Writing, Design, and Art Direction: Robert J.

Schwalb
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 Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION........4 Buying and Selling......19 Net Trap........................36 Incapacitated Rangers..........................64
Mood and Tone...................4 Crafting.........................19 Pit Trap.........................36 Characters.....................47 Red Banners.................64
Sage Basics.............................5 Connections..................19 Poison Gas Trap..........36 Fleeing and Redeemers......................64
Knowledge.........................5 Surrendering................47 Gods and Religion.........65
Story First..........................5 Connection Benefits....19 Poisoned Dart Trap....36
Work.................................20 Poisoned Handle.........37 Maps, Minis, The Old Gods...............65
Encourage the Players.....5 and Zones....................47
Keep it Simple...................5 Life Events.......................20 Lord Death...................65
Beyond Level 10.............22 Poisoned Needle Maps...............................47
Characters are Trap...........................37 Hate................................66
Protagonists.......................5 The World...........................23 Zones..............................48
Climate.............................23 Portcullis Trap.............37 The Pale Lady..............66
Be Adaptable.....................6 Dynamic Battlefields.....48
Keep it Fun........................6 Weather............................23 Prison of Amber...........37 Want..............................66
Interesting Terrain.....48
CHAPTER 1: Terrain..............................24 Projectile Turret..........37 Calamity.......................66
Travel.................................25 Usable Features............49
SAGE ADVICE............7 Rolling Boulder............37 Mother Sun...................67
Travel Distance...........25 Aerial Combat.............49
Deciding Results................8 Rune Trap.....................38 Sister Moon...................67
Pace and Progress........25 Aquatic Combat..........49
Saying Yes...........................8 Skinworm Colony.......38 Sky Father.....................67
Saying No...........................8 Travel Events...............26 Combat in Motion......49
Smothering Rug Draconus.......................68
Roll the Dice.....................8 Major Setback..............26 Random
Trap...........................38 Developments..........49 Oceanus..........................68
Strength Rolls.................8 Violence..........................26 Spear Trap....................38 Rewards...............................49 Grandfather Tree........68
Agility Rolls....................8 Minor Setback..............26 Teleporter Trap...........38 Level Increase..................50 Grandmother Spore......69
Intellect Rolls..................8 Minor Windfall..........26 Terror Skull..................38 Treasure............................50 Horned Lord................69
Will Rolls........................8 Side Quest......................27
Three-Lever Trap.......38 Distributing The Wild Woman......69
Luck Rolls........................8 Major Windfall...........27 Treasure....................50
Ands and Buts...................9 Trapper Plant..............39 Urbanus.........................70
Locations.............................27 Valuables.......................50 Revel...............................70
Adjusting Difficulty............9 Places of Interest.............27 Webs...............................39
Describe Outcomes............9 Diseases..........................39 Equipment....................50 The Fates.......................70
Interactive Features....28 Reputation.......................50
Time and Pacing..............9 Objects.............................28 Obstacles........................40 Blind...............................70
Fortune.............................50
Using Rounds.................9 Doors and Gates..........29 Puzzles...........................40 Connections....................50 Abraxus.........................71
Characters.............................9 Magic..............................40 Oddities............................50 Fetch...............................71
Origin Story......................9 Locks...............................29
Walls and Structures....29 Illusions..........................40 Creating Oddities........51 Kaen...............................71
Explorers..........................9 Items of Power................55 Abaddon........................72
Merchants.....................10 Digging and Force...............................40
Excavation...............29 Enhanced Magic..........41 Gaining Items Lesser Gods...................72
Adventurers..................10 of Power....................55 Church of the
Traps..............................30 Diminished Magic......41
Outlaws.........................10 Creating Items High One..................72
Adhesive Floor..............30 Dead Magic..................41
Missionaries of Power....................55 The Adversary..............72
and Pilgrims............10 Alarm Trap..................30 Erratic Magic...............41
Sample Items The Ancient Ones........72
Refugees..........................11 Cage Trap.....................31 Portals............................41 of Power....................56 Life in the
Traveling Corridor of Death.......31 The Uncanny...............42 Golden Panoply...........56 Borderlands....................73
Entertainers.............11 Deadfall.........................31 Secrets.............................42 Climate and Weather....74
Hand of Barboran......57
Agents.............................11 Diagram Trap.............31 Roleplaying.........................42 Exploring the
Control and Ring of Arnox...............57
Local Heroes.................11 E ar Slugs.......................31 Borderlands....................75
Behavior.......................42 CHAPTER 2: Asylum, City
Other Ancestries............11 Entrancing Image.......31 Conversational
Character Exits...............11 BORDERLANDS....58 of Thieves....................75
Falling Blocks Trap....32 Roleplaying......................42
Quests..................................12 Peoples of the History...........................75
Flame Jets......................32 Extras................................42
Quest Preparation..........12 Group Identity................43 Borderlands....................59 Exploring the City.......75
Flammable Gas...........32 Social Groups..................59
Session Zero..................12 Individual Traits.............43 Local Color...................76
Running the Quest........13 Flesh-Eating Slime......32 Supporting Tribes.............................59 Attercop Forest...............76
Improvisation...............13 Floater............................32 Characters...................45 Refugees..........................59 The Queen
Creating Quests..............14 Flooding Chamber......33 Villains..........................45 Homesteaders...............59 of Spiders...................76
Objectives.......................14 Frost Mold....................33 Contacts.........................45 Villagers.........................60 Crescent Moon
Novice Quests...............14 Gem of the Patrons...........................45 Urbanites......................60 Goblins......................76
Expert Quests................15 Ghost Wyrm............33 Hirelings........................45 Loners.............................61 The Stone Giant..........76
Master Quests...............15 Grinder..........................34 Scene and Recurring Societies and Briny Flats........................76
Acts..................................15 Hazardous Mold.........34 Characters................45 Institutions..................61 The Sea Hag.................77
Scenes..............................16 Hungry Chest Trap....34 Creating Supporting Bards..............................61 The Hanged Man.......77
Scene Types...................16 Id Moss...........................34 Characters................46 Bartleby, Kris, The Crooked Path.......77
Invisible Predator Conversation...................46 and Company..........61 Broken Hills....................77
Transitions...................16
Trap...........................34 Building Social Blackhearts...................61 Land's End...................77
Table of Contents

Resting Between
Scenes.........................16 Light Lattice.................35 Challenges................46 Druids............................61 The Anchorite..............77
Assembling Scenes.........16 Lightning Pillar..........35 Objective........................46 Free Companies...........62 Fallen Temple..............78
Conclusion......................17 Magical Mouth............35 Outcomes.......................47 Lightfoot Caravan......62 Cinder Peak Islands.......78
Campaigns..........................17 Suspicion Magic-Users..................63 Dark Wood......................78
Maiming Blade............35 and Insight.................47
Starting at Monsters of
Higher Levels.............18 Melodious Sphere........35 Combat................................47 Witches..........................63
the Forests.................78
Between Quests..............18 Necromantic Setup.................................47 Wizards.........................63
Black Church................78
Downtime Surprise.....................35 Adjustments....................47 Renegades......................63 Dragon's Teeth
Training...................18 Needle Bush..................36 Reinforcements.............47 Order of the Thorn......64 Mountains.......................78

2
 Table of Contents
Lost Home.....................78 The Whispering Adventurers’ Dryad.............................160 Mutants.........................228
Dragon Fist Arch...........................87 Quests.....................100 Duergar.........................160 Mutant Beasts...........230
Monastery................79 The Keep........................88 Amphisbaena...............101 Dwarf.............................161 Muttering Maw...........231
Eastport............................79 Jungle of Za.....................88 Animated Deep Warden............161 Nagas..............................232
Skeletons..................101 Elves................................162 Nehes.............................234
Guild of Summerlands...............88 Archon...........................102
The Waste.........................89 Erinyes...........................165 Nether Wraith.............235
Executioners.............79 Antihero.....................102 Faun................................166 Nisse...............................236
Joyless & Dent..............79 The Vault......................89 Atomy............................103 Nymph...........................237
Woods Watcher........166
Augustus, Wizard The Eye of God.............89 Attercop........................104 Fomorians.....................167 Observer........................237
and Sage....................80 Troll Haunts....................89 Awakened Objects......105 Fuath..............................170 Ogre...............................238
The Troll King.............89 Bandits...........................106 Fungal Hulks................171 OM.................................239
Blood Cisterns..............80 Orcs................................241
Dragon Spire................89 Banshee..........................107 Fungen...........................172
Local Color...................80 Barghest.........................108 Otso................................245
Four Towers.....................80 Underside.........................89 Mold Thralls.............174 Phantom........................245
Vale of Sorrows...............89 Basilisk...........................109 Gargoyle........................175
The Towers...................80 Bauchan.........................110 Pixie................................246
House of Ghast..............................175 Plague Mother.............247
Delver Halls.................81 Beasts..............................111 Ghost.............................176
Lamentations..........89 Blob................................114 Podling...........................247
Towersfolk.....................81 Westport..........................90 Ghoul.............................177 Pollywogs......................248
Haunted Grasslands......81 Bog Beast.......................115 Giant..............................178
Catacombs.....................90 Boggart..........................116 Poltergeist.....................250
Whispers and Giant Bugs....................179 Pooka.............................251
Gauntlet Bay................90 Bone Machine..............116 Gloaming......................182
Figures.......................81 Boneguard....................117 Powrie............................251
Westporters...................90 Gnome...........................183 Priests.............................252
Silver River...................81 The Wilderlands.............90 Brownie.........................120 Goblins..........................184
Bugbear..........................121 Pumpkin Head............254
Haven.............................81 Horselords.....................90 Goblins with Jobs.....184 Rager..............................255
Howling Dunes..............82 Cambion.......................122
Nine Bells......................91 Gorgon..........................188 Raider.............................256
Aggressive Hellbringer................122 Great Serpent...............188
Wyvern Wood................91 Carnivorous Tree........123 Rawhead and
Scavengers.................82 Green Gorger...............189 Bloody Bones..........258
Faerie Ruins.................91 Catoblepas....................123 Gremlin.........................190 Reaper............................259
Inner Sea.......................82 Gods of the Forest........91 Centaur..........................124 Gruad.............................190 Reen...............................260
Myriad Monsters.........83 Goblin City...................91 Hunter........................124 Guardian Statue..........191 Revenant.......................261
Frog People....................83 Beyond the Changeling...................125 Hag.................................191 Vigilante.....................261
Island in the Mist........83 Borderlands....................92 Imposter......................125 Halfling..........................192 Salamander...................262
Khazud Lands.................83 Old Country...................92 Chimera........................126 Outrider......................192 Seraph............................263
The Khazud.................83 New Lands.......................92 Chimera Sanctum....126 Haren.............................193 Shade..............................264
The Maze..........................83 Forbidden City............93 Cinderkin......................126 Harpy.............................194 Slime...............................266
Door in the Rock..........83 Devastation.....................93 Cliff Haint....................127 Haunt.............................194 Specter...........................268
Southlands.......................94 Clockwork....................128 Headless........................195 Sphinx............................269
Gnome Haven..............83 Hobgoblin....................196 Exile.............................269
Midlands..........................83 Lands of Legend.............94 Forbidden Guard.....128
Beyond the Cockatrice....................129 Hollow Knight............197 Spriggan.........................270
Herders and Mortal World.............94 Collector.......................130 Horrid Mother Xenophobe..................270
Farmers.....................84 and Unspeakable
CHAPTER 3: Colossus........................131 Young....................198 Sprite..............................271
Barrows..........................84 Commoners.................131 Horrors..........................199 Scamp..........................271
Plains of Pendarm..........84 BESTIARY..................95 Criminals......................132
Rules.....................................96 Husks.............................200 Swarm............................272
Edgewood......................84 Crocotta........................134 Hybrid...........................201 Sylph...............................272
Name.................................96 Crustacor......................134
Deep Water...................84 Difficulty..........................96 Hydra.............................202 Tomb Guardian...........273
Cultists..........................135 Illustrated Triton.............................274
Black Water..................84 Descriptor......................96 Cyclops..........................139 Guardian..................202
Defense and Health.......97 Sea Devil.....................274
The Pit...........................84 Daeva.............................140 Incarnations..................203
Attributes.........................97 Troglodyte....................275
Lake of Plenty..............84 Godslayer....................140 Iron Giant.....................206 Troll................................276
Size and Speed................97 Dead Dreamer.............141 Jack-o'-Lantern.............208
Five Towns....................84 Unicorn.........................278
Fallen Foes....................97 Deep Worm..................142 Jann.................................208 Undine...........................278
New Town....................84 Languages........................97
Salt Barrens......................85 Fighting Deep Querant......................208 Unseen...........................279
Traits and Talents...........97 Kelpie.............................209 Vampire.........................279
Succor.............................85 Worms....................142
Senses..............................97 Demons.........................143 Kilmoulis......................210 Vampire Bat..................280
Bone................................85 Immune.........................97 Kobold...........................210 Void Shadow................280
Sea Hold...........................86 Formless Demon.......143 Korrigan........................211
Fury................................97 Warg...............................281
Dungeon of Demonic Signs...........143 Kraken...........................212
Special Traits Feral Warg................281
the Hold....................86 Demonic Invaders....144 Ktulians.........................213 Warrior..........................282
or Talents.................97 Demonic Ichor...........149 Lamia.............................216 White Worm................283
The Driftwood Leshy..............................217
Actions...........................98 Demon Spawn.............150 Woodwose....................284
Chair.........................86 Leviathan......................218
Attacks...........................98 Demonist......................150 Hermit........................284
Sealed Chambers.........86 Devil...............................151 Liche...............................219
Sea of Fear........................86 Attack Rider.................98 Life Eater.......................220 Wyvern..........................285
Summoning Devils... 152 Zombie..........................286
Table of Contents

Shattered Lands..........86 Special Actions.............98 Living Statue................221

Dhampir........................153 Lizardman.....................222 ENEMY DIFFICULTY
The Ghost Ship............87 Common Actions.........98
Nosferatu....................153 Lizardmen APPENDIX..............287
Sentinel Woods..............87 Reactions.......................98 Dire Wolf......................154
Walking Trees..............87 End of the Round........98 Obelisks..................222 INDEX............................290
Dragon..........................155
Sunrise Ocean.................87 Using Enemies................98 Lycanthrope.................223
Dragon's Lair............155 Magic -Users.................223
Swordspoint....................87 Combat Difficulty.......98 Dragonet.......................156 Man-Bear-Pig...............225
The Point......................87 Trivial and Trickster.....................156 Manticore......................226
The Climb........................87 Lethal Scenes...........99 Drake.............................157 Mechanical...................226
Silent Sentinels.............87 Adventurers..................100 Draugr...........................157 Merrows........................227

3
 Introduction
Every group needs a person to shape the game’s story, present challenges, and reward the players when their characters complete their
quests. In Shadow of the Weird Wizard, this person carries the title of Sage. I would argue that the Sage has the most fun. There’s some-
thing to be said for putting one’s creativity on display, to throw open the vault of imagination and let all the weirdness out. As a Sage,
you’re the one who shapes the story. You direct the action. You decide what happens and, more importantly, what could happen. And
you’re the one who hands out the rewards when the players complete their quest. You’re the most popular person in the room and you
hold everyone’s attention, for you know what happens next.
I’m under no illusions about your experience with other roleplaying games. No doubt, if you’re reading this chapter, you have come
here with at least some experience at playing or running games like this one, games that use the titles of referee or narrator, using the
words “dungeon” and “master.” So, rather than waste your time and mine presenting this chapter as a how-to guide, I’m going to give a
light overview of my style and the elements of game mastery that I think are most important. Then, I’ll dive into some tools you can use
for building and running quests. If I’m wrong about your familiarity, there’s an ocean of advice for this sort of thing in the hundreds, if
not thousands, of tabletop roleplaying games, to say nothing of all the well-intentioned folks on social media who will bend over back-
wards to put you on the right track.
Shadow of the Weird Wizard has its own naming conventions to reflect the spirit of the game. For starters, we use Sage instead of game
master or referee. The name reinforces the idea that this player has all the answers. Plus, it’s my cheeky nod toward the role best played by
the inestimable Skip Williams in the pages of Dragon Magazine. Next, rather than adventure or mission, the game uses quests. A quest
has an objective, and its completion marks the end of that particular story. Finally, the bad guys, whether evil or not, are enemies since
monsters represent just one kind of opponent. That’s about all you need to know, for now.

Mood and Tone oddities of the New Lands arise from the Weird Wizard’s magic,
and people expect that the longer this figure stays away, the more
normal the region will become, but for now the New Lands are
Shadow of the Weird Wizard reveals a world in crisis, one in which
anything but predictable.
war and catastrophe have swallowed the old nations and turned
them against each other in a death struggle. Refugees flee across Against this backdrop are the characters, people of excep-
the borderlands, drawn by the promise of a future in the New tional capabilities who have come to the New Lands to find their
Lands, recently abandoned by a mysterious, eccentric, and some fortunes, win fame and acclaim, and chisel their names into his-
might call mad wizard who denied entry into this magic-warped tory as great heroes, bold adventurers, or champions of noble
realm for centuries. People fleeing the collapse of their homeland causes. Though these characters have great, epic destinies, their
see his absence as an invitation to settle and make neighbors of the stories must have a beginning, and so you and your friends come
many strange peoples who cannot remember a time without the together to make up the characters, shape their stories, and see
Weird Wizard. where they will go.
Where in the Old Country, civilization has driven back all the For all the danger and strangeness this game presents to the
bogeymen of old into the shadows, in the New Lands roam mon- characters, Shadow of the Weird Wizard offers a play experience
sters of myth and legend. Here live people touched by magic, from for all kinds of gamers, whether they are newcomers to the hobby
the centaur herds running the plains in the north to the shapeshift- or grizzled veterans of many campaigns. Quests offer opportuni-
ing wargs who have fought against the Weird Wizard’s dominion ties to make the world a better, safer place, to undo much of the
damage done and present a future of better possibilities. Unlike
Introduction

for centuries. This realm defies both reason and expectation, as

the laws governing nature seem relaxed here. One can find islands Shadow of the Demon Lord, which revels in the mud, blood, and
drifting in the skies, rivers of stones tumbling down from moun- excrement, Shadow of the Weird Wizard’s quests and larger stories
tains so tall that they climb above the blue dome of the world, produce good outcomes and have a lighter tone, all to broaden
their peaks touching the infinite dark. Entire forests uproot them- the game system’s appeal. Weird Wizard has dark and unpleasant
selves and migrate with the seasons, coastlines redraw themselves corners for those who want it, but such elements can be set aside
daily, and the seasons might change without warning. Surely the and ignored as you choose.

4
Sage Basics
It’s assumed you know something about roleplaying
games, having perhaps come here from some other
world-famous game, so I don’t plan to do a lot of hand-
holding here. However, you might find it interesting to
know a bit more about my approach to running games.

Knowledge
You need to know a bit about the game before you try
to run it. Mastery of the rules can come in time, but
knowing where to find the answers when questions
come up helps you keep the game moving. You also
need to know about the player side of things. Make
some characters. Run a combat. Fool around with the
game a bit until you get a handle on it.
It also helps to know a bit about the setting. The
good news is that the game world is pretty open to
change. Details about the Old Country and New
Lands have been left, for now, for you to develop as
you like. And if you want a more fleshed out setting,
the borderlands keep the focus on a smaller area rather
than great swaths of the realm. You can keep quests to
small regions, gradually widening out and adding detail
to the surroundings as the characters progress through
the story.

Story First
Roleplaying games have plenty of rules, and Weird
Wizard is no different. There are rules for attacking,
casting spells, falling, jumping, picking locks, chatting
up locals, and a variety of other activities. Rules help
make the game fair, but they can also strangle the story
if you let them. Feel free to ignore, enforce, change, and
add any rule you like provided that doing so makes the Keep it Simple
story better. In fact, such changes can make the game
The players depend on you for information about what their characters see,
more fun for you and your friends depending on the
hear, and experience in the world around them. They need enough informa-
play style you prefer. The only thing to add, here, as fun
as tinkering can be, aim for consistency. Doing so pre- tion to make decisions in the game, so it’s crucial not to leave out details that
serves the players’ trust in you to tell a good story and could have a bearing on the situation. Similarly, don’t hide that information
run a fair game. behind excessive description. Keep it simple. Keep it short. Give the players
enough to know where they are and what’s happening. If they want more
Encourage the Players information, they will ask.

Some people see their role as Sage as one in opposition Characters are Protagonists
to the players. Here’s the thing: you will always win.
No matter what options the players have chosen, in the The whole point of this game is to tell fun stories involving a diverse cast
end, the tools at your disposal give you total control of of characters played by your friends. They are the story’s protagonists, and
what happens in play. Rather than “test” the players or everything that happens in the game serves to tell their stories. Keep the
characters in the forefront of your mind, always looking for ways for them
Sage Basics

make their characters’ lives more difficult and thus the

game less fun, become their advocate. Everyone wins to develop.
when they finish the quest. This shouldn’t be easy, but Of equal importance, the players control their characters. They decide
it shouldn’t be hopeless either. Make the players feel what their characters look like and how they think, act, and react. Some
challenged, but always with an eye toward keeping the effects in the game can take away a player’s agency for a brief time, but such
story moving and the heroes alive until the end, nudg- things are rare. Unless you have good reason, avoid telling the players what
ing them or helping them as needed. their characters feel or do.

5
 Be Adaptable Keep it Fun
Rarely do things in the game go as planned. Players have a knack for You come together to have a good time, and you’re in the position
doing the unexpected. They chase red herrings, become embroiled to make sure everyone does. For starters, you should always recog-
in minutiae, and even miss out on major clues. You might have a nize individual players’ boundaries and never cross them. There’s
magnificent plot in mind, only to discover that the players have no point in testing a player’s limits. Making the game too edgy
gone in a completely different direction. or overly dark could drive someone off or, worse, ruin a friend-
This is just the nature of roleplaying games. Rather than be ship. Similarly, make sure the players themselves don’t cross lines
heavy-handed and push the characters back into the plot, let them of good taste. It’s everyone’s responsibility to keep the game fun,
explore and see where the story takes them. Doing so makes the exciting, and interesting.
players feel like they have agency in the world rather than being Some players behave in ways that can jeopardize the game.
mere spectators to what you decide unfolds and when. If you’re Excessive arguing, tantrums, spotlight hogging, and the like can
running a prepared quest, you can always plunder parts from it to spoil the fun. When this happens, you should pull the player aside
serve as challenges and obstacles. Using pieces from other quests and explain how and why their behavior is affecting the game.
can let you create an entirely new story based on the decisions the Oftentimes, disruptive players don’t realize they are causing trou-
players make. ble and can be saved with a friendly conversation. But those who
Sometimes you just have to make stuff up. The players might fail can’t or won’t rein in their problematic behavior should be shown
to find a piece of crucial evidence, head off along a different line of the door for the greater good of all.
inquiry, or simply do something you never expected. It’s tricky, of Players need to know they are in a safe place, free from anything
course, but in these situations, make up the details as you go. No they might find too upsetting. IIt’s crucial that you respect that
amount of preparation can account for the full range of possible and enforce this rule, even with other players. For example, I don’t
actions players might take. enjoy graphic scenes of animal harm, so I don’t explore such things
And then there are times when players come up with ideas in my games and encourage others to respect my tastes. If the game
about what’s going on all on their own, without you having to goes in a direction that is particularly dark and you see any signs of
do anything. You might disabuse them of their conclusions, but distress, retreat and take the story in a different direction. If you’re
you can also steal those ideas to make them your own. For exam- unsure, periodically pause to gauge the players’ comfort levels.
ple, say you describe an altar in a chapel and tell the players that a Keeping the game safe and fun will make you the best Sage you
number of carvings on the altar’s sides depict seraphs. You know can be.
there’s nothing special about the altar, but one of the players has
become convinced otherwise. Rather than dash their expecta-
tions, make the player feel smart by revealing a clue, a minor trea-
sure, or something interesting about the altar. Not only does the
player feel good, you also reward engagement with the imaginary
environment.
Sage Basics

6
 Chapter 1
Sage Advice
You’ve taken on the role of Sage. Good for you! You know how to run games already, so there’s not too much I can tell you that you
don’t already know. Thus, this chapter gives you some friendly tips and advice for running this game instead of other tabletop roleplaying
games and a slew of tools to help you create quests, campaigns, interesting roleplaying situations, exploration scenes, and battles.
You decide most of what happens in the game. For starters, you have read the quest or written it yourself, so you know how the story
ought to shake out. You reveal the setting, control the enemies and people the characters meet, choose the weather, and decide on just
about every other detail involving the story. The players, however, control how their characters act and react to developments in the story.
The most important decisions you’ll need to make are how to interpret what the players say they do in the game and what actually hap-
pens as a result. Excited players might describe their characters doing all kinds of things, while shy players might offer little description
of what their characters do in a scene. You sort through all the information you gain from the players and piece it together to assemble
some sort of narrative.

7
 Deciding Results Agility Rolls
When a player describes their character doing something, you Tasks involving the use of dexterity, balance, poise, finesse, or
decide if it happens as described (yes), it doesn’t happen (no), or it reflexes might require an Agility roll.
might happen (roll). • Balance
• Jumping
Saying Yes • Dodge
• Make a ranged attack and some melee attacks
The activity happens. You probably do this a lot without thinking
• Make some unarmed attacks
about it. You don’t call for a roll when a player says that her char-
acter is crossing a room or sets up camp or orders an ale from the • Pick a lock
bartender. Further, if we agree that the characters are competent
people, there’s no reason to question a lot of what they describe.
The burly warrior wants to kick in the door? Let her. The nimble
Intellect Rolls
rogue wants to climb the knotted rope? Sure, why not. Saying yes Characters make Intellect rolls when they use their mental might
helps you reward players for the choices they made when creating to overcome challenges.
their characters and makes them feel as though they have agency • Recall pertinent information
in the story. • Solve a puzzle
• Pass a lie off as the truth
Saying No • Cast a spell
• Spot an illusion
It is just as important to say no. There’s no reason to call for a
• Find a clue
roll when the stated activity is impossible. It’s perfectly fine to
tell the players that no, you can’t hit the moon with the arrow
you fired from the ground and no, you can’t bend the bars on the W ill Rolls
cell window since you have a 9 Strength. If anything is possible,
nothing is impossible, which, short of magic or the gods, makes Will rolls come into play when a character would push past pain,
everything absurd. adversity, and other obstacles to accomplish their goals or to carry
out any other task that involves force of personality.
Roll the Dice • Intimidate others
• Persuade someone
You can see the activity happening, but you also recognize that • Fight off fear
there’s a chance that it doesn’t. This situation comes up when the • Resist mind control
players’ characters act against other creatures, such as making an
• Cast a spell
attack or casting a spell, when they would avoid or mitigate a
• Maintain one’s focus while beset with distractions
harmful effect, or when they do something else and the outcome is
simply not certain. In these cases, you can call for an attribute roll
or a luck roll to make the decision for you. You also call for rolls Luck Rolls
when the rules instruct you, though you can decide not to if the
outcome is obvious. Luck rolls happen when some event occurs that has no strong ties
to a particular attribute, when there’s a roughly even chance for
something to happen, or whenever you let the dice decide the out-
Strength Rolls come. The rules also use luck rolls to determine when some harm-
ful effects end and when characters regain the ability to use talents.
A character makes a Strength roll when they perform an activity Luck rolls are useful for seeing if the characters happen to notice
related to the use of physical force to accomplish a task or to see if details around them with a casual glance or to check if they hear
their vitality is sufficient to resist a harmful effect. anything interesting when they put an ear to the door. Luck can
• Climb and swim also be great for determining random events. Say the characters
Sage Advice

• Run pay a visit to the local wisdom. Is she at home when they show
up or not? A luck roll can decide that outcome when the pres-
• Break something
ence or absence of this wisdom has no major bearing on the story.
• Withstand poison or infection Similarly, if a character lobs a fireball into a room, you might call
• Make a melee attack for a luck roll to see if the fireball weakened the ceiling enough to
• Make an unarmed attack trigger a cave-in.

8
Ands and Buts as it passes by or the cracking noise as it shatters on the character’s
shield. All of these instances do more for the story than simply
When you add an “and” or a “but” to a yes or no, you have an saying yes or no, success or failure.
opportunity to make a binary outcome more interesting. “Yes,
and” rewards the activity by either revealing more information
or allowing an even greater than expected success. However, “yes,
Time and Pacing
but” suggests that the success comes with a complication. Similarly, Time passes in the game at whatever rate you choose. You can
“no, and” creates a worsening situation, while “no, but” enables a summarize a couple of days’ travel with a few words of description
way to compensate for the setback. Some examples follow. or slow things down to focus on a conversation between the vari-
Heather plays a warrior named Heathen who dives for a lever ous characters. Fast or slow, time’s fluidity keeps the story moving
sticking out of the wall so she can pull it down. Since her character at a reasonable pace.
did this in lieu of attacking or casting a spell, the Sage decides she
pulls the lever (yes), lifting a gate and making a loud enough noise
to distract the enemies, granting her allies 1 boon on rolls made to Using Rounds
attack the enemies until the end of the round.
Chris plays a mage named Anodyne who leaps across a pit. It’s Tracking time in rounds helps you remember what’s going on
an easy jump, but the Sage notes that he has a low Agility score and in the story when the stakes are highest, such as in combat or in
has already described the edge of the pit as looking crumbly. Chris chases. In combat, rounds both make sure everyone has a chance
leaps the pit (yes), but has to make an Agility roll to keep his feet to contribute to the scene and help keep track of all the action.
on the unstable surface. Beyond combat, you can use rounds in any situation where you
Elise’s character, called Onyx, fights goblins in a room. She need to know what everyone’s doing at a particular moment. You
and her companions are outnumbered and the situation looks don’t have to use the standard round structure, though. You can
dire, so Elise tries to force open the door leading out of the room. simply go around the table (or virtual table) and ask what every-
Unfortunately, she fails her roll (no), but the Sage tells Elise that one’s doing, then resolve their activities one at a time. Scenes
she spots a ring of keys hanging on a hook a few feet away. where time matters, such as escaping a flooding room trap or when
Mike, playing a priest named Sandy, tries to threaten a barman there’s a countdown, need rounds to ensure everyone has a chance
with violence unless he gives up the name of the death master. The to contribute to the challenge and manage events as they unfold.
Sage knows the barman doesn’t know (no) and, because of the
threat, he picks up a club and calls in a couple of bouncers to take
care of this god-bothering nuisance. Characters
Each player needs a character in the game. If you’re running the
Adjusting Difficulty game for newcomers, especially those who have never played a
tabletop roleplaying game before, you should set aside time to
The game pins the target number for unopposed tasks at 10 to give help them create characters using the rules in Shadow of the Weird
the players a slightly better than even chance of success. Boons and Wizard or provide them with characters you created on their
banes make the tasks easier or harder. When assigning boons or behalf. Even if you have an experienced group, though, it’s best to
banes, only consider the nature of the task attempted; don’t add make character creation part of the first game session. The process
additional banes to offset boons a character might have, for example. goes quickly, so it should only take a few minutes before everyone
For each positive circumstance that would make the task easier, is up and running.
grant 1 boon. For each one that would make it harder, impose 1
bane. If you come up with 4 boons or more, you might as well
grant an automatic success. Likewise, if you have 4 banes or more,
Origin Story
it’s not unreasonable to just tell the player that the task is impossi-
The first quest the characters undertake assumes they know and
ble under these circumstances.
work with each other toward common goals. Invite the players to
come up with a story that explains how they met and why they
Describe Outcomes stuck together.
Some sample origins follow. Choose one, adapt one, or let the
That a task succeeds or fails can suffice when it comes to describ- group make up one that fits them.
ing an outcome, but adding evocative description helps the play-
Explorers
Chapter 1

ers become immersed in the game, while also making them feel
as though they did something exciting. A fighter swings a sword
and strikes a monster. You could ask for damage and move on, but The characters set out to make discoveries in the borderlands and
describing how blood flies from the wound or how the monster beyond. They might be working for a displaced noble seeking ter-
howls in pain makes the scene more memorable. When a character ritory on which to build new holdings, belong to an established
fails to kick down a door, you could take a moment to describe the explorer society, or undertake an expedition formed and funded
door’s solidity. Similarly, when a goblin’s arrow narrowly misses a by a famous person. The patron could provide equipment and des-
character, you might describe the whistling the projectile makes tinations, at least at the beginning of the campaign.

9
 Optional: Starting Tier
In Shadow of the Demon Lord, players begin the
campaign with starting characters, ordinary people
thrust into dangerous situations without any training
or experience. Such adventures can be deadly since
the characters lack spells, gear, or any of the advan-
tages enjoyed by more seasoned characters. The
resulting high body count makes such starting adven-
tures unsuited to a game that expects the players to
take on the roles of heroes fighting darkness in the
world.
However, you might retain the idea of starting char-
acters by running an introductory quest to help the
players understand their roles and to make their choice
of novice path more organic, driven by shared expe-
riences. You can create starting characters by making
the following adjustments.
• No Paths: The characters begin the game without
a path.
• Equipment: The characters start the game with a
set of clothes appropriate to their profession and
1d6 sp.
• Attribute Scores: The starting scores for all four attri-
butes are 10.
• Natural Defense: The starting Natural Defense is 8.
• Starting Health: Each character begins with 5 Health.
• Languages: The characters all speak, read, and
write Common.
Merchants • Ancestry: Characters begin the game as humans
unless you allow them to choose different ancestries.
The characters all belong to the same mercantile consortium • Profession: Each character has one randomly
that hopes to establish new markets in the borderlands. They are determined profession.
expected to venture into the unknown and make peaceful contact • Other Details: Players can choose or randomly
with the various peoples who live there. The group might have to determine their characters’ distinctive features, per-
undertake additional quests in order to gain the locals’ trust and sonality traits, and other descriptive elements.
friendship.
After the group completes the quest and forms a
team, the characters separate to undergo the needed
Adventurers training and choose a novice path after a period
of weeks or months, as you decide. The characters
replace their attribute scores with ones from their path
The group seeks out discoveries for their own sake, though if they
and do the same for natural Defense, starting Health,
get rich along the way, so much the better. Adventuring makes a and so on. In addition to any funds earned during
great group concept since it gives the characters the freedom to the starting quest, the players also gain the starting
go wherever they want and undertake quests that interest them. equipment from their path (or purchase equipment
They’re going to go it alone, at least until they do a few favors for with 10 sp).
powerful friends-in-the-making.

Outlaws
Missionaries and Pilgrims
Sage Advice

Circumstances forced the characters into the borderlands. Perhaps

they were criminals and now have bounty hunters searching for The characters could all have the same religious inclinations and
them. Or they might have been rebels, participating in some of set out into the borderland to expand the influence of their faith
the uprisings that brought the Great Kingdom to its knees. They or visit sites deemed holy or otherwise important to their religion.
might be innocents wrongly accused of some crime, or prisoners Much of the violence in the Old Country saw religious relics go
who have recently escaped their captors or shook off the chains missing. The characters might be hunting for those lost pieces or
of servitude. fighting to restore them to their rightful places.

10
Refugees However, other people exist beyond humans. Hulking wood-
woses covered in thick fur, mechanical people, miniature dragons,
The people fleeing the Old Country spill into the borderlands and even faeries such as the elves might find common cause with
and have swept the characters along with them. They, like the rest, humans, join them in their quests, and call them friends, compan-
were displaced by war, dark magic, famines, plagues, and all the ions, allies, and more. The availability of these other peoples as
other ills that afflict the civilized world. Having escaped the dan- character options is entirely up to you.
ger of what was known, now the characters face the threat of the A wide range of possible ancestries, including fallen angels, dham-
unknown. They could work to protect their friends and family, pirs, and even revenants who refuse to go to the grave, appear in
safeguard a fledgling settlement, or venture out for supplies and Weird Ancestries, a supplement for Shadow of the Weird Wizard.
materials needed to keep the community alive. Abbreviated versions of these ancestries show up in Chapter 3. What
to include and what to leave out depends on the story you hope to
Traveling Entertainers tell and how varied a cast of characters you’re willing to allow. We
have come a long way from the time of dwarfs, elves, and halflings
A traveling circus, a troupe of actors, a touring band, or the like forming fellowships to undertake world-saving quests. Now people
unites the characters and sees them travel from place to place to come to fantasy from video games, television, movies, books, anime,
entertain the crowds. While forays into the New Lands pose con- comics, and even other roleplaying games. With such an abundance
siderable risk, there’s plenty of adventure and excitement to be of material, they might look to play characters far removed from
had among the settlements growing in the borderlands. And for themselves and become something unusual, perhaps even strange.
groups of a mind to help others, there’s no shortage of things to do. Whenever you can, accommodate these tastes, adjusting the tone of
the campaign to make such characters welcome.
Agents
A powerful patron assembled the group, selecting candidates
Character Ex its
based on their capabilities. The patron could be a political leader, a The story might lead a player to decide their character must pursue
noble, a wizard, a high priest, the druids, or some other individual some other interest, such as raising a family, undertaking a personal
or organization. Quests involve advancing the patron’s interests quest while the rest of the characters go about their business, or
in the borderlands and elsewhere, with ever more dangerous mis- retiring after suffering some major personal setback. Players might
sions to bring their employer closer to the ultimate objective. also set aside characters in favor of new ones. Some circumstances
force a player to create a different character: their character dies,
Local Heroes vanishes into the Void, or is taken prisoner by a terrible enemy.
While a player might have a good reason for having their char-
The characters participated in some effort to save the lives and acter exit the story, excessive departures might diminish the expe-
livelihoods of innocent people and, for their trouble, gained the rience for everyone else. If a player “retires” a second character by
esteem of their community. They might have confronted and choice, take the player aside and encourage them to stick with their
defeated a monster, exposed a diabolical cult, or helped locals current character for the good of the overall story. Campaigns are
escape from a rampaging band of fomorians. The characters might short enough in this game that players do not have to wait long
use this community as a base of operations or, emboldened by
before they can explore new character options.
their early success, set out to find fame, glory, and riches.
END OF STORY: At the end of a quest, the players can choose

Other Ancestries to end their character’s stories, which removes them from the
campaign. Players who do so create new characters to replace
the ones who exited, and these characters have all the benefits
The lands of Erth belong to many different peoples in all shapes
due to them for the group’s level. If all the players retire their
and sizes. Some cultures are built on notions of justice, order, and
characters, you might consider starting over from the beginning
virtue, while others are despicable societies where the pursuit of
or at a lower level and have them play through quests until they
wealth is all, and those in power trample over those who must go
catch back up to the main story.
without. As explained in Shadow of the Weird Wizard, humans
have come to dominate the lands of the known world, even if they TEMPORARY EXITS: A side quest, other business, family con-
sometimes share those lands with others who have little to nothing cerns, imprisonment, or some other reason can cause a character
in common with humankind. to exit the story for one or more quests. Work with the player
It might seem limiting to have humans be the only choice of ances- to decide what happens while the character is away. During this
Chapter 1

try by default, but the variety among humans of Erth far exceeds period, the player can play a different character, again with all
that found in reality. They can resemble all the different examples the benefits one has at the group’s level. If all the players decide
of humanity that exist in our own world, but they also might have to temporarily exit, simply extend the time that passes between
bright green skin, a light coating of fur on their bodies, or horns quests to accommodate the characters as they deal with other
sprouting from their brows. People touched by the faeries might matters. To convey the sense of time passing, you might have
have pointed ears, while those sullied by dark magic display devilish the players create new characters to play through a quest or two.
features that include red skin and maybe even a tail. Such cosmetic If these quests influence the development of the campaign (see
differences have no effect on what a character can and can’t do. below), all the better.

11
 CHARACTER DEATH: In spite of the tools the characters have Limited scope and a focus on the action make a quest some-
to keep themselves alive, death happens. Character death should thing a group should be able to complete in a few hours of play.
always be significant; players’ characters represent the most Restricting the plot to this timespan avoids stretching the story
important people in the story, after all. Though you should give over two or more sessions, during which time players might forget
this event the focus it deserves, character death should not keep key information or, worse, miss out on the conclusion when real
a player from participating in the story. life makes demands.
Finally, rewards, such as level increases, ensure the players have
One easy way to keep the player involved is to let them take
something new to use the next time they play. It encourages them
control of a character you control. This character might be a
to keep playing to develop their characters in exciting ways.
mercenary the group hired, a servant, a prisoner, or someone the
You’re not required to follow any of these guidelines. You might
group meets soon after the death. When the quest ends, the player
find it more to your taste to have the characters advance more
can then re-create this character as a full member of the group or slowly, so that they gain levels every two or three quests. You might
return control to you and create a replacement character. also employ longer-form quests that take several sessions to com-
You can also let the player introduce a new character into the plete. Whatever works for your group is what’s best for the game.
quest. This person might have been seeking the group, having
heard of their exploits and coming to lend aid. The character could
also meet the group by chance and throw in with them to finish
Quest Preparation
their quest. You should spend at least 15 minutes preparing the quest before
If multiple characters die, the quest might remain unfinished you start.
as the survivors flee for safety. After some period of inactivity, the
survivors can be assumed to have recruited new companions and READ THE QUEST: Published quests are short, rarely more than
can resume or restart the quest. four or five pages long. If you’re running one, read it from begin-
If all the characters die, the quest ends in failure. If you run a ning to end to get a sense of its flow, understand the events, and
campaign, such an event might bring the story to an abrupt end. familiarize yourself with important locations.
The players might restart with new characters of a tier you choose REVIEW THE ENEMIES: Many quests involve some conflict.
and embark on another quest, or make characters of the same tier Review the enemies that appear in the quest to understand how
as their previous ones and come at the quest anew, perhaps picking they work in play.
up where the last group left off or becoming involved in the story HOOK THE PLAYERS: Come up with a compelling reason to
through some other means. involve the characters. It should be clear to everyone that they’re
supposed to undertake the quest, but most players like to have a

Quests good reason to face danger, even if it is only to find treasure or

earn a reward. Hooks can be general—a mayor hires the group
or they stumble into the plot—but they’re best when tailored to
You might create your own quests to suit the story you want to
tell, or run a quest published for Shadow of the Weird Wizard. In the characters. You can look at what the characters did during
either case, quests follow a few guidelines you might adopt when their downtime, have friendly contacts call in favors, or tie the
making your own. stakes to something they value: property, people, a cause, or
something else that makes sense.
• Published quests have novice, expert, and master tags to tell
you for whom the adventures work best. PLANT THE SEEDS: If you know the next quest you plan to
• A quest represents key moments in the group’s overarching run, look for places where you can plant seeds that foreshadow
story, highlighting extremely dangerous, meaningful, and events to come. For example, if you know the group will fight
rewarding expeditions. a band of orc barbarians in the next adventure, you might have
• A typical group of characters ought to finish a quest in a sin- them come across a burning wagon bristling with orc arrows, a
gle three-to-five-hour game session. filthy idol of a diabolical god, or a survivor of a recent orc attack.
• Upon completing the quest, the group’s level can increase by
1 if you choose. Session Zero
In every quest, whether your own or published, the stakes are at Prior to playing through the first quest, it’s best to set aside time
their highest for the group. Characters aren’t sent to kill a bunch of for character creation. Doing this establishes the mood and tone
rats at the lowest levels of the game; instead, they work with locals of the quests to come, and sets firm boundaries on what’s permissi-
Sage Advice

to prepare a town for an attack by raiders, find a cure to a vicious ble in play and what’s not.
plague that’s claiming the lives of their friends and neighbors, or Being present while the players create their characters gives you
survive a perilous journey to some far-flung locale in search of the a chance to guide them. Be sure to take notes about the identities
magic they need to protect their community from some deadly of these characters so you can work elements of their backgrounds,
threat. Minor missions that characters might undertake occur in personalities, and other traits into future quests.
the background, in the time between games, since those stories, Before character creation, you can explain the kind of stories you
while sometimes fun, lack the importance of the grand adventures plan to tell. You might aim for high fantasy adventure, grim and
represented by quests. gritty dark fantasy, horror, or a lighthearted game where nothing

12
is serious. Establishing the tone at the start makes it clear what you
expect from the players and what they can expect from you. Also,
it gives them some idea about what kinds of characters they might
create to match the game’s tone.
Finally, take time to establish boundaries for game play. Since
everyone wants to have fun, it’s always good to determine what
topics and situations might be upsetting so you can avoid them.
And once you’ve done so, never venture into those areas. Even if
you believe you have a good reason, don’t. The players place their
trust in you, and straying outside the boundaries violates that trust.

Running the Quest

One of the biggest mistakes inexperienced Sages make when run-
ning published quests is to treat them as scripts and follow them
to the letter. Quests work better as story maps that show ways the
players might take to reach their destination—the conclusion.
Sometimes players follow the clues and play through the quest as
designed, but very often, they do unexpected things and veer off in
completely new directions.
Don’t panic. This happens all the time. All you have to do is
adjust the quest to accommodate the players’ decisions. If the
characters go in a direction that bypasses the troll’s lair, there’s no
reason you can’t have them stumble across the lair elsewhere in the
story, maybe even as they are headed back to town. If they miss out
on a crucial bit of information, have them come by it some other
way—in a document they discover, from a messenger sent to find
them, or through another character you create to give them what
If the story moves in an unexpected direction, you can
they need to further the story.
exploit this focus to spark ideas about how the adventure might
The one thing you don’t want is a dead end. Don’t let the story
develop. Rather than tell the player of a character ransacking a
stop because the characters go in an unexpected way. Be flexible
desk that they find nothing, perhaps they turn up letters in a
and improvise. And if you find yourself stuck, take a short break
while you put something together, even if it’s an entirely different script consisting of bizarre symbols, and decoding those sym-
adventure! bols might point the players back toward the main plot. Maybe
the badges you describe the faerie bandits as wearing make them
Improvisation servants of a powerful witch who could become important later.
In short, whatever conclusions the players draw, you can make
The hardest skill to master is inventing scenarios and situations in them true as needed to keep the story going.
response to developments in the game. As with any skill, you’ll get DO WHAT’S NATURAL: When confronted by different ways
better at improvisation with practice. Here are some tips to make for the adventure to proceed, you can always just choose the
it a little easier to be nimble when it comes to storytelling. most likely outcome. The weird and the unexpected can and do
PLAN AHEAD: You know you will find yourself in situations in occur, but when you’re not sure how to proceed, you can just do
which you have to come up with a name for a person, place, what feels right and logical.
or thing. Do yourself a favor and keep a running list of names.
DETAILS DON’T MATTER: You can also make up stuff without
When the players get chummy with the bartender and you’re at
worrying about how it connects to the overall story. You can
a loss for a name, just refer to the list and cross one off. A great
always knit the scene back into the plot later when you’ve had a
online resource is The Story Games Names Project. A search
should turn this up without trouble. bit more time to think about it, or let the players come up with
a workable solution and agree to it.
LET THE PLAYERS TAKE THE LEAD: Players come to conclu-
START A FIGHT: When all else fails, you can use combat to give
Chapter 1

sions about what’s happening in the game all the time, and these
conclusions offer you plenty of fodder for coming up with what you a break from having to think on your feet and advance the
could happen next. Players fixate on small things and latch onto plot in another way. It’s usually a good idea to have a couple
minor details in your descriptions, whether you intend them to of adversaries ready to go when you need them. Ideally, these
be important or not. If you mention a rug in a room, someone foes have a place in the story, but they can also be some random
is bound to look under it. If you mention empty iron sconces, threat that arises based on where the characters happen to be
you can bet someone will give one or all a tug to see if they open when the story gets away from you. After all, the borderlands
a secret door. has no shortage of monsters.

13
 Creating Quests •
•
…drive off the mutants who have been raiding the farms.
…put the ghost of High Manor to rest.
Coming up with your own quests is a perfect opportunity to put • …locate the star that fell in the center of Goblin City.
your creative skills to use. You can make any kind of quest you like, • …recover the fabled Royal Gem from Galdak Rak, a ruined
but looking at some published adventures first can give you a good dwarfen citadel.
idea about suitable length and content.
A quest should have three to five parts called acts. Early acts
should have a few scenes, while later acts can have many. The group Novice Quests
moves quickly through the early acts and then slows down until
the end, which concludes the quest. Adjust as needed to accom- Novice quests introduce the game to the players and give the
modate your group. group time to become familiar with the rules before the complex-
ity ramps up. Novice characters have a few talents and resources
Objectives to manage.
SMALL SCOPE: The quest ought to focus on one region, maybe
Every quest has an objective, which describes what the characters two.
hope to attain. Objectives might be simple or complex, as you
choose. When you start building the adventure, write a declarative SHORT TO MODERATE LENGTH: A typical novice quest
sentence that states what the characters must accomplish, like any should take three to four hours to finish, with each hour cover-
of the following examples. The group must… ing one to one-and-a-half acts.
• …destroy the vampire hunting the good people of Threshold. PAST AND FUTURE: Since the characters are expected to run
• …retrieve the magic sword from the dragon’s lair. through two novice quests before the players choose expert
• …negotiate an alliance with the faeries to fight against the paths, the first adventure should give the players time to estab-
invading barbarians. lish the group dynamic, while the second sets up the conflict
• …deliver a gift to the hag dwelling at the center of the Shadow they will face in their expert quests.
Wood to convince her to lift the curse from a nearby town.
• …explore the fabled Tomb of Ashra-Ra. GREATER RESOURCES: The characters outfit themselves with
the items they most likely need. Since novice paths have simple
• …rescue the prisoners from the wicked brigands who
ambushed the caravan on the High Road. mechanics, offering interesting objects and trinkets can grow a
• …unmask the cultists working to summon a horrible demon. player’s list of options for handling challenges.

SAMPLE NOVICE QUESTS

Here are some bare-bones ideas to get you started.

RESCUE MISSION: The characters happen upon the site where
bandits attacked and dragged off refugees, at least one of whom
is someone that one or more characters know. The characters
must locate the bandit camp and rescue their friends.
HIDDEN THREAT: Sickness spreads through the characters’
community and has claimed the lives of a few, with many more
hovering at death’s door. Investigation into the source of the
sickness reveals that something at the bottom of the well has
contaminated the water supply.
UNWELCOME DISCOVERY: After a youngster found an
object in the woods, people have begun to act in a strange way.
Violence, without reason or remorse, spreads through the char-
acters’ hometown. On finding the object, the characters must
return it to where it was discovered.
Sage Advice

OPPORTUNISTIC RAIDERS: A band of brigands, formed

from deserters who quit a battlefield in the Old Country, have
entered the borderlands in search of easy plunder. After a few
farmsteads burn, the characters must track down this band and
put an end to their villainy. In doing so, though, the characters
discover the brigands have been selling prisoners to a mysterious
organization known as the Last Sun, though for what purpose,
no one seems to know.

14
TREASURE MAP: The group finds a treasure map and ventures holds no appeal to these invaders; they seek only the utter anni-
forth to recover what they hope is a great fortune. Much of hilation of all they encounter. However, if one could kill the
the treasure, however, has been carried off by goblins led by a warlord leading the horde, the tribes would turn against each
cruel ogre. Worse, a rival group of adventurers have the same other. The characters go on what seems to be a suicide mission,
idea about the treasure and aim to make off with it before the slipping through enemy lines to reach the leader and put an end
characters do. to his evil.
EXTERMINATORS: A foolish merchant purchased an old keep
sight unseen. When she went to claim her new home, she found
it overrun by monsters. She hires the group to clear the ruin of Master Quests
the inhabitants, but while fighting oozes, goblins, and bandits, When the characters reach the master tier, they join the most
the group discovers signs that an evil cult has been using the powerful people in the known world. They can battle dragons
keep to conduct profane rituals. and giants, call down stars from the skies, and even raise the dead.
With such abilities available to them, master characters embark on
the most dangerous and difficult quests, with stakes so high that
Expert Quests failure could shake the very foundations of Erth.
At the expert tier, the characters have sufficient resources for TRAVEL ANYWHERE: The quest should see the characters
extended forays into the unknown and to tackle quests on a far travel all over the world, from the New Lands all the way to the
grander stage. Expert characters cross the border into the New Devastation. It might even take them beyond the natural world:
Lands to contend with the perils there, help refugees fleeing from they might explore the shadowed streets of the Underworld,
the Old Country find places to settle, and confront some of the descend into the Netherworld to rescue souls, or go to the
most dangerous foes in the known world. gates of Paradise. Quests at this tier have fantastic locations that
EXTENSIVE TRAVEL: The quest ought to see the characters stretch to the edges of reality.
exploring a large area, going to the edges of the borderlands and LONG DURATION: Master quests can take as long as needed to
beyond into the New Lands. finish them. Short quests might take five to six hours to com-
MODERATE DURATION: Expert quests should run about the plete, while longer quests could take several sessions of play, if
same length as novice quests. you like.

LOOKING AHEAD: Expert paths also advance the characters’ FINAL QUESTS: Each player should come up with a personal
personal objectives. Before you start the first quest at this tier, quest, something their character hopes to attain by the story’s
work with the players to identify what they hope to accomplish end. Examples include acquiring lands on which to found a
in the near and long term. Then turn those ideas into story temple or even a small nation, creating a syndicate inside a larger
objectives for the adventures you run. Each quest should allow community, recovering an artifact, becoming the new Weird
the characters to complete one or more of their story objec- Wizard, or venturing into worlds beyond Erth.
tives. By the time the characters finish the last expert quest, they SAMPLE MASTER QUESTS
should be ready to pick their master paths.
Use the following ideas to spark quests of your own creation.
SAMPLE EXPERT QUESTS
MACHINE INVASION: Stars fall from the night sky and crash
Use the following ideas to spark quests of your own creation. into the countryside. From the points of impact arise hideous
DUNGEON OF DEATH: A famous company of adventurers ven- machine beings that quickly infect living creatures with some
tured into a deadly dungeon complex, one possibly built by the strange plague that transforms them into mindless thralls.
Weird Wizard to house his failed experiments. Unfortunately, VAULT OF THE WEIRD WIZARD: The group finds a clock-
the adventurers never returned. The characters follow these work key that’s believed to open the Vault of the Weird Wizard,
would-be treasure hunters into the dungeon with the hopes of a place into which none have ever gone. As the group closes in
succeeding where their predecessors failed. on the Forbidden City, strange lights appear in the sky, portend-
SUNKEN TREASURE: A galleon loaded with treasure recovered ing some imminent and dire event.
from some distant land goes down in the Sea of Fear somewhere RISE OF THE ANCIENT ONE: Deranged, nihilistic cultists
off the coast near Four Towers. Now, wreckers gather to locate awaken one of the Ancient Ones, realizing too late that the god
the sunken ship. Pirates drawn by the rumors prey on the wreck- they called cannot be controlled. The monstrosity lurches out
Chapter 1

ers, making efforts to recover the riches even more dangerous. from the ocean, dragging a blanket of darkness with it.
The characters might be hired to protect a crew or set out to
reclaim the wealth for themselves, only to discover that the ship
was carrying more than coins and gems. It carried something
Acts
monstrous that, if let loose, would plunge the lands into chaos. In each act, the tension climbs higher and higher until the group
THE HORDE: A monstrous fomorian comes to power and gath- reaches the climax, in which they either complete the quest or fail.
ers the tribes until they form a horde. The promise of conquest Each act has a beginning, a middle, and an end. The beginning

15
 establishes what ought to happen during the act, the middle pres-
ents the complications the group faces along the way, and the end Scene Types
creates the circumstances for the next act. A scene has one of three basic types: exploration, interaction, and
FIRST ACT: The first act launches the quest and points the way combat.
toward the conclusion. It establishes the group’s starting loca- EXPLORATION: In an exploration scene, the characters advance
tion when the quest begins, includes one or more plot hooks to the plot through discovery. They can achieve this by traveling,
draw the characters into the story, and then reveals the quest’s searching, researching, or doing something else that involves
ultimate objective. A plot hook can be anything that has mean- learning something new.
ing for the group. It might appeal to their sense of honor or duty, INTERACTION: The characters advance the plot by communicat-
but it can also have a personal connection, involving a character ing with others in the setting. This might result in negotiation,
with whom they have developed a rapport, the community in interrogation, deception, or some other form of interaction.
which they live, or family members, friends, or even property. COMBAT: The group fights enemies to move the story forward.
MIDDLE ACTS: The quest has one to four middle acts, each Defeating the enemies might let them literally move deeper into
detailing the story developments that come from the group’s the location or reveal clues needed to advance the plot. Combat
push toward the conclusion. Middle acts increase the tension encounters can be as easy or as difficult as needed to tell a great
in the story and achieve this by introducing complications and story.
setbacks for the group to overcome. A quest involves as many combat scenes as you like, but you
should be mindful of the limits on character resources, such as
FINAL ACT: The quest’s end, the final act sees the characters con-
their ability to withstand harm, cast spells, and make use of limited
tending with the greatest and most difficult obstacle. Success
talents and traits. Too many battles could force an abrupt stop as
means they complete the quest, while failure means they don’t,
the characters withdraw to recover spent resources or might bring
though the group might try again or find some other way to the entire quest to an end if they suffer too many casualties.
achieve their goal through another adventure. For more information on using enemies in combat, see Chapter 3.

Scenes Transitions
Each act consists of scenes. An act might have a single scene or A transition occurs when the story moves from one scene to the
many, though three to five scenes are often best. Scenes might hap- next. Based on the players’ decisions about what their charac-
pen in a particular sequence or in any order. An act that features ters plan to do and where they intend to go, you fill in the space
between scenes by describing what happens. During this time, the
exploration might have scenes that represent a series of rooms,
characters might take the opportunity to rest, talk, and purchase
while an act focused on investigation might have scenes tied to
gear, or just go directly to the next scene.
discovering clues from interrogating suspects or questioning wit-
nesses. Every scene advances the plot in a meaningful way.
SCENE SETTING: A scene always takes place somewhere. It
Resting Between Scenes
might happen in a single area or a collection of areas. The setting The characters can rest whenever they choose, but to derive any
might also play a role in the scene’s development. real benefit from a rest, the group needs at least 6 hours, and long
periods of inactivity might have unintended consequences. If the
SCENE STRUCTURE: Scenes follow the same structure as other
characters are chasing a villain across the countryside but take a
aspects of the quest in that they too have beginnings, middles,
day to heal up, the villain is almost certain to escape. A group that
and ends. The beginning presents the situation, the middle beds down after a tough fight might find new guards have come to
makes up the elements with which the group must contend, and replace the ones that they defeated, or other guards arrived to rein-
the end wraps the scene and introduces new scenes. force those from whom the group fled. Also, many places are too
A group can leave a scene before resolving it. This might happen dangerous to sleep, let alone eat a meal. A subterranean location
because they were defeated in combat or they failed to learn what infested with troglodytes, giant ants, or monsters might see the
they needed to reach a later scene in the act. They might return to characters beset by enemies in the middle of their recuperation.
the scene later—but they might not. Whenever protagonists leave Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide whether a rest is possible or
not. If the group seems to be having a tough time and running low
Sage Advice

scenes unresolved, note what they have done in that scene already
on resources, you can make combats easier, be more generous with
and make any necessary changes in case they return.
healing, or skip dangerous scenes as needed.
Not completing a scene should never bring the story to a halt.
In fact, such failures ought to raise the stakes and create new dra-
matic opportunities. It’s a good idea to have another scene or two
Assembling Scenes
on hand, just in case something goes horribly wrong. With a little In books, scenes unfold in a predetermined order. In quests, the
improvisation, you can use a backup scene to bring the characters sequence develops from play, through the decisions the players
back to the main plot. make and the outcomes of those decisions.

16
GAUNTLET: This is the easiest scene structure to cre-
ate. It’s a straightforward sequence of scenes, one fol-
lowing the other. Once the characters start the story,
they move to scene A, then to B, then to C, and
finally to the conclusion, where they complete the
objective. Scenes in the gauntlet can be discoveries
or obstacles, but the characters must complete each
in order with few options for backtracking.
This structure leaves little room for choice, so
unless you disguise it well, the players might feel led
by the nose. One way to mitigate this sort of linear
plot is to create opportunities to skip a scene or two.
For example, discovering a secret passage could let
the characters bypass a difficult combat obstacle.
WELL: The well structure is ideal for more complex
stories. This sort of plot has three or four “bands,”
each containing a number of possible scenes, that
move the characters closer to the conclusion. The
characters can move from one scene to another in
the same band or the next lower band until they
reach the end.
The advantage of the well structure is that it gives
the players a great deal more freedom than the linear
plot of the gauntlet. The drawback is that it requires
preparing many possible scenes, some of which the
players might skip over if they discover a clear track
to the end.
WEB: This plot structure is the most complex. Scenes
connect to each other flexibly, in a manner similar to
that of the well, but they might lead to dead ends or
take the characters back to scenes that appear earlier.
The web structure combines the gauntlet with the
well structure, offering key choice points in the story
that either lead to new scenes or more choice points.
For example, the characters might begin a quest
with an exploration scene (A). From this scene, the
characters could progress to a combat scene (B) or a
roleplaying scene (C). Scene B could make C possi-
ble or lead to a new scene. In each case, the players
can explore the adventure’s plot in whatever manner
they choose.
Campaigns
Campaigns feature some number of related quests whose sequence tells an
Conclusion even greater story. In a campaign, each quest becomes an act: the first quest
The conclusion ends the adventure, typically offering introduces the campaign themes, and succeeding ones bring the charac-
a summary of what happens after the final scene, using ters closer to the final quest, whose completion concludes the grand story.
any special rules for downtime activities that might Rather than just accumulate potency through a series of unrelated mis-
result. When you create your adventure, come up with sions, the characters drive toward some epic goal.
at least three possible conclusions, depending on the Since completing each quest advances the group level by 1, a typical cam-
final outcome: success, failure, and a partial success or paign includes ten quests: two novice, four expert, and four master. At the
Chapter 1

failure. For example, the characters might be trying end of the campaign, the group should have reached level 10.
to stop an evil wizard from completing a dark ritual. You create a campaign in the same way you build individual quests. The
If they succeed, the characters stop the ritual and kill difference is that you must decide at the outset the campaign’s ultimate objec-
the wizard. If they fail, the wizard completes the rit-
tive, which ought to be something that alters the world in a meaningful way.
ual and gets away. On a partial success or failure, the
wizard might complete the ritual but be killed, or the Examples include finding the lost heir to the Great Kingdom’s throne, defeat-
characters could stop the ritual but allow the wizard ing an awakened Ancient One, establishing a new realm, or discovering the
to escape. Weird Wizard’s fate.

17
 their professions or living off the spoils won from their previous
quest. Although nothing ground-shaking ought to occur
during these periods—such events are best reserved for
quests—these times do provide opportunities for
character development. Take time to discuss with
the players what their characters do before their
next quest begins. Generally, you can permit
events to happen as the players describe
them, but you might also call for attribute
and luck rolls if complications might arise.
You can also use the following options
to help make the time between quests
more interesting.

Downtime
Training
Characters can seek out special train-
ing to improve their skills or make dif-
ferent choices. A character can pursue just
one form of training per period of downtime,
regardless of how long it lasts.
LEARN A LANGUAGE: A character learns any
non-secret language, or a secret one if the charac-
ter has access to someone who knows it and is willing
to teach it.

Starting at Higher Lev els PROFESSIONAL TRAINING: Characters train to learn an addi-
tional profession from those described in Shadow of the Weird
You can start the game at any level you choose. The players cre- Wizard. The character must choose one specific profession and
ate level 1 characters and then advance them until they reach own the items normally granted by the profession, if there are
the desired level, using funds to purchase equipment as the table any. If a character would become a politician, for example, they
below shows. For example, if you start the group at level 8, each must purchase or otherwise acquire a set of superior clothing.
character has 2d6 + 30 gp in addition to the starting equipment DISCOVER A TRADITION: Characters can attempt to discover
gained from character creation. new magical traditions, provided they have access to someone
who has discovered the tradition already or to a place where
Starting Funds at Higher Levels
information about the tradition might be found, such as a tem-
LEVEL STARTING FUNDS LEVEL STARTING FUNDS ple, library, or magical academy. It takes two downtime periods
2 2d6 + 15 sp 7 2d6 + 15 gp to complete this training. When complete, the character discov-
3 2d6 + 35 sp 8 2d6 + 30 gp ers the tradition and can choose spells from it when they would
learn spells. However, the character gains none of the associated
4 2d6 + 75 sp 9 2d6 + 50 gp
talents for discovering a tradition in this way.
5 2d6 + 5 gp 10 2d6 + 70 gp
ACTIVITY TRAINING: Characters can spend time training to
6 2d6 + 10 gp
perform activities related to one of their attributes. During the
next quest, when the character gets a failure on a roll using the
Bet w een Quests trained attribute, they can discard the result and roll again. A
character can use this training benefit once as a novice, twice as
an expert, and three times as a master. Once the last use has been
Sage Advice

Time passes between quests, time the characters can use to train,
expended, the benefit is lost.
run their businesses, make connections, and even go on side quests.
Since each level gained shows a marked improvement in character RETRAINING: If a character gained a talent from a selection of
effectiveness, allowing several weeks to a few months to pass in choices, such as the Fighting Style talents in the fighter path or
game before the next quest begins helps explain why and how the talents gained from discovering a tradition, they can swap out
characters have acquired their new abilities. the talent for a different one. Similarly, a character can swap
The game assumes the characters have the means and where- knowledge of one spell for a different spell of the same tier from
withal to attend to their own needs between quests by working in a tradition the character has discovered.

18
 Random Connections
D6 CONNECTION D6 CONNECTION

1 Financial 4 Information
Downtime and Higher Levels 2 Influence 5 Resource
If you start the game at levels higher than 1, you might 3 Professional 6 Security
grant the players downtime training if you feel it nec-
essary. You could grant one form of training per level
skipped, one per two levels, or none at all.
Connection Benefits
A connection provides one of the following forms of aid. A con-
nection has a single use. Once a character gains the benefit from a
Buying and Selling connection, it is lost. Losing the benefit does not mean the charac-
ter forgets or loses contact with the connection. Rather, the char-
Characters can purchase items that are normally available in their acter has exhausted the connection’s main mode of assistance. A
communities and sell items they have found or no longer need, connection might play different parts in quests or the campaign
as described in Shadow of the Weird Wizard. You can limit what as you decide.
items characters can sell, based on the available wealth in a com- Characters can activate their connections in between quests or
munity. As a rule of thumb, characters can find buyers for their during them, provided they are somewhere the connection can be
items of an availability one higher than is normally found in the found. Activation might result from roleplaying or by contacting
community. For wealth such as gems, jewelry, and other art objects the connection in some other way.
that command their full value, treat such items worth 5 gp or less Once a connection has been made, resist the temptation to
as common, 6 to 25 gp as uncommon, 26 to 100 as rare, and any- make that a plot point for a quest until after the connection has
thing worth more than 100 gp as exotic. been activated. In other words, don’t strip a resource from the
players that they have earned.
Crafting FINANCIAL: The connection gives 5 gp to the character at the
novice tier, 10 gp at the expert tier, or 25 gp at the master tier.
Characters can use the time between quests to make items related
to their professions. Often, this allows them to replenish their INFLUENCE: The connection either allows access to a restricted
supplies of inscriptions and consumables, improve their weap- area or person, such as inside a library after hours or a meeting
ons and armor at discounted prices, and acquire other items that with a local ruler, or helps a character make a different connec-
they might need in the adventures to come. Crafting requires a tion. In the latter case, the character activates the connection
profession related to making the desired thing, so there are limits between quests to gain a different connection.
on what characters can produce. Generally, novice characters can PROFESSIONAL: The connection belongs to a particular profes-
produce about 5 gp worth of items per four weeks of downtime, sion and lends aid related to their area of expertise. This might
with expert characters producing 10 gp and master characters pro- be helpful for identifying a monster, creating an item, acquiring
ducing 20 gp in the same periods. You can adjust this number as an inscription or consumable, securing shelter in a temple, or
needed and also allow characters to make progress toward com- learning specific information related to the profession.
pleting items that take more time.
INFORMATION: The connection reveals information con-
cerning any subject. The time it takes to gain this information
Connections depends on its secrecy. Common knowledge is immediate,
while gaining exotic knowledge might require a character to
Characters can make connections with important people who wait until the end of the next quest or longer.
might help them in future quests. Certainly, they might make
friends and have romantic diversions during the period between RESOURCE: The connection grants access to a specific tangible
quests, but a connection represents someone who can provide resource that is something other than coin: healing, horses, a
assistance. Characters might also make connections as part of ship, a tower or keep, a vehicle, or something else.
their rewards for completing quests. SECURITY: The connection either grants a place for the charac-
When a character gains a connection, you and the player ter and allies to hole up for a time or provides the services of
Chapter 1

should work out the details about this person’s identity, which an armed guard for the duration of the next quest. The guard
includes how they can assist, where they might be found, and should have a Difficulty 1 at the novice tier, 2 at the expert tier,
their personality quirks, appearance, and other details. You can and 4 at the master tier.
use the guidelines described under Sage Characters to generate
these details quickly.
To gain a connection, the character makes an Intellect or Will
roll before the next quest begins. On a success, the character gains
a connection of your choosing, or you can roll randomly.

