly revered on the island of My-
rasteus, Myrastea (or Myrates) is an amazon-like goddess
of war, hunting, beasts, and the element of earth. When
the island of Myrasteus all but sunk in the last Cataclysm,
which some believe triggered the Gorgon Wars, most of her
followers perished along with over half of the island itself.
NIPALOS—Mostly a minor deity in Lorinthian, this god
of night, thieves, harlots, and the lesser moon is revered
somewhat more in most of the Prydonian Isles. His main
symbol is an owl, or an owl superimposed against a sphere
(representing a moon), and his sect is comprised of both
priests and priestesses. Most of these clergy were, or still
are, thieves, harlots, or assassins.
ORSEUS—Revered much more deeply by the Prydonians
(especially those from the Central Isles) than by the Lor-
inthians, Orseus is worshipped as a god of knowledge,
culture, wisdom, and prophecy. As such, he is also a deity
of writing, fine art, and philosophy, and only male priests
serve in his temples. His main symbol is a lion with a sealed
scroll lying between its front paws.
PRYDONIS—The chief god of the Prydonians, but barely
recognized in the Lorinthian Empire (save for the south-
ern-most provinces), Prydonis—who gave his name to an
entire culture and near-endless collection of islands—is a
deity of the sea, water, life, death, and fate. His sect is pop-
ulated wholly by male priests, and his main symbols are a
nautilus shell or blue-green trident.
ROMEGA—A goddess of magic, mystery, and dreams, re-
vered in both the Prydonian Isles, and perhaps to only a
slightly lesser extent, the Lorinthian Empire. Often believed
to be the bride of Prydonis, the sea-god, Romega’s mysteri-
ous sect only allows for priestesses only, most of whom don
masks and black robes outside the temple. Her symbol is a
crescent moon with three stars.
SPELLS & MAGIC
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SANTAGO—Worshipped almost exclusively by the coastal
people of Esmandos, Santago is revered as a deity—often
assumed male—of tempests, lightning, and the sea. As such,
many sailors appease him before embarking on voyages,
while some scholars believe this god to be a kind of antith-
esis to the Gaernic deity, Gaelrith.
SARDONA—An ancient earth-goddess “adopted” by the
Lorinthians and Prydonians, perhaps from a more savage,
conquered tribe. Regardless, Sardona is a deity associated
with plants, animals, spring, and harvest, and is also a mi-
nor death-goddess. Her most common religious symbols
are a silver sickle or a bundle of wheat, and only priestesses
serve her.
SIGNA—The chief-goddess of the North, often believed
to be Fragnir’s wife in the pantheon. Some ancient lore
claims, instead, that she is his sister, while a few others still
say that Signa is Fragnir’s mother. In any case, she is gener-
ally believed to be a gentle goddess, a deity associated with
the sun, dawn, spring, home, and hearth. As such, mostly
women pray to her, and all of her priestly servants are fe-
male. Her most common symbols are a red-gold sun or a
hearth-fire.
TITHERIUS—Only truly worshipped and recognized in
the Lorinthian Empire, this is a major deity of wealth, com-
merce, gold, and trade. Also called the Golden God, he is
also associated with craftsmanship and engineering, and his
priests (all male) are often skilled smiths and merchants as
well. The most common icons of Titherius are three coins
or a merchant’s scale.
TORAK—The chief hero-god of the Thorakkians (across
the Dragon Sea in extreme northern Astagonia), this deity
associated with the sun, blood, fire, and survival is known
also in Valnarok and even some regions of Kor and possibly
Urland. Like in the West, Torak’s primary sacred symbol is a
blood-red orb or hammer, and his only priests are war-like
shamans.
Magical Arts options for the Acolyte talent: Earth,
Fire, Death.
VRADDEN—An ambiguous deity, for it is widely believed
that Vradden is either without gender or is both male and
female. Regardless, this god/goddess is concerned with law,
justice, and rune-lore, for it is said that Fragnir retains Vrad-
den as his scribe and rune-master. This deity is also associ-
ated with vengeance, and though he/she has very few (if
any) dedicated priests, those who do favor Vradden often
don grey robes or wear a symbolic “holy” rune on their
foreheads.
MAJOR NON-HUMAN DEITIES
Since non-human player-characters are optional in the Sav-
age Kingdoms RPG, the major divinities and religions of
these storied peoples appear here in a separate chapter.
AMRASHI—The chief god of the Chenari, a deity con-
SPELLS & MAGIC
cerned with combat, hunting, athletic prowess, and person-
al honor and glory. Though it is male Chenari who revere
him most, virtually all cat-folk admire him at least to some
degree. Amrashi’s main holy symbol seems to be a red sun-
orb with four claw-marks in the middle, and his shamans
can be male or female.
Magical Arts options for the Acolyte talent: Air, Fire,
Death, Life.
BALDAK—One of the major deities of the Duergar pan-
theon, he is known by the Dwarves of the East every bit as
well as those of the West. Baldak is a god of warfare, honor,
and survival, and is also associated with the dead and the
“after-world” of Bel Mordain. Baldak’s primary symbols are
a bearded skull with two crossed axes, and his priests are
said to be male Duergar.
Magical Arts options for the Acolyte talent: Death,
Life, Shadow.
DURADIN—Although not quite as popular as the bat-
tle-god Baldak, Duradin is still considered a major divinity
among the Duergar of the West and those across the great
sea. He is, after all, a god of mining, smith-craft, and ar-
tisanship, and is even associated with thunder. Duradin’s
chief holy symbol is a hammer atop an anvil, and his sect is
comprised mainly of male priests.
Magical Arts options for the Acolyte talent: Air,
Earth, Fire, Life.
ELUNA DOL— Roughly translated from the Sidhe tongue
as “primal darkness,” belief in the Eluna Dol means that
darkness came before light and that only the greatest truths
can be found in that hidden medium. The Dark Sidhe, or
Dark Elves, are the primary followers of this “sect,” which
seems to represent a force rather than any anthropomor-
phic deity.
Magical Arts options for the Acolyte talent: Air, Wa-
ter, Shadow.
ELUNA QUALAE—Likely meaning “primal essence” or
“primal light” in the Sidhe language, the Eluna Qualae is
a deep and ancient belief that light shows the truth, un-
veils the hidden, and reveals all treachery and dishonor. It is
also faith in the magical and mystical, and casting one’s fear
away from such. This is the primary spiritual tradition of the
Eluna and Wild Sidhe.
Magical Arts options for the Acolyte talent: Earth,
Fire, Life, Shadow.
ELUNAR—Mainly a tradition of the Eluna Sidhe, and not
so much the Wild or Dark Sidhe, the Elunar are ancestral
Elves that some belief ascended to godhood. With names
like Telendrion, Celenor, Illuriel, and others, these were
once great heroes from the early ages of Sidhe dominance,
from the time of Arvelindor and before.
Magical Arts options for the Acolyte talent: Air, Fire.
SHAMANTA—One of several “under-deities” of Amrashi,
chief god of the Chenari. Even still, Shamanta is well-re-
255
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vered by many of the cat-folk, especially female Chenari,
where she is regarded as a goddess of motherhood, guard-
ianship, healing, and the Greater Moon.
Magical Arts options for the Acolyte talent: Earth,
Water, Life.
SSLOOR—Nearly impossible to pronounce correctly with
the human tongue, this ancient serpent-god of darkness and
vile sorcery was first introduced by the Sslir to the Xarko-
nian humans, though rather through servile association than
scholarly tutelage. Here, in ancient Xarkon, this deity was
known as Xur, and he is still served by Golden Sslir priest-
kings.
Magical Arts options for the Acolyte talent: Air,
Earth, Death, Shadow.
256
THRIMNA—One of the very few Duergar deities thought
to be female, Thrimna concerns herself (and her followers)
with fire, trickery, and idealism. She is therefore a bit of a
rebel-goddess, believed to have stolen the secret of fire and
lightning from Duradin or even the Sidhe divinities.
Magical Arts options for the Acolyte talent: Fire,
Shadow.
Note that more religious traditions, faiths, and dei-
ties—of both humanity and non-humanity—will appear in
The Savage East campaign expansion book, a companion
guide to this core rulebook.
SPELLS & MAGIC
 SAVAGEIII
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15
100 bc = 10 sc = 1 gc.
Every 100 coins a character carries, regardless of coinage
type, equals 1 Bulk (see below).
Note: For players choosing a Calling, they receive the
coinage mentioned in that Calling’s description instead. The
GEAR & SUPPLIES above is only for PCs without a Calling.

No adventuring hero would be complete without equip-

ment and supplies, and perhaps even more importantly,
armaments and other forms of protection.
STARTING COINAGE
Player-characters begin play with a number of silver coins
(sc) equal to 100 + 10 per point of Renown. This is to pur-
chase starting arms, equipment, supplies, and just general
travel-money. Ten silver pieces/coins are roughly equal to
one gold coin (gc), while it takes 10 bronze coins (bc) to
equate to a silver piece and 100 to equal a gold. That is:
WEAPONS
Implements of warfare and personal protection, the arms
of the Savage Kingdoms world are quite varied, each type
of weapon developed for different needs, be it slashing,
thrusting, cleaving, bludgeoning, reach, swiftness, conceal-
ment, or whatever. Some cultures are known for producing
and utilizing certain weapon types, while wandering mer-
cenaries and professional soldiers are typically skilled with a
multitude of weaponry.

TABLE 4-1: MELEE WEAPONS

Weapons designed for hand-to-hand use are, naturally, considered melee weapons. Characters wielding such arms use
the Weaponry: Melee skill when making attack rolls. (The only exception here is the Agile Weaponry talent which
allows Agility instead for Light weapons.) Note that all melee weapons have a reach of 1 yard unless it says otherwise
in the table below:

Weapon Type Max dmg Cost Other Statistics

Dagger 10 10 Light, Conceal, Range 5/10/15, C
Battleaxe* 25* 45 Medium, Phy +0, AP 1*, Bulk 1, U
Cestus 8 20 Uses Brawling skill, Conceal, R
Club 10 1 Light, Phy -3, Range 5/10/15, C
Estoc** 15 30 Light, Phy -2, R
Flail* 15* 35 Medium, Agi -2, Phy -1, AP 1*, Disarm, Mount, R
Greataxe 30 90 Heavy, Phy +1, AP 3, Bulk 2, R
Great-flail 25 85 Heavy, Agi -1, Phy +0, Disarm, AP 3, Bulk 1, E
Greatspear/Pike 25 80 Heavy, Agi -2, Phy +0, AP 1, Reach 3, Bulk 2, R
Greatsword 30 100 Heavy, Phy +1, Prestige, Reach 2, AP 2, Bulk 1, E
Handaxe 15 15 Light, Phy -2, Range 5/10/15, C
Lance*** 25 30 Heavy, Phy -1, AP 3, Reach 2, Bulk 1, Mount, R
Longsword* 20* 50 Medium, Phy -1, AP 0*, Mount, Prestige, U
Mace* 15* 30 Medium, Phy -1, AP 1*, Mount, R
Maul 30 90 Heavy, Phy +2, AP 3, Bulk 2, R
Polearm**** 25 70 Heavy, Phy -1, AP 1, Reach 2, Bulk 2, U
Punch/Kick***** 5 -- Uses Brawling skill, -2 to attack armed foe, Parry -5
Quarterstaff 10 5 Heavy, Agi -2, Phy -2, Disarm, Trip, C
Saber* 15* 40 Medium, Phy -2, AP 0*, Mount, R
Sickle 15 30 Light, Phy -2, Disarm, R
Scythe 25 45 Heavy, Agi -2, Phy -1, AP 1, Bulk 1, R
Shortsword 15 25 Light, Phy -3, C
Spear* 15* 15 Medium, Phy -2, Range 7/14/21, Mount, C
War-club* 15* 5 Medium, Phy -2, AP 0*, Bulk 1, U
Warhammer* 20* 45 Medium, Phy +0, AP 1*, Bulk 1, R
War-spear* 20* 40 Medium, Agi -3, Phy -1, AP 0*, Reach 2, Bulk 1, U

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*Medium weapons, when wielded in both hands, gain +1 to maximum damage and AP.
**Rarely seen beyond Esmandos, this is a precursor to the rapier and used for thrusting only.
***Statistics are for when mounted upon a forward-moving steed; otherwise, if wielded on foot, use war-spear
stats.
****These statistics apply to virtually all types of polearms, from glaives to halberds and beyond.
*****An unarmed strike, which could also be a head-butt, elbow, etc. Uses the Brawling skill, but suffers -2 to the
roll if against an armed opponent (unless attacker has 4+ skill levels in Brawling).

TABLE 4-2: RANGED WEAPONS

Bows, crossbows, thrown weapons, slings—and even whips and scourges—are all capable of attacks at distance.
These use the Weaponry: Ranged skill.

Weapon Type Max dmg Cost Other Stats

Bolas -- 5 Agi -1, Range 8/16/24, E; grapples opponent*
Club 10 1 Phy -3, Range 5/10/15, C
Comp Shortbow 15 35 Agi -2, Phy -2, AP 1, Range 40/80/160, U
Comp Longbow 20 80 Agi -2, Phy +0, AP 2, Range 70/140/280, Bulk 1, R
Crossbow 20 30 Agi -3, Phy -2, AP 1, Range 25/50/100, Reload, U
–Bolt/Quarrel -- ½ U, Ammunition
Javelin/War-dart 10 10 Agi -3, Range 10/20/30, C
Longbow 20 50 Agi -2, Phy -1, AP 1, Range 60/120/240, U
–War Arrow -- 1 U, Ammunition
Net, weighted -- 25 Agi -2, Range 3/6/9, 2x2 yd effect area, Bulk 1, R
Net, barbed 5 35 Agi -1, Range 2/4/6, 2x2 yd effect area, Bulk 1, R
Shortbow 15 20 Agi -2, Range 30/60/120, C
–Hunting Arrow -- ½ C, Ammunition
Scourge 10 20 Agi -1, Uses Weaponry: Ranged, Reach 3, Bulk 1, R
Sidhe War-bow 25 100 Agi -2, Phy +1, AP 2, 75/150/300, Bulk 1, Prestige, E
Sling 10 5 Agi -2, Range 20/40/80, C
–Sling Stone -- -- C, Ammunition, Survival DL 10 to find in the wild
–Sling Bullet -- ½ R, Ammunition
War-sling 15 15 Agi -2, Phy -2, Range 25/50/100, R
Whip 5 10 Agi -2, Uses Weaponry: Ranged skill, Reach 3, U

*Upon a successful Weaponry: Ranged roll, the target is grappled and can attempt to escape as an action with a
successful Acrobatics or Brawling roll (DL is the attacker’s attack roll result).

TABLE 4-3: COMMON IMPROVISED WEAPONS

Sometimes objects, not manufactured as actual weapons, can serve as tools for violence and protection. Note that
improvised weapons inflict a -2 penalty to the wielder’s Weaponry: Melee attack roll (unless he or she possesses
the Improvised Weaponry talent).

Object Type Max Dmg Cost Other Stats

Belt, leather 2 -- Agi -2, Use Weaponry: Melee skill
Branch/Log, heavy 8 -- Phy -1, Use Weaponry: Melee skill
Branch, light 4 -- Use Weaponry: Melee skill
Chain, heavy 8 2+ Phy -1, Use Weaponry: Melee skill

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 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS

Object Type Max Dmg Cost Other Stats

Chain, 3+ yds long 8 3+ Use Weaponry: Ranged skill, Reach 3
Chair, wooden 6 5 Phy -1, Use Weaponry: Melee skill
Lantern 5 5 Use Weaponry: Melee skill
Lasso, rope -- 1+ Use Weaponry: Ranged skill, grapples target*
Pot, iron/bronze 6 1 Use Weaponry: Melee skill
Rock, fist-sized 5 -- Phy -2, Use Weaponry: Ranged skill, Range 5/10/15
Torch, flaming 5** -- Agi -2, Use Weaponry: Melee skill

*On a successful ranged attack roll, the target is grappled if Physique +7 or less; target can escape as one action
against a DL set by the attacker’s roll result.
**All damage is considered fire damage; an unlit torch has a maximum damage rating of 2.

nine pounds in weight (and sometimes up to 15 pounds),

OTHER WEAPON STATISTICS—
Agi x: Listed as ‘Agi -2’, ‘Agi -1’, etc, this is the minimum
Agility needed to properly wield the weapon. For every
point shy of this minimum, the wielder suffers a -2 penalty
to the attack roll.
Ammunition: These are arrows, bolts, and sling stones
(or sling bullets), and are recoverable and non-broken on a
roll of 11-20 (on a d20) after being shot/loosed.
AP: This stands for Armor Piercing, and essentially
equates to bonus damage regardless if the target has actual
armor or not (even flesh and bone is basically “armor”). For
example, if a weapon with AP 2 scores 4 points of Health
damage, then this would become 6.
Bulk: How heavy and/or bulky the weapon is rated, just
like other pieces of carried gear.
C: Short for ‘Common’. Common items can be found in
80% of cities (or towns or villages of some size or proxim-
ity to major trade-routes).
Conceal: The weapon in question gains a +2 bonus to
the owner’s Disguise skill roll, if hiding it among clothing
and belongings, or Sleight of Hand if trying to conceal it
more immediately from onlookers.
Disarm: When attempting to disarm an opponent, the
weapon in question gains a +1 bonus to the Weaponry:
Melee attack roll. Note that disarming maneuvers, without
the Disarming Strike talent, are done at a penalty, so the +1
bonus merely helps to alleviate that somewhat.
E: An ‘Exotic’ item, such objects being available in only
10% of cities or sizeable towns.
Heavy: Weapons that are, generally speaking, over
are considered so hefty that they can only be wielded in
two-handed fashion. A character whose Physique is +5
higher than the listed minimum may attempt to use it
one-handed, but this comes with a -5 penalty.
Improvised: This represents a “weapon” that is not
manufactured for combat, such as a flaming torch, heavy
branch, or tavern stool. Improvised weapons inflict a -2
penalty to the attack roll.
Light: This generally refers to a smallish weapon, three
pounds of less in weight. If a wielder has the Agile Weapon-
ry talent, he or she may use Agility (instead of Physique) to
add to the Weaponry: Melee attack roll. It can also be used
as an off-hand weapon with Ambidexterity.
Max Dmg: An abbreviation for “maximum damage,”
this is the most the weapon can do in terms of Health dam-
age dealt (after AP and a target’s armor is applied). Note
that higher quality weapons can increase this number as can
certain magical effects.
Medium: This refers to a weapon, generally of four
to eight pounds, that can be used either one-handed or
two-handed. Medium weapons wielded in both hands gain
+1 to both maximum damage and AP (even if the weapon
has no AP rating).
Mount: Short for ‘mounted’, weapons with this desig-
nator gain a +1 bonus when used from horseback to strike
an on-foot foe of Physique +7 or less.
Phy x: Listed as ‘Phy -1’, ‘Phy +0’, etc, this is the min-
imum Physique needed to properly wield the weapon in
question. For every point short of this minimum, the char-
acter suffers a -2 penalty to the attack roll.
Prestige: A weapon of this type, of exceptional-quality
or better, grants a +1 bonus to the owner’s Renown when
worn or carried (and therefore not hidden).
R: Short for ‘Rare’. Rare weapons can be found 20% of
the time in cities/towns of some size.
Range: In yards, the first number being short range (no
penalty to the Weaponry: Ranged attack roll), the second
number is medium range (a -2 penalty to the Weaponry:
Ranged roll), and the third number as long range (-5 to
Weaponry: Ranged roll). Note that longbows, composite
longbows, and Sidhe war-bows suffer a -2 penalty from
atop horseback (still or in motion).
Reach: This is the general threat-range of a melee weap-

260 GEAR & SUPPLIES

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on, approximated in yards. A ‘Reach 2’ weapon can strike a
target up to two yards away, while a ‘Reach 3’ one threat-
ens up to 3 yards. However, if striking a target two yards
shy of your Reach—for example, a greatspear with a Reach
of 3 attacking an opponent who is but one yard away—a
-2 penalty occurs to the Weaponry: Melee roll due to the
wielder having to “choke up” on the weapon a great deal.
Reload: The weapon takes one action to load, or re-
load, a bolt or quarrel.
U: Meaning ‘Uncommon’, and available in approxi-
mately 40% of settlements of size or note.
Trip: This equates to a +1 bonus to the wielder’s Weap-
onry: Melee attack roll, although without the Tripping At-
tack talent, this merely helps to lessen the -2 penalty for
such things.
were once wielded by highly renown figures doing great
deeds, thus essentially imbuing them with greater mystical
powers.
Heroic-quality ammunition (arrows, bolts, and
sling stones): +2 AP, 2-20 (d20) recovery chance, and is
considered essentially priceless.
Legendary weapons: +2 to skill roll, +2 to AP, +10
to max damage, and are priceless. Weaponry of this rar-
est level of quality are, not only enchanted, but virtually
impossible to break or shatter. Legendary weapons are the
penultimate items, heroic-quality weapons that are imbued
with the epic characteristics of a famous wielder/owner and
often have at least two or three additional powers beyond
their superb sharpness, durability, and other characteristics.
Poor-quality weapons: -1 to maximum damage, -1
AP, and are ½ half base cost. Poor-quality weapons can
be broken or shattered relatively easy, as they were either
poorly made or represent previously-damaged items.
Poor-quality ammunition (arrows, bolts, and
sling stones): -2 to maximum damage, 14-20 (d20) recov-
ery chance, and ½ base cost.

WEAPON QUALITY
Like other items, weapons can be produced with varying
degrees of skill and resources. The above-listed weaponry
assumes average-quality; for other levels of quality, see be-
low.
Exceptional-quality weapons: +1 to maximum dam-
age and cost 2x the base cost (or a minimum cost of 10
sc). Exceptional-quality weapons are also less likely to be
broken or shattered, but are not of high enough quality to
hold permanent enchantments.
Exceptional-quality ammunition (arrows, bolts,
and sling stones): 8-20 (d20) recovery chance, and cost
2x the base cost. OTHER WEAPON COMPOSITIONS
Most weapons in the SK known world are forged iron or
Master-crafted weapons: +1 to AP, +1 to max dam-
steel, though most weapon halts (or clubs or staves) are sol-
age, and cost 5x base cost (or a minimum cost of 30 sc).
id wood such as ash, elm, cherry, and even oak or pine. On
Note that the +1 to AP only applies to weapons with a
rare occasions, however, the player-characters might stum-
base maximum damage rating of 10 or better. Master-craft-
ble upon weaponry made of rarer substances, for better or
ed weapon are also extremely difficult to break or shatter
worse. Details for such things are as follows:
and are candidates for permanently enchanted items. As
BONE: Weapons made of bone are rare among the
such, some might have an additional magical power, such
as bursting into flame, producing ice or lightning, causing more civilized human and human-like cultures, but not un-
bleeding wounds, and countless other possibilities. common in regards to some of the brutish creatures of the
known world—Ogres, Trolls, and others still. A bone weap-
Master-crafted ammunition (arrows, bolts, and
on would cost about two-thirds the listed price for a normal
sling stones): +1 to AP, 5-20 (d20) recovery chance, and
weapon and would suffer a -2 penalty to AP (minimum of
cost 5x base cost.
0) as well as to maximum damage. Slashing weapons are
Heroic-quality weapons: +1 to skill roll, +1 to AP, nigh impossible to craft from bone, bludgeoning and pierc-
+5 max damage, and are essentially priceless. Weapons of ing weaponry being the most viable.
this rare quality are often enchanted and are nearly impos- BRONZE/COPPER: Weapons comprised of these
sible to break or shatter. Heroic-quality weapons are mas-
somewhat softer, or less sturdy, metals inflict a -1 penal-
ter-crafted items that have been enchanted with a unique
ty to AP and to maximum damage. Furthermore, they are
power (or multiple lesser powers), or are weapons that
damaged if the wielder’s attack roll is a critical failure; if the

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KINGDOMS
wielder is fighting an opponent with a steel-forged weap-
on or one of exceptional quality (or better), the wield-
er’s bronze/copper weapon is destroyed instead. Though
bronze or copper weapons are rare, relics of an antiquated
period and primitive cultures, they might be occasionally
found for sale worth around two-thirds the price of one of
iron or steel of average quality.
COLD-IRON: This is iron untouched by a forge-fire
and without added materials, such as tin or lead for mak-
ing steel. As such, it is difficult to craft weapons from raw,
unfired iron, increasing the DLs to Crafting rolls (when mak-
ing cold-iron tools or weapons) by 5. However, cold-iron
weapons often deal additional pain and harm to Fey/Fa-
erie creatures and occasionally even demonic entities. The
drawback, though, is that raw cold-iron is otherwise infe-
rior to fire-wrought iron (and certainly steel), yielding a -1
penalty to the weapon’s AP and maximum damage rating.
They are only damaged in combat when the wielder scores
a critical failure and only then when facing an opponent
wielding a master-crafted weapon.
SILDARIL: Meaning “star-metal” in the Sidhe tongue,
this metal is said to be comprised from the materials of fall-
en stars and, as such, many believe it to be divinely sent.
Only the Eluna and Dark Sidhe fully know the secrets of
forging sildaril, although it is whispered that a few Duergar
clans have figured out the process as well. Alchemy, focused
on metallurgy, is involved with this procedure in additional
to the skill needed to properly forge it and make it hold its
shape, edge, and durability. See the Crafting skill entry for
DLs regarding Sildaril items.
If successfully made, a Sildaril-plated weapon gains +1 to
its base AP and maximum damage rating and can only be
broken by an opponent wielding a master-crafted Sildaril
weapon (or shield) or any weapon of heroic or legendary
quality. A weapon comprised of pure Sildaril—a rare thing
indeed—would weight half as much as one made of steel
and gain +2 to AP and to maximum damage. Such prizes
are automatically considered to be master-crafted, although
the very rare heroic-quality weapon of pure Sildaril would
yield +3 to AP and maximum damage, while the even rarer
legendary-quality made of Sildaril would grant +4 to AP
and maximum damage. These statistics are in addition to
any other extra magical powers the weapon held. Note
that heroic-quality and legendary-quality Sildaril weapons
are virtually impossible to break save by extraordinary and
intentional means (such as lava or Blackfire) and are, in es-
sence, priceless.
SILVER: Usually this refers to silver-plating, for pure sil-
ver is too soft and pliable a metal for any proper weapon
construction. Silver-plated weapons costs three times the
listed amount of an average-quality weapon and require
some skill to make (see the Crafting skill entry for DLs). They
are slightly heavier, but not terribly so, and lessen the AP of
a weapon by one (but no less than zero). However, silver is
a notorious deterrent against certain supernatural creatures,
particularly lycanthropes, vampires, and a few rare types of
demons, wherein a silvered weapon might deal additional
damage or allow the weapon to do any damage at all. Sil-
ver is sometimes known as “moon metal” in some cultures
and is considered pure and somewhat “holy”.
262
Silvered weapons are rarely exceptional quality, although
a master smith might be able to pull such off especially with
the Artisan talent. This would, naturally, increase the price
of the weapon by six-fold, but is still not enough to negate
the -1 penalty to AP (but would be more resistant to being
damaged or broken). A master-crafted silvered weapon, an
extremely rare thing indeed, would cost 15 times the listed
base cost for an average quality weapon but would negate
the -1 AP penalty and be resistant to damage from all but
the most heroic-quality of weaponry or shields.
STONE: Weapons made solely of stone, such as gran-
ite or flint (which are almost always blunt weapons like
hammers, mauls, and the like), inflict a -1 penalty to the
wielder’s attack roll and weigh three to four times as much
as their metal or wood counterparts. Furthermore, they can
be susceptible to chipping and cracking, especially when
resisted by other stone surfaces or metal objects of mas-
ter-crafted quality or better. The costs to make them are
roughly the same as listed for an average-quality weapon of
normal construction.
Obsidian, however, is acts a bit different than other
stone-made weapons in that it can be every bit as sharp as
the finest steel. If a Light weapon, in fact, there is no pen-
alty to the wielder’s attack roll as mentioned above; Medi-
um and Heavy weapons still possess this penalty, though.
An obsidian weapon would cost as the listed amount for a
normal average-quality weapon, although anything great-
er would cost at least double the price (and be subject to
breaking).
WOOD: Any weapon not normally comprised of solid
wood, such as a club, war-club, staff, or bow—would suffer
a -2 penalty to AP (not no lower than zero) as well as to
maximum damage. The cost for such weaponry is about
two-thirds the listed price for a weapon otherwise intended
to be iron or steel, exceptional quality versions being rare
except in the case of the Sidhe-folk. Master-crafted wooden
weapons, save those that are normally wooden in nature
(clubs, staves, etc.), are nearly unheard of.
Note that there are whispered to be some near-magi-
cal types of wood in the greater SK world, including the
near-legendary “stone-wood” (or “wizard-wood”) across
the Dragon Sea in the mysterious land of Ar.
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TABLE 4-4: ARMOR

Armor includes mail and other forms of body armor, as well as shields of varying sizes and helmets. When donning
armor, all types are added together in regards to Protection Rating, Mobility Penalty, and Skill Penalty (see below for
further information). For example, a character might have body armor, a shield, and a helmet, which would add alto-
gether to produce one Protection (or Armor) Rating.
Note that you can layer soft leather, hard leather, and padded gambeson beneath greater/heavier forms of armor
to gain a +1 additional bonus to Protection Rating, but at an additional -1 to Mobility and Skill Penalty. This is the only
type of armor that “stacks”.

Armor Type ProtRtg MobPen SkillPen Cost Other

Soft Leather/Hide 1 -0 -1 10 C
Hard Leather/Padded 2 -0 -2 25 C
Brigandine/Ring 3 -1 -2 40 Phy -2, Bulk 1, U
Chainmail shirt 3 0 -3 50 Phy -3, U
Chainmail hauberk 4 -1 -4 100 Phy -2, Bulk 1, U
Scale hauberk 4 -2 -4 85 Phy -1, Bulk 2, R
Plate and chain 5 -2 -5 250 Agi -2, Phy -1, Bulk 2, R
Duergar plate armor* 6 -3 -5 600 Agi -2, Phy -1, Vig -1, Prestige, Bulk 3, E
Shields
Buckler/Small Shield 1 -0 -1 10 Phy -3, U
Medium Shield 2 -0 -2 25 Phy -2, C
Large/Body Shield 3 -1 -3 50 Phy -1, Bulk 1, U
Helmets
War-cap w/ chain coif 1 -0 -1 35 *U
War Helm/Full helmet 1 -0 -1** 50 *Phy -2, Prestige, R

*This type of armor is rarely, if ever, found in a typical armorer’s shop and is instead crafted specifically, by commission,
by Duergar smiths and then usually only for Duergar specifically.
**-1 to Perception skill rolls instead of the usual asterisked skills (e.g. Acrobatics, Athletics, etc.).
Bulk x: How bulky or heavy the item in question is, per
the Encumbrance rules (see below).
C: An abbreviation for ‘Common’, this type of armor
item can be found in 80% of towns and cities of some note
or size.
Cost: This the typical cost, in silver coins, for an aver-
age-quality version of the item. The price might vary de-
pending upon region and supply-and-demand per the GM’s
discretion.
E: Short for ‘Exotic’, this item is available in only about
10% of towns and cities of note.
Phy x: This constitutes the minimum Physique required
for the wearer in order to avoid an additional -2 to Mobil-
ity and Skill Penalty.
Prestige: This type of armor is extremely prestigious,
and so those wearing such gain a +1 boost to their Renown
ratings.
ProtRtg: Short for ‘Protection Rating’, this is how much
damage is absorbed or deflected on a successful attack to
the wearer. For example, a strike dealing 7 points of Health
damage against a character wearing average-quality brigan-
dine armor would absorb/deflect 3 points of it, and so the
wearer would take only 4. Note that only half Protection
Rating is applied against acid, fire, ice, and lightning attacks
(and any fall from up to 10 feet). Protection Ratings are
cumulative, so a character in, for example, hide armor and
GEAR & SUPPLIES
a war-helm would have a total ProtRtg of 2.
SkillPen: A penalty applied to any skill roll designated
by an asterisk (e.g. Acrobatics, Athletics, Brawling, Magical
Arts, Stealth, etc.) when wearing this type of armor. Skill
Penalties are cumulative, so a character in, say, hard leather
armor and bearing a medium shield would suffer a total of
-4 to asterisked skill rolls.
R: An abbreviation for ‘Rare’, the armor item in ques-
tion can be found in 20% of towns and cities of note.
U: Short for ‘Uncommon’, this item is available in rough-
ly 40% of towns and cities of any note.
Vig x: The minimum Vigor attribute needed by the
wearer before suffering -2 to Stamina.
Exceptional-quality armor: Suffers one less Skill Pen-
alty and costs 2x normal price. Exceptional-quality armor
is uncommon as such is generally produced by only skilled
armor-smiths.
Master-crafted armor: Suffers one less Skill Penalty
and one less Mobility penalty. Costs 5x normal price and
only found in selective locations. Master-crafted armor in-
creases the rarity or frequency by one “level”; that is, if
chain hauberks are of U (Uncommon) scarcity in most re-
gions, then master-crafted chain hauberks would therefore
rate as R (Rare). This type of armor is capable of holding
a permanent enchantment and is generally made only by
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master-smiths.
Heroic-quality armor: Suffers two less Skill Penalty,
one less Mobility penalty, and gains +1 protection rating.
Costs 15x normal cost, though essentially priceless (and
seldom for sale). Heroic-quality armor (and shields and
helmets) are either master-crafted items of greater enchant-
ment or are armors worn, or utilized, by highly renowned
heroes of olde. The scarcity rating of heroic-quality armor
increases by two “levels” (for example, an average-quality
large shield rated as U, which is Uncommon, would be E for
Exotic in regards to heroic-quality).
Legendary armor: Suffers two less Skill Penalty, two
less Mobility penalty, and gains +2 protection rating. These
items are priceless and never for sale on the open market, if
at all. Legendary armor items always have a magical charac-
teristic or two, whether it is to provide protection from fire
to the wearer, +2 to the wearer’s Luck, or a host of other
possibilities.
Poor-quality armor: Suffers one additional Skill Pen-
alty and -1 Protection Rating if chain shirt or greater. Costs
60% of normal value. (Protection Rating brought to zero
means Destroyed.) Poor armor is either terribly crafted or
represents a previously damaged item.
OTHER ARMOR COMPOSITIONS
As mentioned above in regards to weapons, armor might
sometimes be comprised of another material other than
the usual leather, iron, or steel. Such armors would be rare
indeed as shown below:
BONE: Some high priests of Anderok are known to
where armor-like adornments made primarily of bone, as
are those occasionally from primitive or savage cultures.
Bone armor would cost about two-thirds the listed price for
normal armor of its type, and would suffer a -1 penalty to
Protection Rating as well as an additional -1 to Skill Penalty.
BRONZE: Back in the Age of Rhodon, bronze armor
was relatively common, although it never really took
hold in the North (which stuck mainly to leather, hide, or
nothing at all). However, antiquated bronze breastplates,
greaves, and even helmets are still on rare occasion utilized,
although they suffer a -1 penalty to Protection Rating and
an additional -1 to Skill Penalty when compared to more
normal armor as those listed. On rarer occasion, copper or
even silver chainmail might be found, but the same penal-
ties apply.
Whenever an effect occurs which damages armor, bronze
armor always loses one additional point of Protection Rat-
ing as it is prone to breakage and cracking.
SILDARIL: Armor plated in star-metal is very rare, a
craft usually only known by the Sidhe or certain Duergar
clans. In such cases, both the Mobility Penalty and Skill Pen-
alty of the armor type in question is reduced by one. Such
armors would cost at least 10 times the regular amount listed
in Chapter 15—Gear & Equipment. In the even rarer event

GETTING INTO AND OUT OF ARMOR

Generally speaking, donning light forms of armor takes less time than heavier forms of armor, and more or less the
same with doffing (getting out of) armor. The following table illustrates this in more detail. Note that, with the
assistance of another person (such as a squire, etc.), these times are cut in half.

Time Required Time Required

Armor Type to Don* to Doff
Padded, Soft Leather, Chainmail shirt 2 rounds 2 actions
Brigandine, Chainmail and Scale hauberk 4 rounds 2 rounds
Plated mail (plate and chainmail) 6 rounds 3 rounds
Duergar full plate armor 10 rounds 5 rounds

Helmets
War-cap and chainmail coif 2 actions 1 action
War-helm/full helmet 2 actions 1 action

Shields
Buckler, Small Shield 1 action 0 action
Medium Shield 1 action 0 action
Large Shield 1 action 0 action

*By spending only half the allotted time, you can get most of your armor on yielding you -1 to Protection Rating,
an additional -1 penalty to Mobility, and an additional -2 penalty to asterisked Skills. This is due to the armor flap-
ping around a bit since not all straps will be secured, etc.

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of pure Sildaril armor, which would be essentially priceless,
the Protection Rating of the armor type in question would
improve by +1. As one can see, Sildaril—a light, flexible,
and durable metal alloy—is better served as weaponry than
armor, the latter generally considered something of a waste
of good star-metal.
WOOD: Wooden shields, obviously, are quite common
and are found throughout the known world made by many
cultures. Most shields and bucklers, in fact, are largely oak
or pine trimmed with an iron rim often with an iron “boss”
in the middle to protect the hand. Many are furthermore
covered in leather for additional protection and some mod-
icum of comfort. However, on rare occasion, a primitive
or wood-based culture might produce body armor made
primarily of hardened wood, although such would have its
base Bulk increased by one, suffer a -1 to Protection Rating,
and an additional -1 penalty to Mobility and Skill Penalties.
The cost to make such armors would be about two-thirds
the listed price for normal armor.
Optional Rule: The GM may wish to cap the maximum
Protection Rating, regardless of what type and how much
armor is being worn, at 10. Such a rating is quite difficult to
achieve (and would certainly slow the character down), but
even still, 10 is a nice and easy (and sane) limit.
SLEEPING IN ARMOR
It is possible to sleep in armor, but there are drawbacks—
as one might imagine—for doing so. For every Skill
Penalty the armor inflicts on its wearer, that is the number
of Stamina points the character will be down when awake.
Thus, as an example, if Brynjar sleeps in his exception-
al-quality scale hauberk during the entire night, he will
be minus three points of Stamina when finally awake for
travel the next day (i.e. a scale hauberk has a Skill Penalty
of 4, but exceptional-quality armor negates one point of
this penalty, for a total of 3). To further the example, if
Brynjar had the Armor Acclimation talent, he would only
suffer two points of Stamina loss for sleeping in armor.
Obviously, the benefit for sleeping in armor is to be
ready for combat should the immediate need arise, and
most characters on watch-duty will most likely keep their
armor on.

TABLE 4-5: CLOTHING & OTHER GEAR

Listed here are some of the more common non-armor and non-weapon items and equipment of the SK world.

Item Cost Bulk Other Notes

Acid, moderate*** 5 sc/vial 0* R; See Alchemy skill entry
Acid, strong*** 12 sc/vial 0* E; See Alchemy skill entry
Alchemist’s Kit 20 sc 1 R; -2 to Alchemy skill rolls without
Alchemy Workshop 80 sc 10 E; +1 to Alchemy rolls; min 3x3 yard space
Ale, light 3 bc 1 C; One pint (about a day’s worth)
Ale, stout 5 bc 1 C; One pint (about a day’s worth)
Artisans’ tools 10 sc 1 C; -2 to Crafting rolls without
Backpack/knapsack 2 sc 0* C; Holds Bulk 2 or 1.5 cubic-foot volume
Barrow-weed (dried) 2 sc 0** R; See the Herbalism skill entry
Basket, small 2 bc 1 C; Wicker; holds one cubic-foot volume
Bedroll (sleeping) 3 sc 2 C; +1 to resist weather and fatigue
Belt 1 sc 0* C; Fair to fine leather
Belt, double 2 sc 0* U; Often used for swords
Boots, fine/riding 5 sc 1 R; Heavier leather; occasional fur trim
Boots, soft/buskins 2 sc 0* C; Light leather footwear
Breeches, fine 2 sc 0* U; Lower body wear of leather or silk
Breeches, simple 8 bc 0* C; Basic wear for lower body; cloth or wool
Candle, tallow 2 bc 0** C; Illuminates a 3-yard radius; burns 2 hours
Candle, wax 8 bc 0** C; Illuminates a 3-yard radius; burns 8 hours
Chain, iron (per yd) 1 sc 1 U; Phy DL 25 to break; bears up to 2,000 lb
Chest, large 15 sc 6 C; DL 20 lock; holds one cubic yard
Cloak, hooded 3 sc 1 C; Protects against rain, wind, etc.
Coffer (tiny chest) 5 sc 2 U; DL 20 lock; holds one cubic foot
Drinking Horn 7 sc 1 U; Holds up to 1-2 days mead or ale
Flint and Steel 3 bc 0** C; Light torch 1 action; +2 Survival start fire
Forge (smithy) 75 sc 15 C; +1 Crafting (metal) rolls; min 3x3yd space
Girdle (broad belt) 4 sc 1 U; Holds heavy or multiple weapons

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Item Cost Bulk Other Notes

Gloves, leather 3 sc 0* R; Leather hand-wear; sometimes fur trim
Grappling Hook 2 sc 1 U; DL 15-20 Weaponry: Ranged to hook
Healer’s Pouch 10 sc 0* U; +1 to Healing Arts skill rolls; 10 uses
Hemlock (dried) 2 sc 0** U; See Herbalism skill entry
Herbalism Kit 8 sc 0* U; +1 to Herbalism skill rolls; 10 uses
Herbalist’s Workshop 50 sc 8 R; +1 to Herbalism rolls; min 3x3 yd space
Herbs, cooking 1 sc 0* C; +1 to Crafting (cooking) rolls; 5 uses
Herbs, healing 5 sc 0* U; Grants +1 to Healing Arts rolls; 5 uses
Horn, drinking 2 sc 1 U; Common in the north; holds 2 pints
Horn, sounding 5 sc 1 U; Can be heard up to 300 yards away
Ink, writing (vial) 1 sc 0* R; One vial produces equivalent to 25 pages
Kilt, tartan plaid 4 sc 1 R; C in Caerndon; U in Emerald Islands
Knife, utility 5 sc 0* C; Max. Damage 7; shaving, whittling, etc.
Lamp, oil or tallow 5 bc 0* C; Illuminates a 9-yard radius area
Lantern, hooded 3 sc 1 U; Lights a 9-yard radius; can be shuttered
Lock, complex 20 sc 0* R; DL 25 Lock-picking (or key) to open
Lock, simple 7 sc 0* U; DL 20 Lock-picking (or key) to open
Manacles, iron 1 sc 1 U; Agi or Phy DL 25 to break or escape
Mandrake (dried) 2 sc 0* R; See Herbalism skill entry
Mistletoe (dried) 2 sc 0** R; See Herbalism skill entry
Nightshade (dried) 2 sc 0** U; See Herbalism skill entry
Oil, lamp/lantern 1 sc 0* C; Non-explosive; one flask burns 8 hours
Parchment 8 bc/sheet 0* U; One sheet is 10”x12”; often scrolled
Piton (iron spike) 5 bc 0* C; +2 to climbing; 2 actions to drive one in
Pouch, belt 2 sc 0* C; Roughly one-half cubic foot of storage
Prydonian Fire*** 8 sc/flask 0* R; See Alchemy skill entry
Quill (or stylus) 4 bc 0* U; For writing with ink or other pigments
Rations, dried 1 sc/day ¼ per day C; Dried meat, fruits, nuts, and bread
Rope (per 10 yards) 3 sc 2 U; Hempen; bears up to 35 Bulk in weight
Sack, cloth 5 bc 0* C; Contains up to two cubic feet of items
Sack, leather 1 sc 0* U; Contains up to two cubic feet of items
Saddle, riding 1 gc 1 (horse) U; -2 to Animal Hndling (riding) rolls w/out
Saddle, war 2 gc 2 (horse) R; +2 to Animal Handling to stay mounted
Saddlebags 8 sc 2 (horse) U; About one cubic foot of storage per side
Salve, healing*** 10 sc/dose 0* R; See Alchemy skill entry
Smithing tools 10 sc 1 C; -2 to Crafting skill rolls without
Tent, pavilion 25 sc 15 R; Sleeps 10-12 people and most gear
Tent, small 7 sc 5 U; Sleeps 1-2 people and most gear
Thieves’ Tools 10 sc 0* E; Illegal in most areas; -2 Lockpicking w/out
Toga 1 sc 0* R; U in Lorinthia and Central Prydonian Isles
Torch 1 bc 0* C; Illuminates a 6-yard radius area
Tunic, fine 3 sc 0* U: Basic wear; leather, silk, or good cloth
Tunic, simple 1 sc 0* C; Basic wear from shoulders to mid-thigh
Waterskin 3 sc 0* (1 if full) C; Holds one gallon (1-2 days) of water
Whetstone 2 bc 0** C; Sharpens/maintains bladed weapons
Wine, watered 1 sc 1 C; Per gallon (1-3 days’ worth)
Wine, fine 5 sc 1 U; Per gallon (1-3 days’ worth)

*10 of these items equate to Bulk 1

**20 of these items equate to Bulk 1

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***If you have the necessary skill levels in Alchemy to make this, then you pay only half cost at character creation.

TABLE 4-6: ANIMALS, MOUNTS, & TRANSPORT

Mounts/Beasts Cost Weight Other Notes

Barge, river 50 sc 60 U; Holds 20 people or Bulk 120
Cart, two-wheeled 20 sc 22 C; Carries up to 3 people or Bulk 25
Cog (or Carrack) 500 sc 150 U; Min. crew of 4; Carries up to Bulk 250
Dog, hunting 25 sc 8 U; Trained to hunt and track
Dog, war/guard 50 sc 10 R; Trained to attack and guard
Falcon, trained 30 sc 1 R; Trained to hunt and “spot” from above
Galley, large 250 sc 100 R; Holds 50 people or Bulk 100
Longship 400 sc 130 U; Mobility 5-20; Carries up to Bulk 200
Horse, draft 50 sc 31 C; Pulls carts/wagons at Mobility 20
Horse, riding 75 sc 28 C; Mobility 25; can carry up to Bulk 40
Horse, light war 150 sc 31 R; Can attack in combat; carries Bulk 45
Horse, heavy war 250 sc 34 E; Can attack in combat; carries Bulk 50
Rowboat, small 20 sc 18 C; Holds up to 4 people or Bulk 30
Sledge, snow/ice 30 sc 22 R; Holds up to Bulk 25; towed by beasts
Wagon, 4-wheeled 40 sc 50 U; Carries up to 6 people or Bulk 50
Warship, bireme 600 sc 180 R; Min crew 25; ramming prow, ballista
Warship, sailing 1,000 sc 240 E; Min crew 10; ram, ballista, catapult
Warship, trireme 900 sc 260 E; Min crew 45; ram, ballista, catapult

TABLE 4-7: COMMON SERVICES

Food & Services Cost Weight Other Notes

Aviary, hawk/falcon 7 bc -- U; Per night; food, water, hood, etc.
Bath, public 2 bc -- R; Common in Lorinthian Empire
Courtesan, comely 3 sc -- R; Magnetism +2 to +4; cost is per hour
Healing, long-term 5 bc -- U; Access to NPCs w/ Healing Arts level 3+
Meal, tavern (avg) 2 bc -- C; Watery stew, hard bread, cheese, ale, etc.
Meal, tavern (fine) 6 bc -- U; Thick stew, nut-bread, cheese, wine, etc.
Messenger, bird 1 sc -- U; Raven/Pigeon; Mob 50+; max 40 words
Messenger, mounted 2 sc -- U; Mobility 25+; cost is per day on the road
Messenger, in-town 5 bc -- U; Written or spoken; one hour maximum
Room, poor inn 4 bc -- C; Per night; might come with stabling
Room, average inn 1 sc -- C; Per night, probably w/ stabling and privy
Room, fine inn 3 sc -- U; Per night, w/ stabling, privy, and more
Shelter, exotic beast 5 sc -- R; Per night; food/water, stall or cage, etc.
Ship Passage (river) 1 sc -- U; Per day on-river; few accommodations
Ship Passage (sea) 2 sc -- U; Per day at sea; basic accommodations
Stabling, per horse 1 sc -- C; Per night; Stall, feed, possible grooming
Wench/harlot 1 sc -- U; Magnetism -1 to +1; cost is per night

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TABLE 4-8: SIEGE WEAPONS

Max
WEAPON AP Cost Bulk Other Notes
Dmg
Ballista, Light 35 5 100 24 R; Range 70/140/280; fire every other rnd
Ballista, Heavy 45 8 200 40 E; Range 90/180/360; fire every 3 rounds
Catapult, Light 40* 6* 175 28 R; Range --/120/240; fire every 3 rounds
Catapult, Heavy 50* 9* 300 44 E; Range --/200/300; fire every 5 rounds
Cauldron, Burning Oil 25 5 60 20 R; 2x2 yard effect area; holds 15 gallons
Battering Ram, Light 35 6 75 40 U; Team of at least 6; Reach 2
Battering Ram, Heavy 55 10 150 60 R; Team of at least 12; Reach 3
Flaming Arrow +2 +2 2 0* U; Every 20 is Bulk 1; -5 to each range ctgry
Ramming Prow (ship) 50 10 200 +20 R; +10 Bulk to ship; Min. Mobility 10 to use
Siege Tower (covered) -- -- 200 140 R; 200 Health points; Armor Rating 6

TABLE 4-9: MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS

Musical Instruments Cost Bulk Other Notes

Bagpipes 13 sc 1 R; Common in Caernia
Drum, large 14 sc 3 U; Can be heard up to 300 yards away
Drum, small 8 sc 1 U; Can be heard up to 100 yards away
Dulcimer 15 sc 2 U; Hammered or strummed
Flute or Recorder (wooden) 7 sc 0* C; Found most anywhere; +2 to conceal
Harp, small traveling 15 sc 2 U; Found mainly in the northwest
Harp, large standing 35 sc 6 R; Used primarily in courts or great halls
Lute or Mandolin 15 sc 2 U; Common in the Western realms
Lyre (seven strings) 12 sc 1 U; Common in Lorinthia and Prydonia

ITEM QUALITY HEROIC-QUALITY: Tools and musical instruments of this

Like weapons and armor, other forms of equipment can
vary in make and quality, from poor or damaged to mas-
ter-crafted (and possibly even heroic-quality, though very
rare). Average quality objects are, naturally, the most com-
mon and considered the norm.
EXCEPTIONAL: Tools—and musical instruments—of this
level of quality are less likely to break and are perhaps
somewhat more resistant to rust, wear and tear, and gen-
eral breakage.
POOR/DAMAGED: Tools of this quality, or lack there-
of, suffer a -2 penalty to any relevant skill rolls in which
they are being employed. For example, broken (but not
destroyed) metal-working tools would inflict a -2 penalty
to Crafting (blacksmithing) skill rolls. In the case of a musi-
cal instrument, the instrument in question would suffer a -2
penalty to the user’s Performance roll.
MASTER-CRAFTED: Tools and musical instruments of
this high degree of quality receive an additional +1 bonus
to the user’s appropriate skill roll.
extraordinary caliber of craftsmanship would gain an addi-
tional +2 bonus to their appropriate skill rolls.
LEGENDARY: There are, essentially, no common tools or
instruments of legendary quality. If there were, however,
they would be nearly impossible to destroy and might stand
to gain an additional +3 to the appropriate skill roll.
OTHER MATERIALS: If a tool is manufactured out of an
atypical substance—such as a wooden or bone lock-pick—
then it stands to suffer a -1 to -2 penalty to the appropriate
skill as well as a likelier chance of becoming damaged or de-
stroyed. Otherwise, a silver-plated object would likely have
increased market value and could even cause discomfort to
a lycanthropic creature or a cold-iron item might slightly
“burn” any Sidhe touching it. GM discretion should apply
here.
ENCUMBRANCE
Characters can wear, carry, or otherwise bear a number
of Bulk items in accordance to their Physique attributes as
shown below:

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Physique Unencum- Hin- Bur-

rating bered* dered** dened***
Physique -4 0-2 3-4 5-6
Physique -3 0-3 4-6 7-9
Physique -2 0-4 5-8 9-12
Physique -1 0-5 6-10 11-15
Physique +0 0-6 7-12 13-18
Physique +1 0-8 9-16 17-24
Physique +2 0-10 11-20 21-30

16
Physique +3 0-12 13-24 25-36
Physique +4 0-14 15-28 29-42
Physique +5 0-16 17-32 33-48
Physique +6 0-18 19-36 37-54
Physique +7 0-20 21-40 41-60

*Characters carrying total Bulk within this range suffer no

penalties.
**Reduced to ¾ Mobility and -2 to asterisked Skill rolls.
***Reduced to ½ Mobility, -5 to asterisked Skill rolls, and
-2 to Stamina. Total Bulk greater than this cannot be car-
ried, although it might be possible push/pull/drag a singu-
lar object with a Bulk rating greater than this category at
¼ Mobility, perhaps with assistance or an accommodating
surface. GM discretion applies.
Note: Bulk equates to roughly 15-20 pounds, or a heavier
item easily portable or a lighter one that is bulky or un-
wieldy (such as a sack stuffed full of feathers). Characters,
and most other creatures, are considered themselves a Bulk
of 10 + 2x their Physique attributes (minimum Bulk 4 for
player-characters) in “dead weight” for the purposes of be-
ing carried when Helpless or Unconscious. If conscious, this
Bulk is effectively halved when being carried.
MOUNTS & BEASTS OF BURDEN
A mount must have a Physique of 5 greater than its rider’s
or it is automatically slowed to Hindered. For example, a
Physique +7 character, though a rare thing indeed, would
require a horse (or other steed) with a Physique of at least
+12 to keep from being Hindered.
If a rider’s Physique is greater than the mount’s, then the
mount is slowed to Burdened; if it is 5 or more greater, than
the mount cannot move at all with the rider astride it.
Note the creatures other than equines and camels must
be at least passingly capable of bearing a rider, such as pos-
sibly a large bear, moose, ox, or giant boar. These beasts,
however, will need specialized training to learn the ‘Carry
Rider’ task of the Animal Handling skill.
HEROIC, LEGENDARY,
& ENCHANTED ITEMS
The world of Savage Kingdoms is one of wonder, mysticism,
and romantic brutality. As such, it is one if mighty thews,
sharp steel, and cunning wit, with little place for the weak
and foolish. Enchanted objects, therefore, are relatively rare
in the known world as often it is enough to just have a
sword of fine steel or a loyal and swift steed. Furthermore,
magical items are extremely expensive to create and require
a tremendous amount of knowledge of things magical and
arcane (not to mention the physical and spiritual toil per-
manent objects can cause on the hapless enchanter).
That said, the SK world is home to some of the most
potent and intriguing enchanted items, magical objects of
a permanent nature which are of, in the very least, hero-
ic-quality. (Temporarily enchanted items are either talis-
mans or potions, or on rare occasion, alchemical concoc-
tions imbued with a measure of sorcery). A step beyond
even items of heroic quality are those of legendary quality,
objects whose secret of fabrication has been lost to time,
most likely enchanted in a time where magic and sorcery
was more potent, such as during the Age of Gods, Age of
Giants, or Age of Dragons. Legendary items might also rep-
resent those rare heroic-quality objects that gained further
enchantment somehow, or those wielded or owned for a
long while by a hero, ruler, or other renowned personage
for a great length of time. Items can be increased in power
and quality, after all, on rarest occasion by the heroic and
clever, or perhaps by sitting in a place of power for a great
length of time (such as a crystal cave or beneath a circle
of standing stones). None of this needs hard-and-fast rules
and is largely up to the GM, within the context of what is
written here and throughout this book.
The following permanent magical objects are known pri-
marily in the West, but there is little reason why one or two
could not turn up in the East beyond the Dragon Sea.

THE BLACK ORB OF ORIDON

Also known as the Black Pearl of Oridon or the Pearl of the
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KINGDOMS
Leviathan, this legendary object is said to have been, at one
time, in the care and control of the Grand Temple of Prydo-
nis in the great city-state of Prydon itself. However, as tales
claim, this black pearl-like orb—the size of a large man’s
fist—was stolen during the last Cataclysm (well before the
Gorgon Wars) and whisked out of the city and off the is-
land. By whom, what, or to where, few seem to know. If
the Orb could ever be found, it would grant its bearer the
following abilities:
dz Both the Night-sighted and Second Sight talents.
dz A +2 bonus to Magical Arts: Death and Life skill
rolls.
dz A +1 bonus to Magical Arts: Shadow and Water
skill rolls.
dz The ability to breathe underwater and endure wa-
ter pressure up to a depth of 100 feet.
dz The Obsession (of the Orb itself) weakness, major
version.
dz If the bearer’s Willpower is +1 or less, the Madness
and Tainted weaknesses are gained.
THE BLOOD CROWN
Said to be a gift from a mysterious sorcerer-priest, this wick-
ed and powerful object was often worn by Mortigern Von
Mulov, the first king of Mulovia. Many whispered that the
heavy coronet, mainly comprised of iron, gold, and deep-
red ruby, held mystical powers, including the ability to turn
its rightful owner into a vampire. Thus, rumor arose that
King Mortigern was of vampiric nature, turned into such
a creature by the Blood Crown and not by the more “nat-
ural” means of being blood-drained by such a fell undead
being.
Regardless of the actual truth, the crown was thought
to had been destroyed by the Von Zuriks when their noble
house took the royal throne. Yet, some said that the Blood
Crown was resistant to destruction and so was locked away
in the same lead and stone vault where the sun-burnt ash-
es of its former wearer, King Mortigern, were contained.
Legend has it that the First King, Mortigern, outlived many
queens during his reign with the Crown and was finally put
to death by an assassin after he removed it for a tryst with
a beautiful courtier. Furthermore, few know of the location
of Mortigern Von Mulov’s tomb and, as such, the Blood
Crown itself.
If the object were to ever be unearthed, it would yield
the following powers to a human (and only a human) who
placed upon his or her head:
dz Transformation into a Lesser Vampire (after wear-
ing it nine straight nights).
dz A +1 boost to Magnetism.
dz A +2 increase to Health and Stamina.
dz The Madness and Tainted weaknesses if the wear-
er’s Willpower is +2 or less.
270
THE HORN OF RHODON
Also known as the Horn of Prydonis, this sacred relic, if
it even exists, was said to have been created by the Elder
Deities of Rhodon, the isle of the gods that the ancient
Rhodonites (predecessors of the Prydonians) believed once
existed. The horn was either believed to be a cornucopia
of food and drink or a sounding-horn perhaps being com-
prised from a large nautilus shell. If the former, it likely pro-
vided ample sustenance for a grand feast, complete with
healing-foods and wine fit for the descendants of gods and
great heroes; if the latter, the horn was thought to have
summoned the Leviathan from the very sea or to drive
away Krakens and other gorgons.
If the Horn of Rhodon (which might actually be two dis-
tinctly different objects as outlined above) was ever locat-
ed—perhaps guarded only by the Leviathan (the Sea Lord’s
loyal servant) itself or lost to the deepest depths of the Sea
of Prydonis—it might only function for one of Rhodonite
blood with a minimum Magnetism or Willpower of +1. The
power revealed within could be as follows:
dz Blast of Fear (when blown, all enemies within 20
yards of the horn-blower must succeed in DL 20 Re-
solve rolls or become Intimidated; failing by 10 or more
means Terrified instead; this power only functions thrice
per 24 hours)
dz Elixir of Life (once per 24 hours, the horn can pour
out a potent healing-elixir that heals 20 Health points of
damage to a single drinker or 10 Health points to two
drinkers; this also acts as a Regeneration spell for missing
digits or limbs)
dz Restore Life (once per week, the horn can Restore
Life, as the spell, to a single creature having been de-
ceased for no more than seven days)
dz Sustaining Feast (once per day, the horn can pro-
duce enough fine food and drink for up to fifty hu-
man-sized creatures; any creature larger than Physique
+5 counts as two creatures and any creature larger than
Physique +10 counts as three, and so on.
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THE JEWELS OF SILDARIEN
The father of Sildar the Smith, a famed craftsperson, was
Sildarien of the Eluna Sidhe. Sildarien was a grandmas-
ter smith, particularly gifted in crafting gems and jewels,
some of which—according to legend—were imbued with
the very essence of the two moons and the firelight of the
sun and stars. Four of these great jewels were created, and
a fifth was attempted until the Shadow War, which trig-
gered the Breaking of Arvelindor, ceased Sildarien’s efforts.
Sildarien, in fact, was taken prisoner by the Dark Sidhe and
held in a secret chamber for centuries before tricking his
way out with one of his own creations (the Dark Sidhe had
forced him to craft beautiful things for them, some of them
enchanted).
Of the four Jewels of Sildarien, two have known where-
abouts: the royal court of Celendoril and one of the noble
houses of Lithilor. A third one was allegedly unearthed in
the Shadowlands several centuries ago, but it has since fad-
ed from known history (and, like the fourth one, still at
large). Some whisper that the fifth and incomplete Jewel, a
skull-sized gem of myriad facets, is perhaps the most magi-
cally potent, even though it was allegedly never completed
by Sildarien.
Being the bearer of one of these great Jewels might grant
the following abilities:
dz Magic Affinity (per the mystical talent)
dz Star-sight (per the racial ability of all Sidhe-folk)
dz Second Sight (per the mystical talent)
dz +1 bonus to Luck
dz +1 bonus to Magical Arts: Life and Shadow and all
Perception skill rolls
dz Inflicted with the Obsession (with the Jewel it-
self—major) weakness, unless the bearer has a Willpow-
er of +2 or better.
THE SPEAR OF AGATHON
Prydonian and Lorinthian legends claim that the god Ag-
athon (also known as Argathon) once walked the mortal
world just before the Sinking of Rhodon some 1,300 years
ago. It is said this avatar, or earthly form, of the god of con-
quest and blood bore an incredible weapon, a spear forged
by his father, Prydonis, in the purest fire and water of the
Isle of the Gods and soaked in the fiery blood of Atores, the
bull-god of the sun. It was allegedly broken in half during
a terrible duel with a mighty gorgon, that some say was
the very avatar of Gorgothon, the Still-born God, and the
pieces were lost to history. At least one piece of the Spear
was claimed to have been found by a band of Agathonian
templars, but were lost again after just a few short years,
most likely to theft.
If the two pieces of this legendary weapon were ever
located again, and assembled, the bearer would very likely
gain the following abilities:
dz +1 boost to both Agility and Vigor
dz +1 bonus to Weaponry: Melee rolls when wielding
it; the Spear itself is Medium sized, has an AP of 4, a
GEAR & SUPPLIES
maximum damage rating of 27, and a throwing range
of 10/20/30.
dz The Impaling Thrust talent (with the Spear itself)
dz If the wielder possesses the Magic Affinity talent or
at least one skill level in Magical Arts: Fire or Death, the
Spear can then be willed to burst into flame which deals
an additional 5 points of fire damage upon a successful
strike.
dz The wielder gains the Obsession (war and destruc-
tion—major) weakness unless he or she has a Willpower
of +1 or greater.
THE STAR-SONG BLADE
This is said to have been the enchanted longsword of Trista-
na, a knight of Aradorn and first female member of the elite
Order of the Sword and the Rose. Legend has it that she
discovered the sword, not but a few years beyond puberty,
while wandering in the woodlands of northern Aradorn.
She claimed that an Otherworldly being led her to it—pos-
sibly an Angel or powerful Sidhe-lord—and wanted her to
“take it into the world of Men and to do good deeds.”
Several tried to take it from Dame Tristana, perhaps thinking
that it would better serve in the hands of a more adult and
skilled warrior, but the blade—forged of star-metal which
hummed through the air like a ghostly song—would not
fully function for any other save for young Tristana.
Sadly, the “star-song” sword was lost not a decade ago in
the Ruins of Aramor, where it is believed a powerful portal
to the Nether-world is located. Dame Tristana met a most
terrible demonic foe there, and instead of taking her life,
the entity took the heroic blade instead. Tristana limped
back to her home castle in western Aradorn, but a few years
later become the wife and queen to the high-king Gareth
Silverhawk, and both still reign today in Palador over a
semi-unified Aradorn.
Should the Star-Song Blade ever be recovered, assuming
it still exists, the wielder might stand to gain the following
abilities:
dz +1 bonus to Weaponry: Melee skill rolls; the long-
sword itself has AP 3, maximum damage 22, and is con-
sidered heroic-quality.
dz +2 to Persuasion skill rolls when drawn from its
scabbard
dz +2 to Resolve skill rolls when worn or drawn
dz If the wielder has the Pious Faith talent (of Saint
Paladyr), then all of the above bonuses are doubled.
THE TOME OF MALAGORN THE MAD
In actuality, there are thought to be three copies of this
piecemeal tome, a rare collection of scholarly observations,
ancient prayers and evocations, alchemical formulae, and
acquired spells written in several tongues, most notably
Brythian (with a fair number of notations in Lorinthian and
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 SAVAGEIII
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Sidhe). In truth, however, the tomes are likely encrypted
and a successful DL 20 Language or Magical Arts (any dis-
cipline) roll might be necessary to interpret the mystical in-
formation therein.
This tome—or tomes if there are more than one—is said
to be massive in size, perhaps measuring up to three feet
long by two feet wide and a half-foot thick. It is allegedly
bound in Wyvern or Dragon hide, coated in various herb-
al and alchemical concoctions to prevent weathering and
even tearing, this gigantic book was said to have been pur-
posely abandoned by Malagorn himself due to a mysterious
geas or oath he was sworn to uphold. If this is true, then
the tome (or tomes) might stand to be found somewhere
in the Bloodthorn Forest of northern Aradorn, perhaps in
an ancient crystal cave once used by Malagorn the Mad or
buried in some half-forgotten circle of standing stones.
Should such a Tome ever come to light, the reader might
gain the following abilities after at least eight hours of thor-
ough study (and the possible Language roll as mentioned
above):
dz +1 bonus to Alchemy and Herbalism skill rolls
dz +1 bonus to Magical Arts (all disciplines) skill rolls
dz The possibility of learning up to five new magical
spells, each one requiring from 5 to 9 skill levels in the
appropriate Magical Arts discipline (GM discretion); the
reader must still have the necessary skill requirements to
learn and cast these spells.
dz Pay one point less for the Magic Affinity and Sanc-
tum Magic talents
dz After being in the possession of a mortal reader for
a week’s time, the bearer gains the Obsession (magical
272
power—minor version) unless his/her Willpower is +2
or greater.
THE WAR-HELM OF GORGOTHON
This legendary relic was thought to have been created ei-
ther by a powerful cult-sorcerer or by the Still-born Fallen
God himself during his alleged time in Gorgotha before the
Fall of Rhodon some 1.300 years ago. Regardless, it is a
massive piece of head-wear—perhaps more headdress than
helmet—comprised of the skull and jawbone of a Minotaur
(complete with gigantic horns), covered in ancient runic
symbols based in the Gorgonic and Nether-speech tongues.
The two eye-sockets are thought to be filled with great
gems—one fire-ruby and the other an ice-sapphire—sym-
bolizing the power of both fire and water/ice. Some de-
scriptions of the helm’s horns have them made of blackest
hell-metal or black bronze, both extremely rare metallurgi-
cal alloys of great durability.
If this War-helm were ever to be rediscovered, it would
be a terrible thing indeed, even though it might grant the
wearer the following powers:
dz +2 to Protection Rating if combined with a shield
or body armor; however, there is a -2 penalty to Percep-
tion skill rolls.
dz +1 boost to both Physique and Vigor
dz +1 bonus to both Brawling and Weaponry: Melee
skill rolls
dz +2 to Persuasion skill rolls when specifically at-
tempting to intimidate another
dz +1 bonus to Magical Arts: Fire, Water, and Death
skill rolls
dz Inflicted with the Honorless and Tainted weakness-
es (unless Willpower +4 or greater)
CRYSTAL SHIELDS
Only a few of these are known to exist, and the art of
their making of their making is thought to be long lost to
antiquity. They were, some say, crafted by the Dark Sidhe
in the early years of Lithilor, not long after the Breaking
of Arvelindor and the terrible Shadow War that created
the Shadowlands. The bearer of a Crystal Shield, said to be
comprised of both diamond and a mystical stone existing
only in the Otherworld, cannot only see through it almost
like glass, but the shield itself is nearly unbreakable, save
perhaps by a successful Shattering Blow from a Heroic or
Legendary quality weapon (or by a creature with a Phy-
sique of +30 or greater).
A bearer of a Crystal Shield, which is counted as medium
shield for game purposes, gains the following benefits when
employed in battle:
dz +3 to Protection Rating
dz If used to bash or otherwise strike with, a Crystal
Shield has an AP of 1 and maximum damage of 15.
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dz +1 bonus to all Magical Arts: skill rolls
DRAGON SPHERES
It is thought that up to nine of these orb-like objects are, or
were, in existence at one point. Regardless, the annals of
ancient history record these enchanted items to have been
created toward the end of the Age of Dragons, well over
five millennia ago. Some claim the Eluna Sidhe of Arvelin-
dor crafted these beautiful, round, iridescent objects (vary-
ing in dimension from fist-sized to skull-sized), while some
tales whisper that the Duergar of Thrimnor did so due to
their love/hate relationship with Dragon-kind. In fact, the
two factions may very well have worked together on the
crafting of these Sphere, or at least some of them, and there
is some minor written documentation that has survived
supporting this claim.
A Dragon Sphere attracts true dragons and draconic crea-
tures alike, though the former are most obsessed with them.
They are beautiful to behold, after all, like a night-black
opal sometimes scintillating white, sometimes pink-gold,
other times deepest purple with splashes of emerald or deep
red. Often, they oscillate through all of these pallets, which
can have a potent effect upon the mind of a wyrm—a true
Dragon, or draconic creature, must succeed in a DL 20 or
25 Resolve roll (depending on whether or not the Sphere
is a greater or lesser version) or become Beguiled by it (per
the spell) and its possessor. Dragon-kind is both allured and
enraged by Dragon Orbs and so such items will either be
coveted as treasure or sought to be destroyed (and possibly
the wielder along with it).
Furthermore, bearing a Dragon Orb yields the following
abilities to its possessor, whether human, dragon, or other-
wise:
dz +1 bonus to all Defenses versus Dragons and Dra-
conic creatures
dz Able to mind-speech (telepathy) with true Dragons
only; this costs 1 Stamina point per minute of use and the
communication is two-way
dz +2 to any Magical Arts: Shadow skill rolls when
attempting a spell to manipulate a true Dragon or Dra-
conic creature (such as Beguile, Fear, Slumber, etc.); if the
bearer knows the true name of a Dragon (and possesses
the True Name talent), this bonus increases to +5.
dz All true Dragons (of Middle-age or greater) within
a half-mile of a Sphere are aware of its presence and
might seek to possess it or destroy it. An Orb-bearer cast-
ing a Scry Ward spell can block this detection for the du-
ration of the spell. Draconic creatures, such as Basilisks or
Wyverns, can only sense a Dragon Orb within 50 yards.
ELEMENTAL CRYSTALS
Rare, though not overly unique, these enchanted crystals
might be found almost anywhere in the West as well as
beyond the Dragon Sea in the East and South. These beau-
GEAR & SUPPLIES
tiful and potent baubles appear in varieties of the four ele-
ments, with sometimes a fifth oriental element (wood) and
perhaps even a sixth one—akasha, the element of spirit—
known primarily in the East. Air crystals are usually light
blue topazes or sapphires and yield to the bearer a +1 bonus
to Magical Arts: Air skill rolls; Earth crystals are black or
deep yellow affairs which grant a +1 bonus to the bearer’s
Magical Arts: Earth skill rolls; Fire crystals are usually rubies
or garnets that give the bearer a +1 bonus to Magical Arts:
Fire skill rolls; Water crystals are often blue-green emeralds
or aquamarines granting a +1 bonus to Magical Arts: Water
skill rolls to their bearers.
Should the rare Wood crystal be found (brown or green
agate), it would grant +1 to Magical Arts: Earth skill rolls
when specifically dealing with trees or wooden object; if
the near-elusive Spirit Crystal be located (always a diamond
or opal), it would yield to the bearer a +1 bonus to Magical
Arts: Death, Life, and Shadow skill rolls.
Furthermore, each Elemental Crystal has a secondary
(and in extremis) use, in that when thrown against a hard
surface, the crystal shatters and releases the elemental en-
ergy within. All creatures in the 2x2 yard blast-radius must
succeed in a DL 20 Acrobatics roll or suffer 2 Health points
of damage per point of failure. Damage is lightning dam-
age for Air Crystals, fire damage for Fire Crystals, and ice
damage for Water Crystals. Earth and Wood Crystals also
knock prone targets failing their Acrobatics rolls unless their
Physiques are +10 or greater. As for an Akashic (Spirit) Crys-
tal, 5 points of Stamina damage is also dealt to those failing
their Acrobatics rolls to dodge aside. Throwing ranges are
5/10/15 and, since the Crystal is destroyed, this ability has
but one use. Note that the fragmented shards are essentially
valueless.
PORTALS & STANDING STONES
Though a fair number of these are in existence throughout
the known SK world, they are not magical objects in the
traditional sense. However, many of them are attuned to
magic and sorcerous rituals, the varying times of the years
often increasing or decreasing their power depending on
moon-phases, seasons, solstices, equinoxes, and a host of
other situations.
A portal, or Otherworldly Gate, often leads to some re-
gion of the Otherworld, usually the Shadow-world (also
known as the Faerie Realm or the Mirror-world). However,
there are rare instances where a portal-way leads to the
Nether-world (also known as the Hell-world) or, rarer still,
the Over-world (also called the Heavens or Celestial Para-
dise). Some portals lead only to one location, while others
switch between destination-points depending upon season,
moon positioning, time of year, or sometimes even time
of day.
An Otherworldly Gateway is sometimes marked by a cir-
cle of standing stones, also known as a nemeton (the actual
portal being the middle or perhaps one of the actual stone
pillars). Some are merely menhirs or burial cairns and these
especially lead to the Nether-world, which some call the
Hell-world or the Under-world. Even still, the occasional
portal-way might be an unseen gateway between two yew
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trees, which are particularly associated with death or trans- here when performing ritual spells. Also, on moonless
formation, or even a large mirror of great antiquity or an nights and the night of the winter solstice, some whisper
enchanted pool or pond. Some portals are one-way affairs, that a portal can be had to the Netherworld. Further-
while many are two-way operations. This is primarily up
more, it is said that spilling blood within the stone circle
to the GM and the purposes of his story, though some ma-
jor known ones are briefly hinted at in Section VI—A Brief can sometimes bring forth dark beings willing to make
Gazetteer. As mentioned in Chapter 14—Cosmology & The infernal pacts.
Seven Magics, time might run differently in the Otherworld, dz In Cymredd, just east of the so-called capital of
either faster or slower in relation to the mortal plane (or Cymreth. These fairly large stones are arranged more
Earth-world).
Standing stones, as previously mentioned, are mostly in an oval design and are made of dark grey granite.
ancient affairs usually involving a ring or circle of massive Druidic symbols and ancient Sidhe-letters are cut into
stone pillars. Usually, these pillars are granite, though crystal most of the standing stones and a menhir can be found
and obsidian versions have been known. The Druidic Or- in the middle of the circle (where legend has it a pow-
der and other magical societies often gather at these sacred
erful chieftain was buried). Mages gain a +1 bonus to
sites, for more often than not they are known to amplify
one’s magical skill or grant additional benefits (such as bo- Magical Arts: Death, Life, and Shadow skill rolls here,
nuses to certain types of Magical Arts, additional Stamina and members of the Circle of Ravens often gather here
for working magic, enhanced healing or Stamina recovery, when the Druids aren’t present. In addition, those with
etc.). In addition, much lore supports that some of these an-
Second Sight gain a +2 bonus to their Resolve rolls to
cient sites are magically linked by aligning themselves with
various ley-lines that allegedly run throughout the land (call force a vision and some say that a gateway to the Oth-
by some “dragon paths” or “faerie roads”). Again, all this is erworld opens here every equinox and on nights of the
largely up to each individual GM with some brief guidance Greater Full Moon.
from the Cosmology and Gazetteer chapters. Furthermore, dz Of the coast of Esmandos, just inside the tree-line
some stone circles (or nemetons) are so famous that they
and mostly out of sight of ships sailing along the coast.
appear on maps, including some of the ones included in
this very book. This place boasts two concentric circles of great stones,
Some examples of famed or well-known stone circles in the inner ones smaller than the outer ring. Sidhe-marks
the West as well as what benefits (or drawbacks) they might can be faintly detected on most of the stones, in addi-
provide:
tion to what some believe are Titanic runes. Regardless,
performing ritual spells here gain another +1 to Magical
dz On Innis Gaern, between the tribal kingdoms of
Arts: Air, Earth, and Water skill rolls and some say that
Faerland and Cael. In fact, these massive standing stones,
one can see twice as far somehow when inside this stone
known locally as the Nine Fomori (since they look like
circle. Legend also has it that a Storm Titan, a member of
ugly giants turned to stone), yield a +1 bonus to Magical
that ancient race, lies buried beneath the bluish standing
Arts (all disciplines) skill rolls when performing a ritu-
stones.
al spell. Despite their somewhat ominous appearance,
these stones also grant +1 to Stamina when inside the
dz In Gorgotha, near the farthest tip of the southwest-
ern peninsula, a circle of crude, but massive, standing
stone circle itself. A black basalt altar broods in the mid-
stones. All thirteen stones are carved in the rough likeness
dle. Some say a portal to the Otherworld can be found
of giants or gorgonic monsters, and no writing or other
on solstices or equinoxes.
symbology can be found on them (in fact, the stone is
dz In north-central Norlund, southeast of Bragna, a
virtually impossible to mark or scratch). Fire does not
circle of stones known as the Wyrm Stones (or Althing
burn here and an unknown wind often blows through.
Moot). Here, a +1 bonus to Magical Arts: Air, Fire, and
An gigantic altar-like stone broods in the middle, though
Water can be gained for all those performing ritual spells.
without bloodstains. Those performing ritual magic here
In addition, a portal can occasionally be found open to
gain a +2 bonus to Magical Arts: Death skill rolls and a
the Otherworld or one can be potentially opened for
+1 bonus to Magical Arts: Air; a -2 penalty is suffered
Instant Travel and the like. Local clans often gather here
to Magical Arts: Fire rolls. Some believe a pact with the
for an althing, a general council meeting.
fallen god, Gorgothon, can be made here.
dz In northern Mulovia, a large circle of standing
stones known as the Ravens’ Dance. Here, ravens often
roost giving a dark ambience to the place and a rotting
marshland is not far away. Thus, a +1 bonus to Magical
Arts: Earth, Death, and Shadow skill rolls can be gained

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17
ACTIONS & COMBAT
At the heart of the SK combat system are Actions, which are
precisely that—things you can opt to do in, not only a bat-
tle scene, but any similarly paced action scene. Where much
of the game plays out in “narrative time,” which can often
real time in regards to dialogue scenes, combat is played
out in rounds. One round lasts approximately six seconds,
with characters getting two actions per round, though only
one of these can be an attack action. Also, you can only
cast one spell in any given round as well (spells that cause a
target to gain a resistance roll are considered attacks).
Some actions cost 0 actions (free actions), although do-
ing two of them in the same round counts as one. Note the
Swift Actions talent grants three actions in a given round
and this third action can be of any type, as can the first
round of combat after gaining a critical success on Initiative
(see the Initiative derived trait above).
At the top of a combat round, or similar action scene,
Initiative is rolled by both the PCs and the GM (who con-
trols the potential enemy). The Initiative order goes from
highest to lowest, with player-characters and their adver-
saries taking their turns in sequence. For example, Alric gets
a 21 on Initiative and goes first in the round, while the PCs’
enemies go next with a 16, followed by Lucella with a 14
and Gareth with a 3. Players simply state to the GM what
action their characters are taking, adding as much narrative
spice as they choose (without taking up too much time—
there will be others waiting for their turns, after all).
Free Reactive Attacks: Some actions, when done within
weapon reach of an active and hostile opponent, warrant
free reactive attacks against the action-taker. For example,
turning to flee from combat (instead of actively disengag-
ing) opens one up to a free reactive attack, as does loading
a crossbow or climbing a wall or tree. GM discretion and
common sense applies here. As a reminder, note that free
reactive attacks are always rolled with a -2 penalty since
they occur with lightning speed.
ACTION RESOLUTION
In Savage Kingdoms, a single roll of a d20 is used to resolve
all actions and other means of interacting with the world
(and others in it). The player, or GM, rolls one twenty-sid-
ed die and adds a modifier (located on the character sheet
or similar “stat block”). The result is then compared to a
Difficulty Level (DL) number—a result equaling or exceed-
ing this number is a success in regards to whatever action
was being attempted (slashing a foe with a sword, climbing
a wall, picking a lock, casting a spell, etc.). DLs can range
anywhere from 5 (a simple task) to 35 (a heroic task), and
all numbers in between.
Before making a skill roll—or any other type of die roll,
276 GAMEPLAY & GAME MASTERING
for that matter—the player should at first describe what he
or she is doing (e.g. searching an area, repairing an item,
performing a ritual spell, training an animal, etc.) and then
see if the GM asks for a skill (or other) roll. For better im-
mersive storytelling, PCs should add some brief descriptive
before the GM allows any die rolls—doing so can also help
to “cue” the GM into giving you a roll indicative of what
your character was described as doing.
Players should never make a roll without first announc-
ing what it is about, or getting the okay from the GM, as
this can be confusing and might sometimes come across as
borderline dishonest. The Game Master is the final arbiter
regarding skill rolls (and other die rolls) in the game.
ACTION TYPES EXPLAINED
Attack: This is any action which causes damage to another
creature or forces the creature to do something against his
or her will, such as a Slumber spell, Beguile spell, or the like.
You can only take one attack action in any given round,
apart from a Luck point or the Swift Actions talent. Also,
you can only use one Stamina-costing maneuver in a given
action; for example, you couldn’t use Precision Strike at the
same time as, say, Berserker Rage.
Cast Spell: This is the act of casting a spontaneous (that is,
non-ritual) spell. You can only cast one spell in any given
combat round, apart from spending a Luck point or by way
of the Swift Actions talent (or the first round of combat af-
ter critically succeeding an Initiative roll). Note that if you
spend an action on a spell that fails to manifest, you could
then make a second spell attempt in the round as a second
action if you so choose.
Disengaging: Withdrawing, or disengaging, from melee
combat—while within the weapon reach of an active op-
ponent—costs one action since you are making a guarded
tactical retreat. It would then cost a second action to move
away. Otherwise, one can simply flee melee without tacti-
cally disengaging, but doing so grants the opponent a free
reactive attack is he so chooses.
Dismount Steed: Dismounting from a horse, or similar
steed (or stepping from a cart or wagon), costs one action.
However, with a successful DL 15 Animal Handling roll, you
can do this as a free action.
Free Attack: Also known as a reactive attack, this is when a
combatant leaves melee without tactically disengaging (see
Disengaging above) granting an opponent a “free attack” if
he or she so chooses. Free reactive attacks are at a -2 penalty
to the attack roll since the moment happens so quickly.
Load Crossbow: It takes one action to load a crossbow
bolt, assuming the crossbow is already at hand and not
stowed in, say, a saddlebag or the like.
Mount Steed: Mounting a horse, or other steed (or wagon
or cart), costs one action. However, with a successful DL 20
 SAVAGEIII
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TABLE 5-1: ACTIONS

Action Type Action Cost

Attack with a melee weapon 1 action (attack action)
Attack with a ranged weapon 1 action (attack action)
Break out of a grapple 1 action (attack action)
Cast a combat spell at an opponent 1 action (attack action)
Cast a combat spell on self or an ally 1 action
Climb your Mobility (in feet) 1 action
Climb twice your Mobility (in feet) 2 actions
Command a trained animal to attack 1 action
Disengaging from combat 1 action*
Dismount a horse or other steed 1 action**
Draw or ready a weapon 0 actions
Establish a grappling hold 1 action (attack action)
Load a bolt into a crossbow 1 action
Make a Lore skill roll regarding a creature 1 action
Mount a horse or similar steed 1 action**
Move up to your Mobility (tactical) 1 action****
Move twice your Mobility (run) 2 actions****
Move thrice your Mobility (sprint) 2 actions (costs 1 Stamina)***
Nock an arrow to a bow 0 actions*
Perform a song, poem, or dance 1 minute
Perform an epic or story 10 minutes
Perform a ritual spell 1 hour
Persuade a NPC (bluffing or diplomacy) 2 actions
Persuade a NPC (using Intimidation) 1 action (counts as an attack action)
Pick a simple lock 1 action
Pick a moderate lock 2 actions
Pick an advanced lock 1 minute
Pilfer a simple item 1 action
Pilfer a well-guarded/difficult item 2 actions
Pull out an object from a belt pouch 0 actions**
Pull out an object from a backpack, etc.1 action Primary
Ride a horse at a canter (double Mobility) 2 actions
Ride a horse at a gallop (triple Mobility) 2 actions
Search a one square-yard area 1 action
Search a 3 square-yard area 2 actions (1 round)
Search a 10 square-yard area 1 minute (10 rounds)
Standing up from prone 1 action (free attack from foe)
Stealthily move half your Mobility (yards) 1 action
Stealthily move your full Mobility (yards) 2 actions (or 1 action at -5 to Stealth)
Swim half your Mobility (in yards) 1 action****
Swim your full Mobility (in yards) 2 actions****
Throw an alchemical concoction 1 action (attack action)
Staunch a bleeding wound Complete

*You can disengage from combat as a non-action (using a move action to withdraw), but this grants any foe within weapon reach of you a
free reactive attack if they so choose.
**These actions are free, although two ‘0 action’ actions in a round equates to one action.
***With a successful DL 20 Animal Handling roll, you can mount a steed as a free action; however, it only requires a successful DL 15 Animal
Handling roll to dismount as a free action.
****Whenever you use an action to move less than your full potential (per your Mobility), you may then continue that movement up to
your Mobility rating after you take a second action.; if in melee combat, however, you do risk a free reactive attack from foes within reach.