19
 Work Life Events
Characters can also spend their time working in their profes- Players can choose to avail themselves of the following tables to
sion. Doing so enables them to earn enough coin to provide for randomly determine if they experience any significant life events
themselves and their dependents until the next quest begins. In during their downtime period. Each player rolls a d6 to find the
addition, on finishing the downtime period, a character makes a Life Event table and then a d6 to determine a random result from
luck roll. On a success, they earn an additional 5d6 sp for novice that table.
characters, 10d6 sp for expert characters, and 20d6 sp for master
characters. On a failure, they earn half as much.
Life Event Table 1:
Setbacks and Tragedies
D6 EVENT D6 EVENT
1 Someone important to you died. They might have been 4 You have been disgraced. You did something that the
a romantic partner, a family member, or a close personal community cannot forgive. Maybe you had been keeping
friend. The loss hollows you out, pushing you to the point of a secret for a long time and the truth came out. Possibly you
breaking. Who was this person? Were you involved in the harmed someone, directly or not, and that harm led to a
death? How does this loss propel your story? tragic outcome. Decide what happened and what you must
do, if anything, to repair your reputation.
2 You lost the friendship, trust, and respect of someone import- 5 Someone you cared about has vanished. You have not yet
ant to you. This development diminishes you and might make found any leads, and your efforts to find this person have
you ask questions about your behavior. Who was this person turned up nothing. Who is this person? Do you have suspi-
to you and what did you do to ruin the relationship? cions?
3 Your business or professional reputation in your community 6 You have lost something important to you. You might have
has suffered a setback of such magnitude that it is no longer misplaced it, or it could have been stolen. The item has
possible for you to conduct business there. What happened? no monetary value, nor does its absence diminish your
Did you make a bad investment? Or perhaps some natural capabilities, but it was important all the same and you feel
disaster brought ruin down on your head. its absence keenly. Maybe it was something your father
had made for you, a love letter or lock of hair from your
paramour, or something you created. How did you lose this
item? Is it something you can recover?

Life Event Table 2:

Inconveniences
D6 EVENT D6 EVENT
1 You fell ill and spent your time in convalescence. A pox might 4 Your reputation has suffered of late. Perhaps you insulted
have left scars on your body, or you suffered some other someone of importance or you made a fool of yourself in
malady that left you with a racking cough, rheumy eyes, and front of a crowd. In any event, people in your community
sallow skin. have lost respect for you, and it will take some doing to get
back into their good graces.
2 You fell into debt and it hangs over you. Your debts might 5 You have been betrayed by someone you trust. A lover might
have come from gambling, a business downturn, or black- have found someone else, a friend revealed one of your
mail. secrets, or a family member squandered your inheritance.
3 You were arrested and spent time in prison. You might have 6 You were the victim of a crime. You were mugged in an alley,
been innocent and secured your release after proving you your home was burgled, or maybe you were beaten and left
had nothing to do with the crime. Or maybe you did commit for dead. You bear the scars from this encounter.
the crime and someone helped you escape.

Life Event Table 3:

Personal Development
D6 EVENT D6 EVENT
1 You made a friend, gained a lover, or discovered an un- 4 You explored your spirituality. You might have joined a
known relative. Who is this person? How did you meet? religion or spent time developing your faith with likeminded
What helped you form the bond? believers. Do you follow a god? Which one and why? If
Sage Advice

you already followed a particular deity, how did you serve

your faith?
2 You made art. You painted a painting, wrote a poem, com- 5 You educated yourself on a subject. You might have learned
posed a song, or created something else of beauty for its about the geography of the lands within 100 miles, studied
own sake. religion or philosophy, or spent time learning a craft. Which
field did you study? What did you hope to learn?
3 You traveled to some place and returned. You relaxed, col- 6 You changed something about your appearance. You might
lected yourself, and now feel invigorated. have gotten a tattoo or one or more piercings, changed your
hair, lost or gained weight.

20
 Life Event Table 4:
Community Development
D6 EVENT D6 EVENT
1 You gained fame in your community. Most people recognize 4 You spent your time helping the poor, the needy, and the
you by sight, know your name, and can recount some of your suffering. You might have worked to heal the sick, provide
most daring exploits. Have you cultivated your reputation, or shelter to orphans, or feed the hungry. What inspired your
has it grown without you having to do anything? How do you charitable contributions? Did you meet anyone interesting
feel about being famous, even to just a few people? along the way?
2 You saved someone’s life. You might have rescued a child 5 You passed your time carousing. Maybe you became a
from a monster, repelled an attack by a killer, or pulled regular in a tavern or gambled in a gaming parlor. You might
someone out of danger. Who did you help? Why did you have rubbed elbows with high society, attended plays and
help this person? What were some of the immediate results concerts, or enjoyed other diversions.
from this act?
3 You helped solve a crime, put an end to a threat, or saved 6 You spent your time working in your profession. Not much
the community from some danger. What was this and how happened that’s worth recalling, but you enjoyed regular
did you become involved? Do you have any mementos from meals, a roof over your head, and a few extra coins in your
your efforts, such as a scar or a “key to the city”? pocket.

Life Event Table 5:

Opportunities
D6 EVENT D6 EVENT
1 You found a map, a strange book, an object of uncertain 4 You learn something important that will have bearing on a
function, purpose, or the like. You are certain this discovery future quest. This knowledge might be how to bypass a trap,
will figure into some future event, but you are not yet sure a secret entrance to a dungeon you would explore, or a
how. password you can speak to slip past the guards. The Sage
tells you what knowledge you gain from this result.
2 You met someone who has become quite close to you. This 5 You were rewarded for some deed in a public ceremony,
person could be a boon companion, a friend with whom you gaining a title, status, and influence in your community. What
know you can share your secrets, or a romantic partner. They did you do to earn this acclaim?
could also be your child, either by birth or adoption.
3 You acquire some property in your community. It might be an 6 An important and powerful person or organization makes
empty lot, a small house, a boat, or something more substan- contact and seeks to establish a relationship. A dangerous
tial, as the Sage decides. wizard, a traveling knight, a representative of the druids or
seekers, or a coven of witches: any of these and more could
have sought you out. They might become powerful friends,
but it’s more likely that they want something from you.

Life Event Table 6:

Windfalls and Good Fortune
D6 EVENT D6 EVENT
1 You come into money, having won it in a game of chance, 4 A wealthy local offers to fund your next quest. You receive
inherited it from a long-lost relative, or found it on a side provisions, clothing, horses, and 5 gp to spend on arms and
quest. You have 1d20 gp left when your next quest begins. armor.
2 A peasant comes to you and, on bended knee, swears to 5 A potent spellcaster offers to transport you and your com-
serve you. The peasant becomes your companion and is panions to some far-flung destination. You can use this favor
under your control until you release them from your service. once, teleporting to a well-known space of your choosing
within 100 miles.
3 You acquire an incantation containing a spell of a tier one 6 A priest of a local faith blesses you and your companions.
below your current tier (if you are a novice, the spell is a nov- Each of you gains a blessing that retains potency until the
ice spell). Alternatively, you gain one rare or more common end of your next quest. You can expend the blessing when
consumable of your choice. you make an attribute roll or a luck roll to make the roll with
1 boon.
Chapter 1

21
 Beyond Lev el 10 joining forces with the seraphs to safeguard Paradise, or descend-
ing into the bowels of the Netherworld to confront the Adversary
himself. They might stand against the Weird Wizard if he returns,
Shadow of the Weird Wizard campaigns typically begin with aliens from beyond the stars, cosmic horrors, or world-devouring
novice characters and end when the group, having attained level undead, to name just a few such threats.
10, finishes the last quest. Ending the story at level 10 keeps cam- Legendary characters no longer follow paths. They still increase
paigns manageable and lets the players populate the world with their level after each completed quest, but they gain benefits
new characters. However, there’s no reason why you have to stop depending on their new level. At odd-numbered levels, each mem-
playing with the same characters when they reach the uppermost ber of the group increases their Health score by 10. At even-num-
level. They can undertake quests as legendary characters. bered levels, each member of the group gains one legendary tal-
Legendary characters leave behind the ordinary as they con- ent of their choice. The following legendary talents offer useful
tend with challenges and perils that encompass entire continents upgrades, but you can expand on the choices with talents of your
or the world itself. Legendary quests see the characters working own design. Unless otherwise mentioned, a character can gain a
to seal a tear in reality that allows demons to invade the world, legendary talent just once.

Legendary Talents

Climb Anything: You gain the Climber trait if you don’t have it Legendary Warrior: Add 5 to the result of your rolls to attack; your
already. You can climb up, down, or across any surface, even attacks deal extra damage equal to your level.
ones that could not normally bear your weight, such as a thread,
a waterfall, or the slenderest branch of a tree. In addition, you Mighty Bounds: You can use an action to jump up to 50 yards
climb 2 yards for every yard of movement you expend. and land safely. You never suffer harm from landing after a fall.
Free Teleportation: You gain the Teleport 10 trait. Nearly Unkillable: You always succeed on luck rolls made for
Friends Everywhere: After you spend 1 minute talking to an indif- being incapacitated.
ferent or friendly creature that can understand what you say, the
creature sees you as an ally. It aids you to the best of its ability, Overcome Anything: When you gain an affliction, the affliction
doing whatever it can short of risking its other friends, family, ends immediately. After you use this talent, you lose access to
property, and livelihood. The effect lasts indefinitely but ends if it (luck ends).
you harm the creature.
Perfect Hearing: Quintuple the normal range of your hearing. If
Immortal: Natural causes never end your life. You grow no older
physically, ignore infection, and, short of mishap or violence, you use an action to do so, you can hear a whisper from a
live forever. mile away until the end of your next turn, but you take double
Incredible Health: Increase your Health by 20. You can take this damage from sound effects until this effect ends.
talent up to four times. The increase to Health decreases by 5 Rapid Healing: You heal one-sixth of your normal Health score at
each time after the first: the second time increases your Health
by 15, 10 for the third, and 5 for the fourth. the end of each hour you rest.
Legendary Action: When you use an action, you can use this tal- Spell Discovery: You learn one spell of any tier and from any tradi-
ent to regain the use of the action. Once you use this talent, you tion. You can take this talent as many times as you like.
lose access to it for 1 hour.
Swim Anywhere: You gain the Swimmer trait. You can swim in any
Legendary Attribute: One attribute score of your choice increases
to 18. You can choose this talent up to four times. The second liquid, even up waterfalls or through mists. In addition, you swim
time, a different score increases to 17, the third, yet another dif- 3 yards for every yard of movement you expend.
ferent score increases to 16. The fourth time, you raise your last Unassailable Defense: Your natural and armored Defense
score to 15.
increases by 5 (maximum 25).
Legendary Caster: You regain all of your expended castings after
you rest for 1 hour. Once you use this talent, you lose access to Uncanny Success: You make attribute rolls with 1 boon.
it until after you finish a normal rest.
Uncanny Luck: When you make a luck roll, you can roll an addi-
Legendary Flier: You gain the Fly trait.
tional die and use either result. If you roll the same number on
Sage Advice

Legendary Reflexes: After you use a reaction, make a luck roll. two or more of these dice, add them all together and use the
On a success, you can use another reaction before the end
of the round. Once you use this talent, you lose access to it sum as the result of the roll instead.
for 1 hour. Ultimate Resilience: You take half damage from ordinary sources.
Legendary Speed: Increase your Speed by 10. In addition, when you take 5 damage or less from a single
Legendary Vision: You gain the True Vision trait. source, reduce the damage to 0.

22
The World
Many different lands and bodies of water make up
the world. The borderlands, the default setting for the
game, is a subtropical to tropical region with a mix of
jungle, forest, mountains, deserts, and more. The fol-
lowing information should aid you in creating envi-
ronments when the group travels from place to place.

Climate
The basic climates follow.
CONTINENTAL: Climates of the continental variety
feature mild to cool summers and severe winters.
DRY: A dry climate can have any temperature and
chiefly sees moisture loss in excess of that gained
from precipitation.
HIGHLANDS: Places with high elevation have differ-
ent climates than surrounding lands, such as cooler
temperatures, lesser or greater rainfall, and absence
of certain weather events.
POLAR: Cold temperatures prevail all year long in
polar climates, which feature little precipitation.
SUBTROPICAL: Mild winters and warm, humid
summers define moist subtropical climates, with
regular rainfall, thunderstorms in the summer
months, and cyclones in the winter.
TROPICAL: A tropical climate features warm to hot
temperatures and heavy rainfall.
UNDERGROUND: Regions underground remain at
constant temperatures, about 75 degrees Fahrenheit
at 3 yards down and between 50 and 60 degrees at
6 to 10 yards. The greatest depths might be warmed
by proximity to magma chambers or certain magi-
cal phenomena.

W eather
Climate and season determine the weather when the
group is outdoors. You can simply choose the weather
conditions, or you can generate random results using
the following tables. Conditions persist for 1d6 days.

Wind
D20 WIND CONDITIONS
Chapter 1

1–5 Calm

6–15 Light winds

16–17 Light winds with periodic strong gusts

18–19 Strong winds with severe gusts

20 Windstorm, hurricane, or tornadic conditions.

Lasts 2d6 hours and then roll again.

23
 D20 SKY CONDITIONS
Sky
D20 SKY CONDITIONS
Terrain
1–5 Clear 11–15 Some clouds Terrain describes the lay of the land and its dominant
features.
6–10 Few clouds 16–20 Overcast
CANYON: A canyon is a large hole or depression, usu-
Temperature ally formed when water carves a path through the
ground. Other canyons might appear as a result of
D20 TEMPERATURE D20 TEMPERATURE earthquakes, impacts from celestial bodies, or super-
CONDITIONS CONDITIONS
natural events.
1–4 Unseasonably cold 17–20 Unseasonably hot
DESERT: A desert features dry terrain with scant
5–16 Normal for season flora and fauna. Deserts can be sandy wastes, bad-
lands, mudflats, and the like.
Precipitation* FOREST: A forest features extensive woodlands.
D20 PRECIPITATION D20 PRECIPITATION Forests include jungles, rainforests, and dry and
10 or less None 16–19 Rain or snow temperate forests.
11–15 Intermittent mist, light 20+ Heavy rain or blizzard GLACIER: Glacial terrain includes any landscape pre-
rain, sleet, or snow conditions dominantly covered in ice.

*Climate modifies this roll as follows: Continental +0, +3 in winter; dry, highlands, HILL: Terrain that features one or more areas of earth
and polar –5; subtropical +2; tropical +5 or rocky mounds that have obvious summits and
can be ascended by walking, counts as hills.
LAKE: Any large body of fresh water counts as a lake.
It often connects to rivers and other terrain sur-
rounding it.
MARSH: A marsh is a region of wetlands that features
dense clumps of grasses and other plants but lacks
trees.
MOUNTAIN: Rugged lands featuring areas of
increasing elevation count as mountains. They
differ from hills in that ascending them requires
climbing rather than walking and that their peaks
are much higher.
OASIS: These spots of fertile land, frequently sporting
water sources, appear in deserts.
OCEAN: Any large body of saltwater counts as ocean
terrain.
OPEN: Pasture, plains, prairies, and other landscapes
that are relatively flat and with isolated or no
patches of woods all count as open terrain.
RIVER: A stretch of permanent water that moves
across the land counts as a river.
SUBTERRANEAN: Any underground region, natural
or excavated, counts as subterranean.
SWAMP: Swamps refer to regions of mixed dryland
and wetland, usually wooded.
TUNDRA: Normally found in cold climates, tundra
Sage Advice

features open country with rocky landscape covered

in lichen, grasses, and stunted or low vegetation.
URBAN: An urban region describes towns, villages,
cities, and any other area that features constructed
shelters.
VALLEY: Formed by the descending slopes of moun-
tains, a valley’s bottom is a flat area featuring one or
more waterways fed by snowmelt and rainwater.

24
Trav el Pace and Progress
Travel in quests often occurs in the background, the events of the People can spend about 12 hours each day traveling, assuming
journey summarized in a brief description. When a group sets out they take frequent breaks to rest, consume provisions, and mend
for a destination with adequate preparations and is under no time or prepare their gear. A group can spend more time traveling in
constraints, it should arrive more or less intact. Even if the charac- a day, but at some risk. For each full hour beyond 12 hours, the
ters run across a dangerous monster or square off against bandits, traveling characters each make Strength rolls. On a failure, they
a few hours spent resting offers them time aplenty to recover from lose 1d6 Health.
their injuries and get back underway. At the highest levels, groups If the characters are riding a self-powered vehicle, such as a boat,
no longer have to bother with walking or riding, being able to fly, ship, or an airship, they can travel the full 24 hours without hav-
teleport, or use some other method to get where they need to go. ing to take a break and without having to make Strength rolls for
Some quests, though, especially at the novice and expert tiers, doing so.
might involve more challenging forays and thus benefit from more At the start of each day, one character becomes the leader and
rigorous rules than what a summary might provide. The following sets the group’s overall pace for the day, choosing between cau-
optional rules offer you a toolset for managing travel when it plays tious, normal, and hurried. The choice of pace determines how
a significant part in the story. much distance the group removes from the total distance to the
destination, as shown on the Progress by Pace table.
Travel Distance
Progress by Pace
Travel distance is a number that describes how far in days the
PACE PROGRESS IN DAYS
starting point is from the destination. You decide the distance
before the group starts, choosing a number of days it should take Cautious, foot 1/2
to complete the journey. If the group has access to maps or a nav- Normal, foot 1
igator, they might have a good idea about the distance. If they set
Hurried, foot 1 1/2
out walking in a random direction toward a destination they’ve
only heard about, you might need to come up with some distance Cautious, mounted 1
markers whose significance only you know. Normal, mounted 2
Hurried, mounted 3
Cautious, vehicle 1
Normal, vehicle 1 1/2
Hurried, vehicle 2
Travel Example Boat 2
A group of characters sets out on foot to reach a Airship 3
hidden temple. The Sage sets the distance at 5 days.
For the first day, the group travels across open plains
at a normal pace. When the characters make camp, Terrain and environmental conditions can speed up or slow
they mark off 1 day of distance. down progress. The Progress Modifiers table shows the most com-
The second day, though, sees the group reach a for- mon factors. Each modifier is cumulative.
est, which slows their progress. They keep at the normal
pace but travel only about half the normal distance (1 Progress Modifiers
day × 1/2 for forest), which leaves the destination at
3-1/2 days distance. PACE PROGRESS IN DAYS
At the start of the third day from setting out, the group
finds a road. To make up for lost time, they decide to Roads or favorable wind ×2
(boat or airship)
travel at a hurried pace. They follow the road out of
the woods. When they finish, they knock 1 1/2 days Leader is a guide or navigator ×1 1/2
off their journey (hurried progress is 1 1/2 × 2 for the
road for a total of 3 days, but because they’re still in a Encumbered or heavy cargo ×1/2
forest, their progress is halved, bringing the total back Canyon, mountain, subterranean ×1/4
to 1 1/2), leaving them with 2 days to go.
Hill, marsh, swamp, or valley ×1/3
Chapter 1

Desert, forest, glacier, urban ×1/2

25
 Travel Events Minor Setback
Each day the group spends traveling, either choose an event or Minor setbacks include all manner of annoyances that make
have the leader roll 3d6. Find the result on the following table to traveling more difficult. Generally, a minor setback reduces the
determine if anything unusual happened. If the group traveled at distance progressed for the day by 1 (to a minimum of 0). Some
a cautious pace and the result of the roll is lower than 9, the leader examples follow.
makes a luck roll. On a success, treat the result as if it were a 9.
RUINED SUPPLIES
If the group travels at a hurried pace and the result of the roll is
higher than 12, the leader makes a luck roll. On a failure, treat the Each character makes a luck roll. On a failure, the character’s pro-
result as if it were 12. visions become spoiled, infested with vermin, or otherwise lost.
Alternatively, characters might lose an item in place of their provi-
Normal Progress sions. Such a loss could come from wear and tear, misplacing it, or
RESULT OUTCOME RESULT OUTCOME dropping it in a patch of rough terrain.
3 Major setback 13–15 Minor windfall OBSTACLE
4–5 Violence 16–17 Side quest
An impassable road, a river swollen with rain, a washed-out bridge:
6–8 Minor setback 18 Major windfall the group must overcome the obstacle or make no further progress
9–12 Nothing happens that day from having to find another way around. Each member
of the group makes a roll using an attribute of their choice. On a
failure, the character loses 1d6 Health.
Major Setback SICKNESS
The characters suffer a serious delay during the time spent travel- The characters encounter some noxious, infectious pathogen.
ing. At the very least, this event adds 1d6 to the number of days Each member of the group makes a luck roll. On a failure, the
needed to reach the destination. For example, if the destination is character becomes infected.
still 5 days ahead and the group suffers a major setback, roll a d6
and add the number to the days remaining. If you rolled a 3, for Minor Windfall
example, the destination would now be 8 days away.
Alternatively, you can present the group with either of the fol- A minor windfall represents some positive, beneficial event that
lowing challenges or one of your own design. makes travel easier. Minor windfalls, at the very least, close the
LOST!
distance by 1 day beyond the group’s normal progress. Some pos-
sibilities follow.
The group becomes turned around and possibly lost. The leader
SHORTCUT
makes an Intellect roll. If the group is traveling through a place
where it is difficult or impossible to see the sky, the leader rolls The group finds a shortcut that cuts off 1–3 days from their
with 1 bane. If at least one character has knowledge related to journey. A shortcut might instead be favorable winds if flying or
traveling through natural terrain, the leader makes the roll with sailing.
1 boon. On a success, the group makes no progress for that day. PROVISIONS AND SUPPLIES
On a failure, the group becomes so lost that they add 1d6 days to
their journey. The characters come upon the ruins of a caravan, camp, or home-
If the group continues traveling, they must repeat the Intellect stead, and searching the place enables them to restore any lost pro-
roll at the end of each day. On a success, they reorient themselves, visions. Alternatively, a traveling tinker might encounter the group
while on a failure, they add another 1d6 days to the trip. and offer to sell them supplies.

STORM HEALING

A storm blows in and makes travel impossible for this day. The The characters meet an itinerant priest who enables each character
group makes no progress. In addition, each character makes a luck to regain 1d6 Health. The source of this restoration could also be
roll. On a failure, the character suffers some mishap and loses 3d6 a magical fountain or a friendly faerie.
Health. HAVEN
The characters find a safe haven where they can convalesce for a
Sage Advice

V iolence time, giving them time to recover from the effects of exposure,
infection, or other ailments.
The characters run afoul of enemies, such as a pack of goblin
DISCOVERY
wolves, monsters, bandits, brigands, pirates, or some other chal-
lenging threat suitable for the group’s level. You can either play The characters learn something about their current or a future
through this fight or, for a speedier resolution, simply have each quest and gain some insight into completing it. This might come
character make a roll using an attribute of their choice. On a fail- as a warning, an encounter with a magical being, or whatever else
ure, the character loses 2d6 Health. you choose.

26
 Side Quest
Travel creates interesting opportunities for side quests, interest-
ing diversions that can give characters access to additional sup-
plies and rewards but might become full blown quests too if you
choose. You can roll on the following table or use it to inspire your
own design.

Random Side Quests

D20 SIDE QUEST

1 A hamlet or farmstead appears to have been abandoned all

of a sudden. Meals have been left on tables, clothing hangs
out to dry, and doors and windows stand open.
2 Smoke rises from several burning wagons. Although there
are plenty of dead, signs indicate that people have been
dragged off.
3 A closed door in the side of an enormous boulder leads to
a tiny faerie realm.
4 A line of rounded hills mark the graves of long-dead war-
riors, but one of them has been opened, evidenced by the
shattered stone of the door that now litters the ground.
5 Scorch marks on the ground form some sort of pattern.
6 The ruins of an abandoned keep crown a low hill.
7 A stampede of cattle, antelope, or some other herd animal
races across the landscape, pursued by monstrous hunters.
8 Steam and smoke rise from a crater. Prints reveal that whatev-
er fell here either walked or was carried away.
9 A family of refugees laments the loss of one of their own, car-
ried off by something when they camped the previous night.
10 A strange altar made of bones and stones exudes menace.
11 Two small armies from lands in the Old Country square off
in the distance. Major Windfall
12 Hundreds of zombies shuffle about in the distance, searching
for brains. Major windfalls offer characters substantial aid, typically reduc-
ing the days of travel by 1d6 or even 2d6. A major windfall could
13 A small village not shown on any maps appears and seems
normal until the people start behaving in odd ways. comprise two or more minor windfalls or simply allow the group
to reach their destination at once.
14 A cavemouth leads deep underground. Unsettling images
appear on its walls, and there are human and animal bones

15
everywhere.
A giant takes long strides in the distance.
Locations
Locations provide the settings for the scenes through which the
16 A vast graveyard, surrounded by a high wall with a single
gate, stands in the middle of nowhere. At night, things are players play. They can be dungeon chambers, trap-infested corri-
seen to move about within. dors, areas of dense forest, a hillside, the deck of a storm-tossed
17 What at first appears to be a bit of metal transforms into a ship, or any place the protagonists happen to be.
strange magical or mechanical device of unknown purpose
or function. Those carrying it feel an odd compulsion to han-
dle it and, eventually, one causes it to reveal its form. Places of Interest
Chapter 1

18 Wild hunters race out from a fog bank accompanied by dire

wolves. The hunters round up mortals and spirit them off to Always remember, there are no empty rooms. Every place the
some unknown fate. Locals beg the characters for aid. player characters move through, explore, and fight in should
19 A square building of black stone with an open portal on invite exploration and discovery. Each offers you an opportunity
one side is visible in the distance. The place exudes a baleful to make the imaginary world more vivid, interesting, and excit-
aura.
ing. Even a standard square room with stone walls, floor, and
20 A staircase made of stone climbs up into the air but seems ceilings, bare of any contents, should be noteworthy for its lack
to go nowhere.
of details.

27
 LEDGES, CLIFFS, AND CLIMBABLE SURFACES: Locations
might contain any kind of climbable surfaces, from ladders to
walls pocked with hand- and footholds.

Location Keywords HIDDEN OBJECTS: A location could contain one or more hid-
den objects. An object might count as hidden because its func-
When writing quests, you might find it helpful to assign tion is unknown, such as a torch sconce that opens a secret door,
keywords to various locations that serve as inspira- or because it’s behind or under something else. Others might be
tional descriptions. You can use them when describ-
ing a place to the players or simply to remember its revealed only in specific circumstances, like the aforementioned
purpose. For example, in an old underground com- writing on a wall. If finding a hidden object is crucial for com-
plex is a chamber containing a shrine to Maglyxinth, pleting a quest and the characters fail to do so, you can always
a dreaded Ancient One. For its keywords, you might offer clues, either freely or with successful luck rolls.
choose Religious, Shadowy, and Unholy. For a forest
clearing, you might choose Pool, Serene, and Sylvan. SCRIPT: Script includes any writing found in the location.
Keywords can be used to convey atmosphere, men- Graffiti might cover the walls of an alley, or a door might hold
tion important features, or provide clues about secrets. a dire warning.
Some possibilities are found on the following table, but
you can use anything you like. GEAR AND ORDINARY OBJECTS: You can populate locations
with gear and other items. Places that have been explored by
D20 SAMPLE D20 SAMPLE other adventurers likely have bits of rope, nails, spikes, tools,
KEYWORD KEYWORD
broken weapons, ammunition, and other items. Lived-in places
1 Chill 11 Curtained have the things you’d expect: buckets, wooden plates, candles,
2 Misty 12 Bone-strewn knickknacks, books, and other objects.
3 Charred 13 Wooded DÉCOR: Locations also have décor as appropriate to their func-
tion, since people like to beautify their surroundings. Banners,
4 Dwarfen 14 Haunted
rugs, curtains, and drawings, along with tables, chairs, and even
5 Rubble-strewn 15 Obscene rubbish, make these areas appear more realistic.
6 Odiferous 16 Colorful
7
8
Bloody
Filthy
17
18
Fey
Strange
Objects
9 Dusty 19 Demonic Anything that’s not a creature is an object, whether it’s alive or not.
10 Religious 20 Ancient Rocks are objects and so are trees, swords, vines growing on a stone
wall, and the molds staining those same walls. Ordinary objects
take no actions and usually do not move. Objects capable of per-
forming activities and moving function as creatures.
SIZE, SPACE, AND REACH: An object has a Size score and occu-
Interactive Features pies a space just as creatures do. As most objects lack limbs, they
have no reach.
Many locations have elements that the characters can push, pull,
ATTRIBUTES: An object’s attributes reflect its capabilities in the
turn, open, close, or otherwise manipulate. An interactive feature
same way they do for a creature. An object incapable of exerting
can be as simple as a crude wooden door hanging from one bent
hinge, or as elaborate as a great table laden with a feast and ringed force has a Strength score of 0. An object that can’t move itself
with chairs in which sit the withered corpses of long-dead aris- has an Agility score of 0. Only rare objects have Intellect and
tocrats. Features can be out in the open, obvious to anyone who Will scores. If an object has an attribute score, it can perform
looks around in the location, or might be hidden from view, such activities related to it. Otherwise, the object lacks the means to
as a diabolical trap, words that appear on the walls only in the light perform these activities, never makes rolls using the attribute,
cast by a specific candle, or patches of toxic mold. and is usually immune to effects that originate from successful
rolls made against that attribute.
DOORS AND LOCKS: A door or doorlike object, such as a gate
or portcullis, might connect two locations or offer access to a DEFENSE: Unless the object has some means to avoid harm, it
hidden area. A creature can open an unlocked door freely. has a Defense score of 0. An object that is worn or carried uses
Sage Advice

the Defense of whatever wears or carries it. Vehicles with driv-

CONTAINERS: Sacks, chests, barrels, boxes, and other containers ers or pilots have a Defense equal to half the driver or pilot’s
might hold anything from water to pickled elf ears. Agility score. If an object can move under its own volition, it
PITS, HOLES, AND CRACKS: Holes in the floor can drop has a Defense score equal to its Agility score. Unworn suits of
any distance you choose. When covered, they might act as armor have Defense 0. If a suit of armor is worn, the armor’s
traps. Some holes could be chutes that carry travelers to other Defense, though not that of its wearer, becomes equal to the
locations. wearer’s Agility score.

28
HEALTH: An object has a Health score equal to 20 × its Size. An for a metal one. A roll isn’t necessary if there’s plenty of time, but
object larger than Size 5 has multiple parts making up its total a creature in combat or another tense situation makes a Strength
form, each of which is Size 1 and has Health 20. Destroying a roll. On a success, it forces the door open. Metal doors or those
part of the object indicates that part has been shattered or ruined, barred shut impose 1 or more banes on the roll. If the creature gets
while leaving the remaining ones intact. Destroying a section of a running start, it makes the roll with 1 boon.
wall, for example, does not topple the whole wall. Rather, it cre- Gates, especially portcullises, work as doors. Portcullises might
ates a hole in the wall where the destroyed section was. have to be lifted, requiring a Strength score of at least 12 to make
Objects lose Health instead of taking damage. When an object the attempt as well as a successful Strength roll.
would take damage from a source that can harm it, reduce the Doors are objects, so they can be attacked like any other object.
object’s Health score by that amount. An object whose Health is SECURING A DOOR: A creature can attempt to secure a door
reduced to 0 is destroyed, ruined and nonfunctional. Creations, by placing its weight on it, piling up heavy objects against it, or
which are animated objects, take damage as creatures do. hammering a spike into the floor in front of it. Once secured,
Objects might be vulnerable or immune to certain sources opening the door requires a success on a Strength roll or the
of damage. A stone wall is scorched by fire but takes no real door’s destruction. If a creature secures the door with its weight,
damage from it. A wooden wall, though, takes damage from the opponent makes its attribute roll against the creature’s
the flames and might catch fire. A glass window, being fragile, Strength score. Otherwise, the Sage might impose 1 or more
takes double damage from heavy objects, whether they’re made banes, depending on the materials used to secure the door.
of wood, stone, or metal. A cloth object takes no damage from a
blunt weapon but takes double damage from an edged weapon.
In all cases, the Sage makes the final determination, using
Locks
common sense to determine the outcome.
Doors, lids, and the like might be secured with locks. If a creature
SECURED AND UNSECURED: A secured object is held fast in has the key, it can unlock a lock with little trouble. Otherwise,
some way: bolted in place, tied down, or otherwise affixed to a the creature must either destroy the lock by attacking it or pick
surface. An unsecured object has nothing to keep it in place and it using tools.
can be picked up and moved. Picking a lock requires lock picks. It takes 1d6 minutes to open
LIFTING, SHOVING, AND DRAGGING: Creatures can lift, an inferior lock, 2d6 minutes for a typical lock, and 4d6 minutes
shove, or drag unsecured objects. As a general rule, a creature or longer for a superior lock. At the end of this time, the creature
can lift a number of pounds equal to its Size × (its Strength makes an Agility roll with 1 or more banes depending on the lock’s
score × 10). complexity. On a success, it opens the lock and can freely unlock
and lock it. On a failure, the lock remains locked, and attempts to
Rather than track specific weights of things, the game relies
try again before a rest result in automatic failures.
on common sense to determine what can be moved in these
Some locks are trapped and might punish even an attempt to
ways. A creature could push a wagon that has wheels, but if
pick them. In addition, locks might be magical and thus immune
it doesn’t, the wagon’s weight might mean it doesn’t budge.
to efforts to unlock them with ordinary tools.
Similarly, a creature might topple a statue, but it’s not likely to
be able to push a wall down without serious help. If a creature
attempts to lift, shove, or drag a heavy object, you can call for a
Walls and Structures
Strength roll to see what happens. The weight and bulk of the
Walls and structures are objects. Instead of attacking the entire
object might impose 1 or more banes, or just render the task
structure, attacks apply to a section the attacker can reach.
impossible.
Destroying the section creates a hole in it. Doing this requires a
DROPPING OBJECTS: When a creature drops an object of some weapon suitable for the work—a maul will make more headway
hard material, the object falls and takes damage from landing, than will a knife when trying to breach a stone wall, while a knife
dealing the same amount of damage to whatever it lands on. If is better for cutting through canvas than is a maul. Magic, explo-
an object would fall on a creature, the creature makes a luck roll sives, and similar effects can destroy entire walls and structures and
and, on a success, move out of the path of the falling object and might cause them to bury anyone and anything under them.
take no damage when it lands.
Digging and Excavation
Doors and Gates It takes one person using a heavy tool kit about 1 hour of work
to clear loose debris from a cube 2 yards on each side, or 3 hours
Chapter 1

Doors, gates, and similar objects block progress. Overcoming

of work to clear the same space of solid rock. For each additional
these obstacles involves moving them out of the way—pushing the
person working to clear the space, reduce the time for each cube
door open or lifting the gate. Alternatively, it might be necessary
by 10 percent, to a minimum of 6 minutes for dirt or 18 minutes
to hack through it, kick it down, or pick the lock.
for solid rock.
A creature can try to open a door with brute force, throwing
a shoulder into it or kicking it down. A Strength score of 11 or
higher is needed to force open a wooden door, and 13 or higher

29
 the creature from making an attempt again until it
changes the circumstances in some way.
Players might come up with unorthodox ways to deal
with traps they find. Let common sense guide your deci-
sion about whether it works or not. For example, if the
characters discover an adhesive floor trap before they
trigger it, and place wooden boards over the gluey surface,
you could let that work even though the trap makes no
mention of this particular method for dealing with it.
The following entries offer a selection of traps. Although
you can use these traps at any tier, be mindful of their
effects. Some harmful traps can be lethal for novice
characters.

Adhesive Floor
A thin, clear, tacky substance covers the ground inside a
space of up to Size 5. Dust might collect on parts of the
floor, giving it a raised appearance. Also, there might be
signs left by others who have run afoul of this trap: a pair
of empty boots, a scrap of withered skin and bloodstains,
or the bones of someone who starved to death.
When a creature moves onto a ground containing the
substance, the creature becomes held. An object that enters
such a space becomes secured. A creature held by the trap
can overcome the effect with a success on a Strength roll,
which renders the creature immune to the trap’s effects
until the end of the creature’s next turn. On a failure, the
creature’s future attempts to overcome the trap’s effect
result in an automatic failure.
A creature can divest itself of footwear glued to the floor
and hop back to a safe surface.
Traps A creature whose unprotected body has come into con-
tact with the adhesive must be cut free. This results in a
Traps hinder, maim, or kill. They sound alarms, summon monsters, or hold loss of 1d6 Health for a small patch of skin, 3d6 for a large
intruders until others can come to investigate. Traps add tension to the patch, or 10d6 Health if the whole side of one’s body is
game and also create interesting complications when triggered in the mid- held.
dle of combat. Alcohol dissolves the adhesive, and any character with
Traps describe any hidden peril, which can be mechanical, magical, professional knowledge related to chemistry or its equiva-
or natural. A mechanical trap shoots darts from hidden openings when lent knows this fact.
someone trips the wire stretched across the floor. A magical trap encases a Finally, the adhesive is flammable. Any source of fire that
victim in a bubble made of force or teleports the creature to some far-flung touches the surface spreads across it and burns for 1 hour.
place. Natural traps include molds, flesh-eating slime dripping from the The resulting smoke is toxic; any creature that inhales it
ceilings, or gelatinous shapes invisible until someone stumbles into them. makes a Strength roll and becomes poisoned (luck ends)
on a failure.
FINDING TRAPS: Shadow of the Weird Wizard explains the basic
steps involved in finding a trap. But it bears repeating that you should
reward players who take precautions about traps by letting them find Alarm Trap
clues that reveal the danger. If a character uses a pole to tap the floor
Bells, metal pots, pans, cans, and other metal objects hang
in hopes of thwarting a pressure plate, let them find it. Similarly, if a
Sage Advice

from a string tied to the handle of a door in the space

character examines an opening, looking for tripwires, they ought to
directly behind the door. Any wind in that space causes
find one if it’s there.
the objects to bang and rattle.
COUNTERMEASURES: It might be possible to disarm, destroy, or take When a creature opens the trapped door, a sound as loud
control of a trap. Generally, if a trap has exposed components, such as a as a shout emanates from behind the door. Once triggered,
tripwire or pressure plate, a creature can disarm it by finding the exposed the trap must be reset before it can be triggered again.
component. If the trap can be disarmed, the trap mentions this in its Cutting the string and lowering the metal objects to the
description. - Note, that a failure on a roll to disarm the trap prevents floor disarms the trap.

30
 Cage Trap Deadfall
A Size 3 metal cage hangs from a rope in the space above the The ceiling over a space, typically Size 5, has been weakened, inten-
ground. A tarp, disguised to look like a ceiling, conceals it. Wind tionally or not. This fact becomes evident to any creature with
in the trapped area causes the tarp to rustle. A creature inspecting professional knowledge of architecture, mining, and the like who
the floor might see signs from when the trap was triggered in the spends 1 minute or more inspecting the ceiling. In addition, dust
past—chip marks, fractures, or rust flakes on the ground. might stream down from the cracks.
Make a secret luck roll on the behalf of a creature that moves The ceiling collapses when a sound as loud as a shout occurs
on the ground under the trap. On a failure, the creature steps on a within 10 yards of the space. Each creature and object in the space
pressure plate that releases the cage. The cage falls down and lands loses 4d6 Health from the falling debris, and each creature that
on the floor with any creatures inside its space trapped. The noise loses Health in this way makes a Strength roll. On a failure, the
from the cage’s fall is as loud as a shout. creature also falls prone and becomes buried in 1d6 feet of debris.
A creature examining the floor can find the pressure plate The fallen material covers the ground in the space with challenging
directly underneath the cage. A creature with professional knowl- terrain that remains until cleared away.
edge related to traps can spend 1 minute working on the plate with Characters can shore up the ceiling if they place four stout sup-
a tool kit. When the creature finishes, it makes an Intellect roll ports between the floor and ceiling.
with 1 bane. On a success, the creature disarms the trap. On a crit-
ical failure, the creature triggers the trap.
The iron bars of the cage form a lattice with 1-foot-square gaps.
Diagram Trap
The bars have Health 20, but they are sturdy and ignore damage On the ground inside a Size 3 space there appears a complex pat-
from all but two-handed melee weapons. tern in paint or filigree. Effects that reveal magical effects show
Four or more creatures can attempt to lift the cage and tip it over the diagram to be a magical trap. And, a creature with professional
on its side, provided the sum of their Strength scores is 45 or higher. knowledge of magic who examines the diagram recognizes that it
is a magical maze.
A creature that moves into the space containing the trap acti-
Corridor of Death vates it, causing it to emit bright light for 24 hours. If that creature
The corridor of death can connect two rooms or serve as an moves out of the space without first solving the maze, as described
entryway into a complex. The trap protects a line of three Size 2 below, the creature loses 12d6 Health.
spaces. A pressure plate concealed to look like flagstones or the The creature who activates the trap recognizes their peril, but
like appears on the floor in each section. At your discretion, blood also how to escape it. The creature can attempt to find its way out
spatters, severed limbs, and other signs of the trap’s effects might by making three Intellect rolls and then stepping free. For each
appear in these spaces. success, reduce the amount of Health lost by 4d6. A creature that
When a creature enters a space containing a pressure plate and gets three successes either makes luck rolls with 1 boon for 1 hour
the creature lacks awareness of a pressure plate, make a secret luck or regains one casting expended from a spell it learned.
roll for that creature. On a failure, the creature steps on the plate
and triggers the trap. Pendulum blades swing back and forth in Ear Slugs
that space for 1 minute.
When the trap is triggered and at the start of each new round, Tiny slugs infest the wood of a door. The slugs leave faint, purple
each creature in a space containing the swinging blades makes an trails when they move across the surface, immediately evident
Agility roll with 1 bane. On a failure, the creature loses 2d6 Health to anyone who examines the door. A creature with professional
from being struck by a blade. knowledge of nature can identify the trails with a success on an
A creature can attempt to time its movement by using an action Intellect roll.
to study the swinging blades. When the creature enters a space When a flesh-and-blood creature places its ear to the trapped
containing the swinging blades, the creature can make an Intellect door, the creature becomes infected with ear slugs. While infected
roll in place of an Agility roll. in this way, the creature is Intellect impaired.
A lever stands out from the wall at the end of the corridor. Any damage from fire dealt to the door destroys the infestation.
Pulling the lever disarms the trap. For a tougher trap, consider
using a three-lever trap (see page 38) to disarm this trap.
A creature can attack the blades while they swing. They have
Entrancing Image
Chapter 1

Defense 10 and Health 20. Destroying the blades clears the trap A Size 1/2 invisible glyph sits on the surface of a larger object.
from one space. Effects that reveal invisible creatures, objects, and effects reveal
A creature examining the floor in a space finds the pressure the glyph and a creature with professional knowledge of magic
plate, so it can be avoided. A creature with professional knowledge and made aware of the glyph can identify it with a success on an
related to traps can spend 1 minute working on the plate with a Intellect roll with 1 bane.
tool kit. When the creature finishes, it makes an Intellect roll with A command word, spoken aloud within 10 yards of the glyph
2 banes. On a success, the creature disarms the trap. On a critical renders it inert for 24 hours. Otherwise, when a creature moves to
failure, the creature triggers the trap. within 5 yards of the glyph, an illusion appears in an empty Size 1

31
 space of your choice and remains until there is no creature within
10 yards of the glyph, at which point the image disappears and the Flammable Gas
glyph becomes inert for 1 hour. Invisible, flammable gas fills the air of a space of any Size. The
Any creature with line of sight to the illusion makes a Will roll. gas turns exposed flames within 10 yards of the space green and
On a success, the creature becomes immune to this trap for 24 creatures can smell an unpleasant odor coming from this space. A
hours. On a failure, the creature is pulled 5 yards toward it and creature that enters the space without holding its breath makes a
becomes stunned until it no longer has line of sight to the illusion. Strength roll with 1 bane. On a failure, the creature becomes weak-
A stunned creature cannot shut its eyes. ened (luck ends). Each time the creature makes a luck roll to end
Magic capable of ending permanent magical effects can destroy the affliction, the creature loses 1d6 Health.
this trap. A flame brought into the space ignites the gas, which burns
away with a great whoosh. The resulting flames cause each creature
Falling Blocks Trap and object in the space to lose 3d6 Health.
A strong wind clears the space of the gas for as long as it blows,
Six stone blocks hang suspended from the ceiling above a Size 5 and for 1 hour afterwards.
space. A false ceiling, made of thin slats of wood painted to dis-
guise its nature, conceals the blocks. Anyone inspecting the ceiling
discovers the painted veneer. Removing the wooden slats requires
Flesh-Eating Slime
an action and reveals the blocks. Each rope holding a block has a A Size 1 glistening mass of slime clings to the ceiling. Moisture
Health score of 5. Destroying the rope releases the block. from the slime dampens the ground underneath the spot to which
When a creature moves across the ground into the space under- it clings. Weapons, armor, coins, and other metal objects might be
neath the hanging blocks or moves in the space under the blocks, left behind from previous victims. Bright light reveals the slime; in
make a secret luck roll on that creature’s behalf. On a failure, one dim light, faint light, or darkness the slime is invisible.
block falls, followed by another one at the end of each round until When a flesh-and-blood creature moves under the slime, the
all six have fallen. The creature that triggered the trap loses 3d6 creature makes a luck roll. On a success, the slime lands on the
Health and falls prone. When a block falls, each creature in the ground in an empty space of your choice within 1 yard of the crea-
trapped space makes an Agility roll with 1 bane. The creature with ture; it takes 24 hours to return to its previous position. On a fail-
the lowest failed result is hit by a falling block, loses 3d6 Health, ure, the slime covers the creature; it loses 1d6 Health and becomes
and falls prone. vulnerable (luck ends). The creature loses 1d6 Health each time it
A creature examining the floor can find the pressure plates makes a luck roll to end the vulnerable affliction.
directly underneath the blocks. A creature with professional The slime also affects ordinary objects made from organic mate-
knowledge related to traps can spend 1 minute working on the rials that the creature wears and carries, with the same effects.
plate with a tool kit. When the creature finishes, it makes an A creature that deals 10 or more damage to the slime or what-
Intellect roll with 1 bane. On a success, the creature disarms the ever it covers destroys it, but also deals the same amount of damage
trap. On a critical failure, the creature triggers the trap. to the creature it covers. The slime can also be scraped off, but it
takes three actions to do so.

Flame Jets Floater

One side of a Size 5 space that rests against a solid surface covers a
Found in the wild places of the borderlands, the floater feeds on
hidden space containing metal tanks filled with flammable chem- decomposing animal matter, usually created by killing those crea-
icals. Flexible tubing connects the tanks to nozzles set in the wall. tures that come too close. The plant takes its name from its seed
There might be scorch marks on the floor, wall, and ceiling, as well pod; filled with lighter-than-air gas, it rises from the mass of vege-
as the charred remains of the trap’s previous victims. tation covering the ground in its area. Thin tendrils tether the seed
A character that spends 1 minute or longer inspecting the wall pod so that it doesn’t blow away. Anyone that sees the floating
finds the nozzles. A character that spends 5 minutes or longer seed pod and that has professional knowledge of nature can iden-
inspecting the space also finds the hidden door that leads to the tify the floater with a success on an Intellect roll.
chamber containing the tanks. When a creature moves to within 5 yards of a floater or moves
When a creature moves into the trapped space or moves around around within this distance, make a secret luck roll on behalf of
inside it, make a secret luck roll on behalf of that creature. On a that creature. On a failure, the seed pod opens with a loud report,
failure, the creature steps on a pressure plate that activates the trap. audible out to a range of 100 yards, that releases needle-sharp
Flames jet out from the nozzles filling the trapped space with fire. seeds in all directions. Each creature within 5 yards of the floater
Sage Advice

Each creature and object in the space loses 3d6 Health and catches makes a luck roll. On a failure, the creature loses 1d6 Health, falls
fire (luck ends). prone, and becomes poisoned (luck ends).
A creature examining the floor of the trapped space can find the It takes the weed 24 hours to produce another seed pod.
pressure plates. A creature with professional knowledge related Strong wind, with a successful luck roll, can clear an area of the
to traps can spend 1 minute working on the plate with a tool kit. dangerous pods. Fire dealing 10 damage or more burns up the
When the creature finishes, it makes an Intellect roll with 2 banes. pods, while 20 damage or more kills the plant. Finally, a success
On a success, the creature disarms the trap. On a critical failure, on a called shot to the tendrils can sever them, releasing the pod to
the creature triggers the trap. float away into the air.

32
 the mold and for 1 minute thereafter. A creature can overcome this
Flooding Chamber affliction with a success on a Strength roll.
A flooding chamber trap turns a single room, typically of Size Dealing 10 damage or more to the mold from a cold source
clears it from surfaces in a Size 5 space.
5, into a deathtrap. The room can have any number of exits. The
trap’s creator might leave bait in the form of valuables, food, or
some other enticement to lure creatures onto the floor, which acts Gem of the Ghost W yrm
as one large pressure plate.
Mold and mildew stain the walls throughout the chamber. The gemstone containing the trap appears valuable, but is in fact
Looking at the floor reveals a dozen grated drain holes. Inspecting worthless. The gem might be found in a chest, sitting on a pedes-
the walls near the ceiling reveals circular metal covers, disguised tal, or embedded in a statue’s eye socket. Any effect that reveals
to blend in with the walls, that lift on hinges and cover tubes magic shows the gemstone to be magical. A successful Intellect
that stretch off into the darkness. Finally, anyone inspecting the roll by a creature that can see this aura identifies the trap’s func-
entrances can see a deep groove across the floor in each opening. tion. A creature with professional knowledge of mining, gem cut-
There might be standing water in the groove. ting, or anything similar that sees the gemstone recognizes it as
When three Size 1 creatures occupy the space, the floor sinks being worthless.
with a clicking sound. Metal doors drop down in each entry to When a creature touches the gemstone, it emits bright light
seal the space closed. Water then pours into the chamber from that immediately takes the shape of a ghostly dragon that springs
concealed openings and gradually fills the chamber to the ceiling, forward to attack the creature that activated it. The creature loses
gaining 1 foot of depth per round. 1d6 Health and makes an Agility roll with 1 bane. On a failure,
The water remains for 1 hour and then drains out via grated the creature loses an extra 3d6 Health, falls prone, and becomes
openings in the floor. Even if a few drains become blocked, unconscious (luck ends). Each time the creature makes a luck
enough dot the floor to empty the chamber of water after 10 min- roll to end this affliction, it loses another 1d6 Health. Once the
utes. Once fully drained, the metal doors recede into their niches, ghostly dragon attacks, it disappears and the trap becomes inert
lock in place, and the trap automatically resets. for 1 minute.
Any effect that ends magical effects can neutralize the trap. The
A creature examining the floor can find the pressure plate. A
gemstone has Health 10. Destroying it also destroys the trap.
creature with professional knowledge related to traps can spend
10 hours working on the plate with a tool kit. When the creature
finishes, it makes an Intellect roll with 1 bane. On a success, the
creature disarms the trap. On a critical failure, the creature triggers
the trap.
Anything that blocks the hinged doors covering the tubes pre-
vents water from entering the chamber.
The doors are solid metal and are immune to harm from ordi-
nary weapons. They each have Health 40 and take no damage from
cold, fire, or lightning. If the chamber contains water while
the doors are open, the water drains into adja-
cent areas, carrying with it each creature
and unsecured object in the chamber.
Creatures end this movement prone.
Destroying even one door prevents
the trap from resetting.

Frost Mold
Patches of frost mold can cover surfaces
in a Size 5 space, but might often cover
surfaces in several small spaces. The mold
feeds on heat. Any breathing creature
within 5 yards of the mold can see its
Chapter 1

own breath. A creature with profes-

sional knowledge of nature recognizes
the mold on sight.
At the end of each round, each
flesh-and-blood creature within 5 yards
of at least one patch of frost mold loses
1d6 Health and becomes weakened for as
long as it remains within this distance of

33
 The chest has Defense 11 (it hops around) and Health 30.
Grinder Destroying the chest destroys the trap. In addition, any effect that
The grinder protects a room, typically Size 10. On the floor in ends magical effects destroys the trap, turning it into an ordinary
the center of the room, two hinged doors stand shut. They have empty chest.
been disguised to look like a normal floor. Creatures notice the
room vibrates and a racket emanates from under their feet—loud Id Moss
enough to drown out shouting and audible from up to 100 yards
away. Anyone inspecting the ground in the space notices the seam. Patches of violet moss grow on rocks in woodland areas. The moss
It takes just 50 pounds of weight to cause the hinged doors to emits a high frequency sound that causes confusion. Ordinary
fall open. Anything on them drops to the bottom of a pit, where people don’t register the sound the moss emits, but beasts hear a
enormous, toothed wheels spin. The creature that triggers this high-pitched whine that distresses them. Any creature with pro-
trap makes an Agility roll with 1 bane. On a success, the creature fessional knowledge of nature that sees the moss can make an
catches itself on the edge of the pit and can pull itself or be pulled Intellect roll. On a success, the creature identifies it.
up. On a failure, the creature falls to the bottom and loses 20d6 At the end of each round, each creature that is within 10 yards
Health, plus an additional 20d6 Health at the start of each round of at least one patch of id moss and that is not deafened makes
a Will roll. On a failure, the creature becomes Intellect impaired
until there’s nothing left.
for as long as it remains within range and then for 1 hour after it
A character that can reach the hinged doors can use an action
moves out of range.
and a tool kit to lock them in place. A creature searching the wall
In addition, each Intellect impaired creature within 10 yards of
near any entrance to the room can make a luck roll. On a success,
the id moss rolls 1d6 at the end of the round to see what happens
the creature finds a concealed button that, when depressed, stops
to it during the next round.
the wheels from spinning.
The spinning wheels take no damage from weapons but can be 1. It becomes stunned until the end of the next round.
damaged by bombs, concussive force, and magical force. The wheels 2. It becomes confused until the end of the next round.
have Health 100. Destroying the wheels neutralizes the trap. 3. It loses 1d6 Health.
4. It uses an action to run if it can and then moves as far as it
can in a random direction from the id moss.
Hazardous Mold 5. It moves up to its Speed toward a randomly determined
creature that it can see within 10 yards and, if it can reach
Hazardous mold grows in damp, dark places where it contami-
that creature, uses an action to attack it. If it cannot make an
nates the air with noxious spores. The mold appears in the space attack, the creature loses 1d6 Health.
where it grows. A creature with professional knowledge of nature
6. It falls prone and becomes unconscious for as long as it
that sees the mold or its effects identifies it. remains within 10 yards of the id moss and for 1 hour after
When a flesh-and-blood creature enters a space containing haz- it moves out of range. Time spent unconscious in this way
ardous mold, it makes a Strength roll. On a success, it becomes does not count as resting.
immune to the spores for 24 hours. On a failure, the creature Only corrosives can destroy id moss. Dealing 10 damage or more
becomes infected with the spores. with such substances clears it away from all surfaces in a Size 2 space.
A creature infected with spores starts showing patches of mold
on its body after 1d6 minutes and then makes the Strength roll,
with 1 bane, each hour rather than after each rest. A creature that Invisible Predator Trap
dies while infected with spores decomposes in 1 hour and forms a Magic in the trapped area awaits intruders and dispatches an
new patch of hazardous mold. invisible killer—a creation—that deals with them when they least
Cold, fire, and lightning can damage the mold. Dealing 10 damage expect it. The trap occupies the surface inside a Size 1 space. The
or more from one of these sources clears a Size 5 space of the mold. space detects as magical if it has not been activated.
Any effect that reveals magic shows an aura around the trap. A
Hungry Chest Trap successful Intellect roll by a creature that can see this aura identi-
fies the trap’s function. A creature might find a magic word that,
A hungry chest looks like an ordinary chest, albeit large. Variations when spoken at the edge of the area, disarms the trap for 1 minute.
on this trap include wardrobes and outhouses. Any effect that A creature that moves to within 5 yards of the trapped space
reveals magic shows an aura around the chest. A successful Intellect activates it, which causes the creature to become cursed. At the
roll by a creature that can see this aura identifies the trap’s function. end of each rest, the creature makes a luck roll. On a success, the
Sage Advice

When a creature touches the chest, the lid opens to reveal a affliction ends. Each time a creature cursed in this way gets a crit-
mouth filled with sharp teeth. The creature that activated the chest ical failure on an attribute roll or luck roll, the creature loses 2d6
makes a luck roll with 1 bane. On a failure, the chest snaps the Health as some invisible force slams into it.
creature up. The creature loses 4d6 Health and becomes trapped An effect that reveals magical effects and that is used to inspect
inside the chest. A creature so trapped is weakened, cannot per- the area within 5 yards of a target cursed in this way reveals an
ceive anything outside of the chest, and has total cover from every- invisible amorphous blob somewhere nearby. The blob is immune
thing outside the chest. Finally, at the end of each round, the crea- to harm; any effect that can end magical effects or end the cursed
ture loses 1d6 Health. affliction causes the blob to dissipate.

34
 however, reveals a handle inside. The handle turns clockwise and
Light Lattice counterclockwise. A character investigating the depression can
The Light Lattice trap protects openings such as doorways, arches, make an Intellect roll and, on a success, finds the trap.
and the like. Anyone inspecting the edges of the opening finds A creature that places its hand (or equivalent appendage) in
tiny magical runes and sigils etched or carved into the surface the depression and turns the handle clockwise activates the trap,
all around the opening. A creature inspecting the glyphs with an causing a blade to slam down on the appendage, severing it. The
effect that reveals magic sees an aura around them. A successful creature loses 2d6 Health and an additional 1d6 Health at the end
Intellect roll made by this creature reveals the nature of the trap. of each round until it heals any damage or a creature stanches the
When a creature moves through the entrance, the glyphs release wound using a healer’s kit.
beams of solidified light across the entrance that remain in place Turning the handle counterclockwise opens the door.
for 1 hour. The creature that triggered the trap makes a luck roll A creature examining the opening can find the mechanism. A
with 1 bane. If the creature ran, it makes the roll with 1 boon creature with professional knowledge related to traps can spend
instead. On a success, roll a d6. On a 3 or less, the creature stopped 1 minute working on the plate with a tool kit. When the creature
before it crossed the lattice. On a 4 or higher, the creature reached finishes, it makes an Intellect roll with 1 bane. On a success, the
the other side of the lattice before the trap triggered. On a failure, creature disarms the trap. On a critical failure, the creature triggers
the creature is caught while moving through the lattice and loses the trap.
6d6 Health, and can end its move on either side of the lattice. Also, the door can be destroyed. It has Health 100.
Until the effect ends, anything passing through the lattice loses
6d6 Health.
Any effect that ends magical effects destroys this trap. Melodious Sphere
Soft music sounds from a Size 1/4 crystal sphere. Often, the
Lightning Pillar sphere rests atop a tripod, pedestal, or in a hanging bowl. The
A rune-carved pillar rises from the floor, topped with a copper music carries 10 yards. A creature more than 5 yards from the
ring. A creature inspecting the pillar while under an effect that sphere but within 10 yards that listens to its melody for 1 minute
reveals magic sees the pillar is magical. A successful Intellect roll can make an Intellect roll. On a success, the creature feels dis-
made by this creature reveals the nature of the trap. turbed by the music.
When a creature moves to within 5 yards of the pillar without A creature that moves to within 5 yards of the sphere and that is
immediately speaking the magical word that neutralizes it, light- not deafened makes a Will roll. On a success, the creature becomes
ning leaps from the pillar toward that creature. The creature makes immune to this trap for 24 hours. On a failure, the creature
an Agility roll with 1 bane. On a failure, the creature takes 3d6 becomes cursed by the sphere until it moves more than 5 yards
damage, and becomes vulnerable and catches fire (luck ends both). from the sphere or until the sphere is destroyed.
Henceforth, the lightning pillar sends lightning at a randomly A creature cursed in this way cannot move more than 5 yards
determined creature within 10 yards at the end of each round. If away from the sphere under its own power and regards any other
there are no eligible targets, the effect ends and the trap resets. creature within 5 yards of the sphere as an enemy, attacking it on
Speaking the magical word neutralizes the trap for 1 minute. each of its turns. If there are no other creatures within the area, the
The pillar can be attacked. It has Health 20. Destroying it neutral- cursed creature becomes stunned until another creature moves to
izes the trap. within 5 yards of the sphere.
The sphere can be attacked. It has Health 20. If destroyed, the
Magical Mouth sphere explodes, and each creature within 5 yards loses 1d6 Health
from the concussive force.
An invisible glyph occupies a Size 1 space on a larger surface. This
trap often accompanies other traps, possibly to deliver clues or mis-
lead intruders. A creature examining the area with an effect that Necromantic Surprise
reveals magic sees the glyph. A successful Intellect roll made by this
creature reveals the nature of the trap. The Necromantic Surprise trap protects a room of any Size. Bones
When a creature moves to within 5 yards of the glyph, magic cover its floor and its walls and ceiling bear marks of wild writing in
causes a mouth to appear in the glyph’s space that remains long charcoal or black ink. A creature capable of reading Arcane can see
enough to deliver a message. The mouth speaks in a booming voice that the writing on the wall produces some kind of Necromancy
as loud as a shout, so it might warn about the presence of intruders magic, and the creature can make an Intellect roll. On a success,
Chapter 1

or give the creature a riddle to solve. It can say anything you choose. the creature discovers the trap’s effects.
Any effect that ends magical effects destroys the trap. When a flesh-and-blood creature enters the trapped space, black
shadows spill from the words to gather around the bones. At the
end of the round, 3d6 small or medium animated skeletons rise up
Maiming Blade from the bones. They treat all flesh-and-blood creatures as enemies
The Maiming Blade trap protects a door made from metal or and attack as soon as they can. They pursue fleeing creatures.
stone. The door offers no clues about how to open it; it resists Any effect that can end a magical effect neutralizes the trap.
being pushed or pulled. An opening in the middle of the door, Destroying all the skeletons also disarms the trap.

35
 Needle Bush Net Trap
The needle bush grows in temperate plains, prairies, and open hills, where A net has been tied to the ceiling of a room. A trip-
it can distribute its seeds freely. It recalls the juniper in appearance, except wire stretches across the floor under it. Any creature
it has golden needles instead of bluish ones. Needle bushes grow in clumps, inspecting the floor in this space can spot the wire.
reaching about 4 feet in height. Anyone with professional knowledge of When a creature moves across the ground in the space
nature that can see the needle bush can make an Intellect roll. On a success, containing the tripwire, make a secret luck roll for that
the creature identifies the plant and its effects. creature. On a failure, the creature trips the trap, which
At the end of the round, if there is at least one Size 1/2 or larger creature releases the net to fall upon it. See Chapter 3 in Shadow
within 5 yards of a needle bush, the plant fires its needles. Each creature of the Weird Wizard for the net’s rules.
within 5 yards of it makes an Agility roll. A creature wearing medium or A creature with professional knowledge related
heavy armor makes the roll with 1 boon, while a creature made from stone to traps can spend 1 minute working on the tripwire
or metal gets an automatic success. On a failure, the creature loses 1d6 with a tool kit. When the creature finishes, it makes
Health, and becomes Agility impaired until a creature uses an action to an Intellect roll. On a success, the creature disarms the
remove all of the needles. trap. On a critical failure, the creature triggers the trap.
A particular needle bush can fire its needles three times before it runs
out. It replenishes its supply of needles 7 days later.
A needle bush has Health 20 and takes double damage from fire. Pit Trap
Destroying the needle bush neutralizes its threat. A tarp or thin wooden cover hides a deep pit. Anyone
inspecting the space containing the covering finds it.
A creature that moves across the ground in the space
containing the trap tumbles into the pit and loses 1d6
Health when it hits the bottom. Some pits have spikes
lining the bottom, in which case the fallen creature
loses 2d6 Health instead. The spikes might be smeared
with poison. If so, the creature makes a Strength roll.
On a failure, it becomes poisoned (luck ends).

Poison Gas Trap

A poison gas trap protects a container such as an urn or
sarcophagus. The gas might leak out of the container,
leaving a residue around the edge or offering an unpleas-
ant smell. Opening the container triggers the trap, caus-
ing poisonous gas to spill out of the container to fill a
Size 5 space centered on it and that remains for 1 min-
ute or until dispersed by a light or stronger wind. Each
breathing creature in the space when the trap is triggered
and at the end of its turns makes a Strength roll with 1
bane. On a failure, the creature loses 1d6 Health, and
becomes poisoned (luck ends). If a creature is already
poisoned, it loses an additional 1d6 Health.

Poisoned Dart Trap

The poisoned dart trap typically protects about 5 yards
of hallway. Holes dot the walls on either side and in
them wait darts with poison smeared on their tips. A
pressure plate at the end of the hall activates the trap.
Sage Advice

A creature inspecting the walls in the protected section

reveals the holes, while anyone examining the floor at
the end can find the pressure plate.
A creature trips the trap when it moves onto the
ground at the end of the hallway. A barrage of darts fly
from the walls at differing heights. Each creature in the
trapped section of hall loses 1d6 Health, and becomes
poisoned (luck ends).

36
 A creature with professional knowledge related to traps can
spend 1 minute working on the pressure plate with a tool kit. Prison of Amber
When the creature finishes, it makes an Intellect roll with 1 bane.
An invisible rune protects a door or container. Any magical effect
On a success, the creature disarms the trap. On a critical failure,
that reveals magic also reveals the rune. A creature that can see the
the creature triggers the trap. rune can make an Intellect roll and identifies the trap on a success.
When a creature touches the object bearing the rune, the rune
Poisoned Handle sprays magical amber-colored liquid at that creature. The creature
makes an Agility roll with 1 bane. On a failure, the substance cov-
A nasty poison covers a door handle. Anyone inspecting the han- ers the creature’s body and hardens at the end of the round, causing
dle notices the tacky substance covering it. A creature touching the creature to become held and stunned. While it has these afflic-
the handle with an unprotected appendage becomes poisoned tions, the creature is affected by suffocation.
(luck ends). The poison’s virulence imposes 1 bane on rolls made Once activated, the trap resets itself 1 minute later.
to overcome this affliction. A codeword spoken aloud within 5 yards of the trap neutralizes
the rune for 1d6 minutes. A creature held by the amber can be
freed by destroying the material. The amber counts as an object
Poisoned Needle Trap with Health 40. However, when the amber takes damage, the crea-
The poisoned needle trap lurks inside a lock. Make a secret luck roll ture it holds makes a luck roll. On a failure, the creature takes half
for a creature that examines the opening. If the creature has profes- the damage taken by the amber.
sional knowledge of traps, the creature gets an automatic success. On
a success, the creature notices the needle inside the lock’s opening. Projectile Turret
When a creature uses lockpicks to unlock the trapped lock,
the creature makes an Agility roll with 2 banes. On a failure, the A pressure plate has been hidden on the floor inside of a Size 2
creature loses 1 Health and becomes poisoned (luck ends). The space. A creature inspecting the floor in the space finds the pres-
poison’s virulence imposes 1 bane on rolls made to overcome this sure plate. A creature that moves onto the plate trips the trap, caus-
affliction. ing a self-loading crossbow to pop up from a secret hatch in the
A creature with professional knowledge related to traps can floor in a space of your choice within 10 yards.
spend 1 minute working on the lock with a tool kit. When the The crossbow fires at the end of each round for 1 minute.
creature finishes, it makes an Intellect roll. On a success, the crea- Target one creature or object within 20 yards of it. The target
ture disarms the trap and, if desired, unlocks the lock. On a critical makes an Agility roll. On a failure, the bolt hits and the target
failure, the creature triggers the trap. takes 2d6 damage.
A creature with professional knowledge related to traps can
spend 1 hour working on the pressure plate with a tool kit. When
Portcullis Trap the creature finishes, it makes an Intellect roll. On a success, the
creature disarms the trap. On a critical failure, the creature trig-
A portcullis hangs inside a hidden space above each door or gate
gers the trap.
that grants access to a room. A treasure chest, closed door, food,
Creatures can attack the turret. It has Health 20. Destroying it
or something else in the room serves as bait. Examining the door
disarms the trap.
space reveals the portcullis’s teeth, while an examination of the
bait reveals the presence of a pressure plate.
A creature that interacts with the bait—opens the door, picks Rolling Boulder
up the idol on the pedestal—trips the trap. The portcullises fall
down to block each exit from the room. A creature underneath An invisible tripwire stretches across the floor in a hallway. The
the falling portcullis makes a luck roll. On a success, roll a d6. On hallway slopes upward. A creature examining the space contain-
a 3 or less, the creature leaps back from the portcullis; on a 4 or ing the tripwire can find it. A creature that moves into the space
more, the creature leaps beyond the falling portcullis. On a failure, containing the tripwire trips the trap, which causes a boulder to
the creature loses 2d6 Health, falls prone, and becomes held. At fall from the ceiling at the end of the hallway, which then rolls
the end of each round the creature is held in this way, it loses 1d6 3d6 yards at the end of each round until it reaches the other
Health. The creature can overcome the affliction with a success on end of the hallway or can roll no further. (Make this trap extra
a Strength roll with 3 banes. A creature other than the held crea- nasty by combining it with the Portcullis Trap.) Each creature
ture can attempt to lift the portcullis if it has a Strength score of 14 whose space the boulder enters loses 8d6 Health, falls prone, and
becomes vulnerable (luck ends).
Chapter 1

or higher and gets a success on a Strength roll with 1 bane.

A creature with professional knowledge related to traps can
A creature with professional knowledge related to traps can
spend 1 hour working on the tripwire with a tool kit. When the
spend 10 minutes working on the pressure plate with a tool kit.
creature finishes, it makes an Intellect roll. On a success, the crea-
When the creature finishes, it makes an Intellect roll. On a suc-
ture disarms the trap. On a critical failure, the creature triggers
cess, the creature disarms the trap. On a critical failure, the crea-
the trap.
ture triggers the trap.
The portcullis ignores damage from weapons other than two-
handed melee weapons. The portcullis has Health 20.

37
 Rune Trap
A magical rune hides in otherwise ordinary script. Any effect that
reveals magic reveals the presence of the magical rune. A creature
that perceives the rune can make an Intellect roll with 1 bane and,
Symbolism Traps
on a success, recognize the rune for what it is. Many spells from the Symbolism tradition create
A creature that reads the script triggers the trap. The rune burns effects that serve well as traps. Simply place the spell
the script and blasts the reader with fire. The reader loses 1d6 effect in the area you would trap and resolve its
Health and makes an Agility roll. On a failure, the reader loses an effects when a creature triggers it.
additional 2d6 Health and catches fire (luck ends).
Any effect that ends magical effects disarms the trap. Destroying
the object holding the writing also neutralizes the trap.

Skinworm Colony Teleporter Trap

Skinworms, nasty parasites, feed on rotting bodies. A creature Magic imbues a Size 1/2 or smaller object. Any effect that reveals
that spends at least 1 minute studying the body of a dead crea- magic reveals an aura around the object. A creature that perceives
ture notices something moving under its flesh. For each minute the aura can make an Intellect roll with 1 bane. On a success, the
the creature watches, it can make a luck roll. On a success, it sees a creature identifies the trap’s effect.
worm emerge from the carcass and then dig back in. Burning the A creature that touches the trapped object without first speak-
body destroys the infestation.
ing the magical word is teleported to a space of your choice 20
When a flesh-and-blood creature handles an infested carcass,
yards in the air within 1 mile. The trap immediately resets.
make a secret luck roll on that creature’s behalf. On a failure, the
Any effect that ends magical effects disarms the trap.
skinworms gain purchase in the creature’s flesh. At the end of
each round, the creature loses 1d6 Health as the worms burrow
through its body. An affected creature can rid itself of the parasites Terror Skull
by taking 15 damage or more from cold, lightning, or fire.
Magic imbues a human or animal skull. The Size 1/4 object could
float in the air or be affixed to a wall. Any effect that reveals magic
Smothering Rug Trap reveals an aura on the skull. A creature that perceives the magic
A magical rug covers the ground in a Size 2 space. Any effect that can make an Intellect roll with 1 bane. On a success, the creature
reveals magic reveals the magical rug. A creature that perceives the identifies the trap.
magic can make an Intellect roll with 1 bane. On a success, the A creature that moves to within 5 yards of the skull triggers the
creature identifies the rug for what it is. trap. The skull shrieks. Each creature within 20 yards of it that is not
When a creature steps on the rug, the sides curl up in an attempt deafened makes a Will roll with 1 bane. On a failure, the creature
to envelop and smother the creature that triggered the trap. The becomes frightened of the skull (luck ends). While frightened in this
creature makes an Agility roll with 1 bane. On a success, the crea- way, the creature must use an action to run if it can and move away
ture leaps free, landing in an empty space within 1 yard of the rug from the skull by the safest available route. If it can’t run any farther,
and the rug becomes dormant once more. On a failure, the crea- the creature becomes stunned until it is no longer frightened.
ture falls prone, becomes held, and cannot stand up. The creature Once activated, it takes 1 minute for the trap to reset. The skull
cannot see outside of its space. At the end of each round, the crea- can be destroyed. It has Health 10. Destroying the skull disarms
ture loses 1d6 Health.
the trap.
A creature held in this way can use an off-hand weapon to attack
the rug. If the rug takes damage from a source other than the crea-
ture it has held, the held creature takes half the damage. The rug Three-Lever Trap
has Health 20. Destroying the rug disarms the trap.
A Three-Lever Trap appears on a wall not far from a portcullis that
has been lowered and locked into place. Characters inspecting the
Spear Trap nearby walls find holes drilled into them containing darts.
A false Size 1/2 tile on the floor holds down a spear mounted on a The levers are all in a middle position when found. A three-lever
Sage Advice

coiled spring. A creature inspecting the tile recognizes its falseness. trap requires a combination of lever positions to raise the portcul-
A creature moving onto the tile breaks it and releases the spear. lis, such as left up, middle down, right up. Moving any individual
The creature loses 1d6 Health and makes an Agility roll. On a fail- lever produces no effect, but once the third lever has been moved
ure, the creature loses an additional 2d6 Health. into a position, either the portcullis rises into the ceiling or a bar-
A creature with professional knowledge related to traps can rage of darts fly from the walls.
spend 1 minute working on the tile with a tool kit. When the crea- If the portcullis does not lift, each creature within 5 yards of the
ture finishes, it makes an Intellect roll. On a success, the creature levers makes a luck roll. On a failure, the darts strike the creature,
disarms the trap. On a critical failure, the creature triggers the trap. causing it to lose 1d6 Health and become poisoned (luck ends).

38
 The trap can launch the darts three times before it
exhausts its supply.
The characters can destroy the portcullis, but its con-
struction renders it immune to damage from all but two-
handed melee weapons. A character with Strength 16 or
higher can attempt to bend the bars by making a Strength
roll.
A creature with professional knowledge related to
traps can spend 1 hour working on the levers with a tool
kit. When the creature finishes, it makes an Intellect roll.
On a success, the creature disarms the trap and, if desired,
unlocks the lock. On a critical failure, the creature triggers
the trap.

Trapper Plant
A sickly-sweet odor betrays the presence of a trapper plant
long before anyone sees it. The plant grows from a central
root and has six to eight leaves that lie flat around a cen-
tral yellow-white flower. The plant covers the ground in a
Size 5 space. The leaves appear dewy, dotted with beads of
moisture. A creature that smells or sees the plant and has
professional knowledge related to nature can identify the
plant and the dangers it presents.
When a flesh-and-blood creature moves to within
30 yards of the trapper plant or starts its turn there, the
creature makes a Will roll. On a success, the creature
is immune to this effect for 24 hours. On a failure, the
creature becomes Intellect impaired (luck ends). While
Intellect impaired in this way, the creature must end its
turn closer to the trapper plant than where it began or Diseases
lose 1d6 Health. Once it ends its turn within 5 yards of
the plant, the creature becomes stunned for as long as it Many plagues, illnesses, and other infections pose grave danger. You can
remains Intellect impaired. find the rules for infections in Shadow of the Weird Wizard, which are
A creature that moves onto the ground containing suitable for the normal kinds of diseases characters might contract as
the plant becomes held until the trapper plant is inca- they explore unclean and toxic environments. The following examples
pacitated or the creature overcomes the affliction with a use the basic rules for infection unless otherwise specified.
successful Strength roll made with 1 bane. At the end of EYE BLIGHT: This disease spreads through contaminated water. A
each round, a creature of flesh and blood held by the plant creature infected with eye blight cannot see anything more than 3
loses 1d6 Health. yards away from it. In addition, each time it fails a roll to resist the
Alcohol or acid removes the held affliction from a infection, the creature becomes blinded for 24 hours. If it fails three
creature. rolls, the blindness becomes permanent.
The plant has Health 40. Destroying it neutralizes this
FOOL’S FOLLY: Those infected by this insidious disease lose the ability
trap.
to have coherent thoughts, becoming disagreeable, aggrieved about
everything, and suspicious of others. The disease spreads through
Webs proximity to carriers. A creature infected with this disease has its
Intellect reduced by 6 until it overcomes the infection.
Webs stretch across openings to ensnare prey. The webs are
nearly invisible. A searching character finds the webs auto- HATEFUL ENDS: A brutal stomach ailment grips the afflicted with
matically. When a creature moves through an opening con- cramps, high fever, and explosive diarrhea. The disease spreads
through contaminated food and drink. A creature makes rolls to resist
Chapter 1

taining webs, that creature makes a luck roll. A running or

flying creature gets an automatic failure. On a success, the the disease’s effects with 1 bane.
creature spots the webs before moving into them. On a fail- SHUDDERING POX: The high fever that comes from this foul dis-
ure, the creature stumbles into the webs and becomes held. ease causes the sickened to shake uncontrollably. All over the skin,
A creature can overcome the affliction with a success on a itchy red blisters pop up and burst to drain, spreading the infection
Strength roll with 1 bane. Dealing any amount of damage to anyone who comes into contact with the victim. A creature that
from fire clears the opening of the webs. loses 10 Health or more from this infection becomes permanently
scarred if it survives.

39
 SOUL SICKNESS: The infection responsible for creating orcs
spreads by physical contact. Rather than make a Strength roll
Puzzles
to avoid infection, a creature makes a Will roll. While infected, Puzzles engage the players more than a simple lock or trap might.
the creature does not lose Health from failed rolls. Instead, it However, solving puzzles relies more on the abilities of the players
regards all other creatures not infected with soul sickness as ene- than those of their characters. Players who have little interest in
mies. After three failed rolls, the effect transforms the creature such things can become vexed when the story’s progress depends
into an orc. on using the little gray cells.
STONE SCALE: A strange ailment believed to originate in the To make a puzzle more manageable, include clues for its solu-
Jungle of Za causes the afflicted to develop thick, scaly patches tion in places the characters explore before reaching it. Having
that harden into stone unless treated with small doses of acid. the answers live in the setting rewards the players for paying
An infected creature must either give up an action or a move on attention to their surroundings and ensures the solution comes
each of its turns, makes rolls to resist the disease with 1 bane, from the group’s experiences rather than the cleverness of a par-
ticular player.
and loses twice as much Health with each failed roll. A creature
For example, the group might happen upon a reinforced door
whose Health is reduced to 0 by the infection dies and becomes
that’s sealed shut by magic. Three dials stand in its face. One dial
a stone statue.
has three settings that show one star, two stars, and three stars.
ZOMBIE PLAGUE: This vile disease kills its victims and turns Another dial shows the moon in its four phases. The last dial has
them into zombies. The disease spreads through saliva. A crea- two settings, one marked with the sun and the other not. Earlier,
ture makes rolls to resist the infection with 2 banes and loses the protagonists might have noticed a star-symbol embossed on
3d6 Health each time it fails a roll. An infected creature that a silver chalice they discovered hidden in a room and spotted the
dies rises as a zombie a few minutes later. As a zombie, it uses full-moon shining through a skylight. From these clues, the players
none of its original rules but uses those for zombies. might set the star dial on one, the moon at full, and choose the no
sun option for the last since it’s night. If so, the door opens.
Obstacles Even with seeding the clues in the group’s quest site, hints might
become necessary. Be mindful of frustrating the players. Before
An obstacle is anything that frustrates efforts to move through they become demoralized, slip hints to the players with the smart-
or explore an area. In wooded areas, the trees and underbrush est characters to nudge them along. Puzzles are not for everyone,
slow movement, while falling snow acts as an obstacle by creating and if they bring the story to a halt, it’s best to wrap them up so the
obscurement in the areas in which it falls. A rubble-strewn floor is game can continue.
challenging terrain, which impedes passage.
Obstacles matter only when they have an effect on a scene. Mist Magic
might make it hard to see enemies in combat, but otherwise it
Since magic is pretty much everywhere in the world, places can
is just a bit of set dressing. Similarly, an icy floor makes fighting
include magical effects of known or unknown origins. A magical
precarious, but outside of combat, a group taking their time and
effect could result from a cast spell or could just be a persistent
being careful can make their way across the floor without trouble.
phenomenon of unexplained origin.
In other words, an obstacle might demand a roll in a fight or to
obtain some clue that makes the rest of the quest easier.
COVER: One or more obstacles for enemies to hide behind makes
Illusions
combat more challenging for the characters, but can also give Illusions fool the senses by creating an image, a sound, or some
them places to hide and protect themselves from ranged fire. other sensation. They can be interactive objects, obstacles, or other
Typical obstacles that provide cover include low or partial walls, features. An illusion could cover a pit in the floor, hide an exit
columns, trees, altars, tables, boxes and crates, statues, racks, and from a room, or render hostile creatures and objects invisible.
most forms of furniture. Horizontal cover, called hard covering The simplest way to identify an illusion is to interact with it.
or shelter, protects creatures and objects under it. Placing one’s hand through an illusory wall reveals its nature, as
does tumbling through an illusory section of floor that hides a
TERRAIN: Used sparingly, challenging terrain provides an inter-
deep pit. Any effect that reveals magical effects also pinpoints the
esting development in combat and exploration scenes as it
magic responsible for creating the illusion.
directs creatures around these areas. Navigating ice, debris, nar-
Usually, illusions persist even after discovery. Even if one steps
row surfaces, and the like when time is a factor ought to require
Sage Advice

through an illusory wall, the image of the wall remains.

a successful roll to maintain one’s balance or to find a safe path
across the surface.
OBSCUREMENT: Mist, snow, shadows, and other forms of
Force
obscurement conceal details and thus make it more difficult for Force occurs whenever magic assumes a solid form. Spells from the
the characters to detect hidden threats, find clues, or make other Order tradition can create force. Objects made from force have
discoveries important to the scene. Obscurement in combat can substance, but no weight, no smell, make no sound, and can’t be
also make it more difficult to strike a foe. seen, though they displace air and might be visible in fog, mist,

40
and smoky conditions. Light passes through force unimpeded.
Force objects might be immobile, in which case they remain fixed
Dead Magic
in place regardless of pressure placed against them, or might be A dead magic area cuts off access to all magic. It prevents any mag-
moveable as the effect describes. ical effects from being created within its bounds and suppresses
PERSISTENCE: A force object counts as an ordinary object and ongoing magical effects on creatures or objects that enter the area.
uses the rules for such. If destroyed, the force object leaves no Time spent in the area counts against each effect’s duration.
trace of its existence.
Erratic Magic
Enhanced Magic An area can cause magic used inside it to have unpredictable
Holy sites can enhance Invocation spells, while places steeped in results. This effect might result from magical catastrophes, reality
dark magic could enhance Dark Arts or Necromancy spells. Other tears, or some metaphysical mishap that has permanently altered
areas might enhance some or all magic. reality within its bounds.
An area of enhanced magic grants 1 boon on rolls made as a Whenever a creature in the area would produce a magical effect
result of casting a spell and imposes 1 bane on rolls made to resist from casting a spell, using an item, or using a talent, the creature
magical effects, and spells that heal or deal damage or cause crea- makes a luck roll. On a failure, it suffers a magical mishap. Roll a
tures to lose or gain Health double the normal amounts. d20 and consult the table below to see what happens.

Diminished Magic Portals

An area can diminish magic also, which reduces the efficacy of A portal is a magical doorway connecting two points in space
spells cast and magical effects used in them. A diminished magic separated by any distance. A portal has a front and a back. When
area typically applies to all magic, though it might instead apply to viewed from the side, it appears as a wriggling line that distorts
that of a particular tradition. light around it. Anything moving through the front of one portal
A diminished magic area imposes 1 bane on rolls made as a instantly emerges from the back of the other, and vice versa. Most
result of casting a spell and grants 1 boon on rolls made to resist portals show what lies beyond them, but some have opaque sur-
magical effects, and spells that heal or deal damage or cause crea- faces. If a portal is dismissed in some way, the collapsing passage
tures to lose or gain Health halve the normal amounts. severs anything partway through.

Magical Mishaps
D20 EFFECT D20 EFFECT

1 The creature is removed from play for 1d6 minutes. During 11 The magical effect ignites the energy field in the area of erratic
this time, the creature takes no actions, perceives nothing, and magic. Each creature and object in it takes 2d6 damage while
cannot move. When the effect ends, the creature returns to the flashing colors and bizarre ambient noises fill the area until the
space it left or the empty one nearest to it. The returned creature end of the round.
makes a Will roll. On a failure, it becomes confused (luck ends).
2 The creature must spend an additional casting, charge, or use 12 The creature becomes a toad (luck ends). See the Toad spell in
of the talent or the magic produces no effect. the Alteration tradition for details on the effects.
3 A thick blue fluid appears around the creature and then solid- 13 The creature and a creature of the Sage’s choice within 10
ifies. The creature is stunned (luck ends). While stunned in this yards of it teleport to swap positions. If there is no other crea-
way, the creature is affected by suffocation. ture within 10 yards, the creature responsible for the mishap
becomes confused (luck ends).
4 The creature becomes stunned until the end of its next turn. 14 The creature makes attribute rolls with 1 boon for 1 minute.
5 If the magical effect deals damage, it heals damage instead. 15 The creature makes luck rolls with 3 boons for 1 minute.
6 The area seems to tilt before returning to its normal position. 16 Each creature in the area gains an additional action that it
Each creature in the area makes an Agility roll. On a failure, the can use at any time. If not used by the end of the round, the
creature falls prone. additional action is lost.
7 The creature’s magic runs wild. The creature takes 3d6 damage. 17 The magic fails and has no effect.
Chapter 1

8 The ground in the area breaks apart and becomes challenging 18 If the magical effect deals or heals damage, it deals or heals
terrain until cleared away. maximum damage. Otherwise, nothing happens.
9 The creature sheds dim light (luck ends). 19 The creature can teleport to an empty space it can see within
5d6 yards.
10 The creature transforms into an ordinary object of the Sage’s 20 The creature heals all damage and regains all Health, and
choice until the end of the round and then returns to its normal each enemy within 10 yards loses 10 Health.
form.

41
 Roleplaying
Roleplaying touches on every aspect of game play. You and the
players roleplay when you make decisions in the game based not
on what you yourselves would do, but rather what the characters
you play would. When a player has their character attack a foe
threatening a friend, opts to haggle with a merchant over the price
of a sword, or even decides what path to choose from story reasons
over rules optimization, they’re roleplaying.

Control and Behav ior

Players in control of their characters choose how they behave, act,
and react to situations. Unless the characters are under some mag-
ical effect, the players decide what they think is true, what is false,
how they feel, and how they interpret their perceptions. Never
tell the players that their characters feel anger, love or affection,
or any other emotion unless some outside effect forces them to do
so. Furthermore, the rules for social interaction allow the players’
characters to modify opinions and attitudes of the characters you
control, but they do not work the other way around. You never
make rolls against the players’ characters in social situations.

The Uncanny Con v ersational

A world filled with magic, bizarre technology, and hideous mon-
Roleplaying
sters should feel unsettling to the players. The more weirdness you When many hear “roleplaying,” images of people sitting around
inject into the game, the greater you reinforce the uncanny nature and talking in funny voices come to mind. While it’s perfectly
of the setting. Pass up no opportunity to introduce the inexplica- fine to alter your voice to match what you imagine your charac-
ble and bizarre. An object might hang in the air, or some invisi- ter sounds like or use expressions you think reflect the fantastical
ble thing might cast a shadow on a wall. A torch’s flames can turn nature of the game, such performances represent only a fraction of
green, strange noises sound, ribbons of light appear in the heavens, how roleplaying shakes out in a session. People might explain what
the ground lifts up for no apparent reason, or pebbles rain from their characters say in the same manner that they describe what
the clouds. This is a fantasy world of great age, populated by beings their characters do in combat; adopt a conversational tone, using
armed with magic capable of reshaping reality to suit their needs. their normal voices and idioms; or go all in by wearing costumes
There’s no reason not to make it seem strange. and demonstrating their full thespian skills—or lack thereof. You
might have a preference, but everyone has different comfort levels
Secrets when it comes to roleplaying. As long as they remain true to the
characters they play, there’s no wrong way to do it.
The world is full of mysteries long unsolved and waiting for res- Conversational roleplaying describes the dialogue that occurs
olution. Consider hiding all kinds of secret information in quest between characters in the game, whether controlled by the players
locations. Secrets can be minor or major, there to enhance the or by you. The point of these interactions depends on the scene.
weirdness of the setting or to prompt further investigation. Using The characters might play through a minor scene to order a meal
secrets gives the players a chance to make discoveries but also in a roadside inn or engage in a complicated scene wherein their
makes the world feel alive, that places exist before and after the characters hope to sway a noble into raising troops to help defend
protagonists visit them. a rival lord’s holdings from an imminent invasion of centaurs.
Secrets can be anything. A group exploring an area might turn Characters use conversational roleplaying to gain information,
up the hilt of a broken sword that you placed there on a whim. The persuade others to perform some activity, deceive, intimidate,
Sage Advice

hilt could be nothing, but it could also once have belonged to a interrogate, woo potential romantic partners, and foster goodwill
great hero who died in this place a long time ago. Perhaps the hilt that might blossom into lasting friendships.
has a secret compartment that holds a mysterious letter. Maybe the
spirit of a dead warrior dwells in the hilt and haunts the dreams of Extras
the character who picked it up.
Not everything has to have a secret, though. A wooden plate can The players’ characters have opportunities to encounter other
just be a wooden plate. Features you include can be as mysterious people wherever the group goes in the game. When they enter an
or as obvious as you like. inhabited town, all the townspeople are assumed to be every bit

42
as real and alive as the characters under the players’ control. Such faeries, hideous undead, and hostile monsters, it’s no wonder
ordinary folk have goals, motivations, secrets, regrets, hopes, and that people close their doors to newcomers, if they don’t chase
passions, along with connections to other people such as cowork- them out of town.
ers, friends, family, and acquaintances. However, it’s unrealistic to
RESTRICTIONS: Communities all have their own ideas about
expect you to know the story of even a few of these bystanders and
“extras” that make up the people living in a random town in the what a person can and can’t do. As a general rule, people frown
borderlands or elsewhere. Rather, the goal ought to be creating the on or punish those who violate the most basic and commonly
illusion of a vibrant, thriving community made up of individuals. held beliefs about law; murder, wanton acts of destruction,
theft, and assault should be criminal offenses in most places.
Group Identity Some communities have strange ideas about what is proper.
One town has a strict curfew starting at nightfall. A village has a
Large groups of people tend to have a group identity in addition to law against drinking water from the creek. A hamlet makes it a
individual personalities. The group identity defines certain expec- punishable offense to harm a pig, enter a graveyard after dark, or
tations about belonging to the community and delineates the even speak in the presence of a religious leader. There’s no need
boundaries between acceptable and unacceptable behavior. When to come up with an exhaustive set of freedoms and restrictions,
you plan to introduce an urban environment of any size, establish but adding one or two adds color to the places visited.
some or all of the following views commonly held by the people in
the community. RELIGION: Another aspect of community building is sharing
beliefs about the gods. Large communities might have two or
CUSTOMS: A community’s customs describe the overall com-
more active religions, but many smaller ones revere a pantheon
mon behavior one might expect from the people living there.
of related gods, a subset of those gods, or even just one particu-
People might use a particular greeting or farewell, shake hands
or kiss cheeks, or never touch at all. Some might consider it rude lar deity who watches over them. Communities with strict reli-
to show their teeth and thus never smile, while others reject the gious views might disallow priests of other faiths from practic-
idea of ownership and share everything they have. ing their religion, displaying symbols, or speaking of their god,
Communities also place expectations on members. One lest they offend the local deity.
town might require military service of every abled-bodied per- CURRENT EVENTS: Finally, people in a community talk about
son, while another permits no one to carry weapons larger than important events that directly affect their lives and livelihoods.
knives. Some refuse to permit certain animals, while others They might be worried about a hostile tribe of wargs who keep
might allow livestock to roam freely through the streets.
stealing their livestock, the earl’s newest round of taxes, a fam-
INDIVIDUAL COMMUNITY DAYS FOR CELEBRATION: ily who suffered a recent, public disgrace, or some strange sign
Holy days, anniversaries of historical events, days marking the spotted in the sky. People don’t often know much about the
change of seasons, celestial events, and more, communities lands beyond their towns and villages; one would have to travel
might have great festivals during these times, with feasting and to a large city to get a better sense of regional news.
parades; holding special religious gatherings; or forbidding
Current events can inform the players about the locals’ wor-
commerce from being conducted during these times.
ries and their hopes for the future. If a nearby town succumbed
DRESS: The clothes people wear can also help you establish a group to the soul sickness and the people there turned into orcs, the
identity. Trousers and shirts with cloaks, shawls, capes, or coats locals will be helpful to characters who have come to combat
might be the norm, but color, cut, and style can add an interest- the orc threat. The same is true for any trouble that might cast a
ing level of detail without much work. Dyes, for example, depend shadow on a settlement.
on access to materials. Some places might have drab colors, using
grasses, flowers, rust, and charcoal to stain their clothing, while
a coastal settlement might have access to a beautiful purple dye
Individual Traits
obtained from the ink of a squid that swims in nearby waters.
Once you determine the general nature of the people in a commu-
Style of dress reflects not only social mores, but also climate
nity, you should have a good idea about how they will behave when
and geography. Some places might have modest dress, in which
no one shows any skin beyond their eyes, while others go about they meet strangers or travelers and portray them in an appropri-
in little more than breechclouts and sandals. ate manner. However, people are more than their tribal association.
They have individual traits that set them apart from others.
TRUST: How people in a community deal with strangers is a mat-
You don’t need a detailed background for bystanders and extras,
ter of trust. Many villagers never travel more than a few miles
but it is good to have one element to make a character more mem-
Chapter 1

from their home and thus never see anyone who doesn’t look
like their own social circles. In large, cosmopolitan cities, people orable and that you can build upon if the character becomes more
of all ancestries gather and mingle, so someone from a faraway important as the story develops. You can use the following tables
place in unusual dress and with an odd way of speaking would to create general individual traits for the various people the charac-
hardly warrant a raised eyebrow. ters might meet and with whom they might interact. These tables
Often, trust arises from local history. A community that has assume human communities. You should adjust entries as you wish
had trouble with brigands might have good reason to be cautious to suit members of other ancestries. Roll a d6 to find the table and
around strangers. Add to this the possibility of shape-changing a d20 to find the entry on that table.

43
 Table 1: Appearance Table 4: Distinctive Identity
D20 APPEARANCE D20 APPEARANCE DISTINCTIVE DISTINCTIVE
D20 IDENTITY D20 IDENTITY
1 Ugly 11 Clean
1 Criminal 11 Beggar
2 Short 12 Piercings
2 Healer 12 Noted entertainer
3 Hairy 13 Plain
3 Scholar 13 Noted artist or writer
4 Missing digits or 14 Attractive facial
appendage features 4 Religious leader 14 Philosopher

5 Birthmark 15 Corpulent 5 Student of magic 15 Spy (roll again for

cover identity)
6 Thin 16 Extra digit
6 Vagabond 16 Former adventurer
7 Missing facial 17 Pockmarks
feature 7 Former soldier 17 Skilled artisan

8 Unusual coloration 18 Hairless 8 Gravedigger 18 Hermit

9 Tattoos, scars 19 Tall 9 Aristocrat 19 Failed entrepreneur

10 Grubby 20 Beautiful 10 Foreigner 20 Wastrel or gambler

Table 2: Positive Personality Table 5: Quirks

POSITIVE POSITIVE D20 QUIRK D20 QUIRK
PERSONALITY PERSONALITY
D20 TRAIT D20 TRAIT 1 Always looks over 11 Raps or cracks
shoulder knuckles
1 Patient 11 Honorable
2 Close talker 12 Obsessed
2 Generous 12 Clever
3 Has a speech 13 Secretly devoted to
3 Encouraging 13 Funny impediment an obscene power
4 Friendly 14 Bold 4 Substance- 14 Falls asleep when
dependent under stress
5 Compassionate 15 Eager
5 Walks with a limp 15 Flamboyant
6 Honest 16 Tolerant
6 Dramatic 16 Silent
7 Gregarious 17 Upbeat
7 Persistent cough 17 Gabbles
8 Brilliant 18 Present 8 Perpetually clean 18 Disgusting habit
9 Charming 19 Helpful 9 Irreligious 19 Irritating laugh
10 Good 20 Kind 10 Deluded 20 Overuses a word

Table 3: Negative Personality Table 6: Weirdness

NEGATIVE NEGATIVE D20 WEIRDNESS D20 WEIRDNESS
PERSONALITY PERSONALITY
D20 TRAIT D20 TRAIT 1 Has a bad case of 11 Disappears on nights
the faeries of a full moon
1 Impatient 11 Erratic
2 Root vegetable 12 Has unusual
2 Rude 12 Witless blindness religious beliefs
3 Haunted 13 On a quest
3 Afraid 13 Superior
4 Cursed 14 Has an invisible
4 Aggrieved 14 Disgusting friend
5 Sarcastic 15 Angry 5 Possessed 15 Total amnesia
Sage Advice

6 Gruff 16 Cringing 6 Casts no shadow 16 Living a lie

7 Has too many pets 17 On the run
7 Stubborn 17 Melancholic
8 Can’t tell the truth 18 Misanthrope
8 Dull 18 Disinterested
9 Odd diet 19 Is a ghost
9 Sneaky 19 Petty 10 Has a tooth growing 20 Has a weapon stuck
out from skull somewhere in their
10 Cruel 20 Aggressive body

44
Supporting
Characters
Above the bystanders and extras are the supporting
characters: the groups’ contacts, nemeses, allies, and
enemies. Their importance requires additional informa-
tion beyond a single trait to help you portray them in
a pinch and might even require you to create rules for
them. Typical supporting characters follow.

V illains
A villain acts as a foil to the group and might be respon-
sible for the circumstances leading to one quest or sev-
eral. A villain opposes the characters in all that they do,
orchestrating events to thwart their progress and pre-
vent them from completing a quest. A villain might be
the adversary in a single quest or the primary antagonist
for an entire campaign.

Contacts
As described earlier, contacts or connections are friendly
people who aid the characters in a particular manner.
For more information on connections, see Between
Quests on page 18.

Patrons
A patron can be anyone who recruits the group to
undertake a quest and fulfills some or all of the rewards
for completing the quest. Patrons are friendly to the
characters and want them to succeed, so they lend what
aid they can. The characters might have a different
patron for each quest or tier of quests, or keep the same
one for an entire campaign.

Hirelings
The characters might employ people to help them on
their quests. Hirelings can be mercenaries, porters,
torchbearers, scholars, and anyone else with a desir-
able profession. Hirelings might have any disposition
toward the characters but remain in service only as long
as they are compensated for doing so.

Scene and
Chapter 1

Recurring Characters
Finally, all other important characters count as scene or
recurring characters. A scene character plays an import-
ant part in a particular scene or series of scenes in a
quest, while a recurring character might feature across
multiple quests. Scene and recurring characters might
be promoted from extras.

45
 Creating Supporting the rules to fit the secondary character. Or you can “reskin” an
enemy by changing its name, the names of its talents, and the
Characters story elements from its various abilities.
If you must create a character from scratch, use the enemy cre-
Each supporting character needs definition to fulfill their function in ation rules found in Chapter 3.
quests. Such detail goes beyond what you give to extras since the play-
ers’ characters interact with supporting characters in a more mean-
ingful way. However, detail does not have to be exhaustive. You need
Con v ersation
just enough to understand the character’s past, motivations, behavior,
Most interactions involve conversations, banter, and other basic
and physical traits so you can present the character to the players.
verbal exchanges that might transmit information, offer greetings
BACKGROUND: Like the players’ characters, supporting char- and farewells, and transact commerce. Since these exchanges pro-
acters come from somewhere and had experiences prior to duce little or no meaningful story development, you can resolve
their introduction in a quest. Come up with at least one major them through description or conversational roleplay.
background event that contributed to the character’s role in the
OFF-HAND KNOWLEDGE: After an extended period of con-
quest—villain, scene character, hireling, and so on.
versation in a social event, such as a party or evening spent
A villain might have been imprisoned by one of the charac-
carousing, you can have the player involved make a luck roll.
ters’ family members. A patron could have gone on adventures
On a success, the character learns something interesting. The
with someone the group knows. A hireling might have fought
information might be germane to the current quest, foreshadow
in a battle a character has heard about.
or plant the seeds for a future quest, or provide one or more
GOAL: Come up with the one thing the character wants more than world-building details to help the players become immersed.
anything. Examples include wealth, fame, security, and revenge.
COMPLICATIONS: Conversation can run into complications,
MOTIVATION: Determine the driving force behind the charac- which might result in a social challenge. A social gaffe can sour
ter’s pursuit of the goal. Possibilities include grief, love, a false opinions of the character, requiring quick wits and soothing
belief, hate, peace, and hope. words to repair the breach in conduct. Or some bit of off-hand
METHODS: Methods describe what the character does to achieve knowledge might lead to a deeper conversation that could pro-
the goal. The primary method should be something distinc- duce an outcome that affects the story’s development.
tive—sabotage, murder, charitable acts, performances, and the
like. Beyond that, come up with specific examples. Building Social Challenges
PHYSICAL DETAILS: Like extras, supporting characters need a
More complex than conversation, simple social challenges pro-
few descriptive hooks to make them memorable. You can use
duce a clear outcome using a particular conversational technique.
the tables above for inspiration, but it’s best to come up with
Essentially, the character aims to make a creature act or behave in
distinctive qualities that make the character stand out. Focus on
a way otherwise than normal. Examples include getting a guard to
body and posture, style of dress, distinctive features, manner-
take a bribe, securing a drink for free, or extracting information
isms, and how the character might speak.
from a prisoner.
ASSETS: A supporting character’s assets describe what the charac- Shadow of the Weird Wizard presents the basic system for
ter can use to secure goals. For hirelings, these might be noth- resolving specific kinds of social challenges. The following infor-
ing more than the items they carry. For patrons and contacts, mation helps you build scenes in which the methods described can
these could be shops, strongholds, soldiers and guards, and coin. play a key part in advancing the story.
Villains might have underlings who handle tasks in the field,
each of which might be a supporting character; minions such
as cultists, flagellants, orcs, fomorians, or undead to carry out Objective
their orders; as well as artifacts, magic, and anything else that
A social challenge has an objective, which is the outcome the
you choose. You need not have a comprehensive list, since ongo-
group hopes to achieve by whatever method they would use. Note
ing supporting characters might acquire and lose assets as the
that social challenges can accomplish only so much. Targets can be
story progresses, but a robust selection can give you the tools
convinced to take risks but will not put themselves in situations
you need to have these characters play their parts.
resulting in their certain death, the harm of loved ones, or a disas-
RULES: You need rules for supporting characters if you intend for trous loss of personal property. Magic might compel targets, but
them to appear in combat. A villain might not have rules if they ordinary interactions cannot.
Sage Advice

stay in the shadows and meddle with the group through oper-
PERFORM AN ACTIVITY: The target is to perform a specific
atives and underlings. When you expect the characters to con-
activity that requires physical effort. This might be as simple as
front the villain, though, you need rules for such an encounter.
If you need something quickly, simply find an enemy in opening a door or as complex as going to the marketplace, find-
Chapter 3 that most closely matches the supporting charac- ing a particular object, and bringing it back.
ter you made. There are plenty of options, from death mages GAIN CONSENT: The objective is for the target to agree to some-
to demonists, pirate captains to devils, highborn elves, hags, thing or grant permission to do something. This might mean
and more. Using the guidelines in that chapter, you can adjust permission to take something or to enter a restricted space.

46
GAIN SOMETHING: The target should offer something—
information, an amount of coin, or an object in the target’s
Adjustments
possession.
Your aim is to challenge, not to butcher the players’ characters, so
CHANGE ONE’S DISPOSITION: The objective is to alter the you should be prepared to make adjustments as you play through
target’s disposition toward the character or someone or some- the quest. If it has been some time since the characters rested and
thing else, either improving or worsening it by one step. A char- they have depleted their resources, you can halve or even quar-
acter might use social challenges to make the target friendly or ter the number of foes if they stumble into a dangerous scene.
to turn the target against one of their friends. Similarly, if the characters seem to be having too easy a time, throw
in additional foes, one or two at a time.
Outcomes Reinforcements
A successful roll gains the character the desired objective, while a
failed one means the target resists being influenced in this way. A New enemies might join a combat after it has begun. In the direc-
critical success might produce greater-than-expected results, such tion from which the reinforcements come, place the new enemies
as providing more information than requested or going above and in the farthest spot the closest character can see at the end of the
beyond what was asked. A critical failure, though, means the tar- round in which they are revealed. The new combatants then take
get does the opposite of what was requested. their turns when they next can.
A failed roll typically makes the target immune to further social
interaction to achieve the same objective, though you might allow Incapacitated Characters
a player to try again using a different method. A character might
Enemies ignore incapacitated characters. Avoid finishing off a
try the carrot first, attempting to seduce the target, but when that
player’s fallen character unless you have good story reasons for
fails, use the stick by threatening the target’s family.
doing so.
Other characters might also make the attempt in place of the
one who failed. However, multiple attempts to secure the same
objective impose a cumulative 1 bane on rolls or might just fail as
Fleeing and Surrendering
you decide.
Many enemies fight to the death only when they have no other
choice. If a combat becomes unwinnable, they might flee or sur-
Suspicion and Insight render. Enemies opt to flee first. If prevented from doing so, they
fight on unless they have an Intellect score of 10 or more. Such
When conversational roleplaying happens, the players might enemies weigh their choices. If they think they will be spared by
become suspicious, based on the content of what you say, and will surrendering, they drop their weapons and do so. Otherwise, they
seek to determine if your character is lying to them. Whenever fight to the bitter end.
a player asks if you are lying or hiding something, secretly make Some enemies break these guidelines by dint of their nature.
an Intellect roll against the Intellect of the character who voiced Demons, mindless or nearly mindless undead, creations, and ene-
their doubts. On a success, you can say anything you choose. On a mies with the Rampage trait all fight to the death. If an enemy
failure, you must tell the character the truth: you were withhold- has the Leadership trait, each ally benefiting from this trait fights
ing information, or something your character said sounds untrue. regardless of the circumstance until they no longer benefit or the
Further questioning might produce the desired information or enemy with the trait surrenders.
lead to a social challenge, as you choose.
Maps, Minis, and Zones
Combat You can run combats using your imagination only. A fight could
last a few rounds, and so long as everyone has a general idea about
The players’ characters meet enemies that want to harm, capture,
or kill them. In such cases, the players decide whether their char- where the various foes are and who is fighting whom, you can play
acters fight, flee, or surrender. If they fight, combat begins. Shadow through the scene without trouble. Complicated fights, though,
of the Weird Wizard describes the combat rules in full, so what might demand a bit of note-taking and prop use so that everyone
follows here are tips for running successful combats. can keep track of the action.
Chapter 1

Setup Maps
A simple sketch of the location might be all you need to communi-
Prior to the combat’s start, you set up the scene by establishing cate the nature of the battlefield. You might, though, prefer to use
the group’s starting positions based on what they were doing in graph paper or a gridded wet-erase surface, even miniatures, ter-
the time leading up to the combat, while you do the same for the rain, and other elements. These additions can be fun and exciting,
enemies. Be mindful of perception limitations. Poor lighting, though they slow play somewhat and might not be appropriate
obscurement, and intervening obstacles can hide enemies. for all groups.

47
 Zones CHALLENGING TERRAIN: A zone might contain challenging
terrain. When a creature enters such a zone, it stops moving if it
You can use combat zones to communicate the different locations has 5 or less yards of movement left. When a creature attempts
of the battlefield. Each zone acts as a discrete location with a name. to leave a zone with challenging terrain, it must make a Speed
A zone can be a room, such as a hallway, antechamber, feast hall, roll to determine if it can reach the adjacent zone.
torture chamber, or barracks, or it can be a section—behind the ENGAGEMENT: Combatants are assumed to move around inside
counter, near the painting on the wall, or between tables. You can a zone constantly, so there is no need to track precise positions.
represent these using index cards or sticky notes arranged to reflect However, enemies won’t let characters leave close combat easily.
the layout of the battlefield. At the start of the combat or when a creature moves on its turn,
When using zones to run action scenes, especially in combat, the creature can choose to engage a creature that shares a zone
you need to make the following adjustments. with it. While engaged, combatants count as being in reach of
RANGE AND DISTANCE: You measure length in zones rather each other. When a creature tries to move out of an engagement,
than in yards. Each zone counts as a Size 5 space, even if its specific it triggers free attacks unless it has a way to avoid them, such as
area is a bit larger or smaller. If the area described would exceed 10 the Slippery trait. If you are using tokens or miniatures, you can
yards in one dimension, consider breaking it into two zones. represent engagement by touching their bases to each other.
To convert yards to zones, divide the number of yards by 5 FURTHER ADJUSTMENTS: These guidelines are not exhaus-
and round down. A distance of 0 means the origin and desti- tive; you’ll probably experience cases where further adjustments
nation are within the same zone. A distance of 1 yard or less is are needed. As the Sage, you should do what you think is right
treated as being within reach (see Size and Reach below). If an for the game and your group. Experiment until you discover
effect has a randomly determined distance, such as 1d6 yards, what works best.
first roll the dice and then convert the resulting yards to zones.
BORDERS AND ADJACENCY: You decide the nature of a zone’s
borders. They can be open, allowing creatures and objects to freely Dynamic Battlefields
pass between; obstructed, where an obstacle is partially blocking
passage (see Obstacles and Cover below); or closed, in which case Combats are exciting on their own but can become even less pre-
a solid surface prevents movement or anything passing through it. dictable and more interesting when they take place in dynamic
A zone is adjacent to another zone if both share a border, no environments. Certainly, fighting a giant in a wide-open field has
matter if it’s open, obstructed, or closed. its merits, but battling a flock of vampire bats while crossing a
rope bridge over a subterranean chasm is a bit more challenging.
SIZE AND REACH: Most creatures must first engage (see You could have the group confront a handful of orcs in an under-
Engagement top right) to reach another creature or object. A ground chamber, but would this fight not be more interesting if
creature of Size 3 or more can reach anything in its zone without it took place on a crumbling staircase while hidden archers take
engaging with the target, and a creature of Size 5 or more can shots at the characters from a shadowed gallery?
reach anything in its zone and adjacent zones.
Weapons with the Long trait can reach anything in the wield-
er’s zone without engaging with the target. The Lunging Attack
Interesting Terrain
option accomplishes the same thing, unless the weapon is Long, Interesting terrain includes any that requires some form of move-
in which case the wielder can reach anything in the zone and ment other than walking or running. Navigating it should require
adjacent zones. the combatant to make an attribute roll, such as Agility to cross a
MOVEMENT: A combatant can expend 5 yards of movement to slippery log to reach the far bank of a fast-flowing river, while an
move from one zone to an adjacent zone. If it cannot expend ascent up vines to reach a platform holding a sniper might require
the required amount but has at least 1 yard of movement left, it a Strength roll.
must make a Speed roll (see below) to determine if it was able to
CRAMPED SPACES: Characters might have to squeeze through
move or not. On a failure, the creature stays in the zone.
sewer passages, narrow fissures, and other obstructed openings.
Flying creatures expend only 3 yards of movement to move
from one zone to another. Climbing, crawling, and swimming NARROW SURFACES: A narrow surface might be a ledge, tight-
creatures must succeed on a Speed roll to move to another zone rope, or a board laid across a pit. A character moving across the
unless they have the Climber or Swimmer trait. surface must either crawl or walk and make an Agility roll. On
a failure, the character makes no progress. On a critical failure,
SPEED ROLL: When a Speed roll is called for, the creature
the character falls.
expends any remaining yards of movement and rolls a d20, add-
ing the number of expended yards. A success on the roll means SLIPPERY SURFACES: Ice and oil can make a surface treacher-
Sage Advice

that the creature was able to move to the adjacent zone, while ous. A character moving across the surface makes an Agility roll
a failure means that the creature stays in its zone. No boons or to maintain balance. A failure indicates no movement, while a
banes are applied to Speed rolls, unless you think it’s warranted. failure by 5 or more means the character slips and falls prone.
OBSTACLES AND COVER: Low walls, pits, and other physical
Standing up from such surfaces might also require a successful
obstacles are great ways to set borders between zones and might Agility roll as you decide.
also provide partial or total cover. If you call for an attribute roll UNSTABLE SURFACES: The deck of a storm-tossed ship, a
to see if a creature can bypass the obstacle, the creature stays in rope bridge in a high wind, and similar surfaces can send char-
its zone on a failure. acters on them sprawling. Not only do these surfaces count as

48
 challenging terrain, they move at the end of each round, forcing
each standing creature on them to make an Agility roll and, on
Aquatic Combat
a failure, fall prone. Like aerial combat, aquatic combat makes use of all three dimen-
DANGEROUS TERRAIN: Pools of acid, caltrops, spikes, bram- sions, with the surface being the topmost area.
bles, toxic gas, and other dangerous terrain might force char-
CURRENT: Water currents can snag combatants and drag them
acters to look for other routes or contend with the hazard. For
along. In turbulent conditions, roll a d6 at the end of each
appropriate damage, see Damage-Dealing Features below.
round. If you roll a 6, the water moves with sudden force, and
all combatants make Strength rolls. On a failure, a combatant is
Usable Features pulled with the water 1d6 yards in the direction of the flow. On
a critical failure, the combatant is carried 3d6 yards away.
Combatants can make use of terrain features in battle. They might
tip over a table to cover them against a volley of arrows, pull down CLOUDY WATER: Sediment, kelp, bubbles and froth, ink, and
a tapestry onto an enemy’s head, or leap to a chandelier and swing blood create varying degrees of obscurement in water just as fog,
over to the balcony on the other side of the room. Introducing gas, and similar effects do in the air.
these elements encourages the players to seek other ways of con- PRONE: A submerged creature knocked prone loses the ability to
tending with challenges than what they have recorded on their
swim until it uses its move to reorient itself. Any effect that ends
character sheets.
Some examples of usable features include furniture, columns, the prone affliction ends this special effect.
statues, basins, torches, braziers filled with burning coals, tapes-
tries and banners, rigging and sails, and machinery. Combat in Motion
DAMAGE-DEALING FEATURES: You can resolve the effects
Combat can occur during a chase. The group might be in a wagon
of potentially damaging features by calling for attribute or luck
that’s being pursued by riders or vice versa. Attacks between com-
rolls. You can use the following tables to determine the appro-
priate amount of damage by tier. These tables also work for fea- batants depend on relative positions. Attackers might leap from
tures used by characters under your control, sudden hazards, their mounts to land on a vehicle they pursue, or attack the steeds
and other combat developments. their enemies ride. You can resolve these scenes as you normally
do, but impose banes when conditions are more difficult. If a com-
Single-Target Damage batant falls off a moving vehicle, it takes damage (see Damage-
TIER MINOR MODERATE MAJOR DEADLY Dealing Features) and drops out of the combat as the rest of the
combatants keep moving away.
Novice 1d6 2d6 4d6 8d6
Expert 2d6 3d6 6d6 12d6
Random Developments
Master 3d6 6d6 12d6 24d6
There’s nothing to prevent circumstances in combat from chang-
Multitarget Damage or Ongoing Damage ing. In fact, the more the situation changes, the more exciting the
TIER MINOR MODERATE MAJOR DEADLY fight becomes. A Pyromancy spell sets a room on fire, forcing com-
Novice 1 1d6 2d6 4d6 batants to contend with the smoke and flames. A loud noise causes
Expert 1d6 2d6 3d6 6d6
the ceiling to give way, or an earthquake sends sections of the floor
falling away into darkness. A crumbling staircase might break
Master 2d6 3d6 6d6 12d6
apart while the characters fight on it, or a ship might founder in a
storm, scattering everyone on deck.
Aerial Combat You can introduce these developments whenever you deem
appropriate, but unless one side has prepared for the event, it
Combat that takes place between flying creatures uses the same
should affect everyone in the area. To resolve these developments,
rules as those on the ground, with a few special considerations.
simply use the existing rules. If blocks start falling from the ceil-
THREE DIMENSIONS: While ground combat can involve ing, each combatant could make an Agility roll at the end of the
locations above the battlefield, aerial combatants can fly up to
round to avoid taking damage. If there’s fire, you can fill the area
higher areas and down to lower ones.
with obscuring smoke. If water suddenly rushes into a location,
WIND: Strong gusts can scatter fliers. In windy conditions, roll a maybe call for Strength rolls to see if the characters avoid being
Chapter 1

d6 at the end of each round. If you roll a 6, a strong gust blows

swept away.
through the areas involved in the combat from a direction you
choose. Each flying combatant makes a Strength roll. On a fail-
ure, the combatant moves 1d6 yards in the direction the wind
blows. On a critical failure, the character falls and can catch
itself using the normal rules.
Rewards
When the characters undertake quests, they expect some reward
CLOUDS: Like low-lying mist or fog, clouds create light, moder- for the risks they face. This final section explores some of the
ate, or heavy obscurement in the spaces they fill. rewards you might give to successful groups.

49
 Lev el Increase Each member of the group starts with 0 Reputation, which
means no one outside their circle of friends, family, and acquain-
tances knows who they are. As the characters complete quests and
The game assumes that the group’s level increases by 1 each time perform notable deeds in front of witnesses, their fame grows.
the characters successfully complete a quest. Successful comple- Eventually, master characters are known wherever the group goes.
tion means not only reaching the end of the quest, but also com- Each time the group’s level increases, the members’ Reputation
pleting its objectives. If the characters give up, fail, or achieve only score also increases by 1. If the group does something notable, for
some of the objectives, their level does not increase unless you good or bad, and people can learn about it, you might increase the
decide otherwise. group’s score further.
RECOGNITION: Whenever a member of the group meets some-
Treasure one, roll a d20. If the number rolled is equal to or less than the
group’s Reputation score, the character is recognized, which might
The group should find treasure on their quests. This can take the grant 1 boon or impose 1 bane, depending on what the character
form of coins, gemstones, art objects, trade goods, and other valu- has done. A villainous reputation makes people more suspicious
ables. The following table shows typical treasure rewards (in gp) and less willing to help, while a heroic one might win friends.
per character based on the tier of play. Rewards are further subdi- Reputation wanes the farther the characters travel from home.
vided into paltry, which is suitable for situations when the people For every 100 miles the characters are distant from wherever
in need have little to offer, moderate, for standard rewards, and they performed their last noteworthy deed, their Reputation
bountiful, for extremely dangerous expeditions. score is 2 lower (minimum 0).

Treasure Rewards Fortune

TIER PALTRY MODERATE BOUNTIFUL
When the group does something particularly heroic or interesting,
Novice 1/2 to 1 1 to 2 2 to 5
you can grant fortune as a reward. The group either has fortune or
Expert 1 to 2 2 to 5 5 to 10 it doesn’t. Granting this reward encourages good roleplaying and
Master 5 to 10 10 to 20 20 to 40 investment in the story, as expending fortune can tip the scales in
the players’ favor.
Any member of the group, with everyone’s permission, can
Distributing Treasure expend fortune to produce one of the following effects.
AUTOMATIC SUCCESS: When a character makes an attribute
If you’re making your own quest, be sure to distribute the treasure
roll or luck roll, the character use 20 as the roll’s result instead
so that the characters find it throughout the quest. Most treasure of roll.
rewards ought to come at the end of an act, with the largest share
HEAL DAMAGE: A character can heal all damage.
coming at the quest’s end.
MAXIMIZE DAMAGE: A character can maximize the amount of
Valuables damage dealt by an attack, talent, or spell to a single target.
GET A CLUE: A character can gain important information that
Although the table above presents the treasure in coin, you can pertains to their quest.
freely change that out for other valuables. Maybe instead of 10 gp, BEND REALITY: A character can change a circumstance in a use-
the group finds a big fat emerald, a famous painting that has been ful manner. They might bump into someone with the informa-
lost for hundreds of years, or a sculpture of exquisite beauty. When tion they need, cause an unfriendly person to suddenly become
distributing coins, be sure to mix up the denominations. Giving friendly, or find the lever to disarm a particularly nasty trap.
more copper pieces at lower levels makes the rewards seem more
substantial. Even though 500 cp is the same as 5 gp, 500 sounds
like a whole lot more.
Connections
The characters might also make connections as a result of events
Equipment in a quest. When they do so, they add them to their list of other
connections, noting what benefits the connection offers. For more
You can award equipment, including consumables, inscriptions, information on connections, see Between Quests on page 18.
and magical items, in place of coin. Any piece of equipment con-
Sage Advice

tributes half its price toward the expected treasure reward. If the
characters sell the item, half its price is usually what they earn.
Oddities
All across the known lands and beyond one finds the vestiges of
Reputation past peoples. One might find arrowheads in a field or near a creek
bed, some pottery left in a shallow cave, or other remnants. Since
If you like, you can use reputation rewards to describe the char- magic pervades the world, finding unusual magical items is also
acters’ growing notoriety in the lands they travel. Reputation possible. Oddities represent a category of magical item whose
rewards come in addition to other rewards. methods of creation, purpose, and history have been lost.

50
 You can distribute oddities among other treasure rewards, but item loses its magic after the last charge has been expended and
limit such finds to one per character per tier. These items can offer becomes just an ordinary object of its kind.
enhancements to the characters beyond what they gain from their OWNERSHIP: An oddity belongs to whichever creature wields,
paths, which can make the groups both more dynamic and more carries, or wears it. If it is too big to be used in these ways, own-
powerful. ership goes to the creature touching it. If two or more creatures
IDENTIFICATION: A character can identify an oddity’s proper- touch the oddity, no one owns it.
ties after 1 hour of study. An oddity might have secret properties,
though, in which case the character might have to experiment Creating Oddities
with it, inspect it using magic, or have a supporting character
You can create an oddity by rolling dice and finding their results on
identify it through research.
the following tables. First, you roll a d20 to determine the oddity’s
Buying and Selling Characters can purchase oddities only if
form on the following table. Second, you roll a d6 to determine
you let them. An oddity sells for whatever price the characters
which property table to use. And third, you roll a d20 and find the
can get for it, usually 1d6 × 5 gp. number rolled on the appropriate property table. Of course, you
LIMITED USE: An oddity’s properties might have a specific can just choose the properties you like, or create your own using
number of charges. Unless the property regains charges, the these examples as guidelines.

Oddity Form
D20 FORM EXAMPLES D20 FORM EXAMPLES
1 Armor Leather, mail, plate 11 Instrument Lute, pipes, drum
2 Melee weapon Sword, axe, dagger 12 Inscription Book, scroll, tablet
3 Ranged weapon Bow, crossbow, flintlock 13 Implement Chalice, wand, staff
4 Container Backpack, sack, bucket 14 Toy Doll, ball, blocks
5 Clothing Hat, shirt, trousers 15 Accessory Mask, perfume, cosmetics
6 Jewelry Necklace, ring, locket 16 Vehicle Boat, rickshaw, wagon
7 Furniture Chair, table, wardrobe 17 Miscellaneous Key, paperweight, bauble
8 Art object Statuette, idol, painting 18 Religious Icon, symbol, holy book
9 Coin Gold, silver, copper 19 Detritus Shard, bent nail, old shoe
10 Tool Hammer, wrench, awl 20 Strange Animal paw, bezoar, head in a jar

Table 1: Oddity Properties

D20 PROPERTY D20 PROPERTY
1 Choose one attribute. The oddity grants 1 boon on rolls made using 11 The oddity has 5 charges. When the owner would lose Health, the
the attribute and imposes 1 bane on rolls made against the attribute. owner can expend 1 charge to reduce the Health loss by 1d6.
2 Impose 1 bane on rolls made to attack the owner. 12 While injured, the owner makes attribute rolls with 1 boon.
3 This oddity has 1 charge. Choose one attribute. When the oddity’s 13 The owner becomes cursed as long as it possesses the oddity and
owner would make a luck roll, they can expend the charge to make cannot rid itself of it until its level increases. While cursed in this way,
an attribute roll using the specified attribute in place of the luck roll. the owner makes attribute rolls with 1 boon while not injured and 1
The oddity regains the expended charge after 1 minute. bane while injured.
4 When making a roll with at least 1 boon or bane, the owner can 14 The oddity has 1 charge. It regains the charge 24 hours after being
reroll 1 boon or bane once per roll. expended. When the owner becomes injured, the owner can use a
reaction to expend the charge and heal 10 damage.
5 The owner can use an action to change its appearance in any way 15 The owner cannot catch fire and takes half damage from fire.
it chooses, within the normal limits of its ancestry.
6 The owner takes half damage from lightning. 16 The owner takes half damage from cold and ice.
7 The oddity has 1 charge. It regains the charge 24 hours after being 17 The oddity has 1 charge. It regains the charge 24 hours after being
expended. When the owner makes an attribute roll or a luck roll, the expended. When the owner makes a luck roll to end an ongoing
owner can expend the charge to roll an additional d20 and use the effect and gets a failure, the owner can expend the charge to turn
highest result. the failure into a success.
Chapter 1

8 The oddity has 3 charges. When the owner makes an attribute or 18 The oddity has 3 charges. When the owner gets a failure on a luck
luck roll, the owner can expend 1 charge to add 5 to the result. roll, the owner can expend 1 charge to turn the failure into a success.
9 The oddity increases the owner’s Health score by 5, 10 at level 3, 19 The owner can use an action to transform into a hunting bird and
or 20 at level 7. uses its rules (in Chapter 3) in place of its own. The effect lasts for 1
hour or until the owner becomes unconscious.
10 The first time the owner dies, the owner makes a luck roll. On a suc- 20 The owner can use an action to gain natural weapons that deal 2d6
cess, the owner regains all lost Health and heals all damage. On a damage. The natural weapons can be claws, fangs, horns, or some-
success or a failure, the oddity disappears. thing else. The effect lasts until the owner becomes unconscious.

51
 Table 2: Oddity Properties
D20 PROPERTY D20 PROPERTY
1 The owner can use an action to turn the oddity into any ordinary 11 The oddity has 3 charges. When taking the initiative, the owner
weapon of superior quality. The effect is permanent. can expend 1 charge to regain the use of a reaction.
2 While blinded, the owner has the Awareness 5 trait. 12 The owner no longer loses Health from sleep deprivation.
3 The oddity has 1 charge. It regains the expended charge after 13 The oddity has 1 charge. It regains the expended charge after
24 hours. As an action, the owner can expend the charge to 24 hours. As an action, or a reaction when the owner becomes
transform the oddity into a horse; it remains in this form for 24 frightened, the owner can expend the charge to remove the fright-
hours. If incapacitated before then, the oddity disappears. ened affliction from all creatures within 5 yards.
4 The owner is cursed as long as it possesses the oddity and can- 14 The oddity has 3 charges. When the owner moves 1 yard, it can
not rid itself of the object without performing some service that expend 1 charge to jump to and land safely anywhere within
you decide. 15 yards.
5 The oddity has 3 charges. The owner can use a reaction when 15 The oddity has 1 charge. As an action, the owner can expend
it becomes poisoned to expend 1 charge, end the poisoned the charge and choose one creature it can see. The target makes
affliction and then become immune to the poisoned affliction for a luck roll. On a failure, the target becomes controlled by the
1 hour. owner for 1 minute.
6 While frightened of a creature or object, the owner makes rolls 16 The oddity has 1 charge. As an action, the owner can expend
to attack the source of its fear with 1 boon instead of 1 bane. the charge to end all infections affecting it and become immune
to infection for 1 year and 1 day.
7 The oddity has 5 charges. The owner can use a reaction when it 17 The oddity confers knowledge to the owner of one language of
becomes held to expend 1 charge and end the affliction. your choice.
8 The owner gains the Keen Hearing trait. If the owner has it al- 18 As an action, the oddity radiates bright light until the owner loses
ready, the owner gains Awareness 5 too. ownership of the oddity or ends the effect.
9 The oddity has 3 charges. When the owner becomes confused, 19 The oddity has 1 charge. As an action, the owner can expend
controlled, or stunned, the oddity expends 1 charge and teleports the charge to become immune to the effects of exposure for
the owner to a surface of the owner’s choice within 30 yards. 1 year and 1 day.
10 The oddity has 3 charges. As an action, the owner can expend 20 The oddity causes the owner to rise 1 inch in the air and remain
1 charge to gain the Fly trait for 1 hour. there. The owner gains the Strider and Water Walk traits.

Table 3: Oddity Properties

D20 PROPERTY D20 PROPERTY
1 The oddity grants the owner 1 boon on rolls made to sneak. 11 The oddity grants the owner the Climber trait.
2 As an action, the owner can reduce the intensity of all light 12 The oddity has 1 charge. It regains the expended charge after
sources within 50 yards by one step, so that bright light sources 24 hours. As an action, the owner can expend the charge and
produce dim light and dim light sources produce faint light. The place the oddity on a flat surface where it stays, turning the
effect lasts 1 minute. surface transparent to a depth of 5 yards. The effect lasts until a
creature uses an action to remove the oddity from that surface.
3 The oddity has 1 charge. It regains the charge 24 hours after be- 13 The object has 1 charge. It regains the expended charge after
ing expended. As an action, the owner can expend the charge 24 hours. As an action, the owner can expend the charge to cause
to cause the oddity to radiate menace until the end of the round. the oddity to produce flames for 1 hour. The flames shed dim light
Each enemy within 5 yards of the owner makes a Will roll and, and deal 1d6 damage to anything that touches them. If the oddity
on a failure, becomes frightened of the owner (luck ends). is a weapon, attacks with it deal an extra 1d6 damage.
4 The oddity grants the owner the Swimmer trait. 14 The oddity turns green whenever it is within 5 yards of poison.
5 The oddity grants the owner the Keen Vision trait. If it has it al- 15 When placed in a liquid, the oddity causes the liquid within
ready, the owner triples the distance it can see. 1 yard of it to freeze solid around it. Removing the frozen sub-
stance from the surrounding liquid causes it to melt as normal.
6 The oddity protects the owner from being observed by magic. 16 The oddity is invisible.
7 If the oddity is a container, it can hold up to four times its appar- 17 As an action, the owner can place the oddity on a surface or in
ent volume. Otherwise, when the oddity is placed in a container, the air where it stays, unable to be moved, until the owner uses
it multiplies the number of objects the container can hold by four. an action to retrieve the oddity or the owner dies.
8 The oddity prevents the owner from ever getting dirty or wet. 18 The oddity vibrates when there is a giant, ogre, or troll within 50
yards of it.
Sage Advice

9 The oddity holds the Minor Animation spell from the Alchemy 19 The oddity exudes poison. Anyone handling it must make a luck
tradition with a full complement of castings. When the last cast- roll each time it is touched with the skin. On a failure, the creature
ing has been expended, the owner loses access to the spell. becomes poisoned. If placed in food or drink, it makes the food
It regains all expended castings 24 hours later. or drink poisonous.
10 The oddity has 5 charges. As an action, the owner can expend 20 The oddity has 3 charges. As an action, the owner can expend
1 charge to cause the oddity to emit heat and raise the tempera- 1 charge to cause all doors and similar objects within 15 yards
ture in a Size 5 space centered on it by 30 degrees Fahrenheit to open. The effect unlocks locked doors and ends magical
for 1 hour. effects that hold doors shut.

52
 Table 4: Oddity Properties
D20 PROPERTY D20 PROPERTY

1 The oddity has 1 charge. As a reaction when the owner heals 11 The oddity enables the owner to breathe when submerged in
damage, the owner can expend the charge to heal all damage. any liquid.

2 The oddity has 1 charge. As an action, the owner can expend 12 The oddity has 1 charge. It regains the charge 24 hours after be-
the charge to become invisible for 1 hour. The effect ends early ing expended. As an action, the owner can expend the charge
if the owner harms a creature. to regain one casting for a novice spell the owner has learned.

3 The oddity has 3 charges. As an action, the owner can expend 13 The oddity has 1 charge. It regains the charge 24 hours after be-
1 charge to release a blast of energy from the oddity at one ing expended. As an action, the owner can expend the charge
creature or object within 15 yards. The target takes 2d6 dam- to transform the oddity into a different object worth 1 gp or less
age, and the owner makes a roll using an attribute of the owner’s and remain in that form until the oddity regains the charge. The
choice against the target’s Agility. On a success, the target takes new form can be that of any ordinary object. If the oddity is
an extra 2d6 damage. destroyed while transformed, it is lost.

4 The oddity has 3 charges. As an action, the owner can expend 14 The oddity has 1 charge. It regains the charge 24 hours after be-
1 charge to target one creature within 15 yards. The owner ing expended. As an action, the owner can expend the charge
makes an attribute roll using an attribute of the owner’s choice to cause the oddity to fill one Size 1 or smaller empty container
against the target’s Will. On a success, the target becomes con- within 5 yards with water.
trolled by the owner (luck ends).