GAMEPLAY & GAME MASTERING 277

 SAVAGEIII
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Animal Handling skill roll, you can do so as a free action.
Move (Tactical): This action enables a creature or charac-
ter to move anywhere from one yard to his or her Mobility
in yards. Note that you may continue to move up to your
Mobility rating after, for example, spending a second ac-
tion making an attack (see the Mobility trait above).
Move (Run): This is where a character or creature moves
double their Mobility in yards, which costs two actions.
Move (Sprint): Costing two actions, this enables a crea-
ture or character to move triple their Mobility. This, how-
ever, costs the sprinter a Stamina point if moving through
a battlefield or similar hazardous or hostile zone and might
also impose a DL 10 Acrobatics roll depending on terrain.
Failing such a roll would see the creature fall prone halfway
through the sprint.
Move (Climb): This is a move action wherein a creature
moves, upward or downward, to its Mobility in feet (or
one-third Mobility in yards). Moving twice this amount
costs 2 actions and may require a DL 10 Athletics (climbing)
skill roll at the GM’s discretion.
Move (Swim): This form of movement represents mov-
ing through water at least as deep as half the height of the
swimmer. This movement is half the creature’s Mobility in
yards as one action, or full Mobility as two actions (which
may require a DL 10 Athletics (swimming) skill roll).
Move (Stealthily): When utilizing the Stealth skill, it is
one action to move half one’s Mobility (in yards). Howev-
er, characters may attempt to move up to their full Mobility
at a -5 penalty to Stealth rolls as one action, or no penalty
for two actions.
Nock Arrow: This is a free action if the bow is already at
hand (if not, then it is one action).
Persuade: This is the act of persuading another creature
to do something, such as surrender, listen to negotiations,
flee, attack, or whatever. This costs at least two actions if
in combat, but in actuality could last as long as a minute to
an hour or more (GM discretion). If specifically persuading
using intimidation, then this only costs 1 action but counts
as an attack action since the target gets a Resolve roll to
resist the effects of the Intimidated condition.
Reaction: This is an out-of-turn action wherein a character
reacts to something, such as an opponent turning his back
to flee, an attack using the Retaliating Strike talent, and
such. As such, it does not count against a character’s or
creature’s actions during its turn in the Initiative order. A
player-character may only take one out-of-turn Reaction
per round, short of spending a Luck point for a second
action.
Use Talisman: Like casting a spontaneous (or battle) spell,
278 GAMEPLAY & GAME MASTERING
this takes an action.
*Actions designated as ‘0 actions’ are free actions which
are swift or simple enough not to count toward an actual ac-
tion. However, if you take two ‘0 action’ actions in the same
round, this counts as one action.
STATIC ACTIONS
Actions that are assumed to be happening—such as dodg-
ing or parrying an attack (that is, using one’s Dodge or
Parry Defense)—are considered Static Actions. This could
also be done with the Perception skill wherein 10 + the
character’s Perception skill modifier becomes a static DL
by which the GM can secretly roll Stealth against without
tipping off the PCs. (This is called Static Perception and
is considered an Optional Rule and therefore up to each
individual GM whether or not it gets used).
In short, a Static Action is something that is always a
constant number—or DL—for an opponent to roll against,
such as in the case of a melee attack (Dodge or Parry De-
fense) or a creature sneaking up on a player-character using
its Stealth versus the PC’s Static Perception.
CONDITIONS
Conditions, or status effects, are occurrences that charac-
ters (or their enemies) might experience during the course
of an adventure, battle, or even just daily life. The follow-
ing are the more likely conditions that the typical might
face, although note that rare or unique effects—per the
GM’s discretion—might produce specific conditions not
found below.
Blinded, Completely: A creature denied the entirety of
its visual senses is completely blinded, and thus suffers a -5
penalty to its Defense, Perception skill rolls, attack rolls,
and to all Agility-based skill rolls. This condition also rep-
resents utter darkness.
Blinded, Partially: When a creature is partially denied
his or her sense of sight (such as one eye being destroyed
or sand kicked in face, etc.), a -2 penalty then applies to
the Blinded creature’s Defense, Perception skill rolls, and to
all attack rolls until the condition passes (if ever).
Cowering: This is the epitome of fear-based conditions,
wherein a creature is so frightened that he or she stops do-
ing anything (taking no actions) and drops into a ball, un-
manned and unmade. The effects of Cowering end when
the object of this intense fear moves out of earshot and
line of sight. However, the subject is still Terrified of the
creature for the next 24 hours. Deep despair could also be
represented by this condition.
Cover, Light: Creatures laying prone, or behind a wall
(or in a ditch) up to their knees—or behind a thin tree
or very narrow pillar—are considered to have Light Cov-
er, which grants them +2 to their Dodge Defense against
ranged attacks. Furthermore, they may attempt the Stealth
skill (though with no additional bonuses).
Cover, Medium: A creature behind a wall up to its waist,
behind a door slightly ajar, or behind a reasonably wide
tree, gain a +2 bonus to the Defense against both melee
and ranged attacks. Additionally, they may attempt Stealth
rolls at a +2 bonus.
 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
Cover, Heavy: Characters behind a wall up to their
chins, behind a castle’s arrow-slit, or behind an extremely
wide tree or large vehicle such as a wagon, are grant-
ed a +5 bonus to their Defenses against both melee and
ranged attacks, as well as to Stealth skill rolls. If they are
completely covered by a solid surface, such as behind a
stone wall with no openings or inside a closed stone sar-
cophagus, then obviously, they can’t be struck at all save
perhaps by the most heroic of Shattering Blows or some
feat of sorcery.
Deceased: Characters and other once-living creatures
are considered deceased (dead or slain) when they reach
half their Health in negative points. For example, a char-
acter with 18 Health would be deceased at -9 Health.
Slain creatures are dead weight in regards to porting them
and are therefore considered 6 + their Physiques in re-
gards to Bulk. A player with a slain character must start
a new character, although there are very rare magics in
the SK world capable of restoring a character back to life
(often at great cost).
Deafened, Completely: A creature completely denied
its ability to hear suffers a -2 penalty to its Defense, Per-
ception skill rolls, Performance skill rolls, and to all Mag-
ical Arts rolls (unless the character possesses the Power of
Silence talent).
Deafened, Partially: One that is partially deafened suf-
fers a -1 penalty to Perception, Performance, and Magical
Arts skill rolls (barring the Power of Silence talent).
Diseased, Moderately: A moderately diseased crea-
ture suffers a -2 penalty to Defense, Mobility, Stamina,
Mobility, and all die rolls. This lasts from one to eight
days. After each day, the victim must succeed in an Endur-
ance roll (the DL being equal to the initial DL) or gain the
Diseased (Severely) condition.
Diseased, Severely: Severely diseased creatures suffer
a -5 penalty to Defense, Stamina, Mobility, and all die
rolls. This lasts for one to eight hours. After each hour,
the victim must succeed in an Endurance roll (the DL is
the initial DL of the disease) or fall comatose. If the next
Endurance roll fails, or the previous Endurance roll was a
critical failure, the victim dies.
Distracted: A creature that has its attention elsewhere
suffers a -2 penalty to Perception rolls against any distur-
bances beyond its attentive focus. This might be a person
viewing a mesmerizing performer, keeping watch on a
specific cave or tree (and not as much elsewhere), and
the like.
Dying: If a character’s Health drops to zero or less, and
isn’t at the Deceased level (that is, half his or her Health
in negative points), then he or she is considered Dying.
Dying also gains the Unconscious and Helpless conditions
unless the character makes the necessary Endurance roll
(explained in the Health entry) to remain conscious. Even
still, he or she suffers a -5 penalty to Defense, Mobili-
ty, Stamina, and all die rolls, and bleeds out one Health
point per minute until healed or Deceased (i.e. negative
half maximum Health).
Exhausted: When a creature reaches 0 Stamina points,
then it is considered Exhausted and suffers a -5 penalty to
GAMEPLAY & GAME MASTERING
its Defense and all die rolls.
Falling: This is falling from a height of at least 10 feet,
which puts the character Distracted and Off-Guard during
the fall itself. The sudden stop at the end of a fall causes 4
points of damage for the first 10 feet, 6 points for the next
10 feet, 8 points for the 10 feet after that, and so on. Thus,
for example, a fall from 30 feet would cause 18 points of
Health damage. Only half armor rating is counted against
falling damage, and then only for the first ten feet. If a
falling character or creature succeeds in a DL 15 Acrobatics
skill roll, then the first 10 feet of damage is negated. In some
cases, the GM may allow a DL 20 Athletics or Initiative
roll, a success meaning the character has grabbed a hold of
something (a ledge, a hand hold, a branch, etc.) at the very
last instant.
Fatigued: If a creature drops to half its Stamina points, it
is then considered Fatigued and suffers a -2 penalty to De-
fense and all die rolls. Note that the effects of Fatigued and
Staggered do not stack.
Grappled: This is being physically held against your will,
whether via an opponent’s successful Brawling attack roll,
the webbing of a Gigantic Spider, being caught be a net-
trap, or the like. A grappled character must spend an action
to break free of whatever is holding it, and if against a
creature, this counts as an attack action. Grappled creatures
may attempt an attack against its grappling host by only
with natural weapons (i.e. claws, teeth, fists, etc.) or a dag-
ger/knife already in hand. Because of the awkwardness and
lack of power such an attack generates by being grappled,
a -2 penalty is applied. Creatures adjacent gain a +2 bonus
to strike grappled creatures as well as creatures doing the
grappling, as they are essentially considered Distracted.
Helpless: This is a creature asleep, unconscious, or other-
wise completely immobile. Helpless creatures can be slain
automatically with two actions, although note that the As-
sassin talent reduces this to but one action.
Hindered: This is the second degree of encumbrance,
which slows a character down to half his or her Mobility
as well as inflicting -2 to Defense and all die rolls. The Hin-
dered condition could also apply to difficult or challenging
terrain, such as waist-high water, thick mud, deep snow,
debris fields, and the like.
Inebriated, Mildly: The creature suffers -2 to Defense
and all die rolls, but gains a +1 bonus to Endurance (pain)
skill rolls.
Inebriated, Heavily: The creature suffers -2 to Defense,
Initiative, Mobility, Stamina, and all die rolls; however, he
or she gains a +1 bonus to Endurance (cold and pain) skill
rolls.
Intimidated: This is a fear-based effect which causes
those affected to suffer a -2 penalty to all die rolls (but not
Defense). If an Intimidated creature delivers a noticeable
wound to the source of the intimidation, then the Intimi-
dation condition ends immediately. Note that if a current-
ly Intimidated creature is Intimidated again (by the same
source), then the effects scale up to Terrified.
Mounted: This is, naturally, being astride a horse or similar
steed. Such a “condition” enables the rider to move faster
and gain a high-ground bonus of +1 against all opponents
279
 SAVAGEIII
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on-foot, save for those whose Physiques are +7 or greater.
Riders struck by weapons while mounted must succeed in
an Animal Handling roll versus a DL of 5 + the amount
of damage taken (before armor is applied) or be knocked
from the mount. (This could lead to falling damage if the
steed or vehicle is moving faster than a trot.)
Obscured, Heavily: This condition could mean anything
from heavy fog, torrential rainfall, or near-darkness. Crea-
tures in a Heavily Obscured area gain +2 bonuses to Stealth
skill rolls, but suffer -5 to sight-based Perception rolls and a
-2 penalty to Weaponry: Ranged rolls.
Obscured, Lightly: A condition representing modest fog,
a moderate rain-shower, or perhaps dim or shadowy illu-
mination. Creatures in a Lightly Obscured area may use the
Stealth skill (even if there is no hard cover about), although
they also suffer a -2 penalty to Perception rolls.
Off-guard: Creatures caught unawares or by surprise are
considered Off-guard, and thus have a flat Defense of 10
against all incoming attacks. If the creature’s regular De-
fense is lower than 10, then it is used instead.
Outnumbered: When a creature is outnumbered, his op-
ponents gain a +1 bonus to their attack rolls equal to how
many allies are helping out. For example, if two foes are
surrounding a single opponent, then each one gains a +1
bonus to their melee attack rolls. Three helping out would
be a +2 bonus to each combatant, four helping is +3 each,
etc. Maximum bonus +5. The Wolfpack Tactics talent dou-
bles these bonuses (to a maximum bonus of +6 for three or
more assistants).
Poisoned, Moderately: A creature moderately poisoned
suffers -2 to Defense, Mobility, Stamina, and all die rolls.
This can last from one to four hours. At the end of each
hour, the victim must succeed in an Endurance (the DL is
the original resistance DL) roll or suffer one point of Health
damage per point of failure; on a critical failure, the victim
falls comatose and will die after an hour if failing another
Endurance roll.
Poisoned, Strongly: A creature strongly poisoned suffers
a -5 penalty to Defense, Mobility, Stamina, and all die rolls.
This can last from four to twelve hours. At the end of each
hour, the victim must succeed in an Endurance roll (the DL
is the original resistance DL) or suffer one point of Health
damage per point of failure; on a critical failure, the victim
dies.
Prone: The creature is off its feet and laying on the ground.
Opponents within reach gain +2 to their melee attack rolls
against prone targets. A prone target can make an attack (or
cast a spell) from a prone position, but at a -2 penalty (save
for shortbows and already-loaded crossbows). It takes one
action to stand up from a prone position which also invites
a free reactive attack by any nearby foes within weapon
reach.
Raining (Heavily): Characters caught in a heavy down-
pour suffer a -2 penalty to Magical Arts, Perception, Per-
formance, and Weaponry: Ranged rolls. Sight distance is
also cut to about ¼ normal at best. However, attempting
Stealth in a heavy rain yields a +2 bonus as it is considered
Light Concealment. This condition could also represent
heavy fog.
280 GAMEPLAY & GAME MASTERING
Sickened: This also represents nausea or mild poisoning
and therefore inflicts a -2 penalty to Defense and all die
rolls. Usually lasts for one hour or until cured with a suc-
cessful DL 15 Healing Arts roll.
Staggered: When a character is brought to half his or her
Health, then he or she is considered Staggered and suffers a
-2 penalty to Defense, Mobility, and all die rolls. Note that
the effects of Staggered and Fatigued do not stack.
Stunned: This condition forces a character to take only
one action per round, as well as suffer -2 to his or her De-
fenses and all die rolls. Stun effects usually last only a single
round, though special circumstances can sometimes cause
this condition to last longer.
Terrified: Another fear-based effect, essentially a “step
up” from Intimidated. Terrified creatures may not move
closer to the source of their terror and fright, and if they so
choose, may move as far away from it as possible. Once
out of line of sight (or hearing range) of the terrifying crea-
ture, this effect then changes to Intimidated. If for some
reason the subject is Terrified again by the same creature,
then the effects move up to Cowering.
Unconscious: Sleeping creatures, and those bleeding out
(usually), are considered unconscious. Those under this
condition are also considered Helpless (see above). Sleep-
ing characters still gain a Perception skill roll (hearing spe-
cialty), though this is at a -5 penalty unless the Light Sleeper
talent is possessed. Waking up from slumber, or other forms
of unconsciousness, requires one action (if in combat) as
the waking creature’s mind and senses fight to adjust. (The
Light Sleeper talent enables waking up as a free action.)
Wounded, Severely: If a character drops to zero (or less)
Health, but not at half negative Health (which would be
death), and makes his or her Endurance roll to remain con-
scious, then he or she gains the Severely Wounded condi-
tion which equates to a -5 penalty to all die rolls, as well as
to Defense, Mobility, and Stamina.
THE COMBAT ROUND
When battle breaks out, or some similar heart-throbbing
action scene (such as a chase through city streets, a dense
forest, etc.), time-measurement then switches to rounds.
A combat round is approximately six seconds, meaning
that ten rounds comprise roughly a minute. Battle could be
anything from a skirmish to a duel, though large-scale con-
flicts—such as sieges—play out on a different and grander
scale with a combat round equaling one minute.
If combat is initiated, the GM and each player-character
makes an Initiative roll, which is simply 1d20 plus one’s Ini-
tiative modifier (Agility + Willpower plus occasional other
modifications). The GM records his creatures’ or NPCs’ Ini-
tiative score(s) as well as every player-characters’, with the
highest score acting first in the combat round followed by
the next highest and so on. Note that it is possible to crit-
ically succeed—and critically fail—Initiative, as mentioned
earlier in this book.
To reiterate, if a PC scores 20 or more over the oppo-
nent’s Initiative result, then that player-character gets three
actions in the opening round (and only the opening round)
instead of the normal two actions. This can also occur is a
monster or enemy NPC scores 20 or more over the highest
 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
total of the player-characters’. A critical failure is just like
with skill rolls: a natural 1 whose final modified result is 10
less than the enemy’s means that only one action can be
taken in the opening round for the roller of the critical fail-
ure. A modified result of zero or less on an Initiative roll—
just like with a skill roll—also produces a critical failure.
Optional Rule (Re-rolling Initiative Every Round):
As an option that helps make combat even more chaotic
and unpredictable, the GM could rule that all combatants
re-roll Initiative at the beginning of each combat round (or
perhaps every other round—GM’s discretion). This also
prevents some degree of meta-gaming wherein everyone
seems to know, in an out-of-game sense, who is always next
in the Initiative order. However, note that this method will
slow things down somewhat as new Initiative scores are
rolled and recorded at the start of each new round.
HOLDING ACTION
You can hold, or delay, your actions in combat by simply
taking your turn at whatever point you desire after your
normal turn in the Initiative order. If the round passes,
however, and you still haven’t taken your turn (that is, your
two actions), then it is lost for that round—you can’t “save
up” actions for later rounds. For example, Ulric has a 16 on
Initiative, but chooses to hold his actions (that is, his turn) in
order to see what might happen later in the combat round.
This could be because he wants to wait for an opponent to
poke his head out from around a tree, for an ally’s spell to
manifest first, or a host of potential reasons.
When choosing to hold or delay your action, your Ini-
tiative score becomes one higher than the creature’s that
you’re “interrupting.” For example, Ulric is delaying his ac-
tion to throw a handaxe at a Gobling when (or if) it sticks
its head out from around a tree. If the Gobling’s Initiative
was, say, 12, then Ulric’s Initiative would now become (or
“12+” and the Gobling’s “12-“ instead of his original 16.
One can never increase one’s Initiative score in the turn
order. Furthermore, one cannot take one action and hold
the second one for later in the round, as this gets way too
unnecessarily complicated. Besides, remember that a com-
bat round is only about six seconds, so things are happening
fast and hectic with little time to plan out perfect calcula-
tions.
Forming A Shield Wall or A Making Concerted
Charge: To fall into a shield-wall, phalanx, or similar for-
mation—or to make a group charge—every character in-
volved simply holds his or her Initiative until the lowest
member of the unit’s Initiative count comes up. For exam-
ple, Ulric (Initiative 21), Talon (Initiative 13), and Brynjar
(Initiative 8) all want to form a shield-wall against an on-
coming enemy. To do this, they would all simply “hold
their Initiative” (or delay) until Brynjar’s Initiative count
of 8 comes up in the combat round and then take their
collective actions of forming up in a defensive line. This,
of course, would then change Ulric’s and Talon’s Initiative
count to 8 for the remainder of the skirmish or until one of
them decided to Hold/Delay Initiative again.
GAMEPLAY & GAME MASTERING
MAKING AN ATTACK
When you choose to make an attack against a foe, in most
cases, this will be a Brawling, Weaponry: Melee, or Weap-
onry: Ranged skill roll. This depends on whether you are
punching, kicking, or grappling the target (or some similar
unarmed assault), or employing a hand-held melee weapon
or launching a weapon as a missile. There are occasions that
other skills serve as attack rolls, such as Alchemy or any of
the seven Magical Arts.
Unarmed and armed melee attacks—that is, attacks
against an opponent with a hand-held weapon (general-
ly from one to three yards away depending on the Reach
of the weapon in question)—go against the opponent’s
Dodge or Parry Defense (opponent’s choice). However, if
the opponent is unarmed, his or her Parry Defense is at a -2
penalty (this penalty is negated if 4 or more skill levels in
Brawling is possessed).
Ranged attacks are made against a target’s Dodge De-
fense, although the Parry Missiles talent allows a target to
use his or her Parry Defense against ranged assaults (except
spells). Shields are considered part of one’s armor—and
provide Armor Rating bonuses—so they come into play
after a successful attack against targets’ Defenses (just like
all armor does), be it Dodge or Parry. Note that all ranged
weapons, both thrown and propelled, have a short range,
medium range, and long range statistic designated as, for
example, “20/40/60.” These numbers represent yards and
all ranges up to the first number listed refer to short range
(no penalty to the Weaponry: Ranged attack roll), distances
up to the second number are considered medium range (a
-2 penalty to the Weaponry: Ranged roll), and distances up
to the third number are long range (suffering a -5 penalty
to Weaponry: Ranged rolls).
Reach Weapons: Most melee weapons have a Reach sta-
tistic of 1 (meaning they can strike opponents within one
yard away), while a select few have Reach ratings of 2 or
even 3 (and thus capable of striking foes up to two or three
yards away, respectively). Also, if an enemy comes within
the reach of a Reach 2 or 3 weapon, the wielder of the
longer weapon gains a free reactive attack (at the usual -2
penalty for such things). For example, Sunhilde wields a
longsword and charges a foe armed with a war-spear. Since
a longsword only has a Reach of 1 and a war-spear has
Reach 2, the enemy would get a free reactive attack as she
closes the distance. An exception to this would be if Sunhil-
de chooses to attack the war-spear itself, perhaps to disarm
it or even to damage (or break) it.
Note that Reach 3 weapons attacking targets immediate-
ly adjacent to them (that is, within a Reach of 1 yard) suf-
fer a -2 penalty, since the wielder must “choke up” on the
weapon’s grip in a slightly awkward and less lethal manner.
Using Ranged Weapons Within An Enemy’s Me-
lee Reach: It is possible to throw a dagger or javelin, or
loose an arrow or bolt, while engaged in the melee reach
of an opponent. However, doing so suffers a -2 penalty
due to the ranged attacker being harassed by the close-up
target. (Imagine nocking, drawing, and loosing an arrow
while someone stabs at you with a sword or spear.) Note,
281
 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
though, that if you must spend an action readying a ranged
weapon—such as loading a crossbow or retrieving a dagger
from a non-ready location (such as a backpack instead of a
belt sheath)—then an opponent within melee reach gains a
free reactive attack.
Maximum Number of Attacks: The maximum number
of attacks any player-character can make as one action—re-
gardless of race, calling, talents, skills, or whatever—is three.
In fact, secondary attacks are always made at a -2 penalty
to the attack and tertiary (third) attacks suffer a -5 penalty.
FREE REACTIVE ATTACKS
Or just “free attack,” this is a free out-of-turn melee strike
against an opponent who has, momentarily, let his guard
down somewhat. This type of opportunity-style attack suf-
fers a -2 penalty to the attacker’s Brawling or Weaponry:
Melee roll (since it is done so quickly) and can occur when
the following happens:
An opponent within melee reach leaves combat without
spending an action to Disengage. This can happen due to
personal choice or because the opponent suffers the Ter-
rified condition and flees outright (among possible other
reasons).
Opponent within melee reach focuses on something
other than defending, such as retrieving an object from a
backpack, coating a weapon with poison, drinking a po-
tion, mounting a horse, etc. In brief, if the opponent must
spend an action on something other than a form of attack,
then it likely warrants a free reactive attack against them
(GM discretion).
An opponent runs through the “guarded zone,” or
weapon reach, without stopping to engage. As such, an at-
tacker could use the moment to make a free reactive attack
against the passing target.
Note that all forms of melee attack—from a punch, kick,
weapon strike, weapon trip, disarm, or whatever—is via-
ble as a free reactive attack. The reactive attacker, however,
must be currently armed with a weapon in order to use
his Weaponry: Melee skill; otherwise, a punch or kick or
elbow-jab could be done using the Brawling skill. Under
no circumstances can a ranged attack, or spell, be used as a
form of free reactive attack. Finally, a character gains only
one free reactive attack in any given round unless he or she
has the Opportunistic Strike talent.
SHOOTING INTO MELEE (“FRIENDLY FIRE”)
A character shooting an arrow or bolt (or throwing some-
thing like a dagger, handaxe, or javelin) at a target engaged
in melee combat with an ally (or allies), might run the risk
of striking the ally instead. To determine this, count the
number of allies within one yard (that is, Reach 1) of the
target and apply this number as a penalty to the Weapon-
ry: Ranged attack roll. For example, three allies engaged
would yield a -3 to the roll. On a critical failure, one of the
allies—determined randomly by the GM—is struck instead,
the damage being 5 points plus one point per point of crit-
ical failure. Armor applies per usual, except for shields in
this case.
An addendum to this is that if the target’s Physique is
282 GAMEPLAY & GAME MASTERING
+10 to +19, then the Weaponry: Ranged penalty is halved
(round down per usual). If of Physique +20 or greater, there
is no penalty at all.
Casting A Single-Target Spell: Spells that produce a
physical effect or force, and target a singular creature who
is also locked in melee, follow similar rules to shooting a
normal missile into battle—the magician takes a -1 penalty
to the Magical Arts roll for every allied target within reach
of the target. Just like with releasing an arrow or other mis-
sile into melee (as above), a critical failure here means that
a random ally is struck/affected instead. This would apply
to similar missiles as well, such as throwing an alchemical
vial into a fray with the penalty being applied to either the
Alchemy or Weaponry: Ranged attack roll.
MOUNTED COMBAT
In a world where cavalry can be devastating (even if fair-
ly rare), mounted combat is often a desirable thing, and
something deeply couched in the culture of Aradorn (and
the Eluna Sidhe) as well as in numerous cultures in the East
across the Dragon Sea. Striking a foe while mounted not
only yields a slightly advantage from a higher point but
can also deal massive damage to targets receiving a cavalry
charge or “jousting” strike from a lance or other weapon.
When wielding the right weapons (see Chapter 15—
Gear & Supplies), mounted characters receive a +1 bonus to
Weaponry: Melee rolls when attacking foes on-foot, unless
the foe is of Physique +8 or greater. This is because it is easier
to strike the target’s head—a critical area indeed—and the
natural pull of gravity helps lend some heft to the mount-
ed attacker’s weapon. Note, however, that the Mounted
Combat talent increases this bonus to +2 automatically (See
Chapter 8—Talents).
In addition, mounted combatants can use an action to
urge their mounts to attack, which is usually a hoof strike.
The mount must be a warhorse (or similar battle-trained
beast), though, or else it will not know when, or even
necessarily how, to attack with a rider astride. As such, a
creature such as a riding horse, mule, camel, or the like,
untrained in war, will either try to throw the rider or simply
run away from battle unless the rider spends an action just
to control it—this requires a successful DL 15 Animal Han-
dling skill roll. If successful, the rider can then use his or her
second action to have the mount attack, make a weapon
attack him/herself, trot away, or whatever. If this skill roll is
failed, then the rider must spend two actions dealing with
the mount’s out-of-control condition. Thus, it is best not to
bring non-warhorses into combat (“into combat” meaning
within 20 yards or so of an armed conflict).
Being Struck While Mounted: If a mounted rider is
struck by an any weapon, be it melee, ranged, or a spell
with a physical effect (such as fire, ice, electricity, etc.), then
the mounted character must succeed in an Animal Handling
skill roll whose DL is equal to 5 + the amount of damage
dealt (before armor rating is applied). Failure means the rid-
er is knocked out of the saddle and prone to the ground,
receiving 6 points damage (armor is only half-effective in
this case) if the mount is moving at a canter or gallop. A
 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
successful DL 15 Acrobatics skill roll cuts this damage in half.
Jousting & Tilting: Though the full pageantry of the
jousting and tilting tournament has yet to appear in the
known Savage Kingdoms world—though very nearly so in
Aradorn (and Tarnia across the Sea)—jousting, in a crude
and near-savage form, does exist.
This is, of course, where usually two mounted riders
charge at each other, perhaps separated by a “tilt” (a divid-
er between the oncoming combatants), in an attempt to
dismount each other. This is quite violent, since fairly high
speeds are often attained with a great amount of torque
and striking power behind the lances, spears, or whatever
weapons are being used in the engagement.
In game terms, it is usually one action to close the dis-
tance with your opponent on the tilting field, and a sec-
ond action to make the attack. Again, this is often with a
lance, little more than a long heavy spear, but can be with
about any Light or Medium weapon (lances have certain
bonuses, however, in this case; see Chapter 15—Gear &
Supplies). Heavy weapons are possible, but only with espe-
cially skilled riders, for guiding the horse without the use of
both hands is somewhat difficult, requiring a successful DL
10 Animal Handling roll. Failure here means that the rider
either drops his weapon to the ground or falls from his/her
saddle—rider’s choice. Success merely means that the rider
may attack this round with said Heavy weapon.
Otherwise, knocking one’s opponent from the saddle
as mentioned above; if a tournament-style scenario (again,
these affairs are still somewhat crude), then the remaining
rider is either declared the winner or, more likely, the com-
bat continues with the dismounted rider now having to
fight on foot. Sometimes an especially honorable opponent
will dismount as well in order to “even the playing field”
against an unhorsed combatant.
Lastly, when making a pass during a joust—that is, both
mounted attackers fail to unhorse the other—the horses
usually continue past for at least 8-10 yards or so. However,
if a rider chooses, he or she can simply command the steed
to stop and engage with the opponent instead of riding by
on a pass. This requires a successful DL 10 Animal Handling
roll, however, and the mount must be a warhorse or other-
wise battle-trained.
A Note About Horse Movement: As can be seen in
Chapter 21—Animals & Gigantic Animals, horses and simi-
lar equines have their Mobility traits divided into three cate-
gories which make use of common equestrian terminology:
Trot, Canter, and Gallop. A trot is considered the mount’s
base Mobility, while a canter is the horse’s Mobility x2 and
a full gallop is Mobility x3. It takes but one action for a
rider to attain a Trot speed when mounting a steed, but it
requires two actions to attain a Canter or Gallop. A critical
success on an Animal Handling roll, however, might reduce
the action cost by one with the GM’s discretion.
DEALING COMBAT DAMAGE
The term “damage” almost always applies to Health, mean-
ing that a number of Health points are subtracted from the
affected target’s Health trait on a successful weapon (or
GAMEPLAY & GAME MASTERING
spell) strike. See ‘Health’ above for more details on damage,
going to half Health (i.e. Staggered), going Unconscious,
and more. However, things such as Stamina damage can
also occur on occasion, such as the effects of certain un-
dead creatures, extreme cold, or some other special attack
or strange effect.
Determining Damage From Weapon Strikes: When
a successful attack is made, the numeric result of the attack
roll provides the basic amount of damage. For example, if
a strike from a battleaxe being used in both hands scores a
19 via the Weaponry: Melee skill roll—against an opponent
whose Parry Defense is 15—then 4 base points of Health
damage is dealt to the target. An average-quality battleaxe
wielded in two hands, however, has an Armor Piercing rat-
ing of 2, so this puts the final damage output at 6 (4 + 2). A
pretty bad wound for most creatures. The armor rating of
the target, though, is then applied, the number being sub-
tracted from the damage result. To continue the example,
a 6-point wound against a character wearing, say, wearing
hard leather armor and wielding a small shield (a total Ar-
mor Rating of 3), would only take 3 points of damage.
The body armor and buckler/small shield absorbing some
of this potential damage. Note that armor does not protect
against Stamina damage or any other type of damage save
for Health damage.
You most succeed in your attack roll in order to apply
any Armor Piercing that the offending weapon in question
might possess; that is, you must at least equal the oppo-
nent’s Defense (be it Dodge or Parry as appropriate). Even
zero base damage might increase to 1, 2, or even 3 or 4
points if wielding a weapon with Armor Piercing (assuming
the target’s armor, if any, doesn’t negate even that).
This design is to enhance swifter, more visceral, game-play
without the need for “disconnected” damage dice rolled af-
ter an attack (or “to hit”) roll. Once a GM (and players) get
the hang of it, it moves swiftly from figuring base damage,
modifying it for potential AP (Armor Piercing), then oppo-
nent’s armor rating. Note that most weapons don’t even
have AP ratings, so it many cases, no additional modifica-
tion occurs to the base damage. Also, a fair number of foes
don’t have armor—or very much of it—so subtracting such
from the damage total is generally a breeze.
Damage From Spells Or Similar Effects: Spells that
cause direct Health damage follow the same rules for weap-
on damage—that is, the Magical Arts roll result (if success-
ful) is applied against either the target’s Dodge Defense or
against the target’s Acrobatics (usually) roll result, with the
difference providing the base Health damage. For example,
a Fiery Blast spell cast with a Magical Arts: Fire result of 22
would cause 7 points of damage against a target with a
Dodge Defense (or Acrobatics roll) of 15.
Armor Against “Energy” Effects: Only half one’s total
Armor Rating is applied toward the effects of acid, fire, ice,
or lightning. For example, if a character has a total Armor
Rating of, say, 5, then he or she would only have an ef-
fective Armor Rating of 2 against a Conjure Acid globule.
Armor Ratings round down just as all calculations do in
283
 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
Savage Kingdoms. The only exceptions to this are physical
weapons enhanced by these types of effects; for example,
a flaming sword still has a struck target’s full Armor Rating
applied against the total damage dealt.
Shields and Bucklers: Just like body armor and helmets,
shields and bucklers are counted as armor for the sake of ab-
sorbing/subtracting damage dealt (that is, they have Armor
Ratings and add to one’s total Armor Rating is combined
with other forms of armor). However, if an attack comes
from behind, or while a defender is not currently equipped
with a shield/buckler, the attack is assumed to bypass the
shield and its Armor Rating therefore not counted in such
cases.
For example, a character wears average-quality chain
shirt and war-helm (a total of Armor Rating of 4), and also
carries a medium shield (an Armor Rating of 2 by itself),
and is attacked by surprise (that is, Off-guard). The shield
in this case does not count toward Armor Rating, so only 4
points of armor (the chain shirt and helmet) apply and not
the additional 2 for the shield. If the same character is cur-
rently armed with the shield, and is assaulted frontally (or
otherwise not caught Off-guard), then the full Armor Rating
of 6 would apply against any damage dealt to him or her.
Note that shields/bucklers can be damaged or destroyed
by way of the Shattering Blow talent or by certain critical
successes (or failures) in battle. See the Shattering Blow tal-
ent entry and Chapter 15—Gear & Equipment for more
details about damaged armor and other items.
CASTING A SPELL IN COMBAT
As mentioned in the Magical Arts entry in Chapter 10—
Skills, performing magic in the world of SK is generally a
long, somewhat laborious process, involving much ritual,
ceremony, and timing. Spell rituals take at least an hour,
after all, and sometimes more (see the Extended Ritual tal-
ent).
However, “battle magic” or spontaneous casting is also
an option, especially for intrepid adventurers and more mil-
itary-minded magicians. Such spells take usually only one
action (about 3 seconds) to perform, though they do not
get the +2 bonus to the mage’s Magical Arts roll like ritual
castings do.
Casting While Engaged In Melee: Casting a spell while
engaged in hand-to-hand combat is certainly possible, but
such activity suffers a -2 penalty to the magician’s Magical
Arts roll due to the dodging, weaving, and parrying that
goes on during these two or three heartbeats of spell-work-
ing. The Battle Mage talent, however, negates this -2 penal-
ty (see the Battle Mage talent entry for more information).
Interrupting A Spell-caster: Battle spells that cost one
action to cast (which are most of them) are too quick to
interrupt by an opponent while locked in melee, although it
is possible to interrupt one that requires ‘focus’ (listed in the
individual spell entry) or one needing one minute or more
to complete (such as ritualized spells). In these latter cas-
es, the magician must succeed in a Magical Arts or Resolve
284 GAMEPLAY & GAME MASTERING
skill roll (mage’s choice) against the spell’s DL or the spell
does not manifest and must be started over (the magician
also pays the full Stamina cost for the spell). Note that the
Counter Magic talent also allows an opposing magician to
“counter” (or block) an incoming enemy spell.
Using A Talisman: Talismans are essentially temporary
spell-storage objects (see the Enchant Talisman talent for
more information) which hold the power of a singular spell
effect for, typically, 24 hours. Using, or discharging, a spell
from a talismanic item costs one action and usually requires
at least one free hand and/or the ability to speak. Just like
“battle spells,” releasing a spell from a talisman can’t be in-
terrupted in battle since such an action is performed quickly.
Quaffing A Potion or Using A Salve: Note that quaff-
ing a potion or elixir also counts as one action, and is a free
action—unless stored somewhere other than a personal belt
pouch—to take out and open. A topical oil or salve, on the
other hand, requires two actions to rub into most of one’s
exposed skin.
OTHER FORMS OF ATTACK
Though melee and ranged attacks with manufactured
weapons, as well as unarmed strikes, are certainly the most
common attack forms in SK (and most medieval fantasy ad-
ventures), there are various other methods for dealing harm
to an enemy.
Throwing An Alchemical Flask/Vial: When hurling a
vial or flask at an opponent—be it contact poison, alchem-
ical acid, Prydonian Fire, or whatever—the attacker makes
either an Alchemy or Weaponry: Ranged skill roll (attacker’s
choice) to determine success. Since this is a ranged attack,
such an assault goes against the target’s Dodge Defense with
damage (or other effects) dealt per the normal rules. This
rule could also apply to vials of holy water or some oth-
er form of thrown object expected to shatter and deliver
the effects of its contents. Range for such thrown objects is
5/10/15.
Note that this assumes the flask or vial is made of a
non-shatterproof material—usually this is clay, ceramic, or
even glass. Otherwise, if the container is comprised of, for
example, bronze, steel, or bone—then it is very unlikely to
shatter (even against a very hard surface) and will require
a “splash” or “douse” attack. In this case, the Alchemy or
Weaponry: Ranged skill is still rolled, but the range is re-
duced to 2/3/4.
Just like with normal ranged weapons, throwing a flask
or vial while in melee reach of an opponent constitutes a -2
penalty to the attack roll.
Improvised Weapons: A tree-branch, a broom, a log
from a fire, a length of iron chain—these are all consid-
ered forms of improvised weaponry when wielded in an
offensive manner. In brief, when a character uses an object
not specifically manufactured for the purpose of killing, a -2
penalty to the Weaponry: Melee roll is suffered.
Throwing an improvised weapon—such as a helmet,
book, large rock, a skull, or even a flaming torch—also in-
 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
flicts a -2 penalty to the Weaponry: Ranged roll and as-
sumes a typical range of 5/10/15 (or 3/6/9 for objects of
Bulk 1-2). Note, however, that the Improvised Weaponry
talent negates this -2 penalty in regards to both melee and
ranged attacks.
A more complete list of potential Improvised Weapons
can be found in Chapter 15—Gear & Supplies.
DISENGAGING FROM COMBAT
Withdrawing from combat is a necessary maneuver some-
times, as it allows characters (or their enemies) a chance to
live to fight another day or just gain a moment’s respite.
When disengaging from melee, however—that is, with-
drawing from weapon’s reach distance of a hostile oppo-
nent—allows all opponents within said reach to gain an im-
mediate free reactive attack against the retreating character
or creature. Since this is very quick response, this attack is
made at a -2 penalty to the attack roll (be it Brawling or
Weaponry: Melee).
However, if you spend an action to disengage from
melee, this represents “backing away” while keeping your
guard up, and in this case does not grant a free reactive
attack from an opponent. Remember, though, the act of
disengaging itself is one action and moving away is second
action.
Leaving a “combat zone” when not engaged with a
melee combatant can be done without penalty or fear of
free reactive attacks. (Free reactive attacks are melee strikes
only—never ranged attacks or spells.)
STEP-BY-STEP COMBAT SUMMARY
The following quick-reference list might help GMs, and
players, with the order of Savage Kingdoms combat:
Ƿ Determine if the PCs or their potential foes are
aware of each other. This is generally a Perception skill
roll to see who has detected whom, if any. A hostile
engagement usually starts from between 10 and 100
yards (sometimes more) depending on terrain, weather
conditions, etc. Plains will yield further distances while
forest ranges tend to be closer. If in doubt, the GM
could simply roll 3d20 as the number of yards apart.
An aware party gains an uncontested action against an
unaware one, whether it is to move, loose an arrow,
cast a spell, shout something, flee, or whatever. The
unaware party is considered immediately aware after
this action unless that action was to sneak away via
a successful Stealth skill roll (or similar means of un-
detectable escape). Remember that unaware creatures
are considered Off-guard until they become aware of a
potential enemy.
Ƿ Once awareness (or lack thereof) is determined,
Initiative is rolled if either party plains on action, par-
ticularly hostile action. It is possible, of course, for nei-
ther party to be hostile toward the other (even if a bit
guarded) and thus not trigger an Initiative roll. This is
largely up to the GM and the attitudes/actions of the
player-characters. When in doubt, roll Initiative.
Ƿ If Initiative has been rolled, indicating a very likely
combat situation (or some other type of visceral, mo-
GAMEPLAY & GAME MASTERING
ment-by-moment action scene), then the character or
creature with the highest Initiative roll takes his or her
action(s) first, followed by the second highest, and so
on down the line. Each participant receives two actions
per round with only a few possible exceptions (see Ini-
tiative above).
Ƿ After all participants have taken their actions (as-
suming they take any at all), then this indicates the end
of the six-second combat or action round. If the combat
(or other activity) has not been resolved—that is, there
are still active and living participants that are not flee-
ing—then proceed to the top of the Initiative order for
round two. Repeat until resolved.
Ƿ When combat (or other action scene) is resolved/
done, then play shifts back to narrative time instead of
six-second rounds.
AN EXAMPLE OF COMBAT DURING GAME-PLAY
Lord Ulric, Sir Talon, Kamilla Von Zurik, and Willem of Sax-
ford—a newly formed adventuring fellowship—have been
on the road toward the dreaded Shadowlands for several
days now. Nearing dusk on the fourth day of travel, as the
trees around them have become increasingly darker and
more twisted, they chance upon three humanoids lurking
in the near distance.
The GM determines that both parties must make Per-
ception skill rolls to see if either is noticed by the other.
The creatures are primarily comprised of shadow and move
practically without sound, their feet—if they have such at
all—not quite touching the blighted earth. As such, the DL
to notice them is 15, either determined by their Stealth skill
result or what the GM feels is right. Ulric and Sir Talon score
a 9 and 14, respectively, both failing to notice the ghostly
beings.
However, Kamilla and Willem get Perception rolls of 17
and 36 (the latter due to an ‘exploding 20’), respectively,
the latter gaining a critical success. Thus, Kamilla and Wil-
lem detect the wraith-like creatures, Willem even noticing
deeper detail about them due to his critically successful
Perception roll—he can tell that they are incorporeal with
slightly glowing yellow-green eyes, one of them carrying a
rune-engraved longsword. (Optionally, if the GM had al-
ready given out this level of detail, he might then decide to
simply tell Willem’s player what the creatures are—in this
case, Shadow-wraiths—and perhaps a few more details, as
if Willem had made a successful Lore skill roll).
The Shadow-wraiths have yet to notice the intrepid band
of heroes, usually unable to sense living beings until they are
within 20 yards or so. Thus, the adventurers being some 30
paces away, are in an advantageous position, although the
shadowy beings are steadily heading in the direction of the
PCs. Willem quickly decides to loose an arrow at one of the
spectral beings in hopes to drive the creature off or at least
harm it somehow. Since he and his companions have not
been detected by the Shadow-wraiths, the latter are there-
fore considered Off-guard (that is, surprised).
As such, Willem’s Weaponry: Ranged skill roll will be
against a mere Dodge Defense of 10, and his result is a mod-
ified 16. Since the difference between 10 (Shadow-wraith’s
285
 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
Dodge Defense) and 16 (Willem’s ranged attack roll) is 6,
that means 6 base points of damage will be dealt. An aver-
age-quality longbow has an AP (Armor Piercing) rating of
1, so the total damage is 7. However, Shadow-wraiths only
take half damage from physical weapons, so the final dam-
age result is 3 points of Health damage. The Shadow-wraith,
and its companions, now know that enemies—in this case,
the PCs—are nearby.
The GM now calls for Initiative rolls from each play-
er-character, plus his own roll for the Shadow-wraiths. Nor-
mally, one Initiative roll serves to cover all the monsters,
but GMs can choose to roll individually for each one (it is,
naturally, easier to use the former method). Ulric gets a 21,
Talon a 10, Kamilla 19, and Willem a 6. The Shadow-wraiths
get a result of 13. As such, Lord Ulric reacts first, using his
first action to charge ten yards forward (his Mobility being
12), spending a Stamina point on his Berserker Rage talent,
and will use his second action to strike at the wounded
wraith with his battleaxe. However, as it approaches within
7 yards, the GM suddenly informs Ulric’s player that he
must succeed in a Resolve roll due to a chilling and despair-
ing aura emanating from the Shadow-wraiths. Ulric gets a
result of 14, which is exactly enough to succeed against the
wraith’s Despairing Aura ability. Ulric then makes his Weap-
onry: Melee attack roll and gets a modified result of 22,
enough to clip the creature for 5 base points of damage
(the wraith’s Parry Defense is 15, now that their no longer
Off-guard). Ulric is wielding the axe in both hands, yielding
to him an AP rating of 2. Thus, the damage total is 9, but
again, these creatures only take half damage from physical
weaponry. The final damage tally is therefore 4.
Kamilla, a Mulovian sorceress, goes next in the Initia-
tive order. She decides to cast a Fiery Blast spell as her first
action, and she gets a modified result of 15 on her Magical
Arts: Air skill roll (Fiery Blast is from the both the Air and
Fire magical disciplines). Since she’s casting this spell “spon-
taneously,” she doesn’t gain the +2 benefit that performing
a one-hour ritual would otherwise yield. Kamilla invoked
the more difficult version of the spell—the DL 15 version
that affects a 3x3 yard area—which means the spell barely
manifests correctly. Two of the Shadow-wraiths are within
this area, determined by either the use of miniatures or by
way of theatre-of-the-mind, and so each must succeed in a
Acrobatics roll versus a DL of 15 (set by Kamilla’s Magical
Arts roll result) or take 1 point of fire damage per point
of failure. Wraith #1 gets a 16 on its Acrobatics roll, dodg-
ing the blast of fiery wind entirely, while Wraith #2 only
gets a result of 9 and takes 6 points of fire damage. Shad-
ow-wraiths take full damage from fire effects, so this wraith
is now down to 9 Health and is gains the Staggered condi-
tion. Kamilla’s second action is to step two yards behind a
tree in hopes to gain some cover or to hide entirely.
Next up in the order of Initiative are the wraiths them-
selves, and Wraith #3—the one initially wounded by Wil-
lem’s arrow—will act first in accordance to GM preference.
He decides that the wraith wounded by Kamilla’s fire-sor-
cery will glide toward where he last saw her, hoping to ex-
act its revenge upon the cunning she-mage. As it approaches
within 7 yards of her, she must then succeed immediately
in a Resolve roll against the undead creature’s Despairing
286 GAMEPLAY & GAME MASTERING
Aura—she scores a modified 20 and resists the baleful ef-
fects.
Meanwhile, the other two Wraiths—sensing life-force
virtually right in front of them—turn against Ulric, who had
charged forward alone. Each one gets two melee attacks:
an icy claw and a longsword stroke. Two of the wraiths are
not currently armed with swords, so the GM decides that
they can take two claw attacks instead. Ulric is spared the
longsword as the Shadow-wraith gets a Weaponry: Melee
result of 12 (against Ulric’s Parry Defense of 16), but its claw
scores an attack roll result of 21. This scores 5 points of cold
damage to Ulric, but his chainmail shirt (having a Protection
Rating of 3), reduces this to 2 Health damage. However,
this triggers the wraith’s Draining Touch ability and Ulric
must then succeed in a DL 17 Endurance roll to resist its
effects. Sadly, he rolls a natural 1, modified to a 6, and fails
by 11. Since he rolled a ‘natural 1’ and failed the DL by 10
or more, he has critically failed here. This means he would
take 10 points of Stamina damage and 5 points of Health
damage, according to the Shadow-wraiths’ game stats. Of
course, he could choose to spend a Luck point to reroll his
Endurance or to take 5 less points of damage. Even still, this
could still turn out somewhat badly for Lord Ulric.
The combat round continues with the GM playing out
the third Shadow-wraith’s moves, and after that, next up in
Initiative order is Sir Talon, a once-tarnished knight, eager
to regain his honor. Talon might choose to challenge one of
the wraiths with his Honor Duel talent, or he might simply
step forth and strike one of the foul creatures with a Smiting
Blow. Or perhaps something else entirely depending on the
whim of his player. After Talon’s turn, we move to Willem’s
turn (that is, his two actions this round), which might range
from another arrow-shot to running over to assist Kamil-
la to fleeing this place altogether. This, of course, depends
largely on Willem’s character as dictated by his Weaknesses
and a host of other characteristics and personality traits de-
termined by his player.
The encounter or scene continues as combat round #2
comes about, cycling back to the top of the Initiative order.
And so on until the battle is resolved one way or another.
Mass Combat: The SK game system assumes, in the vast
majority of cases, personal or skirmish-level combats in
adventure scenarios. However, some of the most beloved
fantasy novels and television shows feature massive battles,
often fought as merely part of a great war-campaign. Look
for rules on Mass Combat to be featured in a future Savage
Kingdoms release, most likely The Savage East campaign
expansion book. In short, instead of six-second rounds,
Mass Combat is played-out in minute-long rounds (or even
five-minute rounds for a truly epic-scale siege).
TRAVEL & ADVENTURE
This chapter introduces some rules and guidelines for char-
acters’ various travels and interactions with the world
around them. Like the old adage dictates, sometimes it’s
the journey, not the destination, which is best. To this end,
walking on-foot is the standard, everyday mode of trans-
port for the majority of people, although horseback (par-
 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
ticularly for nobles or merchants) is a somewhat close sec-
ond. Horse-drawn carts and wagons are not uncommon,
nor are those drawn by less “noble” beasts, such as oxen,
ponies, or possibly other types of animals. In the far north,
some use sledges (snow-sleds), sometimes pulled by teams
of dogs, reindeer, or even wolves. Along the oceanic coast-
lines, ship-travel is not entirely uncommon, as is the case for
those living along major riverways.
OVERLAND TRAVEL
When traveling through a region—whether along a used
road or trail, or on a river or sea vessel—the player-charac-
ters must inform the GM what pace they’d like to take for
that day. (A normal pace is assumed unless otherwise men-
tioned.) Note that overland travel is typically measured in
hours or days, not rounds like skirmish-level combat.
Each type of travel-pace has its own advantages and dis-
advantages as follows:
NORMAL PACE—This is the norm that most travelers
take, a number of miles gained each day in good weather
on level terrain being equal to the lowest Mobility rating
in the party, times two, in miles. Thus, a lowest Mobility
of, say, 11 would equate to 22 miles in an eight to ten-hour
travel-day through plains or fields. In more challenging ter-
rain, such as hills or moors, two-thirds of this pace in miles
is more accurate, and extreme terrain—such as mountains,
deep snow, or deep marsh—one-third this rate is more on
par. In this example above, 14 miles or 7 miles, respectively.
Note that most northern cultures measure overland trav-
el in ‘leagues’ (which are equivalent to about three miles),
while the Lorinthians and Prydonians prefer ‘miles.’
Mounted Travel: Naturally, when characters are mount-
ed, they use their steeds’ (or vehicles’) Mobility ratings in-
stead of their own. The average horse has a trotting Mobili-
ty of 17, which is around 34 miles in day across open terrain
in fair weather. Carts and wagons slow horses, oxen, and
other draft animals’ Mobility ratings down by 5 (although
they can certainly carry a lot).
Aboard Ship: When aboard a sea-going vessel, river-gal-
ley, or other waterborne vehicle, the miles-per-day speed
is five times the vessel’s Mobility rating in miles. For a riv-
er-going boat or barge, the water’s flow-speed yields the
travel-rate, though if rowed or sailed (instead of merely
sculled or “poled”) an additional 10-20 miles per day could
be managed. In short, the average sailing vessel makes 100
miles in a 10-12 hour day, if the weather is decent and the
wind is average, or half that in poor weather or low winds.
An oared or rowed vessel can make this mileage as well, if
not a bit more, but the rower’s must be in good physical
condition and preferably trained as a team. If over half the
standard allotment of rowers is missing, then only about
half the projected travel-pace is attained.
FORCED MARCH—This is a travel-pace sometimes used
with military troops (be they afoot or mounted), armed
patrols, or perhaps merchants in hurry to get to one stop to
the next. If PCs choose this rate of travel at the beginning of
GAMEPLAY & GAME MASTERING
a day, then they will move 1.5 times faster and further than
Normal Pace above. Note that group Stealth is virtually im-
possible (-10 penalty to the roll) at this rate. Furthermore,
this rate of travel costs each traveler 4 Stamina points (or
only 2 if mounted, although the steed still pays 4 Stamina),
or half this amount if a DL 15 Animal Handling (if mounted)
or Endurance (if footed) skill roll can be made.
Mounted Travel: This would equate to a ‘Canter’ speed
for most of the day for horses, wherein plenty of food (or
feed) and water must be available for the steeds. A Canter
is about 1.5 times faster than a trot, which means a Mobility
of 25 for most horses (which is 50 miles per day over rela-
tively featureless terrain with decent weather).
Aboard Ships: For sea-going or river-going vessels, this of-
ten represents continues over-night travel in which a ship
could easily cover 200 miles (and likely even more) in a 24-
hour period. If a small crew, they will probably be Fatigued
(or even Exhausted), though a larger or more skilled crew
will likely be fine due to staggered watch-shifts.
STEALTHY (OR WARY) MARCH—This travel-rate is
slow and methodical, but as such, can yield a great deal of
deliberation and potential stealth for a company of char-
acters. Thus, the Stealth skill can be used (to remain largely
unnoticed) at this pace with a +5 bonus. The drawback
is that the lowest party member’s Mobility is used as the
base miles-per-day measurement (x1). Thus, for example, a
Mobility of 13 in regards to a Stealthy/Wary March would
mean only thirteen miles of travel in a day in good weather
and relatively open terrain.
Mounted Travel: If mounted when attempting to be
sneaky, use either the steed’s Stealth skill or the rider’s Ani-
mal Handling skill to modify the roll.
Aboard Ship: This would represent a captain of a vessel
who is tacking against the wind or a crew not employing
oars in the water in order to deliberately arrive a bit later
(or by way of stealth).
RELENTLESS MARCHING
Player-characters, just like some military-based units, can
elect to travel beyond the normal ten-hour a day model.
For every hour beyond ten hours, each character loses 1
Stamina point unless he or she can succeed in an Endur-
ance skill roll (mounts automatically fail this roll since they
are bearing burdens). Skill penalties for wearing armor also
apply in this case. The DL for this Endurance roll is 10 for
the first hour over ten, 12 for the second hour beyond ten,
14 for the third hour, and so on. A critical success means a
point of Stamina is regained, while a critical failure means
that the character takes 1 point of Health damage per point
of critical failure due to a fall, stepping into a hole, running
into brambles, or whatever. Armor only counts as half here.
He or she also automatically gains the Fatigued condition,
or if already below half Stamina, the Exhausted condition
instead.
287
 SAVAGEIII
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Otherwise, two extra miles are gained on foot, per hour,
or five extra miles if mounted (again, assuming half-decent
lighting, weather, and travel-path). If the slowest member
of the company has a Mobility of 7 or less, and is traveling
on-foot, then only half these distances are attained. This
method of relentless travel might be used if the PCs started
off at a normal pace and later realized that they are further
away from a destination then they’d originally assumed, or
perhaps a pace to help make-up for a slow and stealthy one
during the normal travel-day.
CLIMBING, SWIMMING, & OTHER FORMS OF
MOVEMENT
When climbing trees, walls, or other such objects, edifices,
or hazards, one-third of one’s Mobility is used. Thus, for
example, a character with an 11 Mobility could climb at a
Mobility of 4; one with a Mobility of, say, 8 could climb
three yards a round (that is, a climbing Mobility of 3). An-
other way to look at climbing speed—and perhaps an easi-
er method too—is to think of climbing Mobility in terms of
feet instead of yards (one-third of yard is a foot, after all).
A character can climb up to his climbing Mobility as one
action, or twice that as two actions.
Swimming in water, or some similar liquid, is considered
one-half a character’s Mobility rating. For example, some-
one with Mobility 13 could swim up to 6 yards as one ac-
tion (or the full 13 as two actions). Note, however, this as-
sumes fairly still waters—river-rapids or a storm-tossed sea
should half again one’s swimming Mobility in the very least
and likely have the GM calling for Athletics (swimming) skill
rolls to keep from drowning or being dashed against rocks
or worse.
Though not included on the character sheet due to its
rarity of occurrence, if a character decides to crawl as a
form of movement, then consider this to be one-quarter
normal Mobility. As an example, a character with Mobility
12 could crawl 3 yards as one action. Creatures might have
to crawl due to injuries, tactical reasons, or otherwise—not
that belly-crawling grants a +2 bonus to Dodge Defense
against ranged attacks coming three or more yards away
(but inflicts the Prone condition against melee attacks).
Damage From Falling: As mentioned under Conditions,
sudden stops at the end of a fall deal the following damage
to characters and similar creatures: 10 feet or thereabouts
= 4 Health damage; 20 feet or so = 6 Health damage; 30
feet or so = 8 Heath damage; 40 feet or thereabouts =
10 Health damage, etc. Note that this is cumulative—that
is, a fall from a height of 20 feet would cause 10 points of
damage (i.e. 4 for the first 10 feet and 6 for the next 10 feet,
totaling a fall from 20 feet).
However, a successful DL 20 Acrobatics skill roll negates
the first 10 feet’s damage, which represents landing safely
on one’s feet. Furthermore, armor counts as half effective
for the first 10 feet only—armor does not help at all in falls
from greater heights.
Falling onto yielding surfaces—such as water, deep snow,
sand, and the like—cuts the above-mentioned damage in
half unless the fall is from 50 or more feet.
288 GAMEPLAY & GAME MASTERING
URBAN EXPLORATION
Visiting and exploring villages, cities, castles, and other ur-
bane locations, is generally handled in terms of hours, as
characters might visit taverns, inns, temples, shops, mar-
ketplaces, and other locales within—or nearby—the set-
tlement. PCs can expect more of the usual Dark Ages to
medieval-era trappings in the typical village, town, or city,
although there are plenty of places for strange denizens,
mysterious priests, suspicious farmers, cunning merchants,
scheming nobles, criminals, slaves, mercenaries, and much
more within the vast majority of such locations. Some ur-
ban locales are quite famed and might have mention of
them specifically in Chapter 20—The Savage West.
ARMOR & ENCUMBRANCE
Most types of armor—be it body armor, helmets, or
shields—inflict at least a minor penalty to certain skills (e.g.
Acrobatics, Athletics, Brawling, etc.) as well as to, occasion-
ally, Mobility. Furthermore, carrying excessive amounts of
equipment or treasure can inflict varying degrees of encum-
brance upon a character. See Chapter 15—Gear & Supplies
for more information regarding armor and Encumbrance.
LIGHT & VISIBILITY
Even in the mystical world of SK, most creatures need light
to see things, whether this is from a campfire, hearth-fire,
torch, lantern, brazier, or a magical spell. During the day-
time, when the red sun is riding in the sky, this is little prob-
lem—save perhaps on especially overcast or stormy days
(or in certain locales such as The Shadowlands)—but at
night or underground, this can be of great concern.
Characters without light sources, or any ability to see in
the gloom (as shown below), suffer a -5 penalty to all sight-
based Perception skill rolls in total darkness and a -2 penalty
in partial darkness (such as moonlight, dusk or dawn, deep
shadow, etc.). The following, however, illustrates the illu-
mination levels of various forms of vision and light sources.
Night-sighted: This is a talent from the ‘Other’ category,
which represents a human’s ability to spot details in the
gloom of night or otherwise poor lighting. While it doesn’t
afford any sort of “magical” sight, it means only a -2 pen-
alty to see in utter darkness and no penalty at all in partial
darkness/gloom.
Star-sight: Sometimes known as Sidhe-sight, this is the abil-
ity of most Sidhe—and some other types of fey beings—to
see well enough in the dark when there’s at least some small
measure of light, such as the stars, a candle, the sliver of
one of the moons, and the like. This would then count as
seeing in partial darkness, though it affords no ability to see
in total darkness.
Deep-sight or Nether-sight: The Duergar are known for
the former and demonic creatures the latter, this is the abil-
ity—in both cases—to see in utter and complete darkness
as if it were gloom or partial darkness. As such, colors and
minute details are not discerned, but general shapes and
movements can be seen easily.
 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
Other Forms of Vision: Most undead creatures can sense
living things within a certain radius of them—usually 10
yards or more—which, essentially, gives them the ability to
see in the dark and the detection of even the stealthiest of
scouts, thieves, and assassins. In addition, a few rare crea-
tures—such as snakes and scorpions—can discern vibrations,
and thus “see” other creatures in this manner, usually to a
range of 5 to 10 yards.
Candles: Lit candles, whether they are tallow or wax (or
other), provide a 3-yard sight radius around the bearer.
Anything beyond that is unseen save for reflective mate-
rials, and creatures may attempt Stealth from that distance
(but simply cannot within the candle’s light radius). Tallow
candles tend to only last for two hours, while wax candles
can last up to 8 hours or more. Most candles are blown out
by moderate gusts of wind and can be purposefully doused
as a free action (and lit as one action assuming there is flint
and steel or similar means to do so).
Torches: A burning torch yields a lighted area 6 yards
around the wielder and will typically burn for about an
hour (or less). Torches protected by iron frames or “cag-
es,” or those treated with some alchemical oil or carefully
wrapped “fuel” such as linen or hemp, might burn a bit
longer. Regardless, torches can usually endure up to strong
winds and, if thrown, remain lighted on a successful DL 5
Luck roll from the thrower (or about ¾ of the time). Sub-
merging in water, obviously, will douse a torch (as will
sand), which is a free action; other surfaces usually put out
a torch too, when done purposefully, but this might take an
action (GM discretion).
Lighting a torch costs one action, unless the torch is wet
or the lighting mechanism (such as flint and steel) is stowed
in the character’s backpack or horse’s saddlebags. Further-
more, a burning torch can cause up to 5 points of fire dam-
age if used as a weapon, the attacker needing to succeed
in a Weaponry: Melee roll against the opponent’s Defense
(counts as an improvised weapon). They will sometimes
hold animals and “creatures of the dark” at bay too.
Lanterns & Oil-Lamps: A hooded lantern takes one ac-
tion to get lighted, assuming the flint and steel (or other
lighting device) is close at hand. When lit, lanterns and most
oil-lamps shed a light radius of 9 yards around the bearer,
and just like with candles and torches, no attempt at Stealth
will succeed within this area. Approximately one pint of oil
(a flask’s worth) fuels a lantern or clay (or bronze) lamp
for eight hours’ time. Lanterns, especially hooded ones, can
easily endure strong winds and sometimes even gale-force
ones.
Campfires & Hearth-fires: This represents the typical
fire used in an encampment or the usual hearth-fire of an
inn, private residence, or similar building. They provide a
12-yard radius of light and negates the possibility of Stealth
(unless there is cover within this radial area). Furthermore,
fires of this size provide amble heat as well, staving off frost-
GAMEPLAY & GAME MASTERING
bite or worse on wintry nights. The common campfire can
be seen at night from up to two miles away, depending on
terrain and weather.
Bonfires & Pyres: Fires of this size are typically consid-
ered great “bonfires,” or signal or beacon fires, and might
also include funerary pyres and the like. At least a 20-yard
radius is lighted, with, once more, Stealth being impossible
without cover or some magical means. Burns of this size are
also quite hot, giving off much heat, and standing within 2
yards of one can cause potential damage and discomfort to
the eyes and lungs. Such fires can usually be seen from up
to five miles away, depending on levelness of terrain and
other factors.
Broad Daylight: On level terrain, such as plains or calm
seas, the average person can large (or highly reflective) fea-
tures up to 15 miles away. Some things, such as mountains,
might be seen from up to 30 miles away as they loom well
above the horizon. This all assumes, of course, clear weath-
er and few, if any, obstructions to one’s light of sight. Oth-
erwise, by contrast, in mountainous areas or dense forest,
or upon seas with high cresting waves, one can only see up
to maybe 30 yards in the daytime and half this (at most)
at night.
See the Perception skill entry for more information about
sight distances, as well as hearing, smell, and other means of
detecting creatures, objects, and landscape features.
FOOD & WATER
The average humanoid requires around two gallons of wa-
ter per day, although this can be lowered in extreme sur-
vival situations. If lowered to less than half this amount,
the GM may call for the characters to make DL 10 Endur-
ance skill rolls or become Fatigued (that is, half full Stamina
amount). If already Fatigued, then the Exhausted condition
is inflicted instead.
In addition, for every day that passes beyond two days
for a humanoid (and most animals, save for camels) go-
ing without water, a DL 10 Endurance skill roll must be at-
tempted with failure resulting in becoming Fatigued; if the
creature already has the Fatigued condition, then he or she
gains the Exhausted condition instead. If already Exhausted,
then Unconsciousness occurs with the character or creature
losing 1 Health point per hour until at least one gallon of
water is administered along with a successful DL 10 Healing
Arts roll.
Note that the Endurance DL increases to 15 after three
days without water, 20 after four days, 25 after five full
days, and so on. Furthermore, a critical failure on one of
these Endurance skill rolls earning the next worse condi-
tion—that is, Exhausted instead of Fatigued and Uncon-
scious instead of Exhausted. If the creature is already Un-
conscious, then it would expire instead. A critical success
means that the character or creature either improves by one
step or, if not yet Fatigued, gains +2 Stamina points for the
next 12 hours.
Lacking in food is not quite as life-threatening as going
without water, although over time, it too can cause a num-
289
 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
ber of problems (and even death). For every day beyond six
days that a character goes without proper foodstuffs, an En-
durance skill roll must be made. Failure means the Fatigued
condition is acquired; if already possessed, then Exhaustion
occurs instead. If already Exhausted, then the Unconscious-
ness condition is thusly gained; if already Unconscious, then
death occurs. This Endurance roll starts at DL 10 for one day
past six and increases by two for every day beyond this. For
example, going nine days without food would yield a DL
14 Endurance skill roll.
HAZARDS & TRAPS
Not every journey is fraught with terrible danger, but then
not every journey is a peaceful overland jaunt either. Most
regions and terrain types have innate hazards, whether
they’re avalanches, falling rock, landslides, quicksand, bro-
ken ground, gnarled roots, crevasses, rotting trees, poison-
ous herbs, or whatever.
When a character party chooses which travel pace it will
take for a day’s journey, they may also attempt a Survival
skill roll to be aware of natural hazards and to choose the
better route when there’s not a clear path. The DL is 10 for a
slow/wary pace, a 15 for a normal travel-pace, and 20 for a
swift/forced march. These DLs are lowered by 5 if the day’s
travel occurs primarily on a trail, road, or through mainly
farmlands and open terrain. Note that in terrain where the
GM has a detailed map, or the PCs are on a major well-
used road, this skill roll is not needed, as any hazards would
already be indicated on the map (or have no effect well off
the beaten path).
Only one character, presumably the character assumed
to be the “scout” or out-rider (who probably has the best
Survival skill modifier, can make this roll. A success indicates
that all hazards were avoided (or easily overcome) during
the day’s travel, while a failure means that the party en-
counters a challenging hazard during the day (the GM can
roll randomly for which hour or time of day this occurs). A
failure by 5 or more indicates two such natural challenges
during the travel-day. In this case, the GM can choose or
roll randomly from the following:
1—RAVINE: The PCs have come to a ravine or shallow
chasm blocking their path. They may either go around it,
which costs them 5-10 miles (GM discretion) of travel dis-
tance for the day, or attempt a DL 15 Athletics roll (per
character) to climb through it. Success here avoids losing the
5-10 miles’ distance, but a failure means 1 point of damage
per point of failure (only half armor rating applies) from
stumbling, falling, rolling, and the like. A critical failure
means, in addition, 1 point of Health damage per point of
critical failure.
2—DEEP RIVER: The PCs have come to a deep part of
a river, or rapid waterfall, and may either choose to go
around it, costing them 5-10 miles of travel distance for
the day, or attempt an Athletics roll to swim across it or
a Crafting roll to create a crude raft (taking 10 minutes).
Success avoids the 5-mile loss while a failure means 1 point
of Stamina loss per point of failure. A critical failure means
that the character has been swept down-river and an action
290 GAMEPLAY & GAME MASTERING
scene (perhaps using the Initiative system) is played out to
retrieve the character. A DL 10 or 15 Swimming (athletics)
roll, in the very least, will be required of the swept-away
character to remain afloat and avoid drowning. This skill
roll might be repeated once per round, or once per minute,
depending on the swiftness of the river.
3—QUICKSAND: This feature doesn’t appear in all cli-
mates and terrains, but some form of it—such as sinking
sand or deep mires—exists in virtually all regions to an ex-
tent. The leading character or “scout” must succeed in DL
12 Perception or Survival roll to notice the hazard, with a
failure meaning that he or she has stepped into it. The sec-
ond character in “line” must then succeed in the same skill
roll or succumb to the same fate, and so on. Those mired
in the quicksand-like hazard need successful DL 15 Athletics
skill rolls to climb out, with each round of failure increasing
the DL by one. Anyone on stable ground with a Reach 2
weapon, long branch, rope, or some similar tool can assist
those caught in the mire, lowing the DLs by 5.
A critical failure here means that the helper has fallen
in too. After five rounds, the victim is submerged and will
drown to death in a number of rounds afterward equal to
3 plus the victim’s Vigor. Note that it costs 1 Stamina point
for every other round caught in quicksand, as the sucking
muck is quite taxing.
4—PIT-TRAP/HIDDEN FALL: The characters have en-
countered a deliberately built pit-trap, covered by grass,
leaves, loose dirt, and the like, or a hidden sinkhole or “fall”
in the ground. The first or “scout” PC must succeed in a DL
15 Perception or Survival roll to notice the trap or hole,
with a failure meaning stepping right into it. The character
then gets a last-moment Initiative or Athletics roll at DL 20
to attempt to grab the ledge or leap aside. On a failure, the
character takes 4 points of fall damage or up to 10 points if
there are spikes or the like at the bottom (GM discretion).
Half armor rating applies in both cases. In rare cases, poison
might even be applied to the spikes or a swarm of vipers or
diseased rats could be down inside the pit.
5—POISONOUS PLANTS: The travelers have come
upon an area of poisonous plants (or merely one major
or monstrous one), although this is less likely to occur in
sub-arctic to arctic regions. With a successful DL 15 Herbal-
ism roll, the plants or herbs can be detected as what they
are; otherwise, a failure means that each character must suc-
ceed in a DL 15 Endurance roll or gain the Mildly Poisoned
condition. A failure by 10 or more inflicts the Strongly Poi-
soned condition instead. If the Herbalism roll is critically
succeeded, the character notices also a rare quasi-magical
herb growing nearby, such as one of the types of lotuses,
Faerie-wort, Barrow-weed, or the like. The GM can choose
or randomize.
6—AVALANCHE: In snowy regions, this could be snow
or ice, but in warmer climes this might represent rocks or
mud, especially if in a mountainous area. The avalanche
can be detected before it begins with a successful DL 20 Per-
ception roll, with a success meaning that the PCs gain a +5
 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
bonus to the upcoming Acrobatics roll to get out of the path
of the rock or snow slide. This Acrobatics DL is 15, and those
failing take 2 points of Health damage per point of failure.
If this roll is failed by 10 or more, the character is also buried
and will suffocate to death in one minute plus a half-minute
per point of Vigor. The character may attempt to dig him-
self out, but this is a DL 20 Physique check assuming he or
she is conscious after the damage. Others may attempt to
dig the character out, but they will first need to succeed in a
DL 15 Perception roll to discover where the buried character
is located, then a successful DL 20 Physique roll to uncover
him or her (requiring one minute’s time, or half this if at
least two people are helping).
7—FESTERING DEAD: The characters have come to a
place where recently deceased creatures lie about, proba-
bly detected due to the putrid smell from at least 50 yards
away. Each character present must succeed in a DL 10 En-
durance skill roll or gain the Sickened condition for one
minute per point of failure; a critical failure means the char-
acter suffers the Strongly Diseased condition for a potential
term of 8 hours. If the bodies are burned or buried (which
takes at least a half-hour to prepare), the area will be free of
potential contagion; if the PCs hold a religious ceremony,
the GM could reward them each with a +1 boost to Luck
for 24 hours.
8—WILDFIRE: The adventuring party smells burning
wood in the near distance, or perhaps sees flames licking
not far away, unless a DL 10 Perception roll is successful.
If so, then the characters will have a better chance to sur-
vive this wildfire (which are not always probable in certain
regions), and thus only need to succeed against DL 10 in
Endurance rolls as opposed to DL 15 if the Perception roll is
failed. Failing the Endurance skill roll here causes the charac-
ter to acquire the Sickened condition; a critical failure means
falling Unconscious with a DL 15 Healing Arts roll needed
to revive the victim. This resistance roll must be made after
every minute the characters remain within the general area
(100 square yards to one square-mile, depending on the
extent of the wildfire).
If the PCs hang around perhaps to attempt to quell the
flames or help creatures escape, they risk being burned (as
well as the above smoke-inhalation). This could be a DL 10
Acrobatics or Survival skill roll every round, with a success
meaning either a one square-yard area is saved or one crea-
ture/person is rescued; a critical success means the wildfire
has been neutralized. Failing this roll means 1 point of fire
damage per point of failure, while a critical failure inflicts
the Disfigured (from horrible burns) weakness.
9—BEAR-TRAP: This could also represent a natural rock
formation wherein a person could get his or her foot (or
a horse its hoof) wedged hard in between. Regardless, the
lead or scout character must succeed in a DL 15 Perception
skill roll or fail to detect this trap or hazard, thus falling vic-
tim to its “jaws.” This deals 5 points of damage, minus half
armor rating, and grapples (holds) the victim. It requires a
DL 15 Physique or Lock-picking roll to escape the trap. A
critical failure on the Perception roll means that a second
GAMEPLAY & GAME MASTERING
character falls victim to a second trap or hazard, and a crit-
ical failure on the roll to escape the trap causes the victim
another point of damage per point of critical failure.
10—THIN ICE: This only occurs in sub-arctic or arctic re-
gions, or temperate areas in deep winter. The characters,
in this case, have come upon a large area of ice, such as
a frozen river, pond, lake, or a glacial field. They can ei-
ther choose to go around it, which will cost them at least 5
miles worth of travel for the day or attempt to cross it. For
the latter, a successful DL 15 Perception or Survival roll will
inform them that the ice is borderline in its thickness and
therefore ability to support their weight. If they enter the
iced-over area, each character (and mount) must succeed in
a DL 10 Acrobatics roll or fall through broken ice. Creatures
with Physiques over +7 suffer a -2 penalty to this skill roll.
Those breaking through the ice must then succeed in a DL
15 Athletics roll to pull themselves up or swim beneath the
ice in search of another escape area. Characters not falling
through can attempt to help those who have, requiring a
successful DL 10 Physique roll to pull them out. Otherwise,
for every round left in the freezing water equates to 1 point
of Stamina damage, and 1 point of Health damage for ev-
ery minute (ten rounds) of exposure.
11—SANDSTORM: There few regions in the West in
which that can occur, although in the East (particularly the
continent of Hassan), this is not uncommon. If in a viable
area, a successful DL 15 Perception roll will discern the sud-
den increasing winds and possibly a blurred or dark horizon
as the sandstorm rapidly approaches. The characters, in this
case, have about a minute to either hunker down or pos-
sibly even attempt to flee or “side-step” the storm if they
are mobile enough and the sirocco isn’t of massive scale. If
hunkering down, each character must succeed in a DL 15
Endurance roll or take 1 point of Stamina damage per point
of failure and gain the Partially Blinded condition; on a
critical failure, the Blinded weakness is acquired. Note that
wrapping one’s face or quick-building a crude “sand-break”
or half-shelter (Crafting or Survival DL 10) adds a +2 bonus
to the Endurance roll. Failing the initial Perception skill roll
means that the storm is immediately upon the travelers and
they can only hunker down and bear it with no chance to
flee. Sandstorms typically last anywhere from ten minutes
to a full hour.
12—BLIZZARD: Per the ‘Thin Ice’ option above, this haz-
ard can only occur in arctic regions or sub-arctic areas in
winter (and possibly northern temperate zones in deepest
winter). If the characters succeed in a DL 15 Perception roll,
they can discern a sudden change in the winds and perhaps
an even further lowering of the prevailing temperatures as
the snowstorm approaches. They can then choose to hun-
ker down and endure it, or just keep pressing onward. For
the former option, a DL 15 Endurance roll must be made or
the character suffers 1 point of Stamina damage per point
of failure and 1 point of Health damage per 5 points of
failure; a critical failure inflicts frostbite and therefore the
Maimed condition unless treated within an hour with a suc-
cessful DL 20 Healing Arts roll. Note that quick-building a
291
 SAVAGEIII
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“snow-break” or crude half-shelter (Crafting or Survival DL
10) adds a +2 bonus to the Endurance roll. Blizzards typical-
ly last from fifteen minutes to several hours.
13—BREAKDOWN: This represents a cart or wagon
wheel breaking, a horse suddenly coming up lame, or even
one of the PCs catching a minor chill or a bout of nausea.
In any case, this is a breakdown in either gear or travel-time
(or both), requiring a successful DL 10 Crafting roll to re-
pair a broken wheel or other object or a successful DL 15
Healing Arts roll to remove the Sickened condition from a
creature or character. Critical failures on either of these skill
rolls means that the object is hopelessly broken or the injury
causes one point of Health damage per point of critical fail-
ure. All of this stoppage and attention to matters costs the
travelers an hour or so in the very least.
14—OTHER HAZARD: This could be anything truly
unique and/or exotic, such as an erupting volcano nearby,
a river running foul with disease, an earthquake, a sudden
tornado or hurricane, a massive tree falling in an ancient
forest, and more.
HAZARDS AT SEA
The sea can be just as harrowing—often more so—than the
wild expanses of forest, swamp, and peak. As such, at the
beginning of every travel-day at sea, the captain or naviga-
tor (or helmsman) attempts a Sailing skill roll. The DL is 10
292 GAMEPLAY & GAME MASTERING
or 15 depending upon speed of travel, the former (DL 10)
representing a deliberate or moderate rate (such as against
crosswinds or without a full compliment of oarsman) and
the latter (DL 15) being a swifter speed at sea (all hands on
deck, trade-winds, expert oarsman, etc.). Some ships, and
crews, are faster than others, but in general a moderate rate
of sea-travel is around 100 miles per 12-hour period or 150
for a swifter pace. Some vessels seek harbor, or beaching,
during the night, while others might continue for several
days before stopping or arriving at their destination.
If the Sailing skill roll is successful, the day passes without
event with ship, crew, and passengers cruising along the high
seas. If the roll is failed, then one hazardous event (shown
below) occurs during the day; if failed by 5 or more, two
of the below hazards are encountered. On a critical success,
the ship is ahead of schedule by a half-day, although a criti-
cal failure means that some event occurs aboard-ships, such
as a mutiny, murder, man overboard, cultist ritual, duel,
theft, abduction, or what not. GM discretion applies.
1—TEMPEST: A bad squall blows up, powerful enough to
be called a tempest or sea-storm. The captain or helmsman
must succeed in a DL 15 Sailing roll in order to either sail
around—or outrun—the storm. On a failure, the ship either
takes 10% of its Health in damage per point of failure or
one crewman goes overboard per point of failure (or an
average of both). A vessel taking over half its Health in
damage risks sinking in 2d20 minutes unless the captain suc-
ceeds in a DL 15 Persuasion roll to keep the crew focused;
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a craft taking 100% of its Health in damage will submerge
in 1d20 rounds. A critical failure means the captain is either
swept overboard or otherwise harmed and Helpless, while
a critical success means the vessel is well ahead of schedule
by six hours (the tempest-winds perhaps boosting the craft’s
speed). The typical tempest lasts for an hour or two.
2—MAELSTROM: This is a massive whirlpool-like phe-
nomenon which is every bit as dangerous to ships as it is
rare. The captain, navigator, or man in the riggings (or
crows’ nest) must succeed in a DL 10 Perception roll to no-
tice the maelstrom and thereby gain a DL 15 Sailing skill roll
in order to avoid it. Otherwise, the vessel will be drawn
toward the gigantic whirlpool requiring one more Sailing
roll, this time at DL 20. A failure here will send the ship hur-
tling into the swift-whirling center, never to be seen again.
Passengers can leap into the water to escape, but this is a DL
20 Athletics (swimming) roll and will cost at least 6 Stamina
points. A maelstrom typically remains for an hour at most.
3—FIRE ABOARD: A fire begins to spread aboard-ship
requiring a successful DL 15 Alchemy or Survival roll in or-
der to neutralize it as quickly as possible. On a failure, the
ship takes 10% of its Health in damage per point of failure,
with a critical failure meaning that every character assisting
is burned for 2 points of damage per point of critical failure
(armor counts as half-effective). A critical success means the
fire is doused in but a round or two, and everyone assisting
in the task gains a +1 to Renown.
4—WATERSPOUT: Sometimes called a Sea-twister or
Water-sprite, this is a very rare phenomenon where a nar-
row tornado-like feature appears, touching the sea’s surface
(or very large lake), sometimes powerful enough to pull
fish and even sharks out of the water. It requires a successful
DL 12 Sailing skill roll to avoid this hazard, failure meaning
that one crewman is sucked overboard per point of failure;
a critical failure means one of the player-characters is pulled
upward and overboard (determine randomly or have each
player roll Luck—low roll is the victim). Those pulled up
into the waterspout will fall some 40 feet from the air into
the water, taking 10 points of damage or half this amount
with a successful DL 15 Acrobatics or Athletics roll. On a
critical failure, the character has landed on the vessel itself
(instead of the semi-yielding water) taking 20 points of
damage instead. Armor does no good in these cases.
5—RUN AGROUND: The captain or navigator must
succeed in a DL 15 Perception or Sailing skill roll notice
some shallows, shoals, or reefs that lurk just beneath the
water’s surface. Failure indicates that the ship runs abruptly
aground dealing 10% of its Health in damage per point of
failure, and every creature aboard must succeed in a DL 15
Acrobatics roll or be knocked prone. Failing by 5 or more
means 1 point of Health damage per point of failure (armor
is half-effective); a critical failure means going overboard.
A critical success on the initial Perception or Survival roll
means that the vessel is either ahead of schedule by four
hours or some minor treasure is seen in the shallows, per-
haps in a broken chest, scattered about freely, in a sunken
GAMEPLAY & GAME MASTERING
craft, etc. The value of such trinketry totals 2d20 sc.
6—FLOTSAM: The ship approaches a large area of flot-
sam, be it a thick morass of seaweed, pieces of several ships,
fetid chunks of a slain whale, or the like. Regardless, the
captain or helmsman must succeed in a DL 15 Sailing skill
roll to avoid the area or at least pick a way through it. A
failure means the vessel snags and slows, effectively losing a
half-day’s travel mileage; a critical failure indicates the ship
is completely stopped and grappled by the morass. This
then requires an entire day’s work from the crew to get the
craft dislodged and repaired of its minor damage (Crafting
or Sailing DL 12). A critical success on the initial Sailing roll
means that, not only does the ship bypass the flotsam field,
but some valuables are seen in the morass (trinkets worth a
total of 2d20 sc or an exceptional-quality weapon or tool,
etc.).
7—ICE FLOES: Only an issue in a sub-arctic zone in winter,
or most times of year in the arctic regions, this sea hazard
represents ice-floes, icebergs, and frozen surfaces. Floes are
usually much smaller than icebergs, though they are both
similar in nature—large masses of ice that have frozen at
the water’s surface. Some of these are only a yard or two
thick, yet others can be as thick, or deep, as a dozen or so
fathoms. The ship’s watch-person, or captain if he’s aboard-
deck at the time, must succeed in a DL 10 Perception roll to
notice the ice at a reasonable (50-150 yard distance), de-
pending largely upon the size of the floe or berg. It is then a
DL 12 Sailing skill roll (by the captain or helmsman) to avoid
the ice, with a failure indicating that the vessel slams into
it. The ship takes 10% of its Health in damage per point of
failure here; a critical failure means that the craft is virtually
splintered asunder, and each character and crewman must
succeed in a DL 20 Acrobatics or Athletics roll of take 1
point of damage per point of failure. A critical failure here
indicates that the character has gone overboard, either onto
the ice or—more likely—into the freezing water. Extremely
cold water deals 1 point of Stamina damage per minute,
plus 1 Health per minute unless a successful DL 15 Endurance
roll is made.
8—MASSIVE CREATURE: This represents an extremely
large, and likely aggressive, aquatic creature “attacking” the
ship’s hull (or perhaps a dragging fishing-net). Might likely
be a whale, gigantic shark, or even a Leviathan, Kraken, or
Sea Serpent—regardless, it strikes the underside of the vessel
violently, forcing all creatures aboard to succeed in a DL 15
Acrobatics roll of fall prone. Critical failure means 1 point of
Health damage, per point of critical failure, instead (being
slammed against masts, crates, decks, and such). The ship
might also take up to 50% of its Health in damage, which
can be repaired at sea (DL 20 Crafting or Sailing) or at dry-
dock (DL 12 Crafting or Sailing). The underwater creature
makes 2-4 passes, the exact number being up to GM, and
each time the above procedure occurs. With a successful DL
20 Perception roll, a character might get a slight glimpse
of whatever the beast is, but this encounter is more about
being a frightening hazard at sea and less a combat scene.
293
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9—DOLDRUMS: Virtually the antithesis of an exciting Some of are detailed below:

encounter, this is when there is no wind at sea (or upon a
large lake). Not even a slight breeze. For a rowing vessel,
this of no concern, but for a sailing craft, this slows trav-
el-rates down to practically zero, with only the natural cur-
rents of the ocean-river providing any motion in the least.
Doldrums last anywhere from a half-day to two days (GM
discretion), with sailors often blaming the lack of wind on
“the gods” and supernatural things.
10—RAMPANT DISEASE: In the close quarters of a
sea-going vessel, sickness and contagion is a legitimate con-
cern. Those aboard must succeed in a DL 12 Endurance roll
or gain the Moderately Diseased condition which runs in
three stages (one every four hours). If the first victim or two
is quarantined off from the rest of the passengers and crew
quickly enough, then the Endurance DL drops to 7. Food
and drink quality might modify this roll by +/-2 with the
GM’s discretion.
OTHER CHALLENGES
Player-character heroes are very likely to encounter other
types of challenges, hazards, traps, and tricks, along the
way—and as part of—their various quests and missions.
LOCKS: Though not entirely common in the Dark Ag-
es-inspired setting of SK, locks are still employed by the
wealthy, by Duergar (who are good at making them), and
occasionally by some of the more “civilized” cultures. In
some barbaric cultures, fellow clans-folk simply do not steal
from one another, fearing banishment, dishonor, or just
downright termination. A simple locking device, not unlike
a modern-day padlock, is either opened by its (usually) sin-
gle key or by a successful DL 15 Lock-picking skill roll. This
requires one action (a few seconds) at minimum. A mod-
erately difficult lock requires either the key or a successful
DL 20 Lock-picking roll, which takes at least two actions. A
complex lock can only be opened with a key or combina-
tion of keys, or by a successful DL 25 Lock-picking roll which
requires one minute of time.
Higher Quality Locks: Exceptional-quality locks increase
the Lock-picking DL by 2 while master-crafted ones improve
the DL by 5. For example, an exceptional-quality simple
lock would be DL 17 to pick and a master-crafted complex
lock would be DL 30 to pick. A heroic-quality lock (and
there might be only one or two in the known world) would

TABLE 5-2: WEATHER

Weather conditions can also affect travel, while also bringing a measure of verisimilitude and believability to the set-
ting. At the beginning of each travel day (somewhere around dawn), the GM can roll randomly below for the day’s
weather or simply chose it. If opting for the former, roll 1d20:

1 Unseasonably cold, 100% chance of precipitation. This is generally sleet or snow in the northerly
regions. See the Blizzard entry above.
2 Unseasonably cool, 70% chance of precipitation. This is usually snow or sleet in the Northlands. See
the Obscured condition.
3 Cool temperatures, very high winds, 70% chance of precipitation. At sea, would likely be a tempest.
4 Slightly cool temperatures, windy, overcast, 50% chance of precipitation. Possible tempest at sea.
5 Moderate temperatures, breezy, mostly cloudy, 40% chance of precipitation.
6 Moderate temperatures, slightly cloudy and still, 30% chance of precipitation.
7 Moderate temperatures, slightly cloudy and still, no precipitation (little wind at sea).
8-9 Moderate temperatures, clear skies and very still, no precipitation (doldrums at sea).
10-11 Moderate temperatures, clear skies, very little wind, 20% chance of precipitation.
12-13 Moderate temperatures, cloudy skies, some wind, 20% chance of precipitation.
14 Moderate temperatures, mostly cloudy, high winds, 30% chance of precipitation.
15 Moderate temperatures, very cloudy, breezy, 50% chance of precipitation.
16 Moderate temperatures, clear skies, windy, no precipitation.
17 Slightly warm temperatures, some wind, 30% chance of precipitation.
18 Warm temperatures, very high winds, 50% chance of precipitation (thunderstorms). See the Obscured
condition.
19 Unseasonably warm, 70% chance of precipitation (thunderstorms very likely). See the Raining (Heavi-
ly) condition.
20 Unseasonably hot, high winds, 100% chance of precipitation (lightning storms). See the Raining (Heavily)
condition.

294 GAMEPLAY & GAME MASTERING

 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
add +10 to the DL or have some theft-warding enchant-
ment or potentially lethal trap as part of its construction.
Legendary-quality locks are not likely to exist.
Tools & Lockpicks: As mentioned in the Lock-picking skill
entry earlier in this book, using improvised tools instead
of actual lockpicks and other “thieves’ tools” inflict any-
where from a -2 to a -5 penalty. For example, a thin knife,
brooch-pin, or sewing needle would probably only be a -2
penalty, while an arrow, dagger, crossbow bolt, or bone-
shard would be a -5 penalty at least. Naturally, having actu-
al lockpicks on hand—though illegal in most realms—is the
best way to alleviate these penalties. Exceptional lockpicks
add a +1 bonus to the user’s Lock-picking roll, while mas-
ter-crafted ones gain a +2 bonus. Heroic-quality picks, if
they exist at all, would provide a +3 bonus or perhaps some
enchantment such as automatically opening a lock once per
12 hours, the power to turn invisible for five minutes per
day, or bestowing the wielder a +2 bonus to Endurance
rolls made against poison.
MECHANICAL TRAPS
More common than locks in the Savage Kingdoms world,
there are a wide variety of mechanized traps—some sim-
ple and crude, others complex and clever—that might be
encountered by adventuring characters. Some of these are
detailed below:
dz SIMPLE PIT-TRAP: This is generally a pit dug
in the ground, often from 6-15 feet in depth, which
serves the purpose of either captured a creature or in-
truder or badly injuring (or even killing) them. Often
loose dirt, leaves, snow, sand, or whatever is handy
conceals the pit’s surface—which is usually a two or
three square-yard area—requiring a successful DL 15 or
20 Perception roll to notice it (depending on the skill
of the trap-setter).
If failing to detect the pit-trap, then anyone walking
over the pit’s surface area will suddenly drop as branch-
es, twigs, and possibly other items give way beneath
the victim’s weight. It usually only requires about 15-20
pounds (or Bulk 1) to collapse the pit’s coverings. The
victim gets a last-moment DL 20 Initiative or Athletics
roll to possibly grab the ledge or otherwise jump clear,
with failure meaning the character or creature takes 4
points of falling damage (if only 6-10 feet deep) or 10
points if 11-20 feet in depth. A successful DL 15 Acro-
batics roll here can negate 4 points (that is, 10 feet) of
the damage. Armor ratings are halved for falls up to 10
feet, although armor is completely useless against falls
from greater heights.
It is generally a DL 15 Athletics skill roll to climb out
of the pit, although if deeper than 12 feet or with es-
pecially slick sides, this DL could easily be 20 instead.
Helping a conscious victim out from above, perhaps
with rope or a long pole-weapon, lowers the victim’s
Athletics DL by 5. Note that some pit-traps are even
deeper than 20 feet, but these are rare and would war-
rant a specific need for such a deep dig.
GAMEPLAY & GAME MASTERING
dz MECHANICAL PIT-TRAP: This is a variation of
the Simple Pit-Trap above wherein a trap-door mecha-
nism opens up, upon pressure above, dumping those
walking across it into the depths below (or upon spikes
such as below). Some of these types of traps are ad-
vanced enough to have the trap-door(s) reset after one
round or one minute (GM choice), further trapping
those inside. It requires a successful DL 25 Physique roll
to pry open the trap-door(s), be it those trapped on
the inside (assuming they can reach them after a DL 20
Athletics roll) or those on the outside.
In rare cases, there might be a hidden lever, wench,
or similar mechanism for opening the doors which
might require anywhere from a DL 15 to DL 25 Percep-
tion roll to locate.
dz SPIKED PIT: A variation of the pit trap, this is
simply added spikes or caltrops (or the like) at the bot-
tom of either a covered or uncovered (but probably
otherwise concealed) pit. Falling damage is the same
as mentioned above, but with additional damage pro-
vided by the spikes, which is usually 5 more points of
Health damage and the spikes having an Armor Pierc-
ing rating of 2-3. The Acrobatics DL to negate the first
10 feet of damage, due to the spikes covering much of
the floor, is 20 instead of 15 here.
dz BEAR-TRAP: See the Bear-Trap entry under Haz-
ards above.
dz ROPE-SNARE: Another somewhat crude form of
trap design, though quite clever and functional when
built correctly, a rope-snare snags the ankles (or there-
abouts) of unsuspecting passers-by and hoists them up
off the ground some 6 to 15 feet. It requires a DL 15-20
Perception roll to detect the rope on the ground (the
standard trigger device), depending on the skill of the
trap-maker. Failure means that at least one character—
and possibly up to four if the trap-area is large enough
(which usually requires a net)—is snagged.
Trapped characters can attempt to cut themselves
free, or down, from the tree (or whatever supports the
rope-snare), but this requires a slashing implement and
at least one minute’s time. However, a character may
attempt to halve this time if he or she succeeds in a DL
15 Sailing, Survival, or Weaponry: Melee skill roll. A
critical success cuts an opening in two rounds (about 12
seconds), while a critical failure means that the charac-
ter either loses his cutting implement or the whole con-
traction plummets to the ground causing 4 to 10 points
of damage (depending on how high up the snare got
hoisted) and the Stunned condition for one round per
point of critical failure. GM discretion.
dz FALLING WEIGHT TRAP: This could be a heavy
log, heavy block, or some similar type of weighty ob-
ject rigged to fall upon an unsuspecting intruder. The
trigger mechanism is often fairly simple, such as a trip-
rope, which requires a successful DL 15 to 20 Perception
roll to notice (depending on the skill of the trap-setter).
On a failed roll, the lead character—and perhaps the
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 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
second character in line too if the falling object is big
enough—must then succeed in a DL 20 Acrobatics roll
or get bludgeoned for 2 points of damage per point of
failure. Maximum damage is 20 to 30 depending upon
the size and heft of the falling object. Armor is only
half-effective.
If the Acrobatics roll fails by 10 or more, the affect-
ed characters are trapped beneath the crushing weight
of the fallen object, requiring a combined Physique of
+4 to free the victim. Otherwise, the victim will take 1
point of Stamina damage per round afterward. If the
Acrobatics skill roll is a critical failure, victims acquire
the Lame or Maimed weakness (assuming they survive
the injury).
dz BOLT/DART TRAP: This time of mechanical
trap is triggered by an unsuspecting passerby, of whom
would need a successful DL 15 or 20 Perception roll to
notice. Failure means that the trap’s trigger kicks off
(often a rope, vine, or perhaps a more sophisticated
reloading system) which the looses a bolt from a cross-
bow or a dart from a spring-loaded device usually hid-
den in the deep shadows or even recessed inside a wall
or pillar. The trap gains anywhere from a +2 to a +8
bonus to its ranged attack roll versus the target’s (usu-
ally the lead character) Dodge Defense, with 1 point of
damage per point of success and the crossbow having
an AP of 2. Maximum damage is from 15 to 20 de-
pending on the draw-strength and quality of the firing
mechanism, and a critical success means that the charac-
ter is impaled (arm to body or clothing to an object—
Physique DL 10 to break free as an action). A critical
failure means that the trap malfunctions and is broken.
More sophisticated forms of bolt or dart traps are
ones that are automatically reloaded after one round
(these are quite rare) or shoot ammunition coated in
poison, acid, or alight with fire. Damage would be
as above but with the added danger of Moderate or
Strong Poison, Moderate or Strong Acid, or 3 addition-
al points of fire damage.
dz FIRE TRAP: A somewhat sophisticated form of
trap, this could be anywhere from a blast of heated air
to flames springing up from the floor to fire shooting
down from above. It is a DL 15 or 20 Perception roll
to detect such a trap before it happens; otherwise, fail-
ure means that one character (or two if the effect-area
is large enough) takes 1 point of fire damage per point
of DL 20 Acrobatics skill failure (maximum 15 or 20
points damage). A critical failure here means that the
victim either gains the Disfigured weakness or one ma-
jor item on the victim’s person is incinerated and de-
stroyed (players’ choice).
dz ROLLING BOULDER: This is the now-famous
massive stone boulder, or heavy wooden (or metal)
sphere, which is released on the upside of a sloping
corridor. The triggering mechanism can be a air-com-
pressed stepping stone, a trip-wire, or a balancing
mechanism such when removing a certain object. It is
usually a DL 20 Perception roll to notice this contrap-
296 GAMEPLAY & GAME MASTERING
tion, with those failing this skill roll triggering the boul-
der-release mechanism resulting in the massive sphere
rolling at great speed toward the potential victim(s).
Those in the path of the rolling boulder must suc-
ceed in DL 20 Acrobatics rolls to either squeeze to the
side (which requires a Physique of +0 or less); other-
wise, it is a DL 25 Acrobatics or Athletics roll to at-
tempt to jump over or atop the sphere depending on
the height of the corridor. Other methods of escape
could be raw speed (requiring a Mobility of 16+ and a
successful DL 10 Acrobatics roll to not trip or stumble)
or by facing the hefty sphere dead-on in an attempt to
stop it by sheer force. This latter option is very difficult
against a fast-moving half-ton (or Bulk 50) boulder, re-
quiring a successful DL 30 Physique roll or a combined
Physique of +10 for characters working together on this
task.
Since this type of trap is sequential over the course
of one to four rounds (depending on the length and
slope of the corridor), this encounter runs best using
the Initiative rules.
dz DROPPING CAGE: This type of trap, wherein
usually a wrought-iron (or heavy wooden) cage falls
from the ceiling, trapping any creatures below in a 2x2
yard (sometimes larger) area. It is a DL 15-20 Percep-
tion roll to notice the triggering mechanism (which is
often a pleasure-plate hidden among the flagstones or
possibly a clever trip-wire system) with a failure mean-
ing the trap is tripped and the heavy cage comes tum-
bling down, either attached to a heavy chain or rope
for wrenching back upward or no attachment at all
(GM choice).
Those in the effect-area of the dropping cage must
succeed in a DL 15 Acrobatics roll or become trapped
within. Failing by 10 or more means the cage’s bot-
tom slams into the character, causing he or she to not
only become trapped, but also taking 1 point of Health
damage per point of failure. Once trapped inside, char-
acters may attempt to bend or break the bars which
requires a successful DL 22 Physique roll. One roll per
minute, costing 1 Stamina per minute of attempting. If
a bar is bent out of place enough, it is then a DL 10 Ac-
robatics skill roll to contort through the narrow open-
ing. Creatures with Physiques of -3 or less automatically
make it through, wherein those with Physiques of +5
or higher won’t be able to fit (though it is possible to
bend the adjacent bar too, per the details above, mak-
ing a larger space through which to pass).
POISON & DISEASE
In a sword-and-sorcery setting, poison and disease are very
real potentialities. Characters and other creatures might be-
come envenomed by the vicious bite of a Gigantic Spider,
a swarm of vipers, or the spittle of an angry Sslir. Further-
more, plague and disease exist too, and can be every bit
as deadly—if not more so—than the angriest Elder Wyrm
roused for destruction.
All poisons and diseases have their own degrees of le-
 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
thality, and most inflict the Moderately Poisoned (or Mod-
erately Diseased) or Strongly Poisoned (or Strongly Dis-
eased) conditions to characters failing their Endurance rolls.
Endurance, after all, is typically the skill used to oppose such
inflictions as poison, disease, and similar ailments. Relative-
ly weak poisons and diseases use the Sickened condition,
which also represents heavy nausea and the like.
Each type of poison or disease has a DL for identification
and crafting, as well as an Endurance DL to resist it (or at
least lessen its effects). When identifying or crafting poisons,
the Alchemy skill is used for semi-magical concoctions fab-
ricated in a laboratory, perhaps using mainly “chemicals”
and other half-sorcerous materials, while the Herbalism skill
is used when identifying and crafting herbal or “natural-
ly occurring” toxins (such as Nightshade, Black Lotus, Bar-
row-weed, etc.).
Note that some toxins and diseases have long poten-
tial durations, some of them up to several hours or even
days until finally resisted with a successful Endurance roll
(or rolls), the death of the host, or the condition runs its
course). Please see the Alchemy and Herbalism skill entries,
as well Conditions in Chapter 17—Actions & Combat, for
more information regarding poison, disease, and similar ail-
ments.
SCENES & ENCOUNTERS
Encounters, or scenes, are the bread-and-butter of heroic
adventures. Wherein a game-session is an episode, an en-
counter is a scene (and usually a major one). The GM should
roll 1d20 on the table below for every 6 hours of overland
travel. GMs can either choose what type of encounter they
want the PCs to experience—be it combat, hazard, mystery,
dilemma, trap, diplomacy, or whatever—or generate a ran-
dom result such as from the table below (1d20):
1-2—Herb/Plant*
3-4—Weather*
5—Mishap*
6-9—Hazard*
10-14—Creature*
15—Location*
16-20 —Nothing Happens
*Consult appropriate sub-table below
Modifiers To Above Table:
Poor Weather (heavy rain or snow, thunderstorms, etc.) +2
Major Road +2
At Sea +2
At Night +2
HERB/PLANT SUB-TABLE
0-4—Deadly Nightshade (in forests and dank shadowy
places only)
5-7—Barrow-weed (near burial mounds and “places
of death”)
8-10—Mandrake (usually forests or where a man was
murdered)
GAMEPLAY & GAME MASTERING
11-12—Vervain (generally in shady forests or wood-
land glens)
13-14—Mistletoe (rarely found in sub-tropical regions)
15—Faerie-wort (often between spring and early au-
tumn)
16—Red Lotus (only in sub-tropical or tropical areas)
17—White Lotus (only in snow-covered regions)
18-19—Monstrous Plant (i.e. Tree of Death, Death-
thorn, etc.)
20—Other (GM whim or see Herbalism entry)
WEATHER SUB-TABLE
Use the Random Weather table above.
MISHAP SUB-TABLE
01-02—Horse/mount (mount/steed slowed to half
Mobility; DL 15 Healing Arts to heal)
03-04—Beast companion (animal sidekick is slowed
to half Mobility; DL 15 Healing Arts)
05-06—Henchman (a henchman gains the Sickened
condition; DL 15 Healing Arts to cure)
07-08—Transport (a wagon/cartwheel is damaged;
Crafting DL 15 to repair in one hour)
09-10—Equipment (random piece of gear is damaged;
Crafting DL 15 to repair in 1 hour)
11-12—Equipment (random weapon needs maintain-
ing: Crafting DL 15 to avoid -1 AP)
13-14—Equipment (random armor needs maintaining;
Crafting DL 15 to avoid -1 Mob)
15-16—Clothing (random cloak/tunic/boot rips; Craft-
ing DL 15 to avoid -1 to Mobility)
15-16—Ailment (random PC must make DL 15 Endur-
ance or gain Sickened condition 1 hr)
17-20—Other (GM whim or roll again on this table)
HAZARD SUB-TABLE
Use the Random Hazards table above; if at sea, use the
Hazards At Sea table instead.
CREATURES SUB-TABLE 1 (ARCTIC & SUB-ARC-
TIC):
01-03—Wolves (usually a pack of 3 to 20 white, grey,
or mixed wolves)
04-06—Bear, Arctic or Brown (usually numbering
from 1 to 5 in total)
07-09—Great Wolves (typically numbering from 1 to
6 in total)
10-11—Raven, Giant (usually 1 to 7 in total) or Hu-
mans (berserkers, brigands, etc.)
12-13—Duergar (generally 2 to 12 in total) or Troll
(usually from 1 to 3 in total)
14-15—Draugr (1 to 15 in number; per Zombie stats
but Agi +0 and +2 damage from fire)
16—Frost Giant (generally 1 to 2 in number)
17—Ice-Worm (usually 1 to 2 in number)
18—Vampire (usually 1 in number, but 50% chance of
297
 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
1 to 5 Ghouls with it)
19—Sluagh (typically 2 to 10 in total) or Doppelganger
(usually just one)
20—Other (Ice-Dragon, Tree of Death, Mammoth, Eye
of Illix, etc.)
CREATURES SUB-TABLE 2 (TEMPERATE RE-
GIONS):
01-02—Wolves (typically a pack numbering 3 to 15
in total)
03-04—Bear, Black or Brown (usually numbering 1 to
5 in total)
05-06—Red Caps (generally 1 to 6 of them in total)
07-08—Ghoul (usually 1-8 in number) or Goblings (2
to 15 in total)
09-10—Afanc (typically 1 or 2 in total) or Ogre (typi-
cally from 1 to 3 in total)
11-12—Sidhe (1 to 12 in total; 50% chance Wild, 30%
chance Eluna, 20% Dark)
13-14—Boar (75% chance of 1-4 normal boars or 25%
chance of 1-2 Giant Boars)
15-16—Corpse Lantern (typically 1 to 3 in total) or
Shadow-wraith (1 to 3 in total)
17—Wyvern (usually only 1 to 2 in total number)
18—Dryad or Rusalka (50% chance of either; only 1 to
2 individuals in total)
19—Human (50% brigands, 30% merchants, 20% sol-
diers; 3 to 20 in total)
20—Other (Dead-knight, Leshi, Banshee, Sabertooth,
Fire Giant, etc.)
CREATURES SUB-TABLE 3 (TROPICAL &
SUB-TROPICAL):
01-02—Snake (75% swarm of normal snakes or 25%
chance of Giant Viper)
03-04—Nymph (usually numbering 1 to 5 in total)
05-06—Satyr (typically from 1 to 5 appearing)
07-08—Centaur (often from 1 to 8 in total)
09-10—Hobgoblin (usually 2 to 12 in total)
11-12—Minotaur (typically 1 to 5 appearing in total)
13-14—Medusae (generally from 1 to 2 appearing)
15-16—Human (50% brigands/pirates, 30% mer-
chants/sailors, 20% soldiers)
17—Manticora (50% tail spikes or 50% scorpion tail)
18—Chimaera (usually only a lone specimen)
19—Hydra (typically 2 to 6 heads)
20—Other (Fire-Dragon, Sslir, Chenari, Demon, Sea
Serpent, etc.)
Note that these encounter tables are, as you can see,
quite generic and are only there to give the GM something
to go by if he or she hasn’t created more detailed random
tables, perhaps based on terrain and even specific kingdoms
or territories. Please see the Gazetteer section for more spe-
cifics on the various flora, fauna, and denizens of the vari-
ous realms and territories of the SK known world.
298 GAMEPLAY & GAME MASTERING
TRAVEL MONTAGE
Optionally, instead of more detailed journeys as outlined
above, the GM can choose a more “travel montage” ap-
proach, especially if the focus of the game session is to get
to a particular destination. Granted, this method might skip
potentially engaging hazards and encounters—which is at
the heart of the game—but it also might be desired, or even
necessary, in certain situations where the players are short
on time or the GM has determined that they have endured
enough random encounters and detailed location-hopping.
The travel montage approach is exactly that—a mon-
tage of days, locations, weather, or other environmental
set-dressing—simply described by the Game Master in a
matter of seconds. For example: “After defeating the Ice-
Worm that burrowed up from the snowy ground, you con-
tinue onward, sometimes through pine-dappled wood and
rolling hills, other times crossing a great glacial field. After
nearly eight days and as many nights of this, you, at last,
come within sight of the crystal cave that you had been sent
to find, the winter’s snow now piled high to your weary
knees.”
18
DOWNTIME ACTIVITY
Even though player-characters engage in hearty adventures,
like all people they require some down-time on occasion.
This might be time for rest, recuperation, wintering, visiting
kin, tending to sect or order duties, courting, and more.
For every even-numbered Advancement, it is strongly
suggested that the PCs take at least a week to a month of
Downtime. This helps reflect a more believable passage of
time. For even more believability, characters could be per-
suaded to “winter over” during the harsher cold months,
taking perhaps three months of Downtime. This is largely
up to the GM and campaign circumstances.
A single Downtime Action takes either one week or one
month, the exact unit of time here depending on where the
PCs are located—a small village might take one month for
a single Downtime Activity, while a larger settlement might
allow the outcome of a Downtime Action in the course of
but a week. GM discretion certainly applies here, but it is
suggested no more than three Downtime Activities during
one Downtime phase regardless of how much time the
player-characters take. Savage Kingdoms should be primar-
ily about in-the-moment action and adventure and less so
about passive inactivity and idle backdropping.
The following outlines the most likely Downtime Activ-
ity options for PCs:
ASSASSINATION: This is the illegal or illicit slaying of
a specific personage. The player-character makes a Disguise,
 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
Stealth, or Weaponry: Ranged skill roll against a DL equal
to 10 plus the target’s Renown. If successful, the target is
slain and the PC gets away clean; if unsuccessful, the target
survives but the character escapes unless he fails the roll by
5 or more (in which case he/she is captured). On a critical
success, the PC slays the target and also gains the Ally or
Henchman talent (both minor), player’s choice. On a crit-
ical failure, the character acquires either the Infamous or
Honorless weakness (player’s choice) and is also captured.
CAROUSING: This refers to drinking, flirting, wench-
ing, gambling, and similar (and usually nightly) entertain-
ments. For every month spent in this Downtime Activity,
the PC attempts a DL 10 Performance or Persuasion roll. If
successful, he or she earns 2 silver coins per point of success;
a critical success gains the silver coinage plus either a +1
bonus to Renown or the Ally (minor version) talent for free
(player’s choice). On a critical failure, the character acquires
either the Enemy (minor) or Infamous weakness, PCs choice
of which.
COURTING/ROMANCE: Pursuing a love interest is a
viable Downtime Activity as well, requiring a successful DL
10 Performance or Persuasion roll (player’s choice) in order
to continue the romance. If the PC succeeds by 10 or more,
then he or she has been approached for marriage or some
similar permanent (or semi-permanent) domestic arrange-
ment; on a critical success, the character is given a dowry
or some similar gift worth 50 sc. If the roll is failed by 5 or
more, the PC is jilted and loses 25 sc (either by all-out theft
or from money tied up in lost dowry gifts).
CRAFTING: This is the art of creating objects or mak-
ing major repairs (or alterations) on an existing object. The
character makes a Crafting roll (the appropriate DLs are
listed in the Crafting skill entry) and succeeds if the task if
successful. Critical success and critical failure possibilities are
as per the Crafting skill in Chapter 10—Skills. Alternately,
a player-character can use this type of Downtime to create
simple objects to sell (or trade), earning a number of silver
coins equal to the Crafting roll result. The Artisan talent
yields a +2 bonus to the roll in this latter case.
CURING/HEALING: For characters who are bad-
ly wounded, diseased, suffering a long-term injury, some
similar debilitation, this option is available. For every week
spent pursuing this Downtime goal, the PC attempts either
a Healing Arts (if the character is curing him/herself) skill roll
or a Persuasion (if searching for NPC healers) roll. The DL
is 15 in both cases, or the DL of whatever the affliction is if
known. If successful, the PC is healed of all wounds (after
the week) or one ailment or condition. Note that Weak-
nesses can be gotten rid of, but the player-character must
spend a number of talent points equal to the bonus point
gain of the Weakness in question; however, on a critical suc-
cess (that is, a result of 35 or higher), one physical Weakness
can be dispelled without cost with the GM’s approval.
ENTERTAINMENT/HOSTING: An activity involv-
GAMEPLAY & GAME MASTERING
ing singing, dancing, storytelling, feast-hosting, and similar
pursuits. The character attempts a DL 10 Performance skill
roll with a success yielding a number of silver coins equal
to the result. If a critical success, the PC also gains either
+1 to Renown or the Famed talent (player’s choice); on a
critical failure, the character acquires either the Enemy (mi-
nor) or Infamous weakness, PC’s choice of which. If the
player-character is high-born, this Downtime option could
also represent holding court for its subjects, perhaps along
with a fair or festival for the common folk and a fighting
tournament for the nobles.
FENCING/SELLING: This activity is can either be legal
or illicit, the former (fencing) representing the latter. A com-
mon or uncommon legal item being sold is a fairly simple
matter, the character requiring a Persuasion skill roll. The
result is then multiplied by 5 with the result being the per-
centage of the item’s market value (in silver coins) gained
by the PC. (For example, a result of 14 would be 70% of
the item’s or substance’s value). If a rare or exotic item,
the Persuasion roll result is multiplied by 4 instead since it
is more difficult to find buyers for such things. If an illegal
object, then a DL 10 Persuasion roll must be successful in
order to find any buyer at all, the result being multiplied by
3 to determine the percentage of the item’s assumed value
being paid out. On a critical success, the character also gains
either the Ally (minor version) or Smuggler talent for free.
On a critical failure, the PC is captured by local authorities
to be imprisoned or otherwise punished in accordance to
local laws/customs.
HIRING: This is the hiring of someone else to do one of
several possible tasks listed here, such as assassination, theft,
research, hunting, crafting, message-running, and most any-
thing else with GM discretion. For something like crafting,
the PC must pay the NPC craftsman one-half the sell/market
price for the item in question; for a service not listed or oth-
erwise obscure, the player-character must pay out 5 sc per
total skill modifier of the NPC’s relevant skill. For example,
30 sc for an assassination with a +6 total skill modifier in
whatever relevant skill is being rolled for, be it Disguise,
Stealth, or Weaponry: Ranged.
HUNTING: Such activity represents spending time in
the wild hunting or trapping prey, and can even represent
foraging or gathering rare herbs. The PC attempts a DL
10 Survival roll with every point of success representing a
number of silver coins earned (from sold meat, furs, ant-
lers, etc.); alternately, instead of coinage, the character can
choose to gain an exceptional-quality fur cloak or armor
instead, the former yielding a +1 bonus to Endurance (re-
sist cold) rolls and the latter serving as per exceptional soft
leather. PC’s choice as to which. Alternately, this could also
represent bounty-hunter work with the silver coinage being
the only options for success.
MERCENARY/WARFARE: This is sell-sword work,
serving as a temporary mercenary, active militia, or some
other form of war-craft. The PC attempts a DL 10 Weapon-
299
 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
ry (Melee or Ranged) roll and gains a number of silver coins
equal to the result if successful. The Captain, Knight, Siege
Specialist, and Tactician talents each add a +1 bonus to this
roll. On a critical success, the character earns +1 to Renown,
the Captain talent, or the Famed talent (player’s choice of
one). On a critical failure, the PC acquires the Disfigured,
Lame, or Maimed weakness (player’s choice of one).
PRAYER/MEDITATION: A pursuit involving deep
prayer, meditation, and similar religious or spiritual activi-
ties. The PC attempts a DL 20 Magical Arts (any discipline)
or Resolve skill roll with a success yielding +1 Luck to the
character. The Acolyte, Meditative Trance, Priest, and Sec-
ond Sight talents each add a +1 bonus to this roll. On a
critical success, the character gains either the Mystic Trance
or Pious Faith talent (player’s choice); upon a critical fail-
ure, the PC acquires either the Heretic or Tainted weakness
(player choice) instead.
PURCHASING: This represents visiting markets, fo-
rums, shops, and other places where goods and wares can
be found. Common and Uncommon items are automatical-
ly found at normal prices (per Chapter 15—Gear & Sup-
plies), although for every point above 10 in a Persuasion
skill roll reduces this price by 5% (to a maximum of 50%).
Rare and Exotic items require a successful DL 10 or 15 Per-
suasion roll, respectively, to even locate at book prices, al-
though scoring 10 or higher here reduces the price by 25%.
The Merchant and Smuggler talent each add a +1 bonus
to these skill rolls. A critical success means that a Common
or Uncommon item can be purchased for one-quarter the
normal price, while a Rare or Exotic object can be acquired
for 50% of book price.
RESEARCH/STUDY: A Downtime option which simu-
lates the research of rare or forbidden subjects, be it study
within a temple’s library, deciphering the runes or glyphs
written on the walls of a local cave, or some similar action.
The PC attempts a DL 10 Lore or Magical Arts (any disci-
pline) skill roll and discovers rare knowledge if successful;
if scoring 10+ over this DL, he or she either learns two rare
facts about the subject matter or a single virtually unknown
fact. The Bard and Sage talents each yield a +1 bonus to this
roll. On a critical success, the character learns a new spell (if
he or she has access to the Magical Arts skill), a new alchem-
ical formula, or a new language. PC’s choice of one. Upon a
critical failure, the player-character acquires the Madness or
Obsession weakness (major versions), PC’s choice.
SPYING: The act of gathering information (often with
questionable method or intent), be it spying at court, eaves-
dropping, or even local scouting in the wilderness. The
character attempts a DL 10 Disguise, Perception, or Stealth
skill roll (PC’s choice) with a success meaning he or she has
gained one valuable or rare piece of information; if scoring
10+ over the DL, then two pieces of rare information are
acquired instead. The Faceless In A Crowd and Gossip tal-
ents each add a +1 bonus to this roll. With a critical success,
the character gains the Ally (minor) talent.
300 GAMEPLAY & GAME MASTERING
THEFT: A Downtime Activity dealing with thieving,
burglary, banditry, or pilfering. The player-character at-
tempts a DL 15 Lock-picking, Sleight of Hand, or Stealth skill
roll, with a success meaning that a number of silver coins
equal to the roll result are acquired (or an object of equal
value). On a failure, nothing is gained, although if the roll
is failed by 5 or more, the character is captured. If a critical
success, the PC also gains a very rare or exotic item (such as
a potion or master-crafted item); if a critical failure, the PC
is both captured and gains either the Maimed or Honorless
weakness (player’s choice of which).
TRAINING/RETRAINING: This represents advancing
one’s ability in a given skill or talent, or perhaps retraining
an old talent into a new one. For skills, the PC attempts a
DL 20 roll in the skill in question, with a success meaning
that he gains a +1 “other” bonus in that skill—a critical suc-
cess means he gains an actual skill level in that skill instead
or a free 2-point talent (player’s choice). The Fast Learner
and Mentor talents each add a +1 bonus to this roll. A crit-
ical failure means the character gains the Indebted (major
version) weakness instead for money owed to a mentor. In
regards to retraining, a player-character may switch out an
old talent for a different one, as long as he or she still meets
the prerequisites for it and the new talent costs the same (or
less) than the original one. This is automatic and requires no
die roll (although only one such swap may occur per month
of Downtime).
TRAVELING: A Downtime Activity involving non-ad-
venturing travel—that is, “off stage” journeying that might
represent making a pilgrimage to a holy site, traveling to
one’s hometown to visit kinsfolk, carrying a message to an
important personage, etc. The PC must succeed in a DL 10
Lore or Survival roll in order to arrive safely at the destina-
tion (and back again). If the player-character scores 10 or
more over this DL, then he or she has either received some
beneficial news or has earned 15 sc (player’s choice); if a
critical success, the PC either gains the Ally (minor version)
for free or 30 sc (player’s choice). On a critical failure, the
player-character was negatively affected in some traveling
escapade and gains the Cursed (major version), Disfigured,
or Tainted weakness (player’s choice of one).
LIVING EXPENSES
Since it is assumed that characters tend to basic survival
needs and manage to scratch out a decent living in between
adventures, there are no “living expenses” to track during
Downtime. In short, PCs earn (or otherwise acquire) a few
coins here and there, or work through a general barter sys-
tem, while spending it to remain alive and relatively well.
No need to track behind-the-scenes expenses; the only gain
(or loss) in wealth being via Downtime Activities as noted
above.
Optional Rule: If the GM, and his or her players, really
do want to track Living Expenses, here is a quick-and-dirty
rule for such: for every point of Renown a character has,
 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
one silver coin is expended per week of Downtime.
19
GAME-MASTERING
SAVAGE KINGDOMS
Perhaps the most important role, or position, at the gaming
table is the Game Master (or GM). Granted, it takes a whole
troupe to make a fun and effective time at the table, but the
GM’s role is integral as the director, stage manager, support-
ing actor, and general show-runner. As such, the job can be
quite challenging, but the pay-off is ten-fold the trouble if
the GM adheres to most, or all, of the tips provided below.
RULES KNOWLEDGE
This probably seems obvious, but moderate to intensive
knowledge of the Savage Kingdoms game system—and its
setting—is paramount toward having a fun and fulfilling
game session. The more the GM knows, the better and
the smoother things will run at the table. The players, too,
will benefit by knowing at least a general understanding of
the rules and they are certainly welcome to help you—the
GM out—with rules interpretations as needed. However,
it must be noted that the GM is the final authority at his
or her table, and such should be understood and respected
by all involved in the campaign. Bickering over rules or a
“GM call” is needless and only serves in slowing down the
game, not to mention potentially causing social friction. If
in doubt, the GM should make the call, then look it up later
if need be. Mature players will appreciate a fair, but also
concise, Game Master that keeps the game session moving
without pointless bogging down in out-of-game minutiae.
KNOWLEDGE OF THE SETTING
Just as the GM is required to have a pretty good handle on
the rules, he or she also must know the setting—the imag-
ination-driven environment—in which the characters live,
breath, and interact. Granted, this book is rife with setting
“fluff” and a rich detailed history, but the Game Master
should be at least as knowledgeable as his players in the
ways of Savage Kingdoms setting. A GM who knows his or
her world is a ready and committed show-runner.
THE TOOLS OF THE TRADE
A skilled Savage Kingdoms GM is always prepared with dice
(d20s, mainly), pencils, note pads, and at least an hour’s
prep for the upcoming game session. Some GMs require
multiple hours of game-prep, while others merely need an
hour or so. This is largely based on each individual GM’s
style and preference, with usually the more experienced
Game Masters requiring the least among of time (but not
always). Battle-mats and other “grids” might also be useful
to most gaming groups, and by extension, miniatures and
GAMEPLAY & GAME MASTERING
the like.
Part of a GM’s preparation is learning the rules system
and setting (see above), but also writing out any notes nec-
essary—NPC names and stats, a potential plot outline (with
sub-plots), the PCs’ primary talents or weaknesses, etc.
The more you know about the rules and setting, generally
speaking, the less prep-time you will need.
THE INFLUENCE OF DICE
It is advised that GMs stick by the results of his or her die
rolls, for better or worse. Otherwise, credibility will be
strained and the players will, eventually, feel as though
their own die rolls—based on their own actions within the
game—mean next to nothing. In short, stick to what you
roll with only a few, and rare, exceptions. These “excep-
tions” should be precisely that and only exist every so often
to bring about a truly epic moment or to prevent a definite
“downer.” As there is no hard-and-fast rule as to when to
ignore the dice, it should be up to each individual Game
Master and his or her ability to “read the room” and know
his/her players.
Dice Reminder: Remember, that a roll of a “natural
20” means that you—or the player—rolls again (that is, the
die “explodes”) and adds that result to the original roll,
plus the usual modifiers (if any). Only add modifiers once.
Results of 20 or more over the target number (the DL) are
critical successes, even if they occur without scoring an ex-
ploding 20. By extension, and in contrast, a roll of a “nat-
ural 1” might spell a critical failure if the modified result is
zero or less or is 10 less than the target DL.
DESCRIPTIVE NARRATION
As Game Master, you are, as mentioned before, the direc-
tor, writer, stage manager, supporting actor, and a host of
other positions, during a Savage Kingdoms game session (or
long-term campaign). Two of these—writer and supporting
actor—perhaps stand out the most, for this is what your
players most readily see in their face-to-face interactions
with you as their GM and storyteller. (When gaming on-
line, perhaps writer and stage manager is more noticeable.)
With this in mind, you must be prepared to do at least
a moderate amount of narration and voice-acting, often
switching between the two modes in lightning-fast adjust-
ments and in-the-moment improvisations. While not every
GM is an award-winning actor a Game Master should at
least make some passing attempt at it, playing to his or her
strengths as best as possible and spending less time on his/
her shortcomings. For example, one GM might excel in
character voices while another delivers outstanding narra-
tions or has a natural gift for pacing. Don’t worry so much
about being a master thespian, but focus on being present,
in the moment, and dialed-in to what your players are say-
ing, doing, and most of all, engaging in. GMing is more art
than science, after all, and like any form of art or perfor-
mance art, it takes time, practice, and patience.
Narrative Pacing: This is an important aspect to table-
top RPGing, just like it is with any film or play (or any form
of storytelling) worth its proverbial salt. Pacing, after all,
is the clue that holds the whole thing together, and skilled
GMs learn quickly to make use of tempo—from one scene
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to the next—as well as “cut scenes,” “blackouts,” “flash- random die rolls or improvised scenarios on the spot. Enjoy
backs,” and “cliffhangers.” To wit, if the first hour or two it and just roll with it!
of the game session has been hard-hitting, heart-pounding
action, then consider the next hour or so as being a slower
burn, a time of reflection or strategizing, perhaps. Granted,
this can’t always happen so neatly—the players do control
some of the narrative pacing, after all, based on their cho-
sen actions—but, in the end, the GM is the director and
makes the “final edits” on what scenes are being played out.
Descriptive Verbiage: Another key to successful nar-
rative pacing, as well as voicing your NPCs, is the use of
language. Utilizing words like “slashes” or “slams”(instead
of simply “hits”) goes a long way to conveying the proper
atmosphere of the setting; use “broods” perhaps instead of
“pouts” or “fortnight” instead of two weeks. Little things
like this go a long way. Perhaps more obviously, have your
NPCs avoid the words “dude” and maybe replace it with
“m’lord” or “my lady” or something to that effect, depend-
ing on what region of the SK world they’re currently in.
Similarly, beware of too many modernisms when describ-
ing things. While it might be easy to lend a verbal “short
cut” by describing a roaring hearth as “hot as a car engine,”
this immediately implants a vision of a very out-of-place
object in your players’ minds. Maybe use “hot as coals” or
“as hot as the sun-god’s servants” instead, or something to
that effect. Such simple details really go a long way in your OTHER RULES REMINDERS & SHORTCUTS
world-building and narration skills. Calculating Damage After A Successful Attack
Pacing exists, too, within one’s narrative voice—slow Roll: When calculating damage dealt by an attack in
down to emphasize, but speed up, generally speaking, to combat, don’t forget the maximum damage rating of the
create a sense of rising tension. Linger on certain words, weapon or attack mode in question. For example, an aver-
and barely touch on others. Add in a sound effect from time age-quality dagger has a maximum damage rating of 10, a
to time, but don’t overdo it. Proper monologue, and old- battleaxe 20 (or 21 if wielded in both hands), most punches
school storytelling, techniques are good to observe here. or kicks 5, and some creatures’ claws or teeth might be as
The Basic Rules of Improv: Most folks—even those low as 3 or as high as 20. Furthermore, remember that AP
who don’t regularly perform improv or any stage-work (Armor Piercing) is merely additional damage, but is ap-
at all—know about the rule of ‘Yes, And.” This means, of plied only after a successful attack roll result. Thus, an at-
course, “yes, I accept what you have given me and will add tack roll that scores only two over an opponent’s Defense
to it.” However, some lesser known improv techniques are would be 4 points of total damage if the attacker’s weapon
‘Yes, But’ and ‘No, But’. “Yes, there’s a longsword for sale has an AP of 2, for example.
in this smith’s shop, but it appears to be damaged (or is Applying Armor: After calculating damage, remember
clearly a weapon of the kingdom’s mortal enemies),” and to subtract the target’s Protection Rating (or Armor Rating),
“No, there’s no longsword in this shop, but you do see a be it natural hide, mystical protection, or actual body ar-
shortsword (or metal capable of being forged into a long- mor. Thus, for example, a successful attack scoring 7 points
sword assuming you have the coin and the resident smith of Health damage against a target with 2 points of armor
has the time).” deals, in the end, 5 points’ damage.
As you can see, ‘Yes, But’ and ‘No, But” offer obstacles A sort of short cut is to add the target’s armor rating to
and challenges for your players to overcome, which is at its Dodge or Parry Defense, but if you do this, you must
the very heart of adventure gaming. However, there are consider two things: 1) you must add the AP rating of the
tons of other improv methodologies out there, most of attacker’s weapon (if any) to the attack roll result, and 2)
them quite subtle and some of them most of us already do you must be aware if the attacker is using a talent such as
without really knowing what it might be called. In short, Finessing Shot or Precision Strike wherein only half of the
listen (another high-rated improv and general acting tip), target’s armor rating is applied. In the end, it might be eas-
react, and relax—there really is no such thing as a “wrong ier to simply calculate armor in the standard “subtraction”
call.” If you get a rule wrong, then rectify it later if possible; method.
if you think you steered the story away too far from its Don’t Forget Your Player-Characters’ Weakness-
intended core, then be confident in the knowledge that it
es: Obviously, few GMs can truly track every single statistic
might be for the best. Remember, it’s called “improvisation”
or component of their player’s characters, but it’s a good
for a reason—if the players are having a good time, then
idea to keep general “bullet points” about them in mind.
you have succeeded regardless of how “planned out” it was
One of these key points is Weaknesses, those traits that are
supposed to be. Sometimes the best adventures come from

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not only fun to role-play, but also grant the player-character
addition points to spend on talents and/or skills at character
creation. Make sure to check your players’ character sheets
every so often or, perhaps better yet, keep notecards with
their primary statistics on them, such as Attributes, Health,
Stamina, Luck, and Weaknesses (and more aspects if you so
choose).
Another method that helps GMs make sure that they
touch on the PCs’ weaknesses every so often is to high-
light one (maybe two) player-character’s Weakness every
session. For example, if Calin has the Obsession (the Oth-
er-world) weakness, maybe have a NPC mention a “faerie
circle” he saw at the edge of the forest the other night or
describe a beautiful or handsome Sidhe-blooded individual
staring at him one late night in a local tavern. Little touches
like this make for memorable scenes and always “keep the
players honest” with their characters’ Weaknesses.
Ranges Are In Yards: In Savage Kingdoms, all ranges
are expressed in yards, with the possible exception of ver-
tical height at the GM’s discretion (which might be better
described in feet). A yard, in general, is a pace, the walking
stride of a humanoid of perhaps slightly greater than av-
erage height. Yards, in fact, are meant more for outdoor
distances, hence why football and soccer fields are striped
off in such measurements instead of mere feet.
Climbing speeds are one-third one’s Mobility rating in
yards, which, of course, translates to a one-to-one ratio
when using feet. Vertical movement, as mentioned above,
is perhaps somewhat better visualized in feet instead of
yards, but such is up to the GM. Otherwise, Mobility is
highly advised to be left alone as it was intended—in yards
or paces.
Skill Level Achievements: In past editions, and even
in the playtesting phases of this current iteration of SK, Skill
Level Achievements—that is, those nifty little things char-
acters earn at skill levels 4, 7, and 10 of the various skills—
have been easy to overlook. Granted, they could simply be
treated as optional material, but there are some nice ben-
efits to be had with some of them, not to mention adding
another dimension to characters’ accomplishments.
Working Ritual Magic: Remember that performing a
spell as a ritual yields an additional +2 bonus to the magi-
cian character’s Magical Arts skill roll (as opposed to cast-
ing “spontaneous” or “battle magic”). Note that this bonus
might even improve to +3 if a special ritual component is
used in the ritual-casting, as listed in the spell’s description.
Rituals generally take an hour to effectively perform, with
the exception of the Extended Ritual and Swift Ritual tal-
ents.
Codes of Honor: GMs, and most of all players, should
not forget about their cultural codes of honor, as well as
any tenets that a sect, order, or organization might de-
mand of them if applicable. These are important because
they provide a decent basis for how most people from that
particular race, culture, or secret society might act, lend-
ing some framework for ethical and moral decision-making
without shoe-horning players into ‘Alignments’ or similar
contrivances.
Feel free to reward a PC adhering specially to his or her
Code(s), usually with a +1 boost to Luck or Renown ev-
GAMEPLAY & GAME MASTERING
ery other Advancement (but certainly no more than that—
good roleplay should be primarily its own reward).
Calendars & Tracking Time: Tracking the passage of
time in tabletop roleplaying games can of moderate im-
portance—important in the sense of keeping track of spell
durations and similar time-precisions, but not quite as im-
portant in a broader narrative sense. On the other hand,
knowing how much time has passed since the PCs awoke at
dawn can be generally important (especially for regaining
Health, Stamina, etc.) or how many days have passed since
the armor-smith begin crafting a character’s brand-new mail
hauberk, can also be of fair importance.
Remember that most time-passage is part of the envi-
ronment or the overall story. That is to say, use dawn—
especially a misty or stormy one—to set the mood or the
quickly approaching dusk as the characters attempt to es-
cape the dreaded Wraithwood Forest. Use time as a story-
telling device, part of the world-building and the interactive
environment with which the PCs are involved. A fortnight
before winter solstice or three nights before mid-summer is
far more evocative than, say. “its winter” or “it’s the hot
time of year”.
There are several in-game calendars offered in the Gaz-
etteer section of this very book, as reckoned by various rac-
es and cultures. If you’re not wanting to use all of them,
then please know that the Imperial Lorinthian calendar is
the most widespread one, and it easily stands to reason
that most, if not all, civilized realms in the West could have
adapted it.
Advancing At The Appropriate Time: When a play-
er-character acquires enough XP to attain a new Advance-
ment (or “level up”), the general rule is that this should be
done after a full night’s rest and not in the midst of combat
or some other intense scene. In fact, as an optional rule,
GMs might only allow their PCs to advance after a suitable
amount of Downtime, perhaps a week or even more. This
does lend the game a somewhat more grounded or “realis-
tic” feel, but this can sometimes be a bit frustrating for play-
ers who often like to see quick rewards for their hard work.
Challenge Your Players (They Will Thank You
Later): The vast majority of RPG players want to be chal-
lenged and tested, at least those of any maturity and will-
ingness to be a part of a potentially epic story. So don’t be
afraid to have them encounter possible foes that are clearly
more deadly than the PCs are, as it is this writer’s experi-
ence that the greater body of RPGers will very often win
out, usually finding a way around (or even through) the
situation. Such challenges can be monsters and other ad-
versaries, of course, but can also include natural hazards,
harsh weather, traps, social plots, disease, and a host of oth-
er threats and mettle-testing scenarios.
Remember, if the game is too easy, then there really isn’t
much point to most of it—dice, strategies, statistics, etc.—
and perhaps it is then better to simply tell a story, sans dice,
around the table or some other activity. Most people don’t
want their time wasted and are dedicated to participating
wholesale in whatever they’ve set aside time to do, and
often with aplomb. In this case, a challenging, gritty, and
immersive session (or full ongoing campaign) of Savage
Kingdoms.
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many peoples’ lives, sometimes forcing important decisions

20
at specific times and allegedly causing such great events as
births, deaths, and even cataclysms.