5 The oddity has 1 charge. As an action, the owner can expend 15 The oddity has 1 charge. It regains the charge 24 hours after be-
the charge, causing fog to rise from the ground to a height of ing expended. As an action, the owner can expend the charge
3 yards inside a Size 10 space centered on it. The fog creates to cause a permeable, opaque barrier to form across each Size
moderate obscurement in the area and remains for 1 hour or 1 opening within 5 yards. The barrier obstructs sight only. The
until burned off or blown away. barrier remains until the oddity moves more than 5 yards from
where the owner activated it or it regains its charge.

6 The oddity has 1 charge. It regains the expended charge after 16 The oddity enables the owner to communicate telepathically
24 hours. The owner can expend the charge to gain the Insub- with any creature within 10 yards. The communication is one-
stantial trait until the end of its turn. way only.

7 The oddity has 1 charge. As an action, the owner can toss the 17 The oddity has 1 charge. It regains the charge 24 hours after be-
oddity anywhere within 10 yards and expend the charge. The ing expended. As an action, the owner can expend the charge
oddity transforms to become a controlled bear for 1 minute to target one space within 50 yards and, for 1 minute, hear from
or until it becomes incapacitated. Rules for the bear appear in that space as if there.
Chapter 3.

8 The owner can use an action to cause the oddity to play music 18 The oddity enables the owner to use an action to cause each
as soft as a whisper or as loud as a shout. The music continues creature inside a Size 5 space centered on it to take 1 damage.
until the owner dies or uses an action to end the effect.

9 The oddity has 1 charge. It regains the charge 24 hours after be- 19 The oddity has 1 charge. It regains the charge 24 hours after
ing expended. As an action, the owner can expend the charge being expended. As an action, the owner can expend the
to grant itself and each ally within 5 yards 1 boon on attribute charge to cause the ground in a Size 5 space within 10 yards to
rolls for 1 minute. become challenging terrain for 1 minute.

10 The oddity has 3 charges. It regains the charges 24 hours after 20 The oddity has 1 charge. It regains the charge 24 hours after be-
the last charge has been expended. When the owner moves at ing expended. As an action, the owner can expend the charge
least 1 yard, it can expend a charge to increase its Speed by 5 to clear fog, mist, smoke, and similar forms of obscurement from
until the end of its turn. within 5 yards.

Chapter 1

53
 Table 5: Oddity Properties
D20 PROPERTY D20 PROPERTY

1 The oddity has 3 charges. The owner can expend 1 charge to 11 The oddity imposes 1 bane on rolls made to attack the owner. A
discard any banes it has on the next roll it makes before the end creature immune to the frightened affliction is immune to this trait.
of its turn.

2 The oddity enables the owner to regain 1 Health for each hour 12 The oddity imposes 1 bane on luck rolls made by the owner’s
of rest, above what the owner would normally regain. enemies inside a Size 5 space centered on it.

3 The oddity has 1 charge. It regains the charge 24 hours after 13 The oddity causes injured creatures within a Size 5 space
being expended. When the owner moves 1 yard, the owner can centered on it to take an extra 1d6 damage when they take
expend the charge to disappear. The owner returns to that space damage.
or the nearest empty space to it 1d6 rounds later.

4 The oddity has 3 charges. The owner can use a reaction and 14 The oddity has 1 charge. It regains the charge 24 hours after
expend 1 charge when it takes damage to take half damage being expended. The owner can use an action and expend the
from all sources for 1 minute. charge to give off a foul smell. Enemies of flesh and blood within
5 yards become weakened for as long as they remain there.

5 The oddity has 1 charge. The owner can use an action and 15 The oddity increases the owner’s Speed by 2.
expend the charge to gain the True Vision trait for 1 hour.

6 The oddity has 1 charge. It regains the charge 24 hours after 16 The oddity has 1 charge. It regains the charge 24 hours after be-
being expended. The owner can expend the charge to place the ing expended. The owner can use an action to release a wave
oddity in an extradimensional space, where it remains until the of lethargy that washes over all creatures, other than the owner,
oddity regains its charge or the owner uses an action to retrieve inside a Size 5 space centered on the oddity. Each creature
it. The owner can retrieve the oddity from anywhere. makes a Will roll. On a failure, the creature becomes slowed
(luck ends).

7 The oddity sheds faint light whenever a creature within 5 yards 17 The oddity has 1 charge. The owner can use an action and ex-
knowingly speaks an untruth. pend the charge to be able to speak in any language for 1 hour.

8 The oddity has 1 charge. The owner can use an action and ex- 18 The oddity has 1 charge. It regains the charge 24 hours after
pend the charge to teleport itself and each ally within 5 yards to being expended. As an action, the owner can expend the
a Size 5 space anywhere within 100 miles. The destination must charge and cause magic to explode from a Size 1 space it
be one the owner has before seen or visited. can see within 30 yards. The explosion deals 3d6 damage to
each creature and object within 5 yards of the target space. A
creature makes a Strength roll. On a failure, the creature takes
an extra 3d6 damage.

9 The oddity grants the owner the Magic Resistance trait. The own- 19 The oddity holds one novice spell of your choice with a full
er takes half damage from magical sources, imposes 1 bane complement of castings and enables the owner to cast this spell.
on rolls made against it from magical effects, and makes rolls to When the last casting has been expended, the oddity becomes
resist or end magical effects with 1 boon. an ordinary object.
10 The oddity has 1 charge. It regains the charge 24 hours after 20 The oddity holds one expert spell of your choice with a full
being expended. The owner can use an action and expend the complement of castings and enables the owner to cast this spell.
charge to produce one consumable that remains until used or When the last casting has been expended, the oddity becomes
the oddity regains its charge. an ordinary object.
Sage Advice

54
 Table 6: Oddity Properties
D20 PROPERTY D20 PROPERTY

1 Choose one attribute. The owner increases its score in this attri- 11 The oddity makes its owner immune to the frightened affliction.
bute by 1.

2 The oddity has 1d6 charges. The owner can use an action and 12 The oddity prevents the owner from being moved by ordinary
expend 1 charge to produce a random effect from the Wild effects unless the owner chooses to be moved.
Magic table in the Chaos tradition.

3 The oddity has 3 charges. Whenever the owner casts a novice 13 Whenever the owner rolls a 13 on the die for an attribute roll or a
spell, it can expend a charge from the oddity rather than expend luck roll in combat, the owner gains one action that must be used
the casting. before the end of the round.

4 The oddity has 1 charge. It regains the charge 24 hours after 14 The oddity has 1 charge. It regains the charge 24 hours after be-
being expended. The owner can use an action and expend ing expended. As an action, the owner can expend the charge
the charge to cause the oddity to produce a sound so loud that to transform the oddity into a carriage with six horses, and it
it causes all creatures within 50 yards to become deafened for remains in this form until the owner uses an action to return the
as long as the noise persists while they are within range. While oddity to its normal form or one or more horses die. Variations
deafened in this way, creatures are also Intellect impaired and might have the oddity turn into a sailboat or a galleon.
Will impaired. The noise lasts for 1 minute.

5 The oddity has 1 charge. The owner can use an action and 15 If the oddity is a weapon, it grants 1 boon on rolls made to
expend the charge to release a destructive burst that deals 5d6 attack with it and attacks with it deal an extra 1d6 damage. If it
damage to each creature, except the owner, and object inside is not a weapon, the owner can use an action to transform the
a space with a Size 1d6 centered on it. A creature makes a oddity into a weapon of their choice, and the oddity retains this
Strength roll. On a failure, the creature takes an extra 10d6 form until its owner uses this property to change its form again.
damage.

6 The oddity is buoyant and never sinks. 16 The oddity makes its owner immune to suffocation.

7 A formless demon haunts the oddity. The demon grants the own- 17 The oddity has 1 charge. The owner can use an action and
er 1 boon on luck rolls. If the owner becomes incapacitated, the expend the charge to cause a dragon named Jeremy to appear
demon causes the owner to heal 3d6 damage and become in an empty space of the owner’s choice within 30 yards. Jeremy
controlled by the demon for 1 minute. is hostile and treats all creatures as its enemies.

8 The oddity grants 1 boon on the owner’s rolls for social inter- 18 The oddity has 1 charge. It regains the charge 24 hours after
action. being expended. The owner can expend the charge when the
owner attacks to deal an extra 1d6 damage on all attacks the
owner makes for 1 minute.

9 The oddity makes its owner immune to the effects of deprivation. 19 The oddity has two properties. Roll twice more, ignoring further
rolls of 19 or 20 on this table.
10 The oddity grants 1 boon on the owner’s Strength rolls made to 20 The oddity has three properties. Roll three times more, ignoring
break objects. further rolls of 19 or 20 on this table.

Items of Pow er all have stories of those people destroyed by claiming them. An
item of power can be a potent tool, but its use should be tempered
by wisdom and care.
The most powerful magical items occupy a category of their own.
Such items are either artifacts, items of grave magical ability, or rel-
ics, objects infused with magical power. These items are so danger-
Gaining Items of Power
ous that the ones already recovered have been hidden away, locked Finding an artifact or relic should be the objective of one or
and sealed in vaults so that their baleful influence cannot wreak more master quests, and its acquisition should always test the
havoc in the world. Still, many more artifacts and relics might be limits of the characters. Seeking such an item smacks of hubris.
lost in the ruins of old civilizations where they await discovery so When the characters finally reach their objective, they should do
they can resume their ultimate purpose. so with bloodstained hands and heavy hearts. It might be tempt-
Items of power have long and tangled histories. Their presence ing to favor each member of the group with an item of power,
defies the Fates, making short work of the destinies they spin for but they should have access to no more than one at a time, and
Chapter 1

mortals. They can elevate unremarkable people to greatness and ought to rid themselves of the one they find by the time the cam-
allow the mighty to challenge the gods themselves. Items of power paign ends.
have been behind the birth of nations and the eradication of entire
peoples. Each item of power has a history that reveals who made it, Creating Items of Power
the purpose for which it was made, and how the item has changed
history’s course. It is the nature of artifacts and relics to break the rules, so either
Both artifacts and relics make mighty the people who claim item can do whatever you want them to without needing to
them, but such power always comes at a terrible price, and nearly limit it. Certainly, making certain activities always successful and

55
 granting access to the upper echelons of magic are great places to start, but finding kinship with the trolls who sometimes made
you should think beyond game rules and consider having these items create offerings to the cyclopes, and so he whispered a foul
lasting, shocking changes to the world. A relic should be able to raise a moun- curse to the metal as he shaped it, one that would
tain or level one. An artifact can raze a city or grant a wish. Either could make bring doom to whoever donned the armor.
a mortal immortal or transform a character into a demigod strong enough Kaen presented the armor to the elf lord, who
to challenge one of the Old Gods or an Ancient One. In short, you have the took it with gratitude. Donning the suit at once, he
shone like a beacon and wherever he went, the light
freedom to make any kind of artifact or relic you like.
of Mother Sun fell upon him, causing his armor to
glitter and shine. He gathered his forces and marched
Sample Items of Power to battle his hated enemies, spilling black troll blood
to stain the land. But the more furiously he fought,
You can use these sample items of power in your campaigns or let them inspire the brighter he shined, until the radiance pouring out
ones you create. from the armor burned to ash everything around him.
He was victorious, but at the cost of his own forces.
Golden Panoply The armor drifted into legend from that point, sur-
facing first in the Empire and later across the Sea of
No armor can equal the Golden Panoply in craftsmanship or protection. A Fear, where it was believed to have been lost some-
suit of full plate armor, its pieces all hammered from shining gold, powerful where in the wastes surrounding Aegon, and might
magic reinforces the metal so it can stop almost any blow. The helmet’s visor have had a hand in ruining the landscape. Many seek
resembles the face of a roaring lion and the suit comes with a golden fur cloak, out the armor, for it’s believed to make the wearer
its individual hairs spun from gold. invulnerable, and those who crave it ignore the dire
The cyclops Azadorax forged the armor at Kaen’s orders as a gift to an elf warnings about the light that blazes from it.
lord, Galarad Melazrian, who had gained much fame and notoriety for slay- A creature wearing the Golden Panoply has the fol-
ing trolls and felling a giant in single combat. Azadorax despised the faeries, lowing traits.
ULTIMATE DEFENSE: Your armored Defense
becomes 25 if it is lower than 25. In addition, when
you take damage from an attack and the result of
the roll was 30 or less, you take half the damage.
SHINING ARMOR: The armor emits bright light.
THE SUN RISES: At the end of each round in com-
bat, roll a d6. On a 4 or better, the armor’s light
intensifies by one step, to a maximum of step 6.
• STEP 1: Each creature other than you inside a
Size 5 space centered on you takes 1d6 damage.
• STEP 2: Each creature other than you inside a
Size 5 space centered on you takes 2d6 damage,
and each outside this space but within a Size 10
space centered on you takes 1d6 damage.
• STEP 3: Each creature other than you inside a
Size 5 space centered on you takes 4d6 damage,
each creature outside that space but inside a Size
10 space centered on you takes 2d6 damage, and
each creature outside that space, but inside a Size
20 space centered on you takes 1d6 damage.
• STEP 4: Each creature other than you inside a
Size 5 space takes 8d6 damage. Each creature
outside that space but inside a Size 10 space
centered on you takes 4d6 damage. Each crea-
ture outside both spaces but inside a Size 40
Sage Advice

space centered on you takes 2d6 damage.

• STEP 5: Each creature other than you inside a
Size 5 space takes 16d6 damage. Each creature
outside that space but inside a Size 10 space
centered on you takes 8d6 damage. Finally,
each creature outside both of those spaces, but
inside a Size 40 space centered on you takes 4d6
damage.

56
 • STEP 6: Each creature other than you inside a Size 5 space BECKON THE SOUL: A creature holding the hand can use an
takes 32d6 damage. Each creature outside that space but action and expend 5 charges to target one dead creature in
inside a Size 10 space centered on you takes 16d6 damage. reach. The target returns to life and is fully healed as if by the
Finally, each creature outside both of those spaces but inside Beneficent Touch trait.
a Size 80 space centered on you takes 8d6 damage. DISPATCH DEMON: A creature holding the Hand can use an
When the combat ends, this effect ends. action and expend charges to present it at one demon within
10 yards. The creature must spend a number of charges equal to
twice the demon’s number type. The demon disappears, forcibly
Hand of Barboran returned to the Void.
The rise of the Church of the High One saw the proliferation of
sainted individuals, people to whom the god showed great favor Ring of Arnox
and endowed with supernatural powers. As these holy folk passed
on from the mortal world to find their reward in Paradise, it Fiends crave mortal souls and go to great lengths to harvest them.
became popular to preserve body parts, articles of clothing, and The Ring of Arnox, a simple silver band, has condemned more
other remnants out of the belief that these relics held some mag- than one soul to the fires of the Netherworld. Forged by a mighty
ical power. Often, the Church would display relics in shrines and fiend named Arnox, the band was imbued with all his rage, all
temples, and the faithful would travel from all over to lay eyes on his hatred, while he whispered poisonous words into the metal.
these prizes and find inspiration from them. When he finished, he flung the Ring into the Well of Sighs, where
Despite the prevailing belief that every such relic has some holy it tumbled down until it passed into the mortal world, where it
power, scant few do and are nothing more than what they seem—a seduces, corrupts, and ultimately destroys any person who finds it.
torn cloak, a few bones, a preserved eye. The ones that do hold Again and again has the Ring of Arnox found its way onto the
some residual magic are guarded, kept secret and safe behind tem- finger of the vain, the ambitious, and the deranged. Each time, it
plars and other protectors to ensure the relics don’t fall into the worked its dread influence on the wearer’s mind, so that friends
hands of the Church’s enemies. Despite these efforts, villains find became enemies and love twisted into hatred. Such victims include
ways to make off with these prizes for nefarious ends. General Rantak of the Old Empire, who turned against his liege,
The Hand of Barboran belonged to a holy man who performed slaughtering the imperial court until he himself was burned to cin-
miracles of healing all across the Great Kingdom. He was once ders by magic. The warlock Anzerai found the ring and wore it
a devout priest of the High One, but as he traveled, he began to until her paranoia became too great to withstand and she flung
speak out against the Church and exposed its preoccupation with herself from the Forever Cliffs to die broken on the rocks below.
political, earthly matters. During one fiery sermon, the crowd grew Currently, the Ring of Arnox rests on the finger of Camillia
unruly and turned against him, even though he had just cleansed Shen, the captain of a mercenary company known as the Lost
the town of a virulent plague that had killed hundreds. Some whis- Daughters. She has been fighting the minor lords of the Great
per that the priests of the High One goaded the crowd into the act, Kingdom with the intent of conquering the entire realm for some
but the Church dismisses these accusations as scurrilous rumors. nameless master who remains in the shadows.
Maja Lun, a follower of Barboran, recovered the body after the A creature wearing the Ring of Arnox has the following traits.
crowd had done its work and interred the remains in the cellar of an INFERNAL CURSE: You are cursed until you die, a fiend uses an
abandoned house. Lun stood vigil over the corpse for six days and action to touch the ring and lift the curse, or you cut off the
seven nights, praying to the High One to restore the holy man to finger wearing the ring. While cursed in this way, you cannot
life. At the dawn of the seventh day, the body disappeared but for remove the ring from your finger. In addition, if you become
one hand, and in this appendage the goodness of Barboran survives. incapacitated while cursed in this way, you teleport to the
The Hand has surfaced in various places over the years, though Netherworld and become a prisoner of the fiends.
reports are often muddied by false relics sold by unscrupulous ped-
FIENDISH STRENGTH: Your Health increases by 100, your
dlers who prey on the beliefs of the faithful. It has been seen in
Strength score increases to 20 if it is lower than 20, and your
Four Towers, it raised a dead man in the Salt Barrens, and it turned
melee attacks deal an extra 2d6 damage.
a storm from battering Eastport. No one knows where it will show
up next. COLD RESISTANCE: You take half damage from cold.
The Hand is a withered appendage, the skin drawn tight to the PARANOIA: After each night’s rest, make a Will roll. On a failure,
bones. Three fingers and a thumb remain, and a golden cap covers you permanently reduce your Will score by 1 and treat all crea-
the stump. People who have seen it claim that the fingers some- tures as enemies for 24 hours.
times move. The Hand of Barboran has the following traits.
Chapter 1

SACRED POWER: The Hand has 20 charges. Any creature hold-

ing the Hand can expend charges from it to use the Hand’s other
traits. When the last charge is expended, the Hand disappears.
BENEFICENT TOUCH: The creature holding the hand can
use an action to touch it to one creature in reach and expend
1 charge. The target heals all damage, regains all lost Health,
removes the poisoned affliction, and ends any infections.

57
 Chapter 2
Borderlands
Between the Old Country in the west and the New Lands in the east lies a realm that, until recent days, had sheltered under the protec-
tion of the Weird Wizard. Called the borderlands, this region has become the destination for people fleeing the uncertainty, violence,
and terror of the west in hopes of beginning new lives for themselves. Yet what would be a refuge reveals itself to be a land filled with
mystery and danger.
Despite being considered a backwater, a place of little importance uncomfortably close to the New Lands, the borderlands might still
welcome eastward expansion. But the Salt Barrens, a band of hostile wasteland, raiding ships in the Sunrise Ocean to the north, and the
ever-present threat of krakens in the Sea of Fear made colonization on a large scale nearly impossible for all but the most determined
people. Had the Old Country not gone up in flames, the borderlands would have remained a footnote in the histories, but with nowhere
left to turn, people have braved the crossings and spilled into the territory as if it were promised to them.
What perils will newcomers face here, what peoples await, and what lies beyond to the east? This chapter answers these questions by
offering a tour through the setting. A map of the borderlands shows the region as it’s generally known, and entries reveal details about
named places. This chapter also describes the peoples that characters might meet, the organizations to which they might belong, and the
gods they worship. Finally, it offers an overview of the lands beyond the region, hinting at fantastical places the characters can explore or
places from which their enemies might hail.
Players and Sages can both use this chapter to learn more about the world. For players, the entries represent information commonly
known by people living in the borderlands and so ought to be freely available to characters from this area. For Sages, the chapter serves as
a foundation for worldbuilding: adding more detail, creating more secrets, and developing various locations to bring the setting to life.

58
Peoples of the pirates, krakens, and other hideous monsters, or they cross the Salt
Barrens, a blighted expanse in which nothing can live for long. If
they don’t drown, succumb to deprivation, get abducted by raiders
Borderlands or pirates, or perish from disease or any number of other hardships,
they find themselves in a land devoid of all the comforts civiliza-
In spite of the hardships, people have been coming to these lands tion affords, a realm crawling with monsters, bandits, opportun-
for thousands of years. Faeries fleeing their enemies settled in ists, and strange, unidentifiable things, and without much in the
mountain valleys, where they cut themselves off from all the way of provisions, shelter, or anything else. But to live through the
world’s troubles. Ogres, burdened by ancient shame, wander the Salt Barrens, to come across the Sea of Fear with body and mind
borderlands’ many woodlands and jungles, while human refugees intact, takes toughness, determination, and a will to live, traits all
huddle on the region’s edges, exhausted from their trials but hope- surviving refugees have.
ful for the future. The borderlands are home to a diverse group of Most refugees live in makeshift communities within a stone’s
peoples that include everyone from elves to goblins, centaurs to throw of the Salt Barrens. Some more permanent settlements,
fomorians, and others as well. such as New Town, welcome the newcomers and give them a
chance to recover from their hardships until they are ready to set-
tle somewhere else permanently. Refugees come from nearly all
Social Groups ancestries, though clockworks enter the borderlands from the east
rather than the west.
All borderlanders belong to one of the following social groups. The scattered peoples speak a variety of regional dialects, have
Each entry describes, in broad terms, their living arrangements, customs and cultures both familiar and strange, worship a wide
social fabric, and communities. range of gods, and have all kinds of opinions on governance, poli-
tics, ethics, and survival. A fractious lot made up of hardened sur-
Tribes vivors, they face the next step of finding a home for themselves in
the wilds or making the journey to one of the towns or city-states,
Many peoples belong to larger tribal or clannish communities where they might find a place if they have something to offer.
comprising one or more extended families. Examples include the Refugees enter the borderlands with whatever they bring. Most
Horselords of the Wilderlands, the Khazud peoples north of the are ill-prepared for the climate, burdened with clothing made for
Dragon’s Teeth, and the Wandering Folk. Tribes might be of a sin- cooler lands. As a result, many refugees look a bit out of place,
gle ancestry as in the case of the Horselords, all of whom are cen- dressed in whatever was the fashion of their homelands.
taurs, or diverse. Halflings make up most of the Wandering Folk,
but they welcome anyone who accepts their ways.
Many tribespeople live nomadic lives, following their herds or Homesteaders
just traveling from place to place, sustaining themselves by hunting For over a century, the promise of “free” land lured folk from the
and foraging. A few tribes might have settlements, but these places Old Country to stake a claim somewhere in the borderlands, away
differ from urban communities in that they lack permanence; the from persecution, tyranny, and corruption in their homelands.
people can dismantle their shelters and move off if the situation These homesteaders live on territory they hold through force of
requires it. arms and will, that they cultivated for growing crops and grazing
Membership in a tribe contributes to and often determines an their livestock. A homestead’s people include the family, hired
individual’s identity. Belonging to a tribe means keeping to shared hands, servants, and, more recently, refugees who trade labor for
values, beliefs, and language. Most members worship the same god food and shelter.
or gods, adhere to the same customs, and work within the social Homesteading is a human enterprise, and nearly all homesteads
structure for the betterment of their community. Individuality belong to humans, some recently arrived from the Old Country,
might arise from personality quirks, but the tribe’s expectations but most having been here for several generations. Several home-
and needs come first. steads in the same general region might form a loose society and
Self-sufficiency separates many tribal groups from other people cooperate with one another, trading goods and news, but many
living in the borderlands. They manufacture their own tools, cloth- more are isolated, on the fringes of the settled lands, where they
ing, and other materials they need to get by. Communities in con- must be self-reliant if they would survive.
tact with refugees, homesteaders, and others trade and incorporate As with the borderlands’ tribes, members of a homestead put the
goods and materials into those they themselves produce. Style and interests of the family and the steading ahead of their own desires.
fashion vary from tribe to tribe. Some wear little clothing, while Life for them can be quite difficult, especially when mischievous
Chapter 2

others paint their bodies, dress in elaborate costumes, or don garb faeries steal the plough horse, brigands kill the elders and make
much like that worn by other peoples who live in these lands. off with all the food for the season, or wild monsters come barrel-
ing out of the wilderness, slaughtering the livestock and infecting
Refugees the meat with plague. Considering the hardships, homesteaders
are understandably wary around strangers. Rather than open arms
As the Old Country tears itself apart, more and more people and welcome, most travelers find closed doors and harsh words.
brave the myriad dangers to find relative safety in the border- A typical steading is a tiny village with a main house, barn, silo,
lands. They come by boat, contending with the Sea of Fear and its coop, shrine, watchtower, and other outbuildings, all surrounded

59
 by a wooden or stone wall. Outside the wall are fields for grazing and out disputes. They formed when people of different skills
growing. When people are working in the fields, someone always stands and abilities realized they stood a better chance at sur-
in the tower and raises the alarm if anyone approaches, at which point the vival by cooperating than going it alone.
settlers withdraw inside the steading and take up arms. Villages can adopt any political system. A council made
Homesteaders wear homemade garments of lightweight materials such up of village elders might lead one community, while
as linen or cotton, undyed, with long tunics being favored to help them another has a feudal system, in which everyone works
tolerate the heat and retain some degree of modesty. If homesteaders for a regent who protects the people in return. Another
bother with ornamentation, they might wear wreaths of woven flowers or town might elect their leaders, while a village just a few
fanciful hats made from straw. miles away could have a religious official in charge.
Life on the frontier breeds strong religious views. Nearly all homesteaders Danger in the borderlands makes proper defenses a
worship the gods of the Old Faith, though a few might have been driven necessity, and thus almost every town and village has an
here for holding heretical beliefs that put them at odds with the High One. outer wall and a central fortified structure, such as a keep
Many homesteader communities benefit from the help of a local witch, or tower, to shelter the population if they come under
whose magic can keep faeries at bay and whose knowledge of the healing attack. Each villager must contribute to the community’s
arts aids in birthing children, setting bones, and curing whatever ills befall protection, so able-bodied people spend some amount of
a family. time each month as part of the militia.
Villages attract people of various trades, so they can
be self-sufficient. There’s someone working at a forge,
V illagers enough farmers to grow crops and raise livestock, weav-
Many people live in the villages and towns dotting the landscape in the ers, tailors, wheelwrights, coopers, cobblers, and just
western, southern, and eastern regions of the borderlands. Most such com- about any other tradesperson imaginable. Smaller com-
munities grew from trading posts, places where homesteaders and tribes- munities might have individuals with experience in sev-
people gathered to exchange news, conduct religious ceremonies, or sort eral trades, while larger settlements have specialists who
excel in their craft.
Humans, being a numerous people, form the largest
population in most villages and towns, though commu-
nities can have members of other ancestries as well. One
can find changelings in disguise or a dragonet or two, and
a family might even have been adopted by a hobgoblin.
Living among a variety of peoples makes villagers friend-
lier and more welcoming to strangers, especially those
who bring news or luxuries for sale or trade.
Villagers lack the numbers to support multiple com-
peting faiths. Older, established communities follow the
Old Faith, while newer settlements in the west belong to
the High One’s flock, with a church at the town’s center.
People speak the same language, Common, though each
locale comes with its own idioms and dialect.

Urbanites
Five urban centers dot the borderlands. Asylum and
Four Towers have enough inhabitants to be considered
genuine cities, while Eastport and Westport have more
modest populations. Sea Hold is closer in size to a typical
town, but the community’s diversity gives it the atmo-
sphere of a city. Borderlanders refer to these places as
city-states.
The city-states are made up of all manner of folk,
from the familiar humans to dwarfs, and dragonets, and
borderlands

those from faraway lands, such as sphinxes and janni.

City-states house even more exotic peoples: dhampirs,
for example, have a thriving community in Asylum.
Urbanites barely register differences between themselves
and their neighbors, so accustomed have they become to
the broad range of peoples inhabiting this world.
Urbanites often blend their cultural ideals with the
predominant ones in the city. The foods they eat, clothes

60
they wear, the manner and languages in which they communicate entire town of Edgewood, where he resides in luxurious accommo-
might all come from the places in which they lived before, but dations; and Wandering Wren, who roams the Wyvern Wood in
in time they begin to adopt the mores of their fellow urbanites. search of none other than Grandfather Tree.
Cuisines mingle to create something new, while fashions might
incorporate ideas from other cultures until they become unique.
In this way, each city-state comes to adopt its own identity that Bartleby, Kris, and Company
makes the community distinct. The most powerful economic force in the borderlands, the bank-
A large population makes it possible for a city-state to have ing consortium known as Bartleby, Kris, and Company saw a need
several different religions. While social customs might relax to in Four Towers and moved in to fill it, offering loans to the tower
accommodate others, religious views, especially when they pur- guilds to prepare the towers’ depths for excavation. From the inter-
port exclusivity, can create fissures in communities where people est earned on these loans, and a percentage of the treasure recov-
subscribe to multiple sets of beliefs. Most city-states in the bor- ered from every expedition, the bank grew and spread its tendrils
derlands, though, follow the gods of the Old Faith; the Church of into the city-states and many nations of the Old Country. With
the High One has yet to secure a foothold anywhere but in Four untold resources, the bank can use its economic might to manip-
Towers, where it coexists with other faiths—for now. ulate political circumstances to suit its interests. Since Bartleby,
Kris, and Company have yet to intervene in the troubles in the
Loners west, clearly the bank sees a profit in all the uncertainty. And why
not? Nations in peril need gold to pay soldiers, build defenses,
As much of the borderlands remains unspoiled, untouched by civi- and feed their people. The bank has gold aplenty and is more than
lization, the region attracts outcasts, hermits, and loners who pride happy to lend it to those in need, but each loan gives the institu-
themselves on their self-reliance and want nothing to do with set- tion more control—and control is what it craves most.
tlements. Loners come from all ancestries, though certain ones are Each city-state, even Sea Hold, has a Bartleby, Kris, and
more likely to live alone—archons, cambions, or revenants, for Company office and conducts business there. The bank has made
example. As much as loners wish to live apart, some contact with bargains with janni merchants to fund trade expeditions across the
others is unavoidable. Food, supplies, tools, and items that cannot ocean to the Four Kingdoms. It has discretionary funding enough
be grown, foraged, or made in the wild force them to trading posts to hire mercenaries to prop up its own military units. And if some-
and settlements. one crosses the organization, it uses its contacts to eliminate them.

Societies and Institutions Blackhearts

People belong to their communities, if they have them, but they When life is a struggle, when everyone shares similar hardships, it’s
can also belong to any of the societies, institutions, and organi- especially dispiriting to find those who would rather punish the
zations that abound in the borderlands. The following examples innocent than work together for a common cause. But some peo-
represent the most important and notable factions in the region. ple need an enemy to blame for their woes, someone to scapegoat
as a way of explaining away all the misfortunes they must endure.
Such are the people who belong to the Blackhearts.
Bards Barely a coherent organization, the Blackhearts seek to drive
Dismissing bards as common musicians and storytellers does a refugees off their lands and achieve these ends by assault, arson,
disservice to the great tradition of these itinerant entertainers, for and murder. Various cells operate throughout the Plains of
there have been bards for almost as long as there have been peo- Pendarm, though the largest group comes out of Edgewood—not
ple. They were among the first to preserve the music of antiquity, that anyone there would admit belonging to such a murderous
chronicle the great events in history, and safeguard all they have mob. Blackhearts keep their identities hidden; they communicate
learned against the enemies of civilization. The arrival of one is using secret signs in the places where they live. When on the hunt,
often cause for great celebration, for the bards’ performances have they don burlap sacks with holes cut for their eyes and then steal
no match. Not all know about them, but after meeting a bard, peo- into refugee encampments, where they beat anyone they find, take
ple never forget and speak of the encounter for years afterward. their supplies, and sometimes kidnap people they think might
The bards form a loose society of historians, musicians, story- have some value. Anonymity makes these brutes bold and lets
tellers, actors, and other entertainers. It’s believed they came from them act with impunity.
a land lost in the Great Cataclysm that flooded much of the world,
Chapter 2

and the knowledge they preserved from their once-mighty civi- Druids
lization enabled the Empire to form in the north, though, sadly,
they failed to impart the wisdom to use this knowledge responsi- No more than a half-dozen druids live in the borderlands, but they
bly. The descendants of those bards spread into the Old Country have considerable influence over developments here, as they do
and beyond, becoming established in the lands they inhabit. throughout the Dawn Lands. The druids pursue a secret agenda
A few bards travel the borderlands. Famous figures, they include and make incremental advances by throwing their support behind
Alyce Sweetsong, whose voice brought momentary joy to the various peoples and figures, only to abandon them when they have
Prince of Tears; Byron Clubfoot, who enjoys the patronage of the fulfilled their purpose. To what ends the druids work, no one but

61
 the druids know, and even then only the highest-ranking among areas to recruit talented individuals for their endeavors. Often,
them have a clear picture of the ultimate aim. newcomers receive a smaller share of the loot until after an expe-
Druids wear distinctive, hooded black cloaks, and they never dition, when they might receive full standing in the company or
go abroad without them, believing rightly that people will not part ways.
interfere with them or their mission. Druids might carry weapons, Some famous companies still active include the War Brothers,
such as swords or staffs, or not. They sometimes keep the company three brothers and their trusted henchman, who have survived five
of seekers, specially trained warriors who act as their spies, agents, expeditions. The Galleon League gained notoriety after retrieving
and saboteurs. the largest diamond ever found, while the Red Axe Company, led
Few have kind words for druids. People see them as med- by Prince Betrem Doomhammer, last heir to lost Caer Dolnak,
dlers, intriguers, and manipulators whose every deed has a price. has survived the most missions—thirteen.
Travelers might make the sign of the evil eye when they see one
on the same path, and quiet descends on any room a druid enters.
Druids go and do as they please; opposing them brings bad ends Lightfoot Caravan
to those in their way. Their reputation opens doors that would oth- The Lightfoot Caravan has traveled the borderlands for hundreds
erwise be closed. One druid has the ear of the Princess of Asylum, of years and has the distinction of being the only nomadic band to
while another druid has been spotted accompanying the Red Axe earn the Weird Wizard’s permission to cross into the New Lands.
Company into the dungeons below the Tower of Strife. Another has A lively company, the Lightfoot Caravan finds welcome wherever
settled in Edgewood, where she keeps the company of several young it travels and people come from miles around to watch members’
people whom locals believe she grooms for some hidden agenda. performances, dance to their music, and listen to their poetic recit-
Rumor holds there’s one in the entourage of the Prince of Tears. als. The caravan also does brisk trade, counting many tinkers and
The mightiest and best-known druid in the borderlands is peddlers among its numbers. From them come all manner of exotic
Kalaman the Black, so named for the thick black beard that goods, carried from one side of the world to the other to grace
hangs down to his navel. Legend holds he once counted him- someone’s mantle and amaze all who lay eyes upon the bauble.
self among the Weird Wizard’s companions, tutored Arnox the No one knows where the caravan will appear next. People who
Elf Lord in the secrets of magic, and personally slew the demon follow it either join up or fall behind. The caravan never takes the
prince Malboziak on the Griefings Bridge. His whereabouts are same path twice, and elders claim they will wander the border-
currently unknown. lands until they have walked every inch of it, as they have roamed
the Old Country and lands beyond. And once they finish here,
Free Companies perhaps they’ll venture into the New Lands or maybe across the
Sea of Fear to explore the Southlands and its many wonders.
The Four Towers of the eponymous city-state stand atop level after The Lightfoot Caravan began when several clans of halflings
level of sprawling dungeons burrowing so deep into the ground came together in some distant place and decided to travel together.
that no one knows how far they descend. What is known is that Over the years they have allowed others to join them, picking up
the dungeons contain fabulous riches, magical items, and secrets strays just about everywhere they go. As a result, the caravan fea-
that could change how people understand the world. The commu- tures members of most ancestries known, including a few unusual
nity that has grown around these structures realized that letting folks such as Bengamen the Centaur and Horomor, a haren nursed
others face the dangers from venturing into the depths was the back to health by Anya, one of the elders.
easiest and most reliable method of extracting the treasures. The Newcomers can join the caravan provided they are of able body,
authorities invited everyone to brave the darkness, provided they have a useful trade, and accept the travelers’ liberal attitude toward
formed a company and registered it with the guilds who controlled sharing goods. The caravan lets no one go hungry, unclothed,
the towers and access to them. Thus were the Free Companies of or without a safe place to sleep. Food, drink, and clothing are
Four Towers introduced to the borderlands. all freely distributed among members based on their individual
For nearly thirty years, companies have formed to find riches in needs. In return, everyone contributes to the caravan, pitching in
the dark, free to keep almost anything they find—after, of course, on whatever needs doing—fixing wagon wheels, foraging, playing
they pay the fees to the guilds. In this time, hundreds of companies the drum, cooking meals, and so on.
have made the effort, but few survive for long. The deeper reaches The Lightfoot folk believe the caravan set out thousands of years
hold dangers beyond description and entire expeditions have van- ago in the Old Empire, where it wandered until the lands became
ished in the darkness, devoured by the strange things living there. too unsafe. It drifted into the Old Country and traveled around,
Others, having lost companions, emerge shaken, broken by their finding welcome as often as not, until the members saw everything
experiences, vowing never to go again. One might think the sto- there was to see, which led to its great journey across the Wastes.
borderlands

ries would be enough to deter others from making the attempt, The caravan keeps meticulous notes of the lands through which it
but there’s always someone certain they will find fame, glory, and passes and can be a great resource to travelers and explorers alike.
fortune in the darkness, and thus Four Towers sees no shortage of Those who make up the caravan aim to deal fairly with people
adventurers going boldly to their dooms. they meet but know how to protect themselves if they come under
Word of Four Towers has reached even the Old Country, and attack by bandits, orcs, or monsters. Fierce fighters, they freely
companies make the crossing into the borderlands by foot or by give their lives to protect their own. As a result, most civilized folk
boat to test their mettle in the dark. Typically, they operate in and leave them to themselves, and only the desperate and despicable
around the city-state, but many make forays into the surrounding raise arms against them.

62
 Members of the caravan can hold whatever religious
views they like; one can find devotees of the Old Gods,
the High One, spirits of nature, and others. All members,
though, pay homage to the Endless Road, a concept that
is something like a god, a purpose, and a set of rules for
proper conduct. They believe they follow the Endless
Road to a land promised to them and have no intention of
stopping until they find this place.

Magic - Users
Anyone who has magical knowledge and can cast a spell
qualifies as a magic-user, and the borderlands has no short-
age of these talented people. However, attitudes toward
magic-users vary from place to place. Villagers in one
community might bring gifts and lend aid to the witch
who cares for them, while a wizard might flee the torches
and pitchforks of an angry mob the next town over. Even
though most people have had encounters with magic in
one way or another, few comprehend its workings. Too
often people fear what they cannot or will not understand.

Witches
Outside of the cities, most people encounter magic
through the witches who live among them. Nearly each
town and village has a wise woman, someone skilled at
herb craft and potions who can be relied upon to ease a
fever or set a broken bone. These people might be mid-
wives, skilled healers, herbalists, or genuine witches
trained in the magical arts.

W izards The only known true wizard to live in the borderlands is Sajme the
Fearing the Weird Wizard, the wizards of the west Green, who has recently taken up residence in Four Towers. People claim
appeared content with what they had achieved as the he has come to root out the pretenders, but others suggest that he has
preeminent magic-users of the Old Country. In the Ivory some interest in what lurks under the towers and that he might be form-
Tower that stood in sight of Whitestone, they worked to ing a company of his own.
codify the proper methods for using magic and became
the ultimate authority, to the point that people who dis-
agreed with their methods were driven off to languish
Renegades
in the borderlands. Now that the Great Kingdom that Sorcerers, necromancers, warlocks, demonists, and other practitioners of
had long sponsored their efforts has become embroiled dark magic either began their descent into darkness in the borderlands
in a bitter civil war, the wizards are scrambling to con- or fled here after facing persecution in the west. These renegades find few
trol their destinies and salvage what remains of their havens, for the magic they pursue is dangerous to all. They instead live
dominion. Unfortunately for them, upstarts appear in the wild, lurking in crumbling castles and leaning towers. Some hide
everywhere, many of whom hold long-standing grudges in plain sight, concealing their activities behind genteel, kindly facades.
against the wizards and will now stop at nothing to break Then there are those with axes to grind against their enemies, who mar-
their hegemony. shal forces to get the vengeance they so crave.
Chapter 2

People in the borderlands who call themselves wiz- Some of the more infamous renegades include Philolomy the Foul, a
ards could be authentic members of the elite society, and degenerate necromancer at large in the Briny Flats, where he uses magic to
their monochromatic clothing could be legitimate. A animate the remains of dead creatures that wash up on the shores. Then,
great many pretenders also seize upon the opportunities there’s Morgan, a devious enchantress who haunts the Sentinel Wood,
afforded by chaos in, and distance from, the Old Country, ensorcelling peasants and making them into her thralls. Finally, Merlas
and masquerade as authorities on magic. True wizards the Unclean pursues magical power regardless of the cost to himself and
loathe such people and, when they find one, they destroy others. He hunts other magicians, kills them, and steals their souls, which
the pretender with their superior magical abilities. he drains to gain their magical secrets.

63
 the Old Country, many made the journey east, and from them
descend the rangers of the borderlands.
An elite society of honorable warriors, skilled in woodcraft
and survival, rangers go where others dare not. They take the
fight to all servants of evil and wickedness to be found, whether
cruel brigands, savage orcs, or rampaging fomorians. When a
giant stomps across the countryside, the rangers are often the
first to respond. And when someone goes missing, it is to the
rangers that people turn.
The rangers were never many, and their numbers have shrunk
since the founding of their order. To further complicate matters,
some unworthy individuals claim the mantle of rangers, believing
they can profit from the status, but all they achieve is sullying the
society’s good name. Genuine rangers watch for talented individu-
als and might offer to take on those they find as squires and teach
them what they have learned as they themselves were taught.

Red Banners
Red Joan, so named for her fiery hair, fought for the Great
Kingdom for many years, but after the paladins slew the regent
and plunged the nation into war, Joan saw little point in selling
her life to some unworthy usurper. Thus, she went east along with
a small band of followers, surviving the Wastes and settling on a
patch of land in the Plains of Pendarm.
With no desire to turn their swords into plowshares, Joan and
her soldiers became mercenaries, selling their blades to whoever
Order of the Thorn could afford them. Her company, called the Red Banners, has
worked for Bartleby, Kris, and Company, the most powerful bank
When the paladins cut down the royal family of the Great in the borderlands, and fought for Eastport, then Westport, and
Kingdom, seven knights spirited away the youngest heir, Princess then Eastport again. She even wintered in the shadow of Sea Hold.
Nicola, and hid her somewhere until she came of age and could And she did all this in her first year.
reclaim Whitestone as her seat of power over a restored nation. The Red Banners appear content to be mercenaries, but her
In the months after, the corpse of each knight has been found, but closest advisors know Red Joan has her sights set a bit higher. She
there has been no sign of the missing heir. wants a kingdom of her own, and the Red Banners are key to get-
Other noble warriors who learned of the effort to save the princess ting what she wants. The Red Banners actively recruit in the coun-
formed the Order of the Thorn to find her, keep her safe, and aid her tryside and find many eager warriors in the making, people who
return to power. Many members believe she hides somewhere in the crave lives of glory and adventure. As her army grows, Red Joan
Old Country, but new leads point toward the borderlands, which considers her next move. Will she march on Four Towers for all
has brought several knights east in hopes of picking up the trail. the wealth it possesses? Or will she sweep in and oust the Princess
The Thorn knights come from wealth and status, so they have of Asylum to install herself as the regent in her place? Perhaps
ornate full plate armor, chargers, squires, pages, and other atten- she has designs on returning to the Old Country and making her
dants. Even though the knights have the best intentions, they have own bid for the Great Kingdom’s throne. If she has decided, she
become a disruptive presence. The longer they go without finding has told no one yet. But it is just a matter of time before the Red
their charge, the more vexed and unpredictable they become. A Banners move to grant her greatest wish.
knight might bring his small army of followers into a town, spend
a few days wreaking havoc, and then leave the place in shambles
after turning over every stone to find the barest trace of the missing
Redeemers
young woman. The troubles in the Old Country have people there looking for
explanations for their suffering. The various catastrophes could all
borderlands

Rangers point toward some apocalyptic event that will bring about the end
of all things. Perhaps the gods have grown weary of the faults in
When Roland, first of his name, founded the Great Kingdom, he mortals and seek to teach them a lesson as they did long ago in
dispatched his most loyal knights to range out across the wilder- the Cataclysm. Other, weirder ideas have been spread by religious
ness and discover the world, and, while doing so, lend aid to those leaders, occultists, prophets, and others.
in need and defend the defenseless. These rangers traveled in all The Redeemers, a fringe cult devoted to a bloodthirsty incarna-
directions at the behest of their liege and brought understanding tion of the High One, believe that their god enacts catastrophes
of the Dawn Lands to their people. Not content with surveying to find the virtuous souls that have earned their places in Paradise.

64
That the High One has not yet claimed these true believers signals holy sites arouse little more than curiosity.
that they haven’t endured enough, and the only way to escape the Imagine, then, the surprise of the refugees who found all the old
prison of the flesh without violating the prohibition against taking specters of ancient myth and legend alive and well in the border-
one’s own life is to suffer. So, suffer they do. lands as they once were in the fallen west. Newcomers fear these
Mobs of Redeemers have started appearing all over the Great beings, looking upon them in wonder even as they clutch the sym-
Kingdom. Their wild attacks and dispensations of what they bols of the High One and recite prayers to an absent, remote god
believe to be justice made a bad situation worse, forcing peace- who has yet to show himself to the world. The clash of religious
keepers to turn their attention to death-obsessed cultists who were ideologies has weakened the High One’s church as people return
happy to flay themselves with whips when not smashing the skulls to the old ways in droves, seeking out the priests and learning once
of nonbelievers. After several disastrous setbacks, the Redeemers more the rites and prayers to keep these fearsome figures appeased.
turned east to bring their message to the borderlands, in hopes of The Old Gods form a loose pantheon of deities, some of whom
saving as many souls as they can before their god swoops down and came to the faith from other cults and sects and were ensnared by
whisks them up to live in the light for eternity. this religion, joining willingly or not. Aside from the most pow-
Brother Adolphus leads the Redeemers now, after his prede- erful and well-known beings, who receive some discussion below,
cessor, Father Alec, lost his mind due to an ailment of the flesh, many spirits, demigods, and lesser powers sometimes serve the Old
possibly acquired while ministering to the young women in a Gods. No holy book exists for the Old Faith, though stories about
brothel around which the Redeemers settled and then burned to the various personalities and their exploits have been recorded in
ash, taking the occupants into the welcoming embrace of their literary works. Instead, the priests keep alive the faith through the
god. Brother Adolphus believes in the truth of the mission, and he oral tradition; and initiates must commit to memory the proper
spends a portion of each day. ceremonies and invocations required to honor their patrons.
Having lost a full third of their number to the Salt Barrens, the
survivors stumbled out of the waste, where they were met by a dis-
believing crowd of refugees. The Redeemers’ violent and extremist Lord Death
views made them unwelcome in New Town, which forced them to Lord Death leads the pantheon, having earned the right by giving
wander the Plains of Pendarm, looking for a sign to point them in mortals the gift of life and burdening them with the debt of death.
the direction they should travel next. Lord Death presides over the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth
and, according to some, sustains himself on the memories he con-
G ods and Religion sumes from the souls who descend into his realm, the Underworld.
Lord Death shares his throne with Sister Moon, who travels to his
The world has no shortage of deities. Small gods, household gods, gloomy dominion for a few days each month, when the moon is
and local gods compete with the larger, more dominant faiths of absent from the night skies. He splits his portfolio with his four
the Old Gods and the High One. An examination of the major daughters: Hate, the Pale Lady, Want, and Calamity.
religions and their mythologies follows. Symbols of Lord Death include a grinning human skull wearing
an iron crown, a winged hourglass, and the scythe, usually accom-
panied by an hourglass, which are the god’s accoutrements. Lord
The Old Gods Death relies on his angels, the reapers, to harvest the souls of the
In olden times, people across the known world feared and wor- living, though he might himself come to claim the souls of mortals
shiped the Old Gods. The common person needed no proof that he deems important, such as his high priests.
they existed, for these divinities walked among them. One might spy Even with the rise and dominance of the Church of the High
Lord Death stepping through a wall to snatch the soul of the dying, One, Lord Death remains an important figure in the Old Country.
or see Hate, goddess of war, in the black birds wheeling in the skies His symbols appear in almost every graveyard, his dour priests pre-
over a blood-soaked battlefield. Accounts tell of Urbanus forming side over funerals, and his followers fight on the front lines against
a body for himself from paver stones and then using that body to those who would pervert the natural order of things. However, in
explain the finer points of governance to community leaders. And the temples raised to the Old Gods, Lord Death has no altar or
in ancient times, the Pale Lady would roam the aisles between the shrine. Instead, the entire structure serves to honor the dark god
sick and dying as the plague she brought sped the living to the grave. of endings.
The Old Gods held sway over mortals for a thousand years,
CULT OF THE LAST DOOR
but all their might could not stand against the new ways and
beliefs brought by the Redeemer, the High One who ousted evil The primary religion associated with Lord Death, the Cult of the
Chapter 2

from Paradise and promised salvation from the oblivion of the Last Door exists in nearly every community in the Old Country
Underworld to those who led unimpeachable lives. As people and has temples in the borderlands’ city-states. Each serves the
flocked to fill the pews and worship this upstart divinity, who community by tending to the dead, guarding burial grounds, and
seemed to come from nowhere, the Old Gods faded. It’s been years protecting these places from undead, spirits, and similar threats.
since Urbanus offered wisdom to city leaders, and the carrion eat- Priestly vestments include thick black robes with a white rope
ers drawn to the war raging between the crumbling nations feed belt, ends capped in silver skulls. During religious ceremonies, the
without the shadow of their dark and bellicose goddess. In the Old priests wear black skull masks formed from hardened leather that
Country, the gods of yore have become quaint myths, and their fit over their heads.

65
 DEATH KNIGHTS When the Pale Lady appears in the world, she adopts the form
of what would be a comely woman if not for the black staining her
The threat of undead and the necromancers who create them eyes, lips, and fingertips. The sweet stink of rotting flowers spreads
forced the Cult of the Last Door to create a militant branch known out from her for miles around. She dresses in fabulous gowns that
as the death knights. These holy warriors scour the lands for signs bear the stains of sickness, the spew and spurt of those who suc-
of undead and put down the unclean things wherever they find cumb to her touch.
them. Death knights wear bone white armor and helmets with Rather than temples, the Pale Lady’s places of worship are
skull-shaped visors that make them look like armored skeletons. monuments to her victims, their names chiseled into the surfaces
of stone monoliths raised to recall the tragedy she visits. People
OBLIVION ADEPTS
make sacrifices to avert the goddess’s attention and keep her at bay.
The Oblivion Adepts believe that each time they kill, they offer Facilitating these sacrifices and leading the prayers are the rare sur-
a prayer to their patron deity. They cling to the idea that life is an vivors of disease, who see it as their duty to serve their mistress.
aberration and that the flesh is a prison from which the soul strains They call themselves the Pale Ones and wear little more than
to escape. That they continue to exist, putting off descent into the breechclouts so all can see the ravages done to them. The Pale Lady
Underworld, shows their willingness to delay gratification for the uses the rat as her symbol and sacred animal.
holy rewards they expect for constant service to their god. Oblivion
Adepts understand that widespread slaughter serves them not, so
they reserve their ritualized killings for times when they receive a Want
sign that the taking of a life serves a larger goal—being hired to kill Want serves her father by taking from mortals what they need to
someone qualifies as a sign from Lord Death, for instance. survive. Crops fail with a gesture. The Sky Father withholds rain
at her commands. Blight, corruption, and ruin are her gifts, and
Hate mortals loathe her for them.
More than other gods, Want delights in visiting the mortal
Anyone who finds themselves in a fight might offer up a prayer world and installs herself in rich, prosperous lands so she can drain
to the war goddess, and some military units make sacrifices to her their resources until her victims succumb to hunger and thirst. She
before battle, led by belligerent priests who happily join in the com- has a corpulent body and sweet, laughing features. She bends mor-
bat. The eldest daughter of Lord Death, Hate visits war and strife on tals to her will, making them watch with hungry eyes as she feasts
the mortal world. She foments anger, sparks rash action, and closes and drinks without ever reaching satiation.
ears to reason, all to produce the violence she so craves. Sometimes A religious experience from near starvation can turn mor-
she appears on battlefields during especially fierce conflicts, where tals into Want’s servants. Such individuals might be well-fed or
she offers encouragement to the most bloodthirsty killers. reduced to skin and bones, depending on whether or not Want
Hate appears as a strong woman with long black hair, bone- favors them. Regardless of their physical condition, the priests
white skin, one bright blue eye, and an empty socket where the wear pink robes of the finest silks and decorate their bodies with
other should be, the missing eye having been torn from her skull by gems and jewelry.
the Sky Father in one of their frequent conflicts. When she mani- Communities invest in shrines, temples, and monuments to the
fests in the world, she wears a shirt of mail and winged helmet, and goddess to appease her. If a blight strikes, the community might
carries Bloodletter, a longspear with a flanged blade. People asso- offer one of their own as a sacrifice to restore health to their crops.
ciate her with ravens, and her symbols include a helmeted skull, a Want names swine as her sacred animals, and her colors are pink
severed head on a crimson field, and a crossed sword and axe. and black.
DAUGHTERS OF HATE
The Daughters of Hate formed to carry out the will of their god-
Calamity
dess and sell their swords to anyone who pays the paltry fees they Who’s to blame when the dice turn against you, when some freak
request. That they can be had so cheaply ought not to tempt war accident burns your home down, or when you slip and fall and
leaders into making a bargain with these fanatics. Too often, the break your arm? Bad luck happens, but when it occurs again and
Daughters of Hate lose themselves in the thrill of battle and cut again, there can be only one explanation: you’ve caught Calamity’s
down their allies as fast as they do their foes. The Daughters gouge eye. Lord Death’s youngest daughter has the reputation of being
out their right eyes in solidarity with their patron, and each craves the wildest, most willful, and most capricious of the gods, so much
a glorious end on the battlefield. so that even Revel avoids her. She gives her blessings and with-
draws them whenever it suits her. And when someone offends her,
borderlands

misfortune falls on them like rain.

The Pale Lady Calamity can be anywhere and everywhere she chooses. She
When sickness spreads unchecked, when disease resists even the wears many masks, appearing as a black cat to some, to others as
tried-and-true methods for combating it, one knows the Pale Lady a young, smiling maiden with mischief in her eyes, or as a young
has arrived. The Mother of Plagues moves through the world, man, witty yet cruel. She might show up in a gambling hall, warp-
spreading contagion and suffering. Her gifts strike down young ing chance around her, or accompany her sisters to help them
and old, strong and weak. No one escapes her attention once bestow or withhold their gifts, without anything to sway her one
earned, and death offers the only release. way or the other.

66
 People say a prayer to Calamity when about to engage in and keep the worst of his rampages at bay. The Sky Father’s wrath
some risky activity, hoping for good luck. Her priests, the Heirs comes from being denied what he wishes most: to take Mother
of Fortune, tend to temples that are more gaming halls than Sun and Sister Moon as his brides. Mother Sun denies him; Lord
places of worship. Calamity’s priests use three coins, one of each Death stole Sister Moon from him. So, he rages.
denomination, as the goddess’s symbol and wear vestments of The Sky Father flies across the heavens in the center of the
gold and black. Forever Storm. This enormous tempest boils high in the atmo-
sphere, booming with thunder, flashing with lightning, the god’s
face sometimes visible in the roiling clouds. When the Forever
Mother Sun Storm draws near, people take cover, for his heralds, the four
On a clear day, you might just spy Mother Sun unfolding her winds, visit death and destruction wherever he goes.
arms as she stretches light across the dome of the world, or see her Temples to the Sky Father stand on the tops of mountains,
shrink back, retreating to allow her sister her place in the heavens. where the priests burn offerings on enormous pyres visible from
The goddess of light, life, and beauty enjoys widespread worship miles away. Animal sacrifices occur whenever the priests are called
throughout the borderlands, and her symbols and idols appear in upon to intercede on behalf of the people they watch over. These
most communities. sacred places often have monoliths positioned around the pedes-
The goddess spends her time in the skies, though she has tals on which the fires burn.
descended from time to time, riding in a blazing chariot drawn by Unlike the other gods, who care little if mortals worship them
four fiery horses. She’s always depicted as a dark-skinned woman or not, the Sky Father’s insecurity makes him jealous, and he
of unsurpassed beauty, with a corona of golden hair waving around demands his priests pray to no other deities but him. Recent days
her head. have seen a sect form around the idea that the Sky Father is the
Temples to the Sun Goddess stand in open lands. In each, an only god; all others are false. These priests have come up with all
aperture in the ceiling offers full view of the sun so that its light manner of rules that set them apart from other followers of the
always falls upon the altar. Festivals mark the passing of the seasons. Sky Father.
The sun priests wear yellow robes and keep their heads covered The Sky Father’s cult treats the golden eagle as its sacred animal.
in caps of the same color since they believe by doing so, they make Priests dress in purple-and-gold robes, with elaborate hats covered
a sacrifice of Mother Sun’s light to those in need. During festivals in symbols sacred to their god. When depicted, the Sky Father
and holy days, the priests conceal their faces behind grinning sun appears as a bolt of lightning, a column of fire, or as an X of four
masks fringed with fiery rays. The rooster is a sacred animal to arrows with points out.
Mother Sun, for it always greets the new day, and her colors are
gold and white.

Sister Moon
Mother Sun’s younger sister and bride to Lord Death, Sister Moon
takes her place in the skies to watch over creation while her sister
rests. Being separated from her sister causes Moon great grief, and
so she sometimes lingers in the morning or emerges in the early eve-
ning so they can be together. Sister Moon claims the night and stars,
is known as the keeper of secrets, and is the patron of witchcraft.
Sister Moon’s temples resemble those of Mother Sun and, being
siblings, they might even share the same holy spaces, with the sun
priests tending the temple by day and the moon priests taking
their place at night. All her ceremonies and rites occur during the
evening hours and are performed in secret, out of view of common
folk dwelling nearby, and can be raucous affairs. The most import-
ant holy day is the Black Wedding, which commemorates Sister
Moon’s marriage to Lord Death.
Wolves are sacred animals to Sister Moon, and her colors are
navy blue and silver. For her symbol, priests use the crescent moon
in blue. Initiation requires tattooing the moon on their faces, and
Chapter 2

when moonlight falls upon them, the tattoos shine.

Sky Father
Along the southern coast facing out to sea, travelers sometimes
find stone carvings of heads with wild hair, angled to peer up at the
sky. Locals believe these statues were set in place to save the lands
from the Sky Father’s wrath, to honor the churlish, violent deity

67
 offer themselves up as sacrifices in hopes of pleasing their deity.
Draconus Priests wear green-and-brown vestments that have a scaled pat-
The priests of Draconus, who were given to the cult to secure favor tern. During ceremonies, worshipers wear dragon masks, ingest
from the god, live near geysers and geothermal vents. They spend narcotic smoke, and behave in odd ways, growling and roaring.
their days chanting, burning incense and herbs that cause them to
hallucinate or drop into a deep slumber. The priests dedicate their Oceanus
lives to performing the rites they deem necessary to keep their god
asleep and dreaming. More violent and temperamental than the Sky Father, Oceanus
Draconus’s cult claims the god winds its body around the broods in the deep waters. The Great Kraken broods over the
Ancient Ones, those horrible titans cast down by Lord Death at territory stolen from him, the dry land he had been promised by
the dawn of creation, and holds them fast, but only so long as the Lord Death in return for betraying the other Ancient Ones. He
Great Dragon sleeps. He is the god of the earth, stone, and wealth, strains against the shores, his waves crashing into them, threaten-
and his cultists have the resources to keep themselves comfortable, ing to wash away the parasites that infest his brother Draconus as
fed, clothed, and sheltered, but most spend the whole of their he once did in the Great Cataclysm so long ago. His hatred for
lives tending to their god. Temples to Draconus display fabulous mortals is plain, so his cult serves to appease the god, to keep the
wealth without fear, since everyone knows that to rob one risks waters from flooding the world.
awakening the god and thus unraveling the world.
Followers of Oceanus call themselves the Drowned or Kraken
The cult has several sects, one of which sees itinerant priests
Thralls. Initiation involves carrying the acolyte out to sea to be
wandering the world, driven by their belief that they must see the
held under the surface until they drown. When the body stops
whole of their god’s body. During their travels, they teach others
moving, the priests bring it back to shore. If the acolyte coughs up
about the god and his noble sacrifice, recruiting some to serve in
the temples, and quell tremors in the earth that they encounter. the water and lives, the god has chosen a new priest. If not, the god
Some priests develop odd reptilian features and some, if it can be accepts the sacrifice.
believed, even transform into dragons. The Drowned offer their service to ships sailing on the Sea of
Cultists treat dragons and creatures like them as sacred. Some Fear, for it is believed that the sea god spares vessels that hold his
travel to these monsters’ dens to gain wisdom from them or to servants (though the god might claim them anyway and spare the
priests). They also keep krakens and other creatures of Oceanus
from harrying ships, though again with mixed results.
Temples to Oceanus stand atop islands or on rocky outcrop-
pings. The idols in them appear to be krakens or squid-headed
humanoids. The temple attendants depend on charity from
local peoples, who bring them a portion of their catch each day.

Grandfather Tree
Some believe Grandfather Tree grows in the heart of each forest.
A watchful guardian, he protects the woodlands and the creatures
that shelter in them from despoilers, hunters, and woodcutters
who would take too much for the forest to survive. Belief
in the ancient god keeps the woods secure in the border-
lands, but the ruins of his sacred groves can be found
throughout the Old Country. Some believe cutting the
trees angered the god so much that he allowed Want
to sicken the soil and turn the growing things against
the people who eat them.
As one of the elder gods, Grandfather Tree has been
worshiped since the beginning of the world. His
likeness, the Green Man, appears on archeological
finds predating the Old Empire. In antiquity, peo-
borderlands

ple made sacrifices to the forests so they could gain

permission to hunt and take timber from them. The
spriggans, a people who have more in common with
plants than they do animals, believe the essence of the
god lives within them, and many spriggans give their
lives to protect the old-growth trees. Of all the gods, only
Grandfather Tree has the respect of the faerie folk, and
some even worship him.

68
 No formal priesthood to Grandfather Tree exists. Instead, peo- Priests wear deer antlers and animal pelts, and carry weapons
ple hear the call to serve. Those who answer can commune with made from wood, bone, and the like. During holidays, they lead
the deity and receive his blessings in service nurturing the world. congregations wearing animal masks to represent the first beasts
Rural peoples hold great festivals to honor the god of green and brought to life by the god. The Horned Lord’s symbol is the tri-
growing things. angle, with the points representing air, earth, and water, and the
central space representing the soul shared by all living things.

Grandmother Spore
The W ild Woman
Grandmother Spore created the fungi that spread throughout the
world. Where her mate’s creations rise from the ground and reach All living things sprang from the Wild Woman’s womb, accord-
toward the sun, her children gather in the darkness, feeding on ing to some stories. Others bind her to the Horned Lord, making
decaying matter to clear the way for other living things to thrive. her the feminine aspect of primordial nature. Dark tales speak of
Often overlooked, Grandmother Spore remains an important fig- how the Wild Woman was once called the Mother of Monsters
ure nevertheless. and that from her crawled forth all the terrible things that trouble
The goddess seldom appears to mortals, though usually when the lands. Now, though, most see her as the goddess of home and
needy travelers move her cold heart. When she does show herself, hearth, of families, unity, and inner strength. Those different con-
it is as a short, plump woman wearing a wide-brimmed hat, with ceptions of the god are true: she is all these things and more.
dirt on her hands and staining her long, flowing dress. She lends Rather than building altars and shrines, rural folk keep idols
aid to those who tread lightly in the world, offering healing if she of the Wild Woman to watch over their homes. These idols often
feels the mortal is worth the trouble. Her kindness does not, how- depict the god as a plump woman with twelve breasts or holding a
ever, extend to the cruel and wicked, and she’s as likely to poison cornucopia. Other, cruder forms assemble a humanoid figure from
people who offend her as she is to help the ones who please. sticks tied together with hair.
Like her husband, Grandfather Tree, Grandmother Spore has Priests of the Wild Woman are found most often in rural lands,
no organized religion. People serve her or not. She pays little having been all but forgotten in the cities. They preside over wed-
attention to the affairs of mortals and instead looks after her fun- dings, offer blessings to newborn babes, aid in healing and mid-
wifery, and lead ceremonies to celebrate the harvest. The priests
gal gardens. She’s fiercely protective of her husband and comes to
wear simple vestments of homespun and cover their heads with
the defense of his creations as often as she does her own.
crowns of woven wheat.
Fringe cults in rural areas of the borderlands venerate the Wild
Horned Lord Woman in a darker form. For example, during fertility rites, cult-
ists select an old man from their community, carve an X in his
This ancient god is believed to be responsible for seeding creation chest, and turn him loose to flee for his life. They then give chase.
with animals. Primitive humans worshiped the Horned Lord, believ- If they catch him, they kill him, dismember his body, and eat
ing the god provided both game and the physical might needed the flesh before finding living partners with which to mate; such
not only to kill, but to protect themselves against wild animals and unions always produce a child. If the man gets away, he rules the
enemy peoples. He has ever since been considered a god of strength tribe for one year.
and endurance, and is invoked before a hunt, a race, or a battle.
Early humans set aside part of their kills for the god to con-
sume by burying organs, hooves, and teeth. In some lands, human
sacrifice was also common. Modern worship of the Horned Lord
focuses more on responsible hunting and conservation, whereby
the god provides so long as the petitioner treats the quarry with
honor and respect. Festivals involve mock hunts and plays in Faeries and Religion
which the priests recount major mythological events such as Religion belongs to mortals. Faeries know that the
“The Wooing of the Wild Woman” and “The Otso Bargain.” gods exist but see worshiping them as strange, almost
The Horned Lord’s temples and shrines have always been as if worshiping themselves. The faeries consider the
crude rings of standing stones within which the priests buried gods to be powerful kin rather than omniscient beings
their dead. Many older sites have tumbled into ruin, but stone responsible for the creation and continued shaping of
the world. Faeries can become priests as do those of
circles remain throughout the borderlands and in some regions other ancestries, but they serve their patrons rather than
of the Old Country. In the borderlands, people believe they can worship them: the Faerie Queen, the Prince of Tears, the
Chapter 2

feel the god’s presence among the stones, his hot breath on their Queen of Air and Shadows, or the Goblin King.
necks.
The Horned Lord appears to mortals sometimes in the form of
an enormous man with olive skin, the antlers and lower body of a
stag, eyes shining like gold, and steam blowing from his nostrils.
He ignores mortals unless they cross his path, at which point he
might bat them aside or tear them apart, though he might be
moved to speak a few words of wisdom.