KINGDOMS & REALMS

With a name like Savage Kingdoms, one might imagine that
a goodly number of realms, kingdoms, or other political
THE SAVAGE WEST territories would be a vital part of the setting. And true—
The Savage Kingdoms setting is a vast and varied place, with the very background of the world relies on such cultural,
myriad realms, territories, and wildernesses spread across economic, and military divisions. Where one empire is
the known (and unknown) world. At first glance, the SK ruled by tyrannical right, another is dominated by a petty
milieu is like our own Earth—one sun, a similar-sized global king or an upstart warlord now fancying himself a chieftain.
sphere, four seasons in most places, and so on. However, Regardless, most of the Western Continent is governed by
there are also many differences, some subtle and others not- such nobles and leaders, ruling their domains with iron-fist-
so-subtle, much of which is covered, albeit briefly, below. ed efficiency or cunning guile.
(Note that The Savage East campaign expansion book ex- The following realms or kingdoms have been discussed,
pands the SK known world even further.) in brief, in Chapter 6—Character Races, but they appear
But firstly, a few details of celestial nature: here in more detail. We begin here below with the Western
Continent, called Astagonia, followed by the Eastern (and
Red Sun: The Earth-world, the global world-sphere as Southern) lore of the continents of Hassan, Emanju, and the
we know it (though very few in the SK setting know this isle-continents of Mezca and Ragnagard.
themselves), is heated and illuminated by a red giant. That
is, it appears perhaps two to three times the size of our
real-world’s sun-star and is generally a scarlet hue. Certain
times of day or season, however, sometimes makes the sun ARADORN
a more crimson color, like blood, or even a deep rust-or-
ange.
Two Moons: The Earth-world is orbited by two
moons, sometimes called the Twin Moons, though they
do not look alike. One moon is much larger, often called
the Greater Moon (some cultures have very exotic deified
names for the dual moons), a golden-yellow in color. The
Lesser Moon is smaller, perhaps half the size of its Greater
partner, and radiates a faint grey-silver in coloration. Ev-
ery seven years, the two moons converge in an event that
many cultures name the Mating of the Moons (or some
proximity thereof), which is almost always viewed as a mo-
mentous and mystical event.
The Stars Beyond: Like our real planet, the night
skies of the Earth-world are awash with stars, depending, of
course, on climate, elevation, and weather. Some notable
stars, often steeped in ancient and mysterious lore, are the
Eye of the Dragon (or Eye of the Wyrm), the Light of Galen
Located in the north-central of the Western Continent, Ara-
(from Aradornian-Saint Paladyrian lore), the Blood-star (or
dorn is a realm running a good length (500+ miles) from
Eye of Agathon), the Three Lanterns (three extremely bright
east to west. Founded by Brythian explorers who pressed
stars in close proximity), among others, and also some dark,
westward into an attempt to conquer more land and re-
non-star areas in the night sky, such as the Void Sea or the
sources, not only for their sovereign lords, but for them-
Heart of Xur.
selves. Savage humans lived here as natives—tribes like the
360-Day Year: The Earth-world, or Mortal Sphere, Aragonii, the Caerns, the Druithi, and the Aradornii (where
of Savage Kingdoms is very close to our own real-world in the kingdom took its namesake)—who often came into
the number of days in a year. This, of course, assumes about bloody conflict with these “eastern Brythians.” Over time,
a 24-hour day, and such civilized realms as the Lorinthian the Brythian knights and warriors won out, with better
Empire structures its calendar on this premise. Most parts equipment and proper tactics, and most of the native tribes-
of the known world recognize four seasons, although in people were either driven out or were subjugated into the
some extreme Northerly or Southerly regions, only three new culture, new laws, and new realm. Several great kings,
(or merely two) seasons are noteworthy. or war-dukes, from the west lead most of these expeditions
Astrology and Astronomy: As one might guess and battles, and so to this very day Aradorn is ruled by
from the brief listing above, many of the peoples of the several kings, only producing a high-king when the realm is
Savage Kingdoms setting delve into both astronomy and as- truly faced with dire straits. This high-king, or “over-king,”
trology, the latter being a deep and ancient guiding force in

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is elected by the lesser kings and arch-priests of Saint Paladyr
in a great council held in Palador, the high-king’s capital city.
Language: Brythian is the native tongue here; there
is no Aradornian proper, although there are some minor
differences in dialect, particularly in eastern Aradorn. Lorin-
thian is known by many, particularly in the south and south-
eastern territories, while many folk in the western reaches
speak pidgin Sidhe and possibly some Old Caernian and
Druithi. A few of the woodsmen of the north and northeast
know much of the Goblin-tongue and possibly Duergar or
Mulovian.
Religion: Aradornians almost exclusively follow the
faith of Saint Paladyr, sometimes called the One God or
the True God, a lord-god of light, truth, chivalry, and hon-
or. Many say that Paladyr was a mortal man once, before
he because elevated to sainthood, and upon his death, as-
cended to the heavenly Over-world to become a demi-god.
Still, there are a few Aradornians—mostly in the west and
north—who cling to the “old ways,” the ancient Western
and Brythian deities of Briannon, Cormac, Llywella Rav-
endark, Bran Finnon, and more. Further still, some have
recently accepted the Lorinthian divinities of Argathon,
Titherius, and Luccia into the fold.
Geography: The vast realm of Aradorn is primarily
covered by forest in the north, a great wood called the
Bloodthorn, with expansive rolling plains in the midlands
and south. This plains region is perfect for the famous Ara-
fortress-city of several dukes and barons, and usually the
former high-kings remain in residence here. Saint’s Haven
is generally thought of as the “religious center” of Aradorn,
for it is said that Saint Paladyr himself was born near this
great city. Castivar is the unofficial “western capital” of the
realm, the royal seat of King Wulfred. Galenton provides
some civility in the far northwest of Aradorn, while Marin-
thia (on the eastern coast) once gave quarter to many ships
until the Lorinthian Empire annexed the region—without
bloodshed—not a decade ago.
Denizens, Flora, & Fauna: Deer, boars, black bears,
and wolves are fairly numerous in much of Aradorn, espe-
cially in the hillier and wooded regions. Goblings (goblins)
are known to haunt the Bloodthorn Forest, sometimes en-
croaching down from it. Horrible Red Caps, too, are said
to await in ambush in the Bloodthorn and occasionally
beyond. Trolls and Ogre-trolls are oft-times spotted in the
rough borderlands of the northwest, but here sometimes
small bands of Eluna Sidhe can be seen too.
Food & Drink: Aradornians typically drink light to
medium ales and similar brews, though stouter drinks are
not unknown. Wine has become of favorite of southern
Aradornians (and even much of the nobility of the north
and western regions), mainly due to Lorinthian influences.
Pheasant, boar, roast duck, and honeyed gosling are pre-
ferred meats, while onions, leeks, carrots, and apples of-
ten find themselves as well-loved side items. Hearty black-

The Aradornian Calendar

The people of Aradorn originally made use of the Brythian calendar for reckoning time, but over the past century or so,
the Truthkeepers of Saint Paladyr began creating their own calendarial system. It consists of seven days a week—Sunday,
Moonday, Saintsday, Galensday, Kingsday, Marketday, and Worshipday—each day roughly 24 hours in length. Each
daytime period is divided into three parts, which are based on prayer-times, such as Brecken (dawn through noon), Mid-
dens (noon through sunset), and Eva (sunset through midnight). Seven days comprise a week and there are four weeks in
a month, which is based on the phase of the Greater Moon from new moon through full moon and back to new moon
again.
The current year is 256 A.A. (Age of Aradorn), Year One began the estimated founding of Aradorn as an independent
realm, and separate from Brythia, as ruled originally by three kings (though there have been three eras in which a High-
King was elected above all other sovereigns). 360 days comprise a full Aradornian year, although every three years an
additional holy day called The Feast of Ascension is added to keep the timing correct.

dornian horses, particularly the mighty destriers, with the
ever-flowing Empire River providing the southern bor-
ders of the kingdom. The River of Tears cuts through the
realm’s center, running predominantly north to south, and
the Dragon Sea itself provides Aradorn’s eastern-most bor-
der. In the northeast, the Bloodthorn Forest gives way to
hills and crag-lands, which eventually become the Goblin
nesting-grounds of Nirgul and, further still, the Sanctuary
Mountains. The southwestern reaches of Aradorn are low
plains which eventually yield to the marshlands of Grey-
moor.
Major Cities & Settlements: Palador is the
high-capital of the all Aradorn, the high king’s seat. When
no high-king is in rule, Palador is still quite important as the
breads, cheeses, and rose or bloodthorn-spiced teas are
favorites as well.
Notable Characters: Gareth Silverhawk, current
high-king of Aradorn; Duke (King) Wulfred of the West-
fold; Duke (King) Aetheldor of the Eastfold; Duke Willem
of Palador; Queen Aredwyn Silverhawk; Grand Arch-priest
Belemor of Saint’s Haven; Malagorn the Mad; Lady Tristana
of Galenton.
Heraldry & Symbology: The standard of the cur-
rent high-king is a silver or white hawk, talons extended,
upon a burgundy field. The Knights of the Sword and the
Rose are identified by their burgundy surcotes and shields
with a rose entwined around a sword emblazoned upon
them. King Wulfred is known for a red wolf-head upon a

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KINGDOMS
black field and a wolf’s tail atop his helmet.
Enemies & Allies: Aradorn’s greatest potential ene-
my is the Lorinthian Empire, the latter of which has man-
aged to somewhat peacefully annex southeastern Aradorn
with little bloodshed. Mulovia, to the north and east, is
also a rival, mostly due to apparent differences in ethics and
morality. Relatedly, the Goblin-realm of Nirgul in the hilly
borderlands between these two kingdoms is a minor threat
as well. As for allies, Brythia is probably Aradorn’s greatest
ally, if mainly due to a shared language and general culture.
Primary Imports: Gold, precious gems, tin, exotic
foodstuffs, exotic cloth, exotic woods, perfumes, furs, al-
chemical items, exotic stone.
Primary Exports: Iron, silver, copper, semi-precious
gems, hardwood, pinewood, herbs, horses, armor, weap-
onry, wool, leather goods.
Coinage & Currency: Aradorn mints coins and ac-
cepts most foreign coin, at least by weight and contain of
precious metal. Trade and barter is still fairly active as well,
especially among the country folk. Oaths and promises are
also highly valued. The name of the standard bronze coin
is a Thorn, a silver piece is a Hawk, and a golden coin is a
Gilden.
Climate & Weather: Overall, Aradorn is a temper-
ate (if fairly rainy) place, especially in the spring and early
autumn. In early winter, the north generally sees its first
snowfall with the south and east seeing it more likely in
the mid-winter. The middle of summer can be quite warm,
and the winds on the great plains can be fairly gusty in any
season, particularly early spring.
Common Customs: Aradornians are very honorable
folk, overall, and always return a gift with a gift or service
if at all possible. They also do not enjoy haggling, some
tradesmen believing it almost an insult as per Duergar cus-
tom. To steal or kill an Aradornian’s horse is considered
tantamount to the abduction or murder of a kinsman, and
almost all horses (and even ponies) are given names. First-
born males usually take up the trade of their father, or else
go apprentice in another craft under a trusted journeyman
or master. Second and third born males might also do this
too, although many take up a monastic life in service to St.
Paladyr. First-born females often learn the steward-craft of
their mothers, usually being married off by age 16, while
later-born girls become lay-priestesses or go foster with a
neighboring family, preferably one of higher social status.
Common Sayings: “Honor and glory to Saint Pala-
dyr!”, “I am a man/woman of the Lone True God,” “May
Galen give me strength in battle, Aradwen compassion in
peace, and Calawyr the wisdom to balance it all,” “May the
road be straight and your steed never falter.”
A BRIEF GAZETTEER
ATHELON
The western-most of the Prydonian Isles, Athelon is an is-
land-realm famous for its warrior-athletes and independent
free-thinkers. The word “athlete,” in fact, derives from
Athelonians, who, when not at war, often engage in warlike
games, tournaments, and contests, not only to appease their
competitive spirits, but to keep their bodies (and minds)
sharp for when war again calls. Athelon is also renowned,
or perhaps infamous, for its independence from the Prydo-
nia Republic, although there have been times throughout
history where an Athelonian king had sworn allegiance to
the Basileus of Prydon proper in effort to claim some united
empire against common enemies, especially the Gorgons.
Considered an outer isle without question, the people of
Athelon are a fiercely proud lot, an embodiment of noble
savagery.
Language: The native tongue of Athelon is Prydonian,
although the Athelonians have developed their own dia-
lect over the years due to separation and distance from the
Central Isles. The priestly and/or educated might speak the
occasional foreign language such as Lorinthian, Esmandi-
an, or even Gorgonic, but this is fairly rare. The common
Athelonian seldom reads or writes, and in fact, there is an
ancient stigma among the more superstitious that writing
is the work of sorcery and magic-craft and belongs only to
priests, sorcerers, and demi-gods.
Religion: The Ancient Gods of Rhodon, the Elder De-
ities, are still widely embraced in far-flung Athelon, with
Agathon (god of competition, blood, and victory) being
the patron deity of the isle-kingdom. Sardona is also highly
revered, especially among women, as is Atores, Prydonis,
and even a small cult of Myrastea still remains here, a battle
and storm goddess from old times.
Geography: Athelon is predominantly comprised
of plains and mountains, with some marshland along the
southern coast. The land rises the highest in the west, where
many smaller islets lie broken off from the main island, and
gently going somewhat flatter toward the central and east-
ern regions. There is little forest, save at the center of the
isle, and thus most wood needed for ships and weaponry
(among other uses) is imported across the Sea of Prydonis.
Major Cities & Settlements: Partholoneum is the
309
 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
traditional capital city of Athelon, although it has alternate-
ly been such settlements as Nitauros and Trimoria in the
past, if not for long. Atoreus is perhaps the most eastern of
the important port-settlements, and the ancient once-capi-
tal of Argathoneum is said to still lie in ruins along the rocky
western shores.
Denizens, flora, and fauna: Dolphins, sword-fish,
and orca-whales are often seen in the waters around Athe-
lon, while small deer, wild pigs, and wild-cats can occasion-
ally be found inland. Flowering plants are fairly common
on Athelon, as are many types of ivy and vines. Cedar is not
uncommon, but otherwise most trees tend to be palms and
fruit-bearers. Gorgonic beasts can occasionally be found
haunting the countryside (usually minotaurs, medusae, and
chimerae), though in rare moments a demonic thing might
be seen or a beckoning Siren heard.
Food & Drink: Boar, roedeer, fish, and even octopus
and shark meat are the primary staples of Athelonian eat-
meats, and bread (of various types), grapes, limes, figs, and
dates add an exotic flare to the tables of most nobles and
well-to-do commoners. Various forms of wine and light ale
(particularly those made of grape or wheat) are preferred
drinks, and rumor has it that a rare elixir made from the
juice of golden apples is often sought after by those with
enough coin.
Notable Characters: King Theos the Swift is the cur-
rent ruler of Partholoneum and therefore all of Athelon.
Queen Rhodonea rules by his side, a she-warrior of sorts,
and there is also the Arch-Templar Argathes and the unde-
feated gladiator Epicus, who once fought in the great me-
tropolis of Prydon itself.
Heraldry & Symbology: King Theos’ banner, and
therefore the standard for all Athelon, is that of a golden
lightning bolt upon a black field. The sigil for Epicus the
Victorious is a black winged sandal on a field of scarlet red,
while the holy iconography of the patron-god Argathon is
often seen here as well—a golden eagle clutching a gold
circlet on a crimson field.
Enemies & Allies: Athelon has many rivals, particu-
larly the island-realm of Miurga to the north (and its gor-
gonic rulers). Moreover, Athelon has been an independent
foil of the Prydonian Republic for most of its existence, and
has even been in short-term oceanic war with the ama-
zon-tribes of Altivaros to the north and even with the far-
away Esmandians.
Primary Imports: Wood, wine, foodstuffs, herbs,
spices, fine cloth, gold, silver, precious gems, wool, leather
goods, alchemical goods,
Primary Exports: Horses, cattle, iron, tin, bronze,
copper, pearl, semi-precious gems, clayware, tileware, sea
goods.
Coinage & Currency: The city of Partholoneum
mints and stamps official coins for the Athelonian economy,
as overseen by King Theos. Still, trade and barter is very
alive and well, particularly in the smaller country villages.
The common Athelonian bronze coin is called an Atora, a
silver piece a Myro, and the rare gold coin a Parthon.
Climate & Weather: In general, the island of Athe-
lon is very warm almost all year-round, particularly in the
310
summer months when it is outright hot. Only in the winter
is there the faintest hint of a chill on the wind and then usu-
ally only during the night. Storms batter the southern shores
fairly often, though the west and north is primarily immune
to such save for small squalls. Volcanic activity is also com-
mon, thought to be the doings of Argathon and his endless
battles with Gorgons and Daemons in the Under-world.
Common Customs: Most Athelonians dare not cast
out to sea unless making a proper sacrifice or oath-prayer
to Argathon, Prydonis, or Myrastea, for safety and success.
It is often considered a privilege to visit the sacred ruins of
Argathoneum, though it can be a terrible curse to those
who come unprepared for physical and spiritual trials. In
Nitauros, if an owl is slain by anyone other than a priest,
it is punishable by drowning. In Trimoria, it is forbidden
that a woman, other than a known priestess of Romega, go
about the city with her face veiled. In the arena or stadium,
victorious athletes are often given golden rings as prizes and
trophies.
Common Sayings: “To the victor the ring; to the
conquered nothing,” “May your eagle fly high and with the
wind,” “To the black waters of Oridon with you!”, “Levia-
thon take you!”, “Sea guide my ship, Atores my time, and
Argathon my spear!”
BRYTHIA
Located in the northwest, south only to Norlund and
east only to the Emerald Islands, this realm was founded
by Gaernic humans as well as a few smaller tribes (such as
the Gwynnic people). Brythia is an eclectic mix of all that
is considered civilized and barbaric, at once, with ancient
warlike customs similar to the Valkari-influenced Norish folk
to the north, but with a dash of “softer” civilization as what
may be nearly found in the Lorinthian Empire or parts of
Esmandos. As such, most Brythians are literate, at least to
some degree, and they generally enjoy intricate laws and a
near feudal style government. At present, they are ruled by
a queen, as they were for the past four dynasties, a custom
that goes back nearly a century. Even those female sover-
eigns who had kingly husbands were, more often than not,
in absolute rule and control of the realm and its subjects.
Language: Brythian is the official native tongue, al-
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KINGDOMS
though many of the nobility, priesthood, and other edu-
cated citizens speak Norish as well, especially in the north-
ern shires. Some along the coast know a bit of Gaernic as
well, and denizens in the southern borderlands often speak
Cymreddi. The Sidhe and Old Caernian tongues are not
entirely unheard of either.
Religion: The typical Brythian reveres, still, the Old
Gods of the druids, the shamanic priests of the original
Gaernic and Gwynnic peoples—Briannon, Cormac, Gael-
rith, Bran Finnon, Lywella Ravendark, and more. Yet, some
northern influence has trickled down, and some Brythians
occasional find themselves cursing or praying to Fragnir,
Signa, and other Norish deities. Eastern Brythians, on occa-
sion, have come to accept St. Paladyr of the Aradornians.
Geography: The basic landscape of Brythia is the coast
of the Brythian Channel (or Nochlyn Firth) to the west and
the marsh-like plains and the majestic Mist River forming
stuffed piglet has been a recent favorite. Blackbread, nut-
bread, and plum-bread are common side items, as is honey,
fish-egg sauce, and almond pudding. Light to dark ales are
much preferred, though wine and mead run a close second
and herbal teas are quite the fashion of the wealthy and
powerful.
Notable Characters: Queen Elspeth is, by the far, the
most renowned personage in all of Brythia, an aging wom-
an that some say wears a bronze mask to hide a deformity.
Yet, there are also such high-born folk as Duke Colton of
Corrington, Lord Sir Aelred of Castle Rune, the arch-dru-
idess and sorceress Ygrana the Grey, and the famous com-
moner Sir Osric the archer.
Heraldry & Symbology: The primary standard of
Brythia is that of a golden ship on a blue field, a long-stand-
ing symbol, although it pertains mainly to Corrington and
the royal house. A blue seahawk upon a golden field is also

The Brythian Calendar

The Brythians utilize their own calendar to reckon the passage of time, based on the year the first queen of
Brythia quietly ascended the throne in a time of civil war. With the exception of not quite a century, females
have since ruled the realm for the past 412 years. Thus, the current year is rendered as 412 F.Q. (First Queen).
Much like the Aradornians and Lorinthians, Brythians have seven days in their week and four weeks to
a month (which is measured by a full moon-phase of the Greater Moon). As such, there are 360 days in a
Brythian year and the days of the week are named Moonday, Sunday, Starday, Branday (for the goddess
Briannon), Corday (for the god Cormac), Ravensday, and Worshipday.

the eastern borderlands. To the north is fairly dense forest,
mainly pinewood, and hills, occasionally proving enough
of a hindrance to raiding North-men. Southward, lies Llyn
Llyr, a massive “inland sea,” and some river-country that
eventually gives way to the savage lands of Cymredd.
There are also moor-like wetlands along the southwestern
tip of coastal Brythia.
Major Cities & Settlements: The city of Cor-
rington, on the western shores, is the capital, and as such, is
often called the Queen’s Seat. A great port and harbor can
be found here, protected by sturdy stone battlements to
defend against pirates, particularly Norish-men and Esman-
dians. Saxford mostly commands the west-central regions, a
large crossroads town. In the south broods Edenglas on the
misty shores of Llyn Llyr, and over forty leagues south of
Corrington on the coast can be found Firthport.
Denizens, flora, & fauna: Stags are often seen
in the woodlands of the realm, as are black bears, boars,
pheasants, and other wild animals. Salmon and pike swim
in many of the rivers. In the winter, white lotus can occa-
sionally be found by the lucky, or Faerie-wort, and both
pines and hardwoods (particularly oak and maple) are fair-
ly common. Trolls are sometimes seen in the northern and
western reaches, and on occasion a Hob-gobling war-band
or pack of Great Wolves might be spotted coming up out
of Cymredd, or worse, the Shadowlands.
Food & Drink: Brythians tend to eat a great deal
of pheasant, boar, and seafoods (mainly crab and seabass),
although eel and even bear meat is not unheard of and
associated with Duke Colton, and a green harp on a field
of silver or white represents the Emerald Harp, often fairly
prevalent across the realm.
Enemies & Allies: Brythia has many enemies and ri-
vals, namely the Norish to the north, who constantly raid
down into Queen Elspeth’s realm via both land and sea,
and the Gaernic folk of the Emerald Islands to the west
(but slightly less so). Even the wild Cymreddi to the south
are problematic, with occasional raids and border skirmish-
es, and the client-kingdom of Caernia has proven fairly re-
bellious of late. Aradorn is perhaps Brythia’s only real and
constant ally.
Primary Imports: Exotic woods, silver, copper, iron,
precious gems, exotic stone, fine cloth, ivory, horses, cattle,
perfumes.
Primary Exports: Ships, pinewood, hardwood, gold,
tin, semi-precious gems, crystal, leather goods, sheep, food-
stuff, sea goods, herbs.
Coinage & Currency: Brythia mints and stamps its
own coins, which must be approved by the Queen or one
her assigned agents, although trade and barter in the coun-
try is still fairly prevalent. The most common bronze coin of
the realm is called a Hundrey, the silver coin a Silvertenth,
and the gold piece a Crown (or Gilden).
Climate & Weather: Brythia is generally a cloudy
and somewhat misty realm, which only adds to its mystery.
In the late autumn and all through the winter, it is quite
cold, though the southern portions endure much easier. In
the early spring and late fall, it rains a great deal, sometimes

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 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
for a week or two continually. Storms come in from the
Channel on occasion, and heavy snows drift down from
the north and northeast in winter, late autumn, and early
spring.
Common Customs: Most Brythians consider their
ships and boats the equal to any fine horse, and many pray
to Gaelrith (or offer her a sacrifice of silver or a life) before
going to sea. In Corrington, it is a long-standing fashion for
men to be clean-shaven, although in the country most men
(especially warriors) wear a goatee or short beard. Women
enjoy long flowing cloaks, often with voluminous hoods,
and almost all adults wear boots or buskins. It is also an
ancient custom to offer the Fair Folk (i.e. Faeries) a gift or
an oath before entering their territory.
Common Sayings: “Gaelrith, lady of storms and the
sea, take this offering,” “never suffer a pirate to live,” “The
Fair Folk must be appeased,” “May the queen’s gaze fall not
upon you,” “To be a Cymreddi is to sleep with dogs; to be
a Brythian is to sleep with gods.”
CAERNIA
Once known as Caerndon by the native Gaernic tribesmen
who originally settled here, this realm took its namesake
from a powerful chieftain named Caern. The region had its
own sovereignty for nearly three centuries until the armies
of Brythia, by orders of King Alrick II, invaded and forced
Caerndon to submit to Brythian rule. Most of the scattered
clans united against the incursion, but in the end, the war
was lost and the country renamed Caernia, and treated as
a provincial client-realm by the throne of Brythia. Present-
ly, most Caernians speak Brythian as their native language,
although a good many still know Old Caernian, a dialect of
the Gaernic tongue. Most of the folk here still cling to their
old gods, whom are mostly shared with Brythia, although
a fair number of eastern Caernians are being converted to
the “new ways” of Saint Paladyr. Geographically, is primar-
ily hills and crags in the north, and mainly bleak moors in
the southeastern reaches. Beyond the Mist River is Brythia
proper, to the west, and forming the southern boundaries
are the marshes of Greymoor and the forlorn borders of the
Shadowlands.
The Caernians have recently adopted the Brythian calen-
dar, although they once used the ancient time-reckoning of
the Gaernic-folk.
CELENDORIL
One of the last remaining strongholds of the Eluna Sidhe,
Celendoril (kell-EHN-door-ill) is still a shining beacon in an
otherwise dreary and savage world. It was once part of a
mighty Sidhe empire, for lack of a better word, an expan-
sive kingdom known as Arvelindor. But one of the great
Sidhe houses rebelled against the “rule” of the Sidhe (or
Seelie) Court, and house turned against house, clan against
clan, and even cousin against cousin. The great realm was
thrown into full-fledged civil war, a terrible conflict which
lasted five years (a fairly short time for the Fair Folk), which,
312
in the end, saw the Breaking of Arvelindor and the for-
mation of the kingdoms of Celendoril (in the north) and
Lithilor (in the south). Much of the territory in between was
destroyed, blighted, or cursed, for terrible Faerie-magicks
were unleashed in the great war whose marks still remain
on that region—now called the Shadow-lands—to this
very day. Present-day Celendoril (meaning “land of golden
trees”) is but a figment of its former glory, and the Eluna
Sidhe remaining here mainly keep to themselves.
Language: Sidhe, or Eluna Sidhe, is the native and pre-
dominant tongue of Celendoril, also called Elvish (or the
Elf-tongue) by outsiders. Yet, Brythian is also known by
many of the Fair Folk dwelling here as is, to a lesser extent,
Duergar (or Dwarf-tongue) and Goblin-speech. It is said
that the Sidhe language is almost like an endless song, and
in its written form, the symbols “flow like fire and water.”
Many magical spells use this ancient and powerful tongue.
Religion: Like virtually all Sidhe, the Eluna Qualae
(roughly translated as “natural source”), the primal essence
of life and all things born of nature, is still revered and hon-
ored. The human deites of the West are accepted as well, as
mere lesser spirits of the Eluna Qualae, and the belief in the
Eluna Dol (recognized by the Dark Sidhe and Goblin-kind)
is even respected.
Geography: Celendoril is almost all woodland, the
vast Celenothien Forest expanding for many leagues north
and south, as well as east and west. Some great rivers run
through as well, and in the north, there are highlands giving
way, at last, to the foothills of the Iceclaws. In the southern
reaches of Celendoril, the forest becomes sparser eventually
vanishing into the dreaded Shadowlands, a blighted shade
of its former glory from millennia past. Sky-citadels used to
hover just over the forest canopy here, or so the tales claim,
but those days have long past as the Sidhe are in a state of
decline, some even edging toward decadence.
Cities & Settlements: There are a few remaining cita-
del-cities, and none left in the air as in ages gone by. Yet, Si-
lendor still remains, half in ruin on the mountainous slopes
of the north, a name that roughly means “sky reach.” Also,
Nothirien (smaller but in less ruin), in the west-central, re-
mains intact and occasionally even open to outsiders. Sever-
al notable “tree villages” can be found here too, as some of
the once-haughty Sidhe have taken more to a rural lifestyle
among the trees, waterfalls, and meadows.
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The Celendorien Calendar

The Eluna Sidhe of Celendoril traditionally reckon time in 7-year spans known as Telnae, a term meaning
“seven cycles.” Since the Sidhe live for such a long span of time, using a seven-year unit of measurement is
sometimes easier than merely a year. Typically, each Telnae has its own name, such as Cycle of the Eagle, Cycle
of the Red Star, or the current Telnae, the Cycle of the Fading Sun. There are 84 months in a Telnae, and each
month is comprised of 30 days, each day lasting 22 hours, which makes the Celendorien Calendar the most
accurate one in all the known world.

Denizens, Flora, & Fauna: Great and ancient trees
grow here often dominating the landscape, mostly oaks,
maples, elms, ashes, and birches (and the occasional tower-
ing pine). The golden beechwood is native to these wood-
lands only, as is the silvery moon-birch tree. Great stags,
boars, bears (both brown and black), and lynxes hunt the
Celenothien Forest, along with the occasional strange deni-
zen such as Trolls, Red Caps, Hobgoblins, and Great Eagles.
An Eluna Sidhe patrol is not uncommon, and often they are
not even detected by outsiders until at least a day or two of
stealthy observation has passed.
Food & Drink: The Sidhe of Celendoril generally en-
joy light meats, such as suckling pig in honey or apple-spice,
or quail or river-fish ladled over with strawberry or blueber-
ry sauce. Boar and deer is occasionally had as well, though
deep-cooked and always lathered in almond, plum, grape,
or lavender sauces. Many fruits and vegetables are also pre-
ferred, though rarely breeds and cheeses, such as apples,
pears, grapes, lemons, and melons. Light ale is occasionally
partaken, but the favorite by far is Sidhe-wine, a luxurious
elixir of fruit, berry, and herbs.
Notable Characters: King Telendrien Starbringer and
Queen Lothariel hold court at Silendor, although their po-
litical and social power is more symbolic than literal. The
sage and magician Sildar the Wise is said to still live near
Nothirien, as does the great warrior-knight Corendil Star-
rider. Gildarion the Smith, famed craftsman, dwells on the
outskirts of Silendor.
Heraldry & Symbology: The kingdom of Celendoril
itself is usually represented by a seven-pointed gold star on
a violet field, although most Sidhe families have varying
coats-of-arms, from eagles to twin moons to bows and
crossed arrows and many more designs. The once famous
Wind-riders, who rode gigantic eagles, bore sky-blue ban-
ners with silver wings on them.
Enemies & Allies: Celendoril has few direct enemies,
mainly out of elegant long-term diplomacy and the fact
that the Sidhe-realm is slowly fading, its people passing
back into the Other-world or simply allowing themselves
to perish of advanced age in the mortal world. Yet, Goblins
occasionally raid the Celendorillien woodlands and there
has been a quiet resentment with the Duergar-kingdom of
Uldarak for past disagreements. And even after nearly three
and a-half millennia, Celendoril and Lithilor (to the south)
are still estranged of one another.
Major Imports: Iron, copper, spices, exotic woods,
sheep, horses, pearl, precious stone, and sea goods.
Major Exports: Steel, gold, silver, tin, hardwood,
pinewood, precious gems, magical objects, musical instru-
ments, leather goods.
Coinage & Currency: The realm of Celendoril mints
and stamps its own currency, with the most common bronze
(or copper) coin being called an Eluran, the silver coin a Li-
thar, and the gold piece a Celenar. Trade and barter exists in
some of the woodland villages, and oaths and promises of
goods and services still carry a good deal of value.
Weather & Climate: Celendoril is a temperate to
sub-arctic land, with the springs and summers being fair
and warm and the winters often quite cold with moderate
snowfall. The Celenothien Forest, however, provides a nat-
ural cloak against much of this, although in truth, all weath-
er—fair or foul—is generally agreeable to the average Eluna
Sidhe, as they are children of nature and the outdoors.
Common Customs: Most Celendorien Sidhe sing
songs to their children and to the sun when it sets, the lyrics
ancient and of Other-wordly origin; in fact, music in general
is highly revered and much magical theory is based on it as
well. Some humans believe that to receive a gift from an
Elf (Sidhe) that you could be bound into service or “fey-
touched”; in response, some Fair Folk believe that befriend-
ing a human or receiving aid from one can cause ill fortune.
Most elderly Sidhe (those who have lived over 400 years)
seek a way to the Other-world where it is widely believed
that the Fair Folk cannot die there, or in the very least, age
even slower. Elven twin births are almost unheard of, but
when they occur, they are looked upon as auspicious affairs,
and often one of the children is given up, either sent to the
Otherworld or taken to the edge of a human territory and
left there (owing to the tales about “changeling” children).
Common Sayings: “May we meet again in the next
world,” “May the Light of the Seven guide your journey,”
“A human may have cause to be foolish, but a goblin is a
fool without cause,” “A swift steed, a strong bow, and a fine
song!”, “Forget not the lesson of Arvelindor.”

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CYMREDD
A region dominated by the Cymreddi (kim-RETH-ee) hu-
mans, this realm—or territory—was settled by an offshoot
of the Gaernic peoples, known as the Gwynnic folk, who
fled the Emerald Islands to seek better opportunities on
the mainland. Some versions of the lore regales the oppo-
site, however, that the Gwynnic humans evolved on the
Western main and a large clan of them sailed westward
to the aforementioned islands, either eventually becoming
the Gaerns through interbreeding or perhaps destroyed by
them in violent conflicts over resources, land, and the usu-
al suspects. Cymredd-land is fairly vast, mainly temperate
forest, hills, and marsh, and many other tribes of humans
dwell here too (Druithi, Managwynni, and others), sharing
a similar language and culture as the predominant Cymred-
di proper. In addition to the barbarous humans, who often
paint themselves in blue woad, creatures of Faerie origin
haunt the countryside at times, as well as the occasional
undead or gorgonic thing from the Shadowlands.
Language: Cymreddi, naturally, is the native tongue of
the territory, although each major tribe has a slightly vary-
ing dialect. This language is not written, as the Cymreddi
are suspicious of weading and writing, believing it to con-
tain terrible magicks and also too easy for an enemy to cap-
ture or fabricate. Brythian is also spoken by most northern
Cymreddi (and Druithi), as is, on occasion, the song-like Sid-
he tongue or the guttural Goblin-tongue. Druidic shamans
often also speak the Grey Tongue, or Druids’ Chant, which
is generally a closely guarded secret.
Religion: The people of Cymredd hold deep beliefs in
the Old Gods of the West, and hold in particular Llywella
Ravendark in reverence, perhaps almost to rival Briannon,
the triple-goddess, queen of the Western deities. Cormac
is also widely worshipped, especially by men and war-
rior-hunters, and even Gaelrith of the sea and Bran Finnon
the traveler are held in regard. There are other, perhaps
more ancient, gods and godlings too, usually nature-spirits
of sorts, some of which are so old that their names have
been forgotten. It is the Druid-priests who closest serve
these Old Gods, speaking for them when necessary and
divining their wills. Lastly, solely the Druithi worship a de-
mon-god called the Wolf Lord, that some name Dufaine.
314
Geography: Cymredd is primarily forest-land, espe-
cially in the north and east, although there are few areas
of this land that aren’t touched by at least a large copse of
ash, elm, rowan, oak, or even pine. In the west, there are
hills and even some mild to moderate mountains, partic-
ularly along the coastline. There is some rolling plains in
the extreme northwest, and to the northeast, there are the
somewhat famed marshlands of Greymoor. The inland sea
of Llyn Llyr provides much of the northern borders against
greedy Brythia, and from it (or to it) flow many rivers and
streams.
Cities & Settlements: Caer Cymreth is probably
the most important settlement in all of Cymredd, in the
west-central lands, the customary seat of the lord-chieftain
of the Cymreddi. Caelwyn is a small city nearly equal to
Caer Cymreth, located in the southwestern-middle lands.
Caer Avallach, located in the borderlands of eastern
Cymredd, is the ancient seat of both the Druithi and the
Managwynni, for both have ruled from this fortress-townat
one time or another.
Denizens, Flora, & Fauna: Deer, boars, black bears,
wild-cats, and crows and ravens are commonly seen fau-
na in the forests, hills, and moors of Cymredd. Even the
dread Saber-tooth has been seen a time or two in the for-
lorn reaches of the land. Both coniferous and hardwood
trees are common throughout the region, especially row-
ans, elms, ashes, and oaks. Faerie creatures are rumored to
haunt the deeper woods and moors, beings such as Red
Caps, Goblins, Wyverns, and of course, the occasional wan-
dering Sidhe.
Food & Drink: Boar, stag, and salmon is likely the
most commonly consumed meats among the Cymreddi as
a whole, though it is said that the Druithi will eat the flesh
of a worthy wolf. Rumors even persist that crow-meat is a
staple among some of the tribe-clans, and that raven eyes
and hearts (sometimes steeped in ale or apple-slices) are a
rare delicacy of the Raven Witches and some Druid-priests.
Bread and cheeses are rare, although cow’s and goat’s milk
is not uncommon as a sauce or to drink outright. Berries
and certain roots are sometimes considered delicacies, and
apples, cranberries, and wild lemons are thought to be sta-
ples worthy only of chieftains, chief-bards, and those con-
nected deeply with the Sidhe and other Faerie-folk.
Notable Characters: Caelric ap Llyr is the current
king-chief of the Cymreddi, the most powerful tribe in the
land (and why the region is generally known as Cymredd).
Mordryn the Black, chieftain of the Druithi, is also well-re-
nowned, the current ruler of Caer Avallach. Branwen
Kinslayer, a cunning chieftainness, rules the Managwynni
tribe at present in the south. The Druithi also have a pow-
erful sorcerer, named Brynmadog, a shaman-priest of the
Wolf Lord, though some now whispered that he was re-
cently slain. Calin Silverhand is said to be a young princeling
who recently had his severed hand replaced with one of
Sidhe “star-metal”.
Heraldry & Symbology: The Cymreddi proper are
often associated with a red boar, the primary device of their
high-chieftain, Caelric ap Llyr. As for the Druithi, wolf totems
are very common, particular the image of a black wolf’s
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 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
head. The Managwynni tribe is historically associated with Cymreddi will cloak himself in a cloak.”
a white stag, but the new chief-queen, Branwen, seems to
prefer a “ghost raven” (that is, a white-hued raven). Ravens
in general (black ones) are deeply connected to the goddess
DREGNIR
Llywella Ravendark, and her secretive priestesses, and black
Or perhaps better known as the Ice Wastes of Dregnir, this
bears, too, are often seen as icons.
northerly and forlorn region is often considered a “realm”
Enemies & Allies: Cymredd as a whole is often threat- of sorts by far-travelers and wordy skalds, for it is said a
ened by Brythia, for many of the northern tribes—including kingdom of Frost Giants resides here, a great clan of perhaps
the Cymredd proper—raid into southern Brythia provoking several scores of these ancient humanoids. There is even a
the ire of the southern lords and their powerful queen fur- king, or high jarl, of sorts in Dregnir (a Giantish word for
ther north. Also, Cymredd is often its own worse enemy, “frost land”), named Jurd the Unforgiven, a massive Frost
since many of the tribes constantly war with each other, Giant warrior-chieftain with enough guile to rule, flour-
particularly the warlike Druithi. Northern Esmandos has ish, and organize raids and skirmishes on the unsuspecting
all but gone to all-out war with the Cymreddi as well, al- (mainly Thorakkians, Norish-men, and Duergar, who all do
though the Esmandians prefer to fight their battles at sea their best to stave off such brutal assaults). Geographically,
rather than on land in tangled hills and forests. the Wastes of Dregnir are due north of the Duergar-realm of
Primary Imports: Silver, iron, pearl, precious gems, Uldarak and northeast of Norlund, beyond even the tower-
foodstuffs, salt, cattle, horses, exotic stone, fine cloth. ing Iceclaw Mountains.
Primary Exports: Copper, tin, semi-precious gems,
furs, leather goods, animal goods, hardwood, pinewood,
herbs.
Coins & Currency: None of the tribes of Cyredd pro- EMERALD ISLANDS
duce coins, save for a type of copper (bronze) coin stamped
by the Cymreddi proper in the north. This coin is called a
Brannoc, and is mostly used to trade with Brythia, Faerland,
and occasionally even Esmandos. Trade and barter, thusly, is
the predominate means of economy as is oath-making and
hostage-taking.
Weather & Climate: The general climate of Cymredd
is temperate, with a good deal of rainfall, usually coming
down as light mist to moderate drizzle. There are true
“hard” rains on occasion as well, but only in the spring
or late autumn. The first snow comes in early winter, or
perhaps mid-winter in the south, and the spring-thaw turns
snow into rain around the time of the equinox. Although
the Cymreddi are not much of a sea-going people, the coast
is usually fairly pleasant (if misty) with the occasional squall
or tempest, but rarely a hurricane.
Common Customs: The Cymreddi in general, with
the possible exception of the Druithi, always give a gift for
a gift. This is not always material, however, as some gifts are
honor-vows pledged or a service such as supplying anoth-
er’s food for a month. Cymreddi children are named before
they are born, although often they are given a new name,
during a ritual ceremony, after a few moons (or even a year
or so), by a druid-priest or particularly influential chieftain
depending on the child’s affinities. Owls are often viewed
as devious creatures, sometimes possessed by demonic spir-
its, and snakes are nearly equally despised. Stags and hares
are looked upon as good omens and are only killed when
truly necessary, as are wildcats, bears, and wolves. Giant
boars and Great Wolves are revered as minor gods, and are
considered the most worthy of opponents.
Common Sayings: “Seek not the salmon for advice A collection of islands in the Northwest amidst the Sunset
in running,” “Hunt to live and live to hunt,” “When the Sea. Separated by the Nochlyn Firth (or Brythian Channel)
dragon awakens, who then cares for speculation?”, “The from the mainland, the primary isle here is Ynys (or Innis)
wind is breath, the earth flesh, and the fire soul,” “May Gaern where most of the Gaernic tribes dwell. The small
you be as wise as the raven, quick as the fox, and as strong cluster of isles at the southern end of the Emerald Islands are
as the boar,” “A Brythian may cloak himself in gold, but a usually referred to as the Misty Isles.

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CAEL
A small tribal kingdom south of Faerland, currently ruled by
Cynwulf mac Cael, the son of the original founding chief-
tain. Cael has been both enemy and ally of Faerland in the
past, although the past decade or two has seen more peace
between them than war. Even still, the occasional cattle-raid
or border spat between the two realms is not uncommon.
The two realms will often unify against a common greater
threat, such a fleet of Norish ships raiding along the Gaernic
coast, or a war-band of marauding Fomorians or worse.
Cael is the slightly warmer of the the three major Gaernic
kingdoms (Faerland being easily the largest), but it is high-
ly subjected to foul weather, such as squalls, gales, minor
hurricanes, and even flash-flooding in places. Just south of
the kingdom of Cael are the Misty Isles, aptly named for
their perpetual mists and fogs. The people of Cael are very
similar to the Faerlanders in language, culture, and religion,
and thus are assumed by most to be of Gaernic persuasion
as well.
DAL RUATHA
The northern-most of the three main Gaernic kiThe north-
ern-most of the three main Gaernic kingdoms, Dal Ruatha
(meaning “land of the red ones”) is ruled by a tribal chief-
tain as well, or rather a high-chieftain of several allied clans.
Taking its ancient name due to its abundance of red-haired
people, as well as their blood-soaked warlike past, the Dal
Ruathans are quietly fierce and pose the biggest threat to
the dominance of Faerland. More often than not, they have
been enemies (or at least heated rivals) of the Faerland-
ers, with a rare stint of alliance here and there throughout
history. Ruadhlinn (“red water”) is the primary settlement
of this realm, where the tribal-king (Liam Dal Ruatha) gen-
erally resides, and this port-town sits on the banks of a
reddish-tinged river. Legend says that the river flows with
blood as the history of the peoples of the Emerald Islands
is a violent one, especially that of the Dal Ruathan clans.
Across the channel are the legendary isles of Innis Finnon
and Innis Avalarn, the sacred island of the druid-priests and
the mystical retreat of the Sidhe and other Fey.
FAERLAND
The predominant realm on Innis Gaern, the largest isle of all
the Emerald Islands, the name “faerland” has a dual mean-
ing—it refers to a “fair land,” as in beautiful and pristine,
but also being connected to the “faerie world” and its mys-
tical influence. The Norish have always thought Faerland
fair indeed, and most of the island of Innis Gaern for that
matter, and so many of their sea-raids have targeted this
exquisite piece of soil and rock. The realm is ruled by a
high-chieftain, a veritable king, a man (or woman) chosen
all the clans of Faerland. A few times this has come through
violence, uprising, and usurpation, for the Gaernic people
of Faerland (sometimes called Faerlanders) are still a some-
316
what barbarous and fiery-tempered lot. The kingdom of
Faerland, unfortunately, has many enemies about it—Nor-
lund, Brythia, and several of the small clan-holds on Innis
Gaern not under Faerlandic rule (such as Cael and Dal Ru-
atha).
Language: Gaernic, the native tongue of all the Em-
erald Islands, is spoken by virtually all in Faerland, though
usually only druids, chieftains, and few rare others learn
to read and write the mysterious “tree language” that has
slowly developed over the past five centuries. Also, a good
number of Faerlanders speak Brythian and Norish, and
sometimes even Sidhe, the near-magical tongue of the Fair
Folk.
Religion: The people of Faerland still adhere strictly to
the Old Gods of the West, the ancient spirit-gods of whom
the Druid-priests serve. Druidism, as it is sometimes called,
is thusly the predominant faith in Faerland (and the Emerald
Islands in general), with the premiere deity being that of
Briannon, mother of dawn, spring, and the natural order,
as well as Cormac (god of the hunt and battle), Gaelrith
(goddess of the sea and death), and Bran Finnon, god of
bards, travelers, and music-craft.
Geography: The majority of Faerland is green rolling
plains, and many rivers, streams, and waterfalls permeate
the landscape. Yet, hills—some of them quite high and
majestic—ring the vast majority of the island’s coastland.
Some of this highland territory, particularly in the far south
and far north, is quite formidable. There is little true forest
left, although copses of hardwoods and cedar-pines dot the
landscape here and there. Faerland’s entire eastern bound-
aries border the sea, the Nochlyn Firth (also known as the
Brythian Channel), and the western border-lands are little
more than a near sea of hills, rises, and low crags.
Major Cities & Settlements: Nochleen is the prima-
ry settlement of Faerland, the capital, as it were, the clan-
hold of King Connor O’Siannon. Along the southeastern
coast of Innis Gaern, the main island, there is the port-town
of Gannon, a settlement loyal to the tribal-kingdom of Cael
instead of Faerland. Similarly, there is the clan-citadel of Ru-
adhlinn, the de facto capital of the Dal Ruatha in the north.
Denizens, Flora, & Fauna: Faerland’s hills, glades,
valleys, and small misty forests are primarily inhabited by
stags, boars, wolverines, elk, and crows, and salmon and
pike are quite common in the many rivers and streams.
Oak, maple, beech, rowan, and elm are fairly common
trees found on Innis Gaern (but less so on the smaller Em-
erald Islands), as are red pines and spruce. The White Lotus
might, on glorious occasion, present itself in high winter.
Fomorians, Firbolgs, Cu Sidhe, Great Wolves, and other
rare and fey-like creatures occasionally show themselves,
and a fabled stronghold of the Eluna Sidhe is said to be
found on Innis Avalarn.
Food & Drink: Wild boar, stag, eel, and salmon is
the primary eat-meats of the Gaernic people of Faerland,
though more exotic things like albatross and seal are some-
times ingested too. Seaweeds of various types are staples of
the less-well-off, and river-pike and freckled trout can fairly
easily be acquired by the typical commoner. Potatoes, leeks,
turnips, and wild onion is often used as side or spice items,
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KINGDOMS
while ales, beers, and even mead is the general liquid fare.
Some even speak of heather-ale, a strong brew comprised
of heather, oats, and wild-berries.
Notable Characters: King Connor O’Siannon, the
high-king or “chief chieftain” of Faerland, lives and rules
from Nochleen (with some minor lodges elsewhere as
well). Cynwulf mac Cael is the tribal-chieftain of the realm
of Cael, and Liam Dal Ruatha is the tribal-leader of the
Dal Ruatha people in the north. Finnon mac Finnon is the
chief-druid of all of the Emerald Islands, and therefore re-
sides on Innis Finnon, the holy island of the Druid-priests.
A Sidhe queen named Siluriel makes occasional human con-
tact on the mystical Faerie-isle of Innis Avalarn. Iain mac
Niall is a druid high-priest of recent notoriety, and some say
that King Cynwulf has given him lease over the Misty Isles
along the southern tip of Innis Gaern.
Heraldry & Symbology: High-king Connor of Faer-
land often flies a standard featuring a green-blue triple-knot
pattern on a golden field, while the tribal-kings of Dal Ru-
atha are known for their black banners with a yellow salm-
on or crow. The standard of Cael is usually a black or dark
grey wolf on a green or blue field. The famed Emerald Harp
is known for a green five-stringed harp on a field of white,
gold, or black (to represent peace, conquest, or mourning).
The Druid-priests of the Sacred Oak often wear images of
ravens, wolves, stags, and great oak trees.
Enemies & Allies: Probably the greatest rivals of Faer-
land are the other Gaernic realms, namely the Dal Ruatha
(especially) and the people of Cael. In addition, Fomorian
warbands occasionally raid and destroy, and Norish long-
ships are often seen off the coast, searching for easy Faerlan-
dic targets to plunder. Brythia, too, is a rival, but not always
a full-out enemy. If Faerland has any allies at all, it would be
with the Cymreddi, although the latter (on the mainland)
has never been known as a maritime people.
Major Exports: Sea goods, foodstuffs, leather goods,
pearl, salt, herbs, silver, tin, semi-precious gems, copper,
wool.
Major Imports: Iron, steel, wooden goods, exotic
herbs, precious gems, exotic stone, exotic fur, foodstuffs,
wine.
Climate & Weather: As the name partly suggests,
Faerland, despite its northern situation, is actually a bit fairer
than most might think. The winter does bring the cold and
even some deep-freezing on occasion, but the late spring,
summer, and early to mid-autumn are very temperate. The
main rain season is in the late winter to early spring, with
a secondary rainy season being in late summer to early fall.
The sea-breezes on off the eastern and southern coasts can
easily kick up into squalls that threaten sailors, and hun-
dreds of ships lie at the bottom of Nochlyn Firth (Brythian
Channel) or lie in broken pieces scattered up and down the
shoreline.
Common Customs: Ancient laws and traditions of
hospitality are a major deciding factor to a Faerlander’s
sense of honor, and it’s a very rare thing to deny a strang-
er food and shelter and rarer still to harm someone under
your own care. Three days’ hospitality is normal, although
longer stays for important reasons are not unheard of. It is
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thought lucky to find a golden trefoil (clover) in a meadow
or along a riverbank, and catching a salmon leaping from
the water represents wisdom and speed. Cold-iron items
such as horseshoes, spear-blades, cups, plates, or what have
you, are considered proof against Faerie-folk of all types.
Wearing green or red is thought be lucky, as it usually pro-
tects one from wandering into the Otherworld of being
“fey-touched” by the Fair Folk. A red-hued cow is sacred,
and ravens are thought to bear secrets.
Common Sayings: “The morning greet you, the eve-
ning rest you, and the road lead you,” “May your harp be
strung and your mind keen!”, “Swiftness of stag, wisdom of
salmon, strength of oak,” “May the crows bring you many
secrets and carry away none of your own,” “Sooner to face
the Northmen than to risk the ire of a woman.”
ESMANDOS
At the present, Esmandos is a land of two kings, and thus,
two kingdoms. One rules the north, and the other the south;
the north perhaps being a slightly larger territory. This was
not always so, as Esmandos, when originally founded by
the Esmandi people, had generally been a realm of a sin-
gular monarch, or in the very least, a tribal high-chieftain.
Before the Esmandi came, after fleeing persecution from
the then-fledgling Lorinthian Empire (and therefore passing
through the mighty Bloodrock Mountains), there were very
few humans in what would eventually become known as
Esmandos. A few far-wandered clans of Cymreddi, Gaerns,
Gwynddi, and the errant Sidhe-group or two, but that was
about it; however, there were terrible gorgonic creatures
who haunted the region, perhaps explaining why this fer-
tile territory was so sparsely populated by Men and Sidhe.
As such, the early Esmandians battled fierce opponents and
competed with monstrous beasts for the plains, rivers, for-
ests, and coastlines of Esmandos, which would later become
known more as a maritime nation than an interior one,
even despite the discovery of the now-famous Matica hors-
es on the inland plains.
Language: The people here speak Esmandian, their na-
tive language, a development from Old Esmandi (spoken
now only be a select few). The wealthy and educated read
317
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KINGDOMS
and write Esmandian too, but the average commoner does
not. In the north, many also speak Cymreddi and a few
even the Sidhe language, and in the south knowledge of the
foul Gorgonic tongue is not unheard of nor is the occasional
Prydonian speaker.
Religion: To the coastal Esmandians, the patron deity
is Santago, a god of the sea and luck, a favorite with sail-
ors, gamblers, and even warriors. More inland, the primary
deities are mainly imported Prydonian gods, particularly
Atores, Nipalos, Luccia, and Sardona. In the southern coast-
al areas, Prydonis is often worshipped, away from the ri-
valing eyes of Santagoan priests and fanatics. On fairly rare
occasion, an underground temple of Romega might surface.
Geography: Esmandos is primarily coastline in the
west, as it butts against the Sunset Sea (also called the West-
ern Sea). More inland, especially in the north-central re-
gion, the land opens to great plains where the renowned
Matica still roam in great, swift herds. There are woodlands
as well, though not as many as in earlier times, particularly
in the north and east. In fact, the eastern woods are often
assumed to be the borderlands of Lithilor, a realm of the
Dark Sidhe, and so few Esmandians travel deep into that
hallowed forest. Rivers and streams snake through the land
as well, most of them still relatively pure and often full of
fish and waterfowl. The southern borders of Esmandos are
the most obvious, where the fertile lowlands quickly yield
to the massive peaks of the Bloodrock Mountains of Gor-
gotha, land of the gorgons.
Cities & Settlements: Santagos is the de facto cap-
ital of Esmandos, and religious center for the sect of the
sea-god, Santago, where the north-king only until recently
dwelled. In the south, there is Los Lind, a great sprawling
city, and capital of the south-king. There is also Corello, El
Javio, Puerto Tiego, and the up-and-coming city of Avarro
on the Argentas River.
Denizens, Flora, & Fauna: The famed Matica horse-
herds still roam the great plains in the north and east, and
roe-deer, boars, wild-cats, hawks, and other animals make
their homes in the various regions of Esmandos. Cedar
groves help make ship-building the high art that it is here,
as do oak, ash, and birch. The extremely rare Red Lotus is
said to grow wild in Shadowwood Forest, close to Lithilor,
and other herbs can be found here as well. The Dark Sid-
he sometimes travel through the off-roads of the realm,
and Great Wolves and the occasional Gorgon-beast can be
sometimes spotted in the wilder parts of the kingdom.
Food & Drink: Esmandian diet typically consists of
seafood (especially eel, grouper, and bass), as well as suck-
ling boar, duck, goose, and the occasional spiced venison
or stuffed marlin. Breads and cheeses are often consumed
in abundance, and more exotic fare such as scallops and
cinnamon or mustard soup are sometimes sampled by the
wealthier folk. Fine wine is the preferred drink of the Es-
mandians (or cheaper swill for fewer coins), as is light ale, a
hearty primitive rum, and in rarer commodity, a wine said
to be made from the juices of the red lotus.
Notable Characters: Lord Santos is the northern
king, or co-ruler, of Esmandos, reigning over most of the
land above the Thundering River. He once ruled from San-
318
tago, but that great port-city of late has driven him out for
fear of assassins and political rivals. Lord Carlito De Loren-
tis oversees the south of Esmandos, said to rule from Los
Lind, along with his queen of sorts, a mysterious sorceress
named Lucella the Dark. A famed pirate-lord named Atoros
once terrorized the waters of Buccaneer Bay and beyond,
and both the Crimson Skull Pirates and those of the Scarlet
Brotherhood often make sailing along the Esmandian coast
harrowing at best.
Heraldry & Symbology: King Santos is known to fly
a black or dark grey horse on a green field as his standard,
while Lord Carlito De Lorentis is occasionally associated
with a lion-headed bull, usually red or gold on black. The
Crimson Skull Pirates generally fly a fairly obvious blood-
red skull on a black field (either a banner or black sails
themselves), and the Scarlet Brotherhood is infamous for
wearing red sashes and head-rags. The city of Santago has
its own heraldry, a golden sailing-ship on a blue and white
field.
Enemies & Allies: Esmandos, at least as one great
united nation, is its own worst enemy, as it is currently
“ruled” by two rival dynasties (one in the north and one
in the south). In the past, when Esmandos was barely a
civilized realm, the Dark Sidhe of Lithilor would raid and
torment the countryside, but in the near-fading of the Sid-
he from the mortal world, those days have mostly passed.
Hobgoblin warbands occasionally come down out of the
Bloodrock Mountains to raid, as do the occasional gorgonic
beast. However, the greatest present-day rival is Brythia,
vying with Esmandos for supremacy on the Sunset Sea.
Primary Imports: Exotic woods, leather goods, furs,
fine cloth, exotic foodstuffs, iron, silver, copper, herbs, ex-
otic stone.
Primary Exports: Ships, boats, timber, wooden
goods, salt, spices, cotton, horses, cattle, sheep, parchment,
dyes, inks, steel weapons.
Coins & Currency: Esmandos mints and stamps sev-
eral types of coins, some overseen by King Santos in the
north and the others by King Carlito in the south. The most
common type of bronze coin is the Goro, the most com-
mon silver piece is called an Argento, and the gold coin is
typically called an Atora. Trade and barter exists, though
generally only in the rural towns and villages. Most foreign
coin is accepted by weight and measure, if necessary.
Climate & Weather: Esmandian climate is generally
quite warm and balmy, and in the summer months, even
hot (and the humidity nearly unbearable). The rainy season
is typically the late winter or early spring, with a second-
ary rain-season being around mid-autumn. Hurricanes and
gales are not uncommon in the coastal areas, some reaching
far inland, although the waters of Buccaneer Bay are rela-
tively calm most of the time. Snowfall is nearly unheard of
except in the northern borderlands where it might occur
once every few winters.
Common Customs: The gift of a fine horse, especially
a Matica, is a great honor in the inlands; this same custom,
but with ships or boats, is observed along the coastlands.
Bull-dancing is an ancient custom where trained acrobat-
ics dance around a half-wild bull, often tumbling over and
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KINGDOMS
underneath it, before it is finally slain and the flesh ritually
eaten by those in attendance (this is in reverence to deities
Atores, Sardona, and Luccia). Three horn-blows is a distress
call from an Esmandian ship, although some pirate fleets use
this to ambush innocent vessels. The art of sword-dueling is
beginning to develop, as is the training and finesse needed
to succeed at it.
Common Sayings: “Even the wind cannot outrun the
Matica!”, “Shall we dance the dance of steel?”, “May the
sun be on your skin, and the stars be in your eyes,” “Two
kings are better than one emperor,” “Santago drown you
for a fool!”, “Sure as the sun will set in the sea.”
mons born of the mortal world. These beings came to be
known as Gorgons, or “beasts of Gorgothon,” and they
would seemingly exist only to plague mankind with their
wickedness and brutality. Gorgonic creatures are of many
varied types, but in present-day Gorgotha, there is thought
to be mainly Manticores, Minotaurs, Medusae, Chimerae,
and Harpies, but in truth, there are doubtlessly many oth-
ers. In fact, perhaps the most dreadful Dragon of the past
millennium, Gethrax (or Terengethrion, as the Sidhe name
him), is said to lair in the north-central parts of the mighty
Bloodrocks, the principal mountain range of Gorgotha.
Some say that a great Hobgoblin nature can be found here,
perhaps in service to the fell Wyrm.

GETHRAX LITHILOR
This is the realm of Gethrax the Great, called Terengethrion
in the Sidhe-tongue, a great fire-dragon allegedly residing
in a vast lair in the midst of the Bloodrock Mountains. In
his younger days, Gethrax forged a veritable empire—com-
prised mainly of Hobgoblin warriors and the occasional
human cultist-spy—and used military might and subterfuge
to bring even greater treasure hoards into his fold, as well
as acquiring yet more fear and respect in the greater mor-
tal world. In present-times, his “kingdom” is dwindling (for
some say the great wyrm slumbers for moons at a time
now), but the power of his name is still a reckoning force.

GORGOTHA

The other of the two primary Sidhe kingdoms remaining

in the mortal world, this is a realm of shadow, Elf-mag-
ic, and treachery. Ruled by the Lithilori, or the “people of
This vast and mountainous region exists south of Esman-
the Shadow-realm,” the Elves of this land are descendants
dos, west of the Lorinthian Empire, and north of the Sea
of the Dark Sidhe, those who rebelled against the Seelie
of Prydonis (and the Prydonian Isles). It is a place steeped
Court of Arvelindor nearly three and a-half millennia ago.
in dread and mystery, for as ancient tales would have it,
More precisely, it was House Drolifaene who openly led
Gorgotha was once the rocky and mountainous “bad land”
the rebellion, and therefore the spark that set off the ter-
where the Still-born God, Gorgothon, allegedly washed
rible Shadow War, a great conflict that would last nearly
ashore after he was cast from Rhodon, the legendary island
five years, and in the mighty sorceries used then, corrupt
of the gods. As the story goes, the Fallen God came unto
much of the forests and dales of that general region into the
the forlorn coastlands of Gorgotha, which took its name
dark, blighted Shadowlands that still exist today. However,
later from the banished deity, where instead of expiring,
there are said to be renegade Eluna Sidhe clans living in the
he increased. Gorgothon “created” fell and horrible crea-
Shadowwood near, and around, Lithilor proper, wandering
tures here, often part-human and part-beast, veritable de-

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The Lithilorien Calendar
The ancient calendar of the Dark Sidhe of Lithilor is the same one used by the Eluna Sidhe of Celendoril, a
system of time-reckoning nearly 4,000 years old. The current Lithilorien Calendar begins during the first year
of the Breaking of Arvelindor and the start of the Shadow War. Please see the entry about Celendoril for
more information regarding the Sidhe calendar.
bands dwelling apart (and hopefully without notice) from
the ruling Lithilori Dark Sidhe. Lithilor, and the vast Twilight
or Shadowwood Forest, can be found east of Esmandos
and nestled, half-hidden, against the protective peaks of
the Bloodrock Mountains. Whispers claim, however, that
the rumored Fey-citadels of Lithilor are nearly impossible to
find, especially to those without invitation.
Language: The native tongue of Lithilor is, of course,
Sidhe, for even after nearly 3,500 years of division, the
Eluna and Dark Sidhe still speak the same basic tongue
(there are some dialectal differences, however). The Gob-
lin-tongue is often known by the Lithilori too, as well as
occasionally a local human language or two, such as Esman-
dian or Cymreddi.
Religion: The Dark Sidhe of Lithilor still maintain their
ancient belief in the Eluna Qualae, the Primal Source of All
Things (that humans often simply call Nature), but over
time, they’ve learned to hold a “newer” force in higher
authority: the Eluna Dol, the Primal Dark, for they know
that darkness came before light. In addition, the Lithilori
hold their ancestors in high regard as well, as near deities
(especially if they did great heroic deeds), and once held
certain animals and beast-spirits in high regard and as “lesser
incarnations” of the Eluna Qualae.
Geography: The realm of Lithilor is primarily situat-
ed within the Twilight Forest, a vast woodland also known
as the Shadowwood (primarly in the north where it en-
croaches into the Shadowlands). Lithilor’s eastern borders
are obvious and protective—the rocky reaches of the
Bloodrock Mountains themselves. Several great rivers run
through Lithilor, tumbling down from the red peaks of the
Bloodrocks, namely the Shadowblight and the Redwine. In
the northern borderlands, of course, there are the Shadow-
lands proper, a grim reminder of eons past and powerful
spells better left unspoken, a land of broken plains, twisted
trees, and forlorn moors.
Cities & Settlements: Shadowspire is rumored to be
a highly secretive capital of sorts, the primary seat of the
ancient royal houses of Lithilor. Yet, there is also said to be
a place called Sildarildor, or “place of star metal,” where
the best smiths in all the known world dwell. Lastly, there
is some evidence that one of the once-famed Sidhe sky-cita-
dels might still be in use here, either still hovering airborne
by ancient wind-magic or settled on a hidden mountain
plateau.
Denizens, Flora, & Fauna: Pines and hardwood
trees are both in abundance in the forest-lands of Lithilor,
particularly rowan, birch, beech, oak, elm, and alder. A rare
and near-magical type of willow-tree, called the Ghost-
wind, can be occasionally found here as well, rumored to
have the power of foresight and even whisper-like speech.
320
Stags, boars, wolves, and wild-cats can be found here too,
and hawks and eagles, some being from the mortal world
and some oft-times finding their way here from the Oth-
er-world. Naturally, Dark Sidhe hunters and war-bands can
be found in virtually all parts of this land, as can Red Caps,
Satyrs, Banshees, Harpies, and other Fey and even gorgonic
creatures.
Food & Drink: Much like the Eluna Sidhe of Celen-
doril, the (mostly) Dark Sidhe of Lithilor enjoy venison,
suckling pig/boar, and even the occasional duck, goose,
or river-salmon covered in apple, grape, or lemon sauce.
Sweet-breads are also enjoyed, and unlike the Celendo-
riens, light or spiced cheeses are partaken on occasion, and
the wealthier lust often for truly exotic fare, such as lamb-
heart, stag-tongue, or rose or lemon-spiced lynx or wolf
meat. A near-magical elixir of red lotus and faerie-wort is
occasionally served as a semi-fermented tea.
Notable Characters: Prince Sildarien Leafstrider and
Princess Lithariel Rutharien are the reigning sovereigns of
Lithilor, where, interestingly enough, neither officially uses
the titles of king or queen, respectively, perhaps out of
some ancient deference to Arvelindor of olde. Noriendir
Shadowraven is the renowned commander of The Shadow
Knights, a covert order of warrior-assassins. Also, there is
Talendar the Star-maker, elite craftsman and sorcerer.
Heraldry & Insignia: The sovereign banner of Prince
Sildarien and Princess Lithariel features a white (or silver)
swan, with a crescent moon both above and below, one a
field of dark blue. The swan is from House of Rutharien and
the duel moons emblazon is influenced by Prince Sildarien.
The heraldry of The Shadow Knights is well-hidden, but it is
thought to be that of two dark silver crescent moons, facing
each other but offset, on a half-field of black (at the top)
and white (at the bottom).
Enemies & Allies: Lithilor has no real allies, mostly
because it is a highly secretive realm (in addition to the rel-
ative haughtiness of the Dark Sidhe). However, it has de-
veloped loose ties with southern Esmandos in recent times,
but such an alliance seems mercurial at best. As for foes,
Celendoril far to the north remains a distant rival, if only
through ancient tales, as the Breaking of Arvelindor was so
very long ago. Creatures from the Shadowlands occasion-
ally wander into the forests of Lithilor, and even the rare
Druithi raiding-band might dare risk the northern bound-
aries of this Sidhe-realm. Hobgoblin marauders will also
find their way down into Lithilor from time to time, and
tales claim of Sidhe magicians making deals with the dragon
Terengethrion himself.
Major Imports: Gold, precious gems, pearl, exotic
animals, copper, exotic furs, exotic spices, occasional slaves.
Major Exports: Silver, semi-precious gems, tin, iron,
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 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
steel, leather goods, furs, rare woods, rare herbs, rare cloths.
Climate & Weather: Lithilor’s climate is fairly tem-
perate, with a slightly leaning toward the sub-tropical.
However, the Ironrock Mountains provide a natural buffer
to the east and the relatively dense Twilight Forest keep
it slightly cooler than most might think. Rain is fairly con-
stant in the early spring moons, as it gets trapped against
the great mountain peaks, though snow seldom (if ever)
touches this realm. Occasionally, in the late summer, there
are spells of dryness and greater than normal temperatures.
Major Customs: The Elf-folk of Lithilor often greet
each other, as well as strangers, with one hand behind their
back, a custom which breeds mystery and even some dis-
trust (being that the concealed hand could, and sometimes
does, contain a weapon). Once every year, the people of
Lithilor celebrate the Day of Drolifaene, when the massive
rebellion began that launched the Shadow War and the
Breaking of Arvelindor. Every seven years, when the two
moons cross paths, the Lithilori celebrate for seven days
straight and great magical spells are often worked during
such a time as well as important oaths taken. A Sidhe-blood-
ed baby is usually shunned from the land, often left out
in the forest to die, although it is not uncommon for the
mother to find a way to take it to a Cymreddi or Esmandian
village and leave it there as a “changeling.”
Popular Sayings: “A sword for court; a knife for
business,” “The best assassin kills from leagues away,” “Re-
member always that darkness came first,” “I am a Child of
Drolifaene whose shadows sparked truth,” “Laugh with life,
dance with death.”
LORINTHIA
Perhaps better known as the Lorinthian Empire, this vast
region touches two major oceans—the Dragon Sea and the
Sea of Prydonis—and stretches westward to the Bloodrock
Mountains and northward to the Empire River (the south-
ern borders of Aradorn). Named so from Lorinthius, a mas-
sive metropolis on the eastern coast, the empire of Lorinthia
was founded by Prydonian explorers and conquerors who
ranged north from their islandic homes. Lorinthius, now the
imperial capital, was one of the first settlements of these
A BRIEF GAZETTEER
wayward Prydonians.
Yet, the great empire was founded primarily through
blood and steel, for there were native human-tribes that
already lived in many places of the vast territory—the
Latagonii, Guldarii, Esmandi—and others that would not
be ruled over so easily by these Southlanders. In violent
conflicts, the Lorinthians were usually victorious and either
drove their foes screaming from the land or enslaved them.
Language: Lorinthian is the native tongue of the em-
pire, naturally, a language developed over time from piece-
meal Prydonian and several other indigenous tongues. It
is the common language in all the South—that is, below
the Empire River—with only Prydonian itself as a distant
second. Yet, in small pockets across the provinces of Lorin-
thia, one might occasionally still here the ancient tongues of
Esmandi, Guldarii, Latagonii, and Aradornii.
Religion: The primary deities of the Lorinthian Empire
are Titherius, god of wealth and commerce, and Argathon,
a god of fire, blood, and victory. Luccia is also popular,
especially among women and youths, a goddess of beau-
ty, art, and seduction. There are lesser deities too, often
varying from province to province, with Nipalos (god of
night and thieves), Sardona (a plant and animal goddess),
and Romega (ancient goddess of magic and mystery), likely
being the most notable. Occasionally, cults spring up in the
empire too, such as the Gorgonic Brotherhood (or Cult of
Gorgothon) and ancestral-worship cults (such as the Cult of
the Emperor-god).
Geography: The Bloodrock Mountains run north-
to-south at the western reaches of the empire, while the
Golden Mountains—a less severe range—dominate the
central-north (serving as the main boundaries between the
provinces of Latagon and Guldarius). The mighty Dragon
Sea serves as the eastern-most borders of Lorinthia, while
the Sea of Prydonis provides the southern boundaries. In
the far north is the Empire River, meandering all the way
down from the west, men say, from a great inland sea,
while the western-central region is marked by the Elder-
wood Forest. Apart from these, the vast region is mainly
plains, river-lands, and marsh.
Cities & Settlements: Lorinthius is the imperial cap-
ital, a vast and sprawling city on the east coast, with both
an ocean and river harbor. Over 250,000 people live here,
most imperial citizens. The port-city of Aquae Civitas is also
large and important, as is Lataport, Midunium, Nordunum,
Galadium, Octavium, and Tyrius, among other cities and
townships. In addition to these great mercantile and po-
litical centers, there are hundreds of forts, fortresses, and
strongholds, across the empire, many of them garrisoned by
the Imperial Legions.
Flora, Fauna, & Denizens: The Lorinthian Empire
is a xenophobic place in general, and so very few non-hu-
man creatures live across its vastness save mostly for wild
animals, such as deer, boar, wildcats, hawks, falcons, and
more. However, the Bloodrock Mountains are still a ha-
ven of many a gorgonic (or draconic) thing, and so on
rare occasion Minotaurs, Centaurs, Medusae, and Harpies
might be spied in the forlorn landscape or as fodder in some
merchant or slaver’s cage. Satyrs and Nymphs can be seen
321
 SAVAGEIII
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The Imperial Lorinthian Calendar

The official calendar of the Lorinthian Empire, the most commonly used time-reckoning in all the West, is
very similar to the Brythian and Aradornian ones. That is, 28 days in a month, seven days in a week, with
each day measured at 24 hours. Every seven years, during the Mating of the Moons (when the Greater Moon
eclipses the Lesser one), three days are added, a special festival time known as The Configuration which lasts
for nearly 72 hours.
The order of the days in a week are: Sunday, Moonday, Agathos, Titherus, Lucci, Emperorsday, and Mar-
ketday (the middle ones being named for major deities).

sometimes in the forests and marshlands, and at least one
small nation of Sidhe is said to exist deep in the Elderwood.
Food & Drink: Lorinthians love their wine, of vir-
tually all varieties, and some of the finest of such fare is
cultivated in the central and southern provinces. Most drink
wine that has not been strained, although some nobles and
other wealthy folk might have their wine strained of all
non-liquid components. Light ale is somewhat popular in
the northern regions, probably influence from Aradorn or
far Brythia. Bread is a major staple food, of various forms,
as are some cheeses, honey, fish-eggs, seaweed soups, and
duck and other fowl. Common spices are garlic, oregano,
mustard, pepper, and sea-salt.
Notable Characters: Octavius V is the current em-
peror, a fairly young and ambitious man who rules the most
powerful society in all the West from the Imperial Palace
in Lorinthius. Praetor Braccus of Midunium is highly popu-
lar and powerful, as is Praetor Septarius of Tyrius and High
Governor Justinian of Galadium. Grand Templar Honorius
is arguably the most potent priest in all Lorinthia, though
Grand-master Tyberian the Golden-armed runs a close sec-
ond. Commander-General Marcus of the Iron Legion is a
very shrewd and physically powerful war-leader, and the
she-gladiator Attica of Hibernium is a popular commoner.
Heraldry & Insignia: The Imperial State itself is
generally represented by a golden three-headed eagle on a
scarlet field, each head representing the three original prov-
inces of Lorinthia. However, newer insignia have featured a
five-headed eagle, but this is not yet in common circulation.
The emperor’s personal symbol is a purple lion on a golden
field, and this is often associated with immediate members
of his family as well. Eagles, gold circlets, and lions, in fact,
are fairly common insignia in the whole of the Empire, as
they are closely associated with the major deities of Arga-
thon, Titherius, Luccia, the Imperial Royal Family, and the
military legions.
Enemies & Allies: The Lorinthian Empire has many
rivals, if not all-out enemies. Yet, many remain distant
about such feelings, for the Imperial Legions (of which there
are said to be as many as twenty—a full legion is 5,000
troops), consist of well-equipment and well-trained profes-
sional fighting-men. Nonetheless, Aradorn is a near-enemy
rival, particularly after the mostly bloodless takeover of one
of its old territories by Lorinthia, and the land of Saint Pal-
adyr is one of the very few realms that might stand any
chance against the emperor’s forces. The Prydonian Repub-
lic, what’s left of it, is a competitive rival, but not openly
hostile. Perhaps the greatest concern of civilized Lorinthia
are the border territories, especially the Bloodrock Moun-
tain regions where gorgonic things occasionally pour out
into the fertile lands below.
Major Imports: Hardwood, silver, furs, leather
goods, exotic beasts, slaves, cattle, silk, satin, iron, precious
gems, exotic herbs.
Major Exports: Softwood, ships, sea goods, pearl,
semi-precious gems, glass, tilework, clay, copper, tin, steel,
slaves, sponge, seaweed, spices, alchemical goods, vellum,
exotic stone.
Climate & Weather: The provinces of the empire
are vast, and so the general climate and weather patterns
are varied. In the north, though, the winter moons may
bring light snowfall a time or two, though the central and
south regions rarely, if ever, see such a sight. In contrast, the
southern provinces are very warm in the summer months,
and the humidity of the southeastern coast can be near-
ly unbearable. The primary rain-season is the early to mid
spring, but summer showers are common and a secondary
rainy season often shows itself in late autumn. Windy days
on the Dragon Sea coast are common, and cloud-cover and
fog is usual for the northwest.
Common Customs: Slavery is acceptable in the Em-
pire, though more often than not, such human chattel is
treated with a fair amount of care and respect. Free-men
unable to pay off debts can even sell themselves into slav-
ery until their debts (and any suitable interest) are satisfied.
Only humans, preferably those as recognized citizens of the
Empire, have full rights within the cities and provinces, with
even the haughty Side being regarded as “second citizens”
or worse. A free person born to parents of Imperial citi-
zenship is automatically considered a citizen of the Empire,
although citizenship can be earned (or bought) by outsid-
ers on occasion, as there are many benefits to such status.
Lorinthians almost always have three names, a first name
(or nomen), a second or middle name (which usually de-
notes order of birth), and a place or family name (unless
a slave or very poor). Male citizens are rarely conscripted
into military service, save perhaps as auxiliary troops, as
the Lorinthian legionnaires are paid professional soldiers. A
purple-trimmed toga denotes nobility, while a red or gold-
trimmed one usually means a priest.
Common Sayings: “Red for the fire and blood god!”,
“Glory to the emperor!”, “What a barbarian does in a
month, a Lorinthian does in a day,” “For gold and glory,”
“What is done today echoes for eternity,” “A bronze for

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 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
bread, a silver for wine, and a gold for a whore.”
MIURGA
A relatively small island just south of Gorgotha and its tow-
ering volcanic peaks, in the northwestern parts of the Sea of
Prydonis, Miurga is considered one of the Outer Prydonian
Isles. This is due strictly to predominant culture and linguis-
tics, for the island-realm itself has never been a member of
the Prydonian Republic. In fact, Miurga is more rebellious
and nefarious than even Athelon, allegedly with a medu-
sa-queen in rule there. As such, gorgon-blooded humans
are somewhat welcome here—at least more than just about
anywhere else—and recognition (and worship) of the fall-
en-god Gorgothon is not uncommon.
Language: Prydonian is the native language of Miurga,
although a fair number of the island’s inhabitants (though
the population is no more than 17,000 souls) also speak
Gorgonic. In addition, some scholars might know Old Rho-
donite, Nether-speech, or even Dragon-speech.
Religion: Miurgans tend to hold Atores and Romega
as their favored deities (the latter mostly due to the queen’s
current regime), although most—if not all—of the Rhodo-
nian pantheon are honored to some extent. As mentioned
briefly above, even Gorgothon, the Still-born god and Lord
of Discord, is occasionally admired and possibly even of-
fered prayers and sacrifices.
Geography: The island of Miurga is primarily moun-
tainous, several peaks of which are fairly extreme, as if it
was once a great chunk of land torn apart from the main-
land during a great cataclysm (and it was indeed). Yet, there
are some lower, somewhat flatter regions of this small isle
and some sparse, if strange, woodland. The soil, though
rocky and uneven, tends to be quite good due to the vol-
canic nature of the mountains, but tracts of this type of
land are few and far between. As a true island, Miurga is
surrounded all on sides by the Sea of Prydonis, although it
sits but twenty miles from the mountainous southern coasts
of the Gorgothan mainland.
Major Cities & Settlements: Orcos is the capital
city, as it were, the primary seat of Queen Dikaia (pop-
ulation about 11,000). The medusa-queen’s other palatial
A BRIEF GAZETTEER
city is Medusar, likely her main military hideout (as it is a
harbor-keep of no more than 1,000 inhabitants). There is
also the now-ruined city of Morpheon on a nearby isle to
the northeast.
Denizens, Flora, & Fauna: Small deer, rabbits, and
foxes are fairly common in the lower and flatter southern
portions of the island, and mountain goats, rams, wild
boar, eagles, and seahawks are said to inhabit the north-
ern mountain-lands. A Chimaera and Manticora both are
rumored to thrive in these same mountains, and some say
they are mortal enemies. Medusae are frighteningly com-
mon on Miurga, as some are under the employ of Queen
Miurga (or serve as priestesses of Romega or Sardona) while
others live more free in the wildlands beyond the towns
and cities (or just at the edges of civilization). There are
also tales of gigantic scorpions existing mainly in the rocky
western reaches, along the coast, though some claim they
may be monstrous-sized crabs or crayfish.
Food & Drink: Miurgans usually enjoy barely cooked
seafood, particularly crab, squid, mussels, and boiled star-
fish (a local delicacy). Venison is also a favorite, when af-
fordable, as well as roast boar and salted albatross or hawk-
flesh. The favored drink of the typical Miurgan is bitter
wine (due to under-aging as well as a sour type of grape),
though other wines are generally liked too as are some light
ales and meads. Some even partake in a strange elixir called
Oros—a fine wine mixed ever so lightly with anemone poi-
son—which gives it a unique purplish color as well as a
slight “edge” to its imbibing (Hardiness DL 13 or suffer -1 to
Agility, Physique, and Willpower for 30 minutes; if failed by
five or more, then drinker is comatose for an hour; a critical
failure can kill the drinker).
Notable Characters: Dikaia II, queen of Miurga
(said to be a gorgonic Medusa); Nordoneus Storm-wrecker,
court-sorcerer and high priest; Braccia the Tormenter, gor-
gon-blooded royal advisor; Marcuseus, champion gladiator
and local hero.
Heraldry & Symbology: The royal heraldry of
Queen Dikaia and her house is a woman’s skull-like face
with eight snakes coming from her head as hair (often seen
on the sails of Miurgan warships), while the insignia of Mar-
cuseus is usually a black two-headed Hydra on a golden
field.
Enemies & Allies: The island-realm of Miurga has
numerous enemies, quite possibly too many. Firstly, there
is the Prydonian Republic and therefore the islands of Neo-
pos, Phylasteus, Orices, and Prydonia proper (and occasion-
ally a few others). Secondly, there is the Lorinthian Empire
(particularly the southern provinces) which has had its ves-
sels occasionally attacked by Miurgan ships acting as glori-
fied pirates. Thirdly, the isle-kingdom of Athelon is often at
odds with Miurgan politics (not to mention traditionally
loathing gorgonic creatures).
Primary Imports: Tin, silver, furs, leather goods,
timber, wood goods, herbs, spices, wine, ale, slaves, cattle,
horses, gold.
Primary Exports: Fish, coral, sponge, pearl, olive oil,
cheap wine, iron, copper, semi-precious gems.
Coinage & Currency: Queen Dikaia has recently
323
 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
pressed a golden coin called a Dikaion, but this is one of the
few local coins minted on the island. Miurga generally ac-
cepts other forms of currency—for sheer weight and quality
of the coin itself—and trade and barter is quite alive in the
smaller towns and villages. Even still, silver pieces are usu-
ally called an Argo and bronze or copper coins a Merkas.
Climate & Weather: In the late spring and summer
moons (and early autumn as well), the weather in Miur-
ga can be quite balmy. However, due to the mountainous
terrain the surrounding waters, the climate is not as bad as
most islands of the Prydonis Sea, although the humidity can
be quite unbearable. In the late winter or early spring, the
rainiest season of the island-realm is experienced, and the
sea-winds on the southern shores can be tempestuous.
Common Customs: Though it was once illegal to
accept coins minted in Prydonia, it is now a custom among
many Miurgan merchants to melt silver and gold pieces
down and make trinkets to present to Queen Dikaia as
homage-gifts. Any Medusae coming to the island are pro-
tected by Miurgan law, but only if they present themselves
to the queen’s court within a fortnight (after that, no law
protects them and they are often hunted down). Other gor-
gons of “capable human thought” are similarly protected,
although such beasts as Chimaera, Manticores, Hydras, and
other non to barely human gorgons have no such rights.
Fortune-telling and other “minor sorceries” are practiced in
the open, but greater magicks are generally hidden due to
the heavy laws against unrecognized magicians. A still-born
Miurgan child is given to Romegan or Atorean priests to
keep for a moon’s time on the off-chance that it would
rise to live again (as Gorgothon did in Rhodonite history/
myth).
Common Sayings: “All the might of Prydon cannot
stop us!”, “For the Medusa-queen!”, “To sleep a night in
Miurga is to lie with serpents,” “A coin in the hand makes
two for the queen,” “Not all still-born are dead.”
MULOVIA
Also known as the Winter Kingdom, Mulovia was founded
just over five centuries ago by a noble and wealthy fam-
ily called the Von Mulovs. Before this time, the Mulovi-
324
an people were a fractured lot, most of them offspring of
Valkari north-men and Azirian merchants, the latter coming
from across the Dragon Sea (some of the first humans to
accomplish this feat). As such, the first Mulovians were an
interesting hybrid of rough-and-tumble Northerner and civ-
ilized Easterner. They were skilled survivalists, for the most
part, often living in semi-nomadic clans (later to become
known as gypsies), but also talented in the ways of sorcery,
city-building, and political intrigue.
Modern-day Mulovians are very much a product of this,
and the first dynastic clan/house—the Von Mulovs—were
the best of the best. Towns and cities begin to rise in wealth
and notoriety, and despite the relative power of the Von
Mulovs (and their favorite son, King Mortigern), other clans
and houses rose to some power as well in the wake of a
great Mulovian economic upswing, mostly through trade,
commerce, cunning diplomacy, and military might. The
kingdom of Mulovia is located in the northeastern reach-
es of the Astagonian continent, south of Skathia, along the
cold shores of the Dragon Sea and the Bay of the Ravens.
Rumors have persisted for centuries that winter never truly
leaves Mulovia, and indeed, it does seem to keep a frigid
climate throughout most of the year.
Language: Mulovian is the native tongue of the Mu-
lovian people, a derivative of both the Old Valkari and an-
cient Azirian languages. Skathia is sort of secondary tongue
of most here, although Brythian and Goblin-speech runs a
close third. The Mulovian language is a written one.
Religion: The chief or patron deity of Mulovia is,
without a doubt, Anderok, lord of winter and death (with
ravens and wolves held as sacred beasts). A very distant sec-
ond in popularity is Jorl, god of fire and trickery and smith-
craft, although in truth, like most humans of the known
world, the Mulovians are a polytheistic culture. The war
and sea god, Fragnir, is revered here somewhat as well, as
is Vradden, god/goddess of law and vengeance. Note that
the open worship of Signa, goddess of the sun and hearth,
is illegal in the cities of Mulovia.
Geography: The lay of the Mulovian land is primar-
ily woodland in the southwest, west, and northwest, with
the Ravenmist and Wraithwood Forests (the latter being a
haunted place of twisted black trees). To the east, is the
Dragon Sea and from it the Bay of Ravens, the largest
known bay in all the West. In the northwest, there are pri-
marily great highlands (the Sanctuary Mountains), but at
Mulovia’s center and most of its South, the land is mainly
snowy plains. Just beyond the southwestern borders al-
legedly lies the hilly and wooded Goblin-realm of Nirgul.
Major Cities & Settlements: Transia is the capi-
tal city of Mulovia, the royal seat of the “great czar” or
king, boasting perhaps 19,000 people. On the coast, there is
Slavaport (a medium-sized harbor-town) and in the south-
ern provinces, there is Mortavia, an ever-growing city, and
in the east, Ivanov. Several other settlements have some
renown as well, such a Raven’s Point, Yurov, Ivanov, and
Rogue’s Hollow. In addition to towns and cities, Mulovia
boasts myriad villages, small castles, and tombs/crypts.
Denizens, Flora, & Fauna: Most of Mulovia sports
black bears, brown bears, wolves, ravens, foxes, and lynxes,
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 SAVAGEIII
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The Mulovian Calendar

The time-reckoning of the Mulovians is based on the founding of the realm, by the Von Mulov dynasty, 503
years ago. Thus, the current year is 503 M.R. (Mulovian Reckoning). Unlike virtually all other calendarial sys-
tems, the Mulovian one is based on a month as set by the Lesser Moon’s phase, which is often refer to as Kora
based on an old Mulovian tale. A ‘Koran’ month is therefore only 21 days in length, with the first four weeks be-
ing five days in length and the fifth week having six days. Though odd, this calendar is quite accurate. The days
of the week are Moonday, Starday, Anderova, Korva, and Vladnar, with the extra day being called Covena.
There are 13 Koran months in a roughly 357-day year, an extra three days being added at the winter solstice
which is the end of the old year and start of the new. This period is known as The Ravening, for it is often a time
of hunger and the Raven-lord, Anderok. The 13 Koran months are named Winterdeep, Winterbreath, Win-
terreach, Wolfing, Greening, Sunning, Longshadow, Falling, Darkening, Blightmoon, Ravenmoon, Deepening,
and Ending.

particularly near (or in) the forested areas or snow-covered
hills. Ravens, in particular, gather and roost in coastal eyries
in, or near, the Bay of Ravens. Meanwhile, Great Wolves
(or the White Wolves of Anderok) roam most of the land,
especially in the north, and terrible things like Goblings
(Goblins), Blood Caps, and Ice Demons can sometimes be
encountered, and Wraiths, Dread-knights, and of course
Ghouls and Vampires, are not entirely rare (in fact, one oft-
sought method of Mulovian immortality is to become a
Vampire). As for fauna, several wild and useful herbs grow
in the Ravenmist Forest, and oak, maple, ash, cedar, and
pine trees are fairly common. Nobles breed black roses, a
common symbol of Mulovian knighthood or peerage, and
on very rare occasion, white lotus might be found.
Food & Drink: Mulovians, particularly the nobility,
have a renowned local drink called slavka, made from po-
tatoes and special herbal roots. It “burns” to drink it too
fast, and is a favorite in cold weather (most of the time) to
one’s self warm. Also, there is a drink called black slavka
(or blood slavka), which can generally only be afforded by
the wealthy. Said to be comprised of death lotus essence
and human (or other) blood. Most of the commoners stick
with mead or light to medium ales, and if they can afford it,
watered wine. One of the main food staples for Mulovia is
shrimp, often served live with garlic or honey-sauce, as well
as halibut and grey crab. Boar and chicken are also popular,
as is yam-glazed partridge, potato stew, and garlic-spiced
nutbread.
Notable Characters: Vortimir Von Zurik, current
king of Mulovia (who many suspect of being a vampire);
Ivana Ruseloff, countess of southeastern Mulovia; Morti-
gern Von Strauss, count and czar of northern Mulovia; Vik-
tor Von Glanovich, count of western Mulovia; Vladimir the
Pale, Death-lord and grand high-priest of Anderok; Boris
Snowraven, gypsy-lord and rogue.
Heraldry & Symbology: House Von Zurik, the cur-
rent royal house, flies a white leaping wolf insignia on a
black field, although the king’s personal heraldry is usually
three rampant white wolves on a field of midnight blue.
House Von Strauss shows a black wolf’s head on a white or
grey field, while House Von Glanovich is noted for a black
rose on a scarlet red field. Ivan Ruseloff, called the Black
Countess, sports a wolf’s body with a raven’s head and
wings on a purple field, while the once-royal Von Mulov
family flies three ravens on a bone-white field.
Enemies & Allies: The Winter Kingdom has many
enemies, for the philosophy and scheming politics of that
realm anger many neighboring peoples, but the most ma-
jor of them is Skathia (with their patron sun-goddess) and
Aradorn (though somewhat far away). The Korite horse-
clans were mortal opponents of the Mulovians, but over a
century ago, the latter wiped the horse-barbarians from the
hinterlands, destroying most of them and driving the rest,
quite literally, across the Dragon Sea (and likely back to their
original homeland in makeshift boats). As for allies, some
Mulovian nobles will hire Goblin scouts and assassins from
Nirgul, a Goblin-realm in the hilly woodlands between Ara-
dorn and Mulovia, and Lorinthian and Azirian merchants
are almost always welcome (usually for a stiff levy).
Primary Imports: Silver, copper, spices, exotic herbs,
wine, ale, precious gems, tin, slaves, alchemical goods, ex-
otic sea goods, silk.
Primary Exports: Gold, semi-precious gems, marble,
crystal, sea goods, slavka, cheap wine, slaves, timber, satin,
furs, leather goods.
Coinage & Currency: The most infamous coin in
Mulovia is probably the Iron, which is almost literally a
piece of iron (with a small traces of copper), serving essen-
tially as a bronze piece. Then there is the Vladnar, a silver
coin, which outside of Mulovia is worth usually only half as
much as other silver currencies. The Czarka is the primary
gold coin of Mulovia. Mulovian merchants will accept most
any foreign coin, usually based on their weight and quality,
although it is forbidden to accept any silver piece other than
the Vladnar. Among the much poorer commoners, trade
and barter is prevalent or the occasional exchange of Iron
pieces.
Climate & Weather: Since it is often referred to as
the Winter Kingdom, Mulovian winters last for a good five
months. The autumn is at least three solid moons as well,
and spring a couple of months at best. Summer is all but
extinct in Mulovia, save perhaps on the southeastern pen-
insula, below the Bay of Ravens, where occasional warm
winds are felt and the snows only remain for about four
months out of the year (instead of five or six). In the mid-
spring and early winter, rain is heavy, although there are
few weeks that pass in a year without some rain, mist, or
snow. Strangely, though Mulovia is south of Skathia, it is
said by many that the former realm is overall more frigid
than the latter.

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 SAVAGEIII
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Common Customs: Although it is illegal for Mulo-
vian merchants to accept any foreign silver coin, some are
allowed to do so as long as those coins are brought imme-
diately to the local count, baron, or temple of Anderok
(and the merchant then given a small reward). The drinking
of black slavka is a semi-dangerous leisure activity of many
aristocrats, allegedly displaying their lack of fear of death
and willingness to be bold even in social settings. When in-
toning the name of Anderok, it is customary to face north-
ward or spill at least a drop of blood as not to arouse the
anger of the death-god (most Mulovians just refer to him as
the Winter-lord or Lord of the Dead because of this). Silver
is often hoarded by Mulovian nobles to protect them, and
possibly their subjects, from supernatural creatures, mainly
vampires and lycanthropes; as such, silver is often brought
to Mulovian shores by merchants or smart-thinking travel-
ers to sell or trade. A noble-house feuding with another no-
ble-house can be given the blessings of the king (usually for
a price) with no repercussions. Mulovian commoners often
burn their dead, or in the very least, bury them with a stake
of oak through their hearts or mouths; Mulovian nobles, by
contrast, sometimes have their bodies carefully preserved
and placed in stone tombs with secret portals. Gypsy-bands
charge little for music and fortune-telling, but often expect a
bauble (or worthy riddle or information) in return; they are
often hunted down as outlaws by vengeful nobles.
Common Sayings: “To Anderok’s Grey Realm with
you!”, “A long winter makes for a sweeter summer (gypsy
saying),” “Be born in the spring, love in the summer, live in
the autumn, and brace for death when the winter comes,”
“May your winter be an eternity,” “Silver for the Night Chil-
dren, cold-iron for the Fey, and nothing to stop the winter,”
“A coin for death, and two coins for the death-master.”
NEOPOS
The island of Neopos, considered one of the central Prydo-
nian Islands (despite its eastern-most proximity to the Drag-
on Sea), is a civilized place, a land of fine cities, towns, and
pleasant villages. It has always been a part of the Prydonian
Republic, that great union of island realms and city-states,
even going so far as having one of its excellent cities—Leo-
326
polis—now serving as the de facto capital of the Republic
(ever since the metropolis of Prydon itself was mostly lost
to the sea during the last cataclysm just before the Gorgon
Wars). Geographically, Neopos may be the largest of the all
the Prydonian Isles, although it is difficult to tell between
Sardonia, Athelon, and even Prydonian itself, all of which
are very similar in land-mass. Neopos also has a great num-
ber of “satellite” isles and islets, and some are renowned
(or infamous) in their own rights, such as Siren Isle and the
barrier-like archipelago off the southern coast.
Language: The people of Neopos speak Prydonian
as their native tongue, although secondary and tertiary
tongues are often heard (or seen) in the form of Lorinthian
and sometimes Azirian or Old Rhodonite. Gorgonic might
occasionally be heard also, but it is frowned upon. Most
Neoposians, even commoners, are literate in at least Prydo-
nian (and sometimes Lorinthian).
Religion: Like most Prydonian island-realms, the sea-
god Prydonis is chief in Neopos, the veritable king of the
Elder Deities of Rhodon. However, Nipalos, oddly enough,
is highly praised here as well, particularly by the common
folk (he is a god of night and thieves, after all). Romega,
Luccia, Orseus, and Atores all have worthy followers here
too, as most Neoposians—like all Prydonians—are essen-
tially monotheistic in their worship practices.
Geography: Neopos is situated at the eastern edge
of the Sea of Prydonis, with its eastern shores soaked by
the mighty Dragon Sea. In the north of Neopos are gentle
mountains, with foothills extending southeastward, while
in the northwest and central regions, forests dominate the
land. A large freshwater lake exists in the central-south
of Neopos, fed by a river created from rain runoff in the
northern mountains. Several smaller isles can be found off
the northwestern coast, as well as the gentler southern
shoreline.
Major Cities & Settlements: Leopolis is the Neo-
posian capital, a veritable city-state in its own right (pop-
ulation 75,000), found on the eastern coast and therefore
convenient to both the Sea of Prydonis and the Dragon Sea.
Palos is another grand city, this one on the southwestern
coast, as is Phostes, a smaller version of the former in the
northwest. Naeon and Megara are coastal towns worthy of
some mention.
Denizens, Flora, & Fauna: The common herbs and
plants of Neopos are orchids, ferns, ivy, vine-plants, and
lilies. A special, almost magical, root can also be found in
the northeastern woodlands which allegedly yields visions
and portents to those who boil it and inhale it correctly.
The rare and mystical Red Lotus can grow here as well, al-
though it is not thought to be native. Cedar, small pines, pin
oaks, palms, and willows are common types of trees, and
wild dogs, hares, wild pigs, deer, and panthers roam the
wilder regions of the Neopos. As for more terrible denizens,
gorgonic beasts occasionally dwell in the hinterlands, such
as Cyclopses, Minotaurs, and sometimes even Medusae,
Nether-hounds, and worse. A Storm Titan was said to have
once dwelled just off the southern shores, between the
main island and the line of barrier islets, an ancient being
of near-divine origin whose name was said to be Rhodonis.
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KINGDOMS
Food & Drink: Neoposian diet usually consists of sea-
food of nearly all sorts, mainly shrimp, oyster, squid, and
octopus (often spiced with cinnamon or mustard seed),
as well as the normal Prydonian fare of flounder, seabass,
swordfish, tuna, and all manner of fish-eggs, sometimes
roasted or filleted into soup-like sauces. Wine, of course, is
the normal staple drink of Neopos, and fine wine (usually
from Vean or southern Lorinthia) is preferred to those who
can afford it. Commoners most often water their wine, due
to expense, although wine “flavored” with spring water or
made from olive oil has become something of a trend of
late.
Notable Characters: Merkoseus of House Prydo-
nokis is the renowned and respected lord of Leopolis, and
virtual king of all Neopos. Queen Rhodosea is Merkoseus’
wife and queen, and is said to have once been a high priest-
ess of Romega. Artikus the Grey is a renowned high priest of
Nipalos, as is Ulysseus, although his sect is that of Prydonis.
Demodides is a famed sage and seer, and some say a dab-
bling magician.
Heraldry & Symbology: The standard heraldry of
the island-kingdom of Neopos is a golden owl on a light
blue field, while King Merkoseus’ personal banner is a gold-
en sea-lion on a white or silver field. The city of Leopolis
sports two rampant golden lions each facing a silver trident
in between them on a blue-green field. In general, owls
(creatures often associated with the night-god Nipalos), li-
ons, tridents, and scrolls are featured often in Neoposion
symbology.
Enemies & Allies: Neopos boasts a fair number of
allies, the primary one, of course, being the Prydonian Re-
public itself of which the island-realm is a major member
and contributor (Leopolis has served as the high-capital of
late, after all, since the fall of Prydon just over a century
ago). It maintains relative peace with the Lorinthian Empire
as well, although the southern provinces are sometimes at
odds with Neoposion assumed supremacy in the Sea of Pry-
donis’ shipping and fishing lanes. Neopos is a prime target
for pirates, unfortunately, and often the smaller coastal vil-
lages are attacked or at least harassed.
Primary Imports: Gold, iron, horses, cattle, furs,
leather goods, hardwoods, fine wine, exotic animals, mar-
ble.
Primary Exports: Silver, precious gems, tin, copper,
bronze statuary, marble statuary, sea goods, ships/boats,
sponge, pearl, exotic inks, exotic herbs.
Coinage & Currency: Neopos accepts any form of
currency recognized by the Prydonian Republic, with the
Merkon being the standard unit of coinage (a silver piece).
There is also the bronze piece, called a Deka (perhaps more
copper than bronze), and the Zykas, a gold coin. There is
even a platinum piece in circulation (called a Rhodonas),
once minted in both Neopos and Orices, worth close to
five gold coins. The outer villages still often use a trade and
barter system, and sometimes coinage is only accepted by
quality and weight.
Climate & Weather: The typical Neoposian sum-
mer is extremely hot, though there are generally decent
sea-breezes blowing in from the east and south that grant
A BRIEF GAZETTEER
some relief. Tempests and squalls are fairly common, how-
ever, off the southeastern shores, where sea meets sea, and
also to some extent in the northeast. Winter is very brief, as
might be expected, although it brings some nice moderate
temperatures to the entirety of the island-real. The rainiest
season here seems to be the early spring and late summer,
and thunderstorms are fairly frequent.
Common Customs: Neoposian woman often carry
baskets of fruit or other goods on their heads, a custom
some say came from Aziria (across the Dragon Sea). Men
often wear togas, like the Lorinthians, particularly scholars,
priests, artists, and philosophers, and sometimes even war-
riors and guardsmen wear them over armor (or no armor
at all). It is customary for Neoposian philosophers to com-
pete with one another in the agora (marketplace), although
one can “buy” a more private and elevated space for a few
coins paid to a local official. Priests, too, often take to the
streets to share the ways of their deity, and the gods in gen-
eral, and for a coin or two, blessings or magical trinkets are
occasionally given to passersby. Neoposian houses almost
always have a garden on the roof, as well as a cistern sys-
tem for catching rain-water. Black Lotus is outlawed here,
although Purple, Pink, and Red Lotus can occasionally be
found for a hefty price. It is forbidden to harm a lion, or
any cat, within the city walls of Leopolis. It is also forbidden
to harm a dolphin or whale within eye-shot of the Neo-
posian coastline. The people of Neopos usually place their
dead on small funerary boats, with coins on the eyes (or in
the mouth), although those unable to afford such luxuries
often weight the corpse down with heavy stones and give it
to the sea after a brief ceremony. On the seven major holy
days of Nipalos, the penalty for theft is lowered significant-
ly, and in some cases, wholly ignored.
Common Sayings: “Oridon take the ignorant and
foolish!”, “Strength of the lion; wisdom of the owl,” “May
your ships always find safe harbor,” “Powers of Rhodon
watch over you,” “Teach one to fish and he feeds well;
teach one to sail and he is free a lifetime,” “May the Night-
god follow you.”
NORLUND
Located in the far northwest of the Astagonian continent
is Norlund, which in the the Norish tongue means “north
land” and an Old Valkari (the root language of Norish)
meaning for “night land.” Either name is appropriate, for
Norlund is both far northward and the night’s, particularly
in the winter, are long indeed (though the summer days
can go on for over eighteen hours). The Norish people,
who are generally called “Norish,” “Norlunders,” or indi-
vidually as “Norish-man” or “Norish-woman.” Of course,
often in the southern lands, they might be referred to as a
more generic “North-man,” although this would, technical-
ly, also include Skathians, Thorakkians, and even Mulovians
and Brythians. Norlund was founded by the Valkari people,
a blonde-haired, blue-eyed tribe typically of fair skin and
great stature. There is presently no single sovereign ruler of
Norlund, but instead, a collection of tribal-kings and jarls
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(chieftains).
Language: The native tongue is Norish, a derivative of
the Old Valkari language (Norish is semi-written, using a ru-
nic lettering system, in which generally only priests, skalds,
and lords are fluent). Many Norish-folk also speak Brythian,
especially near the borders, and Gaernic and even Duergar
or Troll-speak are sometimes known as well.
Religion: The chief deity of the Norlund is Fragnir,
god of war, luck, and the sea. His wife, or mother (there
are conflicting legends), is Signa, goddess of dawn, spring,
and the hearth. Vradden, a deity of law and vengeance, is
fairly popular too, as is Anderok (god of death and winter)
and Jorl (god of fire and secrets). Occasionally, some of the
Brythian and Gaernic gods are honored also—such as Cor-
mac or Briannon—but usually only in southern Norlund.
Geography: Well over half of the Norish land-area
is mountainous, as the great foothills give way quickly to
the nearly impassable Iceclaw Mountains in the north. The
western coast is also quite high and hilly, with white-chalked
cliffs glaring out toward the sea, and much pine forest can
be found in the south and central regions, as well as the
northeastern highlands. Several major rivers flow through
Norlund, most notably the Mist River and the Icy River.
Major Cities & Settlements: Bragna is considered
the capital of Norlund, the seat of King Ragnar Redbeard,
although in truth there is no real capital, at least in the tra-
ditional meaning of it. Ulfhiem is large town in the east,
on the river, nearly rivaling Bragna for size and importance
(and is also the seat of a Norish king or jarl). Valla, Torgard,
and Firthport are also somewhat notable settlements, for mous for her alliances with the Duergar of Uldarak. Valric
the Norish are not builders of vast city-states. Silverblood was an infamous sea-raider, though many claim
Denizens, Flora, & Fauna: Reindeer, great elk, he was recently captured and executed. Grolf the Bear-killer
brown bears, wolves, and even the occasional arctic bear is a renowned (and somewhat feared) skald and priest.
or snow lynx can be found haunting most of the Norish Heraldry & Symbology: King Ragnar’s main symbol
wilderness. Snow rabbits, too, can be spotted from time seems to be a rampant red bear on a grey field, while the
to time, as can ravens, hawks, and glorious eagles. As for primary heraldry of Ulric Stormborn is a black lion with a
flora, the famed White Lotus is occasionally seen here (not- lightning bolt in one its paws. Yssa Hjarlsdottir often sports
ed for its near-magical healing properties), although more two crossed hammers on a golden field. They symbol of
commonly are evergreen spruces and furs, and hardwood Valric Silverblood and his piratical clan is (or was) a silver
maples and ashes. Trolls can be found wandering the for- bear with a black skull in its maw. Overall, Norish-folk pre-
lorn countryside on occasion, although their presence was fer the use of bears, wolves, axes, hammers, and wyrms in
for more numerous and worrisome in elder times. Other their heraldry.
monsters sometimes include Ogre-trolls, Great Wolves, Enemies & Allies: Norlund, as a whole, as several
Frost Giants, Ice Worms, and even Ice Demons. major enemies—the Brythians, to the south (who are not
Food & Drink: Mead is the most popular drink in so keen on the incessant raider-mentality of the Norish bar-
all Norlund, which is almost always laced with honey and barians), and less so, the Gaernic folk to the west across
taken in great drinking-horns or large tankards. Dark ales the Nochlyn Firth (particularly those from the kingdom of
are also well-liked, and just about any ale or beer for that Faerland). Trolls and Frost Giants are semi-intelligent foes as
matter, and wine (a Southern export) is usually spurned. well, smart enough to know that they are continually at war
Breads of many types are staple foods, as is cheese, hon- with the Norish humans, and even the Duergar of Uldarak
ey, pork, beef, venison, halibut, and mackerel, either eaten have pronounced war upon Norlund at some point. How-
with no additions or spiced with liver-sauce, leeks, or po- ever, in present times, Uldarak is an ally of sorts, at least
tatoes. Sweet or salted bread-snacks are enjoyed as well, trade-wise, although access between that Dwarf-realm and
often decorated with licorice root or vanilla. Norlund is challenging given the climate and near-impass-
Notable Characters: Ragnar Redbeard, son of ability of the central Iceclaw Mountains. In addition, the
Bragnir, is likely the most powerful chieftain or “king” in Gaernic kingdom of Dal Ruatha, in the Emerald Islands, has
Norlund. Ulric Stormborn, son of Ulfric, is an up-and-com- a peace-truce every now and again.
ing jarl, whose power is mainly gaining in the south. Yssa Primary Imports: Copper, gold, precious gems,
Hjarlsdottir has some queenly power in the northeast, fa- pearl, exotic sea goods, exotic wood, bronze, slaves/thralls,

328 A BRIEF GAZETTEER

 SAVAGEIII
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ale, cheap wine, steel, horses, goats, chickens.
Primary Exports: Silver, iron, tin, semi-precious
gems, amber, sea goods, timber, wood goods, furs, leather
goods, wool, hemp.
Coinage & Currency: Norlund does not normally
press or mint its own coinage, instead accepting most for-
eign types of coin based on its weight and quality (much of
which is melted down or re-shaped into a trinket or sorts).
However, Ragnar Redbeard as recently pressed a gold coin
in his likeness, a heavy piece known as a Berling. “Hack-sil-
ver” is still used to this day as a form of payment, essentially
being arm or finger rings of silver in which warriors or trad-
ers will hack off pieces to use as currency. Trade and bar-
ter, however, is still the most common form of commerce
even in the “big cities” of Norlund; oath-promises, too, are
normal forms of payment, usually in exchange for future
services or gift-givings.
Climate & Weather: Given its far northern situation,
Norlund is frigid for most of the year (particularly the terri-
ble winter moons), although the brief summer is quite pleas-
ant where the daylight periods are often eighteen hours in
length. The western coasts get plenty of sea-wind, which
is almost constant, and the Firth itself (a.k.a. the Brythian
Channel) is occasionally frozen almost completely for a few
weeks in middle to late winter. Southeastern Norlund sees
the least amount of snow, but even then, it still covers the
hilly plains four or five months out of the year.
Common Customs: It is customary that new war-
riors, usually at least fifteen winters of age, fight in the
shield-wall before being allowed to lead men or undertake
special missions. In contrast, a man beyond fifty-five years
in age (or maimed or given over to priestly service), is ex-
empt from the shield-wall. Women can fight in the shield-
wall if of suitable social rank or by special permission giv-
en in the tribal althing (council). The champion of a single
combat is allowed to take one item from his beaten oppo-
nent, if still alive, which is usually a horse, a sword, an axe,
a shield, a slave, an ox, or a daughter. A priest of Fragnir is
actually a priest, or spokesman, for all the gods, particularly
the masculine ones (and the same with a priestess of Signa,
who speaks for all the known goddesses). The success of a
warrior can often be seen by the number of “warrior rings”
or “arm-rings” he, or she, is wearing, either comprised of
hack-silver or crafted from the armor or weaponry of de-
feated enemies. The Norish dead are almost always burned
on a pyre, the noble and renowned being afforded a boat
or ship that sails off with the body and then burned while
“at sea” (symbolizing the soul’s voyage to Fragnir’s halls in
the Other-world). Great chieftains might have a great rune-
stone erected in their honor.
Common Sayings: “For death, ruin, and a red
dawn!”, “To Fragnir’s halls with you!”, “May Anderok use
your skull for a drinking cup,” “Let the Ice-worms find your
bones,” “Keep your teeth together (meaning shut your
mouth)!”, “The sea for a soul, an axe for a body, and a
runestone for a mind.”
A BRIEF GAZETTEER
ORICES
One of the many Prydonian Isles, located south by south-
west of Neopos and southeast of Prydonian proper. Orices,
for all intents and purposes, is a central island, one with a
storied history of loyalty to the Republic, as well as educa-
tion, philosophy, and well-rounded citizens. In fact, of all
the Prydonian “central isles,” Orices is probably the most
removed, for sometimes its people, culture, and overall
philosophy waxes nearly “outer island” in viewpoint, a
trait that is both endearing and occasionally repulsing at
the same time. The island of Orices is given its name by its
primary city, a veritable city-state in its own right, and de
facto capital of this island-kingdom.
Language: Oricean people speak Prydonian as their
native tongue, a language based off of Old Rhodonite (as
do nearly all humans in this maritime region). A common
secondary tongue is Lorinthian, despite its great distance to
the north, as well as Mezcan (a rare language of the indig-
enous people of the isle-continent to the south) and even
Old Rhodonite itself. Sometimes Gorgonic is also known,
to some scholarly degree, as is Azirian and Chenari in rare
occasion.
Religion: Homaging all the deities of the Prydo-
nian-Rhodonite pantheon, Oriceans still tend to hold
Orseus, god of knowledge and prophecy, above all, and
would be considered the patron deity of the city of Orices.
Also popular, of course, if Prydonis, lord of the sea, as is
Romega, Luccia, Atores, and perhaps less so, Nipalos. The
open worship of Gorgothon would be all but forbidden
here, although somewhat more tolerable than such practice
might be in, say, Prydon or Leopolis, or worse yet, about
anywhere in Athelon. However, in contrast, Oriceans ap-
pear to be somewhat open toward certain Azirian gods as
well as the chief-god of the Chenari.
Geography: The island of Orices is somewhat hilly in
the north, although apart from that, the terrain in most ev-
ery other region is flat, semi-rolling plains. The eastern-most
tip, however, has some minor hills, enough to make a few
leagues worth of fairly high sea-cliffs. A major river flows
from the northern highlands, emptying in a large delta in
the southeast island, where the ancient ruins of Daelos can
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KINGDOMS
be found. Several major roads, some paved in broken sea-
shell, criss-cross the island-realm, especially toward the ex-
terior.
Major Cities & Settlements: The city of Orices, es-
sentially a city-state all its own, has a population of around
40,000. Tarpolos is a fairly major town on the northeastern
shores, as is Romeganon not far south of Orices City in the
southwestern reaches of the island. The ruined city of Stel-
los can be found on the great road between Orices City and
Tarpolos, once a famous city-state of nearly 60,000 souls.
Denizens, Flora, & Fauna: Typical Oricean fauna
consists primarily of vine plants, fronds, ferns, as well as
Red Lotus which, though not native, thrives in the sun and
soil here. Common trees are cedar, palm, poplar, willow,
dates, and figs. In regards to fauna, goats, lambs, panthers,
wild pigs, and seabirds are fairly common, and terrible gor-
gonic creatures can sometimes be encountered in the north-
ern hills or central plains (where there are few settlements),
mainly such things as Minotaurs, Cyclopses, and Harpies,
although it is said that Sirens and Hydrae sometimes haunt
the coastal waters.
Food & Drink: Almost all Oriceans enjoy wine, both
cheap and finely vintaged, and occasionally the commoners
will indulge in light ales (a northern import) or the exot-
ic drinks of the cat-like Chenari or Azirians from the dis-
tant East. As for foodstuffs, the typical Oricean eats olives
(and olive oil) with nearly everything, as well as dates, figs,
pomegranates, goat’s milk cheese, and grapes of various va-
rieties. Fish eggs are quite the delicacy, especially if coated
in crushed olive sauce, and other forms of seafood are quite
common staples. Land and air based meats are enjoyed too,
like roasted lamb, boiled gull, and rabbit’s head stew.
Notable Characters: Lord Xandros of Orices, high
patriarch and city governor, is the default of king of the is-
land-realm, for there are few nobles here that can match his
renown and social power. Aktheus the Wise is a renowned
scholar, and the grand high priest of all the temples of Or-
seus. A sorceress and oracle named Medara, once a priestess
of Romega, is said to now live in some half-forgotten coast-
al island off the northern shore.
Heraldry & Symbology: King Xandros’ main in-
signia is a green sea-serpent on a black or dark grey field,
while the primary arms of the city of Orices itself is a golden
lion laying before an open scroll (similar to iconology often
used for the sect of Orseus). The harbor-town of Tarpolos
often displays a white bull’s head on a black field.
Enemies & Allies: The main ally of the isle-kingdom
of Orices is, of course, the Prydonian Republic itself, usually
consisting of the islands (and most of the city-states therein)
of Neopos, Phylasteus, and Prydonia proper, and usually
Vean and the city-state of Merdon too. In addition, Orices
has forged a mercantile alliance with Aziria (from across the
Dragon Sea). As for enemies, the Oriceans have very few,
save for pirate fleets and gorgonic beasts. The city-state of
Orices once feuded with Athelon, not a century ago, but
ended before full-scale war began.
Primary Imports: Silver, leather goods, iron, precious
gems, hardwoods, ships, wine, light ales, cattle, horses.
Primary Exports: Pearl, gold, semi-precious gems,
330
copper, bronze, marble, ships, herbs, spices, alchemical
goods, sea goods, scrolls/books.
Coinage & Currency: Orices accepts most any form
of currency recognized by the Prydonian Republic, with the
Merkon being the standard unit of coinage (a silver piece).
There is also the bronze piece, called a Deka (perhaps more
copper than bronze), and the Zykas, a gold coin. There is
even a platinum piece in circulation (called a Rhodonas),
minted in Orices City as well as Neopos, but they are quite
rare (but each worth about five gold zykas). In the smaller
villages, trade and barter exists, although it is fairly uncom-
mon.
Climate & Weather: In the summer, as one might
expect, Orices is nigh unbearable, with temperatures high
enough to close most shoppes (and even temples) on cer-
tain days. The only possible saving grace are the sea-breezes
usually from the west, although they are not particularly
common. Oriceans must often deal with gale-force winds
and even hurricanes which occasionally spring into being
without warning. Flooding is sometimes a problem too,
as the island is relatively low and flat, brought about by
tempests as well as summer rainstorms. Yet, the winters are
quite pleasant, with two or three months of respite from
the hot red sun.
Common Customs: Almost all Oricean children,
save for the very poor, are educated in reading, writing,
sailing, and fishing, not only at home but at temples of Or-
seus (and some temples of Prydonis) with no cost save for
a small donation. Oriceans are generally friendly folk, but
often despise outsiders apart from the occasional merchant
or visiting emissary—they will often refer other travelers to
the island of Vean, a popular retreat for the wealthy. An
Oricean child, particularly a female, who shows great fore-
sight or experiences dream-visions, is often whisked away
from his/her parents to either join the sect of Orseus as a
priest or serve as a sacred oracle/prophetess. Most travelers
on the Great Road between Orices City and Tarpolos, when
passing the vast ruins of Stellos, will make signs against evil
(while some also leave little token-gifts alongside the road
in sight of the ruined stone-work). Many Oriceans, especial-
ly those from the larger settlements, consider Athelonians
little more than glorified savages. Like many Prydonian
people, Oricean sailors will usually offer a sacrifice to the
sea before a voyage.
Common Sayings: “May Orseus grant you wisdom,”
“Knowledge and wisdom are not always kin,” “The sea
grant you a hundred bounties!”, “Gods of land and sea,
protect us,” “Never judge a traitor until one has met an
Athelonian,” “Stranger than a Chenari,” “Pride breeds dig-
nity, and ignorance breeds folly.”
PHYLASTEUS
Another one of the many Prydonian Isles, Phylasteus is lo-
cated in southern waters of the Sea of Prydonis, south of
Prydonia proper and in between Athelon and Orices. The
island-realm of Phylasteus has almost always been a part
of the Prydonian Republic, whose base of power was once
famed Prydon (until most of it sank just before the Gorgon
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 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
Wars), although there were a few decades of time where
the island, and the city-state of Phylasteum, was free an
independent. Phylasteus is known for its forward-thinking
people, a place of philosophy, enigma, spiritualism, mental-
ism, and free-thinking.
Language: The Phylastean people use Prydonian as
their native tongue, although they have a distinct dialect
which seems to incorporate much of the antiquated vo-
cabulary of the Old Rhodonite language (which many are
skilled at as well). Gorgonic is heard here too, on occasion,
and usually without retribution. Some scholars and sail-
or-merchants are knowledgeable in the Mezcan and Che-
nari tongues as well.
Religion: Luccia (goddess of love, art, and seduction)
likely has more influence in Phylasteus, overall, than even
the sea-god Prydonis. Sardona, too, goddess of fertility and
the harvest, is highly revered as well (especially in Phylas-
teum), as is Romega, goddess of magic and mystery. Atores
and Nipalos probably see the least amount of worship, al-
though in truth, the Prydonian people in general are quite
polytheistic. Even the worship of Gorgothon, if done at
least somewhat discreetly, is mostly tolerated in open-mind-
ed Phylasteus.
Geography: Phylasteus is somewhat mountainous,
with a small range of peaks running through the heart of the
island, essentially splitting the land into western and eastern
halves. Despite this, the island-realm remains mostly uni-
fied, although the people of eastern Phylasteus tend to be a
bit less intellectual and earthier than their western kindred.
The west and southwest is primarily plains, although they
rise somewhat sharply as they draw closer to the inland
mountains. There is very little forest on Phylasteus, provok-
ing much trade with neighboring realms and far-traveling
wood-traders.
Major Cities & Settlements: The capital city is Phy-
lasteum, populated by nearly 55,000 human souls. Apart
from this near-metropolis of temples, agoras, markets, and
exquisite statuary, Phylasteus boasts few cities (having most-
ly towns and villages). A few more worthy settlements,
however, might be Narkos, Vinakles, and Phyloria.
Denizens, Flora, & Fauna: Phylastean flora tends to
be creeping vines, ivies, orchids, willow trees, cedar trees,
A BRIEF GAZETTEER
palm trees, and Prophecy trees. Wild cacti grow in the inte-
rior of the island, in the high plains before the mountains.
Small antelope-like deer can be found here too, along with
rabbits, field mice, wild pigs, seahawks, and albatross. On
the coast, or just out to see, numerous sharks, octopi, and
brightly colored eels can be seen on occasion. In addition,
horrible gorgonic and fey creatures are said to haunt the
mountainous regions, or the more forlorn coastal areas,
such things as Cyclopses, Satyrs, Nymphs, and even Basilisks
and Chimerae.
Food & Drink: Wine, be it fine or cheap, is the staple
drink of Phylasteans abroad, although the occasional im-
port elixir—such as beer or Chenari concoctions—is often
welcome. Olive wine is a local delicacy, and some claim
that several forms of Pink and Red Lotus liquid extractions
can be found by those who search hard enough. As might
be expected, seafood is the main food diet here, with boiled
octopi, fried starfish, and shark stew being the favorites.
Many types of seaweed are consumed as well, usually with
a flavored fish-egg or olive sauce.
Notable Characters: Derocleseus II is the lord of
Phyasteum, and therefore over-king of all Phylasteus, a
noted military tactician as well as writer and philosopher.
Sardosa the Flayer is a famed (or infamous) pirate from
Phylasteus, and some say that she maintains a hidden port-
cove on the island’s eastern coast. Hegaron Dykastres is a
renowned sailor and merchant based in the harbor-town
of Narkos.
Heraldry & Symbology: The banner of King Dero-
cleseus is a golden seahorse on a deep blue field, although
the standard of the city of Phylasteum itself is a golden lyre
on a light blue field. Sardosa the Flayer occasionally flies a
black scourge or whip on a red field, sometimes including
a flayed white skull. Hegaron Dykastres employs his house/
family’s insignia at times, which are two crossed tridents on
a field of black and white field.
Enemies & Allies: As a number of the Prydonian Isles,
Phylasteus’ primary ally is the Prydonian Republic itself, and
therefore with the island-realms of Neopos, Orices, and
Prydonia proper (as well as a few independent city-states).
In the past, Phylasteum has even made alliances with pirate
groups and savage Mezcan chieftains. As for enemies, there
is the occasional pirate gang (that hasn’t been appeased) or
the uprising of a malevolent cult, and Athelon and Sardonia
have been in opposition (and almost at war) with Phylaste-
us at one time or another.
Primary Imports: Silver, copper, tin, timber, wood
goods, ships, horses, exotic animals, leather goods, foreign
philosophies, exotic stone, semi-precious gems.
Primary Exports: Iron, gold, ships, fruits, olive oil,
fine wine, cheap wine, alchemical goods, parchment, vel-
lum, exotic inks, statuary, fine art, sea goods.
Coinage & Currency: Phylasteus accepts most forms
of currency recognized by the Prydonian Republic, with the
Merkon being the standard unit of coinage (a silver piece).
There is also the bronze piece, called a Deka (perhaps more
copper than bronze), and the Zykas, a gold coin. There is
even a platinum piece in circulation (called a Rhodonas),
actually minted in neighboring island-kingdoms, but such
331
 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
coins are quite rare (but each worth about five gold zykas).
In the smaller villages, trade and barter exists, either in
goods or services.
Climate & Weather: The Phylastean winter, as brief
as it is, is as pleasant as the summer here is brutal (lasting
about four to five months). Early spring brings rain, and
late summer to early autumn can bring tempests, squalls,
and hurricanes. The range of mountains running through
the heart of Phylasteus helps break up most major hurri-
cane activity, and the high ground can be proof against
flood-waters. Crops are usually harvested in late summer to
early autumn, although many of the olives, grapes, and figs
can be twice-yielded.
Common Customs: Philosophy, and philosophers,
are so common in the city of Phylasteum, that one can sim-
ply walk through any agora, marketplace, or major street
and catch one’s fill of varying views, outlooks, and opin-
ions (and often in several different languages). It is forbid-
den to throw rotten fruit or other missiles at priests and
philosophers while they are “at work,” particularly if they
have paid civil fees for the right (and protection) to do so.
Some agoras in Phylasteum, and even Markos, allows art-
ists to paint, sculpt, and sketch on the flagstones and pillars
as long as no permanent alterations are made. Phylastean
sailors, like most of their Prydonian ilk, often give a sacrifice
to the sea (and therefore Prydonis) before a long voyage.
There are twenty-one recognized holy days dedicated to
Luccia, the most of any Phylastean-Prydonian deity—many
of Luccia’s holy days involve romantic couplings and the
occasional orgy. For one day out of the year, priestesses of
Romega must go about unmasked in accordance to Phy-
lastean law. In the town of Vinakles, it is forbidden to kill a
shark within one hundred paces of the shoreline.
Common Sayings: “I am a philosopher, and I bring
unto you new truths!”, “Listen well and hear wisdom,”
“There is no greater power in the mortal world than love,”
“Women are dolphins; men are sharks,” “Trust a politician
no more than you would trust a pirate.”
PRYDONIA
This is the preeminent Prydonian Isle, the central island of
332
the Republic and home to legendary Prydon, quite possibly
the greatest city ever built by Men. Sadly, due to the last
cataclysm which heralded the terrible Gorgon Wars, much
of the metropolis of Prydon drowned in the sea, the very
same waters named after their patron deity, Prydonis, god
of the sea. The island of Prydonia is located more or less in
the geographical center of all the great islands, if not at the
heart of the Sea of Prydonis itself (in between Sardonia to
the west and Torin and Neopos to the east). Prydon City,
and the island or Prydonia, have rich histories going all the
way back to the time of Rhodonites, when the Elder Deities
were said to live on the mystical isle of Rhodon in a great
“sea beyond the sea”.
Language: Naturally, Prydonian is the native language
of this island-realm, although Lorinthian is often known as
well by most people here. Old Rhodonite is occasionally
learned by priests and other scholars, as is (though rarer)
Gorgonic and even Titanic. The Prydonian language is the
primary root of the Lorinthian tongue.
Religion: Prydonis is easily the patron deity of the is-
land, and even more so in Prydon itself (what remains of
it). Yet, the Prydonians as a race are primarily a polythe-
istic lot, and so Romega (probably second in popularity),
Atores, Luccia, Orseus, Nipalos, and Sardona—and their
temples—are well-represented here too.
Geography: Essentially, Prydonia is separated into
east and west portions, with the Titan River (actually a
man-made canal) running through the middle, situated
north of the Bay of Romega, one of the defining features
of the island. Mountains line the western coast, creating
some extreme cliffs facing out to sea, and more high peaks
can be found on the southeastern tip of the isle. Some light
to medium forest can be found at Prydonia’s center, in the
Prydon City region, and some marshland in the southwest-
ern region. The island also sports a semi-active volcano on
the northwestern coast, a fire mountain that has featured
prominently in the past.
Major Cities & Settlements: Easily the most fa-
mous city in the Isles (if not the known world), Prydon, was
once populated by 200,000 people. Built nearly thirteen
centuries ago by skilled and dedicated men (who may have
used architectural secrets of the Sidhe), Prydon became the
center of Western human civilization. Hippocles is an im-
portant coastal town in the north, the birthplace of the re-
nowned priest and sorcerer, Jazores. Apopolos, on the east
coast, is also of some renown, as is Virgosa and the interior
city of Basilon.
Denizens, Flora, & Fauna: Cedars, palms, elms,
and Prophecy trees are dominant in the woodlands, while
vines, ivies, orchids, and lilies tend to be prevalent plants
and herbs. Sharks, octopi, swordfish, and squid are fair-
ly common in the waters around Prydonia, and dolphins
and eels can be found in the Bay of Romega. Deer, boar,
and panthers roam the inland plains, and on rare occasion,
a gorgonic creature (or worse) is reported in the hills or
mountains. Tales speak of the Leviathan, a massive sea-crea-
ture that is said to be the divine spawn of Prydonis, and its
occasional visits to the Bay of Romega.
Food & Drink: Fine wine is much preferred by the
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 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS

The Prydonian Calendar

The current-day Prydonians, particularly those allied with the slow-fading Prydonian Republic, still use a
time-reckoning system quite similar to that of the ancient Rhodonites. The people of Old Rhodon divided the
year into 12 months, each month 30 days in length, with an additional day added every four years to make up
the slight time difference. This model is the basis for many calendarial models in the West and abroad, the days
of the week being as follows: Seaday, Stormday, Sunday, Godsday, Starday, Moonsday, and Marketday.
This reckoning of time begin at the fall of Rhodon, some 1,200 years ago, and is currently marked as 1209
R.Y. (Rhodonite Year). However, some scholars in more forlorn island-realms amidst the Sea of Prydonis have
actually “restarted” a new calendarial system at 9 A.G. (After Gorgons, referring to after the so-called Gorgon
Wars).

typical Prydonian, although the commoners often water it
down as to be more affordable. Light ales and beers are also
appreciated here to some degree, and more exotic drinks—
such as Sidhe-wine or Elixir of Rhodon (a part-herbal,
part-alchemical concoction)—are consumed by the nobility
and others of wealth. Swordfish, flounder, eel, squid, and
octopi, are common staples, often covered in olive sauce,
plum spice, or slivered oranges. Chicken, pork, and beef are
often eaten as well.
Notable Characters: Rhodoneus VII is the current
Basilius, which is to say that he is the grand high-magus and
over-king of Prydon, Prydonian, and the Prydonian Repub-
lic. Customarily, the grand high-magus (the highest of the
high priests) of Prydonis ascends to the throne of the Pry-
donian empire. Meridon the Myrastean is a champion glad-
iator and athlete, residing in Apopolos. Jazores the Wise,
high priest of Prydonis, is a famed resident of both Hippo-
cles and half-sunken Prydon. The legendary oracle, Orphe-
an, maintains a tiny island in the Bay of Romega which a
few chosen acolytes maintain even after his alleged death.
Heraldry & Symbology: The Basilius’ royal and
holy insignia is a silver trident above a line of blue water
on which sits a golden lily. Meridon the Myrastean often
bears the symbol of his now-defunct people, a deep blue
tidal wave on a field of silver. Jazores the Wise usually dis-
plays three white owls perched atop the prongs of a blue-
green trident. Generally speaking, Prydonians prefer oce-
anic-themed heraldry, and occasionally owls, bulls, lyres,
or harps.
Enemies & Allies: The island-kingdom of Prydonia
has many allies, particularly those associated with the Pry-
donian Republic, such as Neopos, Orices, and occasionally
independent city-states. Even the Lorinthian Empire—more
notably the southern coastal provinces—often serve as al-
lies, albeit nominally. Prydonia has few direct enemies, al-
though Lorinthia has been such in various times in the past
as have the “outer islands,” such as Athelon, Miurga, and
on occasion, Sardonia (i.e. those often unsworn to the Pry-
donian Republic).
Primary Imports: Copper, semi-precious gems, iron,
exotic timber, exotic spices, exotic herbs, leather goods,
horses.
Primary Exports: Gold, silver, tin, precious gems,
bronze, marble, charcoal, olive oil, wine, scrolls/books,
ships, chariots, pearl, sea goods.
Coinage & Currency: Prydonia accepts most any
form of currency recognized by the Prydonian Republic,
with the Merkon being the standard unit of coinage (a sil-
ver piece). There is also the bronze piece, called a Deka
(perhaps more copper than bronze), and the Zykas, a gold
coin. There is even a platinum piece in circulation (called a
Rhodonas), minted in Neopos as well as parts of Orices and
once in Prydon itself, although they are quite rare (but each
worth about five gold zykas). In the smaller villages, trade
and barter exists, though it is not so common.
Climate & Weather: The summers on Prydonia are
quite hot, although pleasant sea-winds from virtually all di-
rections provide some respite. The winter moons, of course,
provide some milder temperatures, and the spring and au-
tumn sees a fair amount of rainfall. Tempests, squalls, and
even the occasional hurricane is always a potential threat,
not only to fishermen and sailors, but inland locations as
well. Weather in the central Bay of Romega region is a bit
more stable, although even that great body of water gets its
fair share of storms and gales.
Common Customs: As most other Prydonian peo-
ple, it is a customary show of respect and petition to the
chief-god Prydonis to toss a sacrifice into the sea before go-
ing on a voyage (this sacrifice is either the blood-letting of
a lamb, goat, or sheep or a giving of a votive offering of
gold, silver, or gems). Priests of Prydonis often carry a tri-
dent around as a symbol of their station, and some wear a
silver-scaled corselet to represent fish-scales. Within the city
of Prydon, it is forbidden to capture any fish or sea-mam-
mal—one must go further out to sea, beyond the seven
harbors, to engage in any fishing or hunting. When praying
or making an offering, many Prydonians (especially priests
of Prydonis) face south in the supposed direction of ancient
Rhodon, the legendary island of the Elder Deities (priests of
Atores are exceptions since they often pray facing east or
west, the pathway of the sun). The worship of Gorgothon
is expressly forbidden in the city of Prydon, and in most
settlements and regions of the island—this can be punis-
heable by permanent exile or even death. Many women
make pilgrimages to the shores of the Bay of Romega to
submerge their new-born babies in the waters, since the bay
is often equated to a divine womb, the birthing canal of the
goddess of mysteries and magic Herself.
Common Sayings: “May the sea bring bounty to your
kin and death to your enemies,” “Never suffer a gorgon to

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 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
live,” “May the Elder Seven of Rhodon protect you,” “May
you spend all your eternity in Oridon!”, “By all the glory
and majesty of Prydon!”
SARDONIA
At over 250 miles in length from east to west, the is-
land-realm of Sardonia is located northeast of Athelon and
southeast of Prydonia proper. The isle is best known for
its agriculture, for it serves as the main “bread basket” of
this maritime region, and as such, has always been a val-
ue commodity to the Prydonian Republic and to explorers
and invaders in general. Sardonia, however, has not always
been a member of the Republic, often remaining aloof and
independent and even the occasional ally of Athelon (and
Miugan briefly too). The island is said to be extremely sa-
cred to Sardonia, goddess of agriculture and the harvest.
Language: The native tongue of the people of Sar-
donia is, of course, Prydonian, although there is are some
distinct differences in dialect (particularly in those from
the capital Sardonia). Sardonians rarely know a second or
third language, but if so, the tongue is usually Gorgonic,
Old Rhodonite, or even Titanic (a more advanced form of
Giant-speech).
Religion: Sardona is easily the patron deity of Sardo-
nia, the isle-kingdom’s name quite obviously being influ-
enced by the goddess of harvest, agriculture, and the earth.
Prydonis, the lord of the sea, is also high regarded—as He
is nearly everywhere in this region—as is Atores, Nipalos,
Romega, and Luccia. Orseus is not especially popular, and
even the occasional cult of Gorgothon (or some foreign
cult) is tolerated if kept covert enough.
Geography: The vast majority of the island is plains,
much of it fertile, particularly in the eastern regions. The
western coast is more barren—the land flat and susceptible
to flooding—while the north has some rolling, slightly hilly
terrain. Low to medium mountains exist in the far east of
the isle, and even the tiny islands just off the coast there are
mainly mountainous. The west-central of the island is fairly
green with the occasional copse of olive, fig, or apple trees.
Major Cities & Settlements: The capital city is Sar-
donia, its name—like the island itself—heavily influenced
334
by the goddess, Sardonia. Cartheus, on the northwestern
coast, is a notable harbor-city, as is Aegos on the southern
shores. The famed ruins of Ithacis can be found on an island
not sixty miles from the southeastern coast of Sardonia.
Denizens, Flora, & Fauna: Sardonia is covered
mainly in grassland, wild flowers, onion grass, and wild
(and planted) wheat and barley. And though not overly
forested, olive, fig, date, pomegranate, and lemon trees
can be found in copses (or orchards) here and there. As for
fauna, small deer and hare run wild over much of the is-
land, and wild boars, wild dogs, panthers, and seabirds can
be seen in the hills and coastlands of Sardonia. Gorgonic
creatures are occasionally reported by farmers and sailors,
terrible things like Sirens, Harpies, and Hydrae
Food & Drink: Watered wine and fine wine are sta-
ple drinks of Sardonia, like most of the island-kingdoms in
the Sea of Prydonis, though earthy ales and beers are not
uncommon. Herbal teas, often spiced with lemon or olive
juice, are sometimes imbibed by the Priestesses of Sardona,
as well as being a minor trend of the wealthy. Venison,
pork, fowl, and seafood are common food items, either un-
spiced or occasionally with fish-egg, pomegranate, or lem-
on-apple sauces. However, fruits and vegetables are very
popular, and many types of bread are perhaps more usual
staple foods.
Notable Characters: Atora Theoseus is the high ma-
triarch of Sardonia, and therefore the de facto queen of
Sardonia (though she doesn’t claim such a title). She was
once the highest ranking priestess of the sect of Sardona on
the island. Pryas Dekaion is a powerful lord of Cartheus,
a successful merchant and marine-warrior. Nercei of Doros
is a mysterious and powerful sorceress, born in the town
of Doros (eastern tip of the island), but now residing on a
remote rocky island nearby, it is said.
Heraldry & Symbology: Atora Theoseus’ royal in-
signia is a golden lily, above which hangs a silver moon, on
blue-green field. Pryas Dekaion usually flies his own banner,
a black shark on a light blue field. In general, Sardonians
make little use of heraldic symbols, but when done, sea an-
imals and flowers are often implemented.
Enemies & Allies: Sardonia is one of those rare na-
tional entities with few allies, but also few enemies, at least
in general throughout its fairly storied history. However,
Athelon and even Miurga (who seldom has any allies at
all), have sided with Sardonia in the past, both mercantile
and militarily, and on rarer occasion, the island-realm has
been loyal to Prydonia, if not the Prydonian Republic as a
whole (however briefly). Pirate fleets and the occasional
gorgonic monster usually prove the greater threat, as well
as tempests and hurricanes and other acts of divine nature.
Primary Imports: Exotic spices, timber, exotic wood,
leather goods, gold, iron, precious gems, exotic stone,
wood goods, ships.
Primary Exports: Tin, silver, semi-precious gems,
pearl, sea goods, sheep, copper, marble, pottery, boats, cat-
tle, herbs, fruits.
Coinage & Currency: Sardonia accepts most any
form of currency, particularly Prydonian-minted coinage,
such as the Merkon (a silver piece), Deka (bronze/copper
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KINGDOMS
coin), and the Zykas, a gold piece. There is even a platinum
piece in circulation (called a Rhodonas), minted in Neopos
as well as parts of Orices, although they are quite rare (but
each worth about five gold zykas). In the smaller towns and
villages, trader and barter is quite common, and coins are
often accepted solely on the merits of weight and quality.
Climate & Weather: The general climate of Sardonia
is sub-tropical warmth, with the summers and late spring
become quite hot and balmy. However, sea-breezes from
nearly all directions waft across most of this relatively flat
island giving some respite, although tempests, gales, and
full-out hurricanes are therefore not uncommon either. A
good real of rain tends to fall in mid-spring as well as late
summer, which is ideal for the many crops grown on Sar-
donia.
Common Customs: According to local law in
Cartheus, priestesses of Romega must go about unmasked
while outside of the confines of their temples, except on
recognized Romega holy days. During the Festival of the
Sun, in mid-summer, there is a famed chariot race starting
from Doros (in the east) and ending in the small town of
Atoropas near the western tip. This race typically takes
four or five days to complete, and symbolizes the sun-god,
Atores’, journey across the sky. If a young girl shows a natu-
ral affinity for plants or animals, she is chosen as a potential
priestly candidate for the sect of Sardonia and taken away
for training and education, only being allowed to visit her
blood-family but two days out of the month until becom-
ing a fully anointed priestess. Many Prydonians (Sardonians
included) believe apples to be a near-magical fruit, and
pomegranates as a close second in power. When an animal
is slain in most regions of Sardonia, virtually all of its body
is used for something, be it in a stew-pot, to make clothing,
to make rope or tools, to make lard or oils, or to become
made into a sauce or spice. A lemon tree is considered good
fortune, and some claim that demonic and gorgonic crea-
tures can be turned away or harmed with lemon juice.
Common Sayings: “One must harvest what one
sows,” “A babe in spring becomes a wise man in autumn,”
“Waterfalls and earth rises,” “May all your rivers run their
course,” “Political power means little to the budding flow-
er.”
” rare occasion, even Korite, Duergar, or Troll-speak might be
SHADOWLANDS
Most certainly not a true kingdom or realm, the aptly
named Shadowlands are a grim and ancient reminder of
the great war (and resulting rift) between the Eluna Sidhe
and the Children of Dolifaen, the latter group eventually
becoming known as the rebellious Dark (or Unseelie) Sidhe.
Before this so-called “shadow war,” there was a mighty and
expansive Sidhe-realm—a veritable empire—that stretch
from what is now Celendoril all the way south to pres-
ent-day Lithilor. This great kingdom was called Arvelindor
(meaning “land of endless song”), and some say it was over
two millennia old even before it was destroyed, an event
known now as the Breaking of Arvelindor, over 3,200
years ago when humans were still mastering fire in dingy,
A BRIEF GAZETTEER
half-forgotten caves. The Shadowlands ever since, to this
very day, have been little more than a desolate place of
despair, blight, and tainted magic, a region located at the
northern end of the Bloodrock Mountains, east of Cymredd
and northwest of the Lorinthian Empire. Some whisper that
demons haunt the area, and undead things still prowl the
region praying on what little life enters this horrible and
forlorn landscape where even the weather is often foul and
strange.
SKATHIA
Located in the northeast of the western continent, north of
Mulovia and northeast of the Duergar-realm of Thrimnor,
Skathia is known as a once-barbarous land now becoming
more and more civilized. The people of this realm are pri-
marily descended from the Valkari, a tall, fair-haired and
blue-eyed race that some say originated from the isle-con-
tinent of Ragnagard. There was some intermixing with the
Korite horse-folk as well, but not to any great degree, be-
fore that proud (if savage) race was driven by the Mulovi-
ans back across the Dragon Sea.
Language: Skathian is the native tongue of the land,
a language based on Old Valkari. Some Skathians, especial-
ly those in the southern reaches, speak Mulovian, and on
known.
Religion: The patron deity of Skathia is Signa, goddess
of the sun, spring, and hearth. The other Northern gods,
however, are revered here as well, including Fragnir, Vrad-
den, Jorl, and possibly other local or minor deities. Ander-
ok is honored to some extent as well, but his sect is distrust-
ed and even disliked in Skathia (due mainly to the Mulovian
forbiddance of Signa’s worship in the Winter Kingdom).
Geography: The northern boundaries of Skathia are
the Iceclaws Mountains, the eastern-most reaches of that
renowned range. The Dragon Sea provides the eastern and
southern borders of the realm, and the recognized western
edge of Skathia is the Ruska River. The central and northern
regions are largely forested with evergreens and the occa-
sional oak or maple. Several rivers in the mid-lands drain
from Lake Sunfire, and marshes dominate the southern
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The Skathian Calendar

The people of Skathia reckon time based on a 12-month calendar that began 308 years ago, which is recorded
as 308 S.Y. (Skathian Year). This year mark the meeting of the Drak and Valnar tribes, who often warred over
territory, as overseen by a wise High-Volga of Signa. As such, it has always been tradition that the Skathian
queen also be the Highest Priestess (High-Volga) of the goddess Signa. Each month, or moon-phase, consists of
30 days and four seven-day weeks, with the remaining two days added on at the end as holy-days.
The days of the week are named: Sunsday, Moonsday, Watersday, Firesday, Windsday, Earthsday, and Wor-
shipday. The year begins at the spring equinox, which each successive month being Dawning, Warming, Wind-
ing, Greenmoon, Sunmoon, Firemoon, Lightfall, Leaffall, Frostmoon, Snowmoon, Icemoon, Darkmoon.

shores. Enemies & Allies: The primary enemy of Skathia is

Major Cities & Settlements: Valkenport is the offi-
cial or “old” capital of Skathia, a port-city of some 35,000
souls. Thorvalla, in the north, is the unofficial new capital,
the seat of the late Queen Hilda. Signaheim is also a sizeable
town, named after the patron goddess, and Ingvald and
Vraddenheim are notable settlements as well.
Denizens, Flora, & Fauna: As a northern realm,
evergreens—mainly red pines, furs, and spruces—are
prominent in Skathia, and in the higher, snowier reaches,
the legendary White Lotus is said to grow. Deer, reindeer,
elk, wolves, brown bears, and white arctic bears are fairly
common in most parts of Skathia, and on occasion, Trolls,
Frost Giants, Ice Worms, and Great White Wolves haunt the
more desolate areas, sometimes wandering near towns and
villages. The cave-lair of a spawn of Valnathrax, the legend-
ary ice-wyrm, is said to exist in the northwest.
Food & Drink: Mead and stout ales are the preferred
drinks of most Skathians, although wine imported from the
South is occasionally enjoyed by the wealthy as well. Slav-
ka is sometimes imbibed too, an invention from Mulovia.
Preferred foodstuffs are boar, venison, reindeer, halibut,
mackerel, and river-pike, either undressed or sometimes la-
dled over with blood gravy or halibut sauce. Black breads,
white breads, and sweet breads are common staples, as is a
light-colored cheese.
Notable Characters: Queen Sunhilde is the high-
est-ranking priestess of Signa, and as Skathian custom dic-
tates, also the reigning sovereign of the realm (after the
murder of Queen Hilda by Mulovian assassins). Helga Val-
nasdottir was once a powerful priestess and hedge-witch,
residing in Signahiem, though some claim she was recent-
ly slain for serving in a secret wyrm-cult. Sven Ericksson is
the captain of the queen’s guard, a notable warrior and
war-chief, while Bjorn Thoraksson is a powerful thane in
the southern reaches. Mosstreader, a now-famous Wild Sid-
he warrior, is a good friend of the current queen and also
serves as a Sun-warder, a Signan temple-guard.
Heraldry & Symbology: Queen Sunhilde’s royal
heraldry is a white or silver stag on a green field, while her
symbol as High Volga (grand high priestess) is a red sun with
golden rays on a white field. Sven Ericksson’s symbology
is usually a golden bear on a dark blue field, while Thane
Bjorn’s heraldry encompasses a black tower on a white or
grey field.
Mulovia, the Winter Kingdom to the south, whose deep
belief in Anderok and embrace of dark sorcery has put the
two realms at odds. The occasional Thorakkian raiding par-
ty from the north might can be a problem, as can Frost
Giants and Trolls and other terrible creatures. Thrimnor, a
Duergar-realm to the southwest, is an occasionally ally and
Dwarves from that mountainous realm come to trade in
Skathia from time to time.
Primary Imports: Gold, iron, exotic wood, exotic
stone, ale, wine, herbs, spices, precious gems, horses, mules,
sea goods.
Primary Exports: Silver, tin, copper, timber, leather
goods, furs, mead, ale, herbs, cattle, sea goods, cold-water
fish.
Coinage & Currency: Most types of coinage are
accepted in Skathia, if only based on weight and quality,
although some Skathian merchants refuse Mulovian coins.
Skathia produces a silver coin called a Valka and a copper
piece (worth about as much as most bronze coins) known
as an Inga. Trade and barter, however, and oath-givings, are
still fairly common in the realm, particularly in the smaller
towns and villages.
Climate & Weather: The winters in Skathia can be
challenging, with heavy snows (especially in the north) and
icy rains, and can last for at least four months. As such, the
summers here in are quite pleasant, if fairly short in length,
and many travelers even claim that Skathia is warmer than
Mulovia despite it’s more northerly situation. Sea winds
blow in from the Dragon Sea and Bay of Ravens, but over-
all, they are mild, only producing the occasional squall or
maelstrom.
Common Customs: Only Skathian women are per-
mitted to become priestesses of Signa, young maidens be-
ginning as lay-priestesses called Hearthmaidens. The current
High Volga of Signa usually becomes the queen of Skathia
as well, although this has not always been the case. Skathian
boys once has to either spend three nights in the Giant-
wood or atop one of the highest peaks of the Iceclaws, and
if they returned alive, they would be considered full war-
riors within the village or tribe. This is no longer done quite
as often, save for some of the towns in the more northern
regions of the kingdom. Many southern Skathians have gar-
lic, silver, or cold-iron charms either about their necks or
hanging above the lintels of their doors, as folk lore proof

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against the alleged vampires and werewolves of Mulovia.
In elder times, Troll-born children were once thrown into
the sea or burned at the stake at by many Skathians, but in
more present times, such children are more often given to
the temple of Signa for care. Skathian merchants often re-
fuse Mulovian coins, and sometimes even goods, and con-
sider it a blessing from the gods when a Duergar caravan is
in town. Death magic, or sorcery, is trusted by few Skathi-
ans, whose only tolerance of magic-craft is generally only
through a rune-caster or a priestess of Signa.
Common Sayings: “May the sun rise and fall,” “Sig-
na ward you from darkness,” “As black as the raven and as
white as the lotus,” “May your heart be as warm as your
hearth,” “Even winter has its season.”
THRIMNOR
A Duegar-kingdom located in the Sanctuary Mountains, a
south-running branch of the greater Iceclaws, west of Mu-
lovia and southeast of the Sidhe-realm of Celendoril. Like
most Duergar holdings, Thrimnor is a somewhat mysteri-
ous and hidden place, although not to the degree of Ulda-
rak, another Dwarf-realm far to the north and west. The
Thrimnori actually trade, at least on occasion, with most of
the neighboring lands—be they human or Sidhe or other-
wise—even sharing a few of their smithing secrets from time
to time, but only with those who can be trusted or can offer
a more than worthy price.
A BRIEF GAZETTEER
Language: The native tongue of Thrimnor is Duergar,
naturally, a runic-looking language when written or etched.
Some of the more scholarly or well-traveled might also
know Mulovian, Skathian, or even Brythian, Sidhe, and
Troll-speak.
Religion: All the ancient Duergar divinities are admired
and homaged here, although Duradin, god of gold, iron,
and metal-craft, seems to be even more popular than Bal-
dak, the usual chief-god, lord of battle and honor. Thrimna,
the only known Duergar goddess, is also respected here as
a deity of secrets and fire.
Geography: The kingdom of Thrimnor is virtually all
mountains, peaks, crags, and the occasional valley, river, wa-
terfall, or high plateau. These are the Sanctuary Mountains,
after all (a “finger” of the northerly Iceclaw Mountains),
named that for their ability to provide shelter and defense
against invaders. The lower reaches of the mountains are
often forested, especially in the southwest, and the mighty
Iron River tumbles through the north and eastern borders.
Major Cities & Settlements: Durtharon is the so-
called capital of Thrimnor, a great fortress-city (mostly un-
derground) in the north-central reaches of the kingdom.
The name of this great settlement is said to be taken from
a Duergar-realm “across the great sea.” Thrim’s Deep is a
notable mine-city, named after the first recognized king of
this realm. Mordath and Hammer Keep are also fortress or
mining settlements of worthy mention.
Denizens, Flora, & Fauna: As mentioned prior,
much of the lower and middle altitudes of the Sanctuary
Mountains are forested, usually by furs, spruces, ashes, and
mountain oaks. Mushrooms of various sorts can be found
in the many caverns of the region, as well as the occasion-
al medicinal herb such as hemlock, black-mountain root,
and even White Lotus. Both black bears and brown bears
are seen here, as well as mountain goats, rams, deer, elk,
and mountain cougars or panthers. Trolls occasionally brave
these peaks, the mortal enemies of most Duergar, and in
the not-too-distant past, Thrimnor had its problems with
Dragons, including the mighty and legendary Glorindurax.
Food & Drink: The Thrimnori Duergar prefer dark,
stout ales to drink, but also mead, medium ales, and a lo-
cal favorite known as Huigdrath (meaning “hog’s milk”),
which is said be brewed with pig’s guts, honey, and various
mushrooms and mountain herbs (and can cause quick and/
or extreme intoxication in non-Duergar—see the Duergar
racial entry). Heavy meats, barely cooked or sometimes
ladled with blood-sauce or mushroom-spice (or even Huig-
drath), are greatly enjoyed, particularly boar, pork, and
even bear or horse on occasion.
Notable Characters: Glorin Ironhammer, king
and high-chieftain of Thrimnor, who resides primarily in
Durtharon. Beldain Silverfist, a female Duergar, is a re-
nowned smith and priestess of Thrimna. Moldurin Stoneaxe
is an accomplished warrior-knight and champion of King
Glorin. Heldor Flamebeard is an esteemed high priest of
Duradin.
Heraldry & Symbology: King Glorin Ironhammer’s
royal device is a black hammer on a silver-blue field, while
the recognized heraldry of Thrimnor itself is a golden eagle
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The Thrimnori Calendar

This ancient calendar, used also by the Duergar of Uldarak (and possibly other Duergar colonies across the Drag-
on Sea), this method of time-tracking is based primarily on the great red sun, the most reliable celestial body the
oft-underground Duergar would mostly see. Like many other calendars, every 360 days warranting a full year—a
complete trip through three seasons of four months each—spring, summer, and winter. To the Duergar, autumn is
simply the initial part of the winter moons and the first moon of spring is simply the Thawing, the transition between
the dead of winter and the growing time of spring.
Each year is recorded with its own name, a miniature eon unto itself, such as the Year of the Golden Forge or
the Year of the Dragon Returned. Every cycle of 44 years is considered a Balga, which usually equates to a typical
Duergar generation. The typical Duergar month, which constitutes five six-day weeks, has days named Forgeday,
Warday, Deepday, Ironday, Silverday, and Goldday. There is no dedicated “rest day” or “worship day.”

in flight on a black field. The emblazon of Clan Silverfist is, ing, and to have one’s beard cut extremely short (or gone
of course, a silver (or white) fist on a red field. The Stoneaxe altogether) is an extreme insult to the Thrimnori’s honor.
clan uses a grey axe on a black and blue counter-changed Duergar warriors are huge believers in honorable single
field, and Clan Flamebeard utilizes heraldry featuring red combat to address insults and other affronts to one’s honor.
flames over a black anvil on a golden field. Duergar seldom, if ever, haggle and are typically offended
Enemies & Allies: The Duergar clans of Thrimnor if someone else attempts such behavior. Some Duergar fe-
generally have allies in the humans of Skathia, at least mer- males can grow partial beards, which are usually just chin-
cantile-wise. Mulovia was an occasional ally in the past, beards or long, sometimes braided, sideburns. Duergar from
mostly made through gifts of gold in exchange for silver, this realm—and likely all realms for that matter—prefer to
and even northern Aradorn has been a friend in the past. wear dark or muted color clothing, such as grey, brown,
As for enemies, Thrimnor must endure the occasional Mu- dark blue, dark green, olive, or black. Many Thrimnorian
lovian betrayal or oath-breaking, as well as the occasional Duergar melt acquired treasures down, and in return new
Troll raid, Hobgoblin invasion, or the uprising of a draconic things are re-forged. There are several “deep trade secrets”
spawn of Valathrax (and therefore Glorindurax). known by the Duergar, things that even the most jaded of
Primary Imports: Gold, copper, leather goods, Dwarves would not tell to outsiders. A Duergar warrior
herbs, spices, cattle, horses, ponies, amber, timber, wood keeps much of the spoils from battle, not only as a point of
goods, wheat, and barley. pride, but also not wanting various items and objects not to
go to waste. Thrimnori burn their dead on pyres, although
Primary Exports: Silver, gold, iron, tin, steel, herbs,
some of their renowned dead are entombed in solid mar-
precious gems, semi-precious gems, exotic stone, metal
ble, granite, or even gemstone.
goods, furs.
Common Sayings: “Live hard and die fast,” “For
Coinage & Currency: The kingdom of Thrimnor Thrimnor and honor!”, “May the shade you find be a drag-
mints a silver coin called a Beldar, as well as a heavy, octag- on overhead,” “Why go over the mountain when one can
onal gold piece known as Glorinak. It once pressed a cop- go through it?”, “The only trustworthy Troll is a dead Troll,”
per coin too, but they’ve since fallen out of style and for- “There is sanctuary in the mountains,” “Gold breeds power,
eign ones are often accepted anyway. Thrimnor merchants but duty breeds honor.”
will take about any type of coinage so long as it is of quality
base metal. Duergar will barter for trade or services, but it
is generally considered an insult to haggle with one. Oaths
and pledges are important too, and sometimes can be used TORIN
for “purchase” of goods and wares.
Climate & Weather: The general climate of Thrimnor
is temperate to borderline sub-arctic. The mountain heights
provide cool springs and autumns, but quite frigid winters,
with snowfall common as well as cold rain, sleet, ice, and
the occasional blizzard. However, the interiors of most
peaks here are temperate and pleasant, yet another reason
Dwarves prefer to build underground (or at least in part).
Almost all of the mountain tops counted in the Thrimori-
an realm are snow-capped, most of them year-round, and
spring thaws can cause the occasional flashflood downriver.
Common Customs: It is fairly common for a Duergar
out in the world at large to say little, for keeping secrets
(especially smithing or mining secrets) is a cultural more
indeed. It is rude to touch a Duergar’s beard without ask-

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Though not quite the size of the more vast island-realms in

the Sea of Prydonis, the Isle of Torin (meaning “of the bull”
in Old Rhodonite) is located northwest of Neopos and
VEAN
northeast of Prydonia proper. It is a mountainous island,
a place of extreme peaks and a fairly active fire-mountain
(volcano). However, it is most known for its primary in-
habitants—gorgonic Minotaurs who have, as it is said, built
some semblance of a civilization (at least to some brutish
extent). In fact, a great city can be found here, called Torino-
polis, ruled by a Minotaur-king named Atorgo the Golden.
Semi-organized Minotaur soldiers serve their god-king, and
some claim that dozens of these disciplined, yet savage,
warriors have gone out into the greater world to earn a
fair living as mercenary sell-swords or champion gladiators
A fairly small island off the coastal shores of Orices, be-
in the great arenas. Human (or human-like) visitors to this
tween the Sea of Prydonis and the Turquiose Sea. Vean is
island are usually judged on their intentions, although the
politically and militarily insignificant, but it is said to boast
bullish denizens of this rugged land can be swift and brutal
some of the best wine, olives, and wheat in the world, and
magistrates if one does not tread carefully.
that wealthy folk come here to retire or to vacate from their
livelihoods for a space. The island of Vean is a Prydonian
ULDARAK Isle, of course, and so the most common language here is
Prydonian, tinged with a local accent.