69
 spring festivals. During celebrations, people don masks, horns, and
Urbanus fur leggings, and cavort in the wilds.
Mortals owe the existence of their cities to Urbanus, for it was No easy routes lead to Revel’s temples. The path takes travel-
he who lifted them up from barbarism and revealed a better way ers through thick woodland to a clearing that holds an altar and
to live. The god of community and cooperation, knowledge, and idol. Animal bones cover the ground nearby, mingled with cups,
technology, Urbanus inspires mortals to look beyond their pres- deflated wine skins, and other rubbish left from the last debauch.
ent and build for the future. His cult makes improvements in Revel’s priests hold the goat as the sacred animal, and the god’s
cities across the Dawn Lands. They might develop new methods symbols include a goat head, grapes, a cornucopia, or a pine-
for sanitation or construct schools to teach children. They gather cone-tipped rod.
knowledge in libraries and advise community leaders on good
governance. The Fates
Urbanus helped mortals rebuild civilization after the collapse
of the Old Empire, but his star has dimmed with the rise of the Lord Death gives life to mortals, but it falls to the Fates to decide
High One in the Old Country. Once, Urbanus would form a body the course those lives take. Three gods in one, the Maiden embod-
from the bricks of the city and offer instruction on the finer points ies the beginning, the Mother produces the lifeline, and the Crone
of ethical philosophy. Now, his temples stand empty, his priests decides when to snip the cord and end the life. Many people
dispersed, and the great works done in his name tumble into ruin. believe they have the luxury of free will, and perhaps they do to
Not all is lost, though. Urbanus’s cult maintains a presence in some extent, but the Fates see the entirety of each life and know
the borderlands’ city-states, with his largest temple standing in the choices people will make before they even realize the existence
Four Towers. From there his priests travel to other urban centers, of a choice.
spreading their teachings in hopes of lifting people from the squa- Each temple to the Fates has three priests, one for each aspect
lor and misery that so often accompanies urban life. of destiny. When the crone passes, the mother takes her place, the
The civilization god’s priests wear blue vestments with white maiden becomes the mother, and a girl recruited from a village is
sashes and caps with flaps that frame their faces. For symbols, they installed as the new maiden. The priests rarely interact with peo-
might use the likeness of Urbanus, a tall thin man with craggy ple, performing rites that appease the Fates to give members of
features, a long nose, and a mop of curls on his head, or a white nearby communities good lives rather than ones fraught with pain
tower, owl, or open book. His temples serve both to host the and suffering. The priests might also serve as seers and prophets,
rites he demands of his followers and to educate the people in a and reveal glimpses of the future to petitioners in return for some
community. service the Fates require.
Priests of the Fates wear loose, diaphanous garments of light
colors. They don masks that give them three faces, one for each
Revel aspect, and oversee rituals and chant through these masks. The
The Church of the High One avoids conflict with rival faiths Fates’ sacred animal is a three-eyed crow, and their colors are light
under most circumstances, preferring instead to win over converts gray, light blue, and lilac.
through message and deed, but makes clear its position against
Revel, the Black Goat of the Woods. The Church opposes this Blind
“immoral” god and regards him as a mask worn by the Adversary
to lead people into mortal danger. For his part, Revel cares noth- In courthouses, in town squares, and perched atop buildings, one
ing for rules, promises, or salvation. He urges mortals to shed their finds statues of the god of justice, Blind, whose wings stretch to
responsibilities along with all their troubles, to free themselves cover everyone and whose eyes remain closed to ensure that all are
fully and enjoy all that life has to offer. That some of his followers equal under the rule of law. Blind’s following grew in response to
take his exhortations too far does not trouble the mercurial god in the birth of a more civilized world, leading some to consider her
the slightest; mortals die and live again. as an aspect of Urbanus or vice versa. Even though the Old Gods
Revel’s exploits could fill a volume. He once stole a kiss from have fallen out of favor in the Old Country, Blind remains an
Mother Sun, outdrank the Sky Father, and fathered the fauns on important deity, and justices invoke her name at the start of each
the Wild Woman after a night of passion without the Horned court proceeding. Even the Church of the High One recognizes
Lord ever learning of the tryst. Revel roams the woodlands and her importance and includes her in its pantheon of sainted figures.
gathers to him a flock of mortals to keep him entertained. After Blind’s temples serve as courts and often as holding cells for
days of excess, he wanders off to find new companions, abandon- the accused that await trials. The largest of these stands in Four
borderlands

ing the former ones to exhaustion, sickness, and even death. Towers, but all the city-states and many large towns have temples
The god of debauchery has the horned head and legs of a goat devoted to her as well. Priests attend these holy sites and serve as
with a human upper body. He carries a long pinecone-headed barristers, justices, and jailers.
wand and can cause drunkenness and lechery with a gesture. Elsewhere, priests called judges travel from place to place, offer-
People fear him as much as they delight in his gifts. ing their services to communities who need arbitration of some
The cult of Revel has been outlawed in most civilized areas, kind. Judges might oversee the creation of contracts, hear criminal
often for the widespread ruin his celebrations create. In the coun- cases, and solve disputes. More aggressive priests might see them-
try, though, Revel retains a strong following, especially at the selves as executioners as well.

70
 The merchant’s scale, owl, and manacles serve as sym-
bols for Blind. When depicted in art, the goddess always
appears as a winged woman holding a sword and book,
and bindings cover her eyes. Judges wear gray-and-white
vestments and iron bands around their heads.

Abraxus
Without Abraxus, mortals might never have discovered
the secrets of magic. In the Age of Myth, a mortal named
Adamalachus discovered a wooden box, ornately carved
with strange symbols and hieroglyphs, washed up on the
shore. Opening the box revealed thirteen scrolls, and
though the script was foreign to him, he understood what
he saw. From them, he learned the fundamental truths of
magic and became both the first priest of Abraxus and the
first mortal magician.
Lord Death had withheld the secrets of magic from
mortals, believing they were not to be trusted with such
power. Abraxus’s gift was in contravention of Death’s law,
and thus the two have been bitter enemies ever since. It’s
said that Lord Death cast Abraxus into the Netherworld,
where he chained him to a stone and had his body
devoured by devils. The spread of dark magic reflects
Abraxus’s suffering and his hatred of Lord Death.
Abraxus finds devotees among anyone who studies the
magical arts. Even secular users of magic invoke his name
when casting spells or speaking incantations. The god of
magic also appeals to rebels, seekers of truth, and outcasts.
Symbols associated with Abraxus include a stylized eye, a
ball of fire, a prism, and the hexagram.

Fetch
No one knows when Fetch joined the Old Gods, but he
appears in none of the old stories and has only recently Kaen
gained a following. Theologians suspect he infiltrated the
pantheon as a result of the mingling of religious peoples Cyclopes murdered the god of the forge during the Age of Myth. Having
from some faraway place. Fetch remains an outsider, and been exploited and fed up with the chains that bound them, they rose up
his inclusion in pantheistic temples is small and under- and slew their maker before laying siege to the Underworld. Lord Death
stated: a pair of eyes carved into a pedestal or onto a lintel. took from each of them an eye and their immortality before scattering
Fetch’s outsider status stems from his role as the patron them across Erth. As for Kaen, Death bound his spirit to a suit of armor
of thievery, tricks, and mischief. He’s a secretive god, and condemned the god to eons of suffering for the cruel treatment of
stingy with his blessings, but an ally to anyone who lives his creations and his failure to keep his own house in order.
outside the law. His temples are hidden, buried under- Kaen gifted mortals with knowledge of the arts and crafts, and through
ground or in bandit caves, and his priests collect stolen his teachings, they learned the secret of fire, forged steel from iron, and
coin from thieves who tithe to keep the god’s favor. raised themselves above primitive conditions. He is credited for insights,
The Church of the High One denounced Fetch as
skill, and talent at making things, but he is also blamed for being stingy
another mask of the Adversary. Fetch’s priests responded
with his gifts, requiring students to spend years mastering their craft. He
by robbing ten of the High One’s temples. The result-
also shoulders the blame for mishaps, failures, and disasters that befall
ing tensions saw the entire priesthood go to ground and
Chapter 2

disperse throughout the Old Country, but this has not artisans.
stopped Fetch’s followers from causing trouble for the The cult of Kaen persists, despite the god’s erratic nature, and provides
High One’s devotees. education in various trades. In large cities, the cult places apprentices in
People associate raccoons with Fetch, which priests different guilds and helps manage those guilds, providing guidance for
reflect by painting the skin around their eyes black. Other pricing, acquiring raw materials, and opening up new trading partners.
symbols of the god of thieves include an iron coin with The cult’s increasing focus on commerce has added trade to Kaen’s port-
three scratches on the face, a viper, and a hand with fingers folio. The cult’s sacred animal is the bull, its colors red and gray, and
outstretched. priests dress in armor as a sign of solidarity with their suffering patron.

71
 Mortals who live good and decent lives, who dedicate themselves
Abaddon to serving others, who tolerate no false gods, and who embrace the
Few know much about Abaddon, the Destroyer in the Dark, teachings of the Church as truth have a chance to attain Paradise,
Father of Demons, misbegotten son of Lord Death himself, other to join all the other sainted beings who live on in the light of the
than that this divinity has been prophesied to slay his maker and Redeemer. Those not chosen go on to the Underworld but will
bring about the end of all things. Abaddon haunts the Void, the eventually be reborn so they can try again. Those who wallow in
darkness beyond the edge of reality, and there he remains, hedged wickedness, who become slaves to their vices find only Perdition,
out by Lord Death’s will. But in the dark, the evil god broods, the Netherworld, from which there is no escape.
hates, and hungers for the end of everything. Since the fall of the Great Kingdom, the Church of the High
Civilized lands forbid Abaddon’s worship. It’s one thing on One has scrambled to defuse the growing violence in the Old
which the Church of the High One and followers of the Old Country, committing holy warriors to the cause of restoring order
Faith can agree. Serving Abaddon carries a sentence of death, so it and sending out ranking priests to mediate disputes. As committed
behooves these followers to keep their loyalties secret. Abaddon’s as the Church is to salvaging its influence and control, it also real-
priests use an eight-pointed star for their symbol and brand it on izes that it must adapt and spread. The Church has been providing
their bodies as a show of faith. funding and protection to refugees fleeing the Great Kingdom in
hopes of retaining these devotees and securing a foothold in the
borderlands and beyond.
Lesser Gods Priests of the High One wear white clothing festooned with a
A whole host of lesser gods fill out the pantheon, one for almost comet, the sign of the High One’s return. Men wear square caps,
everything in the world. Most animals have gods associated with while women wear wimples. Although priests tend congregations
their kind, such as the Goddess of Birds; Ursine, god of bears; and and lend aid to those in need, the Church has a militaristic side
Magrofal the Wolf Lord. There are gods associated with the various reserved for combating significant threats to the faith. A great
trades, though most such deities have lost their names and have only many priests take up arms and armor to fight in the name of the
their likenesses captured in idols and runic symbols used to invoke High One.
their blessings when needed. Some peoples have household gods,
which watch over the families who make offerings to them. The Adversary
According to the Church of the High One, the Adversary stole
Church of the High One the throne of Paradise until the Redeemer returned at the head
No one would have guessed that a tiny heretical cult would top- of an angelic legion, defeated the usurper’s fiendish minions, and
ple the dominant faith and drive the Old Gods from the Great cast them all into the Netherworld where they remain. The story
Kingdom, but that’s exactly what happened five hundred years might be an invention of the Church, but even the Old Faith
ago. The Church of the High One began as a small band of reli- speaks of the Dark One, Lord Death’s twin, who works to steal
gious zealots who believed that the Old Gods were devils and that mortal souls by corrupting them and making them unfit for the
a new god would come to save the souls of all mortals by opening Underworld.
the gates to Paradise. Since the Old Faith tolerated other religions A divine decree keeps the Adversary and the fiends trapped
and more often than not absorbed them, the followers of the New in the Netherworld, but they can slip free if called by a mortal.
God barely registered. But when the red comet returned to the Former servants call them forth, and once loosed from their
skies and Princess Rena, eldest daughter of the corrupt king, led prison, the fiends get down to the business of leading souls into
an uprising against her father, she surprised everyone by pledging spiritual peril. To no one’s surprise, most religious institutions
her sword to the upstart deity. Her subsequent victory was seen as oppose the Adversary and his minions, and the Church of the
divine providence. High One’s Inquisition exists to root out the enemies of light and
Whether or not Rena believed in this faith, her actions cata- destroy them.
pulted it onto the political stage, and droves of people converted The Adversary’s symbol is a pentagram.
to the religion of the High One. Its priests pushed out the Old
Gods, laying claim to their temples and holy relics, and, within
a generation, the Church of the High One had become the offi- The Ancient Ones
cial faith of the Great Kingdom. It came to be a major political
force, and its holdings and riches influenced the politics of the Old The Church of the High One dismisses the Ancient Ones as being
Country until the recent fall. nothing more than aspects of the Adversary or high-ranking devils
borderlands

Church doctrine holds that the High One came to Erth to in the Netherworld. The priests of the Old Gods, especially those
save mortals from death, to throw open the gates of Paradise so of Lord Death, have a deeper, perhaps correct interpretation of
they could live forever in the glory of their god. But when the these beings, known also as the Titans. The Ancient Ones might
High One arrived, he found the throne of Paradise occupied by have been gods, monsters of incredible potency, or something else
the Adversary, a wicked being who had long misled mortals into that inhabited creation before the coming of Lord Death. They
fearing death and worshiping the false gods that sprang from the might have created the world or preceded creation. Whatever the
Old Faith. The High One, with a legion of angels, cast out the case, Lord Death defeated them and bound them away in the coils
Adversary and bound him in chains in the depths of Perdition. of Draconus until the end of time.

72
 Opinions about the number of Ancient Ones vary. Some gods
who have fallen out of favor find themselves deemed titans, while
others have faded from the world so completely that their names,
Life in the
spheres of interest, and histories exist only in the pages of blasphe-
mous tomes. Gods of fallen empires, monstrous proto-deities, and Borderlands
things that defy reason and description all belong to this shunned Although there have always been people in the borderlands, much of
group. What unites them is that the days of being worshiped by the region remains as it has always been: wild, free from cultivation,
significant numbers of people ended long ago, and thus they have an unspoiled country. Trails and paths crisscross the landscape, left
been consigned to the dustbin of theology. by rangers, explorers, and wild game. In the west, agricultural efforts
This is not to say that the Ancient Ones lack power. They rank as divide the plains into fields for growing crops and grazing ground.
some of the most powerful beings on Erth and can challenge even In the south, city-states overlook the Sea of Fear and some paved
the mightiest demon from the Void or, given release from their roads stretch between them, though few assume the responsibility
prisons, could defeat the lesser gods. The chains that hold them, of maintaining these routes or paying for wardens to protect them.
the prisons that trap them grow weak when mortals resurrect the Lacking any kind of central governance means the countryside
worship of these figures, having uncovered an ancient religious remains lawless and wild. Any expedition into the borderlands
text or stumbled upon a forgotten temple. As the cults grow their could bring a traveler in the path of strange monsters, hostile faer-
numbers, the Ancient Ones feed on their belief, growing stronger ies, bandits, renegades, and worse. Further, much of the land hides
until they can reclaim their place among the powers of Erth. relics from bygone eras, curiosities that might be as simple as pot-
A titan’s return to prominence promises chaos and upheaval at tery shards or as complex as working machinery that carries out
the very least, and widespread ruin, war, plagues, the annihilation
Chapter 2

some function for which it was made by unknown designers thou-

of entire peoples, and the reshaping of the world at the worst. It sands of years ago. With danger to all sides, people avoid travel
is thus in the interest of every active religion to keep these beings
with few exceptions. Going even a mile from one’s village invites
secret, to ensure they remain forgotten, their names and identities
becoming lost, captured, or torn apart by wild beasts. People greet
purged from the minds of all.
strangers with suspicion, and it’s customary to expect the worst
from a traveler until proven otherwise. In the south, such attitudes
soften, though in places like Eastport and Westport, friendliness
masks ill intent more often than not.

73
 People travel on foot, on horseback, or on carts and
wagons drawn by beasts of burden. Sailboats and row-
boats allow transit by river, lake, and stream. Travel across
larger bodies of water occurs as well, but most ships stay
within sight of the coast, since the deeper waters hold grave
dangers.
Communication between various locations is possible,
but getting a message anywhere more than a few miles
away takes time—if it even reaches its destination. A few
messenger companies operate in Four Towers and Asylum.
Though they are more reliable than handing a letter to a
passing traveler, these professionals charge exorbitant
prices.
The city-states all have clocktowers, some more than
one, but outside these urban centers, people track time
using sundials or just by studying the sun’s position in the
sky. People don’t use calendars—paper is uncommon and
expensive. They might make notches in sticks or chalk
marks on slate to track the days of the year.
People grow or raise their own food in the countryside,
trading excess for other goods. In the cities and large towns,
food producers do brisk business, as do restaurants, cafes,
and street vendors. Food quality varies, however, and what
might be advertised as beef or pork might in fact be some-
thing less palatable.
Finally, physicians, healers, and surgeons serve the
wealthy and otherwise provide spotty care. Most people in
urban environments rely on barbers for their health care,
while those in the country might turn to a witch, an herbal-
ist, or a peddler who just so happens to have a cure whipped
up fresh that morning.

Climate and W eather

Refugees from the Old Country find the borderlands’ cli-
mate oppressive. Being in the subtropics, the region has
hot, humid summers and mild winters. Borderlanders
almost never see snow, except high in the mountains, and
even then, snow and ice are rare.
The dry season starts in the fourth month of the year
and ends around the eleventh, at which point rains blow
in from the south and hang around for about five months
across the new year. The rainy season sees a few intense
storms, and typhoons smash into the southern coastline
once every year or so. Winds typically blow from southeast
to northwest, though they never reach the Salt Barrens and
often stall over the mountains in the north.
Temperatures begin to warm at the year’s end and persist
until the third month, at which point they begin to cool
borderlands

for about three months before warming again. The warm-

est part of the year sees highs around 90 degrees Fahrenheit
and lows in the mid-70s. Cooler months see highs in the
high 70s, dropping to the mid-60s during the night.
Sunrise and sunset follow predictable patterns through
the seasons. Summer and the longest days start in the last
month of the year and last until the third month. Winter
starts on the sixth month and lasts until the end of the

74
ninth month. During the summer, sunrise happens as early as 5:00 victim a guild token, which protects the individual from future
in the morning, and the sun sets as late as 8:00 at night. In the thefts for a month. The Thieves’ Guild also sells these tokens for
winter, the sun rises as late as 7:00 in the morning and usually sets steep fees, rendering the rich and powerful immune to robbery.
around 5:00 at night. The guild leaders, after enriching themselves, reinvest the profits in
the city by funding public works such as sewer maintenance, pay-

Exploring the ing for the standing garrison and constables to patrol the streets,
and keeping the city’s walls intact. The guild became the source
of stability that Asylum so desperately needed and has turned the

Borderlands City of Thieves into the safest of the borderlands’ city-states.

Now the largest, wealthiest, and most stable of the city-states,
Asylum is the envy of its peers. Both Eastport and Westport rely
The borderlands describes the region of the Dawn Lands that extends
south and east of the equator, bounded by the Salt Barrens in the on Asylum for trade, while Four Towers and Sea Hold have nei-
west, the New Lands in the east, the Sunrise Ocean in the north, and ther the means nor the will to threaten it. The biggest threat to
the Sea of Fear to the south. In the north, a mountain range stretches Asylum comes from the Sea of Fear itself. Pirates waylay merchant
from one side of the subcontinent to the other. South of the moun- ships, and terrible things crawl out of the waters to carry off fish-
tains, the land gradually drops away until it reaches the Inner Sea, an erfolk. Wyverns sometimes attack the farms north of the city, and
expansive freshwater lake, before the elevation increases, becoming bandits remain a problem all year long.
a rumpled, rolling landscape of hills and prairies dotted with wood- The Thieves’ Guild has been angling to expand into other city-
lands. Descriptions of the environments making up the borderlands states with the promise of running them as efficiently as they do
follow, along with places of interest. Asylum. Governments have resisted their efforts so far. Spies, how-
ever, monitor events, and these operatives work to shift develop-
ments and sway opinions toward welcoming the guild into their
Asylum, City of Thiev es communities.

People searching for the comforts of the Old Country can do worse
than visit Asylum. A teeming metropolis that spilled over its fortifi- Exploring the City
cations years ago, the city’s prosperity and stability attract newcom-
Asylum stands on a narrow strip of land on the southern coast
ers from all over the known world. Walking its streets, one might see
between the Sea of Fear and the Wyvern Wood. High stone walls
a dwarf bickering with a dragonet, an ogre working alongside other
shelter the inhabitants on all sides. A shantytown has spread out
stevedores to haul cargo off ships, dhampirs entering and leaving pri-
around the western gate, and a large fishing village covers the
vate clubs where anything might happen, along with the usual press
ground between the southern wall and the docks lining the water’s
of humanity drawn from communities all over.
edge. Houses rise above the city walls along with a few towers, atop
which fly the city’s colors: a seagull on a blue field.
History Paved roads extend to the west and east of the city for a few miles
before they become dirt paths. Farmland lies north of the city for
Asylum’s story begins with the Mogu, a fishing people who lived about 2 miles before becoming empty grassland for another 15
where the city-state now stands. Of these primitive folk, only the miles, where it ends at the Wyvern Wood.
monument of a monstrous, squid-headed god remains, an entity Visitors can enter Asylum through one of four gates: Sea Gate
known as He Who Slumbers. Digging out cellars and dredging to the south, Wizard Gate to the east, Salt Gate to the west, or
the waters sometimes turns up bits of pottery, bones, and bronze Wyvern Gate to the north. Visitors must pay the leg fee, 1 cp per
weapons, but the Mogu and their fate remain a mystery. leg of the person or animal, to enter. In return, the visitor gains a
After the Mogu died out, sailors settled in the community’s wooden chit that must be presented to merchants when buying
ruins and withstood the storms, food shortages, and disease that and selling. When visitors leave, they return the tokens.
befell the first settlement until it grew into a small town. Asylum Inside, narrow streets, mostly cobbled, wind through a press of
at this point was a lawless place, fought over by rival gangs to the stone and timber buildings with sharply peaked roofs, shutters
point that killings were weekly if not daily events. It wasn’t until over the windows, and stout doors festooned with locks. Placards
the princess and her mute soldiers descended on the community posting street names appear on most buildings at street crossings,
and claimed it that the town gained some stability. As one who though there’s always a helpful urchin nearby to aid newcomers
rules by fear, the Princess has had to enforce the peace just once with finding their destinations.
in her century-long reign. Locals never speak of the event except People can move freely through Asylum. Most residences
Chapter 2

to call it the Decimation, in which the population was reduced by appear in the northern half of the city, with finer homes lining the
one in ten. main thoroughfares, while shabbier structures are piled on top of
About fifteen years ago, crime had spiraled out of control to the each other or fight for space between them. Off the main routes,
point that people feared another Decimation. To bring it back the city becomes more dangerous, for thieves and muggers lie in
under control, the gang leaders and heads of criminal syndicates wait in alleys. Murder happens rarely these days, but visitors face
formed the Thieves’ Guild. Burglars, thieves, and killers had to assault and robbery if they wander off the main roads.
register with the guild or disappear. Now, the guild controls how The city’s business districts cover the southern side, and here
much thieving happens. For every theft, the thief must give the one finds the always busy bazaar, a riotous sea of colorful tents

75
 with vendors hawking anything and everything one could hope sharpest swords. The silk comes from the spiders infesting the
to find. Restaurants, cafes, and taverns line the bazaar, but their place, but also from the attercops who live here.
prices tend to be higher than those a street back. Specialty shops The threat of being snatched and drained of vital fluids keeps peo-
for tailored clothing, jewelry, weaponry, and other pricier goods ple away from the Attercop Forest. Even setting aside the attercops
stand in various places throughout this area. and the giant spiders that creep and crawl through the gloom, the
The Palace of the Princess forbids trespassers. The silent guards, forest has an otherworldly quality that makes it easy to become lost
dressed in full plate with helmets fashioned to resemble hounds, within its boundaries. Well-armed expeditions have entered but few
protect the great gate to the golden-tiled path that travels through return, and none with as many people as when they entered.
a paradise of gardens, with swaying palm trees, tropical flowers, Wildlife too avoids the forest, so the denizens feed on each
statuary, fountains, and plenty of seats to allow a visitor to appre- other or range out from it to hunt. Giant spiders venture farther
ciate the beauty. Nothing about this garden is safe, though. Wild and farther to vex the homesteaders living within sight of it. Wise
beasts prowl about the place, and many of the plants are poison- travelers avoid the paths through and around the trees, paths
ous. Somewhere in the garden’s center stands the palace itself, an maintained by the attercops to lure victims into their clutches.
onion dome mounted on a square, red-bricked building with two
wings fronted by columns carved to look like straining naked men.
The Queen of Spiders
Local Color The forest might appear wild and untamed, but it belongs to the
Queen of Spiders, a mysterious being who lives in a tower that rises
As much as Asylum welcomes visitors, citizens are poor conversa- from the center of the trees and whose top can sometimes be spied
tionalists. Locals value their privacy and keep to their own social cir- from a distance. The attercops all worship the Queen, and even
cles. The city lacks the noise and bustle of other places, largely from the giant spiders obey her commands. Some people believe her
citizens keeping their heads down and minding their own business. to be an exiled highborn faerie, while others think she’s a witch,
People avoid shaking hands, hugs, or kissing cheeks. Instead, a demon, or a devil that escaped from the Netherworld. What is
they greet each other by clasping their hands before them and known is that the Queen sometimes emerges to bewitch settlers,
keeping them that way until parting. As a sign of trust and friend- travelers, herders, and others. She muddles their minds and leads
ship, they might raise both hands, palms out, before dropping them into her domain, never to be seen again.
them to their sides.
RELIGION: All gods have followers here, though Fetch, the god
of thieves, has the largest and richest temple. As with other Crescent Moon Goblins
parts of their lives, people prefer to keep their religious views to Crude crescent moons mounted on wooden poles demarcate the
themselves, but most light candles at shrines to gods who might territory controlled by this large goblin tribe. These folk exploit
intervene on their behalf, and make offerings to Fetch to keep the jungle’s reputation to protect themselves. They raid settle-
his priests’ sticky fingers to themselves. ments and caravans, and make trouble for the centaurs, but always
LAW AND ORDER: The guild employs constables to police the pull back before their enemies can mount a proper defense. To
streets, enforce the guild’s laws, and dispense justice to lawbreak- make matters worse, the goblins have begun taming the giant
ers. People who break the laws must pay the price: 1 cp for spit- spiders and using them as mounts. Crescent Moon goblins wear
ting, 1 sp for assault, death for murder. Anyone who can’t pay a yellow hats that curl forward to form a point held down by a small
fine disappears into the Tower of Reflection, where prisoners pay stone, a scorpion, or a human hand.
their debts by torture, abuse from the guards, or dangerous labor.
THE PRINCESS: Having not aged a day since coming to Asylum
nearly one hundred years ago, the princess remains the most beau- The Stone Giant
tiful person in the city. Shrugging off a century is no small feat, Somewhere in the Attercop Forest sits a giant carved from stone. It
especially for a person who looks, acts, and sounds human, and if appears human, dressed in archaic armor that recalls the protective
people cared one whit about it, her longevity might be cause for clothing worn by soldiers of the Old Empire. The giant rests one
concern. Some whisper that she bathes in the blood of virgins, hand on the pommel of a sword, the point stuck in the ground. If
that she’s secretly fey, or even that she has divine ancestry. Some it ever moved, it must have been a long time ago, for moss greens
think she’s a vampire. After all, she never goes about in the city the giant’s legs, its feet sunk into the soil.
by day, but she doesn’t go out at night either. People don’t waste
too much time thinking about the princess because she makes no
Briny Flats
borderlands

intrusions into their daily lives. As she respects their privacy, they
do the same for her.
Just south of the Sentinel Wood, the ground drops away until
it becomes tree-covered wetlands. Here, ashes, elms, oaks, and
Attercop Forest birches grow in abundance, the lower trunks hidden in brack-
ish water, deadfall, and leaves. Fallen trees lie everywhere, having
Strands of spider silk stretch from tree to tree throughout the been uprooted and thrown about by storms. The ground cover
Attercop Forest. In some places, the wispy strands flutter in the provides shelter for the cruel faeries, goblins, and feral hogs that
wind; in others, they form dense mats proof against even the roam this place.

76
 peninsula, except where the land slides down into the Briny Flats,
The Sea Hag the hills drop away in sheer cliffs. Caves dot these stone walls and
Sailors on ships passing the Briny Flats sometimes report seeing an seabirds make nests on their ledges.
old woman watching them from shore: a crone, back bent, leaning
on a crooked staff. When she appears to sailors, they pour wine Land's End
in the waters or throw supplies overboard to avoid angering her;
she has been known to curse ships and send them into the rocks A village of ten stone buildings occupies the southern reach of the
that make sailing the waters around the southern peninsula so Broken Hills and affords a view of the Sea of Fear unlike anywhere
dangerous. except Sea Hold to the east. The people of Land’s End carved steps
The Sea Hag claims the Briny Flats, and all who live in this into the cliff face and crawled up and down to fish the waters
wetland owe her fealty, even the goblins. She asks little from her below. They purport to be human, but they have odd facial fea-
subjects other than offerings of food and wine, but if angered, her tures, webbing between their fingers, and bulging eyes. Most have
magic can tear their bodies apart and fling the remains in all direc- little body hair and speak with gurgling voices. They chase off the
tions. People believe she lives inside a cyclops’s skull and that she religious and are grudging hosts to anyone else.
sometimes causes it to fly through the air so she can survey her
territory.
The Anchorite
When Silka was a priest dedicated to the High One, he enjoyed
The Hanged Man all the benefits of his station: fine food, an estate, earnings, even a
The old remains of a hanged man twist slowly from a rope that has mistress or two. A crisis of faith led him to abandon the excesses of
hardened to steel deep in the Briny Flats. Such sights are common his post and live in solitude at what he believes is the edge of the
enough, but these remains have been here for centuries, if the faer- world. Each day, Silka scrambles up a wooden pole and folds him-
ies can be believed. It’s said he was once a great hero who crossed self around the top, eyes closed, mouth moving in silent prayer.
the Sea Hag, and for angering her, she strung him up and bound People sometimes come to him for spiritual guidance, prayer, or
his soul to the remains. There he hangs and will hang for one hun- his prophecies, which are said to always come true.
dred years more.
Some say the hero’s ghost can speak through the skeletal body
and might offer guidance to those who bring it gifts—a sip of beer,
lifting the body for a few minutes to relieve the pressure on the
neck, or reciting the hero’s exploits of old. In return, the spirit
might grant a wish.

The Crooked Path

On certain nights, a path appears in the Briny Flats, a road that
twists and turns through the wetlands. Some believe the path is
the way to a hidden kingdom of the faeries, fabled Tir Na Nog,
but others whisper that it leads to the Netherworld and that once
you start down it, you can never leave. Strange things gather to
either side, their whispers revealing a traveler’s deepest shames and
bitterest regrets.

Broken Hills
For miles and miles, the lands of the great southern peninsula
rise and fall in a series of rounded hillocks that all appear to have
been split in the center by some gigantic axe. Further south, the
land climbs upward, and weathered limestone boulders push like
teeth from the hilltops while spirals of basalt form spiky tow-
Chapter 2

ers. In the clefts, dirt walls threaded with orange roots descend
narrowing into boggy channels and clouds of bloodsucking
insects. The wind rushes over this land and moans when it passes
through the rifts.
The Broken Hills have few settlements, most no more than a
couple of buildings made from stone levered out of the earth and
stacked into rounded huts. Wild goats, pigs, and sheep roam the
countryside, and on them the locals subsist. To all sides of the

77
 Dark Wood
A pall hangs over the forest known as the Dark Wood. A
place of sinister trees and impenetrable shadows, it has an
unmistakable evil presence, a foulness so strong that even
the bravest centaurs avoid it. Something evil lurks in the
heart of this tangle, and that evil enjoys the service of the
hideous fomorians that dwell in its darkness.
Hot, humid, and filled with biting flies, gnats, and
mosquitoes, the atmosphere would be bad enough, but
a sickly odor rises from the corruption oozing out from
fissures in the trees’ black bark. Although there’s an abun-
dance of giant bugs, no beast with fur or hoof lives in
these woods.

Monsters of the Forests

The Dark Wood has become a spawning site for fomori-
ans. Over the years, fomorian tribes gather here in ever
greater numbers, despoiling the forest with their fight-
ing, rutting, and killing. When their numbers grow too
great to control, the shamans lead them out to attack cen-
taurs, human settlements, and just about anything that
moves across the Wilderlands. Something keeps drawing
these monsters back year after year, and some believe an
Ancient One lurks at the forest’s heart.

Black Church
Hidden away in some shadowy corner of the forest stands
the Black Church, known also as the Church of Lost
Hope. The wooden building is thoroughly infested with
mold that gives it its distinctive black color. The church
Fallen Temple was built to honor the god thrown down by the High
Locals tell of an old temple that once stood in the hills but tumbled into One in ancient times, and the evil that exudes from the
a chasm after a powerful earthquake. While the temple still stood, people place has somehow kept the structure intact over the
on the peninsula avoided it, believing the place cursed, haunted, or raised intervening years. It’s believed the Black Church moves
to honor the dark god Abaddon. If anyone knows where it fell, they aren’t through the woods, picking itself up on centipede legs to
telling; people consider its destruction a blessing. This hasn’t stopped a scuttle to some other place in the Dark Wood.
few explorers from seeking out the temple. Such places are bound to hold
treasures and secrets worth uncovering.
Drag on's Teeth
Cinder Peak Isles Mountains
Cinder Peak Island formed years ago after an earthquake shook the So large are the Dragon’s Teeth Mountains that they
Khazud coastline nearly to pieces. Lava bubbled up from the ocean depths, are visible as a smudge on the horizon as far away as the
forming a conical mound that still belches fire and smoke. The first visitors Midlands. They extend out from the main range that
to the island never returned, prompting a second expedition, which dis- crosses the north and are said to start at the Dragon
borderlands

covered strange fiery humanoids that wriggled out from the cracks and Spire. Unlike the Troll Haunts in the west, the Dragon’s
wandered the island. Who or what they are is anyone’s guess. The Khazud Teeth are all naked rock, sharp, broken, and sheer.
avoid the island now and deem it a place of bad magic.
Cinder Peak was merely the first of a chain of islands that have been Lost Home
forming since the first eruption. Three more islands have breached the
surface, and the waters all around steam and boil. Every now and then, a The dwarfs of the west believe the entrance to a lost king-
major eruption occurs and toxic smoke drifts against the wind to sicken dom lies somewhere in these mountains. Some claim it
the lands it touches. was the first nation of dwarfs, while others suggest that

78
it was excavated by a lost clan who parted ways from their fellows make their port of call Eastport, a ramshackle city that spreads
thousands of years ago. Old objects of obvious dwarfen artistry across the peninsula forming the southern boundary of Gauntlet
found in these mountains suggest there might be some truth to Bay. Eastport has burned to the ground a dozen times, been over-
these old tales. run by invaders, and suffered plagues that killed half the popula-
tion in a single season, but no matter the hardship, the city claws
its way back, time and time again.
Dragon Fist Monastery Eastport’s long, sordid history shows in its lack of plan or orga-
One thousand steps climb the side of the mountain toward the nization. The buildings, many of which have been built from sal-
Monastery of the Dragon Fist. The temple was originally founded vage and detritus, show scorch marks and old splashes of blood,
by priests of Draconus who settled here to worship their god and are stabbed with arrows and shot up by bullets and musket
and perform the rituals that keep the deity in a sleeping state. balls. Gibbets and crow cages are everywhere, the contents rotting
The monks developed a fighting style to keep their bodies fit and until reduced to bones—city law forbids anyone from interfering
minds clear when not performing the duties required by their with people confined in these ways. Pirates, bandits, deserters, vag-
faith. Although the monastery still has a religious function—it’s abonds, freaks, and outcasts roam the crooked streets.
believed that in the chambers below, a sacred vault contains the Farms cover the land west of Eastport, where peasants toil to
sacred scales on which the secret truths of Draconus have been grow the grains and crops needed to feed the city. Farmers face
recorded—people come here to study under the masters and plenty of hardships and their techniques tend to be wasteful, caus-
become Dragon Fists. ing food shortages all the time. But the people answer to no one
and have the freedom to do whatever they wish.
Eastport A council of seven retired pirate captains share the burden of
ruling the city. Alliances shift between them often, as do what pass
for laws in the city. Eastport frowns on violence and theft, but
Pirates have braved the Sea of Fear long before others dared to
leave sight of dry land for fear of being torn apart by the monsters punishments are light unless the aggrieved party makes a sufficient
of the deep. When not prowling the waters for plunder, the pirates donation to the constables. Justice, when dispensed, solves prob-
lems by executing the accused, typically after a sham trial.
For its colors, the city uses a red winged hourglass on a black
background.

Guild of Executioners
Cloud Market Aside from the Captains’ palaces and estates, the only other struc-
The sylphs of the Sky Islands floating above the ture made from stone belongs to the Guild of Executioners. This
New Lands permit no outsiders in their communities. secret society trains apprentices in the methods of dispensing
Isolated, xenophobic, and wanting no part of the lethal justice—poisoning, gassing, beheading, and the like. The
struggles of the land dwellers, they meet intruders with masters keep apprentices sequestered until their training is com-
swift and shocking violence, throwing them off the
drifting islands. The one exception to this rule is the plete. The guild recoups its investments by selling the journeymen
Cloud Market, which stands atop an airborne rocky members to other parties, condemning these graduates to a period
island that drifts over the borderlands. An elaborate of indentured servitude that lasts seven years.
system of pulleys hauls visitors up to the island and
lowers them safely to the ground.
The Cloud Market sells a variety of goods, from
black peppercorns and saffron to exquisite arms of
Joyless & Dent
dwarfen make, scrimshaw swords, the rarest vintages, For all that Eastport’s known as a pirate haven, the place also
magical trinkets, and so much more. So long as visitors
abide by the law, they are permitted to stay for as long attracts bandits of a different kind: prospectors, investors, specu-
as they wish. Those who break the law, however, soon lators, and entrepreneurs. The city’s steadfast commitment to free-
find the ground rushing up to meet them. dom attracts the profit-minded to find their fortunes here. Joyless
The sylphs watch over Cloud Market and thus main- & Dent opened its doors as a coffee shop and tobacconist, but it
tain a strong presence here, though they rarely interact has since become a hotbed of mercantile intrigue. Here, on a great
with others except to dispense justice. People from all
ancestries live and work here, from exiled archons to chalkboard hanging on a wall that runs the length of the place,
vampires lurking in the shadows. People mingle freely; one can find current commodity prices, which fluctuate based on
Chapter 2

few dare risk the wrath of the sylphs. commerce conducted here and out in the city. It’s a loud, messy
Cloud Market focuses on commerce, and nearly place, with spilled coffee and ashes everywhere, but for some it
everyone living here works in the business of buying
and selling. The island offers a few shrines, a theater, offers plenty of excitement, especially in matters of finance and
and other distractions, but these all exist to part coin investments.
from people. Such places are always maintained by Joyless & Dent has become a popular haunt for the local jann
outsiders and cater to tourists and merchants alike. population. The blue-skinned people can be found here at all
hours. Rumor has it that a rich merchant has made an offer to
Mister Dent himself to buy out the place for a veritable fortune.

79
 that politicking among society’s upper ranks could have dire effects
Augustus, W izard and Sage on ordinary people, even if they’re not felt immediately. The rich
He swept into Eastport like a storm, riding horseback down the serve their own interests by exploiting the lowest ranks. Unless the
cobbled streets, snarling and zapping anyone who got in his way. citizens clean up their own streets, they’ll remain dirty. It falls to
He stopped in front of an empty lot, wiggled his fingers, said a few the locals to deal with their own predicaments in whatever way
magic words, and a crooked tower popped into existence. Then, in they deem fit. All this contributes to the chaos that describes a
a cloud of reeking smoke, his horse vanished and he disappeared normal day in the city: one might encounter a knifing in an alley,
into the tower, never to be seen again since. The so-called wizard a slick charlatan selling a highly addictive substance to youngsters
and sage keeps to himself in his tower, but he receives high-profile on a street corner, and sewage and rubbish heaped everywhere.
guests all the time. Every member of the Captains’ Council has Three exceptions exist to the general lawlessness. First, a ship
stopped here at least once, along with a religious leader or two, captain has more freedom than anyone who does not own and
some scary individuals all dressed in black, and an adventuring operate a vessel. Captains can do whatever they wish in the city,
group. People say all kinds of things about the mage—he’s the expecting and receiving total obedience from their crews and def-
Weird Wizard himself, he’s an outcast from the order of wizards, erence from the locals.
stripped of his robes of office, or he has designs on Eastport. Second, if the city comes under attack, everyone must take part
in its defense. The council delegates areas of command to the ship
captains, who direct efforts to repel the attackers. Anyone not
Blood Cisterns doing their part is declared an enemy and faces death or servitude.
Third, people brought to Eastport as prisoners must serve their
Anyone who needs a few coins in a pinch can sign up to fight in
captors for a period of no less than seven years or until someone
the pits known as the Blood Cisterns. Ten of them do brisk busi-
pays their ransom: what the Captains' Council decides is the total
ness throughout the city, and a couple host events each night. Fights
value of their labor for this period. After this time, the prisoner
might pit two beggars against one another, a desperate soul against
gains freedom and the right to live in the city. If a freed prisoner
a giant scorpion, or rivals for a gentleman’s hand deciding the issue
opts to leave and is later recaptured, the prisoner starts a new sev-
with knives. The current champion is Oulde Fassel, a grizzled, gray-
en-year period of servitude.
haired man who has one cauliflower ear, the other missing, half a
Eastport gets along poorly with the other coastal settlements,
nose, and a crooked scar that runs through his left eye. He’s wiry,
and Eastporters have no qualms about expressing how they feel.
strong, and quicker than lightning. He’s killed twenty people and has
Westporters are all thieves, Towersfolk are untrustworthy, and the
announced his retirement after he’s taken apart his twenty-fourth.
Seaholders are inbred halfwits too dumb to realize they’re living
on cursed land. Eastport receives little love in return. Most people
Local Color consider the city a blight, its people a dangerous pox, and its entire
culture damned for its reliance on forced labor.
In a city founded by pirates, it’s no surprise to find them living
there. Eastport has always kept its gates open to sea bandits, as
well as all manner of other scoundrels. And there’s no evidence the Four Tow ers
people living here want it any other way. Eastporters revel in the
freedoms they enjoy, even if they come at the cost of sanitation, This city takes its name from the four exceptionally tall and
security, and justice. ancient towers that rise from its center. A settlement grew around
Raiding and pillaging might be the dominant trades in the towers, with some structures thousands of years old. Now four
Eastport, but they aren’t the only ones. Most city dwellers have guilds govern the city, each from its own tower, and fund public
some involvement in a maritime trade, from fishing to clam dig- works by levying taxes on the treasures unearthed from the dun-
ging, net weaving to sail making. While the monied people enrich geons below them.
themselves with what they can steal, most of the labor falls to freed The other city-states on the southern coast lack the organization
prisoners and refugees. and security offered by the guilds of Four Towers, so the city is fast
People are as filthy as the city in which they live; everything and becoming a commercial hub in the borderlands. Its marketplaces
everyone is coated in a thin patina of grease. Clear social divisions bustle with merchants from all over the world, selling everything
show in dress—the wealthiest members of Eastport society wear from foodstuffs to weapons, textiles to horseflesh. The largest mar-
elaborate, fanciful garb as one might expect of aristocrats, while ket is the Bazaar, which makes up the entirety of the city’s southern
the rest make do with lightweight clothing: loose shirts, wide-leg district.
trousers, or long swirling skirts. Richer Eastporters ornament their The city’s device—four towers arranged in a diamond pattern—
borderlands

bodies with gold and jewelry, while the poor might don colorful appears on banners, flags, and surcoats worn by the guards. The
scarves. Since sanitation is poor, wealthier people wear shoes with towers are also stamped on the city’s currency.
high heels and thick soles to keep their feet out of the muck, while
the poor make do with wooden sandals that have wooden blocks The Towers
for soles.
Eastporters prize their freedom, and so long as nothing inter- Each tower has a circular foundation, exactly 50 yards across, and
feres with their movements and doings, they have little reason to each rises 200 feet into the air. Between the towers stand four inert
pay attention to the politics of the elite. They fail to understand colossi, each 50 feet tall and carved from solid stone to depict posed

80
warriors dressed in fanciful armor with spikes, flanges, hooks, and a lumbering ogre pushing through the crowds, or dragonets drink-
spurs. Trees and gardens cover the grounds around the statues, and ing wine in the rafters of a busy tavern. There are clockworks and
a fountain sprays water in the middle. Facing away from the cen- sphinxes, blue-skinned janni, and strangers from beyond this
tral area, each tower features a steep stone ramp that ends at a pair world.
of wooden doors wrapped in bands and bristling with iron studs. Excavation of the dungeons under the towers is the city’s pri-
The towers and their secrets have been attracting people to this mary industry, and the ruling guilds enforce strict laws to keep
region since the Great Cataclysm ten thousand years ago, when the peace and make Four Towers safe for the people living here.
Oceanus drowned the world in outrage at the mortals who sought Lawbreakers receive fair trials but face severe punishments if
to challenge the gods. People gained access to the towers and have found guilty. Guards are never more than a few minutes away and
plundered their heights, for the most part, but each burrows hun- are quick to answer a cry for help.
dreds of feet into the ground and has numerous levels of rooms Just about every religion sees representation here, and the
and passages, all excavated and built for some unknown purpose. Road of Gods, which travels from Westgate to the city center, has
From these “dungeons” the tower keepers have derived a few clues shrines and temples dedicated to all the major faiths. In addition,
and named their respective towers for the types of strangeness there are institutions of magic, fighting academies, libraries, and
beneath them. The north tower is called the Tower of Strife, for other resources.
the chambers below seem designed as barracks, armories, train-
ing grounds, and the like. The other towers, starting to the east
and moving clockwise, are the Tower of Sorcery, the Tower of the
Haunted Grasslands
Mysteries, and the Tower of Death. For hundreds of miles across this gently upward-sloping expanse,
all anyone can see is grass, a veritable sea of green that sways in
Delver Halls the wind. Along with the grass grow sedge, clover, legumes, and
thistles, but little else in the way of plant life. Wild herds of horses,
The city has set aside an entire district for the delver companies, antelope, and cattle roam here, as do the creatures that prey upon
groups of professional treasure-hunters who live off what they them, such as manticores, wyverns, drakes, and the Weird Wizard’s
can recover from the depths—after paying a portion of their take hybrid monsters. There are no permanent settlements, but the rich
to the guilds who manage activities. The guilds know quite a bit soil and mild climate are sure to attract settlers from beyond the
about the towers and the dungeons under them but say little to the Midlands.
companies who descend, though survivors are questioned about
their experiences on returning from an expedition into the depths.
When not exploring the dungeons, delver companies can find
W hispers and Figures
cheap housing in the Delver Halls, a collection of castles built The wind blows day and night, a breeze at least as strong as a full
by famous and rich delvers who came before. The Halls provide gale with violent gusts. Halflings traveling the lands with their
meals, some healing, and opportunities for members of different caravans sometimes plug their ears to deaden the noise, for in the
companies to compare information from recent expeditions. Most howls and screams one can sometimes hear voices. They might
companies have names and heraldry, and might gain sponsorship just be people’s imagination, but strangeness haunts this land.
from temples, magic-users, and others working in the city. Something disturbs the campsites in the dead of night, and some-
People interested in getting into the delver business must have times figures appear at a distance, motionless and watching, only
a writ of access from one of the guilds. The writ comes at a steep to vanish when anyone comes near.
price, usually between 10 and 50 gp, depending on the number of
active companies, and must be renewed each year. It gives access to
the dungeons of a particular tower to a specific company, whose
Silver River
members are included in a roster. Substitutions are allowed, but no Runoff from the Climb feeds the Silver River, a fast-flowing water-
more than half the roster can be replaced before the guild masters course that marks the northern edge of the Grasslands all the way
require the company to acquire a new writ. to the Inner Sea. The river flows over broken landscape and has no
fewer than thirty waterfalls ranging from a few feet to drops of a
hundred feet or more. The water’s roughness and the abundance of
Towersfolk sharp rocks make travel along it dangerous.
For anyone seeking riches, fame, and adventure, Four Towers pro-
vides. Much of the city’s industry caters to the delver companies
Haven
Chapter 2

who come to challenge the tower depths, and there’s something

for everyone here. The city offers palaces for the wealthy and flop- Amid a swath of green hills and sprawling woodlands the people
houses for the poor, gambling halls, brothels, taverns, theaters, are- of Haven make their home. A large town, Haven features wooden
nas for gladiatorial matches and sporting events, and more, all of houses and a stone keep behind a wooden wall. It is ruled by the
which go to enrich the people who serve this clientele. old Duke Patrin, who led his people out of the famine that had
Four Towers attracts people from all over and boasts the most struck his ancestral lands. The duke and his soldiers provide secu-
diverse population in the borderlands. It’s nothing to see ghouls rity for the people living in the town and the small settlements that
huddling in a shadowed alley picking over the remains of a corpse, have grown up around it.

81
 He is an ardent follower of the Church of the High
One, and it is the only religion he permits to be practiced
in Haven, going so far as to instruct the gate guards to
turn away priests of “false gods” who come calling.
Haven’s population includes various ancestries, though
humans remain the most numerous. Setting aside his
religious intolerance, Duke Patrin is fair-minded when it
comes to other peoples. He welcomes dwarfs, clockworks,
and others to live among his subjects.
Locals believe the duke has designs on founding a new
kingdom in the borderlands, as he has been recruiting and
training soldiers more and more of late. He has proven
himself a fair ruler, just and wise, so many of the neighbor-
ing villages would likely not complain too loudly about
bending their knee to a new monarch.

How ling Dunes

Strong southerly winds blow sand northward from the
shore of the Sea of Fear, forming rows of high dunes that
seem to roll back and forth, their tops lifted and blown
into spray. Ships and wreckage lie scattered across the
coastline, along with other debris spewed up from the
sea. The more intact vessels sometimes hold useful cargo,
and opportunistic scavengers pick through the rubbish in
search of treasure.

Aggressive Scavengers
The abundance of drowned bodies attracts ghouls to the
Howling Dunes. They bury themselves in the sand until
night falls and then wriggle free to feed on the corpses
that wash up on the beach. Since crustacors sometimes
have the same idea, the two often come into conflict.

Inner Sea
Looking out from the shore of the Inner Sea, the waters
seem to go on forever. This lake is the largest source of
freshwater in the borderlands. Marshes ring it, except in
the north, where willow trees grow in great numbers, their
branches dipping into the waters. Many peoples live on
the edges of the Inner Sea, in small villages with homes
perched atop stilts to keep dry.
The peoples of the Inner Sea comprise a great many dif-
ferent ancestries, though humans remain dominant. They
have lived in the same manner for a hundred generations
or more, have little use for outsiders and engage in no real
trade other than with neighboring villages. Many wor-
borderlands

ship the “god in the lake,” a sinister figure some suspect

might have once been an Ancient One—or still is. The
god demands that the villagers give back something in
return for the fish they take. The Giving Back is a human
sacrifice, the lucky person chosen by seers who look for a
face reflected in the waters. The sacrifices coincide with
lunar eclipses, and the chosen must wade into the lake
until something pulls them under.

82
 people. Each territory features numerous villages with cleared land
Myriad Monsters around them for agriculture—worked, most often, by prisoners
The Inner Sea attracts creatures from all across the borderlands pressed into service. Shipyards near the shore feature one or more
that live in the wetlands around the lake or in its depths. One can vessels in various states of completion or repair.
find kelpies lurking in the mud near the shore, floating bog beasts, Each territory has two rulers: a peace leader and a war leader.
During raiding season or in times of conflict, the war leader takes
and other expected wildlife—water snakes, alligators, and giant
charge, and relinquishes control to the peace leader during other
crawfish (as giant lobsters).
times. The tribal members elect their leaders, choosing the stron-
gest and smartest to serve as war leaders, and the wisest to guide
Frog People them in times of peace.
Religious leaders provide spiritual instruction; perform ceremo-
Many pollywog tribes live on the water's edge. When not hunting nies marking births, deaths, weddings, and rites of passage; and
and foraging, they raid human settlements, carrying off captives make sacrifices to gain the gods’ favor. Khazud’s deities resemble
for food or sacrifice. These attacks happen with enough regularity those of the Old Faith, excepting the younger gods, who are absent
that some long-settled human villages have been emptied. from the people’s lives. The gods of the Khazud offer insights into
older interpretations of these figures, before necessity softened
Island in the Mist their appearance and nature to accommodate the changing tastes
brought about by civilization’s developments.
On certain mornings, when fog hangs heavy over the Inner Sea,
one might catch a glimpse of Palavan, a mythical faerie island that
drifts in and out of existence. The locals believe that a powerful
The Maze
nymph lives on this island along with a small army of hideous
Stacked stones and basalt pillars turn the rocky slopes below the
monsters. When some new terror appears in the region, locals Dragon Spire into a labyrinth of narrow passageways that twist and
blame its appearance on the accursed island. turn between formations hundreds of feet high. The Maze has no
fewer than thirty entrances, and visitors who expect to find their
Khazud Lands way out with little trouble get turned around after only a few paces,
almost as if the rocks closed off the way behind them. Branching
Rainforest covers the northern slopes of the Dragon’s Teeth paths lead off into shadowy nooks filled with the remains of the
Mountains all the way to the edge of the Sunrise Ocean. The lost, their bodies picked over and devoured by the cliff haints who
land takes its name from the people who live here, a shipbuilding alone seem able to find their way through this place.
folk who have clashed with the Great Kingdom countless times.
Known also as the dragonmen, for their ships feature elaborate Door in the Rock
dragons as prows, the Khazud people have a reputation for being
ferocious in battle and fierce defenders of their lands. Somewhere in the maze stands a wooden door about 10 feet above
About a century ago, the Church of the High One dispatched the ground. set into the wall of a high stone pillar. Efforts to open
missionaries to convert peoples of the borderlands to their faith. or even break the door have all failed, and it has no handle. There
Had the missionaries been all who came, perhaps the Khazud are three keyholes, though, and people believe that if the keys can
might have turned them back with no trouble. But the effort be found, the door will open to some fantastical paradise—or
masked the Great Kingdom’s expeditionary force, which under someplace terrifying. Opinions on this matter vary.
the guise of evangelism was sent to search for gold. This meeting
ended in violence. The Great Kingdom sent other expeditions to Gnome Haven
discover the fate of the first, only to have them vanish into the
rainforest. Gnomes live in a colony beneath the Maze and maintain its forma-
tions to keep enemies out. They sometimes pass through the rock
to confuse visitors or lead them into danger. If offered a gift, such
The Khazud as a gemstone or bit of rare metal, a gnome might be convinced to
Most people die after encountering a Khazud warrior, so descrip- guide the lost to safety.
tions of them are sparse and reflect observation at a distance.
Midlands
Chapter 2

Although their opponents call them dragonmen, the Khazud

are human, large in body and with dark complexions. In battle,
warriors forgo armor, instead painting their bodies with mud pur- Flat, wide, and blanketed with tall grasses threaded by streams and
ported to have psychoactive properties. rivers carrying waters from the Inner Sea, this prairie land has an
The Khazud claim the rainforests north of the Dragon’s Teeth openness unlike any other place in the region. What trees exist are
and arrange themselves in large tribes that occupy fixed territo- enormous and gnarled, singular plants hundreds of years old. Here
ries up and down the coast. The smallest tribe has a few dozen and there, one finds limestone boulders heaved up from the soil
members, while larger ones might include as many as a thousand like teeth in a giant’s mouth.

83
 success netting catfish and crawfish, and they occasionally pull
Herders and Farmers up odd bits of colorful tile. Locals wear the thumb-sized stones as
The prairies of the Midlands offer good grazing for sheep and cat- medallions, believing they ward away bad luck.
tle. Herders lead their flocks throughout the land, especially in the
northern and western regions, where they have less to fear from Black Water
drakes on the wing. In the south, toward Four Towers, the land
becomes more cultivated, divided by low stone walls into fields for Far to the west one finds the foul, reeking lake known as Black
growing crops. Paths and narrow roads follow these walls so that Water. Salt blown out from the wasteland pollutes the lake and
farmers can haul their goods to market in the southern city. Closer makes it brackish. Gnarled trees and thick reeds choke the shores
to Four Towers, hamlets, villages, and roadside inns offer shelter of this place, and giant beetles haunt the shallows.
to travelers.
The Pit
Barrows Not even the oldest, crustiest settler recalls who or what made the
Aside from the green and pleasant prairie, the Midlands are Pit. Believed bottomless, it features a perfectly circular opening,
also known for the grassy hills that rise alone from the flatlands. 100 feet in diameter, set in a dry mudflat. Markings on the walls
Treasure hunters have dug into these mounds searching for riches, suggest that something dug it out from below. Odd vapors some-
but aside from corroded weapons and arrowheads, they have times rise from the depths, and there’s always a spicy smell about
found little. the hole.

Plains of Pendarm Lake of Plenty

All one has to do is reach in and pluck a fish from the Lake of
The scrubland bordering the Salt Barrens takes its name from the Plenty, so abundant are they here. This deep body of freshwater
explorer who lived long enough to cross the wasteland but then attracts wildlife and settlers alike.
died from an insect sting after three steps. The open terrain covers
almost a quarter of the borderlands and features a mix of wheat,
rye, and millet prairies, grasses, dry mudflats, badlands, and scrub. Five Towns
The flatness and hot summers have earned this land the nickname
of the Anvil. Five small towns surround the Lake of Plenty, whose fisheries serve
as the community’s main industry. Five families founded the towns
The stony soil and thick, matted roots make much of the region
and originally cooperated with each other, but rivalries, slights,
difficult to cultivate, yet most settlers and refugees make their
and old grudges have turned this once-peaceful community into a
homes here. Homesteads speckle the landscape, with smaller
warzone. Each town takes its name from its founder, with Bartleby
walled villages beside lakes, both large and small, or riverbanks
in the north and, clockwise around the lake, Jonesberg, Peterson
that carry snowmelt from the mountains in the north. If Old
Point, Robertsville, and Smithton.
Country people would build a new nation for themselves, the
Plains of Pendarm would serve them well.
New Town
Edgewood Tents, wagons, and carts, along with lean-tos and other crude
structures, provide shelter to the people of New Town. Some of
This collection of wooden buildings enjoyed steady growth in
the first refugees to make it across the Salt Barrens stopped here to
recent years and has now become a large town. The walled com-
regroup after the harrowing journey, and more and more people
munity rises from the southern bank of Mud River within a bow-
joined them until the place became a community of sorts.
shot of the Sentinel Wood. Locals do brisk business selling timber
People don’t stay long in New Town; they move on after a few
to settlers in the west and shipbuilders in Four Towers and Sea days or weeks to begin the work of starting over. As soon as a
Hold. A large stone keep at the center of the town belongs to Urien family moves off, though, two more take its place, so New Town
Strong, whose family settled here after leaving the Great Kingdom has grown into something more than a stopover. Recognizing its
a century ago. He’s a man of the people and spends a portion of importance, a council has recently formed to organize fairer dis-
each day working alongside those he rules. He’s still single, and tribution of resources and to help families find other families to
borderlands

locals consider him the most eligible bachelor in town, despite his start new settlements in the north and east. In addition, volunteers
plain appearance and the strange hours he keeps. return to the Salt Barrens to guide others through the wastes and
bring them to safety.
Deep Water New Town has problems aplenty, though. Unsavory sorts have
infiltrated the community, sparking crime, spreading sickness, and
Mud River feeds the Deep Water, but its murky brown waters causing shortages. The need for security is pushing the council
never taint this lake. The bottom is visible at the edges but drops to take steps toward forming a force of constables to police the
away to an unknown depth in the center. Fisherfolk have great settlement.

84
Salt Barrens Succor
At over a thousand miles across and creeping north and south year The water merchants of Succor hold power over life and death.
after year, the Salt Barrens have long formed an almost impassi- Opportunists who happened upon one of the only sources of
ble barrier. The lethal expanse is dotted with dead, black trees and freshwater in the Salt Barrens, they sell it for a price that even the
pools of water so corrosive a single drop can burn a hole through well-heeled find difficult to pay. A gallon of water costs 10 gp,
leather. Necessity forces more and more people to make their way though the merchants might accept other valuables in lieu of pay-
out across the hard, white flat expanse, where they must contend ment. When people find out the price, they often become angry
with the salt blows, clouds of salt blown by winds at such speed the and try to take the water by force, so the merchants employ a squad
grains can flense skin. All across the wasteland one can find signs of ogres to keep order. These brutes take the faces from the people
of failure. Supplies lie abandoned, picked over, and crusted in salt. they kill and stitch them into cloaks.
Broken carts and wagons appear here and there, never far from the The exorbitant prices for water aside, Succor presents a colorful
desiccated remains of the beasts who pulled them and the people sight to travelers, with tents in riotous colors, music lifting on the
who surrendered to despair, lay down, and died. wind, and inviting scents of cooking.

HAZARDS
Bone
During the brightest times of the day, the dazzling
whiteness of the landscape can blind. At the end of The Salt Barrens’ hostility to living things makes the place a nat-
each hour spent during the four middle hours of each ural refuge for people who would avoid attention. Bone opens its
day, each sighted creature without lenses or who does gates to any student of dark magic, for such individuals might have
not keep its eyes closed makes a luck roll and, on a
Chapter 2

failure, becomes blinded for 3d6 hours. At the end of something to offer the necromancers who rule here. The town is
this time, the blinded creature repeats the luck roll; on constructed entirely from bones, featuring a high wall of woven
another failure, the blindness becomes permanent. ribs taken from enormous beasts, towers of fused human skulls,
The arid landscape saps moisture. A creature must even streets paved with vertebrae and mortared with bone dust.
consume twice as much water as normal each day or Bone requires little to survive, as most of its inhabitants are undead
suffer the effects of deprivation.
The Salt Barrens reach dangerously high tempera- slaves to the death masters, but a few wells drill deep enough to tap
tures during the daylit hours. Unprotected creatures into cisterns of fresh water, and some greenery supplies the living
suffer the effects of exposure while in this place. with foodstuffs.

85
 When supplies grow too low, the necromancers dispatch dust
skiffs crewed by animated dead to raid caravans and travelers mak- Dungeon of the Hold
ing their way across the desert. The skiffs look like flatbottomed The Sea Hold stands atop a sprawling dungeon that served as stor-
boats mounted on rails, with masts and black sails to catch the age, garrisons, and cells for prisoners. Years of neglect make the
wind. The sails display the sigil of Bone, a leering human skull with dungeon unsafe enough, but the queer things that creep through
blazing red eyes. its shadows and the spirits of those forgotten in its cells make the
place deadly.

The Driftwood Chair

Orcs When the Sea Lord took Sea Hold, he found an enormous chair
One day people go about their business, tend to their made from driftwood that was once the base of a great tree. He sits
chores, and socialize with friends and loved ones as in the Driftwood Chair when holding audiences with petitioners
they have always done. The next day, they awaken from the stronghold. People whisper that the Sea Lord behaves
to find many of their neighbors have been swallowed
by hatred and transformed into brutish killers known strangely when seated, his attention straying to the corners of the
as orcs. The soul sickness responsible for creating room. Sometimes he answers questions no one has asked.
orcs contributed to much of the upheaval in the Old
Country, but aside from a few isolated cases, the bor-
derlands appear free from the blight.
There is worry, though, that the orcs will cross the Salt Sealed Chambers
Barrens in search of more people to kill and conquer.
Most laugh off such concerns since it will be some time The two decades of the Sea Lord’s rule have not yet seen the palace
before the fighting in the Old Country burns out, but as fully explored. Entire floors remain barred and sealed off by heavy
people continue to flood into the borderlands, the fear iron doors strung with chains. People know enough about the Old
grows. Many fled their homeland to escape the orc Empire to leave such places alone unless there’s some great need.
menace and know they have nowhere left to go if the Servants have discovered just a few of the hidden stairways and
monsters come for them.
passages that riddle the walls of the Sea Hold’s palace.

Sea of Fear
Sea Hold Anyone living on the shores of the Sea of Fear knows that in
the depths lurks the Great Kraken, and sailors and fishers alike
More fortress than settlement, the Old Empire funded construction make offerings to appease Oceanus, lest he come to the surface
of this great fortress as a stronghold against hostile peoples and a and drag them into the deep. The presence of a god ought to be
port where imperial settlers could disembark before colonizing the enough to give this small ocean its name, but in addition, pow-
borderlands and New Lands. Since the Empire fell over two thou- erful storms blow out of the churning waters, scouring the coast-
sand years ago, Sea Hold offers testimony to the skill of its builders. lines and drowning the lands. Adding to this are hostile tritons
The fortress has a 50-foot-tall red stone wall facing the sea and that clamber over the sides of ships and kill the crews, crustacors
three square towers, one at either end and a third in the middle. that harass coastal villages, and other marine threats of endlessly
Emerging from the walls are enormous bas-reliefs of horned varied lethality.
humanoid faces. Their mouths stretch open into chutes the
defenders use to send boiling oil down on besiegers. Side walls 40
feet high sweep back inland and join at a single high spire that Shattered Lands
dwarfs the rest. The spire functions as a lighthouse, and the keep-
ers light its fires each night to be a beacon in the dark. A scattering of rocky islands rise from the Sea of Fear to the east,
Stone buildings crowd the space inside the defenses. Each has their stony shores ribboned with seaweed and strewn with drift-
between five and ten stories, so the tall towers rise above the battle- wood. Few of them offer much room for maneuvering, with most
ments. Gargoyles and grotesques appear on almost every surface, no more than a hundred yards across. Their shores are steep, sharp,
though the most exposed embellishments have been worn down and crawling with crabs, worms, and the seabirds that eat both.
borderlands

by the elements. The more distant isles show signs of ancient habitation—a couple
The Sea Lord, Marius Palak, and an army of misfits overran the sport towers, the tops snapped off, and there have been sightings
fortress twenty years ago. He has since attracted more people seek- of stairs, walls, and cube-shaped structures.
ing the protection of the gang that runs the place. Neither Palak The islands offer little succor for those shipwrecked here. Sailors
nor his cronies have much skill in maintaining the fortress, and it claim to have spotted strange people crawling about the rocks,
has begun to crumble around them. scuttling lizardlike into the caves upon spotting the ships. Weird
Sea Hold uses a mountain for its sigil and claims green and blue lights sometimes shine from the islands, and deep, sonorous noises
as its colors. might persist for hours before falling silent.