ZUROG

Another Duergar-kingdom, this one way up in the north-

west-central reaches of the Iceclaw Mountains, Uldarak is
fairly similar to Thrinmor in customs, military, and overall
culture. Beldaron is the capital city of this realm, the seat
of King Heltak Trollcrusher, a mighty king who is said to
be nearly three centuries old. Heltak often calls on special
champions or heroes to do his bidding, such as Bokar Deep-
hammer, warrior and champion of Duradin, god of craft-
ing, gold, and the forge. The legendary Hammer of Beldak
can be found here, a powerful relic said to possess the pow-
er “to reforge” a person’s soul. The climate of Uldarak is
quite brutal in the winter moons, where there is much snow
and ice, and only the rare summer months provide any real
comfort here (one of the many reasons the Duergar-folk
A fairly powerful Hobgoblin realm said to be in the mid-
prefer to build underground where the temperature can be
dle heights of the Bloodrock Mountains, a realm growing
regulated). The heraldry of the kingdom of Uldarak is two
in numbers and effectiveness as the elder wyrm, Terenge-
red axes on a field of brown or deep gold.
thrion, nears a mortal death and his once-great influence
The Uldarakki Calendar: Like so many other details wanes. The Black Goblins of Zurog often raid into west-cen-
of Duergar culture, the calendarial system used by Ulda- tral Lorinthia, or daring forays into the Elf-lands of Lithilor,
rakki people is exactly the same as the one used by the as a powerful warlord named Mordag drives this militant
Thrimnori Duergar (see above). state further toward conquest, blood, and glory.

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GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATIONS
The following contains some basic information on most of
the major (and minor) geographical locales known in Ast-
agonia, the Western Continent.
Agrilon: A fairly small island in the Sea of Prydonis,
north of Prydonia proper and well south of Gorgotha and
the imperial shores of Lorinthia. A strange and ancient ru-
ined city is said to exist here, a place of strange portents and
often the ill fates of sailors past.
Astagonia: The most common name for the Western
340
Continent, given thus by Prydonian scholars not long after
the time of the Rhodonians. Other names include Garnea
and Ulfheim.
Bay of Ravens: A vast bay nearly large enough to be
considered a small sea, this place of strange currents and a
goodly measure of sea-trade can be found off the eastern
coast of Mulovia and the southern shores of Skathia. Many
ravens roost here in the high coastal cliffs.
Blackhart Forest: A vast woodland covering much of
western and central Brythia, this forest was once (and still is
to some extent) prime hunting-grounds for Brythian nobles,
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KINGDOMS
hunters, and semi-barbaric tribesmen. According to legend,
a mighty black stag once haunted these grounds, that some
called a “child of Cormac” (a god of beasts, strength, and
the hunt).
Bloodrock Mountains: Likely the longest mountain
chain on the Western Continent, the Bloodrocks take their
name from their ruddy hue, mainly due to a high content
of iron. In the south, the peaks tower, rivaling the Iceclaws,
but the mountains become gentler to the north. The el-
der-dragon Terengethrion dwells here still, it is believed, as
are hobgoblins and even fire giants. The Bloodrocks swing
southwestward into Gorgotha, where sometimes they are
called the Gorgon or Firerock Mountains, as there are a
number of still-active volcanoes. The tallest peak in the
Bloodrocks is said to be over three miles in height.
Bloodthorn Forest: A large, sprawling forest locat-
ed in northern Aradorn and the southwestern borderlands
of Mulovia. The Goblin-realm of Nirgul haunts the eastern
portions of this great woodland, named after the famous
Bloodthorn trees which are said to have properties in both
curing and repelling the undead. A stake from a Bloodthorn
tree is bane to a vampire.
Bone Isles: A goodly sized archipelago of islands off
the southeastern coast of Nautilus, a province of the Lorin-
thian Empire, and known as a hideaway for pirates, thieves,
and other exiles. These islands once served as headquarters
for the infamous Crimson Skull Pirates.
Broken Isles: A fairly large archipelago of rocky,
treacherous islands, said to have been once part of the
mountainous Gorgothian coastline until broken free during
the great cataclysm that allegedly sank fabled Rhodon over
1,200 years ago. Some sixty isles and islets exist here, many
forlorn and lifeless, but others containing fell creatures in-
cluding a mighty sea-dragon.
Buccaneer Bay: A mighty bay, easily rivaling the Bay
of Ravens in the northeast, found along the coast of south-
ern Esmandos and northern Gorgotha. This “minor sea”
is said to be somewhat new, only having appeared 2,000
years ago after a mighty cataclysm.
Cairn Hills: These are the foothills and highlands
of northern Caernia (or Caerndon) and eastern Norlund,
called such for the great number of cairns (burial rock-
mounds) in the region. These cairns were originally placed
there by a mysterious race, and over the last few centuries,
the humans of Caerndon have done the same. Sluagh, Ban-
shees, and worse allegedly dwell here.
Dragon Sea: The most prominent and renowned
ocean-river, the Dragon Sea separates the Western Conti-
nent from the Eastern and Southern ones. Nearly 900 miles
across it widest point, sailing across this sometimes treacher-
ous (and deep) ocean is still dangerous, and only a few do it
regularly. It is whispered that the race of dragons spawned
from this very sea.
Dregnir Ice-wastes: Allegedly located north of the
central regions of the Iceclaw Mountains, this is a rugged
and frozen land of Frost Giants and worse. Dregnir, in fact,
is said to be a Frost Giantish word referring to a hero-god
of theirs, who slew many wyrms and titans.
Elderwood Forest: Originally called the Alderwood
A BRIEF GAZETTEER
in ancient times (for its many alder trees), the name became
somewhat misconstrued over the years, although it’s new-
er moniker—Elderwood—also made some degree of sense
too due to the extremely old trees found in the heart of this
woodland. This forest is one of the remaining few of any
size in the Lorinthian Empire, and at least two tribes of Wild
Sidhe are rumored to still make their homes here.
Emerald Islands: A collection of islands in the North-
west amidst the Sunset Sea. Separated by the Nochlyn Firth
(or Brythian Channel) from the mainland, the primary isle
here is Ynys (or Innis) Gaern where most of the Gaernic
tribes dwell. The small cluster of isles at the southern end of
the Emerald Islands are usually referred to as the Misty Isles.
Empire River: A great river flowing mainly west to
east, partly originating from Llyn Llyr (an inland sea) and
partly all the from the Iceclaw Mountains in the far north.
Once more commonly known as the Latagonii River, this
mighty waterway serves as the border between Aradorn
and the Lorinthian Empire, hence its more modern name.
Feywood Forest: Also called the Elfwood, or the
Celenorien Forest by the Sidhe of Celendoril (meaning
“golden woodland”), this vast region of mostly hardwood
trees is quite ancient, and some say the heart of the forest
still contains ancient tree-beings who can speak.
Frozen Sea: A fairly large sea beyond the north-
ern-most reaches of the Western Continent (Astagonia),
where the waters are mostly frozen during most of the year,
save for a few weeks in mid-summer.
Giantwood Forest: Located in northern Skathia, and
beyond, this evergreen woodland lives up to its name two-
fold, as not only are many of the ancient trees quite gargan-
tuan in size, but Giants live here as well, Trolls, Ogre-trolls,
and even the occasional Frost Giant.
Golden Mountains: Once referred to as the Duer-
gar (and Latagon) Mountains, this minor mountain range
running east to west through the center of the Lorinthian
Empire have lived up to their more modern name—they
once produced (and still do) a great deal of gold ore.
Grey Mountains: A comparatively smaller mountain
range just over two hundred miles long, these surprisingly
rugged peaks run north to south along the Cymreddi coast.
A vast system of foothills extend from the southern range,
running as far south as upper Esmandos. Most of the range
is covered by hardwood and pine forest, save near the
coast where the seawinds are fierce.
Greymoor: This is a large marshland, or moor,
where the infamous Druithi tribe lives, close kindred of the
Cymreddi. In fact, the Druithi are easily the second-most
powerful group in all of the general region, and most cer-
tainly the most potent in all of Greymoor. Most humans
steer well away from the dark marshes of Greymoor, but
the Druithi seem to embrace it. For here, if legends are to be
believed, the Wolf Lord, Dufaine (doo-VAHN) was discov-
ered by the early chieftains and shamans and they adopted
him into the fold of the Western gods, but not as an equal,
but as the chief-god of the pantheon. In addition to the
Fey creatures and wild animals as mentioned above, the re-
gion is not uncommonly haunted by some forlorn undead
of Nether-beast, such as a Sluagh, Dread-knight, or even a
341
 SAVAGEIII
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terrible Banshee or Demon Hag. Often, such creatures find
their way from the Shadowlands, or were simply already
here in this bleak, accursed land.
Iceclaw Mountains: Though not quite as long as the
Bloodrocks, most of the peaks (or tors) of this range are
taller and mightier. All of them capped in snow and ice, the
mountains of the Iceclaw range serve as territory for Trolls,
Frost Giants, and even the infamous elder-wyrm Valnathrax
once dwelled in the rugged, half-frozen eastern reaches of
this famous range (and some say still does). The tallest peak
of the Iceclaws is said to be nearly four miles high.
Ice Demon Glacier: A mighty and expansive glacial
field north of the far western end of the Iceclaw Mountains,
this slow-moving sheet of snow and frost owes its dark
name to a horrid Ice-demon, one of the first (and greatest)
of its nether-wordly kind found in the mortal realm.
Icy Sea: The name speaks for itself here, as this is the
sea separating northwestern Astagonia (the western conti-
nent) from the isle-continent of Ragnagard. The waters are
cold and partially ice most of the year, but not altogether
unnavigable in the summer and early autumn.
Isles of Night: A relatively small archipelago in the
far northwest, more or less marking the “mid-lands” of the
Sunset Sea and Frozen Sea. The central island is known as
Ynys Nor (meaning “north isle” or “night isle”), a place
where allegedly the mad were once banished by both the
Gaernic and Norish peoples.
Llyn Llyr: Essentially an inland sea due to its enormi-
ty, this vast lake is located in the borderlands of Brythia,
Cymredd, and Caerndon (Caernia). The great marshland of
Greymoor is adjacent as well, no doubt created by the low
river-lands running from mighty Llyn Llyr.
Mezca: A semi-fabled isle-continent south of the Sea of
Prydonis, at the equatorial “center of the world.” Separated
also from the East and South by the Turquoise Sea, Mezca
is home to savage humans who worship a blood-god, as
well as agile Chenari, a cat-like race likely descended from
the lion-like Chenari of Emanju (a continent to the south
and east). Some explorers (usually Azirians, Prydonians, or
Esmandians) claim that a great, if savage, city exists here
called Quazelmoctl, a place of stone, obsidian, and gold.
Nochlyn Firth: Also called the Brythian Channel, this
is essentially a narrow stretch of sea between the mainland
coasts of Brythia and southern Norlund and the Emerald
Isles, namely Innis Gaern in particular. Many a shipwreck
lies at the bottom of these oft-turbulent waters.
Plains of Ascension: The vast plains region of south-
ern, and most of central, Aradorn, home to many thunder-
ing horse-herds, both domesticated and still half-wild. This
region makes for excellent terrain for Aradornian warriors,
many of whom rely on mighty warhorses, including the
destrier (heavy warhorse). The Plains of Ascension are in
reference to Saint Paladyr’s rise into immortal god-hood,
for he spent many of his years in this place of rolling green
fields and dells.
Ragnagard: A virtually frozen isle-continent located
further north than both the continents of Astagonia and
Hassan, this place is a said to be inhabited only by an Elder
Dragon, whose breath is ice instead of fire, and perhaps a
342
few Ice-worms, Frost Giants, and Ice-demons. Old Valkari
tales claim that their ancestors originated in an “icy realm
at the top-edge of the world” and eventually came south
to settle in places like Skathia, Norlund, and even Dregnir.
Explorers and daring sailors occasionally visit Ragnagard in
search of resources, hidden treasure, or hearty adventure,
but few ever return and none seem to settle there perma-
nently. Darker rumors persist that a mysterious race of “ice
men” dwell on Ragnagard, usually told by sailors who man-
aged to survive a voyage to this forlorn and frozen place.
Ravenwood Forest: Covered all of northern and
central Cymredd, this great woodland is home to not only
the Gaernic-descended Cymreddi and Druthi clans, but also
wandering bands of Sidhe (and other Faerie), both light and
dark and likely in between.
Sanctuary Mountains: A spur or finger of moun-
tains running northwest to southeast from their more north-
erly parents, the Iceclaw Mountains. The Sanctuaries con-
ceal the Duergar-realm of Thrimnor, and once contained
much gold, iron, and precious stones, and they are partially
covered in pine and hardwood forest at the lower heights.
They also provide the western borders of Mulovia and
were once infamous for housing Dragons, such as the likes
of Glorindurax. The highest peak of the Sanctuary range is
said to be around two miles high.
Shadowwood Forest: Also known as the Twilight
Forest in the southern reaches, the Shadowwood really re-
fers to the northern stretch of this vast woodland, running
from the southern Shadowlands (where the trees are often
still twisted and blighted), down alongside the Bloodrock
Mountains, and eventually into the Dark Sidhe realm of
Lithilor.
Siren Isle: An ancient island, said to have once been
home to some unknown ancient race (although there is
some proof that the Sslir were here in the distant past). The
ruined city of Xathon can be found here, and terrible Sirens
are said to haunt the waters around the island.
Sea of Prydonis: Named after the chief Rhodonite
and Prydonian himself, this great “ocean-river” often sym-
bolizes life and death itself, for it has seen much commerce
and war over the ages. It can be found south of the West-
ern main, where glitters the Prydonian Isles.
Sun Bull Bay: Called this in poetic reverence of Atores,
the sun and bull god, this is a wide bay area comprising
much of the southern shoreline of the Lorinthian Empire.
The waters are relatively shallow here, and often seafarers
run aground here or are swept to shore in squalls.
Sunset Sea: A more poetic name for the Western Sea,
this great blue-grey body of water laps at the coastal shores
of Gorgotha, Esmandos, Cymredd, Brythia, Norlund, and
the Emerald Islands. Some whisper that westward, beyond
the sea itself, lies an undiscovered continent.
Turquoise Sea: The vast ocean-river between the
isle-continent of Mezca and the eastern and southern conti-
nents of Hassan and Emanju, south of the Dragon Sea and
southeast of the Sea of Prydonis. The waters here are said
to be “as the color of turquoise from Mezca”.
A BRIEF GAZETTEER
 SAVAGEIII
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levels in Acrobatics or Intellect for no levels in Survival.
Creatures can only attempt skill tasks in skills, or Attributes,
A SAVAGE BESTIARY that they can reasonably access—that is, a wolf is probably
incapable of utilizing the Lore skill.
The Savage Kingdoms world is fraught with myriad crea-
tures, some of them ferocious and terrible, others strange
Spells Known: This entry only appears if the creature in
and mysterious, but all potentially noteworthy in the ad-
question is capable of working magical spells, and thus is
venturous lives of the player-characters. Many more crea-
found only in the statistical block of supernatural creatures
tures and NPC templates will be appearing in the upcoming
or magician NPCs. All creatures knowing spells can also per-
The Savage East setting expansion supplement as well as a
form magical rituals unless the creature in question has no
possible dedicated ‘Savage Bestiary’.
anatomy for tool-manipulation or the ability to fully artic-
This section is divided into three chapters: Animals &
ulate speech (the exception here being the Silence Is Power
Gigantic Animals, Supernatural Creatures, and NPC Tem-
talent).
plates. The second chapter features a number of “sub types”
of monstrous beings, such as demons, dragons, gorgons, un-
dead, and more. Lastly, here are a few notes on terminolo-

21
gy used in the creature “stat blocks” below:

CL: This is short for “Challenge Level,” a loose rating of

how potentially powerful the creature is in direct com-
bat. The typical player-character with zero Advancements
is considered CL 3, so a creature with that same rating is,
more or less, an equal opponent. To continue the example,
a PC with, say, seven Advancements is considered CL 6.5 ANIMALS &
(or rounded down to 6), since every two Advancements
equals +1 to CL. Again, this is very general and since Sav-
GIGANTIC ANIMALS
age Kingdoms should be much less about “white room”
These are the more common denizens in the SK known
combat scenarios and much more about heroic adventure
world, wild and half-wild creatures of land, river, ocean,
that might just happened to feature strange and dangerous
and sky. Many animals can be domesticated and, as such,
beasts, the GMs intuition will serve as the best guide as to
have become extremely useful to many of the races and
how to present “monsters,” be they foes, potential allies, or
cultures of Astagonia and beyond. Player-characters with
mere set dressing.
Animal Companions, Familiars, or other types of bestial
sidekicks should use the appropriate statistics below (or
Creature Type: Found in parenthesis after ‘CL x’, this pro- something closely associated).
vides a basic category for the creature in question.

Attacks: This is listed as ‘Attack: Bite +4’ or ‘Attack: Long-
sword +5’ or something similar, according to the creature’s
mode of attack. If an “or” appears between two attack
modes, then only one attack—of the creature’s choice—can
occur in a single action. If an “and” appears between two
listed attack forms instead, then the creature can make two
attacks (or in some cases three) as a single attack action.
Maximum damage and any Armor Piercing rating appears
here as well.
Defense: If only one type of Defense is listed, then the
creature in question has no way of using the other. For ex-
ample, if only ‘Dodge’ is listed, then the creature has no
Parry Defense.
BEAR, ARCTIC (CL 4, Animal)
Also known as polar bears or ice bears, these ursine beasts
can easily reach the size and weight of horses and some-
times even more. Armed with mighty claws and teeth pow-
ered by muscular jaws, an arctic bear is capable of much
destruction if its anger is roused (easily done if in the bear’s
territory or when defending its young).
Naturally, arctic bears are white or dirty-white in color-
ation, their fur blending in with their snowy environments.
They are also gifted with a thick layer of fat which protects
them from the cold and even assists them somewhat in the
water.
Attributes & Derived Traits—

Special Abilities: If a creature possesses noteworthy fea- Agility +1 Initiative +2

tures or capabilities, they’ll be listed here with complete Physique +8 Attack: Claws +7 (max dmg 15/AP 1); and
game details and statistics. These might be things like flight, Bite +7 (max dmg 15)
a poisonous bite, immunity to sleep, invulnerability to fire, Vigor +4 Defense: Dodge 13
a terrifying aura, a charge attack, etc.
Intellect -4 Mobility 22*

Skills: Only skills with actual skill levels applied to them Magnetism +1 Stamina 17/8
appear here; otherwise, an untrained (or “unleveled”) skill Willpower +1 Health 32/16
is merely an Attribute roll. For example, Agility for no skill

344 SAVAGE BESTIARY

 SAVAGEIII
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Armor 1 (thick hide)
Special Abilities—
dz Arctic Movement*: Arctic Bears are only slowed
to Mobility 17 in all but the deepest and most treacher-
ous ice and snow, wherein most creatures are slowed to
half speed.
dz Grappling Embrace: If an Arctic Bear scores 5
or more over its target’s Defense with its claw attack, it
may choose to grapple the creature in addition to nor-
mal damage; it requires a successful DL 17 Acrobatics or
Brawling roll (as an action) to escape the Bear’s grap-
pling hold.
dz Natural Attack: Arctic Bears can make a claw
and bite attack as part of a single action without penalty.
Talents (battle): Bullish Charge.
Talents (all others): Night-sighted.
Weaknesses: Cannot speak/read/write; animal-level intel-
ligence (but cunning); Phobia (of large fires—minor); Heat
Intolerance (suffer -2 to Stamina and Health in warm cli-
mates).
Skills: Acrobatics +3, Brawling +7, Climbing +4, Endurance
+6 (resist cold +7), Perception +2 (smell and hearing +3),
Persuasion +1 (intimidation +6), Resolve +3, Stealth +1 (in
snow +3), Survival +2 (fishing +3), Swimming +6 (icy wa-
ters +7).
Possessions: None, although occasional incidental trinkets
in den, such as an exceptional-quality weapon or shield, a
few bronze or silver coins, possibly a piece of jewelry (worth
2-20 sc), etc. Possibility of 1-3 cubs, aged a few months to
one year (worth 25 or more sc on the open market and
trainable with a DL 20 Animal Handling roll success). An
adult Arctic Bear pelt might fetch up to 20 sc, or even 30
with a successful DL 12 Survival roll when skinning it.
BEAR, BROWN (CL 3 Animal)
These potentially aggressive beasts often dwell in mountain-
ous regions—such as the Iceclaw Mountains and to a lesser
extent the Bloodrocks—surviving by foraging for roots, ber-
ries, and small prey, as well as fishing in the myriad rivers
and streams in their territories. A male adult brown bear
can very nearly rival the size and strength of an arctic bear,
with mighty claws and bone-breaking teeth.
A brown bear will almost always challenge intruders in
its territory or when defending its young, often unto death.
Otherwise, if they have a chance to save themselves (and
any young they might have) from an obvious demise, most
won’t hesitate to live to fight another day.
Attributes & Derived Traits—
Agility +1 Initiative +2
Physique +7 Attack: Claw +6 (max dmg 13/AP 1); and
Bite +6 (max dmg 10)
SAVAGE BESTIARY
Vigor +3 Defense: Dodge 13
Intellect -4 Mobility 18
Magnetism +1 Stamina 15/7
Willpower +1 Health 28/14
Armor 1 (thick hide)
Special Abilities—
dz Ursine Embrace: If a Brown Bear scores 5 or
more over an opponent’s Defense with a claw attack,
it may choose to embrace the creature (if of Physique
+2 or less) in a fierce grappling-hold. It takes one action
and a DL 16 Acrobatics or Brawling success for a held
opponent to break free; otherwise, the Bear gains a +2
bonus on its follow-up bite attack.
Talents (all): Night-sighted.
Weaknesses: Animal intelligence; cannot speak/read/
write; Phobia (of large fires—minor).
Skills: Acrobatics +3, Brawling +6, Endurance +4, Percep-
tion +1 (hearing and smell +2), Persuasion +1 (intimidation
+5), Resolve +2, Survival +1 (fishing +2), Swimming +3.
Languages: None.
Possessions: None, though occasional incidental trinkets in
den, such as 1-10 bc, 1-3 sc, or possibly a small gem (worth
1-10 sc) or exceptional quality dagger or handaxe.
BOAR (CL 2, Animal)
Almost all boars are wild creatures, usually dwelling in light
forests, hills, and rolling plains, often with much under-
brush. They can be quite aggressive, especially when hungry
or defending their brood. They attack with upward-jutting
tusks, sometimes 5-6 inches in length, charging toward a foe
if it has the space (and chance) to do so.
Wild boar makes for good eating if the meat is cooked
for at least eight hours, some human and Sidhe cultures
cooking the sinewy flesh even longer.
Attributes & Derived Traits—
Agility +1 Initiative +1
Physique +0 Attack: Tusks +2 (max dmg 10/AP 1)
Vigor +3 Defense: Dodge 13
Intellect -4 Mobility 16
Magnetism -1 Stamina 14/7
Willpower +0 Health 14/7
Armor 0 (none)
Special Abilities—
dz Charging Tusks: if a boar scores 5 or more over a
target’s Defense, the target is knocked prone (in addition
to taking damage) if its Physique is +0 or less.
dz Vigorous Frenzy: When a boar is brought to
345
 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
zero Health points, it continues to remain conscious un- rians, across the Dragon Sea on the eastern continent of
til slain, suffering only a -2 penalty to its attack rolls. Hassan, being one of the first human cultures to do (along
with the Rhodonites shortly thereafter), and the Dark and
Talents (battle): Bullish Charge, Rushing Attack. Eluna Sidhe as well.
Talents (all others): Grit, Tireless. Domesticated cats make excellent rat-hunters, and slayers
Weaknesses: Cannot speak/read/write; animal-level intel- of other pests, and due to their alleged mystical nature, are
ligence. often associated with the magical arts in various cultures.
Skills: Acrobatics +3, Brawling +2, Endurance +4 (resist
poison +5), Perception +1 (smell +2), Persuasion -1 (intimi-
dation +3), Resolve +2, Stealth +1, Survival +1.
Possessions: None, though occasional incidental trinkets in
den (a coin or two, etc.).

BULL (CL 2, Animal)

As male bovines, bulls are often the head of a “harem” of
cows and can be rather aggressive when defending them
(and their territories). They are notoriously stubborn and Attributes & Derived Traits—
are attracted to the color red. Bulls are considered sacred
to many of the southern cultures of Astagonia—particular- Agility +4 Initiative +5
ly in Esmandos and the Prydonian Isles—and often feature Physique -4 Attack: Claws +1 (max dmg 3)*
heavily in solar-related ceremonies, “bull-dancing,” and the
worship of Atores, the sun and bull god. Vigor +2 Defense: Dodge 14
Intellect -4 Mobility 17
Attributes & Derived Traits— Magnetism +0 Stamina 14/7
Willpower +1 Health 5/2
Agility +1 Initiative +1
Armor 0 (none)
Physique +6 Melee: Horns +6 (max dmg 10/AP 1)
Vigor +2 Defense: Dodge 13 Special Abilities—
Intellect -4 Mobility 25
Magnetism +0 Stamina 14/7
dz Rear Claws: If a domesticated cat scores 5 or
more over its target’s Defense on a regular claw attack,
Willpower +1 Health 25/12 it can then follow up with its raking rear claws as part of
Armor 0 (none) the same attack action with no penalty to the attack roll.
Maximum damage is 3 as per its front claws.
Special Abilities—
Talents (melee): Defensive Dash.
dz Bovine Rage: By spending a Stamina point, and Talents (all others): Agile Climber, Night-sighted, Tire-
taking an action to move at least 5 yards, a Bull can gain less.
a +2 additional bonus to its follow-up attack roll. This Weaknesses: Small size; animal-level intelligence; cannot
also increases the maximum damage of its horns to 15. speak/read/write.
dz Natural Grit: Bulls do not suffer the effects of Skills: Acrobatics +4, Athletics +0 (climbing +4), Brawling
Staggered when going to half Health or less. +1, Endurance +3, Perception +3 (hearing +5), Resolve +2,
Stealth +5, Survival +2.
Talents (Battle): Bullish Charge, Rushing Attack. Possessions: None, other than what an owner might be-
Talents (all others): None. stow upon it.
Weaknesses: Cannot speak/read/write; animal-level intel-
ligence.
Skills: Acrobatics +3, Athletics +6 (climbing +2), Brawling CROCODILE (CL 3, Animal)
+6, Endurance +3, Perception +1 (hearing and smell +3), Great reptilians from the wetlands of the tropics and
Persuasion +0 (intimidation +4), Resolve +3, Survival +1. sub-tropics, crocodiles can be extremely aggressive when
Possessions: None. hungry, seeking often to attack a single (preferably smallish)
target over a large or powerful one. Their favorite hunting
method is to lay just below the water’s surface, with only
CAT, DOMESTIC (CL 1/2, Animal) their slightly protruding eyes exposed, and rush out with a
Felines have been domesticated, and reduced in size, for great frenzied assault.
well over a millennium in the SK known world. The Ar-
Attributes & Derived Traits—
346 SAVAGE BESTIARY
 SAVAGEIII
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Attributes & Derived Traits—

Agility +2 Initiative +2
Physique +3 Attack: Bite +4 (max dmg 15/AP 1) Agility +2 Initiative +2

Vigor +2 Defense: Dodge 13 Physique +0 Attack: Bite +3 (max dmg 8)

Intellect -4 Mobility: Ground 10; Swim 12 Vigor +1 Defense: Dodge 13

Magnetism -1 Stamina 14/7 Intellect -4 Mobility 18

Willpower +0 Health 20/10 Magnetism +0 Stamina 13/6

Armor 1 (natural hide) Willpower +0 Health 12/6

Armor 0-2 (none to occasional barding/
Special Abilities— canine-armor)

dz Death-roll: If a Crocodile scores 5 or more over Special Abilities—

a target’s Defense with its bite attack, while in at least
four feet of water, it can grapple the target. On the next
round, the Crocodile can try to drag the creature under-
water (if the creature’s Physique is +1 or less); the target
drowns in a number of rounds equal to 5 plus its Vigor.
A grappled creature may attempt to break out of the
grapple on its turn (as an action) with a successful DL 14
Acrobatics or Brawling roll.
Talents (battle): Rushing Attack.
Talents (others): Night-sighted.
Weaknesses: Cannot speak/read/write; animal-level intel-
ligence; Phobia (of large fires—minor).
Skills: Acrobatics +3, Brawling +4, Climbing +2, Endurance
+4, Perception +1 (in water +2), Persuasion -1 (intimida-
tion +5), Resolve +2, Stealth +2 (in water +4), Survival +1
(hunting +2), Swimming +7 (marshes +8).
Possessions: None, although occasional incidental trinkets
in lair, such as an exceptional-quality shield or weapon, a
gem or piece of jewelry (worth 2-12 sc), and possibly a few
various coins.
dz Training: The typical Guard Dog knows the
‘Guard’ command as well as two other tricks, or one
additional trick/task per skill level that its owner has in
Animal Handling. Same goes for War Dogs, except they
automatically know the ‘Attack’ command instead.
dz Tripping Bite: If a Guard or War Dog scores 10+
over the target’s Defense with a bite attack, it can then
pull the creature down prone if it so chooses as long as
the target’s Physique is +3 or less.
Talents (all): Defensive Dash, Grit.
Weaknesses: Cannot read/write/speak; animal-level in-
telligence (although fairly cunning and capable to learning
certain tricks quickly).
Skills: Acrobatics +3, Athletics +0 (swimming +2), Brawl-
ing +3, Endurance +2, Perception +3 (hearing and smell
+4), Performance +1, Persuasion +0 (intimidation +3), Re-
solve +2, Survival +1 (tracking +2).
Possessions: None, save occasionally a leather collar and/
or chain or leather leash and rarely “dog barding” (usually
padded or hard leather).

DOG, GUARD OR WAR (CL 2)

These are domesticated, or quasi-domesticated, canines
used almost specifically for guarding people, or locations,
or for raiding and warfare. Dogs can be trained for a variety
of tasks and services, yet the statistics below represent the
typical guard-dog or war-dog. In the known SK world, the
Brythians, Cymreddi, Gaerns, Lorinthians, and Wild Sidhe
are known to be especially gifted in training, upkeeping,
and commanding such animals.
EAGLE (CL 1 ½, Animal
Glorious avians of the high peaks, eagles prefer high alti-
tudes where they can look down upon potential prey. As
such, they will often build aeries (or great nests) at the sum-
mits of mountains or within the crowns of tall trees. They
can cover vast distances in flight, soaring on the prevailing
winds when necessary to rest their wings.
A full-grown eagle can carry off large rabbits, squirrels,
snakes, and even domesticated cats and small dogs.

Attributes & Derived Traits—

Agility +2 Initiative +2
Physique -3 Attack: Talons +2 (max dmg 10)
Vigor +1 Defense: Dodge 14
Intellect -4 Mobility: Fly 32, Ground 7
Magnetism +1 Stamina 13/6
Willpower +0 Health 5/2

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 SAVAGEIII
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Armor 0 (none)
Special Abilities—
dz Flight: Eagles can swoop down at targets below,
gaining a +2 bonus to their claw attacks if flying at least
20 yards (as an action) before the attack; if the target
creature has a Physique of -4 or less, the eagle can carry
it off in its talons. An eagle can make a 90-degree turn in
flight as one action (or a full 180 as two actions)
dz Gouging Talons: If an eagle scores 10 or more
over the target’s Defense with its talon attack, then it
can cause the Blinded (Partially) condition to the crea-
ture if it so chooses. It is a DL 20 Healing Arts skill to cure
the temporarily effect; otherwise, the creature’s eyesight
restores after 5 Health points of healing. A critical suc-
cess could cause permanent blindness in one eye at the
GM’s discretion.
Talents (battle): Defensive Dash (in-flight only), Rushing
Attack.
Talents (all others): Night-sighted.
Weaknesses: Cannot read/write/speak; animal-level intel-
ligence; Phobia (of fire—minor).
Key Skills: Acrobatics +4 (in-flight +6), Brawling +2
(swooping +4), Endurance +1, Perception +2 (sight +4),
Persuasion +1 (intimidation +4), Stealth +3, Survival +2.
Possessions: Eagles occasionally have shiny trinkets in their
nests, such as 1-20 bc, 1-6 sc, and a gemstone or small piece
of jewelry (worth 2-20 sc). 1-3 eaglets might also be avail-
able, which could bring as much as 20-30 sc for each one;
or instead, 1-4 eggs (worth 8-10 sc each).
HORSE, RIDING (CL 2, Animal)
These are saddle-broken equines specifically trained to bear
a rider, be it for long distances or for quick sprints (or gal-
lops). Most are brown in coloration, though a good por-
tion of them can be found in black, white, chestnut, blonde,
or some variety thereof. Riding steeds will receive a saddle
and bit-and-bridle harness without much fuss, though they
will balk at loud noises and the smell of blood, and thus are
normally useless in direct mounted combat (see Warhorses
below).
Note that horses move primarily in three modes: trot
(normal Mobility), canter (double trot speed as two ac-
tions), and gallop (three times trot speed as two actions).
Attributes & Derived Traits—
Agility +1 Initiative +0
Physique +6 Attack: Hoof +3 (max dmg 8); or Bite
(max dmg 5)
Vigor +2 Defense: Dodge 12
Intellect -4 Mobility: Trot 17, Canter 34, Gallop 51
Magnetism +0 Stamina 13/6
Willpower +0 Health 26/13
348
Armor 0 (none)
Special Abilities—
dz Carry Rider: A Riding Horse can bear a single
rider (or even two riders) whose Physiques total no
greater than +6; if bearing more than this, or gear to-
taling more the Bulk 18 (or Bulk 22 with saddblebags),
then the Horse can move no faster than a Trot; of bear-
ing twice these numbers, the Horse is reduced to zero
Mobility.
dz Gallop: Riding Horses can reach full galloping
speeds after two actions (one full round); they can reach
a canter, too, after two actions, though a trot is but one
action (two trot actions would be a canter). It costs a
horse 1 Stamina point per half-minute (5 rounds) to run
at a full gallop.
Talents (all): Tireless.
Weaknesses: Cannot speak/read/write. Phobia (of large
fires and loud noises—minor). A rider attempting to fight
while astride a Riding Horse must succeed in a DL 15 Animal
Handling roll when coming to within 5 yards of an armed
opponent or a beast of Physique +8 or greater; failure
means the mount hesitates, costing two actions; a critical
failure means the mount rears, throwing the rider prone
unless he immediately succeeds in a DL 20 Acrobatics roll.
Skills: Acrobatics +2 (leaping +6), Brawling +4, Endurance
+4, Perception +1 (hearing +3), Persuasion +0 (intimida-
tion +2), Resolve +1, Survival +0.
Possessions: Usually none, though if domesticated a riding
saddle (of average to exceptional quality) and/or saddle-
bags might be present, as well as 1-3 days of feed and/or
water. There might even be goods inside the saddlebags,
such as clothing, rope, tools, rations, or a knife.
LION (CL 3, Animal)
Known mostly in the southern realms of the West, though
originating from the East and South (on the continent of
Emanju), lions were brought across the Dragon Sea by
far-traveling merchants seeking to trade in exotic goods.
Thus, a fair number can be found in the Lorinthian Empire
and the Prydonian Isles, usually as gladiatorial fodder or
the property of wealthy nobles who desire terrifying (and
effective) guards to their estates.
An angry lion can easily take down a cow, horse, or sev-
eral stout men. They are efficient hunters, although they
can sleep upwards of eighteen hours in a day in order to
break down the meat in their gullets.
Attributes & Derived Traits—
Agility +2 Initiative +3
Physique +5 Attack: Claws +5 (max dmg 15); and Bite
+5 (max dmg 15)
Vigor +2 Defense: Dodge 14
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Intellect -4 Mobility 25
Magnetism +1 Stamina 15/7
Willpower +1 Health 24/12
Armor 0 (none)
Special Abilities—
dz Attack Routine: A Lion can make one claw at-
tack and one bite attack, as one action, with no penalty.
dz Pouncing Strike: When a Lion moves at least 5
yards toward a target in a straight line, and succeeds in
a claw attack, it can then then knock the target prone
unless said target’s Physique is +6 or better. The Lion
then gets an immediate bite or rear claw attack against
the prone target.
Talents (battle): Leaping Strike, Rushing Attack.
Talents (all others): Night-sighted.
Weaknesses: Cannot speak/read/write; animal-level intel-
ligence (but cunning); Phobia (of large fires—minor).
Skills: Acrobatics +4, Brawling +5, Climbing +5, Endurance
+4, Perception +2 (hearing +3), Persuasion +1 (intimidation
+5), Resolve +3, Stealth +4, Survival +2.
Possessions: None, though occasionally incidental trinkets
in den, such as a few coins, an exceptional-quality weapon,
a bauble worth 2-20 sc, etc.
MAMMOTH (CL 5, Gigantic Ani-
mal)
Still in existence in the extreme northern reaches of the
western continent of Astagonia, mostly where the savage
Thorakki (and Frost Giants) dwell, as well as the far north
of Hassan, the eastern continent. Some whisper that they
can also be found in the isle-continent of Ragnagard, at “the
top of the world”.
Mammoths are often hunted for their ivory (tusks), hides,
fat, and meat, often requiring a team of hunters working in
unison to have any chance of felling such mighty (if often
gentle) beasts.
Attributes & Derived Traits—
the target’s Defense with its tusk attack, the creature is
knocked prone if its Physique is +7 or less; if Physique
+2 or less, then it is knocked back a yard as well. This is
in addition to any damage dealt.
dz Trampling Charge: Instead of a tusk attack, a
mammoth can choose to trample instead, often being
frightened enough to do so in stampeding fashion; if the
trample attack succeeds, the target is knocked prone if of
Physique +7 or less.
Talents (all): Bullish Charge, Shattering Blow.
Weaknesses: Cannot speak/read/write; animal-like intelli-
gence; not overly aggressive; Phobia (of large fires—minor).
Skills: Acrobatics +1, Brawling +8, Climbing +2, Endurance
+6 (resist cold +8), Perception +1, Persuasion +1 (intimida-
tion +7), Resolve +2, Stealth -3, Survival +1, Swimming +4.
Possessions: None, though on rare occasions, a small trin-
ket stuck in its hide or in its gullet (a coin or two, a small
gem, an exceptional-quality arrowhead, etc.).
PANTHER (CL 2, Animal)
Sleek and muscular hunting cats, these felines are typically
found in the southlands (or all the way over on the isle-con-
tinent of Mezca) where they prefer warmer climates. How-
ever, more than several have been reported in the tem-
perate and even sub-arctic regions northward, where they
might be known as cougars or mountain-lions.
Panthers can be quite aggressive, especially when de-
fending their young or their hunting grounds, and can also
be dangerous when hungry.
Attributes & Derived Traits—
Agility +3 Initiative +3
Physique +1 Attack: Claw +4 (max dmg 8); and Bite
+4 (max dmg 8)
Vigor +1 Defense: Dodge 14
Intellect -4 Mobility 21
Magnetism +0 Stamina 13/6
Willpower +0 Health 14/7
Armor 0 (none)

Agility -1 Initiative -1 Special Abilities—

Physique +12 Attack: Tusks +8 (max dmg 20, reach 2);
or Trample +8 (max dmg 15) dz Raking Claws: If a panther scores 5 over an op-
ponent’s Defense with its claw attack, it can then fol-
Vigor +4 Defense: Dodge 11; Parry 16
low-up with a strike from its rear claws (at a -2 penalty)
Intellect -4 Mobility 32 as part of its action.
Magnetism +1 Stamina 16/8
Willpower +0 Health 40/20
Talents (battle): Leaping Attack, Rushing Attack.
Talents (other): Fleet-footed, Night-sighted, Tireless.
Armor 1 (natural fur/hide)
Weaknesses: Animal intelligence; cannot speak/read/
write.
Special Abilities— Skills: Acrobatics +4, Athletics +5, Brawling +4, Endurance
+2, Perception +2 (hearing +3), Persuasion +0 (intimida-
dz Sweeping Tusks: If a mammoth scores 5 over tion +4), Resolve +2, Stealth +4, Survival +2.

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Possessions: None, though an intact panther hide could
fetch up to 10 sc with a successful DL 12 Survival roll to skin
it properly. Panther cubs might attract up to 25 sc each for
the right buyer.
RAVEN (CL ½, Animal)
Sometimes confused with crows, ravens are generally larger
than their avian cousins and often have a “scruff” of feath-
ers on their necks. In addition, many are not entirely black,
but have a white spot or two or a purplish sheen to their
feathers. A raven will defend its eggs, though usually not to
the death.
Some ravens, in the north, are trained to serve as mes-
senger-birds dwelling in great rookeries sponsored by tem-
ples, monasteries, or the castle-towers of the nobility.
Attributes & Derived Traits—
Agility +2 Initiative +2
Physique -4 Attack: Talons +2 (max dmg 2); or Beak
+2 (max dmg 1)
Vigor +0 Defense: Dodge 13
Intellect -4 Mobility: Ground 8; Flight 24
Magnetism +0 Stamina 11/5
Willpower +0 Health 4/2
Armor 0 (none)
Special Abilities—
dz Flight: Ravens can fly up to 24 yards as one ac-
tion, or double this as two actions. They can make a
180-degree turn as part of one movement action. Every
10 minutes of flight costs a Raven 1 Stamina point.
dz Mimicry: A Raven can imitate most natural
sounds in the wilderness, requiring a successful DL 10
Perception or Survival skill roll for others to discern the
falsehood. They can even be taught a few words of a
language with a DL 15 Animal Handling success over the
course of a week or so.
Talents (battle): Defensive Dash (in flight only).
Talents (all others): Night-sighted, Tireless.
Skills: Acrobatics +3, Brawling +2, Endurance +2, Percep-
tion +3 (sight +4), Resolve +2, Stealth +3, Survival +1.
350
Languages: None, but might know a few words of a local
tongue.
Possessions: None, though occasional trinkets in nest, such
as a few coins or a small gem.
SABERTOOTH (CL 5, Animal)
Another ancient creature still thriving in much of the known
world, the terrible and magnificent sabretooth (or sword-
tooth) “tiger” can be a terrifying sight to behold. Bearing
two long fang-like teeth, over a half a foot in length, the
mighty sabretooth is capable of bringing down all but the
most legendary foes.
The sword-tooth is generally brown-tan in hue, not un-
like a lion’s coloring, but sometimes with a white or light
grey belly. They are extremely aggressive when defending
their territories and are quite often the apex hunters of their
hunting zones.
Attributes & Derived Traits—
Agility +3 Initiative +4
Physique +7 Attack: Claws +8 (max dmg 15); and Bite
+8 (max dmg 20/AP 2)
Vigor +3 Defense: Dodge 15
Intellect -4 Mobility 30
Magnetism +2 Stamina 16/8
Willpower +1 Health 30/15
Armor 0 (none)
Special Abilities—
dz Piercing Bite: If a Sabertooth scores 10 over the
target’s Defense with its bite attack, the target is partially
impaled and grappled; the Sabertooth can then imme-
diately follow up with a rear claw attack as part of the
same action. The target may attempt to escape the hold
of the Sabertooth’s jaws with a successful DL 18 Acrobat-
ics or Brawling roll (as an action).
dz Tooth-breaking: If a Sabertooth scores 15 or
more points of damage against a target with at least 2
points of armor, one of its fang-like teeth breaks off in
the target; this is moderately painful to the Sabertooth,
inflicting a -2 penalty to all upcoming bite attacks (and
-1 to its Armor Piercing), but the creature with the bro-
ken-off tooth in it suffers a -2 penalty to Mobility and
-2 to all die rolls until an action is used to pull it out. A
successful DL 10 Healing Arts roll, as an action, negates
the aforementioned penalties.
Talents (battle): Leaping Strike, Rushing Attack.
Talents (all others): Night-sighted, Tireless.
Weaknesses: Cannot speak/read/write; animal-level intel-
ligence (but cunning); Phobia (of large fires—minor).
Skills: Acrobatics +5, Brawling +8, Climbing +6, Endur-
ance +6, Perception +2 (hearing and smell +3), Persuasion
+2 (intimidation +7), Resolve +3, Stealth +4, Survival +2,
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 SAVAGEIII
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Swimming +5.
Possessions: None, though incidental trinkets are not un-
common in a Sabertooth’s den, such as an exceptional or
master-crafted weapon (or shield), 1-20 bc, 1-10 sc, and pos-
sibly a jeweled bauble (worth 2-20 sc).
SPIDER, GIANT (CL 3, Gigantic An-
imal)
Monstrous arachnids dwelling primarily in the sub-tropical
or tropical regions, but occasionally seen in temperate zones
or even—in extreme cases—sub-arctic areas. Great Spiders
are often ravishingly hungry and will eat just about any-
thing, including humanoids. Most are web-builders whose
webs are capable of snagging victims of above-average size
or strength.
It is possible to harvest Great Spider venom, although its
potency only remains for about three days. Its toxicity can
be prolonged, however, if used to make a vial or two of
Moderate Poison via the Alchemy skill (counting as half the
material cost in silver coins).
Attributes & Derived Traits—
Agility +2 Initiative +1
Physique +1 Melee +3 (Bite, dmg +0/10)
Vigor +0 Defense: Dodge 14
Intellect -4 Mobility: Ground 19; Climbing 14
Magnetism -2 Stamina 13/6
Willpower +1 Health 14/7
Armor 0 (none)
Special Abilities—
dz Magnetism +0
dz Venomous Bite: Any opponent taking at least
one Health point of damage from a Great Spider’s bite
must immediately succeed in a DL 13 Endurance roll or
take 1 point of additional Health damage per point of
failure (maximum 10 damage) and gain the Poisoned
condition until cured with a DL 18 Healing Arts skill roll
or a Cure Ailment spell.
dz Web-spinner: Great Spiders can weave sturdy
rope-like webs, creating one square-yard of thick web-
bing (or a single 5-yard long strand) per action; they are
not slowed or hindered by webs or tall weeds/grasses.
It requires a successful DL 13 Perception roll to notice
SAVAGE BESTIARY
a Great Spider web and a DL 13 Physique roll (two ac-
tions) to escape such webs.
Talents (battle): Leaping Attack, Rushing Attack.
Talents (all others): Night-sighted, Tireless.
Weaknesses: Phobia (of fire or dense smoke—minor),
Tainted; cannot speak/read/write.
Skills: Acrobatics +4 (balance +6), Brawling +3, Climbing
+9, Endurance +2 (resist poison +4), Perception +1 (sight
and touch +3), Persuasion -2 (intimidation +5), Resolve +3,
Stealth +4, Survival +1 (caves and forests +2), Swimming
+3.
Languages: None.
Possessions: None, although the occasional incidental
items might be found within a Great Spider’s web, such as
an exceptional-quality weapon or shield, a gem or piece of
jewelry (worth 2-20 sc), and possibly 1-10 sc and/or 2-20
bc.
VIPER, GIANT (CL 4, Gigantic Ani-
mal)
Fortunately rare, Giant Vipers are massive varieties of the
common viper shown below. These great serpents are terri-
ble to look upon and can be quite dangerous to those wan-
dering into underground areas or forlorn woodlands. Giant
Vipers almost always dwell alone, although the occasional-
ly pairing is not unheard of. The following statistics could
also apply to most any type of gigantic poisonous snake.
Attributes & Derived Traits—
Agility +2 Initiative +3
Physique +3 Melee: Bite +5 (max dmg 10 plus poison*)
Vigor +2 Defense: Dodge 14
Intellect -3 Mobility 12
Stamina 14/7
Willpower +1 Health 20/10
Armor 1 (natural scaly hide)
Special Abilities—
dz Primal Fear: All living creatures within 10 yards
of a Giant Viper must succeed in a DL 15 Resolve skill roll
or become Intimidated.
dz Venomous Bite: If a Giant Viper deals damage
to a target, the creature must succeed in a DL 14 Endur-
ance roll or take an additional point of poison damage
per point of failure and gain the Poisoned (Moderately)
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 SAVAGEIII
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condition for up to eight hours. The victim receives an
Endurance roll every hour until cured or made comatose
by a second failure; an hour after being comatose, the
victim perishes unless the poison can be neutralized.
Talents (battle): Rushing Attack.
Talents (all others): Night-sighted.
Weaknesses: Cannot speak/read/write; animal-level intel-
ligence; Phobia of large fires (minor).
Skills: Acrobatics +4, Brawling +5, Climbing +4, Endurance
+4, Perception +1 (smell and touch +3), Persuasion +0 (in-
timidation +5), Resolve +3, Stealth +3, Survival +1.
Possessions: None, though often incidental trinkets in lair,
such as an exceptional or master-crafted weapon or shield,
a gem or piece of jewelry (worth 2-20 sc), or 3-30 bc and
1-10 sc. The mostly-intact skin of a Giant Viper could fetch
up to 15 sc on a successful DL 12 Survival roll.
VIPER, COMMON (CL 1, Animal)
The common, or normal, Viper is typically red and black
of coloration (though there are several sub-varieties) with
a wedge-shaped head which comes fairly standard on poi-
sonous snakes. Vipers are fond of dark areas, such as under-
ground regresses or in the deep shadow of a forest, and are
somewhat aggressive. The stats found below could apply
to an asp, copperhead, water moccasin, or most species of
venomous snake found throughout the known world.
Attributes & Derived Traits—
Agility +3 Initiative +3
Physique -3 Melee: Bite +3 (max dmg 3 plus poison*)
Vigor +0 Defense: Dodge 14
Intellect -4 Mobility 8
Magnetism -1 Stamina 11/5
Willpower +0 Health 6/3
Armor 0 (none)
Special Abilities—
dz Swarming Nest: If ten or more Common Vipers
are encountered in a space of 2x2 square-yards of less,
this constitutes as a swarm or nest and becomes, in es-
sence, a singular creature. The typical viper-swarm is
considered to have a Health of 30/15 and a Bite attack
bonus of +6 (max dmg 9), which represents the nest or
swarm as a collective. It also causes all mortal creatures
within 5 yards to have to succeed in a DL 10 Resolve roll
or become Intimidated.
dz Venomous Bite: Any living creature taking at
least one point of bite damage from a Common Viper
must succeed in a DL 11 Endurance roll or gain the Mod-
erately Poisoned condition for up to four hours. The
victim gains a resistance roll every hour with a success
meaning the venom has dissipated and a failure acquir-
ing the Severely Poisoned condition. Two failures, or
352
one critical failure, means becoming comatose for one
hour and then perishing afterward (unless the venom
can somehow be neutralized).
Talents (all): Night-sighted (senses ground vibrations and
temperatures).
Weaknesses: Cannot read/write/speak; Phobia of fire
(major).
Skills: Acrobatics +4, Athletics -3 (climbing +0), Brawling
+3, Endurance +1, Perception +4, Persuasion -1 (intimida-
tion +2), Resolve +1, Stealth +5, Survival +1.
Possessions: None, save for possibly 1-6 snake-eggs.
WARHORSE, LIGHT (CL 2, Animal)
These types of equine beasts are trained for battle, undaunt-
ed by the din of combat or the smell of blood. In essence,
there are two types of warhorses—light and heavy—the
former being more common and more affordable to those
warriors well enough off to have one.
Like riding horses, warhorses have three basic movement
modes: Trot, canter, and gallop (see below). It requires one
action for a rider to command his or her war-mount to
attack, which is a mighty hoof strike; instead, the rider can
have the steed bite (but not both hoof and bite).
Attributes & Derived Traits—
Agility +1 Initiative +2
Physique +7 Attack: Hoof +6 (max dmg 10); or Bite +6
(max dmg 5)
Vigor +3 Defense: Dodge 13
Intellect -4 Mobility: Trot 18; Canter 27; Gallop 54
Magnetism +0 Stamina 15/7
Willpower +1 Health 28/14
Armor 0-3 (none to possible chain or scale
barding)
Special Abilities—
dz Carry Rider: Light Warhorses can bear up to two
riders whose combined Physiques are no greater than
+7, or up to Bulk 20 in gear (or Bulk 24 with saddle-
bags), before being slowed to Trot speed (see above);
anything twice these numbers slows the Warhorse to
zero Mobility.
dz Full Gallop: A Light Warhorse can charge toward
(or away) from a target in a full gallop which enables
them up to move 54 yards as two actions. If charging
toward a target who is on foot (and smaller than the
Warhorse), its rider gains a +1 bonus to Weaponry: Me-
lee rolls to weapons with the ‘Mounted’ characteristic;
the target is also knocked prone if the attack is successful
unless its Physique is +5 or higher.
Talents (battle): Armor Acclimation.
Talents (all others): None.
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 SAVAGEIII
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Weaknesses: Cannot read/speak/write; animal-like intel-
ligence.
Skills: Acrobatics +3, Brawling +6, Endurance +5, Percep-
tion +1 (hearing and smell +2), Persuasion +0 (intimidation
+3), Resolve +2, Survival +1, Swimming +5.
Possessions: None, although the horse’s owner (if any)
will likely have a war-saddle, saddlebags, 1-3 days of feed,
1-2 days of water, and on rare occasion, hard leather to
chain or scale barding.
WARHORSE, HEAVY (DESTRIER)
(CL 3, Animal)
Battle-trained equine mounts, as the Light Warhorse above,
though heavier and stronger. Heavy warhorses are some-
times called ‘destriers’ in Aradorn and Tarnia (across the
Dragon Sea), rare and massive beasts capable of easily car-
rying a fully armored rider and his gear. When a rider and
his destrier charges, the ground almost certainly shakes a bit.
Like with light warhorses, it requires one of the rider’s
actions to command his or her heavy warhorse to attack
(with either hoof or bite—it can’t do both as one action).
Destriers will occasionally bear armor as well, which is usu-
ally padded or chainmail.
Attributes & Derived Traits—
Agility +0 Initiative +1
Physique +9 Attack: Hoof +7 (max dmg 12); or Bite
(max dmg 6)
Vigor +3 Defense: Dodge 12
Intellect -4 Mobility: Trot 19; Canter 28; Gallop 56
Magnetism +1 Stamina 15/7
Willpower +1 Health 32/16
Armor 0-5 (none to chain barding or
plated barding)
Special Abilities—
dz Carry Rider: Heavy Warhorses can bear up to
two riders whose combined Physiques are no greater
than +8, or equipment weighing no more than Bulk 24
in total (or Bulk 28 with saddlebags); anything up to
twice these numbers reduces it to Trot; if bearing more
than that, then the warhorse is reduced to zero Mobility.
dz Galloping Charge: A charging Heavy Warhorse,
thundering at full speed, can move up to 56 yards in a
two-action round. If charging toward a target who is on
foot (and smaller than the Warhorse), then a mounted
rider gains a +1 bonus to his Weaponry: Melee roll if
wielding a weapon with the ‘Mounted’ characteristic
against said target; the target is also knocked prone if
the attack is successful unless its Physique is +7 or better.
Talents (battle): Armor Acclimation, Bullish Charge.
Talents (all others): Grit.
SAVAGE BESTIARY
Weaknesses: Cannot speak/read/write; animal-level intel-
ligence.
Skills: Acrobatics +2, Brawling +7, Endurance +4, Percep-
tion +1 (hearing and smell +2), Persuasion +1 (intimidation
+5), Resolve +2, Survival +1, Swimming +5.
Possessions: None, although its owner (if any) will likely
have a war-saddle, saddlebags, 1-3 days of food, 1-2 days’
water, and possibly a weapon (flail, lance, greatsword, etc.)
and maybe brigandine to chainmail or even plated barding.
WOLF (CL, 2 Animal)
Wild canines living primarily in the sub-arctic and artic re-
gions of the north, but ranging as far south as the temperate
zones of Esmandos and the Lorinthian Empire. Thousands
of wolfpacks still likely exist in the known world, though
some scholars believe that, at one time many millennia
past, there existed a near-countless plethora of wolves and
that even a great “wolf lord” rose from the among these
canines ages ago.
Wolves almost always hunt in packs, using their clever-
ness to overwhelm or wear-down a target before circling in
for the collective kill.
Attributes & Derived Traits—
Agility +2 Initiative +2
Physique +0 Attack: Bite +2 (max dmg 10)
Vigor +1 Defense: Dodge 13
Intellect -4 Mobility 18
Magnetism +0 Stamina 12/6
Willpower +0 Health 12/6
Armor 0 (none)
Special Abilities—
dz Tripping Attack: If a Wolf’s bite attack exceeds
the target’s Defense by 5 or more, the target is dragged
down prone unless its Physique is +5 or greater.
Talents (battle): Rushing Attack, Wolf-pack Tactics.
Talents (all others): Night-sighted.
Weaknesses: Cannot speak/read/write.
Skills: Acrobatics +3, Brawling +2, Endurance +2 (resist
cold +3), Perception +2 (hearing and smell +3), Persuasion
+0 (intimidation +2), Resolve +1, Stealth +3, Survival +1
(hunting +2).
Possessions: None, though possible incidental items could
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be found in a wolf’s den, such as a poor or average-quality
weapon or shield, a few (1-10) bronze coins, etc. A typical
wolf-pelt might fetch 3-5 silver coins with a successful DL 10
Survival roll. A captured wolf cub could possibly be valued
at 8-10 silver pieces on the open market and might even
be trainable to some extent with a successful DL 15 Animal
Handling roll after a week’s time.
WOLF, GREAT (CL 4, Animal)
Also known as Dire-wolves or “Children of Anderok” (par-
ticularly in Mulovia), these are mighty canines that often
match ponies for size. Found mainly in the north, Great
Wolves can be at least as aggressive as normal wolves—
especially if hungry or defending territory—and are even
more cunning and sinister. Most understand rudimentary
local tongues and it is rumored that a rare few have even
mastered human-like vocals. Great Wolves are considered
somewhat sacred in realms like Mulovia and are occasional-
ly hunted for their thick, winter-resistant pelts.
Attributes & Derived Traits—
Agility +0 Initiative +1
Physique +6 Melee: Bite +6 (max dmg 15/AP 1)
Vigor +2 Defense: Dodge 13
Intellect -3 Mobility 24
Magnetism +1 Stamina 16/8
Willpower +1 Health 26/12
Armor 1 (natural fur/hide)
Special Abilities—
dz Tripping Bite: If a Great Wolf scores 5 or greater
over a target’s Defense on its bite attack, then it auto-
matically knocks the creature prone (in addition to do-
ing damage) if its Physique is +2 or less.
dz Potential Rider: Great Wolves could, theoret-
ically, serve as mounts to humanoid creatures with at
least a -2 Intellect who make a successful DL 20 Ani-
mal Handling roll. This would take at least a month of
training, however, and Great Wolves are known to be
ornery, violent, and wicked.
Talents (battle): Bullish Charge, Defensive Dash, Rushing
Attack, Wolfpack Tactics.
Talents (all others): Grit, Night-sighted, Tireless.
Weaknesses: Honorless, Phobia (of large fires—minor),
Tainted; cannot read or write.
Skills: Acrobatics +3 (leaping +5), Brawling +6, Climbing
+3, Endurance +4, Perception +2 (smell and hearing +3),
Persuasion +1 (intimidation +6), Survival +2 (tracking +3),
Swimming +3.
Languages: In rare cases, Great Wolves are known to be
capable of crude speech, usually knowing the basics of the
Sidhe tongue or some local human language. Even those
who do not speak are capable of understanding rudimen-
354
tary language.
Possessions: None, though occasional incidental trinkets
might be found in a Great Wolf den, such as an exceptional
(or even master-crafted) weapon or shield, 1-10 sc, and/or
2-20 bc. On a successful DL 10 Survival roll, a Great Wolf
pelt might be worth up to 25 sc. Great Wolf cubs are often
as large as normal wolves, and might fetch up to 30 sc or
be trainable with a successful DL 20 Animal Handling roll.
22
SUPERNATURAL CREATURES
Monstrous beasts, demonic beings, fey, undead, and other
types of creatures whispered to haunt the desolate regions
of the known world. Some have Otherworldly origins and
are extremely rare, while others might only exist through
some terrible magic-craft or have been pushed to the hin-
terlands of semi-civilized realms.
There are various types of supernatural creatures and
Other-worldly beings, but scholars and lore-masters tend to
narrow them down to the following somewhat convenient,
but seldom perfect, categories:
DEMONS: These are the denizens of the Nether-world,
the “lower regions” of the Other-world, the “world be-
yond the mortal realms.” Sometimes called devils, Neth-
er-spawn, or worse, demons are the embodiments of true
evil almost always filled with lust, violence, and the need to
cause chaos, disorder, and general corruption. It is said that
even the most wicked mortal soul cannot compare with the
sheer evil nature of a demonic creature.
Demons are often categorized, by sorcerers and scholars,
into three types: Lesser, Greater, and Lords. For game pur-
poses, demons of CL 7 or less are considered Lesser Demons,
CL 8-12 are Greater Demons, and DL 13+ are assumed to
be Demon Lords. Note that when a demon is slain in the
mortal world, its spirit immediately goes screaming back
to the Nether-world, often with a hint of brimstone in the
air. Its mortal remains then quickly corrode away to little
more than dust, although certain demonic entities might
leave some tracery component behind (see individual De-
mon statistics).
ANGELS: In the history of the SK world, demons and an-
gels are members of the same ancient and (essentially) im-
mortal race. However, some eons ago, likely during the Age
of Gods, some demons began to turn from their dark and
sinister ways, becoming an ascended form of their race that
would become known as “angels.” These angelic beings
were still greatly outnumbered by their evil brethren, but
many of them were powerful or grew powerful in their de-
cision to ascend to a higher sense of honor and morality. In
fact, there is no such thing as a Lesser Angel—only ‘Greater’
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 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
and ‘Lord’ versions of them exist.
DRAGONS: Perhaps the penultimate apex creature when
grown to ancient size and age, true dragons—those that
breath fire or ice (or on rare occasion, acidic spittle or even
lightning) and take flight on great membranous wings—are
a rare thing in this day and age in the known SK world.
In fact, only about seven named dragons (or wyrms) exist
at present, though perhaps a handful of obscure scholars
or seers might possess the names of a few others. These
known drakes are almost always middle-aged or older, El-
der Wyrms of massive size, appetite, and ego. Fortunately,
such magnificent beasts sleep three-quarters of their lives
away, hidden away in some forlorn lair, and few mortals
dare oppose them.
Other types of creatures exist too that are akin to drag-
ons, draconic beasts such as the Basilisk, Sea Serpent, and
Wyvern. Though perhaps not dragons in the truest sense,
these beings are still relatively cunning, dangerous, and po-
tentially domineering. Some believe that Dragons first came
from the sea, either from some ancient seaborne race or by
way of a fallen star that struck the Dragon Sea (hence its
name) over seven millennia ago.
ELEMENTALS: Unlike in many other fantasy settings, Ele-
mentals in the SK world are primarily creatures of the mortal
sphere—that is, the Earth-world. The mortal realms, after
all, are comprised of the four classic elements—air, earth,
fire, and water—and thus when an Elemental being forms
(which is often via a sorcerer’s spell or perhaps some great-
er magical occurrence) it is a semi-sentient spirit that lends
temporarily life and animation to its host element. There-
fore, a nearby river might yield a Water Elemental by way
of an Elemental Summoning spell or possibly some deeper
and likely more ancient manner; a windy plain might serve
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well to summon forth an Air Elemental, the very air quick-
ened with the temporary pulse of an elemental spirit.
According to sorcerers and sages, Elementals are classi-
fied into three general categories: Lesser, Greater, and Elder.
Their CLs, respectively, are 4, 7, and 10. When an Elemental
is slain, it simply falls back into whatever base element it
was, the “animus” (or spirit) released back into oblivion.
FEY: Often called Faeries or Faerie-folk in the north (par-
ticularly the northwest), or even “Other-folk” in less com-
monality, creatures of fey origin are inhabitants of the
Other-world, the “mirror-world” beyond our own mortal
sphere. More specifically, they dominate the Shadow-world
region of the Other-world, perhaps the largest area of that
reality. The most common fey-folk are the Sidhe, which are
often categorized in three sub-types—the Dark Sidhe, Eluna
Sidhe, and Wild Sidhe—many of whom have been residents
of the mortal realms for many centuries.
Other Fey pass into the mortal world as well, from time
to time, or even partially reside in our physical realm, per-
haps having knowledge of gateway “portals” from this
world to the next or simply possession the ability to travel
back and forth at will. Such “greater fey” might be the Kel-
pies, Nymphs, Satyrs, Will O’ Wisps, and the like that are at
least somewhat known to Men, while lesser types might be
called Fomori, Goblings, Hobgoblins, Red Caps, or worse.
Almost all fey creatures are harmed by cold-iron weap-
ons, those implements hand-forged without the touch of
fire and the additives to make steel. Few, if any, know why
this is the case, although some lore-masters have speculated
that it is due to the fact that non fire-forged weapons are
not native to the Other-world.
GIANTS: Massive human-like beings from an ancient age,
that some believe are the direct descendants of the some of
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the Elder Deities and beyond. In particular, such creatures
are the Titans, the “high-born” of the Giant races, those of
somewhat higher mind and morality. They mostly dwelled
in the warmer regions of the world, though when the Age
of Man first came about, most retreated into the sea, deso-
late islands, or in faraway caverns.
As for the “true giants,” the non-Titans, they mainly dwelt
in the colder regions, the Frost Giants even thriving off such
climates, their violent natures giving them good chance to
compete with the dangers of the frozen northlands. Fire
Giants dwelled here too, though they prefer the warmers
areas within—volcanoes, natural vents, and the like. Some
even ventured south into the Bloodrock Mountains after a
time, some coming into conflict with the Titans.
Related offspring of the Giants exist too, most notori-
ously Trolls, but also Firbolgs and Fomori too. Humans and
Giants have attempted cross-mingling before, often not by
choice, with all but the savage Thorakki abhorring such cou-
plings.
GORGONS: Mutated hybrid creatures of ancient origin,
most scholars—especially those from among the Prydonian
peoples—agree that gorgonic beings were first “created” by
the fallen-god Gorgothon who, being thought still-born at
birth, was tossed from the divine palaces of Rhodon into
the raging sea, only to eventually wash ashore, half-alive,
on what is now known as Gorgotha. Here, as legend states,
Gorgothon was nursed back to life and began, in his bore-
dom and wickedness, to craft forbidden offspring from var-
ious forms of wildlife (as well as Men). Thus, came forth
Harpies, Hydrae, Manticores, Medusae, Minotaurs, and
more, creatures corrupted and mangled with the physical
parts of others.
UNDEAD: Not alive in the true sense of the word, though
not entirely deceased either, these are the “waking dead” or
the “re-risen,” epithets often used to describe such horrible
animated corpses such as Animated Skeletons, Draugr, and
Zombies, or worse still, those with a modicum of intellect
and a driving will to destroy the living and dominate the
world of Men. This latter category, that some might call
“greater undead,” are such foul things as Ghouls, Grave-
wights, Vampires, Wraiths, and more.
It is known that some types of undead beings are only af-
fected by silvered weapons or consecrated water (holy wa-
ter), and in some rare cases, pure water, sunlight, garlic, or
the presence of certain holy icons particularly those of Saint
Paladyr or Signa. Certain incorporeal creatures are bound
to a specific area or object or might not be able to cross
running water, among other supernatural flaws. Creatures
not-meant-to-be will almost always possess a weakness or
two for heroic opponents to potentially exploit.
ANIMATED SKELETON (CL 2, Un-
dead)
Humanoid skeletons usually reanimated by dark necroman-
tic spells, Animated Skeletons—or Skeletal Warriors—are
often used to guard sacred tombs, crypts, or some other
356
important and often forlorn locale. Some are armed and ar-
mored, while others still are little more than the half-rotting
bones they were in life.
Attributes & Derived Traits—
Agility +0 Initiative +0
Physique +0 Melee: Bony Hands +2 (max dmg 5, or by
weapon type); Ranged +2
Vigor +2 Defense: Dodge 12; Parry 12
Intellect -3 Mobility 10
Magnetism -2 Stamina 12/6
Willpower +0 Health 12/6
Armor 0-5 (none to chainmail and shield)
Special Abilities—
dz Mindless Undead: Animated Skeletons are im-
mune to all mind effects (such as charm, fear, hunger,
illusions, pain, sleep, stunning, etc.), as well as disease
and poison.
dz Unnatural Aura: Once animated, all Animated
Skeletons are unnerving for most mortals to look upon,
and thus every living creature within 10 yards of them
must succeed in a DL 12 Resolve roll or become Intim-
idated.
dz Weapon Resistance: An Animated Skeleton
only takes half damage from piercing or thrusting weap-
ons and Light slashing weapons. All bludgeoning weap-
ons, and Medium or Heavy slashing weapons, still deal
normal damage.
Talents (battle): Ambidexterity, Dual Blades, Shield Bash.
Talents (other): Grit, Tireless.
Weaknesses: Mindless (can only follow the simple com-
mands of their “master”); cannot speak/read/write; Tainted.
Skills: Acrobatics +2, Brawling +2, Climbing +2, Endur-
ance +2, Perception +0 (sense living within 10 yards +10),
Persuasion -2 (intimidation +4), Resolve +0, Swimming -2,
Weaponry: Melee +2, Weaponry: Ranged +2.
Possessions: Usually tattered or rusty harnesses of armor,
and a half-broken or rusty shortsword, spear, polearm, or
battleaxe; on rare occasion, a shield or weapon might be
exceptional-quality and each might carry 1-10 bc and/or 1-2
sc in a rotting belt pouch.
DRAGON, MIDDLE-AGED (CL 12,
Dragon)
The Age of Dragons has long passed, and yet still, wyrms
and other draconic creatures remain in the known world,
though rare they are indeed. Some scholars and lore-mas-
ters claim that only perhaps a dozen dragons of middle
age (that is, from 100 to 300 years old) remain here in the
Age of Man, which means surely no more than five Elder
Wyrms—all named—are still in existence (such as the great
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KINGDOMS
Terengethrion or Valnathrax of the North).
Dragons and their ilk are capable of mass destruction,
not only with their breath weaponry, but with their great
bulk, swinging tails, and grinding teeth and claws. Their
scales are nearly equal to the best forged armor and, despite
their incredible bulk, wyrms (as they are often called in the
north) can be swift flyers. Their kind is so ancient and alien
that Dragons are without gender—all middle-aged or older
dragons are capable of laying a clutch of one to a half-doz-
en massive eggs about every three or four years.
The typical Dragon is vain, calculating, and greedy, with
few (if any) paying heed to any real code of honor save
for their own. They do not believe in most deities, instead
presuming themselves to be virtually divine in their own
right. Though often wicked, they would prefer to negotiate
for what they want instead of mindless slaughter and ruin.
Such, however, is occasionally necessary and is then carried
out in total and complete draconic fashion.
Attributes & Derived Traits—
Agility +2 Initiative +5
Physique +20 Melee: Claw +17 (mx dmg 15/AP 2); and
Bite +17 (20/AP 3); and Tail +15 (10)
Vigor +7 Defense: Dodge 14; Parry 27
Intellect +1 Mobility: Ground 20; Flight 40
Magnetism +5 Stamina 25/12
Willpower +3 Health 62/31
Armor 6 (natural scales)*
Special Abilities—
dz Carry Prey: A Middle-aged Dragon can snatch
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and fly off with creatures whose Physiques are +7 or
lower, given a successful claw attack.
dz Fiery Breath (or Icy Breath): Middle-aged
Dragons can, for the cost of 4 Stamina points, breathe
forth a blast of searing flame up to 30 yards long and
ending in a 4x4 yard terminus; all creatures within this
line or terminus must succeed in a DL 22 Acrobatics roll
or suffer 2 points of fire damage per point of failure
(maximum damage is 25). A critical failure means that
two pieces of important equipment belonging to the tar-
get are also destroyed, plus the target catches fire until
the end of his next turn, taking an additional 4 points
of fire damage unless two actions are spent to smother
the flames. Armor only counts as half effective. Note
that some dragons are ice-wyrms, in that they breathe
forth a blast of ice and frost instead of fire (same statistics
otherwise).
dz Fire Resistance (or Frost Resistance)*: Mid-
dle-aged Dragons take 5 points less damage from fire
and heat related effects. Ice-wyrms take 5 points less
cold damage instead.
dz Flight: A Middle-aged Dragon can fly up to 40
yards as one action, or twice that as two actions; it can
make a 90-degree turn as one action or a 180-degree
turn as two actions. Middle-aged Dragons expend 1
Stamina point per two minutes of flight.
dz Terrible Presence: All Middle-aged Dragons nat-
urally emit a 15-yard radius of fear and majesty around
them, forcing all onlookers (or those hearing the drag-
on’s roar) to succeed in a DL 15 Resolve (resist fear) roll
or become Intimidated. Those critically failing this roll
are Terrified instead.
Talents (battle): Bullish Charge, Defensive Dash (in flight
only), Shattering Blow.
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 SAVAGEIII
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Talents (other): Intimidating Physique, Magic Affinity,
Night-sighted.
Weaknesses: Obsession (treasure hoards—major), and
usually Honorless, Oath-breaker, and/or Tainted.
Skills: Acrobatics +3 (in flight +5), Alchemy +3, Brawling
+10, Athletics +7, Crafting +2 (appraisal +4), Endurance
+10, Language +4, Lore +4, Magical Arts: Air +3, Magical
Arts: Fire +3, Perception +5 (empathy and sight +6), Per-
suasion +7 (intimidation +20), Resolve +7, Survival +4.
Languages: Dragon-speech, plus three of the following—
Duergar, Sidhe, Giant-speech, Goblin-tongue, Gorgonic, or
a local human tongue.
Spells Known: Quench Fire, and either Conjure Fog or
Conjure Light.
Possessions: Often the following as part of its hoard—2-5
exceptional-quality weapons, shields, or other armor; 1-3
master-crafted weapons, shields, or other armor; possibly
1-2 magical potions or rare alchemical concoctions (or 1 mi-
nor permanent magical item); usually 2-5 gems or pieces of
jewelry (worth 2-40 sc each), and almost certainly 2-12 gc,
10-100 sc, and 50-500 bc.
DRAGON, YOUNG (CL 6, Dragon)
Though not as deadly, wise, or destructive as their older
ilk, a Young Dragon is still a wyrm, a member of one of the
most potent races to ever crawl (or fly) across the known
world. Considered to be from around 10 to 100 years in age
(“hatchlings” are considered less than ten years old), Young
Dragons are quite uncommon, their species an ancient and
dying one.
There was a time, during the Age of Dragons millennia
ago, that humans and their kindred would hide from the
countenances of wyrms, but in the current Age, a Young
Dragon will often hide away in some distant cave-lair until
it becomes powerful enough to dominate its surroundings
(assuming it can avoid being hunted and slain). If fortunate,
the Dragon might eventually become a Middle-aged drake
and, beyond that, at some distant point, an Elder Wyrm, a
true terror and near-god in its own right.
Attributes & Derived Traits—
Agility +2 Initiative +3
Physique +10 Melee +10 (Claw, max dmg 10/AP 1; and
Bite, max 15/AP 2)
Vigor +5 Defense: Dodge 13; Parry 19
Intellect +0 Mobility: Ground 16; Flight 32
Magnetism +2 Stamina 19/9
Willpower +1 Health 37/18
Armor 3 (natural scaly hide)
Special Abilities—
dz Fiery Breath: Young Dragons can, for the cost of
3 Stamina points, breathe forth a blast of searing flame
up to 20 yards long and ending in a 3x3-yard terminus;
358
all creatures within this line or terminus of effect must
succeed in DL 20 Acrobatics rolls or suffer 2 points of
fire damage per point of failure (maximum damage is
20); a critical failure means that two pieces of important
equipment from the target are also destroyed. Armor
only counts as half effective as with all fire effects.
dz Flight: A Young Dragon can fly up to 30 yards per
round as one action, or twice that as two actions; it can
make a 90-degree turn as one action and 180 degrees
with 2 actions. A Young Dragon expends 1 Stamina point
per two minutes of flight.
dz Carry Prey: Young Dragons can snatch and fly off
with creatures whose Physiques are no greater than +2,
given a successful claw attack.
Talents (battle): Bullish Charge, Defensive Dash (in flight
only), Shattering Blow.
Talents (all others): Intimidating Physique, Magic Affini-
ty, Night-sighted.
Weaknesses: Obsession (treasure hoards—minor), and
usually Honorless, Savage, and Tainted.
Skills: Acrobatics +2 (in flight +3), Appraisal +1, Brawling
+10, Endurance +7, Language +2, Lore +2, Perception +3
(empathy and sight +4), Persuasion +3 (intimidation +10),
Resolve +4, Survival +2, Swimming +6.
Languages: Dragon-speech, plus two of the following—
Duergar, Sidhe, Goblin-tongue, Gorgonic, or a local human
tongue.
Possessions: Often the following as part of its hoard—1-3
exceptional-quality weapons, shields, or other armor; 1
master-crafted weapon, shield, or other armor; possibly
1 magical potion or rare alchemical or herbal concoction;
usually 1-2 gems or pieces of jewelry (worth 2-20 sc each),
and almost certainly 1-4 gc, 2-40 sc, and 5-100 bc.
ELEMENTAL, AIR Lesser (CL 4, Ele-
mental)
As described above, Elementals are semi-intelligent spirits
which “animate” through an elemental source, in this case,
air and wind.
Attributes & Derived Traits—
Agility +4 Initiative +3
Physique -2 Attack: Airy Fist +3 (max dmg 4)
Vigor +2 Defense: Dodge 14
Intellect -3 Mobility: Flight 18
Magnetism -2 Stamina 14/7
Willpower +0 Health 12/6
Armor 0 (but only takes half damage from
normal weapons)*
Special Abilities—
dz Elemental Immunities: Elementals are immune
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KINGDOMS
to despair, disease, hunger, pain, sleep, stuns, and thirst.
Air Elementals in specific only take half damage from
normal weapons, although fire effects deal full damage.
They are destroyed when they fall to zero Health.
dz Shape-shifting: An Air Elemental can shift its
form from a zephyr-like wisp to a barely discernible hu-
manoid, and all shapes in between, as one action. This
costs the Elemental 2 Stamina points.
Talents (battle): Rushing Attack.
Talents (all others): Tireless.
Weaknesses: Cannot speak, read, or write; rudimentary
intelligence. Air Elementals can move survive and move
about anywhere there is functional air (i.e. not underwater,
etc.). They cannot cross through fire, however (but can fly
above it if possible).
Skills: Acrobatics +14, Brawling +3, Endurance +4, Percep-
tion +0 (sight +10), Persuasion -2 (intimidation +2), Re-
solve +2, Stealth +6.
Languages: None, but can understand the simple com-
mands of summoning magicians.
Possessions: None.
GREATER AIR ELEMENTAL (CL 7,
Elemental)
Greater Air Elementals use the same stats as above save for
the following changes:
AGI +4, PHY +0, VIG +3, INT -2, MAG -1, WIL +1; Ini-
tiative +5, Fist Attack +6 (max dmg 8), Defense: Dodge
15; Mobility: Flight 21, Stamina 16/8, Health 16/8;
Talents: Defensive Dash, Hit and Run; Acrobatics +5,
Brawling +6, Endurance +6, Perception +0 (sense living
creatures +10), Persuasion -1 (intimidation +5), Resolve
+4, Stealth +5.
ELDER AIR ELEMENTAL (CL 10, Ele-
mental)
Elder Air Elementals use the above stats as well save for the
following changes:
AGI +4, PHY +2, VIG +4, INT -1, MAG +0, WIL +2;
Initiative +6, Fist Attack +9 (max dmg 12), Defense:
Dodge 16; Mobility: Flight 24; Stamina 20/10, Health
22/11; Talents: Bullish Charge, Defensive Dash, Hit and
Run, Retaliating Strike; Acrobatics +6, Brawling +9, En-
durance +8, Perception +0 (sense living creatures +10),
Persuasion +0 (intimidation +8), Stealth +4.
ELEMENTAL, EARTH Lesser (CL 4)
As mentioned in brief above, elementals are created
through spirits which temporarily “bring them life,” in this
case, earth and stone and wood.
Attributes & Derived Traits—
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Agility +0 Initiative +0
Physique +1 Attack: Fist +2 (max dmg 10)
Vigor +3 Defense: Dodge 10; Parry 12
Intellect -3 Mobility 7
Magnetism -1 Stamina 15/7
Willpower +0 Health 18/9
Armor 4 (natural rocky form)
Special Abilities—
dz Elemental Immunities: Elementals are immune
to despair, disease, hunger, pain, sleep, stuns, and thirst.
They are destroyed when they fall to zero Health.
dz Shape-shifting: An Earth Elemental can shift its
form from a large boulder to a rock-like humanoid,
and all shapes in between, as one action. This costs it 2
Stamina points.
Talents (battle): Break The Wall, Hold The Breach.
Talents (all others): Grit.
Weaknesses: Cannot speak, read, or write; rudimentary
intelligence. An Elemental must always be touching its base
element, in this case earth (i.e. stone, sand, dirt, clay, etc.);
it cannot cross water, fire, or an expanse of groundless air
more than one yard across.
Skills: Athletics +3, Endurance +6, Perception -1 (sense vi-
brations +10)*, Persuasion -1 (intimidation +5), Resolve +2.
Languages: None, but can understand the basic commands
of any magician summoning it.
Possessions: None, although on a result of 20 on 1d20 the
elemental contains a few pieces of ore or gemstone worth
1-10 sc.
GREATER EARTH ELEMENTAL (CL
7, Elemental)
Greater Earth Elementals use the above statistics save for the
following changes:
AGI -1, PHY +4, VIG +3, INT -2, MAG +0, WIL +1; Ini-
tiative +0, Fist Attack +5 (max dmg 15/AP 1), Defense:
Dodge 9/Parry 15; Stamina 17/8, Health 25/12, Armor 5
(natural rocky form); Talents: Bashing Blow, Shattering
Blow; Athletics +5, Endurance +7, Persuasion +0 (intim-
idation +7), Resolve +4, Survival +0.
ELDER EARTH ELEMENTAL (CL 10,
Elemental)
Elder Earth Elementals use the above statistics as well save
for the following changes:
AGI -2, PHY +7, VIG 3, INT -1, MAG +1, WIL +2; Ini-
tiative +0, Fist Attack +8 (max dmg 20/AP 2), Defense:
Dodge 8/Parry 18; Stamina 19/9, Health 32/16, Armor
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 SAVAGEIII
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6 (natural rocky hide); Talents: Bashing Blow, Crushing tion +4), Resolve +2.
Blow, Shattering Blow; Athletics +7, Endurance +8, Per- Languages: Understands basic commands of the summon-
suasion +1 (intimidation +10), Resolve +6, Survival +2. ing magician.
Possessions: None.