86
 Wind and storms make living in this landscape difficult, but
The Ghost Ship there are a few squat stone houses, some clumped together, oth-
Someone always claims to have spotted a ghost ship thrown about ers separated by miles. Many stand empty, yet some have become
on the waves, some ghastly vessel sailing out from Hell to torment shelters of opportunity for refugees and settlers. Most cluster on
the living before a whirlpool drags them down or a high wave rolls outcroppings into which steps have been cut, granting access to
over them, leaving no trace they were ever there. the water a hundred feet below.
One ghost ship appears proof to the sea’s savagery. For fifty years
it has sailed the waters through fierce squalls and the most wicked
conditions. Every ten years or so, the tattered sails of the accursed
The Point
galleon heaves into view, apparently empty of captain or crew. The A flat-topped tower rises from the tip of Swordspoint and flames
ship responds to no hail, and people who have boarded it claim burn at the top, though no one seems to know who keeps the fires
to have felt cold, chilled even, and spotted terrifying sights in the lit. An old legend claims that the tower holds Kaen’s forge and that
periphery of their vision, but no sign of anyone—no clothes, no the god of making stokes the supernatural flames when called on
foodstuffs, not even a spoon. to forge a weapon for the other gods.
At night, green spectral shapes can sometimes be seen mov-
ing about the deck, and a bright green glowing figure stands at
the prow wearing a tricornered hat, spyglass in hand, seemingly
searching for something before the ship disappears into the night.
The Climb
Green hills upon green hills rise toward the New Lands of the
Sentinel Wood far east. As the altitude increases, the heat and humidity give way
to mild temperatures and gentle winds. Ash trees, all bent and
Sentinel trees can grow up to 300 feet tall, with trunk diame- gnarled, rise from the tops of these grassy peaks. Fog hangs over
ters exceeding 40 feet, and these trees make the Sentinel Wood the Climb in the early morning hours until burned off by the
famous. They are so large that the woodcutters in Edgewood have sun, only to return hours after nightfall to blanket the land with
yet to find an effective way to harvest them, and thus the trees silvery mist.
stand unmolested. Edgewood’s cutters instead harvest younger The rolling hills belong to wild cattle, golden eagles, red squir-
trees on the edges of this place. rels, deer, and wildcats. People here live in tiny villages made of
Aside from the trees, the place is home to dragonets who live huts huddled together around a central well. Most live by herding
in small homes built in the canopy, ogres who protect the mighty sheep, weaving fabric from their wool, and raising crops of pota-
trees from fire and axe, and a myriad of faeries. toes, carrots, and greens. Unfriendly and suspicious of outsiders,
the locals withdraw when they see travelers approaching and give
grudging aid if needed.
Walking Trees Locals adhere to odd customs designed to keep nature spirits
At least once a year, someone comes to nearby Edgewood claiming at bay. These spirits, faeries for the most part, sometimes cause
to have seen a walking tree in the Sentinel Wood. Locals believe mischief by stealing livestock, misplacing treasures, and tearing
these to be spriggans or dryads, but every few years, devotees of clothes. A bit of iron hung over the door keeps them out, but most
Grandfather Tree come to the forest to conduct strange ceremo- folks tie ribbons in their trees and leave offerings of sheep’s milk
nies out of the view and earshot of nonbelievers. and biscuits on their doorsteps.
The ground throughout the Climb contains the bones of giants,
so many that people no longer express surprise when they unearth
Sunrise Ocean an enormous skull or ribcage large enough to hold an entire family.
The bones are so common that many use them in construction.
The Sunrise Ocean describes the body of water that covers more
than half of Erth’s northern hemisphere, reaching as far east and
south until it meets the Sea of Fear. The waters nearest to inhab- Silent Sentinels
ited lands have seen the most exploration, and numerous islands
are scattered across the expanse. People have either forgotten or The Climb’s ascending elevation levels off just before reaching the
have little idea about what peoples and places lie on the other side. Causeway, a stretch of land that connects the borderlands to the
New Lands. To either side of the Causeway stand 100-foot-tall
Swordspoint basalt statues depicting bearded men, features downcast, dressed
in hooded robes. The northern statue grips a staff, while the south-
Chapter 2

ern statue holds a sword point down between its feet.

A range of stacked rock formations forms a peninsula that extends
nearly a hundred miles out over the Sea of Fear. Gaps between
the formations drop to the churning waters below and vary in The W hispering Arch
width from a few feet to several hundred. Some who have seen
Swordspoint have suggested that it looks like an ancient crumbling On nights of the full moon, locals claim that strange lights shine
bridge that abruptly stops, while others think it nothing more inside the Whispering Arch, a monument raised by an unknown
than a curious geological feature most likely created by erosion. people, somewhere in a remote patch of hills to the northeast. A

87
 dolmen, the structure features two 13-foot-tall stone slabs
set in parallel to form an opening and another slab resting
on top. Anyone living near the arch who has a mind to
share stories might reveal that people have heard voices
around the place and that poor young Kyl went missing
after herding his flock of sheep nearby. Whenever anyone
went near the arch with a sheepdog, the beast would not
approach, and whined and barked if forced.

The Keep
Rising from the hills just fifty miles from the Silent
Sentinels stands the Keep. Built by a displaced noble
many years ago and passed down to his grandson, Baron
Carlyle, the place has come to be known as the Keep at
World’s Edge or the Keep. A small farming community
grew up around the Keep in recent years, its people look-
ing to the stronghold and its soldiers for protection from
the things that creep out of the New Lands.
Recently, the Keep has become an important stopping
point for travelers bound for the unknown lands. One
can always find merchants ready to sell rope, packs, mules,
and the like to explorers and adventurers, and a gambling
hall, two taverns, and four inns all see brisk business. As
more and more people travel east, the demands on the
Keep grow greater, and what was once a modest outpost
could become a thriving city.

Jungle of Za
Sometimes called the Swelterwood, the Rain Trees,
and the Emerald Expanse, this vast rainforest is known
by most people in the borderlands as the Jungle of Za.
Efforts to survey its wild, untamable landscape have
all failed. Bad water, sickness spread by biting insects,
extreme heat, and oppressive humidity make expeditions
into the jungle difficult, approaching impossible. Still,
rumors of lost cities, buried treasures, ancient artifacts,
and more lure many to search for its secrets.

Summerlands
The Summerlands of the Fair Folk coexist with the bor-
derlands, specifically the Jungle of Za, but have been
hidden somewhere behind the Ephemera. Like the spirit
world, the Summerlands’ geography resembles that of
the mortal world, but everything appears more vibrant,
colorful, and intense. The sun burns brighter, the moon
is always full in the night sky, and the stars look like
borderlands

burning holes in the darkness. This place can be reached

only by secret entrances scattered throughout the jungle
in crossroads, elf hills, misty islands, and the occasional
door in a boulder or ancient tree, as well as in wardrobes
and forgotten tunnels.
Faeries, other than goblins and their ill-mannered fel-
lows, live in the Summerlands, as does anyone else who
happens to catch their fancy. Worship of the gods does

88
not happen here. Instead, most of the faerie folk venerate the
Faerie Queen in a manner that comes close to worship. The Troll King
The king of the trolls, Og, lives in a cave deep under the Haunts
The Waste and has his every need attended to by the faeries he has pressed
into his service. Og dreams of returning his people to their lost
The Waste connects the Wilderlands in the west to the Jungle of greatness, lifting them out of their present savagery so that the
Za in the east and is characterized by near perfect flatness. Small world will fear them once more.
rocks and pebbles litter its scarred and pitted surface. The wind
never blows here, and the clouds seem to skirt the place, making
rains so exceptional that when they do fall, the water droplets dis-
Dragon Spire
appear on touching the ground. There seems to be nothing in the The Dragon Spire ascends like a crooked finger above the rest of
Waste, certainly no life, so why would anyone go here? the mountains in its range. It marks the lair of an ancient dragon
that slumbers in the ruins of an equally old underground city,
surrounding itself with a fortune in treasure. Several goblin tribes
The Vault have moved into the city, ostensibly to serve the monster but in
truth sent there by their master for some other purpose—perhaps
At the center of the Waste rises a square, windowless structure
to find a treasure or to make off with as much gold as they can.
known as the Vault. Assembled from black basalt slabs, the place The dragon’s great age keeps it in its lair for the most part, but
looks like a blot from a distance. A single door-shaped cavity grants sometimes it hungers for meat other than goblin and flies out
access to its gloomy interior. Until recently, the Vault has stood through the tunnels to scour the slopes for wild goats, bears, elk,
closed, but the lure of lost treasure and secret knowledge brought and people.
a band of adventurers to its doorstep. Foolishly, they opened the
door, which fell inside to release whatever had been sealed away.
Since then, people have been disappearing from villages on the Underside
northern shores of the Inner Sea, and even the pollywogs have
begun moving east and west. A maze of tunnels and chambers riddle the ground below the
borderlands and, presumably, extend east under the New Lands.
Much of Underside consists of natural caverns, fissures, and pas-
The Eye of God sages shaped by the shifting of the earth, but here and there one
finds excavated areas. Old mines plunge into the depths, weird
A lake of mercury between the Attercop Forest and the Barrens,
temples are dedicated to alien, monstrous gods, and tiny enclaves
the Eye of God’s still surface reflects the sky with the perfection
house gnome communities. Giant tubes twist through the rock,
of a mirror, appearing blue by day and star speckled at night. In
created by the dreaded deep worms, while in the deepest reaches
the rare times rain falls, it pools on top of the liquid metal until
one might find the Crawlers in the Dark, demons trapped in the
it evaporates. The fumes from the mercury make the air around depths long ago.
the lake toxic; evidence can be found in the bones covering the
ground nearby. The Eye of God holds special religious significance
for followers of Lord Death, as the site is believed to be a gateway Vale of Sorrows
to the Underworld.
Tucked between two arms of the Dragon’s Teeth Mountains, mist
Troll Haunts hangs over the forested slopes that form the Vale of Sorrows. Here
is a refuge for faeries displaced from the New Lands. The magical
mist keeps the place cool and comfortable while also working on
The Troll Haunts comprise the western arm of the mountain range mortal minds, causing them to grow drowsy until they lie down
that reaches across the borderlands in the north. Named for the and sleep, at which point faeries carry them out of the valley or
many trolls that live in their caves, the mountains have dense tree to the elf lords and ladies who rule here. The faeries have used
coverage, which helps to protect the sun-fearing trolls from direct their magic to build a delicate city on the slopes, with tall spires
light. Natural springs and waterfalls, striking though they are, do that reach above the swirling mist, each connected by lacy bridges
nothing to alleviate the grim atmosphere of this place. seemingly as fine as spider webs.
Hulks of old war machines manufactured in the troll forges rust
to powder on the forested slopes. The trolls built these weapons
Chapter 2

thousands of years ago to wipe out the elementals or the faeries, House of Lamentations
depending on whom one asks. Amid the debris can be seen works The joy and beauty often associated with the faeries is absent from
of artistry—heads of magnificent beasts assembled from metal those living in the House of Lamentations, a cultural grouping
components, snapped and notched blades, cogwheels 30 feet in of all the faeries living in the Vale of Sorrows under the rule of
diameter, and more. Most pose little danger, but some give off the Prince of Tears. Although the struggles that led to their exile
toxic fumes, while a few machines have a bit of life left in them and to this place have all passed into the most ancient of history, for
lash out with little warning. the faeries living here the memory is fresh. Too many loved ones

89
 perished in the fighting against the elementals and trolls for there protect its fishing fleet from Eastport pirates, who have a history
to be song or story, brush or pen, unless such gifts are used to cap- of capturing fisherfolk and pressing them into service.
ture and explore the sadness that infuses the permanent mist blan-
keting the valley.
Although it is the largest population of faeries in the border- Westporters
lands, the House of Lamentations does not speak for all their kind Like Eastport, Westport owes its origins to pirates, but unlike
in the known world. Many other faeries might have lived here but its sister city, it has put its criminal past behind it to become a
eventually set aside their grief to find joy. Those who remain revel legitimate port on the Sea of Fear. Although the duke has ambi-
in their melancholy and have nothing but animosity for outsiders. tions for the city, none include making needed improvements to
The Prince of Tears secludes himself in a spire that reaches up his domain.
through the mist and rarely stirs from his isolation. His subjects Westporters are no strangers to hardship. They either tolerate
wear somber colors, favoring gray, dark green, and black, with lit- crowded conditions behind the protection of the city walls or
tle ornamentation. All artistic expression reflects the dour nature must look after themselves outside, where Eastporters might raid
of this place, and the mourning song of wind instruments cuts the countryside or carry off people. Add to this the tropical storms
through the quiet. that bring flooding and wind each rainy season, and surviving for
The faeries here await their prince to shrug off his misery and long here is considered a sign of toughness and competence.
lead them to a brighter land. Loyalty and inertia keep them by his Social lines in the city are drawn between the rich and poor, and
side, though more and more abandon the Vale over the decades. the poor and really poor. The rich live well, with comfort, security,
The ones who stay cling to the expectation that all will be restored good health, and diversions. The poor represent most people in
once their master’s heart heals. the city and are variously sick, embittered, maimed, or suffering.
Trades include fishing, sailing, and farming, though earnings tend
W estport to be low. The very poor are people who have lost the ability to
work and thus must depend on the charity of others; the Church
The city of Westport rises from the cliffs to the north that over- of the High One operates a boarding house for indigents.
look Gauntlet Bay. Founded by pirates three hundred years ago, Westport’s people all fear and worship Oceanus, the Great
the city has grown in fits and starts. Frequent wars with neigh- Kraken. His priests have great influence over the duke and are not
boring Eastport, typhoons whirling across the Sea of Fear, disease, subject to the city’s laws. Other religions have small followings,
infighting, and countless other troubles have contributed to its but people are more likely to worship gods in addition to Oceanus
uneven growth. rather than instead of him.
High walls topped with battlements encircle Westport and have Fixed on Oceanus as the people are, most events and festivals
for years, though craters and cracks show signs of past violence. focus on the god. There’s the Festival of Leviathan, where locals
A port and attendant fishing community stand in front of the make a giant whale out of paper-mâché and carry it through the
sea-facing walls, and long docks extend over the deep waters to streets. There’s also the Day of Bounty, a popular holiday that
accommodate merchant ships and the city’s fishing fleet. involves eating fish stew, drinking wine, and playing music.
The people of Westport live in crowded conditions. Duke
Rubelius has no intention of expanding the walls, so citizens can
either shelter behind them or huddle in the shanty town outside.
The W ilderlands
Buildings within feature stone and wood construction, roofed
North of the Plains of Pendarm, the ground climbs to a grassy
in slate shingles, and appear piled on top of each other. One can
expanse dotted with lakes and crisscrossed by rivers and streams.
explore the city’s many tiny, twisting streets, but people become
A great, wide open region of hardscrabble scrubland, little grows
turned around all the time, and a few are never seen again.
here aside from stunted trees and brambles. Far to the north, one
Westport’s colors are gray and black, and the city’s symbol is a fish.
can see the Troll Haunts and the Dragon Spire, and to the east
the wispy Attercop Forest. Though it is a pretty land, with a clear
Catacombs and unobstructed view of the sky above, visitors rarely have time
to appreciate its beauty before the centaurs run them down, net
A vast maze of catacombs spreads out below the city and has
them, and drag them off, never to be seen again.
become its weakest point, with outside access possible via grated
pipes through which drain the city’s effluvia. The undercity was
originally built to store plague victims during the Black Fever that
ravaged the lands years ago. The tunnels have since been aban-
Horselords
borderlands

doned, and rumors swirl about them being infested with rats, Centaurs claim the Wilderlands as their own. They gather in large
ghouls, and other fell things. bands that follow the curlbeak herds on a roughly counterclock-
wise migratory path from the shadows of the Troll Haunts south
Gauntlet Bay to the plains, east to the Inner Sea, and then back to the north. The
centaurs tend to xenophobia and tolerate no interlopers on their
Westport claimed Gauntlet Bay a century ago, and many of lands. They frequently struggle with manticores, drakes, wyverns,
the city’s clashes with Eastport stem from this declaration. To and other terrible threats, and might make alliances with outsiders
strengthen its hold, Westport’s warships patrol the waters to if the need is great enough.

90
 Nine Bells
Fleeing religious persecution in the Old Country, the Children of
the Redeemer, a heretical sect of the Church of the High One,
settled in the Wilderlands to practice their religion without fear.
Having survived attacks by fomorians, centaurs, and monsters, as
well as plague, Nine Bells has grown into a large town. The com-
munity welcomes human refugees but has no love for nonhumans,
using any excuse to cast them out.
The Church of the High One holds absolute power in Nine
Bells, and everyone who lives here is a believer and member of
the faith. A high priest rules the town, and work has begun on
a cathedral larger and more magnificent than any that has before
been built.

W y v ern Wood
Named for the wyverns that lair amid the trees, this forest spreads
over hundreds of miles. The density of growth and the wild things
living here make the Wyvern Wood a natural barrier to northward
expansion. As more and more newcomers spill into the lands, peo-
ple will likely come into conflict with the reptilian monsters that
live here and either become food for these ancient terrors or drive
them deeper into the woods. Until then, it is a foreboding place
people might enter but from which they never return. For this
reason, it is also known as the Forest of Endings or Suicide Wood.

Faerie Ruins
The trees have reclaimed the land from the peoples who lived here
long ago. The wreckage of temples, theaters, towers, and entire
towns lies throughout the Wyvern Wood. It’s nothing to come Goblin City
upon a statue of an elf knight standing in the forest, the stone Over some quarrel long forgotten, the Faerie Queen exiled gob-
spotted with moss and lichen. A mile away, an arch might vanish lins and their leader, her former husband Oberon, from the
into the canopy or a staircase climb up a few dozen steps before Summerlands and barred their return for a thousand thousand
stopping in empty air. years. Oberon, calling himself the Goblin King, led a great army of
The ruins all once belonged to the faeries who lived here many goblins, monsters, and other fell creatures into the Wyvern Wood,
thousands of years ago until driven north by trolls, elementals, or where they settled in an abandoned city in the center of the forest.
some other threat. Large bones of dead giants mingle with the rub- He then constructed a labyrinth around the city to keep out his
ble, offering a clue about the violence done here. Whatever hap- enemies. Oberon rules over his dominion from a sprawling palace
pened must have been significant to live on in the memories of the at the city’s center, where he’s attended by henchmen and lackeys.
faeries, for now the only ones found here are goblins—and they Obviously, the most numerous people living in Goblin City are
have dug down rather than restore what’s on the surface. goblins, but they share this place with bugbears and other faer-
ies who belong to the Shadow Court. Everyone living here swears
Gods of the Forest fealty to the Goblin King, for they fear his wrath when displeased
and know that he is every bit as eccentric and dangerous as the
More than anywhere else in the borderlands do the gods show Weird Wizard.
themselves in the Wyvern Wood. Many people claim to have seen The Goblin King demands much of his followers. Many attend
Chapter 2

the Horned Lord and the Wild Woman, the latter chasing the their dread master, serving his food and dressing him and capering
former through the trees. On certain days of the year, when the before him, but the lucky ones are sent out to work mischief in the
sky is particularly clear, one can make out a massive tree growing lands through spying, trickery, and theft. Thanks to their efforts,
from the center of the woods that some believe is the Grandfather Goblin City has ensnared all kinds of creatures, some of which
Tree himself. The close association with the nature gods has made count as people, but many more are dreadful things. Most visitors
the woods a sacred place for many practitioners of the Old Faith. find themselves trapped in the labyrinth and wander its confound-
Priests conduct special ceremonies here, and peasants might leave ing corridors until they reach the city or run afoul of its insidious
offerings at the wood’s edge. tricks and traps.

91
 Beyond the international politics for centuries. Resentment toward
the Great Kingdom’s wealth, its lack of respect or con-
sideration for its neighbors, and its decadence fed the
Borderlands resentment of the smaller realms, who bided their time
for the opportunity to bring an end to its dominance.
The borderlands occupy but a small part of the Dawn Lands, and the con- Allara’s population had been growing unchecked as
tinent itself is but one of many, each with peoples, nations, and histories improvements in medicine and sanitation enabled peo-
of their own. Typical people know little about the wider world, and what ple to live longer and produce offspring more safely. But
they do know is tainted by rumor and speculation. The following entries poor farming techniques in poorer nations led to wide-
offer glimpses of what might be found beyond the borderlands. spread famines, abetted by a string of bad droughts that
left the entire continent starved for water. When plague
Old Country struck the coastal cities and spread inland, killing one in
four people, the nations sealed their borders, withheld
aid, and committed atrocities to protect their own. Orcs,
Refugees and settlers know and refer to Allara, the lands north and west
people warped into monsters by a disease of the soul,
of the borderlands, as the Old Country, for it’s from there most of them or
started appearing in the countryside, forming bands and
their ancestors were born. People have lived in Allara for over a thousand
overthrowing governments to burn everything to ash.
years, and the continent takes its name from the humans who first settled
The Great Kingdom could have stepped in, opened its
in its rich valleys but were later displaced by colonizers from the Empire in
coffers and its borders to ease the suffering, but its ineffec-
the far northwest. Allara also has the distinction of being the birthplace of
tive, corrupt rulers, abetted by sycophants who sought to
the great dwarfen kingdoms; their mighty fortresses, many now in ruins,
enrich themselves by any means possible, meant the might-
can still be seen in the mountain heights.
iest nation on the continent did nothing. Any chance of
The Old Country might have saved itself had it not ignored the warn-
the Great Kingdom shifting its position ended when the
ing signs. The continent boasted some forty different nations, with one
paladins, an order of virtuous knights charged with pro-
divided into almost one hundred different polities, and all stood in the
tecting the Crown, turned on their king, slaying him
shadow of the Great Kingdom, a vast, rich realm that had dominated
and putting to death most of the royal family. Claims to
Whitestone, the seat of the kingdom’s power, came from
all corners, precipitating a civil war that rages even now.
Hope remains that sanity will prevail and that people
will come together to combat the threats working to dis-
mantle the civilized world, but enough people have given
up that they abandoned their old lives for an uncertain
future in the borderlands. Even as greed and ambition
undermine efforts to restore order, the people who chose
to stay behind fight for their homes and future, and to
preserve the land for their descendants.

New Lands
People call the lands south and east of the borderlands
the New Lands, for they represent an entirely new world,
untamed, unexplored, utterly unknown thanks to the
Weird Wizard who until recently declared this realm his
own. Refugees take the tyrant’s absence as an invitation
to settle here, and expeditions have formed to blaze trails
and create outposts so people can build again. What
the first explorers found defied explanation; the Weird
Wizard’s magic warped the landscape to make the impos-
sible possible and the strange commonplace.
Some stories describe places that just cannot exist. In
the central mountain range, for example, there’s a peak so
borderlands

tall it reaches the stars. In another place, rocks, dirt, and

dust rumble across the land like a river. Islands covered
in greenery drift through the skies, while liquid lightning
dances in the desert surrounding the dreaded Forbidden
City. The place seems to change of its own accord. Some
believe the Weird Wizard made the lands unstable and
now that he is gone, they will right themselves and obey
the laws of nature.

92
 Forbidden City
Far to the east, the Forbidden City rises from behind a 100-foot-
high stone wall adorned with alien symbols and images of strange
monsters, bizarre vistas, and the ever-present bearded visage of the Nightspire
Weird Wizard himself, who created the city with a spell long ago.
Once, the city shone with strange lights and thunderous noise rose A singular tower of solid black stone rises some 100
from the magic wrought by its master, but now it has gone quiet feet high over the Plain of Peril, the haunted lands north
of the Forbidden City. The Nightspire offers no means
but for the whirs and clicks of the clockworks who maintain the of ingress, and not even one window pierces its exte-
place in their maker’s absence. One can still spy clockwork soldiers rior; it is a column of darkness that tapers to a sharp
patrolling the battlements or centauroids riding out across the point far above the flat, dusty landscape.
dusty terrain of the Blasted Lands that surround the metropolis, The tower connects the mortal world to the Twilight
Lands, and the shadow it casts as the sun and moon
but of the Weird Wizard there is no sign. track their way across the heavens also extends into
The Forbidden City could house a hundred thousand people this gloomy place, allowing shades and other beings
and still have room to spare, but the Weird Wizard permitted no native to that realm to pass between worlds. Many
one in the city other than animals—particularly cats—and his followers of the Old Faith believe this site to be holy,
clockwork servants. Houses, tenements, cafes, shops, and theaters and over the centuries, pilgrims have braved the many
dangers of the New Lands to behold its eerie beauty.
are home to various animals but show no signs of people ever living Now, though, a small settlement of shades growing
in them. One notable absence from the city, though, is any temple just beyond the reach of the spire’s shadow makes this
or church—the Weird Wizard famously had no use for gods. place unwelcome to outsiders.
Four wide gates open onto wide streets that lead toward the cit-
adel standing at the city center. Smaller roads and alleys branch
off to grant access to crowds of buildings stacked almost atop
one another. Here and there, the narrow streets widen into pla-
zas dominated by fountains or incredibly lifelike statues of people, Not content with the territory it held, the Empire pressed
animals, and monsters. south, conquering the smaller states in its path, enslaving their
A dozen spires rise from the citadel, each climbing at least a populations or wiping them out. Eventually, the imperials
thousand feet in the air, festooned with balconies and connected turned their attentions beyond the continent, throwing their
to each other with slender bridges. When the Weird Wizard might against Za and eventually setting sail across the ocean to
dwelled here, he used the towers as living spaces, vaults for his fab- beset peoples on the other side of the world. Among those were
ulous treasures, and quarters for his many strange and sometimes the Kalasans, who so soundly defeated the invaders that many
unnatural creations. The Wizard sealed the towers before van- expected the distant land to come and finish off the Empire, but
ishing and since then no one, not even the legendary clockwork the ships never arrived.
named the First, who holds the city in his maker’s name, has been For all its might, for all its wealth, the Empire could not con-
able to enter them. Seeking a clue to their opening somewhere in trol the rot at its core. The emperors had long been powerful
the Forbidden City, adventurers scoured for answers. The few who sorcerers and ruled with the support of diabolical warlocks who
undertook this pursuit never returned from their explorations in adopted fanciful names to keep their true names safe. So long as
and under this strange place. they allowed the warlocks to rule their territories as they saw fit,
the emperors could remain. But the last to climb the throne, a
great monstrous chair made from the skulls of regents slain by his
Devastation ancestors, saw what the Empire had become and sought reforms,
bestowing greater liberties on the common people and even
Even after a thousand years, magical storms ravage the ruins of the granting independence to some far-flung colonies. The warlocks
Old Empire in the place now called the Devastation. The horrors rebelled and tore the Empire apart.
this land births necessitated the creation of the Bulwark, a demar- Two thousand years has not been time enough to abate the
cation of castles, walls, and other defenses guarded by a volunteer ruination the warlocks unleashed. Mile-high purple and lime-
army funded, until recently, by the Great Kingdom. Year after year, green clouds blot out the sun and drag curtains of killing fire,
the defenders throw back the fomorians, changed descendants white and ghostly, across the ground, burning and warping what-
of the Old Empire, but with no new funds coming and the Old ever they touch. Great stretches of land have been turned to glass
Country in disarray, many fear that the enemy will overcome the by the intense heat released by apocalyptic spells that still crackle
Chapter 2

defenses and run amok. and spark. But some survived this calamity, albeit changed and
The Empire’s legacy is one of magical misuse, devil-worship, driven insane by suffering. A great wall has been raised to stanch
and corruption, but it didn’t start this way. The founders were the flood of horrors that would spill out of the Devastation,
survivors of the Great Cataclysm, a period of widespread flood- while the descendants of that land now lurk in the shadows of
ing that marked the end of the Age of Myth, who sought to the Old Country, living as pariahs for the touch of darkness they
rebuild their culture and civilization in the Dawn Lands. The bear.
fledgling nation grew unchecked and became an empire some
three thousand years ago.

93
 Southlands not expect to see them before they die. These realms are remote,
divorced from everyday experience, home to the gods themselves.
These other worlds are not as distant as many expect. Each
The Southlands encompass a large continent that begins at the
deathly realm touches the mortal world, and all have access points
Sea of Fear and extends all the way to the southern pole. Of the
throughout it. These might be ordinary-looking doors or gates,
Southlands, people know only of the enormous rainforest thought
empty arches that fill with light on certain times of the year, shim-
to cover a full third of the continent. From the sphinxes who have
mering curtains that manifest based on the alignment of the plan-
arrived in the borderlands came knowledge of the dying lands of
Aegon beyond the jungle, nearly swallowed by a growing desert ets, or portals that open with magical keys.
waste. Spirits that cannot or will not move onto one of the destined
realms might become lost in the Ephemera, or the spirit world,
which envelops the mortal world and offers routes to Paradise,
Lands of Legend the Underworld, and anywhere else one might wish to go. Animal
spirits travel to the Ephemera in death and persist in the ghostly
Of other, more distant lands, people know little more than names wilds for a time before their spirits return to new bodies. With
and have vague notions about what they signify. Across the Sunrise them, one finds forgotten gods, ghosts, travelers, and things peo-
Ocean lies ancient Kalasa, sworn enemy of the Empire against
ple have lost or abandoned.
whom they fought a century-long war until it abruptly stopped.
Many other hidden places share the cosmologically curious
There’s the Indigo Coast, somewhere south of even Aegon, where
nature of the deathly realms. The faeries mastered the art of creat-
purple-skinned humans worship strange gods and wield stranger
ing smaller realities within larger ones, each like a bubble floating
magic. Every now and then, a bard will sing about Lost Oraldia, the
on the surface of a pond. Faerie realms include such fantastical
kingdom that offended the gods so much they nearly drowned the
locales as Goblin City, the Eternal Garden, the Palace of Earthly
world. And then there are the Four Kingdoms of the Maridians, of
Delights, the Night Market, and the Twilight Lands. These places
which not even the janni say much. The Free Cities of Pyran, the
are havens for the faeries and pose grave danger to mortals who
Hegemony, the Sea Kingdom, and others might be real places or
stumble into them.
not. The only way to know for certain is to go there.
Finally, all of creation, which includes Erth and the universe that
contains it, exists inside its own reality, which is itself enveloped in
Beyond the Mortal World the endless darkness of the Void, the birthplace of demons. No one
knows where the Void comes from, its true nature, or much about
People understand that places exist beyond what they see, hear, it other than that it is wholly evil and contains, despite its apparent
and otherwise sense. The Underworld, the Netherworld, and emptiness, a multitude of terrors. Some have theorized it might be
Paradise all fit into their religious concepts as destinations for souls possible to reach another reality by crossing the Void, but such an
after death. While most people accept these places are real, they do idea is surely madness.
borderlands

94
 Chapter 3
Bestiary
As the characters explore the borderlands and venture into realms beyond, they have opportunities to meet allies and enemies. They
might gain allies by hiring people to fight at their side, summon creatures from far-flung places, or bind to themselves spirits and other
entities willing to lend aid. But for every potential ally, a dozen enemies lie in wait. Enemies include desperate bandits, strange hybrids
escaped from the Weird Wizard’s laboratories, demons creeping through reality’s cracks, tricky faeries, foul fiends, undead, spirits, and so
much more. These foes block the way toward completing a quest, and so the characters need to defeat them, find a way around them, or
come up with some other solution to thwart their wicked intentions.
This chapter presents a wide selection of creatures and objects to serve as allies and enemies. You’ll also find information about humans
in various roles, such as soldier, magician, or peasant, while introducing other peoples the characters might meet, from ogres to elves and
everything in between.
Only the most essential information needed to use these creatures and objects in play appears here, with occasional embellishment to
reinforce a creature’s unique nature. You are encouraged to add as much detail as you like to bring these beings to life. Such detail might
include other cultures, beliefs, identities, and more. Consider each entry as a framework on which to hang whatever story elements you
deem appropriate.

95
 Rules Descriptor
Creatures described in this chapter use the same rules presentation A creature has one or more descriptors, which tell you about how
for ease of use. Each entry describes those actions, reactions, and the creature fits into the world.
other capabilities available to the creature. In addition to these, a ANCESTRY: Human, dwarf, haren, or something else, an ancestry
creature could make use of other activities described in Chapter 2 descriptor indicates that the creature belongs to a larger peo-
of Shadow of the Weird Wizard. ple in the world, a people that has a language, society, and some
semblance of culture.
NAME This chapter includes optional ancestry traits for characters
other than human. You can use the listed traits to modify human
DESCRIPTORS · DIFFICULTY #
enemies by simply adding these traits to the enemy’s rules. While
Defense: score (armor, if any; shield, if any), Health: score these traits work for enemies the characters face, they might not
Strength: score (modifier), Agility: score (modifier) be appropriate for the players to use. You decide what ancestries
are available for players to choose. For more information on
Intellect: score (modifier), Will: score (modifier) ancestries, be sure to check out the Weird Ancestries supplement,
Size: #, Speed: # (Special movement traits) which provides a more thorough look at ancestries for player use.
Languages: Name (if no language, this entry is absent) ANGEL: An angel is an immortal creature created by the gods to
Senses: Any special sense or senses (if no special senses, this perform a specific service.
entry is absent) BEAST: A beast is a living animal creature with any shape or form.
Immune: Any source of damage, affliction, or effect the Beasts lack formal language, though they might have a limited
creature ignores. If the creature is immune to nothing, this ability to communicate. They have social structures organized
entry is absent. around acquiring and distributing resources but lack cultural
Fury: A description of what options the enemy can use. If the concepts such as arts, sciences, and a history beyond individual
enemy lacks this trait, this entry is absent. experiences. Beasts represent animals found in reality as well as
those that could exist.
Special Traits or Talents: Description
CREATION: Magic, engineering, or some other effect enables an
ACTIONS object to behave as a creature does. When incapacitated, dam-
Melee Attack—Weapon · Traits: Attribute (+#) with # boons age in excess of a creation’s Health applies to its object form, and
or banes (damage) the creation becomes an ordinary object.
Attack Rider: Any additional effects from a successful DEMON: All demons come from the endless darkness that prevails
attack, unless otherwise noted. If there are none, this entry between realities, known as the Void. Until demons come under
is absent. reality’s influence, they lack physical forms. Once they come close
Ranged Attack—Weapon · Traits: Attribute (+#) with # to or enter a reality, they create bodies from available materials.
boons or banes (damage) These bodies might be flesh and blood, but they are not alive.
Attack Rider: Any additional effects from a successful ELEMENTAL: A people built from one of the fundamental forces
attack, unless otherwise noted. If there are none, this entry in nature, elementals die only from violence or mishap. When
is absent. they die, they are utterly destroyed and cannot be restored to
Special Action: A description of what happens. life by any means.
REACTIONS FAERIE: An immortal people who die only from violence or
Special Reaction: A description of what happens. If the mishap, faeries stop showing signs of aging after they reach
enemy has no special reactions, this entire section is adulthood. Faeries become weakened while they wear or carry
absent. objects made from iron or its alloys.
END OF THE ROUND FIEND: An immortal people who die only from violence or mis-
hap, fiends are bound by ancient pacts to a place of fire and
End-of-Round Effect: A description of what happens. If the shadow called the Netherworld. Fiends become weakened
enemy has no end of the round effects, this entire section while they wear or carry objects made from silver.
is absent.
FUNGUS/PLANT: A fungus or plant is often, though not always,
an immobile living organism. Most lack the sensory organs of
Name other creatures.
MONSTER: A monster describes a being with unusual or unnat-
The creature’s name appears first. The name describes how the ural qualities that set it apart from beasts. Many monsters have
Bestiary

creature is known generally in the borderlands and might refer to languages and might behave like creatures with ancestries, but
the kind of creature or its profession. You can give creatures per- their inherent hostility renders them incapable of peaceful
sonal names if you choose. cohabitation.
SPIRIT: A spirit is the incorporeal essence of a creature. Spirits
Difficulty acquire physical forms when in places designed to house them—
such as the spirit world, Underworld, or Netherworld, for exam-
The creature’s Difficulty tells you the kind of impact the creature ple. Spirits that appear in the natural world are transparent,
makes in a combat scene. See Using Enemies, later in this chapter. ephemeral entities, ghostly versions of their previous forms.

96
 When a spirit becomes incapacitated in the realm to which 1d6 damage per point of the fallen creature’s Size, falls prone, and
it belongs, it is destroyed. If incapacitated elsewhere, the spirit becomes held until either the fallen creature is no longer prone or
returns to the place it belongs 24 hours later, having healed all the creature overcomes the affliction with a success on a Strength
damage and regained all Health. roll with 1 bane. A creature of the fallen creature’s Size or larger takes
UNDEAD: An undead is a dead creature that retains many qual- 1d6 damage per 2 points of the creature’s Size and is pushed to the
ities of the living. Undead can move, sometimes eat or speak, nearest empty space of its Size.
and, in rare cases, pass for the living.
AMPHIBIOUS: The creature can breathe while underwater in
Languages
addition to breathing air.
Many creatures and some objects can speak. If so, the languages
AQUATIC: The creature breathes only while underwater. they know typically appear in a list here. It’s up to you to decide
SWARM: Many smaller creatures work together to act as a single if they can read and write. If the creature or object lacks a formal,
creature. A swarm can move into and remain inside spaces occu- learnable language, this entry is absent.
pied by other creatures. A language entry might have “understands” before the listed
language. A creature that understands the language knows what’s
Defense and Health being said when that language is used but cannot itself speak.
Creatures and objects have Defense and Health scores. A par- TONGUES: The creature can enable all who hear it speak to
enthetical notation tells you if a creature or object wears armor understand what it says, provided they know at least one lan-
or uses a shield. If the creature loses the armor or shield, simply guage. Creatures with this trait can also understand all spoken
reduce the Defense by the appropriate amount (see Chapter 3 and written languages.
of Shadow of the Weird Wizard). If the creature lacks armor or
shield, the number describes its natural Defense score. Traits and Talents
CREATURES HAVE HEALTH SCORES: The number shown is Traits and talents refer to certain qualities a creature or object
the typical amount. You can increase or decrease this amount
has that operate without the use of an action or reaction. A trait
as you like to create greater variety, though avoid adjusting this
number by more than twenty percent in either direction. describes something innate to the creature or object, while a talent
is an ability or learned property.
Attributes
Senses
A creature or object with scores (and modifiers) for an attribute
has them listed. If a creature or object lacks a score in an attri- If a creature or object has a special sense, it is listed here. Rules for
bute, the attribute entry features a —, and the creature or object is special senses appear in Shadow of the Weird Wizard. A creature
immune to any effect that would require a roll against that attri- or object without special senses lacks this entry and can see and
bute or would enable a target to make a roll using that attribute. hear about as well as a human can.

Size and Speed Immune

A creature or object has a Size, which is expressed as a number. Creatures and objects might be immune to afflictions and damage
Size tells you how much horizontal space the creature takes up from various sources. If so, the things to which the creature or object
and how far it can reach from that space, in yards. A creature with is immune are presented here. Otherwise, this entry is absent.
extremities has a natural reach equal to its Size. Creatures and
objects lacking extremities have a reach of 0.
A creature has a Speed, which is the number of yards the crea- Fury
ture or object can move on its turn using its normal means of loco- Many powerful creatures have the ability to perform activities
motion. Some entries might also have special movement traits. beyond those afforded to combatants in a round. A creature with
Additional rules for Size and Speed can be found in Chapter 2
this trait that is not confused, controlled, stunned, or unconscious
of Shadow of the Weird Wizard.
can make use of this trait once per round, at the end of any com-
batant’s turn, to perform one of the listed activities. The creature
Fallen Foes can make use of each activity once. After it performs the last activ-
ity, it loses access to this trait until the combat ends. During the
Chapter 3

Creatures that fall prone create challenging terrain in their space

next combat, it can make use of these activities once more.
until they stand up. When a Size 4 or larger creature falls prone, its
body covers the ground inside a space as long and wide as its Size.
Each object in the space takes 1d6 damage per point of the fallen Special Traits or Talents
creature’s Size. Each creature in the space makes an Agility roll. A
held or slowed creature gets an automatic failure. On a success, the Any other traits or talents that have persistent effects and require
creature gets out of the way, moving to the nearest empty space of no use of an action or reaction are listed here. This entry is absent
its Size. On a failure, a creature smaller than the fallen creature takes if the creature lacks passive traits and talents

97
 Actions Common Actions
In addition to the actions described in Chapter 2 of Shadow of the As mentioned, creatures can make use of the common actions
Weird Wizard, a creature’s rules include those attacks it can make described in Shadow of the Weird Wizard, such as find, help, steal,
and special actions it can use. and so on. Generally, in combat, a creature ought to prioritize the
options presented in its rules. Some special exceptions to the com-
mon actions follow.
Attacks
Any creature that is not designated as harmless can make an Reactions
unarmed attack if it must. However, most creatures carry weapons
or have natural weapons to make them dangerous in combat. Some creatures can perform special activities by using a reaction. If
When a creature uses an action to attack, choose one of the so, the activity is described under the relevant sections. If not, the
melee attack or ranged attack options presented here. section is absent.
Some creatures that use weapons can deal more damage than is FREE ATTACK: Most creatures have the ability to make free
typical for the weapon they wield. Such an increase might repre- attacks. When they would make a free attack, they attack with
sent superior training, inherent capability, or some other advan- an eligible weapon they wield.
tage that enables the creature to use the weapon to greater effect. TAKE THE INITIATIVE: A creature derives no benefit from tak-
For weapons that use ammunition, an enemy is assumed to ing the initiative unless it is controlled by a character.
have enough ammunition for the entire combat scene. You can, of
course, reduce or increase the amount.
TYPE: An attack is either melee, in which case you choose the
End of the Round
target from among those creatures and objects in the creature’s Any effect the creature produces at the end of the round appears
reach, or ranged. For a ranged attack, you choose the target here. If it has none, this entry is absent.
from among those within the listed range.
NAME: The weapon or natural weapon the creature uses to make
the attack. You can change out weapons with others described Using Enemies
in Chapter 3 of Shadow of the Weird Wizard.
The following rules offer some guidance for creating combat
TRAITS: Any pertinent weapon traits appear parenthetically after
scenes, specifically in helping you decide which creatures to use
the weapon entry.
and in what quantities. The following information offers a starting
ATTRIBUTE (+#): The attack tells you which attribute applies point for building combat scenes; no rules can predict the exact
to the attack. For convenience, it includes the modifier for that circumstances in the game. A combination of luck, resource man-
attribute. agement, and skill could see one group run roughshod over what
BOONS/BANES: Any boons or banes that apply to the roll are might seem a hard fight, while another group could find running
listed here. away their best tactic after a series of bad dice rolls and inadequate
AGAINST DEFENSE: Rolls to attack are always made against the preparation. Given the unpredictability of game play, use the
target’s Defense, unless it says otherwise. information here as they’re intended: guidelines.
(#): A successful result on a roll to attack causes the target to take
damage, which is presented parenthetically. Combat Difficulty
Combat scenes can be easy, average, or hard. A group can han-
Attack Rider dle an easy combat in a round or two, an average combat in 3 or
4 rounds, and a hard combat in 5 rounds or longer. As a rule of
A creature might have special rules for attacks it makes. If not, this thumb, characters can handle around 12 rounds of fighting before
entry is absent. they need to rest, though this number varies from group to group.
CRITICAL SUCCESS: Some creatures produce additional
To assess a combat scene’s difficulty, simply sum the
effects such as increased damage when the result of the roll is a Difficulty of all the enemies present in that scene and com-
critical success. If not, this entry is absent. pare the total to the values listed on the Difficulty by Tier per
Scene per Character table. Conversely, if you are building a combat
scene from scratch, you can use the table to create a Difficulty budget.
Bestiary

Special Actions You spend points from the budget to purchase enemies, with each
having a cost equal to its Difficulty. For example, if you want to create
Some creatures can perform special activities by using an action. an easy combat scene for a group of four novice characters, your bud-
If so, the activity is described under the relevant section after the get is 4. You can purchase 4 goblins for that scene (each has Difficulty
attacks. 1) or 2 goblins (1 each) and 1 goblin beast rider (2) or 1 mog (4).

98
 Difficulty by Tier per Typical Difficulty for
Scene per Character Five Characters
TIER EASY AVERAGE HARD TIER EASY AVERAGE HARD
Novice 1 2 3 Novice 5 10 15
Expert 2 4 6 Expert 10 20 30
Master 4 8 12 Master 20 40 60

Typical Difficulty for Typical Difficulty for

Three Characters Six Characters
TIER EASY AVERAGE HARD TIER EASY AVERAGE HARD
Novice 3 6 9 Novice 6 12 18
Expert 6 12 18 Expert 12 24 36
Master 12 24 36 Master 24 48 72

Typical Difficulty for Trivial and Lethal Scenes

Four Characters A trivial combat scene takes less than a round to complete, while a
Chapter 3

TIER EASY AVERAGE HARD

lethal scene might take 10 rounds or longer to complete. You can
use trivial combat scenes for chases, social interactions that turn
Novice 4 8 12 violent, or for sentries that might raise the alarm in a larger com-
Expert 8 16 24 plex. A lethal scene, used sparingly, can present the group with foes
at the upper end of what they can hope to face and ought to appear
Master 16 32 48
at the end of a tier. Suitable foes for such conflicts include the type
VI demon, dragon, and liche.

99
 Adv enturers ADVENTURING FIRE MAGE
HUMAN · DIFFICULTY 2
Adventurers travel through the borderlands seeking gold, glory,
and fame. Defense: 12 (leather), Health: 15
Strength: 9 (–1), Agility: 10 (+0)
ADVENTURING ARCHER Intellect: 11 (+1), Will: 12 (+2)
HUMAN · DIFFICULTY 2 Size: 1, Speed: 5
Defense: 13 (leather), Health: 20 Languages: Arcane, Common
Strength: 9 (–1), Agility: 12 (+2) ACTIONS

Intellect: 10 (+0), Will: 10 (+0) Melee Attack—Quarterstaff: Agility (+0) (1d6)

Size: 1, Speed: 5 Flame Blast (Magical): Flames spill from fire mage’s hands.
Target one Size 3 space in reach. Each creature and
Languages: Common object in the space takes 2d6 damage. A creature makes
ACTIONS
an Agility roll. On a failure, the creature takes an extra
1d6 damage and catches fire (luck ends). The fire mage
Melee Attack—Dagger · Thrown 5: Agility (+2) with 1 boon then loses access to this talent for 1 minute.
(1d6) Flame Missile (Magical): The fire mage hurls a missile of
Ranged Attack—Bow · Range 20: Agility (+2) with 1 boon flame at one creature or object within 10 yards. The fire
(2d6) mage makes a Will (+2) roll against the target’s Agility.
On a success, the target takes 3d6 damage. Then, the fire
mage loses access to this talent until the end of its next turn.
ADVENTURING CRIMINAL
ADVENTURING SOLDIER
HUMAN · DIFFICULTY 2
HUMAN · DIFFICULTY 2
Defense: 13 (leather), Health: 15
Defense: 16 (ring, shield), Health: 20
Strength: 10 (+0), Agility: 12 (+2)
Strength: 12 (+2), Agility: 10 (+0)
Intellect: 11 (+1), Will: 9 (–1)
Intellect: 9 (–1), Will: 11 (+1)
Size: 1, Speed: 5
Size: 1, Speed: 5
Languages: Common, Thieves’ Cant
Languages: Common
Wicked Strike: When the adventuring criminal gets a success
on a roll to attack made with at least 1 boon, the attack ACTIONS
deals an extra 3d6 damage. Once the criminal uses this
talent, they lose access to it until the end of their next turn. Melee Attack—Sword · Slashing: Strength (+2) with 1 boon
(2d6)
ACTIONS
Melee Attack—Dagger · Thrown 5: Agility (+2) with 1 boon
(1d6) Adventurers’ Quests
Just like the characters in the group, adventurers they meet are work-
ADVENTURING PRIEST ing to complete their own quests. Sometimes groups become rivals
seeking the same ends or are at cross purposes. You can use the fol-
HUMAN · DIFFICULTY 2 lowing list of potential quests to explain the adventurers’ objectives.
Defense: 15 (brigandine, shield), Health: 20
Random Adventurers’ Quests
Strength: 12 (+2), Agility: 9 (–1)
D6 THE ADVENTURERS…
Intellect: 10 (+0), Will: 11 (+1)
1 …seek out an artifact on behalf of a powerful wizard.
Size: 1, Speed: 5
2 …hunt someone who harmed them or one of their loved
Languages: Common ones.
ACTIONS 3 …are on the same quest as the characters.
Bestiary

Melee Attack—Mace · Bludgeoning: Strength (+2) (2d6) 4 …are carrying out a heist or some criminal endeavor to
enrich themselves.
REACTIONS
5 …work toward some great and evil end, perhaps at the
Prayer (Magical): When an ally within 5 yards makes an bidding of a fiend.
attribute roll, the adventuring priest grants 1 boon on the 6 …escort someone of great importance to a distant destina-
roll, and then loses access to this talent (luck ends). tion.

100
Amphisbaena Animated Skeletons
Draconus belongs to the pantheon formed by Lord Death, but Bones animated by magic make useful—albeit mindless—ser-
once the gods were bitter foes and the blood spilled from the vants. Despite being created from dead materials, skeletons are not
great dragon’s body spawned many terrible monsters such as the themselves undead.
amphisbaena, the serpent with two heads. In the ages since their
creation, they have spread across the world, though they have the SMALL ANIMATED SKELETON
greatest numbers in hot climates, such as in the depths of primeval
CREATION · DIFFICULTY 1
jungles or in the deserts where they compete with gigantic scor-
pions and other awful things for dominance. Amphisbaena eggs Defense: 13, Health: 10
command a high price in the black markets of the known world. Strength: 8 (–2), Agility: 11 (+1)
Dark magicians and devotees to unspeakable powers use these
Intellect: —, Will: —
creatures as guardians for treasures and unholy places.
An amphisbaena appears as a 12-foot-long serpent with a Size: 1/2, Speed: 5 (Slippery)
fanged head at either end of its body. Bright, colorful scales form Senses: Awareness 5
complex patterns on its back. Thick, pale bands wrap around its Immune: asleep, blinded, deafened, poisoned; deprivation,
underside. The creature’s unnatural origins reveal themselves in its exposure, infection, suffocation
baleful gaze. Those who meet it become powerless to move. ACTIONS

AMPHISBAENA Melee Attack—Claws: Agility (+1) (1d6)

MONSTER · DIFFICULTY 8
Defense: 15, Health: 80
MEDIUM ANIMATED SKELETON
Strength: 13 (+3), Agility: 11 (+1) CREATION · DIFFICULTY 2
Intellect: 8 (–2), Will: 10 (+0) Defense: 12, Health: 20
Size: 2, Speed: 6 (Slippery) Strength: 11 (+1), Agility: 13 (+3)
Senses: True Vision Intellect: —, Will: —
Two Heads: While not injured, the amphisbaena increases Size: 1, Speed: 5 (Slippery)
the number of actions and reactions it can use by one
each. If the amphisbaena becomes confused, controlled, Senses: Awareness 5
Intellect impaired, Will impaired, or stunned, it can make a Immune: asleep, blinded, deafened, poisoned; deprivation,
luck roll. On a success, the affliction ends. exposure, infection, suffocation
ACTIONS ACTIONS
Melee Attack—Fangs: Strength (+3) with 1 boon (4d6) Melee Attack—Claws: Agility (+3) (2d6)
Venom: A flesh-and-blood target makes a Strength roll.
On a failure, it becomes poisoned (luck ends). Whenever
a creature poisoned in this way rolls to attack, it also makes LARGE ANIMATED SKELETON
a luck roll. The attack counts as a success only if both rolls
result in successes. CREATION · DIFFICULTY 4
Blinding Spittle: The amphisbaena spits at one Size 2 space Defense: 11, Health: 80
within 10 yards. For each creature in the space separately,
make a Strength (+3) roll against the creature’s Agility. On Strength: 13 (+3), Agility: 10 (+0)
a success, the target takes 4d6 damage and becomes Intellect: —, Will: —
blinded (luck ends). Once the amphisbaena uses this trait,
it loses access to it (luck ends). Size: 2, Speed: 5
REACTIONS Senses: Awareness 5
Immune: asleep, blinded, deafened, poisoned; deprivation,
Pinning Gaze (Magical): When an enemy starts its turn exposure, infection, suffocation
with line of sight to the amphisbaena, make a Will (+0)
roll against that enemy’s Will. On a success, the enemy ACTIONS
becomes held until it loses line of sight to the amphisbaena,
Melee Attack—Claw: Strength (+3) with 1 boon (2d6)
Chapter 3

it overcomes the affliction with a success on a Will roll, or

the amphisbaena dies. On a failure, the enemy becomes Two Attacks: The large animated skeleton makes two claw
immune to this trait for 1 hour. attacks.

101
 Archon ARCHON ANCESTRY
ARCHON, ANGEL
The High One created the seraphs to serve and thus expects obedi-
ence from them all. If any show any deviation from the purpose for Natural Defense: +1, Health: +4
which they were made, such as the adoption of a name, a display Size: 1, Speed: 5
of some quirk or mannerism, or, rank disobedience, the seraph Bonus Languages: Tongues
becomes a pariah, stripped of their wings, and cast out of Paradise Immune: asleep, frightened, poisoned; deprivation, exposure,
to wander the face of Erth for the rest of their days. Being immor- infection, suffocation
tal means their suffering lasts until slain or destroyed by mishap.
Archons, as they are called, resemble their seraph kin despite their lack of wings, standing 6 feet tall and weighing exactly 160 pounds.
The High One made their bodies to look as if they were made from precious metals, such as the copper soldiers and silver messengers.
Other metals, including base ones, signal different functions in the High One’s service. Though they have humanoid bodies, they appear
androgynous, hairless, and without any reproductive organs.
The trauma of losing their wings and their exile from Paradise might not end an archon’s dedication to the High One. They might
hope for redemption and serve their creator in the mortal world as they did in Paradise. For most, though, the pain, anguish, and shame
poison their hearts and lead them into darkness, where they become effective and deadly agents of evil. One can find these fallen angels
leading bandits or orcs, consorting with fiends, or, even, at the head of undead or demonic armies.
Antihero
Humiliated by exile, archon antiheroes crave vengeance and ARCHON ANTIHERO
achieve this goal by fomenting chaos and upheaval. These efforts ARCHON, ANGEL · DIFFICULTY 8
come at a terrible price, however. All vestiges of their former
beauty have fallen away, leaving their metallic bodies pitted and Defense: 18 (full plate), Health: 100
blackened, with weeping wounds. Obscene symbols of chaos and Strength: 13 (+3), Agility: 12 (+2)
evil are etched into their hides, and when they are angered, these Intellect: 12 (+2), Will: 15 (+5)
signs gleam with malevolent light.
Size: 1, Speed: 5
Antiheroes keep the company of orcs, undead, and mutants.
Languages: Tongues
Immune: asleep, frightened, poisoned; deprivation,
exposure, infection, suffocation
Divine Word (Magical): If the antihero is not confused,
controlled, stunned, or unconscious, it can, at the start of
its turn, shout a divine word at one enemy within 5 yards.
If the target can hear it, the target makes a Will roll. On a
success, it becomes immune to Divine Word for 24 hours.
On a failure, the target becomes stunned until the end of
the antihero’s next turn. Once the antihero uses this talent,
it loses access to it for 1 minute.
Ruinous Presence (Magical): Whenever an enemy within 5
yards of the antihero takes damage, that enemy takes an
extra 1d6 damage.
ACTIONS
Melee Attack—Accursed Long Sword · Slashing, Versatile
(Magical): Strength (+3) with 1 boon (6d6)
Critical Success: A flesh-and-blood target loses 2d6
Health and becomes weakened (luck ends).
REACTIONS
Curse of the Antigod (Magical): When an enemy within 5
yards starts its turn, the antihero speaks a terrible curse. The
Bestiary

enemy that enabled the use of this talent makes a luck roll.
On a success, the enemy becomes immune to Curse of the
Antigod for 24 hours. On a failure, the enemy becomes
cursed for 24 hours. While cursed in this way, the enemy
cannot heal damage.

102
Atomy
Harmless alone, atomies become dangerous when gathered in large groups, though they would far rather play tricks on their enemies and
make jests at their expense. Such mockery lasts only as long as they find it entertaining, and then they wing away, filling the air with the
chiming of tiny bells. Certainly, atomies are nuisances. They might tug on a horse’s mane to make it run off after they loosen a saddle strap
to send the rider tumbling to the ground. Such acts might annoy, but the atomies intend no harm; they want to entertain themselves.
Harm one, though, and the rest come to the rescue, forming a seething, hissing mass of angry faeries who use their teeth, nails, and sharp
pieces of whatever is on hand to take the offender apart.
An individual atomy stands 3 inches tall and resembles a human child with pointed ears and a mop of bright, colorful hair. It has shin-
ing eyes and butterfly wings. In certain lands, atomies have features of birds, rodents, insects, and other animal characteristics.

SWARM OF ATOMIES
FAERIE, SWARM · DIFFICULTY 4
Defense: 16, Health: 40
Strength: 5 (–5), Agility: 13 (+3)
Intellect: 10 (+0), Will: 9 (–1)
Size: 5, Speed: 5 (Fly, Slippery, Squeeze 1 inch)
Languages: Sylvan
Senses: Keen Vision
Immune: controlled, held, impaired, prone, slowed, stunned,
weakened; infection
Befuddling Presence: When an enemy starts its turn within
1 yard of the atomies, the enemy makes a Will roll. On
a success, the enemy becomes immune to this talent for
1 hour. On a failure, the enemy becomes confused and
vulnerable until the start of its next turn.
ACTIONS
Thieving Faeries: Each enemy in the swarm’s space or within
1 yard of it makes an Agility roll with 1 bane. On a failure,
the enemy takes 3d6 damage. In addition, if the swarm
is not injured, the swarm removes one object the enemy
wears and carries. The object moves with the swarm until
the swarm becomes injured, at which point the object
drops to the ground in a space of its choosing within its
space.
REACTIONS
Not So Fast: When an enemy in its space or within 1 yard
of it moves away from the swarm, the atomies make an
Agility (+3) roll against that enemy’s Agility. On a success,
the enemy takes 1d6 damage and falls prone.
END OF THE ROUND
Chaotic Mischief: If the swarm of atomies is not confused or
unconscious, each enemy in its space and within 1 yard of
it makes a luck roll. A Size 5 or larger enemy ignores this
effect. On a failure, the enemy falls prone and becomes
weakened until the end of the next round. While weakened
in this way, the enemy cannot stand up.
Chapter 3

103
 Attercop
Attercops might once have been people, but service to foul powers and isolation in the bleakest places have burdened them with
monstrousness they can never hope to overcome. They have humanoid forms but are bent and crooked, with rubbery gray or green
skin from which sprout tufts of black hair and horns, spurs, and nodules. Each has a pair of spinnerets on the underside of its sagging
belly and a set of eight red eyes arranged haphazardly across its face.
Attercops dwell in places where they can string their webs to ensnare prey. Forests, caves, and narrow chasms serve them well. A charnel
reek hangs about their dens, with bones and scraps of cloth from previous victims scattered on the ground. These places can confuse and
confound victims, turning them around or sending them stumbling into webs. Attercops wrap their victims in cocoons of webbing and
hang them from the ceilings to “cure.”
All attercops speak their own language, which sounds faint and whispery, with clicks and pops. Spiders seem to understand what
attercops say.

ATTERCOP
MONSTER · DIFFICULTY 8
Defense: 16, Health: 80
Strength: 12 (+2), Agility: 12 (+2)
Intellect: 11 (+1), Will: 10 (+0)
Size: 1, Speed: 6 (Climber, Slippery)
Languages: Attercop
Senses: Keen Hearing, Keen Vision
Furtive Moves: When the attercop ends a move in a space illuminated by dim light, faint light, or no light at all, it becomes
invisible until it uses an action, becomes harmed, or moves into a space lit by bright light.
ACTIONS
Melee Attack—Fangs: Strength (+2) with 1 boon (4d6)
Attercop Venom: A flesh-and-blood target makes a Strength roll. On a failure, the target becomes poisoned (luck ends). If
the target becomes injured while poisoned in this way, it falls prone and becomes unconscious for 1d6 hours. Time spent
unconscious in this way does not count as resting.
Melee Attack—Claw: Strength (+2) with 1 boon (1d6)
Three Attacks: The attercop makes a Fangs attack and two Claw attacks.
REACTIONS
Squirt Webs: When a creature within 5 yards starts its turn, the attercop can spray webs at that creature. The target makes an
Agility roll with 1 bane. On a failure, the target becomes held (luck ends) or until it overcomes the affliction with a success on
a Strength roll. Once it uses this trait, it loses access to it (luck ends).
Dart Away: When the attercop gets a failure on a roll to attack, its Speed increases by 2 until the end of its turn.
END OF THE ROUND
Attercop Lair Effects: If the attercop is in its lair, make a luck roll. On a success, target one enemy within 10 yards of the attercop
and roll a d6 to determine what happens to it.

D6 RESULT D6 RESULT

1 The target makes an Agility roll. On a failure, the enemy stumbles 4 The target makes an Agility roll. On a failure, a loop of web
into a mass of webbing and becomes held until it overcomes the drops down on the enemy and yanks it from its feet to leave it
affliction with a successful Strength roll or the webbing takes 5 hanging 1d6 yards in the air. The enemy becomes held until the
damage from fire. web takes 5 damage or more from fire or an edged weapon.
Until this effect ends, the target is subject to suffocation.

2 The target becomes swarmed with baby spiders and takes 5 The enemy makes a luck roll. On a failure, it slips in filth and
Bestiary

1d6 damage. If the target becomes injured as a result, it also falls prone, dropping whatever it is holding. Dropped items go
becomes poisoned (luck ends). skittering off into empty spaces of your choice within 5 yards.

3 The target becomes blinded until the end of its next turn after 6 The target makes a luck roll. On a failure, a spray of venom
something wet and nasty falls on its face. causes the target to take 1d6 damage, and become blinded
and poisoned (luck ends both).

104
Awakened Objects
Magic can cause a table to jump around like a goat, slamming into everything nearby, while an animated wardrobe lurches forward
on stubby legs to slam opponents with its doors. Such creations tend to appear in magicians’ workshops or in places where magic has
gone awry.

SMALL AWAKENED OBJECT

CREATION · DIFFICULTY 1
Defense: 10, Health: 10
Strength: 12 (+2), Agility: 8 (–2)
Intellect: —, Will: —
Size: 1/2, Speed: 5 (0 if secured)
Senses: Awareness 5
Immune: asleep, blinded, deafened, poisoned; deprivation,
exposure, infection, suffocation
ACTIONS
Melee Attack—Appendage: Strength (+2) (1d6)

MEDIUM AWAKENED OBJECT

CREATION · DIFFICULTY 2
Defense: 10, Health: 20
Strength: 13 (+3), Agility: 8 (–2)
Intellect: —, Will: —
Size: 1, Speed: 5 (0 if secure)
Senses: Awareness 5
Immune: asleep, blinded, deafened, poisoned; deprivation,
exposure, infection, suffocation
ACTIONS
Melee Attack—Appendage: Strength (+3) with 1 boon
(2d6)

LARGE AWAKENED OBJECT

CREATION · DIFFICULTY 4
Defense: 8, Health: 40
Strength: 15 (+5), Agility: 8 (–2)
Intellect: —, Will: —
Size: 2, Speed: 5 (0 if secure)
Senses: Awareness 5
Immune: asleep, blinded, deafened, poisoned;
deprivation, exposure, infection, suffocation
Chapter 3

ACTIONS
Melee Attack—Appendage: Strength (+5) with 1 boon (3d6)
Two Attacks: The large awakened object makes two
Appendage attacks.

105
 Bandits
A war ravages the countryside, plague lays low a community, or a persistent famine causes widespread suffering. In these conditions,
desperate people are willing to compromise their morals so they can live another day and thus take up a life of banditry. Some resort to
robbery until conditions ease; others embrace the violence and criminality and make banditry their life’s work.
Bandits, also known as brigands, pirates, and marauders, form outlaw communities that range from a few members to the size of a
small army. They fill their ranks with the fraught, the broken, the wicked, and the frightened, then crisscross their territory living on what
they can take from whomever they can. Some groups have strict rules about choosing victims, targeting only those who can afford the
loss. Others are not choosy: they kick in the doors of a homestead to carry off whatever catches their eye or waylay a fat noble dripping
with jewels, and see no difference between the two situations.
Often, bandits make a particular wilderness environment their hunting ground. They hide along roadsides or, if better armed, might
ride down carriages. When not wreaking havoc in the countryside, they maintain a camp somewhere hidden, hard to reach, and with
plenty of sightlines to spot approaching enemies. Here they keep their plunder, which can include coin, jewels, foodstuff, livestock, or
people held for sport or ransom.
Some semblance of order keeps a bandit group from splitting apart or turning on one another. Often, a strong, charismatic individual
commands the force, someone who might have held a military rank or title of nobility. A group of tough bandit soldiers carry out the
leader’s orders, lead ambushes, and mete justice to those in their ranks who dare to break the rules.

BANDIT WRETCH BANDIT LEADER

HUMAN · DIFFICULTY 1 HUMAN · DIFFICULTY 4

Defense: 11 (padded), Health: 10 Defense: 17 (mail, shield), Health: 40

Strength: 10 (+0), Agility: 9 (–1) Strength: 12 (+2), Agility: 11 (+1)
Intellect: 9 (–1), Will: 8 (–2) Intellect: 12 (+2), Will: 11 (+1)
Size: 1, Speed: 5 Size: 1, Speed: 5
Languages: Common Languages: Common
Leadership: Each ally within 5 yards rolls to attack with 1
ACTIONS boon.
Melee Attack—Club: Strength (+0) (2d6) ACTIONS
Ranged Attack—Bow · Range 20: Agility (–1) (2d6)
Melee Attack—Sword · Slashing: Strength (+2) with
1 boon (2d6)
BANDIT SOLDIER Ranged Attack—Crossbow · Brutal, Ranged 20, Reload:
Agility (+1) with 1 boon (2d6)
HUMAN · DIFFICULTY 2 Two Attacks: The bandit leader makes two Sword attacks.
Defense: 14 (leather, shield), Health: 15
Strength: 11 (+1), Agility: 10 (+0)
Intellect: 9 (–1), Will: 10 (+0) BANDIT ENCAMPMENTS
Size: 1, Speed: 5 When not waylaying travelers, bandits live in caves, tree forts, or in
Languages: Common camps tucked away in the woods. Sharing their space are families,
ACTIONS lovers, opportunists, sympathetic priests, whatever animals they
might have, and a captive or two awaiting ransom. Bandits have
Melee Attack—Sword · Slashing: Strength (+1) with 1 boon little in the way of goods or treasure; if they had such things then
(2d6)
they wouldn’t be out robbing wagons. After a recent raid, though,
Ranged Attack—Bow · Ranged 20: Agility (+0) with 1 boon they might be flush with goods until they consume them, trade
(2d6)
them, or give them away to those in need.
Bestiary

106
Banshee
For mortals who have been betrayed by loved ones, burdened by terrible grief, death might not be the end. Their souls, loosed from their
bodies, linger. The hatred, the rage, the sorrow blackens their spirits until they become harbingers of evil known as banshees.
Unable to face the light, they spill out in roiling black clouds from hidden places at nightfall, black tendrils reaching out to drag them
over the ground. As they move, their pale, oval faces peer out from their shadows, faces warped into monstrous masks by their hatred, in
search of the living.
The banshee pours all its hate into the land, killing everything. Plants wither and rot, and trees blacken, branches drawing back. Even
animals flee, unable to withstand the spirit’s toxic presence. The banshee also affects constructed things: bridges weaken and collapse, and
mortar rots, releasing stones to fall to the ground, all cracked and split. Unless put to rest, the banshee renders its environment unable to
sustain even the smallest thing.