ELEMENTAL, FIRE Lesser (CL 4, Ele- GREATER FIRE ELEMENTAL (CL 7,

mental) Elemental)
As briefly mentioned above, an elemental is granted tem- Greater Fire Elementals use the above statistics save for the
porary “life” by a spirit which animates is source, in this following changes:
case, fire and smoke and ember.
AGI +2, PHY +2, VIG +4, INT -1, MAG +1, WIL +1;
Attributes & Derived Traits— Initiative +3, Touch Attack +6 (max dmg 12), Defense:
Dodge 13, Mobility 14, Stamina 18/9, Health 20/10; Tal-
Agility +2 Initiative +2 ents: Hit and Run, Shattering Blow; Acrobatics +3, Ath-
letics +7 (cannot swim), Brawling +6, Endurance +6*,
Physique -1 Attack: Fiery Touch +3 (max dmg 7)
Perception +0 (sense carbon-based creatures +10), Per-
Vigor +3 Defense: Dodge 12 suasion +1 (intimidation +7), Resolve +4.
Intellect -2 Mobility 11
Magnetism +0 Stamina 15/7 ELDER FIRE ELEMENTAL (CL 10,
Willpower +0 Health 13/6 Elemental)
Armor 0 (but only takes half damage from Elder Fire Elementals use the above statistics as well save for
normal weapons)* the following changes:

Special Abilities— AGI +2, PHY +5, VIG +5, INT +0, MAG +2, WIL +2;
Initiative +4, Touch Attack +9 (max dmg 17), Defense:
dz Elemental Immunities*: Elementals are im- Dodge 14; Mobility 17, Stamina 21/10, Health 27/13;
mune to despair, disease, hunger, pain, sleep, stuns, and Talents: Hit and Run, Retaliating Strike, Shattering Blow;
thirst. Fire Elementals only take half damage from nor- Acrobatics +4, Athletics +9 (cannot swim), Brawling +9,
mal non-enchanted weapons, and no damage from fire- Endurance +7*, Perception +1 (sense carbon-based crea-
based effects. Water and ice-based spells deal half dam- tures +10), Persuasion +2 (intimidation +10), Resolve
age to them. They are destroyed (extinguished) when +6, Stealth +0.
they fall to zero Health.
dz Igniting Touch: Fire Elementals can ignite flam-
mable objects with which they come in contact; they ELEMENTAL, WATER Lesser (CL 4,
may do this to creatures as well by scoring 10 or more
over the target’s Defense. In this latter case, the creature Elemental)
takes an additional 3 points of fire damage every round As mentioned briefly above, elementals are “given life” by
until two actions are spent putting the flames out. temporary spirits which inhabit the source elemental, in this
dz Shape-shifting: A Fire Elemental can change its case, water and surf.
form from a campfire-sized flame to a serpentine col-
umn and all shapes in between. This takes one action Attributes & Derived Traits—
and costs it 2 Stamina points.
Agility +2 Initiative +2
Talents (battle): Break The Wall, Crippling Attack. Physique +0 Attack: Watery Fist +3 (max dmg 5)
Talents (all others): Night-sighted, Tireless.
Vigor +3 Defense: Dodge 12
Weaknesses: Cannot read, write, or speak; rudimentary
intelligence. Fire Elementals cannot stray more than 10 yards Intellect -4 Mobility: Ground 12; Swimming 18
from their source-element (i.e. campfire, bonfire, brazier, Magnetism -1 Stamina 15/7
etc.) and are unable to cross water, mud, or a groundless
Willpower +0 Health 15/7
expanse more than three yards across. Flasks or waterskins
of water deal 3 points maximum damage on a successful Armor 0 (but only takes half damage from
normal weapons)*
Weaponry: Ranged attack; the jet-blast version of the Con-
jure Water spell deals 1 point of Health damage for every
point the elemental fails its Acrobatics rolls to dodge (versus Special Abilities—
the mage’s Magical Arts skill roll). Maximum damage 10.
Skills: Athletics +5 (cannot swim), Brawling +3, Endurance dz Elemental Immunities: Elementals are immune
+5*, Perception +0 (in fire +10), Persuasion +0 (intimida- to despair, disease, hunger, pain, sleep, stuns, and thirst.
Water Elementals in specific only take half damage from

360 SAVAGE BESTIARY

 SAVAGEIII
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normal weapons although lightning-based effects deal
full damage. They cannot stray more than 10 yards from
their source element (such as a river, lake, sea, pool, etc.)
and cannot navigate groundless expanses more than one
yard across. Elementals are destroyed if brought to zero
Health.
dz Shape-shifting: Water Elementals may change
their forms from a quivering pool of water to a watery
humanoid shape and all forms in between. This costs
one action and 2 Stamina points.
Talents (battle): Rushing Attack.
Talents (all others): Grit, Night-sighted.
Weaknesses: Cannot speak, read, or write; rudimentary
intelligence. Water Elementals take full damage from light-
ning-based effects.
Skills: Athletics +2 (swimming +10), Brawling +3, Endur-
ance +5, Perception +0 (in water +10), Persuasion -1 (intim-
idation +3), Resolve +3.
Languages: None, but can understand the basic commands
of summoning magicians.
Posesssions: None.
GREATER WATER ELEMENTAL (CL
7, Elemental)
Greater Water Elementals use the above statistics save for
the following changes:
AGI +2, PHY +3, VIG +4, INT -3, MAG +0, WIL +1; Ini-
tiative +3, Fist Attack +6 (max dmg 10), Defense: Dodge
13; Mobility: Ground 15/Swimming 22; Stamina 18/9,
Health 22/11; Talents: Disarming Strike, Tireless; Acro-
batics +3, Athletics +5 (swimming +13), Endurance +6,
Perception +1 (in water +11), Persuasion +0 (intimida-
tion +6), Resolve +4.
ELDER WATER ELEMENTAL (CL 10,
Elemental)
Elder Water Elementals use the above statistics as well save
for the following changes:
AGI +2, PHY +6, VIG +5, INT -2, MAG +1, WIL +2;
Initiative +4, Fist Attack +9 (max dmg 15), Defense:
Dodge 14/Parry 17; Mobility: Ground 18/Swimming 27;
Stamina 20/10, Health 29/14; Disarming Strike, Tripping
Attack, Shattering Blow, Tireless. Athletics +7 (swimming
+15), Brawling +9, Endurance +7, Perception +2 (in wa-
ter +12), Persuasion +1 (intimidation +9), Resolve +5.
FOMORIAN (CL 5, Fey, Giant)
These horribly twisted and deformed humanoids are some-
times called the “Accursed of Gaelrith,” for they are believed
to be both blessed and cursed of the sea-goddess Gaelrith,
one of the major “druidic deities” of the Far West. Fomo-
rians can stand eight feet tall or more, but their race is so
varied and non-uniform that those standing but six feet tall
SAVAGE BESTIARY
are possible (though quite stocky and muscular, particularly
in this case).
A Fomori might have an extra arm or leg, or perhaps an
additional mouth or ear, though the “bonus” body parts
seldom functional and only serve to make the creatures
even more disturbing and loathsome.
Attributes & Derived Traits—
Agility +0 Initiative +1
Physique +6 Attack: War-club or War-spear +7 (max
dmg 20/25); or Fist/Kick (max dmg 10)
Vigor +3 Defense: Dodge 13; Parry 17
Intellect -2 Mobility: Ground 17; Swim 12
Magnetism -2 Stamina 18/9
Willpower +1 Health 27/13
Armor 1 (tough skin)
Special Abilities—
dz Deformed Appearance: All creatures within 10
yards of a Fomorian (and able to see it) must succeed in
a DL 16 Resolve roll or become Intimidated. If this roll
fails by 10 or more, then the creature is Terrified instead.
All Fomorians have at least one major mutation or de-
formation, such as three arms, three legs, three eyes, two
mouths, etc., which most mortal beings find off-putting.
dz Dooming Gaze: About 1 in 4 Fomorians have
one large baleful eye that can target one specific crea-
ture in any given round (costing an action and 2 Stami-
na points), forcing it succeed in a DL 16 Endurance roll
or become Stunned for one full round. Characters may
state that they are averting their gaze, but this causes a
-2 penalty to their Defense and any attack rolls for every
round of such activity.
dz Watery Regeneration: If a Fomorian submerg-
es itself in sea water as two actions, it instantly heals
5 Health points and another 5 Health points per hour
after that. This only functions once every 12 hours.
Talents (battle): Bashing Blow, Bullish Charge, Impaling
Thrust, Pugilistic Follow-up.
Talents (all others): Grit, Intimidating Physique,
Night-sighted.
Weaknesses: Does not speak well; cannot read/write;
Honorless, Phobia (large fires—minor), Tainted.
Skills: Acrobatics +3, Brawling +7, Endurance +5, Percep-
tion +0 (hearing and smell +2), Persuasion -2 (intimidation
+6), Resolve +4 (resist glamour +5), Stealth +2, Surviv-
al +1, Swimming +7, Weaponry: Melee +7, Weaponry:
Ranged +1.
Possessions: Usually a war-club or war-spear, often a crude
dagger or handaxe (poor to average in quality), sometimes
1-2 javelins, mangy fur pelt (worth 1-10 sc), a war-club or
war-spear, a piece of somewhat crude jewelry (worth 2-20
sc).
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FROST GIANT (CL 7, Giant)
Tall and massive humanoids, Giants are products of an early
age from the annals of the known world, creatures once
believed to be the “sons of the gods.” Frost Giants dwelt
primarily in the far north, near glacial fields and evergreen
forests, and strove often against their nemeses, the Fire Gi-
ants.
The typical Frost Giant is a brutal war-like creature,
though not lacking in intelligence and certainly not in cun-
ning. They are vicious in battle, but maintain a relatively
calm demeanor in a clash of arms (perhaps secure in the
knowledge of victory). Their skin is generally a bluish-white
in hue, while their hair and beards are stark white. On rare
occasion, one might be seen riding a Mammoth or having a
semi-trained Arctic Bear as a sidekick.
Attributes & Derived Traits—
Agility -1 Initiative +0
Physique +12 Attack: Greataxe +12 (max 40/AP 4); and
Kick/Shield +10; or Thrown Rock +1
Vigor +5 Defense: Dodge 12; Parry 21
Intellect -1 Mobility 18
Magnetism +0 Stamina 19/9
Willpower +1 Health 43/21
Armor 2-6 (leather/furs to chain shirt or
scale hauberk)*
Special Abilities—
dz Cold Resistance*: Frost Giants take 5 points less
damage from all cold-based effects.
dz Knockdown Blow: If a Frost Giant scores a
successful attack on an opponent, the creature is auto-
matically knocked prone if its Physique is +5 or less; if
Physique +0 or less, then the target is also knocked back
one yard. This occurs even if armor absorbs all damage.
Talents (battle): Armor Acclimation, Bullish Charge,
Heavy Hitter, Pugilistic Follow-up, Punishing Charge, Shield
Bash, Shattering Blow, War-cry.
Talents (all others): Grit, Night-sighted.
Weaknesses: Obsession (battle, gold, or jewels—mi-
nor) and Tainted, and sometimes Honorless, Kin-slayer, or
Oath-breaker.
Skills: Acrobatics +2 (in snow/ice +3), Animal Handling
+1, Appraisal +0, Brawling +12, Climbing +6, Endurance
+5 (resist cold +10), Language +0, Lore +1, Perception +2
(in snow/ice +3), Persuasion +2 (intimidation +10), Resolve
+4 (resist fear +5), Sailing +0, Survival +2 (in snow/ice +3),
Swimming +10, Weaponry: Melee +12, Weaponry: Ranged
+1.
Languages: Giant-speech, plus one of the following—
Dragon-speech, Troll-speak, or one local human tongue.
Possessions: Hide/fur cuirass, chain shirt, or scale hauberk
(at least Physique +7 to wear), sometimes a war-cap or me-
362
dium shield; often a massive greataxe (at least Physique +7
to wield and even then at a -5 penalty), and usually also
a handaxe or warhammer. Occasionally 1-4 large throw-
ing-rocks, as well as a giant wolf or bear pelt (worth 2-20
sc), 1-2 gc, 2-40 sc, and 3-60 bc.
GHOUL (CL 3, Undead)
A Ghoul, or Ghul, is a slavering form of undead, a recently
deceased human corpse reanimated by either some dark
and sinister death-magic or from the bite of a Vampire. Most
Vampires can “create” Ghouls, after all, by killing humans
(often their own thralls) via their blood-drinking powers.
The corpse eventually rises as a Ghul and seeks little more
than to satiate a deep hunger for living flesh, preferably
human or Sidhe.
Legend has it that when a Ghoul makes its thirteenth kill,
in as many moons, then it will become a Lesser Vampire. If
the Lesser Vampire is left to thrive and slay mortals, there
is some risk that it might eventually become a Greater (or
Master) Vampire.
Ghouls appear as pale-skinned undead humanoids, often
with elongated tongues and purple or black nails and ears
that have become slightly pointed not unlike a bat’s. They
are capable of speech, but only in harsh tones or in a hissing
snake-like manner.
Attributes & Derived Traits—
Agility +1 Initiative +2
Physique +1 Melee +4 (Claw, max dmg 10; and Bite,
max dmg 10)
Vigor +2 Defense: Dodge 14
Intellect -2 Mobility 12
Magnetism -3 Stamina 15/7
Willpower +1 Health 16/8
Armor 0 (none)
Special Abilities—
dz Flesh-eater: A Ghoul will gorge itself on human-
oid flesh, preferring the meat of humans and Sidhe over
others. Thus, a Ghoul must succeed in a DL 15 Resolve
roll to resist stopping to feast upon a newly fallen corpse
even in the midst of battle*.
dz Plague-bearer: A living creature harmed by
a Ghoul’s claw or bite attack must succeed in a DL 13
Endurance skill roll or become Sickened 1 minute later.
It requires a successful DL 18 Healing Arts roll to cure
this condition apart from a Cure Ailment spell or sim-
ilar magic. Otherwise, it runs its course after an hour.
A critical failure of the Endurance roll means the victim
is Moderately Diseased instead potentially up to four
hours (with another DL 13 Endurance roll to overcome
this condition once every hour).
dz Undead Immunities: Ghouls are immune to dis-
ease, paralysis, poison, and sleep, but can still be affect-
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 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
ed by charm magic and stun effects. Ghouls are vampires
in the making.
Talents (battle): Crippling Strike, Kip, Rushing Attack.
Wolfpack Tactics.
Talents (all others): Grit, Limber, Night-sighted, Tireless.
Weaknesses: Tempted by fresh flesh*; harmed by direct
sunlight (take 1 point of Health damage per round of expo-
sure to sunlight); Phobia (of fire and bright light—minor);
Obsession (eating living flesh); Savage; Tainted.
Skills: Acrobatics +4, Brawling +4, Climbing +4, Endurance
+4, Perception +1 (sense living creatures +5), Persuasion -2
(intimidation +4), Resolve +3, Survival +1.
Languages: Can speak one local human tongue (in a crude
and raspy fashion), plus sometimes a pidgin of one other
such as Duergar, Nether-speech, or Sidhe.
Possessions: Sometimes ragged clothing and a knife or
handaxe, and occasionally some incidental trinkets lying
about a ghoul-den, such as an exceptional-quality weapon
or shield, a piece of jewelry or other art object (worth 1-20
sc), 1-20 bc, and 1-6 sc.
GOBLING (CL 2, Fey)
The darkly mischievous race of Goblings (or Goblins as they
are referred to in the Southlands) are connected to the Oth-
erworld—hence their fey origins—though many have since
left that shadowy realm and now live permanently in cer-
tain regions of the Earth-world. They are most numerous
in the forested hinterlands between Aradorn and Mulovia,
but can be found in many temperate woodlands and some-
times beyond.
Goblings can be quite corrupt indeed, thriving on theft,
torture, and general mayhem. They live covertly, for the
most part, fleeing straight-up skirmishes unless they out-
number the opposition at least two to one or gain some
other obvious advantage. If Hobgoblins are the shock
troops of an unseelie army, then Goblings are the assassins,
spies, and scouts.
Attributes & Derived Traits—
Agility +2 Initiative +2
Physique -1 Melee +3 (w/ light weapons; only +1 with
heavier weapons); Ranged +3
Vigor +1 Defense: Dodge 14; Parry 13
Intellect -1 Mobility 11
Magnetism -1 Stamina 12/6
Willpower +0 Health 10/5
Armor 1-5 (soft leather to brigandine; 1 in
3 use shields)
Special Abilities—
dz Dark-sight: Goblings can see up to 30 yards away
in complete darkness; however, they suffer a -2 to all die
rolls in bright light or sunlight)
SAVAGE BESTIARY
Talents (battle): Agile Weaponry, Defensive Dash, Secret
Strike.
Talents (all others): Agile Climber, Dirty Tactics, Magic
Affinity, Sapping Blow.
Weaknesses: Honorless, Phobia (of sunlight—major),
Tainted.
Skills: Acrobatics +4, Appraisal -1, Brawling +1, Climbing
+3, Endurance +2, Herbalism -1, Perception +1 (hearing and
smell +2), Persuasion +1 (bluffing +2), Resolve +1, Sleight
of Hand +3, Stealth +4, Survival +1, Weaponry: Melee +1
(light weapons +3), Weaponry: Ranged +3.
Languages: Goblin-tongue, plus Sidhe or a local human
language.
Possessions: Usually soft leather or poor-quality brigan-
dine armor, sometimes a small or medium shield, often a
shortsword (poor to average quality) or spear, handaxe or
dagger; most have a shortbow (poor or average quality)
with 2-12 arrows. Often 1-2 silver coins and 1-10 bronze.
GOBLING KING (CL 5, Fey)
The veritable ruler of a large tribe of Goblins, a Gobling
King—as he will usually call himself—came to such a po-
sition not so much through birthright but via cunning and
guile and deceit. He likely assassinated several “kings” in
front of him, or at least contributed to their demises in
some capacity, for such qualities are most admired in Gob-
lin society.
Attributes & Derived Traits—
Agility +2 Initiative +4
Physique +0 Melee +5 (Light Weapons; +4 w/ all other
weapons); Ranged +5
Vigor +2 Defense: Dodge 15; Parry 15
Intellect +1 Mobility 12
Magnetism +0 Stamina 17/8
Willpower +2 Health 15/7
Armor 3-5 (chain shirt to brigandine and
shield)
Special Abilities—
dz Dark-sight: Like all of their creed, Goblin Kings
can see in complete darkness up to 30 yards. They, how-
ever, suffer a -2 penalty to all die rolls when in sunlight.
dz Rallying Presence: All Goblings within 10 yards
of a Gobling King gain a +1 bonus to their Defenses, Re-
solve rolls, and attack rolls; if the Gobling King is slain,
this effect ends immediately.
Talents (battle): Agile Weaponry, Ambidexterity, Crip-
pling Strike, Dual Blades, Swashbuckling.
Talents (all others): Assassin, Dirty Tactics, Feigning At-
tack, Magic Affinity, Poisoner, Sapping Blow, Secret Strike.
Weaknesses: Addiction (food or drink—minor), Obses-
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 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
sion (trickery or wealth—major), Tainted.
Skills: Acrobatics +5, Alchemy +2, Animal Handling +2,
Brawling +5 (kicking +6), Climbing +3 (caves +14), Dis-
guise +2, Endurance +5 (resist poison +6), Healing Arts
+2, Language +3 (encryption +4), Lore +3, Magical Arts:
Shadow +3, Perception +5 (hearing +6), Performance +2,
Persuasion +4 (bluffing +5), Sleight of Hand +5 (pilfering
+6), Stealth +6 (hiding +7), Survival +4 (trap-building
+5), Weaponry: Melee +4 (light weapons +5), Weaponry:
Ranged +5 (shortbows +6).
Languages: Goblin-tongue, Sidhe, and one local human
language.
Possessions: Hard leather, chainmail shirt, or brigandine
armor; medium shield or shortbow (and 2-20 arrows),
shortsword, handaxe, 1-2 daggers, exceptional-quality lock-
picks or wood-working tools, 1-2 gems or pieces of jewelry
(worth 2-20 sc each), 5-50 bc, 2-20 sc, and 1-2 gc.
HELL-HORSE (CL 5, Animal, De-
mon)
Also known as Nightmares or Demon-steeds, these demon-
ic equines are native to the Netherworld and often serve
as mounts for the infernal lords of that foul hellish region.
A Hell-horse will obey its demonic master, unless obvious
death is involved, and will willingly serve no mortal rider
(this would take a successful DL 30 Animal Handling roll in
the very least).
The average Nightmare appears as a black warhorse,
sometimes the size of a destrier, with hooves, eyes, and nos-
trils of green or red-orange flame. It may attack in the same
round that its master/rider attacks, which takes one of the
latter’s actions. In rare cases, a Hell-horse might be clad in
hell-forged barding, be it chain, scale, or even plate.
Attributes & Derived Traits—
Agility +2 Initiative +3
Physique +8 Melee +8 (Hoof, max dmg 15/AP 1; and
Bite, max dmg 10)
Vigor +4 Defense: Dodge 14
Intellect -2 Mobility 2
Magnetism +2 Stamina 18/9
Willpower +1 Health 33/16
Armor 0-3 (none to chain barding used by
a demon rider)
Special Abilities—
dz Hellish Attack: A Hell-horse can make a hoof
and bite attack as part of the same (attack) action. Fur-
thermore, its hooves are aflame and so 5 points of the
damage is fire damage.
dz Nether-worldly Leap: As an action, Hell-horses
can leap from the Earth-world into the Nether-world,
vanishing completely. They can only reenter the Earth-
world through summoning magic or if ridden by a pow-
364
erful demon-lord capable of such things
dz Talents (battle): Bullish Charge, Defensive Dash,
Hit and Run.
Talents (all others): Intimidating Physique, Magic Affini-
ty, Night-sighted, Tireless.
Weaknesses: Cannot speak, read, or write; can only cross
running water with a successful DL 15 Resolve roll; Tainted.
Key Skills: Acrobatics +4, Athletics +7, Brawling +8, Dis-
guise +3, Endurance +7 (resist fire +12), Perception +3,
Persuasion +2 (intimidation +8), Resolve +4, Stealth +3,
Survival +2.
Languages: Understands Nether-speech, but cannot speak/
read/write.
Possessions: None, save for the occasional demonic rider
and, if so, an exceptional-quality saddle made of human
or demon flesh, plus a bit and bridle made from the same
materials.
HOBGOBLIN (CL 3, Fey)
Muscular war-like humanoids, Hobgoblins—distantly akin
to Goblings—are said to trace their origins back to the Oth-
erworld, at least long ago. In many ways, Hobgoblins are
the least “magical” of the faerie races, for they are rather
base, brutal, violent, and domineering. Millennia ago back
in the Otherworld, they were likely the main backbone of
fey armies, particularly the unseelie troops of the darker fey.
The typical Hobgoblin appears as a well-built humanoid,
usually standing a bit over six feet in height and weighing
in at 200+ pounds. More often than not, they go about in
medium armor, war-gear that is usually black or deep red
or dark brown in coloration. They live in tribes or clans,
just as Goblings tend to do, and so sometimes might aspire
to certain clan hues or even crude forms of battle-heraldry.
Attributes & Derived Traits—
Agility +0 Initiative +1
Physique +2 Melee +5 (Battleaxe, War-spear, or
Polearm); Ranged +3 (longbow or javelin)
Vigor +1 Defense: Dodge 13*; Parry 15
Intellect -1 Mobility 12*
Magnetism -1 Stamina 14/7
Willpower +1 Health 18/9
Armor 3-6 (hard leather to scale hauberk
and shield)
Special Abilities—
dz Unnerving Din: A Hobgoblin war-band total-
ing at least eight individuals is capable of a great and
unnerving battle-din, involving war-cries and weapon
rattling, which forces all other creatures within 10 yards
of the band to succeed in a DL 13 Resolve roll or become
Intimidated; a critical failure means Terrified instead.
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Talents (battle): Armor Acclimation, Bullish Charge,
Cleaving Blow, Shield Bash, Shield Wall.
Talents (all others): Grit, Night-sighted, Tactician.
Weaknesses: Oath-bound (to war-captain, chieftain or
Gethrax), Obsession (warfare), Tainted.
Skills: Acrobatics +3 (leaping +4)*, Alchemy +0, Animal
Handling +0, Brawling +5*, Climbing +3*, Endurance +4
(resist pain +5), Healing Arts +0, Herbalism +0, Language
+0, Lore +1, Perception +2 (smell +3), Persuasion +0 (in-
timidation +4), Resolve +3, Riding +2, Sailing +0, Survival
+1, Weaponry: Melee +5, Weaponry: Ranged +3.
Languages: Goblin-tongue, plus a basic degree of either
Sidhe or one local human language.
Possessions: Hard leather, brigandine, or scale armor; usu-
ally a medium or large shield; polearm or war-spear, battle-
axe, dagger or handaxe, and javelin or longbow (and 3-30
arrows). Also hobnailed boots, broad girdle or belt, belt
pouch, and usually 2-20 bc and 1-8 sc.
HOBGOBLIN WAR-CAPTAIN (CL 5,
Fey)
This represents a violent and virulent war-captain of the
Hobgoblin warrior-race, a veritable leader on the battle-
field in raids, ambushes, or sieges. He might also be a cham-
pion of his tribe, a protector of his tribal-chieftain, or any
number of warlike positions.
Attributes & Derived Traits—
Agility +1 Initiative +3
Physique +3 Melee: Longsword, Flail, or War-spear +7;
or Javelin or Longbow +4
Vigor +2 Defense: Dodge 14; Parry 17
Intellect +0 Mobility 14*
Magnetism +0 Stamina 18/9
Willpower +1 Health 21/10
Armor 4-7 (chain hauberk or scalemail +
shield)
Special Abilities—
dz Domineering Presence: All Hobgoblins within
10 yards of a Hobgoblin war-captain gain an additional
+1 bonus to their Defense, as well as to Brawling, Re-
solve, and Weaponry: Melee rolls. The Hobgoblins must
be able to see the war-captain or his war-banner.
dz Unnerving Din: A Hobgoblin war-band totaling
at least eight individuals are capable of a great and un-
nerving battle-din, involving war-cries and weapon rat-
tling, which forces all other creatures within 10 yards of
the band to succeed in a DL 13 Resolve roll or become
Intimidated; a critical failure means Terrified instead.
Talents (battle): Armor Acclimation, Bullish Charge,
Cleaving Blow, Dual Blades, Meat Shield, Shield Bash,
Shield Wall.
SAVAGE BESTIARY
Talents (all others): Grit, Night-sighted, Tactician, Tire-
less.
Weaknesses: Oath-bound (to chieftain or Gethrax), Ob-
session (warfare), Tainted.
Skills: Acrobatics +4 (leaping +5)*, Alchemy +1, Animal
Handling +2, Athletics +5 (climbing +6), Brawling +6*, En-
durance +6 (resist pain +7), Healing Arts +1, Herbalism +0,
Language +1, Lore +2, Perception +3 (smell +4), Persuasion
+2 (intimidation +6), Resolve +4, Sailing +0, Survival +1,
Weaponry: Melee +7, Weaponry: Ranged +4.
Languages: Goblin-tongue, plus a basic degree of either
Sidhe or one local human language.
Possessions: Chain or scale hauberk; usually a medium or
large shield; flail or war-spear, exceptional-quality battle-
axe or broadsword, and 1-3 javelins or longbow (and 3-30
arrows). Also, hobnailed boots, broad girdle or belt, belt
pouch, and usually 3-30 bc and 2-12 sc.
MANTICORA (CL 8, Gorgon)
A gorgonic monster with a leonine body, great pair of bat
wings, and a sinister-looking humanoid head. This head of-
ten spouts curses and blasphemies, which can be used to
frightening effect, while the tail adjoined to the lion-like
frame is typically that of a scorpion, complete with venom.
In some cases, however, this long tail holds spike-like projec-
tiles instead, which the Manticora can fling at adversaries.
Manticora are sometimes called Manticores, but regards
of precise moniker, they are creatures of little worth to
civilized society, twisted gorgons “crafted” by the Fallen
God Gorgothon ages ago. They almost always attack on
sight, either because of a hunger for flesh or a simple desire
to main and torture, unless they are clearly outmatched,
swooping in on their mighty membranous wings.
Attributes & Derived Traits—
Agility +1 Initiative +3
Physique +15 Melee +13 (Claws, max 15); Ranged +6
(Tail Spikes, max 10 or Stinger, max 15)
Vigor +5 Defense: Dodge 13; Parry 18
Intellect -2 Mobility: Ground 21; Flight 48
Magnetism +0 Stamina 20/10
Willpower +2 Health 48/24
Armor 1 (natural hide)
Special Abilities—
dz Blasphemous Mouth: By spending an action, a
Manticora can speak horrible curses and foul language
which causes any mortal being within 15 yards of it to
succeed in a DL 18 Resolve roll or become Intimidated;
if this roll fails by 10 or more, the creature is Terrified
instead.
dz Flight: A Manticora can use its massive bat-like
wings to take flight, capable of making 90-degree turns
as one action or 180-degree turns using both actions.
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They do not possess the power or agility to hover, how-
ever, and will often do strafing runs before being forced
to land (which occurs if they take 36 points of Health
damage). It costs a Manticora one Stamina point per
minute of flight.
dz Tail Missiles: About 1 in 3 Manticoras possess
quarrel-like spikes in their tail, which they can fling at
opponents as a ranged attack at a range of 10/20/40
using one action. Two tail-spikes are released as an attack
action, capable of hitting the same target or different
targets within 3 yards of each other. Note that a Man-
ticora may attack with its claws and tail-spike as part of
one single action.
dz Venomous Stinger: Some 2 in 3 Manticoras pos-
sess a long scorpion-like stinger instead of tail-spikes, a
terrible weapon capable of dealing piercing damage as
well as poison damage. Any living creature damaged by
this tail-stinger must also succeed in a DL 18 Endurance
roll of suffer one Health point of additional damage,
due to the poison, per point of failure (maximum of 20
points). The victim also gains the Poisoned condition for
one hour or until neutralized with a successful DL 23
Healing Arts roll. Note that a Manticora attacks with its
claws and stinger as part of one single action.
Talents (battle): Defensive Dash, Hit And Run (in flight
only), Rushing Attack.
Talents (all others): Night-sighted, Tireless.
Skills: Acrobatics +3 (flying +4), Athletics +5, Brawling
+13, Endurance +8 (resist poison +9), Language +0, Lore
+0, Perception +2 (sight and smell +3), Persuasion +2 (in-
timidation +8), Resolve +5 (resist fear +6), Survival +1.
Languages: Gorgonic, plus one local human tongue.
Possessions: None, though very often a hoard of treasure
items such as a master-crafted weapon, armor, or shield; an
exceptional-quality weapon or shield, 1-2 magical potions
or alchemical concoctions, 1-2 gems or pieces of jewelry
(worth 2-20 sc each), 2-40 bc, 2-20 sc, or 1-3 gc.
MINOTAUR (CL 5, Gorgon)
One of the corrupt races of gorgonic creatures in the known
world, though rarely seen anywhere beyond the Prydonian
Isles, southern Lorinthia, or the mountainous foul-lands of
Gorgotha. Minotaurs are bull-headed humanoids, often
standing nearly seven feet in height with muscular builds
and a massive set of black or grey-black horns. Some have
human-like feet, while others have the hooves of a bull.
Militant-minded, these gorgons will often don some
form of armor and train with axes and mauls (among oth-
er weapons) in conjunction with the terrible use of their
horns. In fact, rumors continue to persist of a special cohort
of Minotaurs attached to the one of the Lorinthian legions,
creatures captured from the Isle of Torin or beyond and
forcibly trained as hyperviolent “shock-troopers.”
Contrary to most folk lore, Minotaurs are extremely cun-
ning when negotiating labyrinths, often able to find their
way through in a matter of minutes. As such, conclaves of
these gorgonic beings often established themselves among a
366
labyrinthine ruin or some similar edifice.
Attributes & Derived Traits—
Agility +0 Initiative +2
Physique +7 Melee: Horn Gore +8 (max dmg 12); and
Greataxe or Maul +8; or Ranged +2
Vigor +3 Defense: Dodge 12; Parry 18
Intellect -2 Mobility 16
Magnetism +1 Stamina 18/9
Willpower +2 Health 32/16
Armor 0-4 (none to chain shirt or breast-
plate)
Special Abilities—
dz Bellowing Rage: A Minotaur can spend an action
to bellow a mighty and terrifying roar, which causes any
creature within 10 yards of it to immediately succeed in
a DL 15 Resolve roll or become Intimidated; if this roll
fails by 5 or more, the creature is Terrified instead.
dz Charging Horns: If a Minotaur moves at least
4 yards as an action, it can then gain a +2 bonus to its
horn attack as its second action that round. Note that
it can still attack with its weapon (usually greataxe or
maul) that round at no penalty. This ability costs the
Minotaur 2 Stamina points every time it is used.
dz Dual Attack Mode: Minotaurs can make a horn
attack and a weapon attack as part of the same action
without penalty.
dz Labyrinthine Affinity: Minotaurs are rare-
ly fooled by mazes or labyrinths, gaining a +10 bonus
to their Perception or Survival rolls to intuit their way
through.
Talents (battle): Bullish Charge, Impaling Thrust (with
horns only), Punishing Charge, Shattering Blow.
Talents (all others): Grit, Night-sighted.
Weaknesses: Obsession (labyrinths), Tainted.
Skills: Acrobatics +2, Brawling +8, Climbing +6, Endurance
+6 (resist poison +7), Language -1, Lore -1, Perception +1
(smell +3), Persuasion +1 (intimidation +7), Resolve +5 (re-
sist fear +6), Sailing -1, Survival +1, Weaponry: Melee +8,
Weaponry: Ranged +2.
Languages: Gorgonic, plus a basic degree of one local hu-
man tongue.
Possessions: Greataxe or maul, often a chain shirt or
breastplate, sometimes a handaxe or war-club, and occa-
sionally 1-2 javelins or (in rare cases) a long composite bow;
loincloth or war-skirt, girdle, leather sack of belt pouch, and
usually 2-40 bc, 1-10 sc, and possibly an exceptional-quality
tool or fine gemstone (worth 2-20 sc).
RED CAP (CL 4, Fey)
Also known as Korreds, Red Caps are dark “unseelie” fey
known for dipping their leather caps into the bloody corps-
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es of their slain foes. Their names thusly well-earned, these
creatures are sinister, treacherous, and cunning. A Red Cap
has virtually no sense of honor or morality, to the extent
that many have been exiled from the Otherworld, now des-
tined to prey upon the mortals of the Earth-world.
A Korred’s teeth and nails are long, the latter being near-
ly a half-foot in curved length, truly resembling claws or
talons more than fingernails (and capable of rending ar-
mor). And while their teeth aren’t as long or as strong, they
are sharp and still capable of moderate devastation. A Red
Cap’s ears are pointed like most faerie-folk, their eyes red
or red-brown, and they stand about five feet in height. As
such, they can sometimes be confused with Goblings from
a distance.
Attributes & Derived Traits—
Agility +2 Initiative +3
Physique +1 Attack: Claw +5 (max dmg 10/AP 2*); and
Bite +4 (max dmg 7)
Vigor +2 Defense: Dodge 14
Intellect -1 Mobility 13
Magnetism +0 Stamina 16/8
Willpower +1 Health 19/9
Armor 5 (or 0 against cold-iron weapons)
Special Abilities—
dz Blood-dipping: If a Red Cap spends an action to
dip his cap into the blood of a slain humanoid, the Red
Cap instantly gains +2 to its Health and Stamina. It can
do this only three times per fresh corpse, most of the
blood being soaked into the cap by this time.
dz Claws & Teeth: Red Caps can make both a claw
attack (at +5 to the attack roll) and a bite attack (at +4)
as one action.
dz Claw-like Nails*: The long black nails of a Red
Cap count as Armor Piercing 2 against all opponents. As
such, for every 5 points of damage a creature takes from
a Red Cap’s claw attack (before armor is applied), one
point of armor rating is lost until the armor or shield in
question can be repaired or replaced.
dz Talents (battle): Choke Hold, Crippling Attack,
Rushing Attack.
Talents (all others): Grit, Magic Affinity, Night-sighted.
Weaknesses: Addiction (blood), Obsession (violence),
Honorless, Savage, Tainted; takes full damage versus cold-
iron weaponry.
Skills: Acrobatics +4, Alchemy +1, Brawling +4 (claws +5),
Climbing +3, Endurance +4 (resist disease and pain +5),
Healing Arts +1, Herbalism +1, Lore +1, Perception +3, Per-
suasion +1 (intimidation +4), Resolve +4 (resist charm and
glamour +5), Stealth +3, Survival +2.
Possessions: Leather cap often made of humanoid flesh
(could fetch up to 30 sc to an alchemist or sorcerer for cre-
ating magical objects of healing, regeneration, or protection
SAVAGE BESTIARY
against the fey); simple leather clothing, hobnailed boots,
sometimes a crude belt or belt pouch; 2-40 bc, 1-10 sc, and
possibly an alchemical (or magical) potion or an exception-
al weapon, shield, or war-helm.
SHADOW-WRAITH (CL 5, Undead)
Found primarily in the Shadowlands—but also in dark and
forlorn regions beyond—Shadow-wraiths of merely one of
several types of Wraiths in the known world. Wraiths are
incorporeal undead spirits, and a Shadow-wraith is said to
be a Sidhe or Sidhe-blooded human who died of a broken
heart. Since the blighted territory known as the Shadow-
lands was created by a potent civil war among the Sid-
he-folk, it is believed that many souls were corrupted into
Shadow-wraiths here (and beyond).
Like most Wraiths, a Shadow-wraith can manipulate
most objects of medium size or smaller, namely weapons
such as shortswords, longswords, and spears. Rarely, if ever,
do they employ ranged weapons, not even bows per typ-
ical Sidhe fashion. A Shadow-wraith is dark grey to inky
black, easily merging with the deep shadows or the totality
of night-time, often with yellow or greenish glowing eyes.
Attributes & Derived Traits—
Agility +3 Initiative +4
Physique +0 Attack: Claw +4 (max dmg 10); and usual-
ly Shortsword or Longsword +4
Vigor +2 Defense: Dodge 15; Parry 15
Intellect +0 Mobility 13 (not hindered by any terrain
save water—see below)
Magnetism -1 Stamina 16/8
Willpower +1 Health 15/7
Armor 0 (but only takes half damage from
most weapons*)
Special Abilities—
dz Despairing Aura: Shadow-wraiths exude an aura
of cold despair around them, out to a 7-yard radius; all
living creatures within this aura must succeed in a DL
14 Resolve roll or become Despaired for one round per
point of failure; if still within this aura when the effect
wears off, the creature must attempt another Resolve
roll to resist the effects. A critical failure here means that
the target also takes 5 points of cold-based Health dam-
age, as he shakes violently in chilled fits of emotional,
spiritual, and physical anguish. Note that Sidhe charac-
ters suffer a -2 penalty to this Resolve roll, due to their
deep historical connections to Shadow-wraiths and the
Shadowlands.
dz Draining Touch: A Shadow-wraith can drain
Stamina from any living creature it touches, meaning
that the creature must make a DL 17 Endurance roll or
lose 1 point of Stamina per point of failure (maximum
10); a critical failure means that the target also takes 5
points of cold-based Health damage as well.
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 SAVAGEIII
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dz Incorporeal Undead: Shadow-wraiths only take
half damage from physical weapons, although fire and
weaponry comprised mainly of cold-iron and silver deal
full damage; Wraiths are immune to hunger, thirst, stun
effects, sleep, poison, despair, and disease.
dz Sense Life: Although Shadow-wraiths see and
hear fairly poorly, they automatically detect living crea-
tures within 10 yards of them whose Physiques are -3 or
greater.
Talents (battle): Ambidexterity, Crippling Strike, Precision
Strike, Shattering Blow.
Talents (all others): Assassin, Feigning Attack, Grit, Magic
Affinity, Tireless.
Weaknesses: Running Water Intolerance (a Shadow-wraith
can only cross running water, which must be at least two
yards across, with a successful DL 20 Resolve roll; larger
bodies of water are basically impossible for Wraiths to
cross); Sunlight Intolerance (Shadow-wraiths automatically
suffer -5 to Defense, Mobility, and all die rolls when in direct
sunlight); Tainted, and usually Honorless or Oath-breaker.
Skills: Acrobatics +4, Alchemy +1, Athletics +10 (swimming
-5), Brawling +0 (claw/touch +5; breaking a grapple +9),
Endurance +4 (resist cold +6), Healing Arts +1, Herbalism
+1, Language +2, Lore +2, Magical Arts: Death +3, Magical
Arts: Shadow +2, Perception +2 (empathy and touch +4),
Performance (disguise +1), Persuasion +0 (intimidation +8),
Resolve +3 (resist charm +5), Stealth +5 (in darkness +9),
Survival +2, Weaponry: Melee +5 (non-light weapons +2),
Weaponry: Ranged +3.
Languages: Sidhe, plus two of the following—Duergar,
Nether-speech, or a local human tongue.
Spells Known: Conjure Darkness, Fear, Glamour, and one
of the following—Conjure Acid, Venomous Touch, or Sense
Corruption.
Possessions: Often an exceptional or master-crafted shorts-
word (sometimes Tainted or cursed), sometimes an excep-
tional-quality dagger, and occasionally some incidental
trinkets in its lair such as a gem or piece of jewelry (worth
2-20 sc), 2-20 sc, and 2-40 bc. On rare occasion, perhaps
a Sildaril ingot or silver-plated dagger or 1-3 arrowheads.
TROLL (CL 6, Giant-kin)
Creatures more common to the frozen North and its hill,
mountains, and deep forests, Trolls are thought by many
to be distant kin to the ancient race of Giants, particularly
Frost Giants. However, Trolls have a strange, almost gor-
gon-like, power of regeneration that Giants (nor Titans)
have no association with, and so these tall and powerful
humanoids stand alone in that regard.
The typical Troll stands between 7 and 8 feet in height,
often lean, and stronger than its wiry build might otherwise
suggest. Many have greenish hues to their skin, which might
align them more with the Fey than any kinship with Giants,
usually with long powerful noses and covered with warts
and random sprouts of black hair from head to toe. Their
teeth and nails are often black and are virtually the equal to
the finest iron weapons.
368
Attributes & Derived Traits—
Agility -1 Initiative -1
Physique +9 Melee: Claw or Bite +9 (max dmg 10/AP
2*); and War-club or Battleaxe +9
Vigor +6 Defense: Dodge 11; Parry 19
Intellect -2 Mobility 15
Magnetism -2 Stamina 18/9
Willpower +0 Health 36/18
Armor 1-2 (natural hide to leathers and
furs)
Special Abilities—
dz Regeneration: Trolls instantly heal 3 Health
points of damage per round during their turn in the Ini-
tiative order; however, any damage sustained from fire
or acid does not regenerate in this fashion, though can
be healed through normal rest.
dz Rending Claws & Teeth*: The clawed hands
and powerful jaws of Trolls count as Armor Piercing 2
versus all forms of armor; furthermore, if the Troll scores
5 or more over a target’s Defense on a Brawling attack
roll with its claws or bite, the target’s body armor or
shield (if any) loses 2 points of protection value until
repaired.
Talents (battle): Bullish Charge, Meat Shield, Punishing
Charge, Rushing Attack, Shattering Blow.
Talents (all others): Night-sighted.
Weaknesses: Honorless, Savage, and usually Tainted; also,
all Trolls have a minor Phobia of sunlight, and 1 in 3 actually
turn to stone instantly when in contact with direct sunlight.
Skills: Acrobatics +1, Brawling +9/, Climbing +5, Endur-
ance +8, Perception +1 (smell +2), Persuasion -1 (intimida-
tion +7), Resolve +2, Survival +0, Swimming +5, Weapon-
ry: Melee +9, Weaponry: Ranged +1.
Languages: Troll-speak, plus either Goblin-tongue, Gi-
ant-speech, or a local human tongue.
Possessions: Usually a large war-club (Phy +6 or better to
wield) or battleaxe, sometimes some crude leather, hide, or
fur “armor,” and occasionally a dagger, spear, or handaxe
of poor or average quality. Sometimes an exceptional-qual-
ity weapon or shield (captured), and maybe a gem (worth
2-20 sc in value) or 1-10 sc and/or 2-40 bc.
ZOMBIE (CL 2, Undead)
Perhaps more commonly known as the Waking Dead, these
animated corpses are from the more recently slain for they
retain the vast majority of their, albeit rotting, flesh. Most
tend to move slowly, their sinews and bones barely holding
erect their once-lifeless bodies, only motivated by whatever
crude commands their necromantic masters gave them or
by the deep drive to snuff-out the lives of the living.
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Attributes & Derived Traits— ARADORNIAN KNIGHT-ERRANT
Agility -2 Initiative -2
(CL 3)
Physique +2 Melee +2 (Fist/Claw, max dmg 5; or by
weapon type)
Vigor +4 Defense: Dodge 8; Parry 12
Intellect -4 Mobility 7
Magnetism -4 Stamina 13/6
Willpower +0 Health 18/9
Armor 0-3 (none to ragged brigandine or
mail)

Special Abilities—

dz Undead Resistances: Zombies are immune to

mind effects, such as fear or magical sleep, as well as
blindness, deafness, disease, pain, poison, and stun ef-
fects.
dz Plague-born: Some Zombies are carriers of dis-
ease, and any living creature damaged by such a Zombie
must succeed in a DL 12 Endurance roll or gain the Dis-
eased condition. About 1 in 3 Zombies are plague-born.

Talents (battle): Choke Hold.

Talents (all others): Grit.
Weaknesses: Tainted; cannot speak/read/write (save per-
haps a few groaning words); essentially mindless and with-
out free thought.
Skills: Brawling +2, Perception +0 (detect living creatures
+10), Persuasion -4 (intimidation +4), Weaponry: Melee
+2.
This represents a junior knight of the kingdom of Aradorn
Possessions: Usually none, although some might occa-
(or wherever), perhaps a young and somewhat inexpe-
sionally be armed with half-broken or rusty weapons and
rienced knight of The Order of the Sword and the Rose
perhaps even shields. Occasional incidental treasure such as
or a slightly more experienced (and likely less prestigious)
1-10 bc or 1-4 sc.
hedge-knight.
VARIANT: There is a northern-based version of the stan-
Attributes & Derived Traits—
dard zombie called Draugr. All statistics are as above save
for the following: Agility +0, Initiative +0, Mobility 9, take
5 less points of damage versus cold/ice effects, and take 2 Agility +0 Initiative +0
additional points of damage from heat/fire effects. Physique +1 Melee +4 (+5 w/ Lance or Longsword)
Vigor +1 Defense: Dodge 11, Parry 14

23
Intellect +0 Mobility: On foot 11, Mounted 25
Magnetism +0 Stamina 13/6
Willpower +0 Health 15/7
Armor 4-5 (padded gambeson to mail and
medium shield)

NPC TEMPLATES Special Abilities: See Aradornian racial traits.

Statistics for common, and not so common, NPC arche-
types. Most of these can be found in just about any part of
the known SK world.
Talents (battle): Armor Acclimation, Mounted Charge,
and two of the following—Concentrated Defense,
Fell-handed, Gauge Opponent.
Talents (all others): Squire or Knight, plus one of the
following—Henchman (page or squire), High-born, Militia,
Mercenary.

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Weaknesses: Oath-bound (to liege-lord), plus zero to one or signet ring stolen from a noble.
of the following—Oath-bound (to lover or priest), Obses-
sion (honor or truth), Zealot (of St. Paladyr). Advancement—
Skills: Acrobatics +1, Animal Handling +2, Athletics +2,
Brawling +1, Endurance +4 (resist pain +5), Healing Arts dz Bandit Lord: Add +1 to Intellect and Magnetism.
+1, Language +1, Lore +1, Perception +2, Persuasion +2, Increase eight skills by +1 or four skills by +2. Note any
Resolve +3 (resist fear +4), Survival +2, Weaponry: Melee upgraded Derived Traits. Add two new talents and one
+4 (lance and longsword +5), Weaponry: Ranged +1. additional language.
Languages: Brythian, Lorinthian, and either Mulovian,
Sidhe, or Duergar.
Possessions: Exceptional-quality gambeson or aver- COMMONER, Blacksmith (CL 2-3,
age-quality mail shirt, medium shield, war-cap and coif,
longsword, lance, dagger or mace; surcote, under-tunic, Human)
breeches, double-belt, belt pouch, riding boots, 2-20 bc, Blacksmiths, and other types of smiths and metalworkers,
1-6 sc. are relatively common in all but the tiniest of hamlets, for
their craft is a necessary one in virtually all regions of the
known world. These statistics represent a skilled apprentice
or typical journeyman and not, necessarily, a master-smith
BRIGAND, Typical (CL 2-4, Human) (but see ‘Advancement’ below).
Brigands, or bandits, are outdoor-based outlaws who rob
from the rich and sometimes even the poor. A few are even Attributes & Derived Traits—
downright cutthroats who would just as soon slay a travel-
er and take his goods as bargain for such trinkets. Brigands
Agility +0 Initiative +0
are often oath-breakers and other dishonorable types, and
known bandits sometimes have bounties on their heads. Physique +1 Attack: Dagger, Handaxe, or Longsword
+2
Attributes & Derived Traits— Vigor +1 Defense: Dodge 10; Parry 11
Intellect +0 Mobility 10
Agility +1 Initiative +1
Magnetism +0 Stamina 12/6
Physique +1 Melee: Club, Dagger, Shortsword, or Staff
Willpower +0 Health 14/7
+2; or Ranged: Bow or Crossbow +2
Armor 0-2 (None to buckler or small
Vigor +1 Defense: Dodge 12; Parry 12
shield)
Intellect -1 Mobility 11
Magnetism -1 Stamina 12/6 Special Abilities: See appropriate Racial Abilities
Willpower +0 Health 12/6
Talents (all): Artisan, plus one of the following—Farmer
Armor 1-3 (padded/soft leather and possi- or Woodsman.
ble buckler)
Weaknesses: One of the following—Low-born, Oath-
bound (to a local lord), or Phobia (famine or plague).
Special Abilities: Per racial/cultural abilities.
Skills: Acrobatics +0, Athletics +1, Brawling +2, Crafting
+2 (blacksmithing +3), Endurance +2, Healing Arts +1, Per-
Talents (battle): Usually Defensive Dash, plus one of the ception +1, Resolve +1, Survival +1, Weaponry: Melee +1.
following—Bullish Charge, Careful Aim, Hit And Run, Rush- Languages: Native tongue only.
ing Attack.
Possessions: Iron wares, usually 1-2 daggers, 1-2 handaxes,
Talents (all others): Two of the following—Hunter, and either a battleaxe, shortsword, or longsword; some-
Night-sighted, Sapping Blow, Secret Strike, Woodsman. times 1d4 iron or steel ingots; blacksmithing tools; 2-20 bc
Weaknesses: Usually Honorless, plus one of the follow- and 1-10 sc.
ing—Disfigured, Honorless, Illegitimate, Indebted, Master-
less, Tainted. Advancement—
Skills: Acrobatics +2, Appraisal +0, Brawling +2, Climbing
+2, Disguise +1, Endurance +2, Language +0, Lock-pick- dz Master Smith: Add +1 to Physique or Intellect.
ing +2, Perception +1, Persuasion +0, Sleight of Hand +2, Increase Crafting to +6 (blacksmithing +7) and Endur-
Stealth +2, Survival +1, Weaponry: Melee +2, Weaponry: ance to +4 (resist heat +5). Add two more talents.
Ranged +2.
Possessions: Usually a dagger plus a club, mace, shorts-
word, or spear; sometimes a shortbow or crossbow (and
a quiver of 2-20 arrows/bolts), and usually padded or soft COMMONER, Farmer (CL 2-3, Hu-
leather armor and/or a buckler. Most carry 2-20 bc, 1-6 sc, man)
and occasionally a trinket such as a key to a chest or a writ Farmers are often peasants or, worse still, serfs, who are

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KINGDOMS
little more than slaves to a local lord. They are important, Armor 0-2 (none to average padded or
however, for bringing food to the tables of the local popu- exceptional padded)
lace, so most lords or ladies recognize this fact. Occasional-
ly, farmers are freemen who have earned their own plots of Special Abilities: See appropriate Racial Abilities
agrarian land or, even rarer, nobles who own (and work)
elaborate gardens. Talents (all): Merchant, plus one or two of the follow-
ing—Caravan Master, Gift of Tongues, Gossip, Mariner,
Attributes & Derived Traits— Navigator.
Weaknesses: One of the following—Enemy (bandit lord
Agility +0 Initiative +0 or rival merchant), Honorless, Obsession (wealth).
Physique +0 Attack: Club, Dagger, or Polearm +0 Skills: Alchemy +2, Animal Handling +2, Crafting +3 (ap-
praisal +4), Endurance +1, Herbalism +2, Language +3,
Vigor +1 Defense: Dodge 10; Parry 10
Lore +2, Perception +3, Persuasion +3 (bargaining +4), Re-
Intellect +0 Mobility 10 solve +2, Sailing +2, Sleight of Hand +0, Weaponry: Melee
Magnetism +0 Stamina 12/6 +1, Weaponry: Ranged +1.
Languages: Native tongue, plus one additional local hu-
Willpower +0 Health 12/6
man language.
Armor 0 (none) Possessions: Average to exceptional-quality clothing (tu-
nic, trousers, cloak, etc.), belt, belt pouches (x2), wineskin,
Special Abilities: See appropriate Racial Abilities dried rations (1-4 days), dagger or shortsword, sometimes
a crossbow (and a quiver of 12 bolts), and often a riding
Talents (all): Farmer, plus one of the following—Hunter, horse or draft horse (with wagon), or small sailing vessel.
Mountaineer, Woodsman.
Weaknesses: One of the following—Low-born, Oath- Advancement—
bound (to a local lord), or Phobia (famine or plague).
Skills: Acrobatics +0, Athletics +1, Brawling +1, Crafting +2 dz Master Trader: Add +1 to Intellect or Magne-
(farming +3), Endurance +2, Healing Arts +1, Herbalism tism. Increase Crafting to +5 (appraisal +6) and Persua-
+1, Perception +1, Resolve +1, Survival +1. sion to +6 (bargaining +7). Add two new talents and
Languages: Native tongue only. one additional language.
Possessions: Club, dagger, polearm, or spear; various im-
plements for farming and possible other rural craft; and 1-4
bronze coins.
DRUID-PRIEST, Initiate (CL 2-5)
This template represents the standard priest of the Druidic
Advancement— Order, also known as the Order of the Sacred Oak and The
Grey Brotherhood. See the ‘Advancement’ statistics below
dz Court Gardener: Add +1 to Intellect. Increase for druidic priests of greater experience.
Crafting to +6 (farming and gardening +7) and Herbal-
ism to +4. Add two more talents. Attributes & Derived Traits—

Agility -1 Initiative +1
COMMONER, Merchant (CL 2-3) Physique +0 Attack: Dagger, Staff, or War-club +1; or
Merchants and traders are often the life-blood of a thriving Sling or Thrown Dart +0
economy, and most civilized and semi-civilized lands have a
fair amount of mercantile traffic. These statistics might also Vigor +0 Defense: Dodge 10; Parry 11
represent a minor scholar or courtier. Intellect +1 Mobility 9
Magnetism +0 Stamina 14/7
Attributes & Derived Traits—
Willpower +2 Health 12/6
Armor 0 (none)
Agility -1 Initiative +0
Physique +0 Attack: Dagger or Shortsword +1; or
Special Abilities: See Caernian, Cymreddi, or Gaernic ra-
Crossbow +0
cial and Druidic Order abilities.
Vigor +0 Defense: Dodge 9; Parry 11
Intellect +1 Mobility 9 (but sometimes mounted) Talents (mystical): Priest, plus two of the following—
Magnetism +1 Stamina 12/6
Acolyte, Blood Magic, Familiar, Evil Eye, Extended Ritual,
Herbal Magic, Magic Affinity, Sanctum Magic, Second Sight.
Willpower +1 Health 11/5
Talents (all others): Two of the following—Beast Com-
panion, Draw The Line, Healer’s Touch, Mountaineer, Tire-
less, Woodsman.

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Weaknesses: One of the following—Addiction (white lo-
tus or other herb), Lame, Oath-bound (to a local chieftain),
Obsession (fauna, flora, or knowledge), Zealot.
Skills: Acrobatics +1, Animal Handling +2, Crafting +2, En-
durance +2, Healing Arts +3, Herbalism +3, Language +2,
Lore +3, Magical Arts: Air +4, Magical Arts: Earth +4, Mag-
ical Arts: Water +4, Magical Arts: Life +3, Perception +3,
Performance +2, Persuasion +2, Resolve +3, Stealth +0,
Survival +3, Weaponry: Melee +1, Weaponry: Ranged +0.
Languages: Usually Brythian, Cymreddi, or Gaernic, plus
Druidic and one of the following—Caernian, Norish, Es-
mandian, Sidhe.
Spells Known: Four of the following—Beast Summoning,
Beguile, Conjure Fog, Conjure Wind, Conjure Water, Earth-
en Grasp, Evaporate, Freezing, Melting, Omen-reading.
Possessions: Undyed woolen robe, staff or war-club, dag-
ger, sling or war-dart, hempen belt, soft boots or sandals,
cloak or shawl, belt pouch, ritual components, 1-2 dried
herbs, 1-10 bc, 1-6 sc, and possibly a piece of amber or crys-
tal (worth 1-6 sc).
Advancement—
dz Adept: Add +1 to Agility or Vigor. Increase eight
skills by +1. Note possible changes to Derived Traits. Add
one talent and gain knowledge of two additional spells.
dz High Priest: Add +1 to Physique or Intellect
and to Magnetism. Increase four skills by +2. Note any
changed Derived Traits. Add one talent and knowledge
of two additional spells.
372
dz Master Druid: Add +1 to Intellect or Willpower.
Increase eight skills by +1. Note any Derived Traits im-
provements. Add two talents and two additional spells.
LORINTHIAN LEGIONNARI (CL 2,
Human)
These are the rank-and-fill professional soldiers of the
wealthy and somewhat decadent Lorinthian Empire, trained
in various formations and other side-tasks such as ditch-dig-
ging, camp-making, road-building, and general siege-craft.
They are often employed as town guards as well as full-
fledged military troops. Over a dozen legions (of nearly
5,000 men each) are said to exist in the various provinces
of Lorinthia, not including elite units such as the Black Le-
gion or “secondary” warriors such as auxiliaries, levies, and
other military personnel.
Attributes & Derived Traits—
Agility +0 Initiative +0
Physique +1 Melee: Shortsword or Spear +3; or
Ranged: Javelin or Crossbow +2
Vigor +1 Defense: Dodge 12, Parry 13
Intellect -1 Mobility 11
Magnetism -1 Stamina 13/6
Willpower +0 Health 14/7
Armor 6 (hard leather, large shield, and
war-helm)
Talents (battle): Armor Acclimation, Hold The Breach,
Siege Specialist, Shield Wall.
Talents (all others): One of the following—Hunter, Mar-
iner, Mercenary, Militia.
Weaknesses: Oath-bound (to legion commander), Oath-
bound (to Lorinthian empire).
Skills: Acrobatics +2, Animal Handling +0, Brawling +2,
Crafting +0, Endurance +3, Healing Arts +0, Language +0,
Lore +0, Perception +1, Persuasion +0 (intimidation +1),
Resolve +1, Riding +1, Survival +1, Weaponry: Melee +3,
Weaponry: Ranged +2.
Languages: Lorinthian, plus one of the following—
Brythian, Prydonian, Latagonii, or Guldarii.
Possessions: Exceptional-quality hard leather armor, ex-
ceptional-quality war-helm, large body shield, shortsword,
spear, dagger or handaxe, 1-3 javelins or light crossbow
(with quiver of 2-20 bolts), high-laced sandals, backpack
or satchel, belt pouch, 2-20 bronze coins, 1-4 silver coins.
NORISH BERSERKER (CL 3, Hu-
man)
From the word “bear-shirt” (or “bare-shirt”), berserkers of-
ten hail from Norlund and fight in battles either with simple
bear-hide “armor” or sometimes completely bare-chested,
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 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
either way proving their half-mad fearlessness. Some are
even deeply dedicated to Fragnir, the northern god of war
and the sea, and believe entering combat in this manner
appeases him.
Attributes & Derived Traits—
Agility +0 Initiative +0
Physique +2 Melee: Battleaxe, Greataxe, or duel Han-
daxes +5
Vigor +2 Defense: Dodge 13; Parry 15
Intellect -1 Mobility 12
Magnetism -1 Stamina 15/7
Willpower +0 Health 19/9
Armor 0-2 (none to furs or chain shirt)
Special Abilities: See Norish racial abilities.
Talents (battle): Berserker Rage, Cleaving Blow, and two
of the following—Ambidexterity, Break The Wall, Crushing
Blow, Dual Blades, Pugilistic Follow-up, Shattering Blow.
Talents (all others): Grit, Intimidating Physique, and one
of the following—Heroic Strength, Tireless, Troll-born.
Weaknesses: Savage, plus one of the following—Kin-slay-
er, Oath-bound (to local chieftain), Obsession (violence),
Masterless, Zealot (of Fragnir).
Skills: Acrobatics +3 (leaping +4), Brawling +5, Climbing
+4, Endurance +5 (resist pain +6), Perception +1 (sight +2),
Performance +0, Persuasion -1 (intimidation +2), Resolve
+4 (resist fear +5), Sailing +1, Survival +1, Weaponry: Me-
lee +5, Weaponry: Ranged +1.
Languages: Norish, plus one of the following—Brythian,
Caernian, Duergar, or Troll-speak.
Possessions: Usually fur/hide armor or chain shirt, battle-
axe or greataxe (sometimes exceptional-quality), handaxe
or war-club; belt or broad girdle, fur cape or cloak, 1-10 bc,
and 1-10 sc.
PRIEST OF AGATHON, Initiate (CL
2-5)
This represents a typical Templar (warrior-priest) of Agath-
on, of whom is always male and usually of Lorinthian stock
and culture. Use the ‘Advancement’ statistics below for an
Agathonian priest of higher rank.
Willpower +1 Health 15/7
Armor 0-2 (none to hard leather)
Special Abilities: Lorinthian or Prydonian racial traits.
Talents (battle): Three of the following—Ambidexterity,
Concentrated Defense, Fell-Handed, Heavy Hitter, Impal-
ing Thrust.
Talents (mystical): Acolyte (of Agathon), plus two of the
following—Battle Mage, Energize Spell, Enchant Talisman.
Talents (all others): One of the following—Grit, Intimi-
dating Physique, Militia, Rhodonite Blood, Tireless.
Weaknesses: One of the following—Addiction (red lotus),
Oath-bound (to local lord), Obsession (competition), Zeal-
ot.
Skills: Acrobatics +2*, Animal Handling +0, Athletics +3,
Brawling +3, Endurance +3, Healing Arts +2, Lore +1, Mag-
ical Arts: Fire +4, Magical Arts: Death +3, Perception +2,
Persuasion +1,
Resolve +3, Survival +1, Weaponry: Melee +3, Weap-
onry: Ranged +2.
Languages: Usually Lorinthian or Prydonian, plus one of
the following—Brythian, Lorinthian, Prydonian, or Gor-
gonic.
Spells Known: Four of the following—Conjure Acid, Con-
jure Flame, Conjure Light, Enhance Weapon, Heighten Du-
rability, Repair.
Possessions: Usually soft or hard leather armor, crim-
son-red robe or mantle, broad belt, sandals or soft boots,
cloak, exceptional-quality shortsword, dagger or club, belt
pouch, holy symbol of Agathon (bronze or silver-plated),
2-20 bc, 1-20 sc.
Advancement—
dz Adept rank: Add +1 to Agility or Magnetism.
Increase six skills by +1. Note that Derived Traits may
increase as a result. Add one talent and two additional
known spells.
dz High Priest: Add +1 to Physique or Vigor and to
Willpower. Increase five skills by +2. Note that Derived
Traits may increase as a result. Add one talent and two
more additional known spells.
dz Grand Templar: Add +1 to Intellect or Magne-
tism. Increase four skills by +2 and four skills by +1. De-
rived Traits may increase. Add two talents and two more
spells known.

Attributes & Derived Traits—

PRIEST OF PRYDONIS, Initiate (CL
Agility +0 Initiative +1
2-5, Human)
Physique +1 Attack: Shortsword +3 (max dmg 15); or This template represents a typical Priest of Prydonis, almost
Javelin +2
always male and usually of Prydonian (Central or Outer
Vigor +1 Defense: Dodge 12; Parry 13 Isles) culture and ethnicity. Use the ‘Advancement’ statistics
Intellect +0 Mobility 11 below for Prydonisian priests of higher ranks.
Magnetism -1 Stamina 14/7
Attributes & Derived Traits—

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 SAVAGEIII
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Agility -1 Initiative +0
Physique +0 Attack: Trident +2 (max dmg 21); or Jave-
lin +0 (max dmg 15)
Vigor +1 Defense: Dodge 10; Parry 12
Intellect +0 Mobility 9
Magnetism +1 Stamina 15/7
Willpower +1 Health 12/6
Armor 1 (light scale corselet)
Special Abilities: Usually Prydonian racial traits and Priest
of Prydonis order abilities.
Talents (mystical): Priest, plus three of the following—
Acolyte, Enchant Talisman, Extended Ritual, Far-reaching
Magic, Focal Object (pearl or staff), Magic Affinity, Second
Sight.
Talents (all others): Two of the following—Educated,
Mariner, Rhodonite Blood, Willful Persuasion.
Weaknesses: One of the following—Obsession (the sea or
storms), Phobia (enclosed spaces), Zealot.
Skills: Acrobatics +0, Alchemy +1, Animal Handling +2,
Athletics +1, Crafting +1, Endurance +2, Healing Arts +3
(long-term care +4), Herbalism +1, Language +1, Lore +2,
Magical Arts: Life +4, Magical Arts: Water +4, Perception
+1, Persuasion +3, Resolve +4, Sailing +2, Survival +1,
Weaponry: Melee +2, Weaponry: Ranged +0.
Languages: Prydonian and one of the following—Lorin-
thian, Esmandian, Old Rhodonite.
Spells Known: Four of the following—Conjure Fog, Con-
jure Lightning, Conjure Water, Cure Ailment, Freezing, Heal
Wounds, Melting, Repair, Warding.
Possessions: Scale corselet/vestments (-1 skill penalty), sea-
green robe, sash or belt, belt pouch, sandals or soft boots,
exceptional-quality trident or staff, dagger or knife, 2-20
bc, 1-10 sc.
Advancement—
dz Adept rank: Add +1 to Intellect or Willpower.
Increase eight skills by +1. Note that some Derived Traits
may have improved as a result. Add two more known
spells.
dz High Priest rank: Add +1 to Agility or Vigor and
to Magnetism. Increase four skills by +2. Note that De-
rived Traits may have improved as a result. Add two
more known spells.
dz Magus rank: Add +1 to Willpower. Increase four
skills by +1 and four by +2. Note that some Derived
Traits may improve as a result. Add two more talents
and two spells known.
TRUTH-KEEPER MONK, Initiate
(CL 2-5)
These statistics represent a low-ranking member of the Mo-
nastic Order of Saint Paladyr, also known as the Truthkeep-
374
ers. The lower echelons are usually occupied by Brothers or
perhaps above-average lay-priests. This stat block might also
serve well for a monk-like hermit or semi-mystical woods-
man. See the ‘Advancement’ statistics below for more expe-
rienced Truth-keepers.
Attribute & Derived Traits—
Agility -1 Initiative +0
Physique +0 Melee +1 (dagger, club, or staff)
Vigor +0 Defense: Dodge 9; Parry 11
Intellect +1 Mobility 9
Magnetism +0 Stamina 13/6
Willpower +1 Health 11/5
Armor 0 (none)
Special Abilities: Usually Aradornian racial traits.
Talents (all): Acolyte or Priest, plus three of the follow-
ing—Acolyte, Apprentice, Artisan, Farmer, Meditative
Trance, Healer’s Touch, Second Sight.
Weaknesses: Oathbound (to the order), plus zero to one
of the following—Obsession (meditation or reading/writ-
ing), Illegitimate, Lame, Maimed, or Zealot (of Saint Pala-
dyr).
Skills: Animal Handling +1, Crafting +3, Healing Arts +3,
Herbalism +2, Language +3, Lore +3, Magical Arts: Life +3,
Perception +2, Performance +1, Persuasion +2, Survival +2,
Weaponry: Melee +1, Weaponry: Ranged +0.
Languages: Brythian, plus one or two of the following—
Lorinthian, Mulovian, Skathian, Sidhe.
Spells Known: Sense Corruption, plus one of the fol-
lowing—Beast-speak, Consecration, Cure Ailment, Heal
Wounds, Repel Undead, Sense Corruption, Warding.
Possessions: Simple burgundy mantle/robe, sandals or soft
buskins, rope or simple leather belt, dagger or club (some-
times a staff), scroll or small book, 1-6 bc.
Advancement—
dz Adept Brother: Add +1 to Agility or Willpower.
Increase eight skills by +1. Note any upgrades in Derived
Traits. Add one talent and one additional known spell.
dz Ordained Father: Add +1 to Vigor or Magne-
tism and to Intellect. Increase four skills by +4. Note
improvements in Derived Traits. Add one talent and two
additional spells.
dz High Father: Add +1 Physique or Willpower. In-
crease four skills by +2 and four by +1. Note any up-
grades in Derived Traits. Add two talents and one addi-
tional spell.
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 SAVAGEIII
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APPENDIX A—
EXPERIENCE POINTS &
ADVANCEMENT
Player-characters earn 1 Experience Point (XP) per hour of
actual game-play. The GM may reward a bonus XP to a
player for especially in-depth roleplaying, some major act
of heroism, or some other deserving feat. Thus, for exam-
ple, a four-hour gaming session would produce 4 XP for
each player-character at the table plus a possible bonus
point for a total of 5 XP. It is suggested to make the bonus
point well-earned and should not happen all the time.
There are a couple of ways to handle the bonus XP situ-
ation. One is to have every player vote, secret ballot style, resentation of the bonus XP as it occurs in the session—this
about who they thought did the best roleplaying for the ses- might be a token, coin, or whatever.
sion, with the recipient of the most votes gaining the bonus Note that PCs with henchmen, familiars, or bonded
XP. This method takes the pressure off the GM, although the beast companions advance these sidekicks at half the rate of
GM might provide any tie-breaking votes (or simply allow the character. For example, if Sir Talon earns, say, 5 XP for a
the tying players to both keep the bonus XP). A second game-session, then his henchman (a squire) would earn half
viable method is having the GM hand out a physical rep- of this, rounded down, for 2 XP.
Table 8-1: EXPERIENCE POINTS & ADVANCEMENT

XP Adv.# Attribute Luck Renown Talent Pts Skill Pts Max Skill Lvl
0 0 * * * * * 3
10 1 +0 +1 +0 3 5 3
20 2 +0 +1 +1 2 5 4
35 3 +1 +1 +0 3 5 4
50 4 +0 +1 +1 2 5 5
70 5 +1 +1 +0 3 5 5
90 6 +0 +1 +1 2 5 6
115 7 +1 +1 +0 3 5 6
140 8 +0 +1 +1 2 5 7
170 9 +1 +1 +0 3 5 7
200 10 +0 +1 +1 2 5 8
235 11 +1 +1 +0 3 5 8
270 12 +0 +1 +1 2 5 9
310 13 +1 +1 +0 3 5 9
350 14 +0 +1 +1 2 5 10
395 15 +1 +1 +0 3 5 10
440 16 +0 +1 +1 2 5 10
490 17 +1 +1 +0 3 5 10
540 18 +0 +1 +1 2 5 10
595 19 +1 +1 +0 3 5 10
650 20 +0 +1 +1 2 5 10

*See starting values per the Character Creation section.