BANSHEE D6 RESULT
1 A dead body digs itself out of the ground and stands up in an
SPIRIT · DIFFICULTY 16 empty space within 1 yard of the target. The body becomes a
medium animated skeleton. It treats the banshee’s enemies
Defense: 22, Health: 80 as its enemies and takes its turn during the next round.
Strength: 10 (+0), Agility: 16 (+6) 2 A cold strong wind blows through a Size 5 space centered on
Intellect: 12 (+2), Will: 15 (+5) the enemy. Each creature in the space makes a Strength roll.
On a failure, it becomes Strength impaired until the end of the
Size: 2, Speed: 8 (Fly, Hover, Insubstantial, Silent, Slippery) next round.
Senses: True Vision 3 The ground under the target crumbles. If the target is standing on
Immune: asleep, blinded, confused, controlled, deafened, the ground, it makes an Agility roll. On a failure, it falls prone.
frightened, held, on fire, poisoned, prone, slowed, stunned;
exposure, deprivation, infection, suffocation 4 Horrible voices sound in the target’s mind. The target makes a
Will roll. On a failure, it becomes confused and Will impaired
Keening (Magical): If the banshee is not unconscious at the (luck ends both).
start of its turn, it screams. The sound carries 100 yards in
all directions. Each enemy within this range that can hear 5 All ordinary flames within 5 yards of the enemy go out.
the sound becomes cursed (luck ends). Additionally, each 6 Grasping hands reach up from the ground and claw at the
enemy within 10 yards that can hear the scream takes enemy. The enemy takes 1d6 damage.
4d6 damage and makes a Strength roll. On a failure,
the enemy takes an extra 4d6 damage and becomes
frightened of the banshee (luck ends), or, if frightened
already, becomes stunned until the end of its next turn
instead. Once the banshee uses this trait, it loses access
to it (luck ends).
Fury: A banshee can use Death Touch, move, or heal 20
damage and end all afflictions.
ACTIONS
Death Touch (Magical): The banshee stretches out its ghostly
hand toward one flesh-and-blood creature in reach. Make
an Agility (+6) roll with 1 boon against the target’s Agility.
On a success, the target loses 4d6 Health and becomes
Strength impaired (luck ends).
REACTIONS
Death Burst (Magical): When the banshee takes damage, it
can release killing energies. Each enemy within 5 yards of
the banshee makes a Strength roll. On a failure, the enemy
becomes weakened until the end of the banshee’s next
turn or, if weakened already, loses 2d6 Health.
END OF THE ROUND
Burned by Sunlight: If the banshee is in a space lit by direct
sunlight, it loses 4d6 Health and becomes weakened until
Chapter 3

the end of the next round.

Brushed by Death (Magical): If the banshee is not unconscious,
each enemy in reach makes an Agility roll. On a failure, the
enemy takes 2d6 damage.
Banshee Lair Effects: If the banshee is in its lair, it makes a
luck roll. On a success, the banshee targets one enemy
within 20 yards and rolls a d6 to determine what happens
to it.

107
 Barghest
Of all the fiends trapped in the Netherworld, only the barghests can leave that realm without mortal invitation. Pacts with the Old Gods
give the Adversary rights to harvest the souls of the damned, and the task of collecting them falls to the hounds of hell. These bestial
fiends know all the hidden ways into reality and have no equal when it comes to sniffing out corrupted souls, no matter where they hide.
Barghests share many physical qualities with hounds, but dogs they are not. They stand 6 feet at the shoulder and have thickly muscled
bodies covered in black fur streaked with ashes. They have bestial faces, blackened from soot, lips cracked and bleeding, teeth long and
sharp. Their eyes shine and smoke sometimes spills from their mouths.

BARGHEST ACTIONS

FIEND · DIFFICULTY 4 Melee Attack—Teeth · Brutal: Strength (+4) with 1 boon

(2d6)
Defense: 14, Health: 40 Flames: A target creature or flammable object takes 2d6
Strength: 14 (+4), Agility: 11 (+1) damage.
Intellect: 10 (+0), Will: 15 (+5) Throat Rip: A prone target takes an extra 2d6 damage.
Size: 2, Speed: 8 Critical Success: The target takes an extra 2d6 damage. A
Size 2 or smaller target makes an Agility roll. On a failure,
Languages: understands Archaic it falls prone.
Senses: True Vision Fiery Leap (Magical): The barghest teleports to an empty
Immune: asleep, frightened, poisoned; infection space it can see within 10 yards and makes a Teeth
Howl of the Damned (Magical): At the start of a combat, attack. Once it uses this trait, it loses access to it until after
each barghest howls and the sound carries 1 mile in all its next turn.
Bestiary

directions. Each enemy that can hear the sound makes a Hellfire Breath (Magical): The barghest spews blue-black
Will roll. For each barghest after the first, the enemy rolls flames into a Size 5 space it can reach. Each creature
with 1 bane. On a failure, the enemy becomes frightened in the target space takes 4d6 damage and makes a luck
of all barghests (luck ends). On a critical failure, the enemy roll. On a failure, the creature takes an extra 4d6 damage
must also use an action to run on its turn and move away and catches fire. Once the barghest uses this trait, it loses
from the barghests by the fastest and safest available route. access to it for 1 minute.
Silver Vulnerability: A fiend loses 1d6 Health whenever it is
harmed by a silvered weapon.

108
Basilisk
An empty landscape, pools of reeking mist swirling in the low places, everything dead or dying—these are the signs of a basilisk. An
enormous black-scaled serpent, growing up to 30 feet in length, it has the hood of a cobra and bony protrusions erupting from its skull
to form a crown of sorts. Always hungry and with an evil disposition, the basilisk uses every advantage to kill intruders and feed on their
remains.
The basilisk lives in cave systems or in abandoned sewers. Its venom seeps into the ground and poisons everything, causing noxious
vapors to rise from the surface, creating its own toxic environment that extends up to a mile in all directions. Numerous exits allow the
basilisk to slip out and hunt over a wide area.

BASILISK
MONSTER · DIFFICULTY 16
Defense: 15, Health: 160
Strength: 16 (+6), Agility: 10 (+0)
Intellect: 10 (+0), Will: 13 (+3)
Size: 4, Speed: 6 (Slippery, Strider)
Senses: True Vision
Immune: confused, controlled, frightened, stunned
Lethal Glare (Magical): If the basilisk is not unconscious at the start of its turn, it glares at one creature in its line of sight. The target
makes a Will roll with 1 bane. On a failure, the target takes 3d6 damage and becomes confused (luck ends).
Scale Scrape: When the basilisk stops moving after moving at least 2 yards, each enemy within 1 yard of it makes an Agility roll.
On a failure, the enemy takes 2d6 damage and becomes vulnerable until the end of the round.
Fury: A basilisk can make a Fangs or Tail attack, move, or heal 40 damage and end all afflictions.
ACTIONS
Melee Attack—Fangs · Piercing: Strength (+6) with 2 boons (4d6)
Basilisk Venom: A flesh-and-blood target loses 1d6 Health and makes a Strength roll with 1 bane. On a failure, the target
becomes poisoned (luck ends).
Melee Attack—Tail · Bludgeoning, Long: Strength (+6) with 2 boons (3d6; a Size 5 or smaller target or unsecured object is
pushed 5 yards)
Critical Success: The target falls prone.
Two Attacks: The basilisk makes one Fangs attack and one Tail attack.
Spit Venom: The basilisk squirts venom into one Size 3 space within 10 yards. Each creature in that space loses 1d6 Health
and makes a Strength roll with 1 bane. On a failure, the creature loses an additional 2d6 Health and becomes blinded and
poisoned (luck ends both). Once the basilisk uses this trait, it loses access to it (luck ends).
END OF THE ROUND
Basilisk Lair Effects: If the basilisk is in its lair, make a luck roll. On a success, target one enemy within 10 yards of the basilisk and
roll a d6 to determine what happens to it.

D6 RESULT

1 The ground in a Size 3 space containing the enemy gives way to create a pit. The enemy falls 3 yards to the pit’s bottom.

2 A cloud of poisonous mist rises from the ground inside a Size 3 space centered on the target. The enemy makes a Strength roll. On a failure,
it becomes poisoned (luck ends).

3 Debris falls from the ceiling or an overhang. If the target is underneath such a surface, it makes a luck roll with 1 bane. On a failure, the target
takes 2d6 damage. On a critical failure, the target also falls prone.
Chapter 3

4 A foul odor envelops the target. If the target breathes air, it becomes Strength impaired until the end of the next round.

5 A queer tremor shakes in the ground under the target. If the target stands on the ground, it falls prone.

6 The target comes into contact with the basilisk’s poisonous excretions. The target loses 1d6 Health and makes a Strength roll. On a failure,
the target becomes poisoned (luck ends).

109
 Bauchan
Strong emotions can produce physical changes in faeries due to the fluidity of their forms. Faeries consumed by bitterness, cynicism, or
hatred manifest those feelings and become strange, ugly things, incarnations of all the grief they carry inside. Those who hold humanity
in contempt run the risk of turning into bauchans.
Whatever they were before is lost in their new form. Bauchans look like old, grubby men with bent backs, greasy skin, and masses of
hair sticking out in all directions. They have sour, frowning expressions and mouths filled with large, yellow teeth. They dress in rags and
scraps, using clothespins to hold everything together. Inveterate pipe-smokers, they talk around the stems, cursing, spitting, insulting,
and complaining.
Bauchans wander around the countryside, looking for greedy, lazy, wrathful people to punish. When they find one, they lay a nasty
curse that binds the mortal to them, enabling the bauchans to appear from out of nowhere and deliver what they believe is a well-de-
served beating. Worse, bauchans spread rumors about their victims and commit crimes attributable to the people they cursed, while
breaking possessions, stealing food, and worse. A bauchan can lift the curse, but acts of contrition, self-sacrifice, and even gifts might not
be enough to sway it. It must believe the mortal has changed their ways, however bauchans are so stubborn and hateful that even the
most selfless acts can fall short.

BAUCHAN
FAERIE · DIFFICULTY 4
Defense: 18, Health: 60
Strength: 13 (+3), Agility: 12 (+2)
Intellect: 10 (+0), Will: 12 (+2)
Size: 1, Speed: 5
Languages: Common, Sylvan
Senses: Keen Hearing
Immune: infection
Bauchan Curse (Magical): If the bauchan is not confused,
controlled, stunned, or unconscious at the start of its turn, it
targets one creature within 10 yards. The target becomes
cursed until the bauchan dies or the target dies. When a
creature cursed in this way gets a failure on a luck roll and
the result is 0 or lower, the bauchan teleports from any
distance to an empty space of its choice within 5 yards of
the target and then immediately takes a turn.
ACTIONS
Melee Attack—Fist · Bludgeoning: Strength (+3) with 1 boon
or 3 boons against a cursed target (3d6)
Critical Success: The bauchan takes one Size 1/4 or
smaller object the target wears or carries.
Storm of Fists: The bauchan pinwheels its arms. Each enemy
within 1 yard of it makes an Agility roll with 1 bane. On a
failure, the enemy takes 2d6 damage.
REACTIONS
Swift Escape: When an enemy starts its turn within 1 yard of
the bauchan while the bauchan is within 1 yard of at least
one other enemy, the bauchan can teleport to an empty
space of its choice within 10 yards.
Bestiary

110
Beasts BOAR
BEAST · DIFFICULTY 2
Animals pose little danger to characters, but major predators and
large numbers of beasts can cause difficulty. The following entries Defense: 12, Health: 40
correspond to animals found in the real world, but you can change Strength: 12 (+2), Agility: 10 (+0)
their appearance to make them more interesting or even magical. Intellect: 8 (–2), Will: 13 (+3)
Also, these examples represent many different species of the same Size: 1, Speed: 6
general kind: a bear could be a grizzly bear, while a lion might be Senses: Keen Scent
some other type of feline, such as a cougar or a tiger.
ACTIONS
Most beasts know no languages, though some can learn certain
commands. In the faerie realms, natural animals can speak the Melee Attack—Tusks · Slashing: Strength (+2) with 1 boon
while injured (1d6)
Common language of mortals. This fact has led some to specu-
late that these animals were once human, changed by the faeries Ferocious Strike: If the boar is injured, the target takes an
extra 1d6 damage.
into forms they found more pleasing. Whether true or not, the
Two Attacks: The boar makes two Tusks attacks.
animals never speak of forms other than the ones they possess and
retain their linguistic abilities only as long as they remain in the
enchanted places. BULL
BEAST · DIFFICULTY 4
APE
Defense: 9, Health: 50
BEAST · DIFFICULTY 4
Strength: 14 (+4), Agility: 10 (+0)
Defense: 15, Health: 60 Intellect: 7 (–3), Will: 12 (+2)
Strength: 13 (+3), Agility: 11 (+1) Size: 2, Speed: 6
Intellect: 9 (–1), Will: 11 (+1) ACTIONS
Size: 1, Speed: 6
Melee Attack—Horns · Piercing: Strength (+4) (2d6)
ACTIONS Two Attacks: The bull makes two Horns attacks.
Melee Attack—Fists · Brutal: Strength (+3) (2d6) Head Butt: Target one creature in reach. The bull makes a
Melee Attack—Teeth: Strength (+3) (2d6) Strength (+4) roll with 1 boon. On a success, the target takes
3d6 damage. If the bull moves at least 4 yards before the
Two Attacks: The ape makes a Fists attack and a Teeth attack. attack, the target instead takes 5d6 damage, and, if it is Size
1 or smaller, is pushed 3 yards and falls prone.
REACTIONS
BEAR
Sweep the Horns: When an enemy moves to within 1 yard of
BEAST · DIFFICULTY 4 the bull, the bull makes a Horns attack against it, and then
Defense: 12, Health: 80 loses access to this trait (luck ends).
Strength: 13 (+3), Agility: 10 (+0)
Intellect: 9 (–1), Will: 11 (+1) CROCODILE
Size: 2, Speed: 6 BEAST · DIFFICULTY 2
Senses: Keen Scent Defense: 15, Health: 30
ACTIONS Strength: 13 (+3), Agility: 10 (+0)
Melee Attack—Claws · Slashing: Strength (+3) (2d6) Intellect: 6 (–4), Will: 11 (+1)
Critical Success: A Size 1 or smaller target falls prone and Size: 1, Speed: 5 (Swimmer)
cannot stand up while within reach of the bear.
ACTIONS
Melee Attack—Teeth: Strength (+3) (2d6)
Two Attacks: The bear makes a Claws attack and a Teeth Melee Attack—Teeth: Strength (+3) (2d6)
attack. Crushing Jaws: One creature grabbed by the crocodile
takes 2d6 damage and the crocodile maintains the grab.
Chapter 3

REACTIONS
REACTION
Swat: When an enemy within 1 yard harms the bear, the
bear can swat at that enemy. The enemy that enabled the Instinctive Grab: When the crocodile deals damage with
use of this talent makes an Agility roll with 1 bane. On a a Teeth attack, it makes a grab attempt against the same
failure, it takes 1d6 damage. target.

111
 CURLBEAK
BEAST · DIFFICULTY 1
Defense: 16, Health: 10
Strength: 12 (+2), Agility: 12 (+2)
Infected Beasts
Intellect: 6 (–4), Will: 9 (–1) Many beasts carry disease and spread it through
their attacks. A creature that takes damage from an
Size: 1, Speed: 8 (Strider) infected beast is exposed to infection (see Chapter 2
ACTIONS in Shadow of the Weird Wizard).
Melee Attack—Beak: Strength (+2) (1d6)

GIGANTIC FROG GIGANTIC LIZARD

BEAST · DIFFICULTY 1 BEAST · DIFFICULTY 4
Defense: 11, Health: 10 Defense: 13, Health: 40
Strength: 12 (+2), Agility: 11 (+1) Strength: 13 (+3), Agility: 12 (+2)
Intellect: 6 (–4), Will: 10 (+0) Intellect: 7 (–3), Will: 13 (+3)
Size: 1, Speed: 4 (Swimmer) Size: 1, Speed: 5
Great Leap: When the gigantic frog moves, it can jump to an Senses: Keen Scent
empty space within 5 yards. It then loses this trait until the
end of its next turn. ACTIONS
Bestiary

ACTIONS Melee Attack—Teeth: Strength (+3) (3d6)

Melee Attack—Teeth: Strength (+2) (2d6) Toxic Spittle: A flesh-and-blood creature makes a Strength
roll with 2 banes. On a failure, it becomes poisoned (luck
Sticky Tongue: The gigantic frog launches its tongue at one ends).
creature of its Size or smaller within 3 yards. Make a
Strength (+2) roll against the target’s Agility. On a success, Melee Attack—Tail Long: Strength (+3) (2d6)
the target is pulled up to 3 yards. On a critical success, the Two Attacks: The gigantic lizard makes a Teeth attack and
gigantic frog makes a Teeth attack against it. a Tail attack.

112
GIGANTIC RAT Melee Attack—Trunk: Strength (+6) (1d6)
Critical Success: A target smaller than the mastodon is
BEAST · DIFFICULTY 1 pushed 5 yards and makes an Agility roll. On a failure, it
falls prone.
Defense: 12, Health: 10
Three Attacks: The mastodon makes a Tusks attack, Feet
Strength: 6 (–4), Agility: 11 (+1) attack, and Trunk attack.
Intellect: 8 (–2), Will: 9 (–1)
Size: 1/4, Speed: 5 (Climber)
PYTHON
Senses: Keen Scent
ACTIONS BEAST · DIFFICULTY 2

Melee Attack—Teeth: Agility (+1) (1d6) Defense: 8, Health: 20

Critical Success: A flesh-and-blood creature makes a Strength: 13 (+3), Agility: 10 (+0)
luck roll with 1 boon. On a failure, it becomes exposed Intellect: 6 (–4), Will: 10 (+0)
to infection.
Size: 1, Speed: 4
GREAT CAT Senses: Keen Scent
Grappler: The python rolls to grab with 1 boon and imposes
BEAST · DIFFICULTY 4 2 banes on rolls to escape its grab.
Defense: 12, Health: 20 ACTIONS
Strength: 14 (+4), Agility: 12 (+2)
Melee Attack—Teeth: Strength (+3) (1d6)
Intellect: 9 (–1), Will: 11 (+1) Constricting Coils: One creature grabbed by the python
Size: 1, Speed: 6 (Strider) takes 1d6 damage and the python maintains the grab.
Senses: Keen Hearing, Keen Scent, Keen Vision
Great Leap: When the great cat moves, it can jump to an
empty space within 5 yards. It then loses this trait until the
RAPTOR
end of its next turn. BEAST · DIFFICULTY 1
ACTIONS Defense: 13, Health: 10
Melee Attack—Claws · Slashing: Strength (+4) with 1 boon Strength: 8 (–2), Agility: 11 (+1)
(2d6)
Intellect: 9 (–1), Will: 10 (+0)
Melee Attack—Teeth · Piercing: Strength (+4) with 1 boon
(2d6) Size: 1/4, Speed: 5 (Fly)
Two Attacks: The great cat makes a Claws attack and a Senses: Keen Vision
Teeth attack.
ACTIONS
Melee Attack—Talons: Agility (+1) (1d6)
MASTODON Critical Success: A flesh-and-blood target becomes
BEAST · DIFFICULTY 4 blinded (luck ends).

Defense: 4, Health: 80
SHARK
Strength: 16 (+6), Agility: 10 (+0)
Intellect: 10 (+0), Will: 12 (+2) BEAST, AQUATIC · DIFFICULTY 2

Size: 4, Speed: 5 (Mount) Defense: 11, Health: 20

Trample: A mastodon can move through spaces occupied Strength: 12 (+2), Agility: 10 (+0)
by creatures and objects smaller than it. When it enters Intellect: 6 (–4), Will: 10 (+0)
a creature’s space, that creature makes an Agility roll.
On a failure, the creature takes 2d6 damage and falls Size: 1, Speed: 5 or 0 on dry land (Swimmer)
prone. When it enters an object’s space, the object takes Senses: Keen Scent
Chapter 3

2d6 damage. A creature or object can be subject to this

mastodon’s Trample just once per round. Blood Frenzy: A shark rolls to attack with 1 boon while
there’s at least one injured flesh-and-blood creature within
ACTIONS 5 yards and in the same body of water in which the shark
Melee Attack—Tusks: Strength (+6) (2d6) swims.
Melee Attack—Feet: Strength (+6) (1d6) ACTIONS
Knock Down: A target smaller than the mastodon makes a Melee Attack—Teeth · Slashing: Strength (+2) (2d6)
Strength roll with 1 bane. On a failure, it falls prone.

113
 VIPER Blob
BEAST · DIFFICULTY 2
Blobs lack form. They spread out like liquid-filled bladders, with
Defense: 12, Health: 10 skin the texture and consistency of leather. Tufts of hair, swivel-
Strength: 9 (–1), Agility: 11 (+1) ing eyeballs, and other, more awful organs dot their bodies, some
Intellect: 8 (–2), Will: 10 (+0) spewing noisome fluids, others making piping sounds as the mass
flows over its victims.
Size: 1/2, Speed: 5 (Strider)
Blobs feed on flesh and blood. Being so slow, they usually must
Senses: Keen Scent content themselves with nutrients absorbed from dead things, but
ACTIONS they greedily devour creatures they can corner and crush. Once a
blob rolls over its victim, it consumes the body in mere minutes
Melee Attack—Fangs: Agility (+1) (1d6)
and then slithers on, looking for its next meal.
Viper Venom: A flesh-and-blood target becomes poisoned
(luck ends).
BLOB
WOLF MONSTER · DIFFICULTY 16

BEAST · DIFFICULTY 1 Defense: 1, Health: 400

Strength: 16 (+6), Agility: 5 (–5)
Defense: 12, Health: 10
Intellect: —, Will: 18 (+8)
Strength: 12 (+2), Agility: 11 (+1)
Size: 5, Speed: 4 (Slippery, Squeeze 1 inch; no running)
Intellect: 10 (+0), Will: 10 (+0)
Senses: Awareness 20
Size: 1/2, Speed: 6 (Strider)
Immune: confused, frightened, held, prone, stunned
Senses: Keen Scent, Keen Vision
Stunning Horror: At the start of combat, each enemy with
Pack Tactics: A wolf rolls against targets that have already line of sight to the blob makes a Will roll with 1 bane. On a
been attacked in the same round with 1 boon. failure, the enemy becomes stunned until the end of its next
ACTIONS turn, and then becomes frightened of the blob (luck ends).
While frightened in this way, the enemy must use an action
Melee Attack—Teeth: Strength (+2) (1d6 or 2d6 against a to run, if it can, and move away from the blob by the fastest
prone, stunned, or unconscious target) and safest available route on each of its turns.
Inexorable, Crushing Movement: The blob can move into
the spaces of other creatures and objects that are smaller
than it. When it does, and no more than once per creature
or object whose space it enters, the creature or object
takes 4d6 damage. A creature also makes an Agility roll.
On a failure, it takes an extra 2d6 damage, falls prone,
and becomes held until the blob moves out of its space or
Goblin Wolves the blob becomes incapacitated. A creature held in this
way has total cover from attacks and effects that originate
Goblins train animals larger than themselves to bear from outside the blob’s space, is subject to suffocation, and
them as riders. Of the various animals pressed into loses 3d6 Health at the end of each round.
such service, the most common are wolves. Any crea-
ture trained in this manner gains the Mount trait (see Repulsive Spray: When a blob takes 20 damage or more
Chapter 2 of Shadow of the Weird Wizard) and from a single instance of damage, corrosive juices spray
makes Will rolls with 1 boon. from its body. Each creature inside a Size 5 space it can
reach takes 3d6 damage and makes an Agility roll. On
a failure, the creature takes an extra 3d6 damage and
becomes vulnerable (luck ends).
ACTIONS
Melee Attack—Pseudopod: Strength (+6) (3d6)
Four Attacks: The blob makes four Pseudopod attacks.
Bestiary

114
Bog Beast
Between clouds of mosquitos, gnats, and biting flies, the leeches lurking in the waters, the disease, unclean water, and the filth, it’s no
wonder travelers avoid making their way through the wetlands of the world. If these threats were not enough of a deterrent, the creatures
of the swamps have a way of escaping attention long enough for their oblivious prey to come within reach. And when they do, the snap
of the jaws puts an end to their lives quick enough.
The bog beast exemplifies tactics employed by crocodiles, bloodsuckers, and snakes found in the borderlands’ swamps and mires.
Given its size, one would think these monsters avoidable, but to an untrained eye, it looks like a mound rising from the muck, a respite
from the sucking mud and filthy water. The bog beast can go days without moving. In fact, it is so torpid that grasses and mushrooms
grow on its back, to its benefit, naturally. To explorers, the bog beast’s back looks like a great place to rest, a bit of dry land in a sea of filth.
Only when disturbed or driven by hunger does the bog beast attack. It lifts itself up out of the water on six spindly, thorny legs, while
unfurling tentacles from the sides that can reach out and drag victims into the slash of its toothy maw. The bog beast eats and eats, gorging
itself until it can hold nothing more before sinking back down into the foul soup in which it makes its home.
The plants and fungi growing on the bog beast’s back encompass many varieties, but one fungus in particular has developed a symbi-
otic relationship with the monster. The fungus appears as fingerling mushrooms with wide caps. When disturbed, the mushrooms eject
a cloud of spores that makes the air unbreathable and infects people who inhale them with a lethal disease.

BOG BEAST
MONSTER · DIFFICULTY 8
Defense: 9, Health: 120
Strength: 15 (+5), Agility: 9 (–1)
Intellect: 6 (–4), Will: 12 (+2)
Size: 3, Speed: 5
Senses: Awareness 10
Choking Cloud: The bog beast can release
spores from its back when it takes damage.
The spores fill the air within 10 yards with
light obscurement for 1 minute. Enemies in
the obscurement are exposed to infection and
cannot heal damage while they are in it. Once
the bog beast uses this trait, it loses access to
it for 1 minute.
ACTIONS
Melee Attack—Teeth: Strength (+5) (6d6)
Melee Attack—Tentacle · Reach 5: Strength (+5)
with 1 boon (1d6)
Pull: The bog beast can pull up to 5 yards any
creature smaller than it that it damages with its
tentacle.
Mass Attack: The bog beast snaps its jaws and
whips its tentacles. Target one Size 5 space it
can each. For each enemy in the space, make
a Strength (+5) roll against its Defense. On a
success, the target takes 4d6 damage.
REACTIONS
Snapping Jaws: The bog beast can make a
Teeth attack against a target it has pulled into
its reach.
Chapter 3

115
 Bog gart BONE MACHINE
UNDEAD · DIFFICULTY 16
A boggart’s appearance depends entirely on its prey, for this cruel
faerie assumes the form of whatever its victim fears most. For one, Defense: 14, Health: 160
the boggart looks like that scaly, clawed thing that hid under the
Strength: 14 (+4), Agility: 14 (+4)
bed, while for another, it could be an enormous spider, fangs drip-
ping venom. Since boggarts tailor their appearance to the people Intellect: 10 (+0), Will: 18 (+8)
who see them, they often appear quite different to onlookers. Size: 5, Speed: 5 (Slippery, Squeeze 3 inches, Strider)
Simply communicating what people see can be enough of a clue Senses: Awareness 20
to shake off the dread. Boggarts understand this and thus prefer to
hunt their prey one at a time. Immune: asleep, blinded, confused, controlled, deafened,
In its true form, a boggart is a stunted, hairy being with a toothy held, poisoned, prone, slowed, stunned; exposure,
deprivation, infection, suffocation
mouth and red-rimmed eyes. Once stripped of its unsettling
appearance, it favors flight over fight and stands its ground only Tide of Ragged Ends: When the bone machine moves, it can
when it has nowhere else to run. enter spaces occupied by creatures and objects smaller
than it. A creature or object whose space it enters takes
2d6 damage. Also, a creature makes an Agility roll with
BOGGART 1 bane. On a failure, the creature takes an extra 2d6
FAERIE · DIFFICULTY 8 damage. On a critical failure, the creature also falls prone.
Defense: 15, Health: 80 Fury: A bone machine can make a Broken Bones attack,
move, or use Bone Blast.
Strength: 12 (+2), Agility: 12 (+2)
Divine Doom: A bone machine makes luck rolls with 1 bane.
Intellect: 10 (+0), Will: 10 (+0)
Size: 2, Speed: 6 (Slippery) ACTIONS
Languages: Common, Goblin Tongue Melee Attack—Broken Bones · Piercing: Strength (+4) with
Senses: Dark Vision, Keen Vision 1 boon (6d6)
Immune: infection Glancing Blow: On a failure, but not a critical failure, the
target still takes 1d6 damage.
Worst Fears Realized: An enemy that starts its turn with line
of sight to one or more boggarts makes a Will roll. On Bone Storm: Make a Broken Bones attack against any
a success, the enemy becomes immune to this trait for 1 number of enemies within 2 yards.
hour. On a failure, the enemy becomes frightened of all Bone Blast: The bone machine releases a blast of bone
boggarts until the enemy overcomes the affliction with
a success on a Will roll, which also renders the enemy fragments into a Size 3 space within reach. Each creature
immune to this trait for 1 hour. An enemy frightened by and object in the space takes 1d6 damage. Also, a
a boggart and that can see at least one uses an action to creature makes an Agility roll. On a failure, it takes an
run, if it can, and move away from the nearest boggart by extra 1d6 damage and becomes vulnerable (luck ends).
the fastest and safest available route.
REACTIONS
ACTIONS
Absorb Bones: When an enemy in reach or in the bone
Loathsome Touch: The boggart reaches out to grope machine’s space becomes injured or takes damage
enemies. Target one or two creatures in reach. For each while injured, the bone machine can pull that enemy
target separately, make a Strength (+2) roll with 1 boon into its own space if the enemy is not there already. The
against the target’s Agility. On a success, the target takes enemy becomes held until it overcomes the affliction with
4d6 damage and becomes weakened until the end of the a successful Strength roll or the bone machine becomes
boggart’s next turn. If the target is frightened, it also loses
1d6 Health. Finally, if the target is already weakened, it incapacitated. When the effect ends, the enemy exits the
takes an extra 2d6 damage. bone machine’s space and falls prone in an empty space
of its choice within 2 yards.
An enemy held in this way moves with the bone machine
and loses 2d6 Health at the end of each round. Each time
Bone Machine an enemy loses Health in this way, the bone machine heals
3d6 damage.
A clattering heap of cracked and splintered bones, a bone machine Each other enemy that sees the bone machine when it uses
rattles as it shifts position. Life offends it, and when a creature this talent makes a Will roll. On a failure, the enemy becomes
Bestiary

comes too close, the great pile gathers itself up to rake, punch, and frightened of the bone machine (luck ends), or, if already
dismember. Creatures who succumb to the bone machine’s attacks frightened, becomes stunned (luck ends) instead.
are dragged into its mass, where spectral fingers pull away the skin END OF THE ROUND
and meat to add their bones to its own.
Bone Splinters: Bone fragments fly from the bone machine’s
mass. Each creature within 2 yards of it makes a luck roll.
On a failure, the creature takes 2d6 damage.

116
Boneguard CHAMPION
Some boneguard retain more of their memories than do others.
Undead boneguard inhabit lost cities, such as those in the Salt Those created from mighty warriors become champions. They
Barrens, prowl the corridors of forgotten tombs, and stand sen- wield magical weapons called Rune Blades, which are crafted from
try in the holdfasts of their makers. Although stripped down the bones of slain foes. Each rune etched on such a blade pins the
to bones, they retain all their combat cunning, and some even victim’s soul to the weapon.
retain fragments of their personalities. Boneguard understand
Archaic or other old, forgotten languages, but they lack the
means to speak. BROKEN BONEGUARD
UNDEAD · DIFFICULTY 1
BROKEN BONEGUARD
Defense: 8, Health: 10
These battered and shattered remnants of other boneguard drag Strength: 9 (–1), Agility: 8 (–2)
themselves across the ground to kill the living.
Intellect: 10 (+0), Will: 11 (+1)
ARCHER Size: 1/2, Speed: 2
Senses: Awareness 5
Fast and lightly armored, archers keep their distance from closing
Immune: asleep, blinded, deafened, poisoned, weakened;
foes, scurrying backwards to fire again and again. exposure, deprivation, infection, suffocation
SHIELD-BEARER Broken Body: The broken boneguard grants 1 boon on rolls
to attack it.
The shield-bearers form the vanguard of any boneguard force. Divine Doom: A boneguard makes luck rolls with 1 bane.
They heft their heavy shields in front of them to catch enemy mis- ACTIONS
siles as they march inexorably forward.
Melee Attack—Claws: Strength (–1) (1d6)
CHOPPER
The boneguard choppers drag wicked looking polearms, drag- BONEGUARD ARCHER
ging them on the ground to cause sparks to fly. The boneguard
must use all its strength to swing its terrible weapon, but when UNDEAD · DIFFICULTY 2
it does, the blow lands with lethal force, cutting through armor, Defense: 13 (leather), Health: 10
flesh, and bone.
Strength: 10 (+0), Agility: 12 (+2)
DEFENDER Intellect: 10 (+0), Will: 11 (+1)
Size: 1, Speed: 6 (Slippery)
Of all the boneguard making up a force, defenders appear in the
Senses: Awareness 20
greatest numbers. Their undead state does nothing to hamper the
Immune: asleep, blinded, deafened, poisoned, weakened;
fighting ability they had in life. exposure, deprivation, infection, suffocation
DEATH PRIEST Divine Doom: A boneguard makes luck rolls with 1 bane.
ACTIONS
The magic-using death priests have broken bodies held together by
pure hatred and float through the air above and behind their allies, Melee Attack—Short Sword · Piercing: Agility (+2) with
flinging hideous curses against their enemies. 1 boon (1d6)
Ranged Attack—Bow · Ranged 20: Agility (+2) with 1 boon
CAPTAIN (2d6)
Through their malign presence, captains make the boneguard
under their commands attack with greater speed and force. Unlike
other boneguard, captains make sounds—high pitched wails,
shrieks, and laughter.

GIANT BONEGUARD Optional Rule:

Bones from giants and similarly large creatures can be animated by Broken Boneguard
Chapter 3

the same dark magic responsible for other boneguard, but the ani-
mation demands more profane energy than the rest. This energy When a boneguard other than a broken boneguard
becomes incapacitated, make a luck roll. On a
manifests in the giant boneguard as unholy black flames burning success, instead of becoming incapacitated, the
within their ribcages. boneguard becomes a broken boneguard.

117
 BONEGUARD SHIELD-BEARER Intellect: 12 (+2), Will: 13 (+3)
Size: 1, Speed: 5 (Fly, Hover)
UNDEAD · DIFFICULTY 2
Senses: Awareness 10
Defense: 13 (shield), Health: 10 Immune: asleep, blinded, deafened, poisoned, weakened;
Strength: 11 (+1), Agility: 11 (+1) exposure, deprivation, infection, suffocation
Intellect: 10 (+0), Will: 12 (+2) Protection from Magic: The death priest imposes 1 bane on
Size: 1, Speed: 5 rolls against it from magical effects and it rolls to resist or
end magical effects with 1 boon.
Senses: Awareness 5
Fearsome: Impose 1 bane on rolls to attack the death priest
Immune: asleep, blinded, deafened, poisoned, weakened; by enemies not immune to the frightened affliction.
exposure, deprivation, infection, suffocation
Divine Doom: A boneguard makes luck rolls with 1 bane.
Shield Wall: Three or more boneguard shield-bearers inside
the same Size 3 space impose 1 bane on rolls to attack Necrotic Death (Magical): When a death priest becomes
targets inside that space using ranged weapons. incapacitated, it releases a burst of dark energy. Each
enemy within 3 yards takes 1d6 damage and makes a
Divine Doom: A boneguard makes luck rolls with 1 bane. luck roll. On a failure, the enemy loses 1d6 Health and
ACTIONS becomes cursed (luck ends).
Melee Attack—Spear · Thrown 5: Strength (+1) with 1 boon ACTIONS
(2d6)
Melee Attack—Claws · Slashing: Agility (+3) with 1 boon
(2d6)
Chilling Screech (Magical): The death master shrieks. Each
BONEGUARD CHOPPER enemy within 10 yards takes 1d6 damage and makes a
UNDEAD · DIFFICULTY 2 Will roll with 1 bane. On a success, the enemy becomes
immune to Chilling Screech for 1 hour. On a failure, the
Defense: 10, Health: 15 enemy takes an extra 1d6 damage and becomes Strength
Strength: 12 (+2), Agility: 10 (+0) impaired (luck ends).
Intellect: 10 (+0), Will: 11 (+1) Hateful Blast (Magical): The death master hurls profane
energies from its hand. Target one or two creatures or
Size: 1, Speed: 5 objects within 15 yards, and make a Will (+3) roll with
Senses: Awareness 5 1 boon against the target’s Strength. On a success, the
Immune: asleep, blinded, deafened, poisoned, weakened; target takes 3d6 damage and becomes vulnerable (luck
exposure, deprivation, infection, suffocation ends).
Divine Doom: A boneguard makes luck rolls with 1 bane.
ACTIONS BONEGUARD CAPTAIN
Melee Attack—Polearm · Long: Strength (+2) with 1 boon UNDEAD · DIFFICULTY 4
(3d6)
Defense: 18, Health: 40
Strength: 13 (+3), Agility: 11 (+1)
BONEGUARD DEFENDER
Intellect: 12 (+2), Will: 14 (+4)
UNDEAD · DIFFICULTY 2 Size: 1, Speed: 6
Defense: 17 (mail, shield), Health: 15 Senses: Awareness 10
Strength: 12 (+2), Agility: 10 (+0) Immune: asleep, blinded, deafened, poisoned, weakened;
Intellect: 10 (+0), Will: 12 (+2) exposure, deprivation, infection, suffocation
Size: 1, Speed: 5 Leadership: Each ally within 5 yards rolls to attack with 1
Senses: Awareness 5 boon.
Immune: asleep, blinded, deafened, poisoned, weakened; Divine Doom: A boneguard makes luck rolls with 1 bane.
exposure, deprivation, infection, suffocation
ACTIONS
Divine Doom: A boneguard makes luck rolls with 1 bane.
ACTIONS
Melee Attack—Sword · Slashing: Strength (+3) with 1 boon
(2d6)
Melee Attack—Sword · Slashing: Strength (+2) with 1 boon Two Attacks: The boneguard captain makes two Sword
Bestiary

(2d6) attacks.
END OF THE ROUND
BONEGUARD DEATH PRIEST Unnerving Cackle: Make a luck roll. On a success, the
captain cackles. Each enemy within 5 yards of the captain
UNDEAD · DIFFICULTY 4
makes a Will roll. On a success, the enemy becomes
Defense: 16, Health: 50 immune to Unnerving Cackle for 1 hour. On a failure, the
enemy becomes frightened of the captain (luck ends).
Strength: 10 (+0), Agility: 13 (+3)

118
GIANT BONEGUARD BONEGUARD CHAMPION
UNDEAD · DIFFICULTY 8 UNDEAD · DIFFICULTY 8
Defense: 10, Health: 80 Defense: 16 (plate and mail), Health: 60
Strength: 15 (+5), Agility: 9 (–1) Strength: 13 (+3), Agility: 11 (+1)
Intellect: 9 (–1), Will: 12 (+2) Intellect: 12 (+2), Will: 15 (+5)
Size: 4, Speed: 6 Size: 1, Speed: 6
Senses: Awareness 10 Senses: Awareness 20
Immune: asleep, blinded, deafened, poisoned, weakened; Immune: asleep, blinded, deafened, poisoned, weakened;
exposure, deprivation, infection, suffocation exposure, deprivation, infection, suffocation
Burning Black Flames: When a creature gets a success to Divine Doom: A boneguard makes luck rolls with 1 bane.
attack the giant boneguard with a melee weapon and the Explosion of Bone: When the champion becomes
weapon lacks the Long property, the creature makes a incapacitated, it screeches and explodes. Each creature
luck roll. On a failure, it takes 2d6 damage. and object within 5 yards takes 3d6 damage. Also, a
Divine Doom: A boneguard makes luck rolls with 1 bane. creature makes a Strength roll and a Will roll. On a failed
Strength roll, the creature takes an extra 3d6 damage.
ACTIONS On a failed Will roll, the creature becomes stunned until
Melee Attack—Long Sword · Slashing: Strength (+5) with 1 the end of its next turn. The explosion consumes fully the
boon (6d6) champion and everything it wears and carries.
Spew Black Flames (Magical): The giant boneguard spews ACTIONS
black flames from its skull. Target one creature within 10
yards and make a Strength roll against the target’s Agility. Melee Attack—Rune Blade · Slashing (Magical): Strength
On a success, the target takes 5d6 damage and catches (+3) with 2 boons (3d6)
fire (luck ends). Soul Capture: A flesh-and-blood target loses 1d6 Health.
Two Attacks: The giant boneguard makes two Long Sword Also, if the target becomes incapacitated from this attack,
attacks. It can substitute Spew Black Flames for one of the it dies and its soul becomes trapped inside the Rune Blade,
attacks. where it remains until the champion is destroyed. Efforts
to restore a creature to life whose soul is trapped in the
blade fail.
Two Attacks: The boneguard champion makes two Rune
Blade attacks.

Chapter 3

119
 Brow nie
Brownies have an inflated sense of self. For them, their diminutive size has nothing to do with what they can and cannot accomplish.
And they’re quick to explain their talent to anyone they meet, boasting, making incredible pronouncements, and generally irritating
everyone within earshot.
A typical brownie stands 3 inches tall and weighs about 3 ounces. Brownies have heads of wild, thick hair that they rarely bother
to wash. They clothe their bodies with squirrel skins, and arm themselves with bits of bone, hardened sticks, and the shells from nuts
they’ve harvested.
When on the hunt, brownies ride other animals, such as raccoons and owls, with whom they can talk. Speaking of which, brownies
talk all the time. The sound of their chattering makes it almost impossible to miss their hideouts, even though brownies take great pains
to conceal their dens. They seem to know just what to say to enrage enemies, and the brownies exploit their foes’ rage by swarming them,
dragging them to the ground and, if hungry and angry enough, eating them.

BAND OF BROWNIES
FAERIE, SWARM · DIFFICULTY 4
Defense: 17, Health: 40
Strength: 11 (+1), Agility: 14 (+4)
Intellect: 10 (+0), Will: 12 (+2)
Size: 2, Speed: 5 (Slippery, Squeeze 3 inches,
Strider)
Languages: Common, Sylvan, all forest animals
Senses: Keen Vision
Immune: controlled, held, impaired, prone,
slowed, stunned, weakened; infection
ACTIONS
Swarming Brownies: The brownies surge to
attack. Target up to three creatures in reach.
For each target separately, make an Agility
(+4) roll with 1 boon against its Agility. Roll
with an additional 1 boon against an Intellect
impaired or prone target. On a success, the
target takes 4d6 damage, or 2d6 damage if
the brownies are injured. In addition, choose
one of the following effects: the target falls
prone and cannot stand up until it overcomes
the effect with a successful Strength roll, or
the target becomes Agility and Will impaired
(luck ends both).
END OF THE ROUND
Taunts and Insults: If the brownies are not
confused or unconscious, target one enemy
within 10 yards that can hear and understand
what the brownies say. The target makes a
Will roll. On a failure, the target becomes
Intellect impaired for 1 minute or until it
overcomes the affliction with a successful Will
roll. An Intellect impaired target makes rolls
against the brownies with 1 bane.
Bestiary

120
Bugbear
The Adversary took the eyes from faeries who offended him. Some of his victims discovered they could see if they placed shiny silver
coins in the sockets, but no ordinary silver would work. They needed coins minted in the Adversary’s realm. Now the bugbears kidnap
mortals and trade them at the Night Market for new coins when the old ones become too tarnished for them to see.
The nature of the magic that warped bugbears into their present form has saddled them with odd beliefs, which have, in turn, created
certain taboos. Individual bugbears might observe all kinds of prohibitions, but all seem unable to open doors of any kind. When they
are forced to, their fear of what lurks beyond folds them in on themselves, causing them to vanish forever.
The taboo against doors forced bugbears to find other ways to infiltrate their victims’ homes. Bugbears can flatten, compressing their
bodies to slither through the gap of a door left ajar, a lowered but unclosed window, or even the space under a door.
Bugbears appear as tall, slender humanoids with shining eyes. They have long, delicate fingers that end in hooked talons. Bugbears
might disguise themselves in top hats and long coats or move about free from clothing, their pale, maggot-white skin gleaming in the
moonlight.

BUGBEAR
FAERIE · DIFFICULTY 4
Defense: 18, Health: 60
Strength: 12 (+2), Agility: 12 (+2)
Intellect: 11 (+1), Will: 13 (+3)
Size: 2, Speed: 6 (Silent, Slippery, Squeeze 1 inch)
Languages: Archaic, Goblin Tongue, Sylvan
Senses: Dark Vision
Immune: held, prone, slowed; infection
Invisible in Shadows: A bugbear that ends its move in
a space lit by dim light, faint light, or no light at all
becomes invisible until it uses an action, moves, or
uses a reaction.
Bugbear Taboo: If the bugbear opens a closed door
of any kind, its Health drops to 0 and it disappears.
Sunlight Weakness: If the bugbear starts its turn
in a space lit by sunlight, the bugbear becomes
weakened until the start of its next turn.
ACTIONS
Melee Attack—Claws · Slashing: Strength (+2) with
1 boon (2d6)
Two Attacks: The bugbear makes two Claws attacks.
Snatch and Swallow: Target one creature of a Size
smaller than the bugbear. Make a Strength (+2)
roll with 1 boon against the target’s Agility. On a
success, the bugbear snatches the target up, stuffs
the target into its mouth, and swallows it. The target
remains swallowed until it dies, the bugbear dies, or
the bugbear vomits (see below). While the bugbear
has a target swallowed, it can choose to speak with
the swallowed target’s voice.
A swallowed target cannot move out of the
bugbear’s space, cannot see or hear anything
outside the bugbear’s body, and moves with the
bugbear. The target can attack the bugbear only
with off-hand weapons and unarmed strikes.
Chapter 3

Active Digestion: A creature the bugbear has

swallowed loses 4d6 Health.
Vomit: If the bugbear has swallowed a creature, it
can vomit the creature into an empty space within
2 yards. The swallowed creature emerges from
the bugbear’s body and lands prone in the target
space.

121
 Cambion CAMBION ANCESTRY
CAMBION
The borderlands has no shortage of unusual peoples, and the defi-
Size: 1, Speed: 5
nition of what it means to be human stretches to accommodate a
growing number of individuals, but for the cambions, their resem- Senses: Keen Vision
blance to devils must endure the fear and suspicion of ordinary Immune: Exposure
folk. People ascribe all manner of ills to the so-called devil folk, Other Traits: Fire Resistance
who, at one time were known as the Azakai. They are blamed for
bad luck, sickness, madness, and worse. Some make them the scapegoats for every ill that befalls a community.
In truth, cambions, a name that means one born of mortal and fiend, descend from city-states that fell into chaos and ruin in ancient
times. The reasons for the fall range from offending the gods, vowing allegiance to the Adversary, some magical catastrophe, or some-
thing else. The loss of their homeland, the ruins of which might lay within the bounds of the Devastation, saw them scattered across the
world, their descendants either integrating into human communities or establishing independent colonies.
Cambions have the normal human ranges for height and weight. They have humanoid bodies, with a skin color that ranges from bright
red to coal black. Horns jut from their brows and bright yellow eyes peer out from dark sockets. Further, they have backward-bending
legs and long, muscular tails that might sport spines, hooks, or scales. Cambions stand between 5 and 6 feet tall and weigh from 100 to
300 pounds, depending on body type.

Hellbringer
An unrepentant agent of the fiends, the hellbringer works mischief in settled areas, committing murder, sabotage, and whatever else
causes destabilization and frays social bonds. Hellbringers often employ criminals to aid them in carrying out their plots.

HELLBRINGER
CAMBION · DIFFICULTY 2
Defense: 13 (leather), Health: 15
Strength: 11 (+1), Agility: 12 (+2)
Intellect: 13 (+3), Will: 10 (+0)
Size: 1, Speed: 5
Languages: Arcane, Archaic, Common
Senses: Keen Vision
Immune: exposure
Fire Resistance: The hellbringer takes half damage from fire. If the hellbringer catches fire, make a luck roll. On a success, the
affliction ends.
Sulfurous Leap (Magical): When the hellbringer moves at least 1 yard, they can target one empty space they can see within 10
yards. They teleport to that space and then thick, billowing clouds of black smoke spill out around them to fill a Size 3 space
centered on them with total obscurement that lasts until the start of their next turn. Once they use this talent, they lose access to
it for 1 minute.
ACTIONS
Melee Attack—Short Sword · Piercing: Agility (+2) with 1 boon (1d6)
Hellfire Strike (Magical): Blue-black flames rush out from the hellbringer’s fingers. Target one creature within 15 yards. The
target takes 1d6 damage. Then, make an Intellect (+3) roll with 1 boon against the target’s Agility. On a success, the target
takes an extra 1d6 damage and catches fire (luck ends).
Critical Success: The extra damage increases to 2d6.
Stoke the Flames of Hate (Magical): The hellbringer causes a creature to experience intense hatred. Target one creature within
10 yards. The target becomes Intellect impaired (luck ends). The target rolls to end this effect with 1 bane. The affected target
sees all creatures as enemies and must choose the targets of its attacks at random. If the target uses an action for any purpose
Bestiary

other than making an attack, it takes 1d6 damage. Once the hellbringer uses this talent, it loses access to it for 1 minute.

122
Carni vorous Tree
When not on the move, carnivorous trees can pass for any other
trees growing in forests and woods. A keen eye, though, might
note the round crimson leaves, the gray bark, and the fanged open-
ing in the middle of the trunk. Thought to have been planted by
Grandfather Tree long ago to protect the ancient forests, carniv-
orous trees are responsible for the disappearance of some people
trekking through the woods. The trees snatch up creatures that
come too close and stuff them into their greedy maws.

CARNIVOROUS TREE
PLANT · DIFFICULTY 4
Defense: 10, Health: 80
Strength: 15 (+5), Agility: 7 (–3)
Intellect: 5 (–5), Will: 13 (+3)
Size: 3, Speed: 4 (no running)
Senses: Awareness 10
Immune: asleep, blinded, deafened
Ensnaring and Tripping Roots: If the carnivorous tree is not
confused, controlled, stunned, or unconscious, the ground
within 5 yards of it is challenging terrain. In addition, when
an enemy ends its turn inside this space, it makes an Agility
roll. On a failure, it falls prone.
Flammable: A carnivorous tree takes double damage from
fire and rolls to overcome being on fire with 1 bane. CATOBLEPAS
ACTIONS MONSTER · DIFFICULTY 4

Melee Attack—Branches · Bludgeoning: Strength (+5) (2d6) Defense: 12, Health: 60

Melee Attack—Maw: Strength (+5) (2d6) Strength: 14 (+4), Agility: 9 (–1)
Two Attacks: The carnivorous tree makes a Branches attack Intellect: 7 (–3), Will: 10 (+0)
and a Maw attack. Size: 2, Speed: 4 (no running)
Shockwave Stomp: If the catoblepas has not moved, it can
Catoblepas choose to drop its Speed to 0 until the start of its next turn
by stomping on the ground. Each creature on the ground
within 5 yards of the catoblepas makes an Agility roll. On
Gourmands everywhere agree that the pungent cheese of cato- a failure, the creature falls prone.
blepas milk has no equal, such is the delicacy of its flavor, the ACTIONS
sharpness of its bite, despite the eye-watering fumes that waft from
the block. As loved and prized as this cheese might be, collecting Melee Attack—Horns: Strength (+4) with 1 boon (4d6)
milk from the catoblepas is not for the faint of heart. Herds of Head Butt: Target one creature in reach. The catoblepas
these beasts roam the plains and prairies of the New Lands but makes a Strength (+4) roll with 1 boon. On a success, the
target takes 3d6 damage. If the catoblepas moves at least
sometimes wander into the borderlands, and with them comes a 4 yards before the attack, the target instead takes 5d6
dread miasma from their exhalations whose potent stench can kill. damage, and, if it is Size 1 or smaller, is pushed 3 yards
Still, some make the effort to steal a bit of milk from these bison- and falls prone.
like creatures and can sell the cheese for as much as 10 gold coins. Toxic Exhalation: The catoblepas exhales a foul gas into
From a distance, a catoblepas might be mistaken for a bison a Size 5 space within reach. The gas fills the space with
with enormous horns extending from the sides of its oversized, moderate obscurement that remains for 1 minute. Each
flesh-and-blood creature that starts its turn in the space
shaggy head. Closer inspection reveals heavy, black armored plates
Chapter 3

takes 1d6 damage and makes a Strength roll. On a failure,

covering its back in the manner of an armadillo. Its thick legs end the creature loses 3d6 Health and becomes poisoned
in hoofs divided into three toes. The catoblepas has no trouble (luck ends). If the target remains poisoned in this way for
with extreme heat or deprivation. 1 minute or longer and lives, it also becomes weakened
Catoblepas cows avoid conflict and run off. The bulls charge for 24 hours. Once the catoblepas uses this trait, it loses
access to it (luck ends).
threats and tear them apart with their horns.

123
 Centaur CENTAUR ANCESTRY
CENTAUR
Few centaur herds have interest in dealing with outsiders, and the
more disagreeable ones treat anyone not like themselves as ene- Starting Health: +4
mies. And while all centaur bands raid to acquire needed supplies, Size: 2, Speed: 6 (Mount)
more than a few go further than simply killing. They butcher their Languages: Centaur
foes and commit atrocities on their remains. Although many think Natural Weapons: A centaur can use their hooves as a single
them malicious for these actions, the centaurs see brutality as the natural melee weapon. Attacks with their hooves deal 2d6
means to ensure their own survival. No one would dare confront damage.
them, or so the centaurs hope. Other: Traits: Gallop
Herds cooperate with each other for breeding. Mares choose
stallions from among rival tribes, and one who is chosen cuts all
ties to his birth-tribe. Outside of courtship, centaurs have little
reason to interact.
Centaurs combine traits of horses and humans. Where an ordinary horse’s neck would extend from its body, a centaur has a human
torso, arms, and head. All organs denoting gender appear in the horse-like portions of a centaur’s form. The human components lack such
features, so male and female centaurs appear similar from the waist up.
Curlbeaks—large, migratory flightless birds found in the Wilderlands—are essential to the survival of centaur herds. The animals
provide the centaurs with meat, feathers, bone, and hide, materials useful for making all kinds of things. Centaurs might prey upon them,
but respect and revere them, taking only what they need to sustain themselves.

Hunter
People risk their lives when they travel the Wilderlands.
If centaur scouts spot intruders, they call for hunters,
and such meetings rarely end in any way other than
violence. Centaurs take prisoners, but only those who
won’t cause trouble. They kill warriors, for example, but
anyone else who looks like they can work, they take for
trade or ransom.

CENTAUR HUNTER
CENTAUR · DIFFICULTY 2
Defense: 11, Health: 30
Strength: 14 (+4), Agility: 11 (+1)
Intellect: 10 (+0), Will: 10 (+0)
Size: 2, Speed: 6 (Mount)
Languages: Centaur
Gallop: When the centaur runs, they quadruple
their Speed instead of tripling it.
Spring Away: When the centaur uses an action to
attack, it increases its Speed by 2 and becomes
Slippery until the start of its next turn.
ACTIONS
Melee Attack—Hooves: Strength (+4) with 1 boon
(2d6)
Melee Attack—Spear · Thrown 5: Strength (+4)
with 1 boon (2d6)
Bestiary

Ranged Attack—Shortbow · Range 20: Agility

(+1) with 1 boon (2d6)

124
Changeling CHANGELING ANCESTRY
CHANGELING, FAERIE
Changelings can be anyone, at any time. Whether they use their
ability for mischief or not, people expect the worst from them. Size: 1/2, Speed: 5
Even the faeries, noted for their multifarious forms and natures, Bonus Languages: Sylvan
give pause when it comes to changelings, who have played the Senses: Keen Vision
part of trickster, ne’er-do-well, and spy at times. But is this rep- Immune: infection
utation fair? Are not changelings as free to decide how to act as
Other Traits: Impersonate
how to look?
Being faeries, most changelings live in the faerie realms on the
mortal world’s edges, where they might keep company with other faeries or live alone. As with other faeries, notions of community and
society have little appeal to changelings, and so they congregate with others or not, as their whims take them. Some changelings find their
way into the mortal world: infants could start their lives adopting the guise of mortal children whom faeries filched in the darkest hours
of night, only to flee after the truth comes to light. Others infiltrate communities to observe, hide, or sabotage.
Individual changelings decide on their own appearance. They can look like young children or old folks standing on death’s door. They
might assume a human form or one of faerie origins. So long as they adopt a guise of flesh and blood, they can be any person they choose.
But the masks they wear conceal forms some might find strange or upsetting, for they resemble other humanoid people in shape alone.
Pale, rubbery skin stretches over thin, spindly bodies. They have overlarge heads with equally large black eyes that sit above the merest
suggestion of facial features. While in their natural forms, even changelings find it difficult to discern who is who. In their natural form,
changelings stand between 3 and 4 feet tall and weigh between 40 and 60 pounds. Changelings can choose any gender or have none at all.

Imposter
The ability to become anyone tempts some changelings to make
mischief. They sabotage equipment, cause accidents, and spread
cruel rumors. Their efforts continue until they are found out, but
even when discovered, they can usually escape unscathed.

CHANGELING IMPOSTER
CHANGELING, FAERIE · DIFFICULTY 2

Defense: 13 (leather), Health: 20

Strength: 11 (+1), Agility: 12 (+2)
Intellect: 11 (+1), Will: 10 (+0)
Size: 1/2, Speed: 5
Languages: Common, Sylvan
Senses: Keen Vision
Immune: infection
Impersonate: If at the start of the changeling’s turn, they
lack the confused, controlled, stunned, and unconscious
afflictions, they can choose one humanoid flesh-and-blood
creature of Size 1/2 or 1 that they can see within 10 yards.
The changeling assumes the target’s appearance and retain
it until they use this trait again, end this effect (at any time), or
touch an object made from cold iron. Use of this trait affects
the changeling’s appearance and voice only; they use their
normal rules.
Deceitful Strike: The changeling imposter can use this talent
when they attack after using Impersonate. They roll with
Chapter 3

3 boons and their attack deals an extra 3d6 damage. The

imposter then loses access to this talent for 1 minute.
ACTIONS
Melee Attack—Rapier · Piercing: Agility (+2) with 1 boon (2d6)
Melee Attack—Dagger · Thrown 5: Agility (+2) with 1 boon
(1d6)

125
 Chimera broadcast illusions to make the monster more comfortable. The
illusions create an entire world in which the chimera lives and
wanders: it can romp through an illusory sunny meadow or
Just one chimera exists—the means for creating more were lost
prowl a dark cave. The clockwork creations that come to feed it
with the Weird Wizard when he abandoned the world. The chi-
and clean the chamber are similarly affected by the illusions; they
mera, perhaps his greatest and most monstrous design, guards the
might look like part of the scenery or appear as victims to be torn
Weird Wizard’s inner sanctum at the heart of the Forbidden City.
apart or chased.
Though out of view, its roars and shrieks carry through the ada-
The sanctum’s magic highlights intruders with garish red light
mantine walls that contain it. Only the clockworks left to feed and
so the monster knows them to be enemies. None can hide from
care for the mighty beast have seen its awful form, and only by
the chimera, and the ceiling in the chamber is low enough to pre-
compulsions placed on them do they remain to carry out the task.
vent creatures from flying out of its reach.
The chimera combines lion, goat, and serpent into one form.
The lion aspects manifest in one of its heads and front quarters
and legs. The goat reveals itself in another head and the hindquar- Cinderkin
ters. The serpent forms a tail with its head at the end.
Some believe the cinderkin are scions of an Ancient One who
slipped free from Draconus’s coils. Others have suggested that
CHIMERA they are fragments of a broken god shattered by Lord Death long
MONSTER · DIFFICULTY 32 ago. Most likely, they owe their existence to some dread spell that
awakened them and set them loose on the world above their fiery
Defense: 18, Health: 350
realms.
Strength: 17 (+7), Agility: 11 (+1) A cinderkin stands 10 feet tall and weighs thousands of
Intellect: 12 (+2), Will: 15 (+5) pounds. It has a humanoid shape with crude, unfinished features.
Size: 4, Speed: 8 A crust of black rock forms its skin, and hellish light shines out
Senses: Dark Vision from the fissures in its “flesh.” Heat shimmers and toxic gas sur-
round cinderkin. They do not speak but make rumbling noises
Immune: confused, controlled, frightened, Intellect impaired, when angered.
Will impaired, stunned
Three Heads: While not injured, the chimera increases the CINDERKIN
number of actions and reactions it can use by two each.
When injured, it increases the number of actions and MONSTER · DIFFICULTY 8
reactions it can use by one each instead.
Roaring Heads: If the chimera is not unconscious at the start Defense: 10, Health: 100
of its turn, the chimera roars. Each enemy in a Size 10 Strength: 14 (+4), Agility: 9 (–1)
space within reach makes a Will roll with 1 bane. On a
failure, the enemy becomes frightened of the chimera until Intellect: 9 (–1), Will: 16 (+6)
it overcomes the affliction with a success on a Will roll. If a Size: 2, Speed: 5 (Strider)
target was flying, it falls prone and loses the Fly trait until it
is no longer frightened. A target already frightened instead Languages: Cinderkin
becomes stunned until the end of its next turn. Once the Immune: damage from fire
chimera uses this talent, it loses access to it for 1 minute, but
regains it early when its damage total reaches 50, 100, Radiant: The cinderkin emits bright light.
and 200. Noxious Fumes: While the cinderkin is not incapacitated, it
Fury: A chimera can make a Teeth, Horns, or Fangs attack, emits noxious fumes from its body that spread 3 yards out
move, or heal 75 damage and end all afflictions. from it. A flesh-and-blood creature that starts its turn in the
fumes makes a Strength roll. On a success, the creature
ACTIONS
becomes immune to Noxious Fumes for 1 hour. On a
Melee Attack—Teeth: Strength (+7) with 1 boon (8d6) failure, the creature takes 1d6 damage and becomes
Melee Attack—Horns: Strength (+7) with 1 boon (8d6) poisoned until the start of its next turn.
Melee Attack—Fangs: Strength (+7) with 1 boon (6d6) Fiery Eruption: When the cinderkin gets a failure on a roll to
Chimera Venom: A flesh-and-blood target makes a attack, each creature within 1 yard of it makes a luck roll.
Strength roll with 1 bane. On a failure, it becomes poisoned On a failure, the creature takes 2d6 damage.
(luck ends). Each time a target poisoned in this way loses Cooling Rock: If the cinderkin takes damage from cold, it
Health, it loses an extra 2d6 Health and becomes Intellect
Bestiary

loses 3d6 Health and its Defense increases by 3 until the

impaired and Will impaired until the end of the next round. end of its next turn.
ACTIONS
Chimera Sanctum Melee Attack—Fist: Strength (+4) with 1 boon (5d6)
The chimera guards the entrance to the Weird Wizard’s Inner Critical Success: The target catches fire.
Sanctum, where he kept his greatest treasures. The sanctum encom-
Two Attacks: The cinderkin makes two Fist attacks.
passes a single, enormous chamber. Pillars hold up the ceiling and

126
Cliff Haint
Traveling through the mountains of the New Lands offers danger aplenty. Narrow ravines, shelves that wind around the high peaks, and
the occasional cut makes traversing them barely possible, but the voracious cliff haints who blend invisibly into the rocky landscape make
any such foray even more dangerous. When they spot anything edible, whether a mountain goat or a band of travelers, they detach from
the mountain slopes to glide down and strike.
Cliff haints have humanoid bodies covered in mottled fur that helps them blend in with their environment. Flaps of extra skin hang
down under their armpits and between their legs. When they leap off the cliffs, they stretch their arms and legs to glide down onto ene-
mies’ backs, where they get to work with their sharp claws and teeth.
Many consider cliff haints to be wild predators, just another threat one might encounter in the borderlands and beyond. However,
scouts report seeing the haints communicate with each other in a strange language of clicks and trills. Some believe they have also devel-
oped simple tools, since the remains of their victims have broken bones with the marrow sucked out. All this suggests that the haints
stand on the precipice of becoming an even greater threat to the New Lands.

CLIFF HAINT
MONSTER · DIFFICULTY 1
Defense: 12, Health: 5
Strength: 11 (+1), Agility: 12 (+2)
Intellect: 9 (–1), Will: 10 (+0)
Size: 1/2, Speed: 5 (Climber)
Languages: Cliff Haint
Senses: Keen Hearing
Glider: While not confused, held, stunned, or
unconscious, a cliff haint suffers no harm from
landing after a fall, and lands in any empty
space within 10 yards of the space directly
beneath it when it fell.
ACTIONS
Melee Attack—Claws and Teeth: Agility (+2)
with 1 boon (1d6)
Latch On: If the target is Size 1 or larger, the
cliff haint moves into its space and clings to
its body until the target overcomes the effect
with a success on a Strength roll, which also
knocks the cliff haint prone; until the cliff haint
becomes stunned or unconscious; or until
the cliff haint moves away from the target.
When this effect ends, the cliff haint enters
an empty space of its choice within 1 yard
of the target.
Until this effect ends, the cliff haint imposes
1 bane on the target’s rolls to attack it but
grants 1 boon on rolls made by other creatures
to attack it. In addition, the cliff haint’s attacks
against the target deal an extra 1d6 damage.
Finally, when the target moves, the cliff haint
automatically moves with it.
Chapter 3

127
 Clockwork CLOCKWORK ANCESTRY
CLOCKWORK
Clockworks first appeared shortly after the Weird Wizard arrived
in the New Lands, for his hands put them together. These creations Natural Defense: +2, Health: +8
became their maker’s devoted servants, who built the Forbidden Size: 1, Speed: 4 (no swimming)
City and cleared the surrounding lands of all those enemies hos- Immune: asleep, poisoned; deprivation, exposure, infection,
tile to their master. Later, the clockworks toiled as servants and suffocation
soldiers, each given a specific task that framed its entire existence. Mechanical Being: When a clockwork becomes injured,
After the Weird Wizard’s disappearance, many clockworks set they become slowed until they are no longer injured.
aside the tasks for which they were made. Before, native peoples To heal damage or regain Health from resting, they
looked upon them with fear since they most often served as sol- must expend a set of spare parts. When they become
incapacitated, they count as a magical object and
diers who were unswerving in their obedience to their master. lose no Health at the end of each round. They remain
Now that the clockworks have gained independence, they alone an object until destroyed by harm, at which point their
decide how they will behave, where they go, and with whom they soul departs the body and prevents them from being
interact. restored to life by any means short of divine intervention.
The means for creating more clockworks has gone with the However, a creature can use an action to stabilize the
clockwork by turning their key; the clockwork heals
Weird Wizard, though this fact has not stopped some from trying damage and becomes a creature again at the end of the
to recreate his methods. Heedless of the damage they do, deranged round rather than healing damage immediately.
engineers hunt clockworks to take them apart and, perhaps, divine Other Traits: Grind the Gears
the secrets of their making. In the process of dismantling them,
though, the mind contained in the mechanical body vanishes and the person is forever lost.
Clockworks’ bodies facilitate the tasks for which they were created. Most clockworks stand between 4 and 8 feet tall and weigh as
much as 800 pounds. All have humanoid shapes, but soldiers sport animal heads—stags, wolves, and lions being the most common.
Clockworks who were servants more closely resemble humans, some slim and sleek, others short and portly. Clockworks are made from
base metals, and their components have little value beyond maintaining their existence.
Each clockwork has a keyhole in its body, usually on the back, with a key resting inside. When one winds the key so that it starts turn-
ing, the clockwork behaves as a creature. When the key stops turning, the clockwork becomes an inanimate object.

Forbidden Guard
Nothing holds the clockworks to the Forbidden City, but some remain to carry out their duties. The Forbidden Guard patrol the streets
of the city, watchful for opportunists who think to make off with the Weird Wizard’s treasures. The clockwork soldiers capture or kill
trespassers.