376 APPENDICES & INDICES

 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS
XP: An abbreviation for Experience Points, this reflects a
cumulative session-per-session total.
Adv.#: Short for ‘Advancement Number’ (or Number
of Advancements), this simply states how many Advance-
ments a character has accumulated.
Attribute: When a +1 is listed, this means that the char-
acter may increase one Attribute of his or her choice (up
to the maximum of that race/culture). A player-character’s
net Attribute total at character creation is +3 save in special
circumstances (such as the Very Young weakness).
Luck: When a +1 is listed, the character improves his or
her Luck by one at that Advancement. The starting value for
Luck at character creation is 5 + Int or Mag.
Renown: Characters can gain Renown just from exist-
ing and earning expertise, so wherever a +1 is shown, the
character increases his or her Renown by that amount. The
starting value for Renown at character creation is Mag +
1/10 age (or 1/20 age for Duergar and all Sidhe).
APPENDICES & INDICES
Talent Pts: This is the number of points a character
gains, at that Advancement, to spend on new Talents. Start-
ing Talent points at character creation are 10 plus any bonus
ones accrued from choosing Weaknesses (although they can
also be converted to Skill Points). Note that the maximum
number of talents a character can gain in one Advancement
is two, regardless of Favored Talent discounts and the like
– no exceptions.
Skill Pts: The number of Skill Points that a character
may spend on improving or learning new Skills; Skill Points
are essentially converted into Skill Levels. The starting num-
ber of Skill Points at character creation is 25 + Int (plus pos-
sible bonus points converted from choosing Weaknesses).
Max Skill Lvl: Abbreviated from ‘Maximum Skill Lev-
el’, this number lists the maximum skill level attainable for
any given skill at that Advancement. The maximum skill
level that a skill can have at character creation is 3.
377
 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS

APPENDIX B—Sample Characters

SAVAGE KINGDOMS III

Character Sheet
PLAYER: GM:
CHARACTER NAME: Gorag, son of Vord RACE: Human CULTURE: Thorakkian
CALLING: Berserker BIRTHPLACE: Dregnir Ice-wastes AGE: 17 HT: 6’6” WT: 240
ATTRIBUTES HEALTH STAMINA EXPERIENCE 0 ( 0 )
10 + (PHY x 2) + Endurance 10 + VIG + Resolve Unspent Pts. Talent 0 Skills 0
AGILITY: +0 temp:
23 / 11 14 / 7 RACIAL ABILITIES
PHYSIQUE: +4 temp:
MAX HALF MAX HALF
-Cold Affinity: +2 to Endurance
Current Current
rolls to resist ice/cold effects**
VIGOR: +2 temp:
MOBILITY 14 28 7 5 -Despicable Spawn: Pay 2 points
INTELLECT: -2 temp:
10 + Agi + Phy
BASE RUN SWIM CLIMB less for the Troll-born talent.

MAGNETISM: -1 temp:
INITIATIVE LUCK RENOWN PARRY DODGE
Agi + Wil 5 + Int or Mag Mag + 1/10 Age 10 + Melee Weaponry 10 + Acrobatics
WILLPOWER: +0 temp: +0 4 1 17 12
TALENTS (10) SKILLS (25 + Int)
Talent Name Stam TPcost Skill Name Key Attr. Skill level Other TOTAL Specialties (+1)
Troll-born -- 3 Acrobatics* Agi +0 2 [+ 2 ]
Quick Healer -- 1 Alchemy Int -2 [+ -2 ]
Animal Handling Mag -1 2 [+ 1 ] Mammoths. +2 w/ Bears
Champion -- 1
Athletics* Phy +4 1 [+ 5 ]
Totem Animal (bear) -- 2 +4 3 1 8
Brawling* Phy [+ ] Head-butt
Beast Companion -- 2 Crafting Int -2 [+ -2 ]
Intimidating Physique -- 2 Disguise Mag -1 [+ -1 ]
Endurance Vig +2 2 1 [+ 5 ] Resist Pain, Racial**
Berserker Rage 1 1
Healing Arts Int -2 [+ -2 ]
Pugilistic Follow-up 1 2 -2 -2
Herbalism Int [+ ]
Language Int -2 [+ -2 ]
Lock-picking Agi +0 [+ 0 ]
Lore Int -2 [+ -2 ]
Magical Arts: Air* Wil +0 [+ -- ]
Magical Arts: Earth* Wil +0 [+ -- ]
Magical Arts: Fire* Wil +0 [+ -- ]
Magical Arts: Water* Wil +0 [+ -- ]
Magical Arts: Life* Vig +2 [+ -- ]
Magical Arts: Death* Vig +2 [+ -- ]
Magical Arts: Shadow* Int -2 [+ -- ]
Perception Int -2 2 [+ 0 ]
Performance Mag -1 [+ -1 ]
Persuasion Mag -1 1 [+ 0 ] Intimidation +5

Resolve Wil +0 2 [+ 2 ]
Sailing Int -2 1 [+ -1 ]
Sleight of Hand* Agi +0 [+ 0 ]
WEAKNESSES (+5) 0
Stealth* Agi +0 [+ ]
Phobia (of Fire—Minor) +1 Survival Int -2 3 1 [+ 2 ] Hunting

Savage +3 Weaponry: Melee Phy +4 3 [+ 7 ] Greataxe

Weaponry: Ranged Agi +0 1 [+ 1 ]

* Skill Penalty for any armor applies

378 APPENDICES & INDICES

 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS

SAVAGE KINGDOMS III

Character Sheet
Page 2
EQUIPMENT WEAPONS
Item Bulk Qty Weapon Type Skill mod Max dmg Other Stats
Soft boots 0 Avg Head-butt +8 5
Leather breeches 0 Avg Other Brawling +7 5
Fur Cape 1 Avg Greataxe +7 30 AP 3
Girdle (broad belt) 1 Avg Warhammer +7 20* AP 1*
Small Shield 0 Avg
War-helm, horned 1 Avg *+1 AP & max dmg
Greataxe 1 Avg if wielded in 2 hands
Warhammer 0 Avg
Sling 0 Avg ARMOR
Armor Type Prot Rtng Mob Pen Skill Pen Quality
Sling-stones (x20) 1 Avg
War-helm (Horned) 1 -0 -2* Avg
Knife, bone-hilted 0 Avg
Small Shield 1 -0 -1 Avg
*Perception penalty
Total 2 -0 -1

SPELLS KNOWN
Spell Name Discipline DL StamCost Page No.

Total 5
Unencumbered Hindered Burdened

WEALTH
Bronze: Silver: 10 Gold:
Gems Qty Value
Gems Qty Value
Jewelry Value
Special Crude holy symbol of Torak (necklace) Value ?

HENCHMAN/BEAST
Name Yngva Type Arctic Bear Cub
Agi +1 Phy +2 Vig +4 Int -4 Mag +1 Wil +1
Health 20 10
( ) Init +2 Mob 16 Ren 0 Stam 17 ( 8 )
Age 1 Ht -- Wt -- Gender F Earned XP 0

ORDER/SECT ABILITIES
BACKGROUND/DESCRIPTION
Eye Color Black Hair Black (long) Skin Green Tint
Birthdate Autumn Birth Rank 1st Siblings None
House/Clan Name None Status
LANGUAGES Enemies/Rivals Icebear clan, Bloodsnow clan.
Language/Dialect Native Written
Allies/Friends Very few.
Thorakki Yes No
Goals/Motivations Perhaps earn a living as a mercenary or seek
high adventure in the Southlands; become a clan-chieftain later in life.
Personality Traits Grim, violent, lusty, barbaric.
NotesGorag's mother died giving birth to him, an event which made his rugged
life in the frozen wastes even harder as his father loathed him for a long while.
© Copyright 2020 Fire In The Head Productions

APPENDICES & INDICES 379

 SAVAGEIII
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SAVAGE KINGDOMS III

Character Sheet
PLAYER: GM:
CHARACTER NAME: Marcus Octavian RACE: Human CULTURE: Lorinthian
CALLING: Priest BIRTHPLACE: Tyrius AGE: 40 HT: 5’9” WT: 185
ATTRIBUTES HEALTH STAMINA EXPERIENCE 0 ( 0 )
10 + (PHY x 2) + Endurance 10 + VIG + Resolve Unspent Pts. Talent 0 Skills 0
AGILITY: -2 temp:
10 / 5 13 / 6 RACIAL ABILITIES
PHYSIQUE: +0 temp:
MAX HALF MAX HALF
-Urban Affinity: +1 to ** marked
Current Current
skills in towns of 1,000+ folks,
VIGOR: -1 temp:
MOBILITY 8 16 4 3 -Heat Tolerance: +1 to Endurance
INTELLECT: +3 temp:
10 + Agi + Phy
BASE RUN SWIM CLIMB skill rolls when resisting heat/fire.

MAGNETISM: +2 temp:
INITIATIVE LUCK RENOWN PARRY DODGE
Agi + Wil 5 + Int or Mag Mag + 1/10 Age 10 + Melee Weaponry 10 + Acrobatics
WILLPOWER: +1 temp: -1 8 9 11 9
TALENTS (10) SKILLS (25 + Int)
Talent Name Stam TPcost Skill Name Key Attr. Skill level Other TOTAL Specialties (+1)
Acolyte -- 1 Acrobatics* Agi -2 1 [+ 1 ]
Priest -- 1 Alchemy Int +3 3 [+ 6 ] Oils

Elite Affiliation (Priests Animal Handling Mag +2 [+ 2 ]

Athletics* Phy +0 [+ 0 ]
of Titherius) -- 1
Brawling* Phy +0 [+ 0 ]
Cutting Figure -- 3 +3 1 [+ 4 ] Appraisal
Crafting Int
Gift of Tongues -- 1 Disguise Mag +2 [+ 2 ]
Extended Ritual 2+ 2 Endurance Vig -1 1 [+ 0 ] Heat/Fire

Healing Arts Int +3 1 [+ 4 ]

Grimoire -- 2
Herbalism Int +3 2 [+ 5 ]
Evil Eye 1+ 3 +3 2 1 [+ 6 ] Deciphering
Language Int
Lock-picking Agi -2 [+ -2 ]
Lore Int +3 3 [+ 6 ] Nobility

Magical Arts: Air* Wil +1 [+ -- ]

Magical Arts: Earth* Wil +1 2 [+ 3 ]
Magical Arts: Fire* Wil +1 [+ -- ]
Magical Arts: Water* Wil +1 [+ -- ]
Magical Arts: Life* Vig -1 [+ -- ]
Magical Arts: Death* Vig -1 [+ -- ]
Magical Arts: Shadow* Int +3 3 [+ 6 ] Read Magic

Perception Int +3 [+ 3 ] Racial**

Performance Mag +2 1 1 [+ 4 ] Oratory

Persuasion Mag +2 2 2 [+ 6 ] Racial**

Resolve Wil +1 3 [+ 4 ] Charm

Sailing Int +3 1 [+ 4 ]
Sleight of Hand* Agi -2 [+ -2 ]
WEAKNESSES (+5) -2
Stealth* Agi -2 [+ ] Racial**
Decadent +3 Survival Int +3 [+ 3 ] Racial**

Rotund +2 Weaponry: Melee Phy +0 1 [+ 1 ] Dagger

Weaponry: Ranged Agi -2 1 [+ -1 ]

* Skill Penalty for any armor applies

380 APPENDICES & INDICES

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Page 2
EQUIPMENT WEAPONS
Item Bulk Qty Weapon Type Skill mod Max dmg Other Stats
Sandals 0 Avg Staff +0 10*
Tunic, short 0 Exc Dagger (melee) +1 10
Toga, silver-hued 1 Exc Dagger (thrown) +0 10 Range 5/10/15
Cloak (trimmed in cloth of gold) 1 Exc Crossbow -1 20 AP 1, 25/50/100
Iron holy symbol (of Titherius) 0 Avg
Padded gambeson 1 Exc
Sash, silken 0 Exc *+1 dmg in 2 hands
Staff 0 Avg
Dagger 0 Avg ARMOR
Armor Type Prot Rtng Mob Pen Skill Pen Quality
Crossbow 0 Avg
Padded gambeson 1 -0 -0 Exc
Quiver of 20 crossbow bolts 1 Avg
Scroll case 0 Avg
Vial of moderate acid 0 Avg
Candles, wax (x3) 0 Avg
Grimoire, leather-bound 1 Avg SPELLS KNOWN
Spell Name Discipline DL StamCost Page No.

Beguile Shadow 10/15 2/3

Total 5 Fear Shadow 10/15 2/3
Unencumbered 0-5 Hindered 6-10 Burdened 11-15
Far-sight Shadow 10/15 2/3
Purification Earth 10/15 1/2
WEALTH
Repair Earth 10/15 2/3
Bronze: 20 Silver: 25 Gold: 1
Gems Qty Value
Gems Qty Value
Jewelry Value
Special Value

HENCHMAN/BEAST
Name Type
Agi Phy Vig Int Mag Wil
Health ( ) Init Mob Ren Stam ( )
Age Ht Wt Gender Earned XP
ORDER/SECT ABILITIES
Priests of Titherius (god of wealth and commerce): BACKGROUND/DESCRIPTION
Silver Acolyte rank; gain bonuses already added to Eye Color Brown Hair Bald Skin Tan
Renown and several skills; gain a silver-dyed toga. Birthdate Late Summer Birth Rank 2nd Siblings 4
House/Clan Name Octavian Status Widower
LANGUAGES Enemies/Rivals Beggars and thieves, generally speaking.
Language/Dialect Native Written
Allies/Friends Most legionnaires and local magistrates.
Lorinthian Yes Yes
Goals/Motivations To gain much wealth and influence; enjoy the best
Prydonian No Yes life (and the gods) have to offer; perhaps become a senatori in the future.
Old Rhodonite No Yes
Personality Traits Greedy, cunning, carnal, somewhat lazy.
Gorgonic No No
Notes Marcus desires good food, wine, and fine clothing more than most
Mezcan No No anything save for social (and mystical) power.
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Character Sheet
PLAYER: GM:
CHARACTER NAME: Nadia Von Strauss RACE: Human CULTURE: Mulovian
CALLING: Assassin BIRTHPLACE: Slavaport AGE: 19 HT: 5’5” WT: 105
ATTRIBUTES HEALTH STAMINA EXPERIENCE 0 ( 0 )
10 + (PHY x 2) + Endurance 10 + VIG + Resolve Unspent Pts. Talent 0 Skills 0
AGILITY: +3 temp:
11 / 5 12 / 6 RACIAL ABILITIES
PHYSIQUE: -1 temp:
MAX HALF MAX HALF
-Cold Tolerance: +1 to Endurance
Current Current
to resist cold/ice effects**
VIGOR: +1 temp:
MOBILITY 12 24 6 4 -Wintry Affinity: +1 to Acrobatics,
INTELLECT: +1 temp:
10 + Agi + Phy
BASE RUN SWIM CLIMB Athletics, Perc, Stealth, Survival**

MAGNETISM: +0 temp:
INITIATIVE LUCK RENOWN PARRY DODGE
Agi + Wil 5 + Int or Mag Mag + 1/10 Age 10 + Melee Weaponry 10 + Acrobatics
WILLPOWER: -1 temp: +2 6 4 11 17
TALENTS (10) SKILLS (25 + Int)
Talent Name Stam TPcost Skill Name Key Attr. Skill level Other TOTAL Specialties (+1)
High-born -- 5 Acrobatics* Agi +3 3 1 [+ 7 ] Balance, Racial**

Poisoner -- 1 Alchemy Int +1 1 [+ 2 ] Poison

Secret Strike 1 2 Animal Handling Mag +0 [+ 0 ]

Athletics* Phy -1 2 [+ 1 ] Racial*
Torturer -- 1
Brawling* Phy -1 [+ -1 ]
Hunter -- 1 +1 [+ 1 ]
Crafting Int
Agile Climber -- 2 Disguise Mag +0 3 [+ 3 ]
Limber -- 2 Endurance Vig +1 2 [+ 3 ] Poison, Torture, Racial**

Healing Arts Int +1 [+ 1 ]

Herbalism Int +1 [+ 1 ] Poisons

Language Int +1 [+ 1 ]
Lock-picking Agi +3 2 [+ 5 ]
Lore Int +1 3 [+ 4 ]
Magical Arts: Air* Wil -1 [+ -- ]
Magical Arts: Earth* Wil -1 [+ -- ]
Magical Arts: Fire* Wil -1 [+ -- ]
Magical Arts: Water* Wil -1 [+ -- ]
Magical Arts: Life* Vig +1 [+ -- ]
Magical Arts: Death* Vig +1 [+ -- ]
Magical Arts: Shadow* Int +1 [+ -- ]
Perception Int +1 2 [+ 4 ] Hearing, Racial**, +2 Poison

Performance Mag +0 [+ 0 ]
Persuasion Mag +0 [+ 0 ] Bluffing, Torture

Resolve Wil -1 2 [+ 1 ] Torture

Sailing Int +1 [+ 1 ]
Sleight of Hand* Agi +3 1 [+ 4 ]
WEAKNESSES (+5) 3 6
Stealth* Agi +3 [+ ] Skulking
Obsession (vengeance) +2 Survival Int +1 [+ 1 ] Urban, Racial**, +2 Poison

Waif +2 Weaponry: Melee Phy -1 2 [+ 1 ]

Weaponry: Ranged Agi +3 3 [+ 6 ] Dagger, Crossbow

* Skill Penalty for any armor applies

382 APPENDICES & INDICES

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Character Sheet
Page 2
EQUIPMENT WEAPONS
Item Bulk Qty Weapon Type Skill mod Max dmg Other Stats
Soft boots 0 Exc Shortsword +1 16 AP 1
Tunic 0 Exc Dagger (melee) +1 11
Cloak 1 Exc Dagger (thrown) +6 11 Range 5/10/15
Leather belt 0 Avg Crossbow +7 20 AP 1, 25/50/100
Belt pouch 0 Avg
Soft leather jerkin 0 Exc
Shortsword 0 MC
Dagger 0 Avg
Crossbow 1 Avg ARMOR
Armor Type Prot Rtng Mob Pen Skill Pen Quality
Quiver of 20 crossbow bolts 1 Avg
Soft leather jerkin 1 -0 -0 Exc
Vial of strong ingested poison 0 Avg
Additional clothing of noble cloth:
satin dress, silk sash, fur-trimmed cloak,
silk breeches (on horse). (3) Exc
Riding horse SPELLS KNOWN
Saddle, harness, saddlebags -- Avg Spell Name Discipline DL StamCost Page No.

Total 3
Unencumbered 0-5 Hindered 6-10 Burdened 11-15

WEALTH
Bronze: Silver: 20 Gold: 3
Gems Qty Value
Gems Qty Value
Jewelry Value
Special Value

HENCHMAN/BEAST
Name Type
Agi Phy Vig Int Mag Wil
Health ( ) Init Mob Ren Stam ( )
Age Ht Wt Gender Earned XP
ORDER/SECT ABILITIES
BACKGROUND/DESCRIPTION
Eye Color Grey Hair Black Skin Pale
Birthdate Mid-winter Birth Rank 3rd Siblings 2
House/Clan Name Von Strauss Status Self-exiled
LANGUAGES Enemies/Rivals House Von Glanovich
Language/Dialect Native Written
Allies/Friends Some gypsies and priests of Anderok
Mulovian Yes Yes
Goals/Motivations To seek revenge against Count Von Glanovich of
Brythian No Yes whom abducted her against her will; become a successful and feared assassin.

Personality Traits Stoic, observant, cold, calculating.

Notes Nadia has self-exiled herself from her own family, although she may, at
some point, return when her vengeance plot is complete.
© Copyright 2020 Fire In The Head Productions

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Character Sheet
PLAYER: GM:
CHARACTER NAME: Sir Gareth Whitehart RACE: Human CULTURE: Aradornian
CALLING: Knight BIRTHPLACE: City of Palador AGE: 28 HT: 6’2” WT: 190
ATTRIBUTES HEALTH STAMINA EXPERIENCE 0 ( 0 )
10 + (PHY x 2) + Endurance 10 + VIG + Resolve Unspent Pts. Talent 0 Skills 0
AGILITY: -1 temp:
17 / 8 15 / 7 RACIAL ABILITIES
PHYSIQUE: +2 temp:
MAX HALF MAX HALF
-Faith & Piety: +1 to all Resolve
Current Current
rolls due to faith in St. Paladyr
VIGOR: +1 temp:
MOBILITY 11 22 5 3 -Agrarian Nature: +1 to An.Hndlg.
INTELLECT: -1 temp:
10 + Agi + Phy
BASE RUN SWIM CLIMB Percept, Survival in plains/woods

MAGNETISM: +2 temp:
INITIATIVE LUCK RENOWN PARRY DODGE
Agi + Wil 5 + Int or Mag Mag + 1/10 Age 10 + Melee Weaponry 10 + Acrobatics
WILLPOWER: +0 temp: -1 7 10 15 10
TALENTS (10) SKILLS (25 + Int)
Talent Name Stam TPcost Skill Name Key Attr. Skill level Other TOTAL Specialties (+1)
Squire -- 1 Acrobatics* Agi -1 1 [+ 0 ]
Knight -- 1 Alchemy Int -1 [+ -1 ]
Animal Handling Mag +2 3 [+ 5 ] Horses, Racial**
Elite Affiliation (Order of
Athletics* Phy +2 1 [+ 3 ]
the Sword and Rose) -- 2
Brawling* Phy +2 1 [+ 3 ]
Sacred Oath -- 2 -1 [+ -1 ]
Crafting Int
Armor Acclimation -- 1 Disguise Mag +2 [+ 2 ]
Mounted Charge 0-1 1 Endurance Vig +1 3 [+ 4 ] Disease

Healing Arts Int -1 2 1 [+ 2 ]

Bashing Blow 1 1
Herbalism Int -1 [+ -1 ]
Shield Rush 1 1 -1 2 [+ 1 ]
Language Int
Light Sleeper -- 2 Lock-picking Agi -1 [+ -1 ]
Lore Int -1 1 [+ 0 ] Heraldry

Magical Arts: Air* Wil +0 [+ -- ]

Magical Arts: Earth* Wil +0 [+ -- ]
Magical Arts: Fire* Wil +0 [+ -- ]
Magical Arts: Water* Wil +0 [+ -- ]
Magical Arts: Life* Vig +1 [+ -- ]
Magical Arts: Death* Vig +1 [+ -- ]
Magical Arts: Shadow* Int -1 [+ -- ]
Perception Int -1 2 [+ 1 ] Racial**

Performance Mag +2 [+ 2 ]
Persuasion Mag +2 1 [+ 3 ] Diplomacy

Resolve Wil +0 3 1 [+ 4 ] Fear

Sailing Int -1 [+ 1 ]
Sleight of Hand* Agi -1 [+ -1 ]
WEAKNESSES (+5) -1
Stealth* Agi -1 [+ ]
Oath-bound (Lord Wulfred) +3 Survival Int -1 1 [+ 0 ] Racial**

Weaponry: Melee Phy +2 3 1 [+ 6 ] Lance, Longsword

Weaponry: Ranged Agi -1 1 [+ 0 ]

* Skill Penalty for any armor applies

384 APPENDICES & INDICES

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Character Sheet
Page 2
EQUIPMENT WEAPONS
Item Bulk Qty Weapon Type Skill mod Max dmg Other Stats
Light warhorse (see stats below) Lance +7 25 AP 3**, Reach 2
Saddle, saddle bags, and harness -- Avg Longsword +7 20* AP 0*
Chainmail shirt 1 Avg Dagger (melee) +6 10
Medium shield 1 Exc Dagger (thrown) +0 10 Range 5/10/15
Longsword 0 Avg
Mailed coif and war-cap 1 Avg * +1 AP & max dmg
Lance (on horse, generally) (1) Avg if wielded in 2 hands ** if mounted
Dagger 0 Avg
Javelins (x2) 0 Avg ARMOR
Armor Type Prot Rtng Mob Pen Skill Pen Quality
Surcote 0 Avg
Chainmail shirt 3 -0 -2 Avg
Boots, riding 1 Avg
Medium shield 2 -0 -1 Exc
Belt, leather 0 Avg
Coif & war-cap 1 -0 -1 Avg
Belt pouch 0 Avg
Total: (6) (-0) (-4)
Lantern, hooded (on horse, generally) 1 Avg
Flask of burning oil 0 Avg SPELLS KNOWN
Cultural Item: Silver-plated holy icon of Spell Name Discipline DL StamCost Page No.
Saint Paladyr 0 Avg
Total 5
Unencumbered 0-10 Hindered 11-20 Burdened 21-30

WEALTH
Bronze: 10 Silver: 25 Gold: 1
Gems Qty Value
Gems Qty Value
Jewelry Value
Special Silvered holy symbol of St. Paladyr Value 10 sc?

HENCHMAN/BEAST
Name Challenger Type Light Warhorse
Agi +1 Phy +7 Vig +3 Int -4 Mag +0 Wil +1
Health 28 14
( ) Init +2 Mob 18+ Ren 5 Stam 15 ( 7 )
Age 4 Ht -- Wt -- Gender M Earned XP 0

ORDER/SECT ABILITIES
Knights of the Sword and the Rose: BACKGROUND/DESCRIPTION
Knight-errant rank: Gain light warhorse, mulberry Eye Color Hazel Hair Sandy Skin Light
and white surcote and cloak; +2 to Persuasion rolls Birthdate Mid-spring Birth Rank 1st Siblings 1
House/Clan Name Whitehart Status Fostered
LANGUAGES Enemies/Rivals Known enemies of the church and crown.
Language/Dialect Native Written
Allies/Friends Truthkeepers of Saint Paladyr, House Whitehart.
Brythian Yes Yes
Goals/Motivations To rise in the service of the order and to perhaps
Lorinthian No Yes someday retire as a modest lord with a small hide of land and a loyal wife.
Sidhe No Yes
Personality Traits Just, idealistic, energetic, pious.
Notes Gareth was a lad fostered to House Whitehart. He learned the trade of
a knight's squire, eventually becoming a semi-elite knight himself.
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Character Sheet
PLAYER: GM:
CHARACTER NAME: RACE: CULTURE:
CALLING: BIRTHPLACE: AGE: HT: WT:
ATTRIBUTES HEALTH STAMINA EXPERIENCE ( )
10 + (PHY x 2) + Endurance 10 + VIG + Resolve Unspent Pts. Talent Skills
AGILITY: temp:
/ / RACIAL ABILITIES
PHYSIQUE: temp:
MAX HALF MAX HALF
Current Current
VIGOR: temp:
MOBILITY
INTELLECT: temp:
10 + Agi + Phy
BASE RUN SWIM CLIMB

MAGNETISM: temp:
INITIATIVE LUCK RENOWN PARRY DODGE
Agi + Wil 5 + Int or Mag Mag + 1/10 Age 10 + Melee Weaponry 10 + Acrobatics
WILLPOWER: temp:

TALENTS (10) SKILLS (25 + Int)

Talent Name Stam TPcost Skill Name Key Attr. Skill level Other TOTAL Specialties (+1)

Acrobatics* Agi [+ ]
Alchemy Int [+ ]
Animal Handling Mag [+ ]
Athletics* Phy [+ ]
Brawling* Phy [+ ]
Crafting Int [+ ]
Disguise Mag [+ ]
Endurance Vig [+ ]
Healing Arts Int [+ ]
Herbalism Int [+ ]
Language Int [+ ]
Lock-picking Agi [+ ]
Lore Int [+ ]
Magical Arts: Air* Wil [+ ]
Magical Arts: Earth* Wil [+ ]
Magical Arts: Fire* Wil [+ ]
Magical Arts: Water* Wil [+ ]
Magical Arts: Life* Vig [+ ]
Magical Arts: Death* Vig [+ ]
Magical Arts: Shadow* Int [+ ]
Perception Int [+ ]
Performance Mag [+ ]
Persuasion Mag [+ ]
Resolve Wil [+ ]
Sailing Int [+ ]
Sleight of Hand* Agi [+ ]
WEAKNESSES (+5)
Stealth* Agi [+ ]
Survival Int [+ ]
Weaponry: Melee Phy [+ ]
Weaponry: Ranged Agi [+ ]
* Skill Penalty for any armor applies
 SAVAGE KINGDOMS III
Character Sheet
Page 2
EQUIPMENT WEAPONS
Item Bulk Qty Weapon Type Skill mod Max dmg Other Stats

ARMOR
Armor Type Prot Rtng Mob Pen Skill Pen Quality

SPELLS KNOWN
Spell Name Discipline DL StamCost Page No.

Unencumbered Hindered Burdened

WEALTH
Bronze: Silver: Gold:
Gems Qty Value
Gems Qty Value
Jewelry Value
Special Value

HENCHMAN/BEAST
Name Type
Agi Phy Vig Int Mag Wil
Health ( ) Init Mob Ren Stam ( )
Age Ht Wt Gender Earned XP
ORDER/SECT ABILITIES
BACKGROUND/DESCRIPTION
Eye Color Hair Skin
Birthdate Birth Rank Siblings
House/Clan Name Status
LANGUAGES Enemies/Rivals
Language/Dialect Native Written
Allies/Friends
Goals/Motivations

Personality Traits
Notes

© Copyright 2020 Fire In The Head Productions

 SAVAGEIII
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APPENDIX C—QUICK-REFERENCE TALENTS TABLE

This handy-dandy reference chart displays all Favored Talents in regards to race, culture, and calling. It does not, however, reflect
talent point discounts gained by other means, such as elite affiliations or certain talents themselves. Remember that no talent can
be reduced by more than two points from its base cost—a talent with a base cost of 4 could only be reduced to a cost of 2, at
most, for example. Also, please check the prerequisites for each talent before selecting them since some require specific accom-
plishments or might not be available at all to player-characters of certain races, cultures, or backgrounds.

BATTLE TALENTS
Talent Name Base Cost Favored For
Cymreddi, Esmandian, Lorinthian, Prydonian (Outer Isles); Dark Sidhe, Wild Sidhe, Gold
Agile Weaponry 3
Sslir, Green Sslir, Red Sslir; Assassin, Gladiator, Thief.
Cymreddi, Esmandian, Gaernic, Mulovian, Prydonian (Central Isles); Dark Sidhe, Wild
Ambidexterity 3 Sidhe, Golden Sslir, Green Sslir, Red Sslir; Assassin, Berserker, Craftsman, Gladiator, Pirate,
Hunter, Soldier, Thief.
Armor Acclimation 3 Aradornian, Duergar; Knight, Noble, Soldier.
Caernian, Cymreddi, Esmandian, Norish, Prydonian (Outer Isles), Skathian; Duergar, Sol-
Back To Back 3
dier.
Bashing Blow 3 Aradornian, Caernian, Norish, Skathian, Thorakkian; Duergar; Berserker, Knight, Soldier.
Battle Muse 3 Brythian, Caernian, Gaernic; Bard, Shaman.
Aradornian, Caernian, Cymreddi, Esmandian, Gaernic, Mulovia, Norish, Prydonian (Outer
Battle Senses 3
Isles), Thorakkian; Chenari; Berserker, Hunter, Seer.
Battle-dancer 3
Caernian, Cymreddi, Gaernic, Norish, Thorakkian; Duergar; Berserker, Gladiator, Pirate,
Berserker Rage 3
Shaman.
Blade-honing 3 Duergar; Assassin, Craftsman, Soldier.
Blind-fighting 3 Dark Sidhe; Assassin, Gladiator, Hunter, Seer, Shaman, Thief.
Break The Wall 3 Caernian, Cymreddi, Gaernic, Norish, Thorakkian; Chenari, Duergar; Berserker.
Bullish Charge 2 Aradornian, Caernian, Norish, Skathian, Thorakkian; Duergar; Red Sslir.
Careful Aim 2 Brythian; Eluna Sidhe, Wild Sidhe, Hunter.
Choke Hold 3 Prydonian (Outer Isles); Red Sslir.
Cleaving Blow 2 Skathian, Thorakkian; Chenari, Red Sslir; Berserker, Knight, Soldier.
Closequarters Ar-
2 Brythian, Wild Sidhe; Hunter, Soldier.
chery
Concentrated De- Aradornian, Brythian, Esmandian, Lorinthian, Mulovian, Skathian; Eluna Sidhe; Bard, Heal-
2
fense er, Knight, Noble, Priest.
Cymreddi, Esmandian, Lorinthian, Mulovian, Prydonian (Outer Isles); Chenari, Dark Sidhe,
Crippling Attack 3
Wild Sidhe, Golden Sslir, Green Sslir, Red Sslir; Assassin, Gladiator, Pirate, Thief.
Crushing Blow 4 Caernian, Skathian, Thorakkian; Duergar; Berserker, Soldier.
Deadly Lunge 3 Brythian, Esmandian, Mulovian; Dark Sidhe; Gladiator, Noble, Pirate, Soldier.
Decapitating Strike 4 Cymreddi, Gaernic.
Cymreddi, Prydonian (Outer Isles); Chenari, Wild Sidhe, Green Sslir; Assassin, Gladiator,
Defensive Dash 2
Healer, Hunter, Shaman, Thief.
Aradornian, Brythian, Esmandian; Dark Sidhe; Bard, Knight, Merchant, Noble, Pirate, Sha-
Disarming Strike 3
man, Soldier, Thief.

388 APPENDICES & INDICES

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BATTLE TALENTS
Talent Name Base Cost Favored For
Double-Arrow Shot 3 Brythian; Eluna Sidhe, Wild Sidhe; Assassin, Hunter.
Caernian, Mulovian, Norish; Chenari, Duergar, Red Sslir; Gladiator, Noble, Priest, Shaman,
Draw The Line 3
Sorcerer, Witch.
Esmandian, Thorakkian; Dark Sidhe, Eluna Sidhe, Red Sslir; Berserker, Gladiator, Pirate,
Dual Blades 3
Soldier.
Double Throw 3 Assassin, Gladiator, Hunter, Soldier.
Brythian, Prydonian (Outer Isles); Dark Sidhe, Eluna Sidhe, Green Sslir, Red Sslir, Alchemist,
Extreme Range 3
Assassin, Pirate, Hunter.
Fell-Handed 2 Aradornian, Norish, Thorakkian; Duergar; Berserker, Knight.
Brythian, Caernian, Gaernic, Lorinthian, Norish, Prydonian (Central Isles), Prydonian (Out-
Fending Stance 3 er Isles), Skathian; Chenari, Wild Sidhe, Red Sslir; Bard, Knight, Merchant, Noble, Priest,
Shaman.
Finessing Shot 3 Brythian, Esmandian, Lorinthian; Eluna Sidhe, Wild Sidhe, Green Sslir; Assassin, Hunter.
Aradornian, Brythian, Cymreddi, Esmandian, Gaernic, Lorinthian, Mulovian, Norish, Skath-
Gauge Opponent 3
ian; Eluna Sidhe; Bard, Gladiator, Knight, Merchant, Noble, Seer, Shaman, Soldier.
Brythian, Cymreddi, Prydonian (Central Isles), Prydonian (Outer Isles); Wild Sidhe, Gladia-
Haft And Staff 3
tor, Priest, Soldier.
Hated Foe 2 Aradornian, Brythian, Caernian, Gaernic; Duergar**; Berserker, Pirate.
Heavy Hitter 3 Thorakkian; Chenari; Berserker, Gladiator.
Hit And Run 3 Cymreddi; Wild Sidhe; Assassin, Hunter, Pirate, Thief.
Hold The Breach 2 Brythian, Caernian, Lorinthian, Skathian; Duergar; Knight, Soldier.
Aradornian, Caernian, Gaernic, Skathian; Duergar, Dark Sidhe, Eluna Sidhe, Wild Sidhe;
Honor Duel 3
Gladiator, Knight, Noble.
Horseback Archery 3 Dark Sidhe, Eluna Sidhe; Noble, Hunter.
Impaling Shot 3 Brythian, Lorinthian, Prydonian (Outer Isles); Dark Sidhe, Wild Sidhe; Pirate, Hunter.
Caernian, Cymreddi, Gaernic, Lorinthian, Mulovian, Prydonian (Central Isles), Prydonian
Impaling Thrust 3
(Outer Isles), Skathian, Thorakkian; Chenari, Dark Sidhe, Eluna Sidhe; Gladiator, Soldier.
Improvised Weap- Caernian, Cymreddi, Gaernic, Thorakkian; Duergar, Dark Sidhe, Wild Sidhe, Green Sslir,
3
onry Red Sslir; Berserker, Gladiator, Pirate, Soldier.
Brythian, Caernian, Esmandian, Lorinthian, Skathian; Chenari, Eluna Sidhe; Knight, Noble,
Inspiring Presence 3
Priest.
Kip 2 Chenari, Dark Sidhe, Eluna Sidhe, Wild Sidhe; Gladiator.
Cymreddi, Gaernic, Prydonian (Outer Isles); Dark Sidhe, Eluna Sidhe, Wild Sidhe; Assassin,
Leaping Strike 3
Berserker, Gladiator, Pirate, Shaman, Thief.
Meat Shield 2 Caernian, Norish, Thorakkian; Gladiator.
Mighty Ranged 3 Norish, Prydonian (Outer Isles), Thorakkian; Duergar, Red Sslir; Berserker, Soldier.
Mounted Charge 3 Aradornian; Knight.
Esmandian, Lorinthian, Mulovian; Dark Sidhe, Green Sslir; Assassin, Berserker, Gladiator,
Opportunistic Strike 3
Pirate, Soldier, Sorcerer, Thief.
Parry Missiles 3 Gladiator, Hunter.
Parrying Specialist 3 Knight.

APPENDICES & INDICES 389

 SAVAGEIII
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BATTLE TALENTS
Talent Name Base Cost Favored For
Esmandian, Lorinthian, Mulovian, Prydonian (Central Isles), Prydonian (Outer Isles); Eluna
Precision Strike 3
Sidhe, Golden Sslir, Green Sslir; Gladiator, Noble, Soldier.
Brythian, Esmandian, Mulovian, Thorakkian; Chenari, Duergar, Dark Sidhe, Eluna Sidhe,
Pressing Attack 3
Red Sslir; Gladiator, Knight, Noble, Pirate, Soldier.
Pugilistic Follow-up 3 Caernian, Prydonian (Outer Isles); Chenari, Red Sslir; Berserker, Gladiator, Pirate, Soldier.
Punishing Charge 3 Caernian, Gaernic, Norish; Berserker, Soldier.
Retaliating Strike 3 Gladiator, Knight, Noble.
Cymreddi, Esmandian, Norish, Prydonian (Outer Isles); Eluna Sidhe, Wild Sidhe, Red Sslir;
Running Shot 3
Hunter, Shaman, Thief.
Cymreddi, Esmandian, Prydonian (Outer Isles), Thorakkian; Chenari; Berserker, Gladiator,
Rushing Attack 2
Pirate.
Severing Blow 3 Berserker
Shadowing Step 2 Mulovian; Dark Sidhe, Eluna Sidhe; Gladiator, Soldier.
Shattered Blow 3 Caernian, Norish, Skathian, Thorakkian; Duergar; Berserker.
Shield Bash 3 Caernian, Norish, Prydonian (Outer Isles), Thorakkian; Duergar; Gladiator.
Aradornian, Brythian, Gaernic, Prydonian (Central Isles), Prydonian (Outer Isles), Skathian,
Shield Rush 3
Thorakkian; Knight.
Shield Specialist 3 Knight, Soldier.
Lorinthian, Norish, Prydonian (Central Isles), Prydonian (Outer Isles), Skathian; Duergar;
Shield Wall 3
Soldier.
Siege Specialist 3 Brythian, Lorinthian, Mulovian, Prydonian (Central Isles); Noble.
Smiting Blow 3 Aradornian; Eluna Sidhe; Knight, Priest, Shaman.
Stabbing Arrow 3 Dark Sidhe, Wild Sidhe.
Brythian, Cymreddi, Esmandian; Chenari, Dark Sidhe, Eluna Sidhe, Wild Sidhe; Gladiator,
Swashbuckling 3
Hunter, Pirate, Thief.
Swift Withdraw 3 Knight, Soldier, Thief.
Tactician 3 Lorinthian, Prydonian (Central Isles); Knight, Noble, Soldier.
Tripping Attack 3 Caernian, Skathian; Chenari, Duergar; Knight, Gladiator, Noble, Pirate, Soldier.
Cymreddi, Esmandian, Gaernic, Prydonian (Outer Isles), Thorakkian; Chenari, Dark Sidhe,
Unarmored Fighting 3 Eluna Sidhe, Wild Sidhe; Berserker, Gladiator, Hunter, Pirate, Shaman, Sorcerer, Thief,
Witch.
Caernian, Cymreddi, Gaernic, Norish, Thorakkian; Chenari, Dark Sidhe, Eluna Sidhe, Wild
War-cry 3
Sidhe; Bard, Berserker, Noble, Pirate, Shaman, Soldier, Witch.
Brythian, Lorinthian, Prydonian (Central Isles), Skathian; Eluna Sidhe, Wild Sidhe; Hunter,
Warning Shot 3
Noble.
Web of Steel 3 Thorakkian; Dark Sidhe, Eluna Sidhe; Berserker, Gladiator, Soldier.
Cymreddi, Mulovian, Thorakkian; Chenari, Wild Sidhe, Red Sslir; Berserker, Hunter, Pirate,
Wolfpack Tactics 3
Shaman, Thief.

390 APPENDICES & INDICES

 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS

BLOOD TALENTS
Talent Name Base Cost Favored For
Angelic-blood 6 Aradornian, Skathian; Eluna Sidhe; Bard, Craftsman, Healer, Knight, Priest, Sage, Seer.
Mulovian, Thorakkian; Dark Sidhe, Golden Sslir, Green Sslir, Red Sslir; Alchemist,
Demon-blood 5
Assassin, Berserker, Pirate, Priest, Sorcerer, Witch.
Dragon-kindred 5 Duergar; Bard, Craftsman, Merchant, Noble, Priest, Sage, Shaman, Sorcerer.
Giant-blood 6 Gaernic, Norish, Skathian, Thorakkian; Berserker, Craftsman, Gladiator, Soldier.
Cymreddi, Mulovian; Assassin, Gladiator, Hunter, Merchant, Pirate, Shaman, Soldier,
Goblin-blooded 4
Thief, Witch.
Esmandian, Lorinthian, Prydonian (Outer Isles); Assassin, Gladiator, Pirate, Soldier,
Gorgon-blooded 5
Thief.
Lycanthrope 6 Caernian, Cymreddi, Mulovian, Thorakkian; Berserker, Hunter, Shaman, Witch.
Prydonian (Central Isles), Prydonian (Outer Isles); Bard, Gladiator, Healer, Noble,
Rhodonite-blood 5
Priest, Sage, Seer, Sorcerer.
Aradornian, Brythian, Caernian, Cymreddi, Esmandian, Gaernic; Bard, Craftsman,
Sidhe-blooded 6
Healer, Hunter, Merchant, Noble, Sage, Seer, Shaman, Sorcerer.
Sslir-blooded 5 Alchemist, Assassin, Gladiator, Pirate, Sage, Sorcerer, Thief, Witch.
Brythian, Caernian, Gaernic, Norish, Skathian, Thorakkian*; Berserker, Gladiator,
Troll-born 5
Shaman, Soldier.
Vampire-spawn 7 Mulovian; Assassin, Thief.

MYSTICAL TALENTS
Talent Name Base Cost Favored For
Aradornian, Brythian, Gaernic, Lorinthian, Mulovian, Prydonian (Central Isles),
Acolyte 3
Skathian; Healer, Priest, Sage, Shaman, Sorcerer, Witch.
Norish; Duergar, Eluna Sidhe, Golden Sslir; Berserker, Gladiator, Noble, Priest, Sol-
Battle Mage 3
dier, Sorcerer.
Beast-master 4 Wild Sidhe; Hunter, Shaman.
Blighter 3 Sorcerer.
Cymreddi, Esmandian, Lorinthian, Mulovian, Prydonian (Outer Isles); Dark Sidhe,
Blood Magic 3
Wild Sidhe; Priest, Shaman, Sorcerer, Witch.
Celestial Magic 3 Dark Sidhe, Eluna Sidhe, Wild Sidhe; Priest, Sage, Shaman, Sorcerer.
Counter Magic 3 Skathian; Healer, Priest, Shaman, Sorcerer, Witch.
Craft Potion 4 Dark Sidhe, Golden Sslir; Alchemist, Craftsman, Healer, Shaman, Sorcerer, Witch.
Create Spell 3 Sage, Sorcerer.
Brythian, Esmandian, Lorinthian, Prydonian (Central Isles), Prydonian (Outer Isles);
Cultist 3
Dark Sidhe, Golden Sslir; Alchemist, Bard, Merchant, Pirate, Priest, Sorcerer, Witch.
Dabbling Arcanist 3 Brythian, Mulovian, Prydonian (Central Isles); Alchemist, Pirate, Sage.
Mulovian; Assassin, Berserker, Gladiator, Healer, Pirate, Sage, Seer, Shaman, Soldier,
Death-touched 3
Sorcerer, Witch.
Dual Focus 3 Dark Sidhe, Eluna Sidhe, Golden Sslir; Priest, Shaman, Sorcerer, Witch.
Enchant Perm. Object 4 Duergar, Eluna Sidhe; Sorcerer.
Skathian; Eluna Sidhe, Wild Sidhe, Golden Sslir; Craftsman, Merchant, Priest, Sha-
Enchant Talisman 3
man, Sorcerer, Witch.

APPENDICES & INDICES 391

 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS

MYSTICAL TALENTS
Talent Name Base Cost Favored For
Energize Spell 3 Dark Sidhe, Eluna Sidhe; Sorcerer.
Esmandian, Gaernic, Mulovian; Chenari, Dark Sidhe, Golden Sslir; Bard, Noble, Seer,
Evil Eye 3
Shaman, Sorcerer, Witch.
Extended Ritual 2 Prydonian (Central Isles), Skathian; Duergar; Witch.
Cymreddi, Mulovian, Prydonian (Central Isles); Golden Sslir; Shaman, Sorcerer,
Familiar 3
Witch.
Far-reaching Magic 3 Prydonian (Central Isles); Golden Sslir; Assassin, Hunter, Pirate, Seer, Sorcerer.
Focal Object 3 Merchant, Priest, Sorcerer.
Ghost-sight 2 Healer, Priest, Seer.
Brythian, Mulovian, Prydonian (Central Isles); Golden Sslir; Alchemist, Noble, Priest,
Grimoire 3
Sage, Sorcerer.
Caernian, Cymreddi, Skathian; Wild Sidhe; Alchemist, Healer, Hunter, Shaman,
Herbal Magic 3
Witch.
Lingering Magic 2 Eluna Sidhe; Sorcerer.
Mage’s Touch 3 Dark Sidhe, Eluna Sidhe, Golden Sslir; Sorcerer.
Dark Sidhe**, Eluna Sidhe**, Wild Sidhe**, Golden Sslir*, Green Sslir; Shaman,
Magic Affinity 3
Sorcerer, Witch.
Meditative Trance 3 Duergar, Eluna Sidhe; Knight, Priest, Sage, Seer, Shaman.
Mystic Tattoo 3 Chenari, Wild Sidhe; Berserker, Pirate, Shaman, Sorcerer, Witch.
Mystic Trance 3 Priest, Sage, Seer, Shaman, Sorcerer.
Penetrating Magic 3 Mulovian, Prydonian (Central Isles); Dark Sidhe; Sorcerer.
Prydonian (Central Isles); Dark Sidhe, Wild Sidhe, Golden Sslir; Alchemist, Assassin,
Power Of Silence 3
Hunter, Sage, Sorcerer, Thief.
Aradornian, Cymreddi, Gaernic, Lorinthian, Mulovian, Prydonian (Central Isles),
Priest 2
Priest.
Ritual Sacrifice 3 Cymreddi, Gaernic, Mulovian; Golden Sslir; Priest, Shaman, Witch.
Rune Magic 3 Norish, Skathian; Duergar; Craftsman, Sorcerer.
Aradornian, Caernian, Gaernic, Norish, Prydonian (Outer Isles), Skathian; Chenari,
Sacred Oath 3
Duergar; Knight, Noble, Priest.
Sanctum Magic 3 Caernian, Lorinthian; Sage, Shaman, Sorcerer, Witch.
Cymreddi, Gaernic, Mulovian, Prydonian (Central Isles), Skathian; Eluna Sidhe;
Second Sight 4
Hunter, Priest, Sage, Seer, Shaman, Witch.
Song Magic 3 Gaernic, Skathian; Eluna Sidhe, Wild Sidhe; Bard.
Mulovian, Prydonian (Outer Isles); Dark Sidhe, Golden Sslir; Noble, Pirate, Priest,
Supernatural Pact 4
Sage, Shaman, Sorcerer, Witch.
Swift Ritual 3 Healer, Priest, Shaman, Sorcerer.
Totem Animal 3 Cymreddi, Gaernic, Norish, Skathian; Wild Sidhe; Berserker, Hunter, Shaman, Witch.
True Name 3 Noble, Priest, Sage, Seer, Sorcerer.
Aradornian, Lorinthian, Mulovian; Dark Sidhe, Golden Sslir; Assassin, Hunter,
Witch-hunter 3
Knight, Priest.
Words of Power 2 Prydonian (Outer Isles); Eluna Sidhe; Bard, Priest, Sorcerer.

392 APPENDICES & INDICES

 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS

SOCIAL TALENTS
Talent Name Base Cost Favored For
Adept 3 Golden Sslir; Noble, Sage.
Aradornian, Brythian, Lorinthian, Mulovian; Duergar, Golden Sslir, Green Sslir;
Apprentice 3
Alchemist, Craftsman, Healer, Merchant, Sage, Sorcerer, Witch.
Brythian, Gaernic, Lorinthian, Prydonian (Central Isles), Skathian; Duergar, Dark
Artisan 3
Sidhe, Eluna Sidhe; Craftsman.
Brythian, Caernian, Gaernic, Norish, Skathian; Eluna Sidhe; Healer, Merchant, Sage,
Bard 4
Shaman.
Bodyguard 3 Prydonian (Outer Isles), Skathian; Chenari, Red Sslir; Gladiator, Soldier.
Aradornian, Brythian, Esmandian, Lorinthian, Mulovian, Norish, Prydonian (Central
Captain 3
Isles), Prydonian (Outer Isles); Red Sslir; Noble, Pirate, Soldier.
Caravan Master 3 Lorinthian; Merchant.
Brythian, Caernian, Esmandian, Gaernic, Lorinthian, Mulovian, Norish; Dark Sidhe,
Carouser 2
Golden Sslir.
Brythian, Caernian, Cymreddi, Esmandian, Norish; Prydonian (Outer Isles), Skathi-
Champion 3 an, Thorakkian; Chenari, Duergar, Wild Sidhe; Berserker, Gladiator, Knight, Noble,
Soldier.
Courtesan 3 Esmandian, Lorinthian, Prydonian (Central Isles); Assassin.
Crusader 3 Knight, Noble, Priest, Soldier.
Cutting Figure 3 Bard, Knight, Noble.
Lorinthian, Prydonian (Central Isles); Golden Sslir; Berserker, Knight, Merchant,
Educated 3
Priest, Sage, Sorcerer.
Exaltation 3 Bard.
Famed 2 Norish; Gladiator, Knight.
Farmer 2 Aradornian, Gaernic.
Followers 3 Lorinthian; Golden Sslir; Knight, Noble, Priest, Seer.
Brythian, Lorinthian, Prydonian (Central Isles), Skathian; Eluna Sidhe, Golden Sslir;
Gift Of Tongues 3
Bard, Merchant, Priest, Sage, Seer, Sorcerer. Witch.
Gladiator 3 Lorinthian, Prydonian (Outer Isles); Chenari, Red Sslir; Gladiator, Soldier.
Gypsy 3 Esmandian, Mulovian; Bard, Merchant, Thief, Witch.
Henchman 4 Lorinthian, Mulovian; Golden Sslir; Craftsman, Knight, Noble, Priest.
Herald 3 Aradornian, Brythian, Mulovian; Eluna Sidhe; Bard, Knight, Noble, Sage, Soldier.
High-born 5 Brythian, Lorinthian; Golden Sslir*; Knight, Noble.
Holy Warrior 3 Aradornian; Knight, Priest.
Knight 3 Aradornian; Priest; Gladiator, Knight, Noble.
Legionarri 3 Lorinthian; Gladiator, Hunter, Soldier.
Brythian, Esmandian, Gaernic, Lorinthian, Mulovian, Norish, Prydonian (Central
Mariner 3
Isles), Prydonian (Outer Isles), Skathian; Merchant, Pirate.
Mentor 2 Lorinthian; Bard, Knight, Priest, Sage, Shaman.
Brythian, Caernian, Mulovian, Norish, Prydonian (Outer Isles); Berserker, Gladiator,
Mercenary 3
Healer, Knight, Pirate, Hunter, Soldier.

APPENDICES & INDICES 393

 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS

SOCIAL TALENTS
Talent Name Base Cost Favored For
Aradornian, Caernian, Gaernic, Norish, Prydonian (Outer Isles), Skathian; Duergar;
Militia 3
Gladiator, Soldier.
Mountaineer 3 Caernian, Norish, Skathian; Duergar; Berserker, Hunter, Shaman.
Porter 3 Duergar; Merchant, Soldier.
Brythian, Lorinthian, Mulovian, Prydonian (Central Isles); Eluna Sidhe, Golden Sslir;
Sage 3
Alchemist, Bard, Healer, Priest, Sage, Seer, Shaman, Sorcerer, Witch.
Scribe 2 Alchemist, Sage, Sorcerer.
Senatori 3
Squire 3 Aradornian, Brythian, Caernian, Mulovian, Skathian; Knight, Noble, Soldier.
Statecraft 3 Knight, Noble, Priest.
Street Rat 3 Brythian, Lorinthian; Pirate, Soldier, Thief.
Willful Presence 2
Aradornian, Brythian, Caernian, Cymreddi, Mulovian, Norish, Skathian; Dark Sidhe,
Woodsman 3
Eluna Sidhe, Wild Sidhe; Berserker, Hunter, Shaman, Thief, Witch.

SUBTERFUGE TALENTS
Talent Name Base Cost Favored For
Caernian, Thorakkian; Dark Sidhe, Wild Sidhe, Golden Sslir, Green Sslir; Assassin,
Dirty Tactics 3
Berserker, Gladiator, Pirate, Thief.
Faceless In A Crowd 2 Assassin, Thief.
Esmandian, Mulovian, Prydonian (Outer Isles); Chenari, Dark Sidhe, Eluna Sidhe,
Feigned Attack 3
Wild Sidhe, Green Sslir.
Esmandian, Mulovian, Prydonian (Central Isles); Golden Sslir; Bard, Priest, Sage,
Fortune Teller 3
Seer, Shaman, Sorcerer, Thief, Witch.
Gambler 2 Brythian, Esmandian, Lorinthian; Gladiator, Merchant, Noble, Pirate, Soldier.
Lorinthian, Mulovian, Prydonian (Central Isles); Golden Sslir; Assassin, Bard, Mer-
Gossip 2
chant, Noble, Priest, Sage, Sorcerer.
Aradornian, Caernian, Cymreddi,, Gaernic, Mulovian, Thorakkian; Chenari, Dark
Hunter 3 Sidhe, Eluna Sidhe, Wild Sidhe, Green Sslir; Assassin, Berserker, Hunter, Knight, No-
ble, Shaman, Witch.
Inquisitor 3 Noble, Priest.
Lampoon 3 Brythian, Gaernic, Norish, Skathian; Bard, Noble, Priest.
Poisoner 3 Cymreddi, Esmandian, Lorinthian, Mulovian; Golden Sslir, Green Sslir.
Brythian, Esmandian, Gaernic, Prydonian (Central Isles), Prydonian (Outer Isles),
Privateer 3
Skathian; Hunter, Merchant, Noble, Pirate, Soldier.
Caernian, Cymreddi, Esmandian, Gaernic, Norish, Prydonian (Outer Isles), Thorakki-
Raider 3
an; Chenari, Green Sslir.
Sapping Blow 3 Esmandian, Lorinthian, Mulovian, Green Sslir; Assassin.
Secret Strike 3 Cymreddi, Esmandian, Lorinthian, Norish; Chenari, Dark Sidhe, Green Sslir.
Esmandian, Lorinthian, Mulovian, Prydonian (Outer Isles); Dark Sidhe, Eluna Sidhe,
Seductive Dance 3
Golden Sslir; Bard, Healer, Shaman, Sorcerer, Witch.
Slaver 3 Lorinthian, Thorakkian; Golden Sslir; Merchant, Pirate.

394 APPENDICES & INDICES

 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS

SUBTERFUGE TALENTS
Talent Name Base Cost Favored For
Brythian, Esmandian, Gaernic, Lorinthian, Mulovian, Norish, Prydonian (Outer
Smuggler 3
Isles); Alchemist, Craftsman, Merchant, Pirate.
Tomb Robber 3 Mulovian; Green Sslir; Hunter, Merchant, Pirate, Sorcerer, Thief, Witch.
Torturer 2 Lorinthian, Mulovian; Golden Sslir; Assassin, Shaman, Sorcerer.
Trap-setter 3 Caernian, Cymreddi, Esmandian; Chenari, Duergar, Wild Sidhe, Green Sslir.

OTHER TALENTS
Talent Name Base Cost Favored For
Cymreddi, Esmandian, Prydonian (Outer Isles); Dark Sidhe, Eluna Sidhe, Wild Sidhe,
Agile Climber 2
Green Sslir.
Agile Rider 2
Animal Kinship 3 Cymreddi, Eluna Sidhe, Wild Sidhe; Bard, Healer, Hunter, Shaman, Witch.
Beast Companion 2/4 Aradornian, Cymreddi, Mulovian; Wild Sidhe; Hunter, Knight, Merchant, Shaman.
Caernian, Cymreddi*, Gaernic; Chenari, Wild Sidhe; Berserker, Hunter, Shaman,
Body-painting 3
Witch.
Chenari, Dark Sidhe, Eluna Sidhe, Wild Sidhe, Green Sslir; Berserker, Gladiator,
Cat-like Reflexes 3
Hunter, Pirate, Soldier.
Comeliness 3 Esmandian, Prydonian (Outer Isles), Skathian; Eluna Sidhe; Bard.
Commanding Voice 2 Duergar; Bard, Knight, Noble, Seer.
Destiny 4 Noble, Priest, Seer.
Double Specialty 2
Aradornian (Truthkeepers of Saint Paladyr), Gaernic (Druidic Order), Lorinthian
Elite Affiliation 2 (Priests Priests of Agathon, Priests of Atores, Priestesses of Luccia, Priests of Titheri-
us); Mulovian (Priests of Anderok); Pirate.
Fast Learner 3 Bard, Craftsman, Healer, Merchant, Sage, Shaman, Sorcerer, Witch.
Fey-touched 3 Aradornian, Caernian, Gaernic; Hunter, Seer, Shaman, Sorcerer, Witch.
Aradornian, Caernian, Gaernic, Skathian; Eluna Sidhe; Bard, Craftsman, Noble,
Fire In The Head 3
Sage, Seer, Shaman.
Caernian, Cymreddi, Gaernic, Prydonian (Outer Isles); Chenari, Dark Sidhe, Eluna
Fleet of Foot 3
Sidhe, Wild Sidhe; Assassin, Berserker, Healer, Hunter, Merchant, Thief.
Fortune’s Favor 2
Caernian, Norish, Prydonian (Outer Isles), Skathian, Thorakkian; Duergar, Red Sslir;
Grit 3
Berserker, Gladiator, Knight, Pirate, Soldier.
Healer’s Touch 2 Aradornian, Gaernic, Skathian; Eluna Sidhe; Bard, Healer, Priest, Shaman.
Aradornian, Brythian, Esmandian, Lorinthian, Mulovian, Prydonian (Outer Isles);
Heirloom 2/4
Duergar, Eluna Sidhe, Golden Sslir; Bard, Craftsman, Knight, Merchant, Noble,
Heroic Strength 3 Norish, Prydonian (Outer Isles), Thorakkian; Berserker, Gladiator.
Intimidating Physique 2 Norish, Thorakkian; Chenari, Red Sslir; Berserker, Gladiator, Soldier.
Prydonian (Central Isles), Duergar, Dark Sidhe, Eluna Sidhe, Wild Sidhe, Golden
Keen Memory 2
Sslir; Bard, Sage, Seer, Shaman, Sorcerer, Witch.
Light Sleeper 3 Cymreddi; Chenari, Green Sslir; Hunter, Knight, Merchant, Pirate, Shaman, Soldier.

APPENDICES & INDICES 395

 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS

OTHER TALENTS
Talent Name Base Cost Favored For
Cymreddi, Esmandian, Prydonian (Central Isles), Prydonian (Outer Isles); Dark
Limber 2
Sidhe, Eluna Sidhe, Wild Sidhe, Green Sslir.
Brythian, Esmandian, Prydonian (Central Isles), Prydonian (Outer Isles); Merchant,
Navigator 3
Pirate, Sage, Seer.
Night-sighted 3 Caernian, Cymreddi,
Pearl Diver 2 Prydonian (Central Isles), Prydonian (Outer Isles); Pirate.
Pious Faith 3 Aradornian, Skathian; Healer, Knight, Noble, Priest, Seer, Shaman.
Puzzle Master 3 Prydonian (Central Isles); Bard, Merchant, Sage, Seer, Sorcerer, Witch.
Quick Healer 3 Dark Sidhe, Eluna Sidhe; Berserker, Gladiator, Healer, Shaman, Soldier.
Aradornian, Brythian, Esmandian, Lorinthian, Prydonian (Central Islers), Prydonian
Rallying Speech 2
(Outer Isles); Bard, Knight, Noble, Priest.
Swift Actions 3
Time Sense 2 Duergar; Seer, Shaman, Witch.
Aradornian, Brythian, Cymreddi, Esmandian, Mulovian, Norish, Prydonian (Central
Tireless 3 Isles), Prydonian (Outer Isles), Skathian, Thorakkian; Craftsman, Gladiator, Healer,
Hunter, Knight, Merchant, Priest, Sorcerer.
Aradornian, Caernian, Norish, Prydonian (Outer Isles), Skathian; Chenari, Duergar,
Valorous 3
Eluna Sidhe, Red Sslir; Berserker, Knight, Noble.
Vigilant 3 Duergar, Wild Sidhe; Healer. Hunter, Knight, Soldier, Seer.

* (asterisk) Indicates a talent discount of two points instead of one.

** (double asterisk) Indicates a talent gained for free as a racial ability.

396 APPENDICES & INDICES

 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS

INDEX OF TABLES

Table 2-1: Stamina Point Costs................................................................................. pg. 20

Table 2-2: Master List of Playable Races.................................................................. pg. 22
Table 2-3: Battle Talents.......................................................................................... pg. 69-70
Table 2-4: Blood Talents.......................................................................................... pg. 84
Table 2-5: Mystical Talents...................................................................................... pg. 88-9
Table 2-6: Social Talents.......................................................................................... pg. 101-2
Table 2-7: Subterfuge Talents................................................................................... pg. 109
Table 2-8: Other Talents.......................................................................................... pg. 114
Table 2-9: Master List of Weaknesses....................................................................... pg. 121
Table 2-10: Master Skills List................................................................................... pg. 131
Table 2-11: The Known Languages of the West........................................................ pg. 146-7
Table 2-12: Master List of Orders & Sects................................................................. pg. 168
Table 3-1: Master Spell List..................................................................................... pg. 193-5
Table 4-1: Melee Weapons...................................................................................... pg. 256
Table 4-2: Ranged Weapons.................................................................................... pg. 257
Table 4-3: Common Improvised Weapons.............................................................. pg. 257-8
Table 4-4: Armor..................................................................................................... pg. 261
Table 4-5: Clothing & Other Gear........................................................................... pg. 263-4
Table 4-6: Animals, Mounts, and Transport............................................................. pg. 265
Table 4-7: Common Services................................................................................... pg. 265
Table 4-8: Siege Weapons....................................................................................... pg. 266
Table 4-9: Musical Instruments................................................................................ pg. 266
Table 5-1: Actions.................................................................................................... pg. 275
Table 5-2: Weather.................................................................................................. pg. 292
Table 8-1: Experience & Advancement..................................................................... pg. 374

APPENDICES & INDICES 397

 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS

INDEX
A Deceased (Condition) 277
Deafened (Condition) 277
Acrobatics (Skill) 131
Actions 274 Death Magic (Skill subset) 154
Advancement 374 Defense 19
Agility (Attribute) 17 Derived Traits 16
Air Magic (Skill subset) 153 Diseased (Condition) 277
Alchemy (Skill) 132 Disguise (Skill) 140
Anderok (Deity) 251 Distracted (Condition) 277
Animal Handling (Skill) 136 Downtime 296
Animals (Bestiary) 342 Dragon Sea (Gazetteer) 339
Aradorn (Gazetteer) 305 Dregnir Ice-wastes (Gazetteer) 339
Aradornian (Character Race) 22 Druidic Order (Order) 171
Agathon (Deity) 251 Duergar (Character Race) 44
Astagonia (Gazetteer) 338 Duradin (Deity) 253
Athelon (Gazetteer) 307 Dying (Condition) 277
Athletics (Skill) 137 E
Atores (Deity) 251 Earth Magic (Skill subset) 153
Attack (Action) 279 Elderwood Forest (Gazetteer) 339
Attributes 17 Eluna Dol (Deity) 253
B Eluna Qualae (Deity) 253
Elunar (Deity) 253
Baldak (Deity) 253
Bay of Ravens (Gazetteer) 338 Eluna Sidhe (Character Race) 47
Bel Mordain. See Halls of the Dead Emerald Harpers (Order) 173
Blackhart Forest (Gazetteer) 338 Emerald Islands (Gazetteer) 313
Blinded (Condition) 276 Empire River (Gazetteer) 339
Blood Disciples (Order) 167 Encounters 295
Bloodrock Mountains (Gazetteer) 339 Encumbrance 266
Bloodthorn Forest (Gazetteer) 339 Endurance (Skill) 141
Bone Isles (Gazetteer) 339 Esmandian (Character Race) 28
Bran Finnon (Deity) 251 Esmandos (Gazetteer) 315
Brawling (Skill) 138 Exhausted (Condition) 277
Briannon (Deity) 252 Experience Points 374
Broken Isles (Gazetteer) 339 F
Brythia (Gazetteer) 308 Faerland (Gazetteer) 314
Brythian (Character Race) 24 Falling (Condition) 277
Buccaneer Bay (Gazetteer) 339 Feywood Forest (Gazetteer) 339
Burdened 267 Finishing Blow (Action) 277
C Fire Magic (Skill subset) 154
Fragnir (Deity) 252
Cael (Gazetteer) 314
Caernian (Character Race) 25 Fragnir’s Halls 251
Cairn Hills (Gazetteer) 339 Free Attack (Action) 274
Callings 55 Frozen Sea (Gazetteer) 339
Casting a Spell (Action) 274 G
Celendoril (Gazetteer) 310 Gaelrith (Deity) 252
Character Aging 166 Gaernic (Character Race) 30
Character Death 17, 19 Game-Mastering 299
Character Races 21 Gethrax (Gazetteer) 317
Chenari, Emanjian (Character Race) 42 Giantwood Forest (Gazetteer) 339
Chenari, Mezcan (Character Race) 43 Gigantic Animals (Bestiary) 342
Circle of the Raven (Order) 169 Golden Crucible (Order) 179
Company of the Black Lion (Order) 169 Golden Legion (Order) 174
Cormac (Deity) 252 Golden Mountains (Gazetteer) 339
Cover (Condition) 276 Gorgotha (Gazetteer) 317
Cowering (Condition) 276 Gorgothon (Deity) 252
Crafting (Skill) 138 Grapple. See Brawling 138
Crimson Skull Pirates (Order) 181 Grappled (Condition) 277
Cymredd (Gazetteer) 312 Green Knights of Cormac (Order) 175
Cymreddi (Character Race) 26 Green Sslir (Character Race) 52
D Greymoor (Gazetteer) 339
Grey Mountains (Gazetteer) 339
Dal Ruatha (Gazetteer) 314
Dark Sidhe (Character Race) Grey Realm, The 251

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H P
Halls of the Dead 251 Perception (Skill) 155
Healing, Natural 18 Performance (Skill) 156
Healing Arts (Skill) 141 Persuasion (Skill) 158
Health (Derived Trait) 17 Phylasteus (Gazetteer) 328
Helpless (Condition) 277 Physique (Attribute) 17
Herbalism (Skill) 142 Plains of Ascension (Gazetteer) 340
Hindered (Condition) 277 Poisoned (Condition) 278
Priestesses of Luccia (Order) 185
I Priestesses of Romega (Order) 187
Iceclaw Mountains (Gazetteer) 340 Priestesses of Signa (Order) 188
Ice Demon Glacier (Gazetteer) 340 Priests of Anderok (Order) 182
Icy Sea (Gazetteer) 340 Priests of Agathon (Order) 183
Inebriated (Condition) 277 Priests of Atores (Order) 184
Initiative (Derived Trait) 18 Priests of Nipalos (Order) 186
Intellect (Attribute) 17 Priests of Prydonis (Order) 186
Intimidated (Condition) 277 Priests of Titherius (Order) 189
Iron Legion (Order) 176 Prone (Condition) 278
Isles of Night (Gazetteer) 340 Prydonia (Gazetteer) 330
J Prydonian, Central Islander (Race) 36
Jai’a (Sslirian healing-elixir) 135 Prydonian, Outer Islander (Race) 37
Jorl (Deity) 252 Prydonis (Deity) 252

K Q
Knights of the Sword and Rose (Order) 177 Qualae, Eluna (Deity) 253

L R
Language (Skill) 147 Ragnagard (Gazetteer) 340
Life Magic (Skill subset) 154 Raining (Condition) 278
Lithilor (Gazetteer) 317 Ranged Attack (Action) 279
Llyn Llyr (Gazetteer) 340 Ranged Weaponry (Skill)
Llywella Ravendark (Deity) 252 Ravenwood Forest (Gazetteer) 340
Lock-picking (Skill) 148 Reaction (Action) 276
Lore (Skill) 149 Resolve (Skill) 159
Lorinthia (Gazetteer) 319 Rhodon 251
Lorinthian (Character Race) 31 Ritual Magic 150
Luccia (Deity) 252 Romega (Deity) 252
Luck (Derived Trait) 18 S
M Sacred Spaces and Sanctums 151
Magical Arts (Skill) 150 Sailing (Skill) 160
Magnetism (Attribute) 17 Sample Characters 376
Miurga (Gazetteer) 321 Sanctuary Mountains (Gazetteer) 340
Mobility (Derived Trait) 18 Sardona (Deity) 253
Monastic Order of Saint Paladyr 178 Sardonia (Gazetteer) 332
Mounted Combat 280 Scenes & Encounters 295
Mounted (Condition) 277 Sea of Prydonis (Gazetteer) 340
Mulovia (Gazetteer) 322 Seven Magics, The 249
Mulovian (Character Race) 33 Shadow Hand, The (Order) 190
Shadowlands (Gazetteer) 333
N Shadow Magic (Skill subset) 155
Neopos (Gazetteer) 324 Shadowwood Forest (Gazetteer) 340
Nether-world 250 Shadow-world 250
Nipalos (Deity) 252 Sickened (Condition) 278
Nochlyn Firth (Gazetteer) 340 Sidhe, Dark (Character Race) 46
Norish (Character Race) 34 Sidhe, Eluna (Character Race) 47
Norlund (Gazetteer) 325 Sidhe, Wild (Character Race) 49
Signa (Deity) 253
O Signa’s Hearth 251
Obscured (Condition) 278 Siren Isle (Gazetteer) 340
Off-Guard (Condition) 278 Skathia (Gazetteer) 333
Orders & Sects 167 Skathian (Character Race) 38
Orices (Gazetteer) 327 Skills 127
Oridon 251 Skill Specialties 130
Orseus (Deity) 252 Sleight of Hand (Skill) 161
Other-world 250 Sslir, Golden (Character Race) 51
Outnumbered (Condition) 278 Sslir, Green (Character Race) 52
Over-world 250 Sslir, Red (Character Race) 53

APPENDICES & INDICES 399

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Staggered (Condition) 278

Stamina (Derived Trait) 19
Stamina, Recovering 19
Stealth (Skill) 162
Stunned (Condition) 278
Sun Bull Bay (Gazetteer) 340
Sunset Sea (Gazetteer) 340
Survival (Skill) 163
T
Tainted (Weakness) 126
Terrified (Condition) 278
Thorakkian (Character Race) 40
Thrimnor (Gazetteer) 335
Throwing Vials or Flasks (Action) 282
Titherius (Deity) 253
Torak (Deity) 253
Torin (Gazetteer) 336
Turquoise Sea (Gazetteer) 340
U
Uldarak (Gazetteer) 337
Unconscious (Condition) 278
V
Vean (Gazetteer) 337
Venta Titherus 251
Vigor (Attribute) 17
Vradden (Deity) 253
W
Water Magic (Skill subset) 154
Weaponry: Melee (Skill) 164
Weaponry: Ranged (Skill) 165
Weather 292
Willpower (Attribute) 17
Wounded, Severely (Condition) 278
Z
Zurog (Gazetteer) 337

400 APPENDICES & INDICES

 SAVAGEIII
KINGDOMS

Look for The Savage East setting expansion coming in 2021, a companion to the
Savage Kingdoms III core rulebook!
Copyright 2020 Mike Yow and Fire In The Head Productions

APPENDICES & INDICES 401