CLOCKWORK FORBIDDEN GUARD

CLOCKWORK, CREATION · DIFFICULTY 2
Defense: 13, Health: 20
Strength: 12 (+2), Agility: 10 (+0)
Intellect: 10 (+0), Will: 11 (+1)
Size: 1, Speed: 4 (no swimming)
Languages: Common
Immune: asleep, poisoned; deprivation, exposure, infection, suffocation
Grind the Gears: At the start of the clockwork’s turn, if they lack the confused, controlled, stunned, and unconscious afflictions,
this trait increases the number of actions they can use on their turn by one. At the end of the round, the clockwork makes a luck
roll. On a failure, the clockwork becomes stunned (luck ends). A creature that can reach them can use an action to remove this
affliction early by winding your key. Once they use this trait, they lose access to it for 1 minute.
ACTIONS
Melee Attack—Polearm · Long: Strength (+2) (3d6)
Bestiary

128
Cockatrice
What hatches from a chicken egg that has been incubated by a toad or serpent? A cockatrice is what! Although spawned by what could
be described as a natural process, there’s little natural about cockatrices. They look like small reptiles with bulging bellies. Tiny bat wings
extend from where forelimbs ought to be, and chicken features make up the tail and legs, on which they move at a stately pace. As ugly
and strange as they look, they behave a lot like chickens and pass their time pecking at the ground for seeds and bugs.
Cockatrices endanger everything in their environs, since a single touch from one’s beak can turn living material to stone. In mere
weeks, a cockatrice’s roosting site turns from lush greenery into a stony barren, the ground covered in the petrified remains of bugs, small
rodents, plants, and an unlucky shepherd caught by surprise. Once a cockatrice settles in a place, it remains there until something kills it
or it dies from natural causes.
People have no doubt that cockatrices exist—you can find their pieces and parts for sale in bazaars and apothecary shops all over. How
they came about does raise a question, though. Who was the first to convince a toad or serpent to perch atop a chicken egg? It seems
impossible for a person to have just stumbled across this idea through trial and error. It’s more likely that the secret of making cockatrices
comes from an occult source, likely a fiend or faerie intent on making mischief.

COCKATRICE
MONSTER · DIFFICULTY 2
Defense: 13, Health: 20
Strength: 11 (+1), Agility: 10 (+0)
Intellect: 6 (–4), Will: 10 (+0)
Size: 1/2, Speed: 5 (Strider)
ACTIONS
Melee Attack—Beak: Strength (+1) with
2 boons (1d6)
Petrify: A flesh-and-blood target loses 1d6
Health and transforms into a stone statue
until the end of its next turn. As a statue,
the target is an object. If the loss of Health
drops the target’s Health score to 0, the
effect is permanent.

Chapter 3

129
 Collector COLLECTOR
MONSTER · DIFFICULTY 16
Collectors stand as big as houses and move on four tall legs, each as
thick as tree trunks, with the front legs longer than the hind legs. Defense: 14, Health: 200
A collector’s body has a flattened shape, covered with chitinous Strength: 18 (+8), Agility: 10 (+0)
bands from which emerge fleshy collection sacs containing gelati- Intellect: 5 (–5), Will: 20 (+10)
nous fluid the color of pus. Sometimes these sacs hold things other
Size: 6, Speed: 8 (Strider)
than fluid and bulge out from the collector’s back.
Spidery limbs extend from the bottom of the collector’s body Senses: Awareness 20, Keen Vision
and end in a dazzling array of sharp, hooked, and barbed tips, per- Immune: asleep, blinded, confused, controlled, deafened,
fect for catching and taking apart specimens. The collector’s goal poisoned, stunned
is to gather as many unrecognized creatures as it can and deliver Trample: A collector can move through spaces occupied
them to the Forbidden City, so one might spot a fully loaded col- by creatures and objects smaller than it. When it enters
a creature’s space, that creature makes an Agility roll.
lector ambling eastward or an empty one headed anywhere else. On a failure, the creature takes 4d6 damage and falls
The Weird Wizard created collectors to gather specimens from prone. When it enters an object’s space, the object takes
the lands beyond the Forbidden City’s walls. In olden times, they 4d6 damage. A creature or object can be subject to this
roamed the New Lands and traveled across and into the border- collector’s Trample just once per round.
lands, where they met resistance in the Old Country. Now few Fury: A collector can make a Collection Tools attack, move,
remain, having fallen afoul of the terrain, become trapped in caves or heal 40 damage and end all afflictions.
or stuck in mires, or been captured by villainous magicians who Collection Sacs: A collector has 8 collection sacs on its back.
would use them to further their own designs. Each has Defense 10 and Health 20. If a sac is destroyed,
any creature it holds spills out and falls prone in an empty
space of the collector’s choice in its reach. After a sac is
destroyed, it cannot be used to hold a creature. A creature
inside the sac is unconscious and is immune to the effects of
deprivation. Time spent unconscious in this way does not
count as resting.
ACTIONS
Melee Attack—Collection Tools: Strength (+8) with 1 boon
(8d6)
Critical Success: Roll a d6 to see what also happens:
D6 RESULT

1 Dissection: The target loses 2d6 Health and becomes

weakened (luck ends).

2 Liquefaction: The target takes an extra 1d6 damage and

becomes poisoned (luck ends).

3 Incineration: The target takes an extra 2d6 damage and

catches fire (luck ends).

4 Examination: The target becomes held until the start of the

collector’s next turn.

5 Discarded: The target flies 1d6 × 5 yards away from the

collector and lands prone in an empty space. The target
takes 3d6 damage for every 5 yards it is moved in this
way or was prevented from moving after encountering an
obstacle.

6 Annihilation: The target takes 10d6 damage and becomes

stunned (luck ends).
Bestiary

Collect Specimen: The collector uses its pincers to collect

a specimen. Target one creature or object within reach.
Make a Strength (+8) roll against its Agility. Roll with
1 boon against a prone target. On a success, the target is
picked up and stored in an empty collection sac.

130
Colossus Commoners
Animated statues of considerable size, they serve their makers Commoners make up the farmers, laborers, artisans, and anyone
by protecting vaults, dungeons, and sacred places. Most appear else who makes a living from the sweat of their labor. In the realms
humanoid, stand 12 to 16 feet tall and weigh several tons. Some of faeries, they are the fey folk who attend to the lords and ladies
creators carve colossi from stone, but they might use clay, iron, of their lands. Dwarfs might be miners toiling in the depths, while
or bronze too. Creators control colossi by inscribing three rules fauns work in the fields and make music.
inside the hollow spaces of their heads. Without commoners to build homes, temples, and stores, pave
The creation of a colossus requires stealing a soul from the streets, and span rivers with bridges, no towns or cities would exist.
Underworld and binding it to the prepared statue. The soul awak- Without their labor in fields or herding livestock, there would be
ens inside its vessel and confers on it the means of locomotion, but nothing for the civilized world to eat. All peoples depend on com-
at the cost of the soul’s sanity. Such imprisonment is a grave wrong, moners for their survival. It’s a wonder, then, that most face hard,
and the torment the soul endures makes the colossus difficult to thankless lives that end all too early.
control, even by the mightiest makers. More than a few have met
PEASANT
messy ends at the hands of their creations.
Peasants pose little danger to the typical adventurer, even when
COLOSSUS gathered in numbers. Most avoid conflict when they can and fight
only to protect themselves. When outrage sweeps through a com-
CREATION · DIFFICULTY 16
munity, though, people might form a mob. Reason, self-control,
Defense: 5, Health: 400 and a sense of self-preservation all give way to unreasoning anger.
Strength: 18 (+8), Agility: 8 (–2) MILITIA MEMBER
Intellect: 8 (–2), Will: 20 (+10) In many communities, commoners muster up militias to deal with
Size: 4, Speed: 5 (Strider) bandits, orcs, and monsters. Militia members lack formal training
Senses: Awareness 20 and make do with basic weaponry.
Immune: asleep, blinded, confused, controlled, deafened,
frightened, poisoned; deprivation, exposure, infection, PEASANT
suffocation
HUMAN · DIFFICULTY 1
Trample: A colossus can move through spaces occupied
by creatures and objects smaller than it. When it enters Defense: 10, Health: 10
a creature’s space, that creature makes an Agility roll. Strength: 10 (+0), Agility: 10 (+0)
On a failure, the creature takes 5d6 damage and falls
prone. When it enters an object’s space, the object takes Intellect: 10 (+0), Will: 10 (+0)
5d6 damage. A creature or object can be subject to this Size: 1, Speed: 5
colossus’s Trample just once per round. Languages: Common
Shattering Stride: A colossus can move into spaces Angry Mob: If 10 peasants or more start their turn in the
occupied by objects of its size or smaller. When it enters same Size 5 space, they can combine their turn and act as
an object’s space, the object loses 10d6 Health. If the a single creature. If the mob uses an action to attack, target
object drops to 0 Health, the colossus can continue any number of creatures in their space or within 1 yard of
moving. Otherwise, the colossus is pushed back to the it, and roll for each attack separately, with 3 boons. On a
nearest empty space of its Size and its Speed drops to 0 success, the attack deals an extra 1d6 damage.
until the start of its next turn.
ACTIONS
ACTIONS
Melee Attack—Torch or Pitchfork: Strength (+0) with 1 bane
Melee Attack—Fist · Bludgeoning: Strength (+8) with 2 (1d6)
boons (10d6)
Awesome Strike: A creature injured or incapacitated by
this damage flies 1d6 × 5 yards away from the colossus, MILITIA MEMBER
lands prone, takes an extra 8d6 damage, and becomes
stunned (luck ends). HUMAN · DIFFICULTY 1
Pounding Fists: The colossus brings both fists down. Target Defense: 11 (padded), Health: 10
one Size 2 space within reach. For each creature in that
space separately, make a Strength (+8) roll with 1 boon Strength: 11 (+1), Agility: 10 (+0)
Chapter 3

against the creature’s Defense. On a success, the creature Intellect: 10 (+0), Will: 10 (+0)
takes 6d6 damage, and falls prone. Size: 1, Speed: 5
END OF THE ROUND Languages: Common
Rampage: The colossus rampages until the end of the next ACTIONS
round. The colossus increases its Speed by 3, rolls to attack
with 2 boons, and its attacks deal an extra 1d6 damage. Melee Attack—Club: Strength (+1) (2d6)
Then, the colossus loses access to this talent (luck ends). Melee Attack—Spear · Thrown 5: Strength (+1) (2d6)

131
 Criminals COZENER
HUMAN · DIFFICULTY 2
Thieves, con artists, killers—criminals encompass a wide range of
people who turn to crime for reasons that include hunger, oppor- Defense: 12, Health: 10
tunity, desperation, and moral failings. Whether on their own, in Strength: 10 (+0), Agility: 13 (+3)
small teams, or in large organizations, criminals erode the rule of Intellect: 13 (+3), Will: 10 (+0)
law and the stability it provides. The following criminals represent
Size: 1, Speed: 5
just some of the scoundrels that characters might face.
Languages: Common, Kingdom
BURGLAR Mask of Innocence: When a cozener dodges, the enemy
Experts at thwarting locks and other security measures, burglars that enabled the use of this activity must choose a different
target for its attack. If there is no eligible target, the action is
can get inside the most secure places and make off with the valu- wasted. The cozener loses access to this talent (luck ends).
ables they find.
Treacherous Suggestion: If the cozener is not confused,
COZENER controlled, stunned, or unconscious at the start of its turn,
target one Intellect impaired creature within 5 yards of
A quick wit, keen mind, and a willingness to fleece anyone they the cozener and that can hear what they say. Make an
meet makes the cozener a tricky foe. These charlatans and confi- Intellect (+3) roll with 1 boon against the target’s Intellect.
dence artists winkle out coin from the gullible. On a success, the target becomes controlled by the
cozener until the end of its next turn. On a critical success,
ENFORCER the target becomes controlled (luck ends). On a failure,
the target becomes immune to Treacherous Suggestion for
Gangs and criminal syndicates rely on these brutes for muscle in 1 hour. Once the cozener makes use of this talent, they
heists. Some mug people, others work as leg-breakers, and others lose access to it (luck ends).
still might have legitimate business as bouncers and guards. ACTIONS

HIRED KILLER Melee Attack—Rapier · Piercing: Agility (+3) with 1 boon

(2d6)
Professional murderers, hired killers haunt the seedy places in
REACTIONS
urban communities, waiting for the next job. Some belong to
guilds or extremist sects, especially those dedicated to Lord Death Witty Remark: When an enemy within 5 yards gets a failure
and Calamity. Other hired killers might also work as spies. on an attribute or luck roll, each enemy within 5 yards that
can hear and understand what the cozener says makes
MURDERER a Will roll. On a success, the enemy becomes immune to
Witty Remark for 1 hour. On a failure, the enemy becomes
A dark impulse to kill, the momentary lapse of reason that leads to Intellect impaired until it overcomes the affliction with a
a violent outburst with dire consequences, or the consequences of successful Will roll.
a damaged, distorted mind might all make murderers of ordinary
people.
ENFORCER
PICKPOCKET
HUMAN · DIFFICULTY 2
The pickpockets spread out through the crowded streets to clip
purses and palm loose objects. Defense: 13 (brigandine), Health: 20
Strength: 13 (+3), Agility: 10 (+0)
BURGLAR Intellect: 9 (–1), Will: 10 (+0)
HUMAN · DIFFICULTY 1 Size: 1, Speed: 5
Languages: Common, Thieves’ Cant
Defense: 12 (leather), Health: 10
Strength: 11 (+1), Agility: 11 (+1) ACTIONS
Intellect: 10 (+0), Will: 9 (–1) Melee Attack—Mace · Bludgeoning: Strength (+3) with
Size: 1, Speed: 5 (Slippery) 1 boon (2d6)
Critical Success: A target creature makes a Will roll. On a
Languages: Common, Thieves’ Cant failure, it becomes frightened of the enforcer until the end
Quick Get Away: If the burglar starts its turn in the reach of of its next turn.
Bestiary

at least one enemy, the burglar increases its Speed by 2

until the end of its turn.
ACTIONS
Melee Attack—Hammer · Bludgeoning, Thrown 5: Strength
(+1) with 1 boon (1d6)
Melee Attack—Dagger · Thrown 5: Agility (+1) with 1 boon
(1d6)

132
HIRED KILLER
HUMAN · DIFFICULTY 4
Defense: 14 (leather), Health: 40
Strength: 12 (+2), Agility: 13 (+3)
Intellect: 11 (+1), Will: 10 (+0)
Size: 1, Speed: 5 (Silent)
Languages: Common, Hand Signs, Thieves’ Cant
Hide in Shadows: The hired killer can hide in spaces lit by
dim light, faint light, or no light, even when being observed.
Lethal Strike: When a creature takes damage from a hidden
hired killer, the creature makes a luck roll. On a failure, the
creature also loses 3d6 Health.
ACTIONS
Melee Attack—Rapier · Piercing: Agility (+3) with 1 boon
(2d6)
Poisoned Blade: A flesh-and-blood target makes a luck
roll. On a failure, it becomes poisoned (luck ends).
Ranged Attack—Crossbow Pistol · Range 10, Reload:
Agility (+3) with 1 boon (1d6)
Poisoned Bolts: A flesh-and-blood target becomes
poisoned (luck ends).
Two Attacks: If the hired killer has a loaded crossbow pistol,
they make a Rapier attack and a Crossbow Pistol attack.

MURDERER
HUMAN · DIFFICULTY 4
Defense: 12, Health: 40
Strength: 13 (+3), Agility: 11 (+1)
Intellect: 11 (+1), Will: 13 (+3)
Size: 1, Speed: 5
Languages: Common
Fury: A murderer can attack, move, or heal 10 damage and
end all afflictions.
ACTIONS
Melee Attack—Battle Axe · Brutal: Strength (+3) with 1 boon
(2d6) PICKPOCKET
Melee Attack—Hatchet · Brutal, Thrown 5: Strength (+3)
with 1 boon (1d6) HUMAN · DIFFICULTY 1
Two Attacks: The murderer makes a Battle Axe attack and a Defense: 11 (padded), Health: 10
Hatchet attack.
Strength: 10 (+0), Agility: 11 (+1)
REACTIONS
Intellect: 10 (+0), Will: 9 (–1)
Vicious Backswing: When the murderer gets a result of 5 or Size: 1, Speed: 5
less on a roll to attack, the murderer can roll another d20
and add the number rolled to the result. Languages: Common, Thieves’ Cant
END OF THE ROUND ACTIONS
Chapter 3

Rampage: The murderer rampages until the end of the next Melee Attack—Dagger · Thrown 5: Agility (+1) with 1 boon
round. The murderer increases its Speed by 3, rolls to (1d6)
attack with 2 boons, and its attacks deal an extra 1d6 REACTIONS
damage. Then, the murderer loses access to this talent
(luck ends). Sticky Fingers: When the pickpocket moves, it can attempt
Down But Not Dead: If the murderer is incapacitated, it to steal.
heals all damage and stands up. Then, the murderer loses
access to this talent for 24 hours.

133
 Crocotta Crustacor
Plaintive sounds of weeping and appeals for help lure the kind- Deranged, monstrous beings from the deep, crustacors trouble
hearted into the crocotta’s reach. When the victim draws close, the coasts of the borderlands, after these sea-dwellers found them-
the monster springs out to reward the person with a painful, pro- selves displaced through conflict with the tritons. These invaders
tracted death. A crocotta has a leonine trunk supported by stag attack fishing boats and some bold bands have even laid siege to
legs and a wedge-shaped head with a wide mouth that stretches
coastal settlements. Certainly, competition makes them aggres-
all the way to the tiny ears poking out from the back of its skull. A
sive, but many crustacors find they have a taste for human flesh.
sharp band or ridge of bone serves in place of teeth to cut through
bone with a powerful bite. A typical crustacor has a wide, flat body covered by a spiny exo-
Caves, ravines, ditches, and stone overhangs serve as lairs for skeleton. It scuttles about on four legs and has two claws, one large
crocottas in the wild, but hunger draws them out to wreak havoc and one small for finer work. A crustacor carries a driftwood club
on nearby communities. The cunning monsters stalk the streets and a dried-kelp sling.
and alleys at night, slipping through the shadows and learning the Crustacors make tools for hunting and war. They build no struc-
manner of sounds people make. They pick off pets first, then live- tures and instead make their homes in coastal caves. All members
stock, and finally people. of their community have equal status, though roles vary based
on capabilities. Crustacors communicate with a clicking speech
CROCOTTA that other people lack the means to reproduce. Even if one could
MONSTER · DIFFICULTY 4 bridge the language gap, most crustacors have no interest in peace;
Defense: 14, Health: 50 they see people as food.
Strength: 12 (+2), Agility: 10 (+0)
CRUSTACOR
Intellect: 10 (+0), Will: 10 (+0)
Size: 1, Speed: 6 MONSTER, AMPHIBIOUS · DIFFICULTY 2
Senses: Keen Vision Defense: 15, Health: 10
Lock the Jaw: When the crocotta uses its Teeth to grab a Strength: 11 (+1), Agility: 11 (+1)
creature of its Size + 1 or smaller, the crocotta can lock
its jaws on the target and remain locked until the crocotta Intellect: 10 (+0), Will: 10 (+0)
ends the effect (not an action). The target can attempt to Size: 1, Speed: 5 (Swimmer)
escape the grab, but rolls with 2 banes. On a success, the
target loses 1d6 Health, but the grab ends. On a failure, Languages: Crustacor
the target loses 2d6 Health. Another creature can cut the
target free; doing so requires the use of an action and the Senses: Dark Vision
grabbed target loses 1d6 Health. Grappler: The crustacor rolls to grab with 1 boon and
While the crocotta has a target grabbed in this way, it imposes 2 banes on rolls to escape its grab.
loses access to its Teeth attack. On the crocotta’s turn, the
creature it has grabbed loses 1d6 Health. Body Spikes: When a creature attacks a crustacor using a
melee weapon that lacks the Long trait or an unarmed
Fury: A crocotta can cause one creature it has grabbed to
lose 1d6 Health, can regain the use of a reaction, or heal attack, the creature makes a luck roll after the attack. On a
12 damage and end all afflictions. failure, the creature takes 1d6 damage.
ACTIONS ACTIONS

Melee Attack—Teeth · Brutal: Strength (+2) with 2 boons Melee Attack—Club: Strength (+1) with 1 boon (2d6)
(1d6) Melee Attack—Pincer: Strength (+1) with 1 boon (1d6)
REACTIONS Ranged Attack—Javelin · Thrown 10: Strength (+1) with
Pinning Gaze (Magical): When an enemy starts its turn 1 boon (1d6)
with line of sight to the crocotta, make a Will (+0) roll Two Attacks: The crustacor makes a Club attack and a Pincer
against that enemy’s Will. On a success, the enemy attack
becomes held until it loses line of sight to the crocotta,
it overcomes the affliction with a success on a Will roll, Impaling Hug: One target the crustacor has grabbed takes
or the crocotta dies. On a failure, the enemy becomes 3d6 damage and the crustacor maintains the grab.
Bestiary

immune to this trait for 1 hour. REACTION

Instinctive Grab: When the crocotta deals damage with a
Teeth attack, it makes a grab attempt against the same Instinctive Grab: When the crustacor deals damage with a
target. Pincer attack, it makes a grab attempt against the same
Defensive Kick: When an enemy within reach deals damage target. If the crustacor makes a Pincer attack against a
to the crocotta, the crocotta kicks that enemy. That enemy target it has grabbed in this way, the roll to attack results
makes an Agility roll with 1 bane. On a failure, it takes in an automatic success, and the crustacor maintains the
2d6 damage. grab.

134
Cultists their worthiness. In a fight, they throw themselves at their enemies
without regard for their own lives.
Individuals turn to powers beyond themselves to find meaning
DEACON
or purpose in life. Organizations devoted to such powers offer
belonging, a fellowship born from shared faith. All the great reli- Deacons serve as officers in a cult and keep the congregation under
gions, such as those of the Old Gods and the Church of the High the leader’s control by enforcing rules, counseling members, and
One, formed to solve these existential problems, and their appeal keeping outsiders at bay. Deacons gain their positions by having
has made them into powerful political forces. Yet some people dis- higher standing in their communities or by demonstrating some
trust these institutions and seek meaning elsewhere, from among valuable skill to the priest.
the abundance of cults, sects, and fringe religions that crowd the
civilized world and beyond. LEADER
Some cults form around the worship of innocuous powers that
A leader heads every cult cell, overseeing congregations of various
might or might not exist, but most become ensconced in the wor-
sizes, depending on the host community. Most leaders are former
ship of dark and dreadful powers. Such groups might worship the
deacons promoted to a higher rank, but some might be lesser cult-
Adversary, seduced by promises of riches and desires attained,
ists who assumed the mantle after a display of skillful command.
while others dredge up Ancient Ones to worship, happening
upon them in the ruins of abandoned temples and the foul script PRIEST
of forbidden tomes. Whatever ruinous power they serve, evil cults
threaten the natural order and, unless discovered and eradicated, The higher one climbs a cult’s ranks, the more secrets one learns.
might doom all things. Each secret plants the seed of terrible devotion to whatever alien
Scores of sinister religious groups have appeared in recent years, power the cult serves and commits the learner to its objective—
and there might be hundreds more secret societies and quasi-reli- world domination, destruction, or change for the worse. The cult’s
Chapter 3

gious organizations, most of whom have escaped detection. What priests know these truths and receive the reward of magical knowl-
follows highlights some of the more dangerous ones. edge for their devotion to the cause.

CULTIST HIGH PRIEST

From the ranks of ordinary people arise cultists, those who came The cult looks to its high priest for guidance and insights into the
under the influence of charismatic leaders. Cultists believe they deeper mysteries, for that person has a direct connection to the
have secret knowledge of the world and strive to demonstrate entity or idea the cult serves. The high priest monitors activities

135
 of cult cells through intermediaries but might attend personally to HEIRS OF QUERON
followers in times of need.
Exposure to unspeakable truths leaves high priests strange and An artist named Asherai enjoyed the pinnacle of success a cen-
erratic. Most have odd habits, such as preserving their excretions tury ago after completing The Hundred Windows, a collection
in small jars or picking and scratching themselves until their of paintings purported to depict future events as revealed to the
skin is torn and bleeding. They might lose their train of thought artist by a mysterious being known as Queron. That some of the
and shriek or gibber without warning. Danger gives them focus, events shown in the paintings did eventually come true captured
though, and they demonstrate horrifying skill at using the secrets attention in the Great Kingdom, and soon just about everyone
revealed to them. there had some notion of the paintings. Asherai’s popularity lasted
until the paintings failed to match current events, and when the
foretold Great Collapse never came about, he and the Windows
faded from popular culture.
The Great Collapse did occur, although one hundred years later,
and since then the paintings have been correct. Or at least, so far
that anyone remembers, since the last paintings were lost. Some
Unspoken Society descriptions remain, but contradictions exist between accounts,
so it’s unclear what will happen when. One thing that is known
The Unspoken Society formed in answer to the secrets
revealed in the Key of Horgesh. The blasphemous is that this being, Queron, appears in the last work, which bodes
tome had surfaced many times throughout the time ill for the world. Queron was described as a linen-wrapped, face-
of the Great Kingdom but is thought to be far older, less humanoid figure bathed in golden light against a backdrop
older than the Old Empire. The Key presents a pan- of a ruin that some believe to be the Forbidden City. As nothing
theon of obscene deities thought to have existed from comes after, some believe Queron’s appearance signals the end of
a time before Lord Death and recounts their defeat the world, or the end of an age at the very least.
by this treacherous god. People who read its pages A society of wealthy dilettantes and mystics emerged in the last
become outraged by what befell the elder gods and
feel moved to awaken them using the incantations and few years and set out to find the remaining paintings. They fund
ceremonies recorded in the book. Several attempts to expeditions both into the Old Country and around the known
rouse the sleeping gods have happened already, but world to confirm events that were to have happened or to find the
magical and religious orders have been vigilant about places where they will transpire. These people’s obsession goes well
suppressing and thwarting those efforts. beyond simple interest. In fact, they have begun to ritualize their
The last known copy was thought to be held in the meetings and perform ceremonies they believe will contact Queron.
King’s Vault in the Old Country, along with hundreds of Their fixation on the works, as well as their devotion to this myste-
other vile works. The vault was breached and its con-
tents scattered, so it’s no surprise that a new cult formed rious figure, earns them the right to be considered a cult. They are
around the Key and now works to free the elder gods. known by the symbol of a wheel with seven bent spokes.
These remain early days yet for the Unspoken Society,
and the cult requires many relics and artifacts to
accomplish its goals.
The cult claims scholars and fallen priests as its mem-
bers, and they move undetected among the refugees
from the Old Country. Membership in the cult requires
branding a stylized key inside the forearm, and mem-
bers find others by matching their signs.

CULT DEACON
HUMAN · DIFFICULTY 2

CULTIST Defense: 15 (mail), Health: 20

Strength: 12 (+2), Agility: 10 (+0)
HUMAN · DIFFICULTY 1
Intellect: 10 (+0), Will: 12 (+2)
Defense: 10, Health: 10
Size: 1, Speed: 5
Strength: 11 (+1), Agility: 10 (+0)
Languages: Common
Intellect: 9 (–1), Will: 10 (+0)
Immune: frightened
Bestiary

Size: 1, Speed: 5
Fanatic: A cultist makes Will rolls with 1 boon.
Languages: Common
ACTIONS
Fanatic: A cultist makes Will rolls with 1 boon.
Melee Attack—Flail · Bludgeoning: Strength (+2) with
ACTIONS 1 boon (2d6)
Melee Attack—Dagger · Thrown 5: Strength (+1) with Melee Attack—Dagger · Thrown 5: Strength (+2) with
1 boon (1d6) 1 boon (1d6)

136
CULT LEADER FOLLOWERS OF THE TRUE FAITH
HUMAN · DIFFICULTY 2 In the Old Country, the Great Kingdom fought more than
Defense: 15 (mail), Health: 20 a dozen wars against Sky Reach before the collapse. Friction
between the two arose over religious differences. The rise of
Strength: 12 (+2), Agility: 10 (+0)
the High One saw missionaries spreading out from the Great
Intellect: 11 (+1), Will: 12 (+2) Kingdom to make converts from the believers in the Old Gods,
Size: 1, Speed: 5 but the Sky People, devoted to the Sky Father, had no room for
Languages: Common other gods. They drove out the missionaries and murdered any
Immune: frightened who persisted in their efforts to bring the nation into the earthly
Leadership: Each ally within 5 yards of the cult leader rolls to Kingdom of the High One.
attack with 1 boon. Atrocities committed against the proselytizers angered the
Fanatic: A cultist makes Will rolls with 1 boon. Church, which in turn pressured the Great Kingdom to make
war on the Sky People. The Great Kingdom had materiel, sol-
ACTIONS diers, and funding many times greater than the defenders, but
Melee Attack—Sword · Slashing: Strength (+2) with 1 boon the people of Sky Reach had the mountains and their unswerv-
(2d6) ing belief in their god. Each war saw incredible casualties, most
REACTIONS of which were suffered by the Great Kingdom, but so long as the
Church of the High One maintained pressure on the regents, the
Kill the Unbelievers: When a cult leader gets a success on
fighting continued. Each raid, each skirmish, each bloody battle
a roll to attack, each ally affected by their Leadership trait
can use a reaction to attack. Then, the cult leader loses only made the cult of the Sky Father more violent, more blood-
access to this talent for 1 minute. thirsty, more reactionary until even the ordinary priests of the
vengeful, jealous god could no longer recognize them.
Now that calamity has befallen the Old Country, the priests of
CULT PRIEST the Battle Lord, as the Sky Father has come to be known to them,
HUMAN · DIFFICULTY 4 seek to make a war of vengeance against the Church of the High
One. Zealots form raiding parties to burn temples, destroy rel-
Defense: 10, Health: 60 ics, and torture anyone who will not prostrate themselves before
Strength: 10 (+0), Agility: 10 (+0) the Battle Lord. The priests of the Battle Lord have turned their
Intellect: 12 (+2), Will: 14 (+4) nation into an iron-fisted theocracy and hold all gods but their
Size: 1, Speed: 5 own to be devils sent to lead believers into wickedness.
While war rips the Old Country apart, the True Faith sees the
Languages: Arcane, Common
New Lands as fertile ground for establishing a new crop of follow-
Immune: frightened ers, and they have sent religious soldiers to make converts by force.
Leadership: Each ally within 5 yards of the cult leader rolls to Bands dedicated to the True Faith carry sky blue banners that
attack with 1 boon. display the eagle of the Sky Father in the center. Typically, they
Fanatic: A cultist makes Will rolls with 1 boon. move into a settlement, kill all the priests of rival faiths, and begin
Bang the Gong of Doom (Magical): At the start of combat, converting locals. They test the converts’ faith by forcing them to
the cult priest bangs the gong they carry. Each enemy that recite words from the holy books and to betray nonbelievers.
is not deafened and within 5 yards of the cult priest makes
a Will roll with 1 boon. On a failure, the enemy becomes
frightened of the priest until the end of its next turn. THE ORDER OF THE ALL-SEEING EYE

ACTIONS Skeptics deny the Order of the All-Seeing Eye even exists and
dismiss the claims of a continent-spanning secret society as the
Melee Attack—Short Sword · Piercing: Strength (+0) (1d6)
deranged invention of conspiracy theorists. And yet, for all that
Grasping Tentacle (Magical): The priest tears a hole in
reality, releasing a tentacle to ravage a foe. Target one the authorities discount the existence of such an organization,
enemy within 10 yards. Make a Will (+4) roll with 1 boon would it not make sense for the people in power to deny the very
against the creature’s Agility. On a success, the target thing to which they belong? Would it not behoove them to play
takes 4d6 damage and becomes held (luck ends) or until down the connections between key events as circumstance and
it overcomes the affliction with a success on a Strength or coincidence, if doing so would maintain their order’s integrity
Agility roll. Each time the target makes a luck roll to end
Chapter 3

this affliction, it loses 1d6 Health. Once the priest uses this and keep unwanted attention at bay?
talent, they lose access to it (luck ends). The most unhinged takes on the Order blame it for all the ills
Black Bile of the Profane One (Magical): From the priest’s that have befallen civilization, and claim its elite membership
mouth spills black fluid. Target up to three creatures orchestrates events to achieve global domination and prepare
within 5 yards. For each target separately, make a Will the way for the return of the Ancient Ones. The Order never
(+4) roll with 1 boon against its Agility. On a success, the acts in the open; rather, it manipulates events through the var-
target takes 1d6 damage, and becomes vulnerable and
weakened until the end of the priest’s next turn. ious societies it controls from the shadows. Groups purported
to be under the Order’s control include a diabolic cult known

137
 as the Dark Brotherhood, who claim service to He Who Must
Not Be Named and seek to return the City of Spires, which can
be glimpsed under certain conditions, from behind Sister Moon
and into the world where it belongs.
Others include the August Society of Weights and Balances, a
mercantile organization that sets prices throughout the civilized
world; the Rabidashans, a sect that splintered from the Church CULT HIGH PRIEST
of the High One who hold congress with the severed head of
an ancient demon that whispers dread truths; and the Order HUMAN · DIFFICULTY 8
of Paladins, whose betrayal of the Great Kingdom’s regent sent Defense: 11, Health: 100
the Old Country into war and chaos. Its pervasive and insidious Strength: 11 (+1), Agility: 11 (+1)
nature means no small number of other groups could be fronts
Intellect: 14 (+4), Will: 15 (+5)
for the All-Seeing Eye as well.
The foundation for belief in this cult comes from dubious Size: 1, Speed: 5
sources and much of it is merely conjecture without any concrete Languages: Arcane, Archaic, Common
evidence, which leads people to discount its existence. However, Immune: controlled, frightened
the symbol of the All-Seeing Eye does exist and shows itself in Leadership: Each ally within 5 yards of the cult high priest
unexpected places. It has appeared on the gold coins circulated rolls to attack with 1 boon.
in the Great Kingdom at the time of its fall; it has been seen Fanatic: A cultist makes Will rolls with 1 boon.
on crooked obelisks on the borders of the Devastation; and it
Fury: A cult high priest can use Claws of Corruption, enable
appears in grimoires, books of poetry, political theory, and more, each ally within 5 yards to use a reaction to attack, or heal
and often without any explanation for its inclusion. 25 damage and end all afflictions.
ACTIONS
SCIONS OF THE SCALED ONES
Melee Attack—Sword · Slashing: Strength (+1) with 1 boon
The Scales of Silithris presents a history of the world that con- (2d6)
tradicts what is generally held to be true. A fluid script fills the Unnerving Drone (Magical): The cult high priest creates an
tome’s many hundreds of pages, laying out the story of an ancient unnerving drone fringed with alien voices. Each enemy
people who ruled Erth long before mortals, and suggests these within 5 yard makes a Will roll with 1 bane. On a failure,
serpent people possessed knowledge beyond that of anything the enemy becomes confused and cursed (luck ends
both). If the enemy was already cursed in this way, the
dreamed by the most advanced thinkers in the known world. enemy also becomes controlled by the high priest until the
They triumphed over every disease, could go anywhere in their afflictions end.
flying machines, and possessed weapons that could wipe out Claws of Corruption (Magical): Black claws appear in
entire nations in an instant. the air to slash at the high priest’s foes. Target up to two
The book blames the fall of this mighty people on Lord Death, enemies within 15 yards. For each target separately, make
who came from the darkness between the stars to lay waste to a Will (+5) roll with 1 boon against the target’s Agility. On
their civilization. From the heavens fell burning rocks, the thralls a success, the target takes 2d6 damage, loses 2d6 Health,
and becomes weakened (luck ends).
the serpent people created rose up in rebellion, and the weak-
est members of their civilization abetted the slaves in throwing REACTIONS
down the masters. In the end, the civilization collapsed and the Blood Sacrifice (Magical): When the high priest is harmed,
survivors hid themselves in the deep places, biding their time for it can target one ally within 5 yards. The ally takes 1d6
an eventual return. damage and the high priest heals twice the amount of
The Scions of the Scaled Ones hold the writings in their damage taken.
sacred book to be true, and each member claims descent from Shadows of Oblivion (Magical): When an enemy moves
this ancient people, though they have little proof of such her- to within 5 yards of the high priest, the high priest can fill
a Size 5 space centered on itself with magical darkness
itage. The elite cultists use methods described in their unholy that lasts for 1 minute. No light sources in this space
book to restore themselves to their true forms, and most develop produce light. The high priest and allies that have the
reptilian characteristics—fine scales covering their bodies, ellip- Fanatic trait can see in this darkness as if it were not there.
tically-shaped pupils, and fangs in their mouths. Members who At the end of each round, each enemy in the affected
fail to display these changes are either reduced to the status of space makes a Will roll. On a failure, it loses 1d6 Health.
servants or killed outright. Once the high priest uses this talent, it loses access to it
Bestiary

for 1 minute.
The cult seeks to find the hidden people and restore them
to their rightful places as rulers of the world, with its members
richly rewarded for their efforts. Cultists hide behind a legiti-
mate façade, claiming to be scientists, historians, and archeolo-
gists. Their sign, a green cobra with a flaring hood, appears on the
armbands worn by workers and soldiers at sites of interest across
the New Lands.

138
Cyclops
Cyclopes are enormous creatures. They stand nearly 40-feet tall and weigh 20,000 pounds. Each has but a single eye positioned in the cen-
ter of its forehead. Aside from their ocular impairment, most cyclopes have unusual physical characteristics resulting from generations of
inbreeding. Examples include prodigious body hair, horns, boney protrusions erupting from the skin, or odd, pulsating humps and bulges.
Once proud servants of Kaen, the God of Artisans, the cyclopes forged armaments for the gods and their servants. Such wonders they
created include fabled Fireheart, a blade quenched in Mother Sun’s tears, and the Chariot of Clouds, which the Sky Father drives across the
dome of the world. As their accomplishments grew, so did their pride.
For too long had they toiled for their maker, only to have the god claim all the credit. The resentment turned to anger that built until the
cyclopes did the unthinkable: they killed their maker. This betrayal plunged the world into war, with the cyclopes and their monstrous allies
on one side and the gods on the other. The fallen angels had little hope of success for the gods were too mighty. In the end, the cyclopes fell
and fled to the desolate places in the mortal world, where they languish in their savagery, having all but forgotten their artistry.

CYCLOPS
ANGEL · DIFFICULTY 32
Defense: 6, Health: 600
Strength: 18 (+8), Agility: 9 (–1)
Intellect: 9 (–1), Will: 15 (+5)
Size: 8, Speed: 8 (Strider)
Languages: Tongues
Immune: asleep, controlled, frightened, poisoned;
deprivation, exposure, infection, suffocation
Trample: A cyclops can move through spaces occupied
by creatures and objects smaller than it. When it enters
a creature’s space, that creature makes an Agility roll.
On a failure, the creature takes 4d6 damage and falls
prone. When it enters an object’s space, the object takes
4d6 damage. A creature or object can be subject to this
cyclops’s Trample just once per round.
Crushing Stomp: If the cyclops has not moved, it can choose
to drop its Speed to 0 until the start of its next turn and
stomp on one creature within reach. The target makes an
Agility roll with 1 bane. On a failure, it takes 8d6 damage
and falls prone.
Fury: A cyclops can make a Mace attack, use Deadly Throw,
or heal 150 damage and end all of its afflictions.
ACTIONS
Melee Attack—Mace · Bludgeoning: Strength (+8) with
1 boon (10d6)
Punishing Strike: A target smaller than the cyclops makes
a Strength roll. On a failure, it falls prone and becomes
confused (luck ends).
Two Attacks: The cyclops makes two Mace attacks.
Throw Boulder: The cyclops throws a Size 3 boulder. Target
one Size 3 space within 100 yards. The boulder lands in
that space and then rolls in the direction it was thrown,
stopping when it rolls 3d6 yards or when it can roll no
further. Each creature or object in the space where the
boulder lands takes 5d6 damage, and each creature
or object in the boulder’s path takes 2d6 damage. In
either case, a creature makes an Agility roll and takes an
extra 5d6 damage on a failure. The cyclops carries 1d6
Chapter 3

boulders. When it runs out, it must collect more boulders

before it can use this talent again.
Deadly Throw: The cyclops targets one creature smaller
than it that it can reach. The cyclops makes a Strength
roll against the target’s Agility. On a success, the cyclops
picks up and throws the target 2d6 × 10 yards in a
direction it chooses. The target takes 1d6 damage per
full 5 yards it travels or is prevented from traveling in this
way and lands prone.

139
 Daeva DAEVA ANCESTRY
DAEVA, SPIRIT
Legends describe ancient Oraldia as a mighty nation whose com-
mitment to the arts and sciences produced wonders unlike any the Size: 1, Speed: 5
world has since seen. For all their successes, though, the Oraldians Bonus Languages: Archaic
remained mortal and even though they could extend their lifespans, Other Traits: Symbiotic Aid, Divine Doom, Luminous Symbiote
immortality remained out of reach. The closer they came to attain-
ing this goal, the more the gods began to feel threatened, and, ultimately, swept this nation into the ocean, erasing it from the world.
The Oraldians anticipated their end. To preserve themselves, nearly a million people migrated their souls into magical crystals that
would survive almost any catastrophe in the expectation that the survivors would recover them and restore them to life. None survived
and the shards were scattered across the lands. Ages later, mortals happened upon the shards and, on touching them, were offered a
chance to release the spirit within the crystal.
Rebirth gives Oraldians a chance to live again as daevas but at the expense of their memories and much of their identities. Time has
chipped away at the essence contained in the shards so that, for many, only will and purpose remain. Once resurrected, they could regain
some memories or knowledge thought lost, but they might not ever reclaim their full identities.
People harboring daevas appear human, though they all have small, faintly luminous crystals embedded in their foreheads. When a
daeva emerges from the host body, it appears as light bound to physical form.
Godslayer while the daeva’s own soul becomes destroyed and
effects that would restore them to life fail. Once the daeva
In rivaling the gods, the daevas doomed their society and saw the uses this trait, they lose access to it for 1 minute after its
works of their civilization dashed. Ages spent trapped in jewels have effects end.
done little to blunt their animosity to the gods, and many returned REACTIONS
daevas resume their struggles against what they see as tyrants. The
appearance of the High One, an entity that did not exist in their Instinctive Release: When harmed, the daeva godslayer can
use Luminous Symbiote.
time, has only renewed the old hostility, and many daevas have taken
Intellect Blast (Magical): When the daeva godslayer gets
up arms against the followers of what they deem a false god. a failure on a roll to attack, a magical wave of hostile
intention rushes out from their mind. Target one creature
GODSLAYER within 15 yards. The target makes an Intellect roll with
1 bane. On a failure, the target takes 2d6 damage and
DAEVA · DIFFICULTY 8 becomes Intellect impaired until the end of the next round.
Defense: 19 (plate, shield), Health: 60
Strength: 13 (+3), Agility: 10 (+0) LUMINOUS SYMBIOTE
Intellect: 15 (+5), Will: 13 (+3)
SPIRIT · DIFFICULTY 4
Size: 1, Speed: 5
Languages: Archaic, Common Defense: 20, Health: 20
Protection from Magic: The godslayer imposes 1 bane on Strength: 10 (+0), Agility: 16 (+6)
rolls against it from magical effects and they roll to resist or Intellect: 16 (+6), Will: 16 (+6)
end magical effects with 1 boon.
Size: 1, Speed: 6 (Fly, Hover, Insubstantial, Slippery)
Symbiotic Aid: A daeva can use this trait in combat when
they make an attribute roll to add 10 to the result. Once Languages: understands the host’s languages
they use this trait, they lose access to it for 1 minute. Immune: asleep, blinded, controlled, deafened, frightened,
Divine Doom: The daeva makes luck rolls with 1 bane. held, on fire, poisoned, prone, slowed; exposure,
deprivation, infection, suffocation
ACTIONS
Radiant: The symbiote emits bright light.
Melee Attack—Mace · Bludgeoning: Strength (+3) with Divine Doom: The luminous symbiote makes luck rolls with
1 boon (2d6) 1 bane.
Three Attacks: The daeva godslayer makes three Mace
attacks. ACTIONS
Luminous Symbiote: The daeva releases the luminous Radiant Touch: The luminous symbiote reaches out its
symbiote with whom they share a body. Target one Size 1 hand. Target one flesh-and-blood creature within reach
empty space within reach. The luminous symbiote appears and make an Agility roll with 1 boon against the target’s
Bestiary

in that space and remains apart until it moves into the Agility. On a success, the target takes 3d6 damage.
daeva’s body or the symbiote becomes incapacitated,
which ends the separation regardless of the distance REACTIONS
between them. While separated in this way, the daeva is Dazzling Light: When harmed, the luminous symbiote can
weakened, but loses access to the Divine Doom trait. The release a flash of bright light. Each sighted creature within
symbiote uses the rules that appear below. It takes its turns 3 yards makes a luck roll. On a failure, the creature
when the daeva does. If the daeva becomes incapacitated becomes blinded until the end of its next turn. Then, the
while separated, the symbiote becomes weakened. If the symbiote loses access to this trait for 1 minute.
daeva dies, the symbiote dissipates and is lost forever,

140
Dead Dreamer
When Lord Death and the other gods wrested creation from the lunatic and monstrous Ancient Ones, they also had the task of contain-
ing their hideous servants. A fecund group, the Ancient Ones gave birth to an untold number of shrieking, gibbering things, as varied as
there were many. Some were created in the image of their makers; others came from the Ancient Ones’ nightmares.
After condemning the Ancient Ones to the shackles formed from Draconus’s body, the divine worked to purge the world of their
enemies’ malefic influence. One by one, they slew the monstrosities. Those they could not or would not kill, they sank into the earth and
placed them in what was thought to be an eternal sleep. The gods might have wisdom, but not even they anticipated the lengths mortals
would go to rival them.
These remnants, called dead dreamers can be roused from their slumber by the most powerful magic. Those practiced in Eldritch spells
can rip open the ground and enable the hideous things to clamber free. The mere sight of them can shatter the minds of their beholders
and the dead dreamers use the madness they create to their advantage.

DEAD DREAMER
MONSTER · DIFFICULTY 16
Defense: 8, Health: 240
Strength: 18 (+8), Agility: 12 (+2)
Intellect: 7 (–3), Will: 18 (+8)
Size: 4, Speed: 6
Languages: Archaic
Senses: True Vision
Immune: asleep, confused, controlled,
frightened, stunned
Horrifying Appearance: A sighted enemy that
starts its turn with line of sight to the dead
dreamer makes a Will roll with 2 banes. On
a success, the enemy becomes immune to
Horrifying Appearance for 1 hour. On a
failure, the enemy becomes stunned (luck
ends). When this affliction ends, the enemy
becomes frightened of the dead dreamer
(luck ends). While frightened of the dead
dreamer, on each of its turns, the enemy
must use an action to run, if it can, and move
by the fastest and safest available route
away from the dead dreamer.
ACTIONS
Melee Attack—Fist · Brutal: Strength (+8) with
2 boons (8d6)
Critical Success: A creature smaller than
the dead dreamer or an unsecured object
takes an extra 2d6 damage and is pushed
15 yards.
Two Attacks: The dead dreamer makes two
Fist attacks.
END OF THE ROUND
Cry of the Dead Dreamer: If the dead
dreamer is not unconscious, it howls. Each
enemy that is not deafened and within 10
Chapter 3

yards makes a Will roll. On a failure, the

enemy is pulled 5 yards toward the dead
dreamer and becomes held until the end of
the next round.

141
 Deep Worm
Spelunkers braving the deepest caverns are bound to come across one of the wormruns riddling the earth. These huge, smooth-walled,
circular tunnels are made by deep worms as they move through the depths. The tunnels never stay empty for long; the spicy excretions
the worms deposit and the open spaces attract all manner of strange things, from monsters that lap up the worms’ slime to molds, fungi,
and oozes that thrive in the noisome darkness. The wormruns lead ever downward, burrowing into the flesh of Draconus like maggots in
spoiling meat, and thus few ever risk encountering deep worms no matter how far they travel into the subterranean realms.
Deep worms can reach up to 20 feet in diameter and grow up to 500 feet long. They have thick hides, often mottled pink, purple, and
black, with eyeless heads that feature wide, circular mouths filled with rings of backward-pointing teeth.
The beasts surface only when faced with flooding or a threat even bigger and nastier than themselves. The low rumbling of the deep
worm chewing through earth and stone presages an attack. The worm erupts from the ground, ceiling, or wall, drawn by tremors felt
in the earth, and gobbles up what it can before tunneling away.

Fighting Deep Worms

Immense size, impossible strength, and the ability to move through solid rock make fighting a deep worm a ludicrous proposition. No
sword or arrow stands a chance of even denting its hide, let alone breaking through to cause anything more than momentary discomfort.
Even as an attacker hacks and chops at it, the beast is likely to ignore the annoying pest and leave it in the ruins of its wake through the
bowels of the earth.
A deep worm travels by burrowing through dirt and stone. Vibrations caused by its movement intensify the nearer it comes. It takes
2d6 rounds for the deep worm to arrive once the vibrations start. During the end of the round in which the deep worm appears, each
creature in contact with a surface through which the beast travels makes a luck roll. On a failure, the creature takes 1d6 damage and
falls prone.
The worm’s head then bursts through a wall, ceiling, or floor. Roll 2d6 and multiply by 5 to determine the distance in yards between
the deep worm and the group; on a roll of doubles, the worm appears in their midst.

DEEP WORM Digestion: A flesh-and-blood creature inside the deep worm

loses 1 Health for every seven consecutive days it spends
BEAST · DIFFICULTY 32 inside it.
Cavernous Maw: When the deep worm’s head enters a new
Defense: 1, Health: 1,000 space, each creature or object in its path tumbles into its
Strength: 20 (+10), Agility: 10 (+0) maw and then is propelled 1d6 chambers inside its body
toward its tail. A creature makes a luck roll with 2 banes.
Intellect: 5 (–5), Will: 20 (+10) On a success, it avoids falling into the maw but takes
Size: special, Speed: 10 (Burrower, Slippery, Strider) 10d6 damage from being crushed by the worm’s body.
Senses: Awareness 50 The creature is then pushed into the empty space nearest
to the head; if no such space exists, the creature is killed,
Immune: asleep, blinded, confused, controlled, deafened, reduced to a smear by the body.
impaired, stunned, weakened The maw sweeps up unsecured objects. Secured objects
Gigantic: The deep worm completely fills a space 5 yards take 10d6 damage, and their debris falls into the maw.
wide and tall and 150 yards long. When it moves, its REACTIONS
head drags the rest of its body behind it. The deep worm
grants 2 boons on rolls to attack it. Other creatures that Heaving Guts: When the deep worm takes 50 damage or
are moved into a space occupied by the deep worm stop more from a single instance of damage from a source
moving at the edge of the space. inside its body, it propels each creature or object inside
its body 1d6 chambers toward its head. If this movement
Belly of the Beast: The deep worm’s insides consist of thirty causes a creature or an object to exit its body, the creature
Size 5 chambers connected by sphincter-like openings. A or object lands prone in front of the deep worm and takes
creature inside the deep worm can move from one interior 10d6 damage from the corrosive juices that spill out from
chamber to another and can exit safely from the trailing the maw.
chamber, falling prone in a slimy pool of waste, or can try
to exit into its maw.
A creature inside the deep worm can attack it but rolls
Bestiary

with 1 bane.
Any creature in the deep worm’s maw can use an action
to leap free and land in an empty space, if there is one,
within 5 yards of the worm’s head.
Any creature in the maw when the deep worm moves
makes a luck roll. On a failure, the creature takes 5d6
damage from the debris consumed and is propelled 1d6
chambers toward the deep worm’s tail.

142
Demons
Beyond reality’s edge stretches the endless darkness called the Void. Here amid the tumbling debris of shattered realities dwell the
demons, bodiless things of wild hatred impelled by some unknown force to destroy all they encounter. The demons loathe the darkness
and seek a way into the realities that have thus far resisted the pull into the Void. Once so freed, they dismantle creation by stealing form
from substance, dissolving it into the darkness forever.

Formless Demon ACTIONS

Demonic Possession (Magical): The formless demon
Demons have no natural physical form. In the Void, they flit attempts to take over a creature’s body. Target one
through its gloom as crooked shadows, all claws and spines and creature in reach and make a Will (+5) roll against the
teeth. Only when they enter another reality do they gather sub- target’s Will. On a success, the target becomes controlled
by the demon. On a failure, the target takes 1d6 damage
stance and gain the physicality needed to carry out their destruc- and becomes immune to Demonic Possession for 1 hour.
tive impulse. If the body fails, the demon’s essence leaves, becom- While the target is controlled in this way, the demon
ing an ephemeral shadow that fights the Void’s pull until it is finally becomes invisible and immune to harm, knows all that the
dragged back to the darkness from whence it came. target knows and can speak with its voice. The demon hides
inside the target, so it moves when the target moves. The
demon also loses its Dragged to the Void trait. When the
FORMLESS DEMON effect ends, the demon reappears in an empty space within
1 yard of the target.
DEMON · DIFFICULTY 4 At the end of every 24 hours the target is controlled in this
way, the target makes a luck roll. On a success, the target
Defense: 23, Health: 20 notes the result. After three successes, the effect ends. On a
Strength: —, Agility: 13 (+3) failure, the target loses 1d6 Health and gains one demonic
sign. The formless demon can end the effect at any time, but is
Intellect: 10 (+0), Will: 15 (+5) forced out of the target’s body if the target dies or some other
Size: 1, Speed: 6 (Fly, Hover, Insubstantial, Silent, Slippery) effect ends the controlled affliction. When the effect ends, the
formless demon appears in an empty space within 1 yard of
Languages: Archaic the target or the target’s remains.
Senses: True Vision END OF THE ROUND
Immune: asleep, blinded, confused, deafened, frightened,
held, poisoned, prone, stunned; deprivation, exposure, Dragged to the Void: If not in the Void already, the formless
infection, suffocation demon makes a luck roll. On a failure, it vanishes into the
Void and is removed from combat.
Protection from Magic: The demon imposes 1 bane on rolls
against it from magical effects and it rolls to resist or end
magical effects with 1 boon.
Invisible in Shadows: The formless demon is invisible when in
Demonic Signs
spaces lit by faint light or no light. A creature possessed by a demon gains demonic signs. Roll a d20
and find the result on the following table to see what form the
sign takes.

Demonic Signs
D20 SIGN D20 SIGN
1 The host gives off a stench of vomit, excrement, and sour milk. 11 The host becomes infested with vermin.
2 The host’s body displays bruising, scratch marks, and open 12 The host weeps blood.
sores.
3 Profane symbols appear on the host’s body. 13 The host spontaneously vomits.
4 The host’s teeth fall out and its nails fall off. 14 The host develops a deep, rattling cough and a hoarse voice.
5 The host moves in an unnatural way. 15 The host oozes oily excretions.
6 The host’s shadow moves independently of the host. 16 The host suffers from tremors.
Chapter 3

7 The host’s teeth lengthen into fangs. 17 Animals within 5 yards of the host become hostile to it.
8 The host’s eyes become dark pits. 18 The host’s extremities blacken and rot.
9 The host’s tongue bifurcates. 19 Horrid growths appear all over the host’s body.
10 The host’s voice echoes or becomes fringed with whispers. 20 The host occasionally levitates.

143
 MINOR DEMON
Scraps of demonic spirit, the tattered remains of destroyed demons
become minor demons upon entering the world. These demons
Exorcism make up for their tiny size with an abundance of malice. Often,
they appear as 1-foot-tall clumps of flesh, hair, teeth, and claws.
Any creature with professional knowledge of religion
can perform an exorcism. Doing so takes 1 hour of TYPE I DEMON
preparation, during which time the creature perform- The most basic form they can take, type I demons have squat, apish
ing the exorcism undergoes a purification ceremony bodies cobbled together from dirt, rotting meat, bent pieces of
while invoking divine aid. When the creature finishes, it rusted metal, and rocks. They sport numerous natural weapons.
begins the ritual. At the end of this time, it makes a Will
roll against the formless demon’s Will. On a success, TYPE II DEMON
the formless demon must leave the host’s body, and
the host becomes immune to its Demonic Possession for Type II demons have lithe bodies equipped with limbs or organs
1 year and 1 day. The demon immediately becomes that let them fly. Wings are most common, but some have bloated
subject to Dragged to the Void. If the ritual fails, the sacs filled with lighter-than-air gas, weird propellers, or cilia that
formless demon becomes immune to further exorcism thicken the air around them and propel them through it. Many
attempts for 24 hours, and the creature performing the type II demons have avian or insectile features.
ritual must make a Will roll. On a success, the creature
TYPE III DEMON
loses 1d6 Health. On a failure, it loses 3d6 Health
and becomes frightened of the possessed creature These demons possess all the ferocity and hate of the lesser demons
(luck ends). but are bigger, tougher, and nastier. Their bodies bristle with spikes,
horns, and barbs. Their lack of intelligence in no way impairs their
ability to kill and destroy.

Demonic Invaders TYPE IV DEMON

The least of the greater demons, type IV demons use cunning and
Demons that slip into reality gather up nearby matter and use it magic to unravel the mortal world. Like other demons, they have a
to form bodies. They equip their bodies with natural weapons hideous appearance, assembling bodies from whatever is in reach
for killing and breaking things. They might sport claws, horns, or when they enter the world. They appear bloated, with pocks and fis-
sures draining pus and ichor to streak down their flabby forms. Hardly
club-like appendages, or be wholly assembled from rusty blades.
anyone sees them like this, though, since type IV demons can change
Beyond their weaponry, their bodies might be flesh and blood, their appearance as needed to move undetected among their victims.
glass and water, stone and steel, or anything else they desire. Some
look like weird trees, while others form gelatinous masses covered TYPE V DEMON
in mouths that gibber and shriek as they pull themselves across Entering the mortal world at a run, the type V demon aims to cut
the ground. down as many things as it can. Armor from solidified magic protects
Although their appearance varies, demons can be roughly clas- their enormous bodies, seemingly assembled from parts of giants and
sified into one of six types, numbered from I to VI. The higher monsters, and they bristle with weapons. One might have the head
the number, the more devastating its presence on the world due of a wolf or dragon or both, and the lower body of an alligator, lion,
or something else. For all its higgledy-piggledy appearance, nothing
to size, mobility, and other factors. You can randomly determine a
in the demon’s body is wasted—it is a perfect killing machine.
demon’s type by rolling 3d6 and finding the result on the follow-
ing table. TYPE VI DEMON
So rarely have the mightiest demons breached the boundary to the
Random Demon Type
Void, many people believe such beings cannot exist or, if they do,
3D6 TYPE in limited numbers. Type VI demons incarnate all the rage and
3 Type V hatred of the Void, and when they enter the mortal world, the
lands groan in horror. Quakes rip through the earth, while leprous
4–5 Type III clouds crackling with black lightning spill across the skies. People
nearby transform into orcs and fomorians, and the dead rise from
Bestiary

6–8 Type II
their graves. The seasons might stop or magic could go awry. Such
9–12 Type I incursions can tear a world apart.
A type VI demon possesses a towering stature of bizarre and
13–15 Type II
hideous aspect. Lightning and fire thread the shadows wreathing
16–17 Type IV its titanic form, and the ground buckles beneath its every foot-
fall. The demon comes into the world armed with dread weapons
18 Type VI
forged from nightmares.

144
MINOR DEMON
DEMON · DIFFICULTY 1
Defense: 15, Health: 10
Strength: 10 (+0), Agility: 12 (+2)
Intellect: 8 (–2), Will: 15 (+5)
Size: 1/4, Speed: 6
Senses: True Vision
Immune: asleep, confused, frightened, poisoned,
stunned; deprivation, exposure, infection,
suffocation
Protection from Magic: The demon imposes 1 bane
on rolls against it from magical effects and it rolls
to resist or end magical effects with 1 boon.
Ruinous End: When the demon becomes
incapacitated, its body explodes. Each object
within 1 yard of the demon takes 1d6 damage,
while each creature within 1 yard of the demon
makes a luck roll. On a failure, the creature takes
1d6 damage.
ACTIONS
Melee Attack—Claws: Agility (+2) (1d6)

TYPE I DEMON
DEMON · DIFFICULTY 2
Defense: 15, Health: 20
Strength: 12 (+2), Agility: 12 (+2)
Intellect: 8 (–2), Will: 15 (+5)
Size: 1, Speed: 6
Languages: archaic
Senses: True Vision
Immune: asleep, confused, frightened, poisoned,
stunned; deprivation, exposure, infection,
suffocation
Demonic Shadows (Magical): The demon darkens
light within 5 yards of it. Reduce all ordinary light
in the space by one step and impose 1 bane on
attribute rolls and luck rolls made by enemies in this
space.
Protection from Magic: The demon imposes 1 bane
on rolls against it from magical effects and it rolls to
resist or end magical effects with 1 boon.
Ruinous End: When the demon becomes
incapacitated, its body explodes. Each object
within 1 yard of the demon takes 1d6 damage,
while each creature within 1 yard of the demon
makes a luck roll. On a failure, the creature takes
1d6 damage.
Chapter 3

ACTIONS
Melee Attack—Claws and Teeth: Strength (+2) with
1 boon (2d6)
Critical Success: A flesh-and-blood creature makes
a Will roll. On a failure, the creature becomes
confused (luck ends). While confused in this way,
the creature regards all creatures as enemies and
chooses the targets for its attacks at random.

145
 TYPE II DEMON TYPE III DEMON
DEMON · DIFFICULTY 4 DEMON · DIFFICULTY 8
Defense: 15, Health: 40 Defense: 15, Health: 80
Strength: 14 (+4), Agility: 14 (+4) Strength: 15 (+5), Agility: 13 (+3)
Intellect: 10 (+0), Will: 15 (+5) Intellect: 10 (+0), Will: 16 (+6)
Size: 1, Speed: 6 (Fly) Size: 2, Speed: 6
Languages: Archaic Languages: Archaic
Senses: True Vision Senses: True Vision
Immune: asleep, confused, frightened, poisoned, stunned; Immune: asleep, confused, frightened, poisoned, stunned;
deprivation, exposure, infection, suffocation deprivation, exposure, infection, suffocation
Demonic Shadows (Magical): The demon darkens light Demonic Shadows (Magical): The demon darkens light
within 5 yards of it. Reduce all ordinary light in the space within 5 yards of it. Reduce all ordinary light in the space
by one step and impose 1 bane on attribute rolls and luck by one step and impose 1 bane on attribute rolls and luck
rolls made by enemies in this space. rolls made by enemies in this space.
Protection from Magic: The demon imposes 1 bane on rolls Body Spikes: When a creature attacks the demon using a
against it from magical effects and it rolls to resist or end melee weapon that lacks the Long trait or an unarmed
magical effects with 1 boon. attack, the creature makes a luck roll after the attack. On a
Call of the Void: When the demon becomes incapacitated failure, the creature takes 1d6 damage.
and is not in the Void already, roll a d6. On a 6, a formless Protection from Magic: The demon imposes 1 bane on rolls
demon takes its place. On a 2 through 5, it returns to the against it from magical effects and it rolls to resist or end
Void and is removed from combat. On a 1, the demon magical effects with 1 boon.
disappears into the Void as above but leaves behind a
demonic ichor in the space it left. Call of the Void: When the demon becomes incapacitated
and is not in the Void already, roll a d6. On a 5 or 6,
ACTIONS a formless demon takes its place. On a 2 through 4, it
Melee Attack—Claws and Teeth · Slashing: Strength (+4) returns to the Void and is removed from combat. On a 1,
with 1 boon (4d6) the demon disappears into the Void as above but leaves
behind a demonic ichor in the space it left.
END OF THE ROUND
ACTIONS
Rampage: The demon rampages until the end of the next
round. The demon increases its Speed by 3, rolls to attack Melee Attack—Claws · Slashing: Strength (+5) with 1 boon
with 2 boons, and its attacks deal an extra 1d6 damage. (4d6, roll twice and use the highest amount)
Then, the demon loses access to this talent (luck ends). Two Attacks: The demon makes two Claw attacks.
Bestiary

146
 Void Blast (Magical): The demon releases a braided rope of black
TYPE IV DEMON energy from its hands. Target one creature within 30 yards. Make
DEMON · DIFFICULTY 16 a Will (+7) roll with 1 boon against the target’s Will. On a success,
the target takes 8d6 damage and becomes weakened (luck ends). If
Defense: 15, Health: 160 the target becomes injured from this damage, it takes an extra 4d6
damage. If the target becomes incapacitated from this damage, it
Strength: 16 (+6), Agility: 12 (+2) explodes and dies.
Intellect: 14 (+4), Will: 17 (+7) REACTIONS
Size: 3, Speed: 6
Corrupt Mind: When an enemy within 10 yards starts its turn, the
Languages: Archaic demon reaches into that enemy’s mind. Make a Will (+7) roll against
Senses: True Vision that enemy’s Will. On a success, the target becomes controlled by the
demon (luck ends). At the end of each round the target is controlled
Immune: asleep, confused, frightened, poisoned, in this way, it loses 1d6 Health. On a failure, the target becomes
stunned; deprivation, exposure, infection, immune to Corrupt Mind for 1 hour. In either case, the demon loses
suffocation access to this talent (luck ends).
Demonic Shadows (Magical): The demon
darkens light within 5 yards of it. Reduce all
ordinary light in the space by one step and
impose 1 bane on attribute rolls and luck rolls
made by enemies in this space.
Protection from Magic: The demon imposes
1 bane on rolls against it from magical effects
and it rolls to resist or end magical effects with
1 boon.
Comely Appearance (Magical): If the demon is
not controlled or unconscious at the start of its
turn, it can transform into a Size 1 flesh-and-
blood creature of any ancestry. The demon
remains in this form until it uses this talent
again or it takes damage from a silvered
weapon. It makes all decisions about this form’s
appearance and can alter its voice to suit its
form. Until it returns to its true form, the demon
loses access to its Demonic Shadows and
Claws and Teeth attack.
Call of the Void: When the demon becomes
incapacitated and is not in the Void already,
roll a d6. On a 4 or higher, a formless demon
takes its place. On a 2 through 3, it returns to
the Void and is removed from combat. On a 1,
the demon disappears into the Void as above
but leaves behind a demonic ichor in the
space it left.
ACTIONS
Melee Attack—Sword · Slashing: Strength (+6)
with 1 boon (4d6)
Melee Attack—Claws and Teeth: Strength (+6)
with 1 boon (4d6)
Corruption: A flesh-and-blood target loses
1d6 Health and becomes vulnerable and
weakened (luck ends both).
Two Attacks: The demon makes two Sword attacks
or two Claws and Teeth attacks. The demon can
use Void Blast in place of one attack.
Chapter 3

Confounding Colors (Magical): The demon calls

forth unformed substance to confound enemies.
Target one Size 5 space within 20 yards. Riotous
colors appear in the target space and each
enemy in it makes a Will roll with 1 bane. On a
failure, the enemy becomes stunned (luck ends).
While it is stunned in this way, the target is blinded
and deafened. Once the demon uses this talent, it
loses access to it for 1 minute.

147
 TYPE V DEMON
DEMON · DIFFICULTY 32
Defense: 17, Health: 300
Strength: 18 (+8), Agility: 13 (+3)
Intellect: 13 (+3), Will: 17 (+7)
Size: 5, Speed: 8 (Slippery, Strider)
Languages: Archaic
Senses: True Vision
Immune: asleep, confused, controlled, frightened, held,
poisoned, slowed, stunned; deprivation, exposure,
infection, suffocation
Demonic Shadows (Magical): The demon darkens light
within 5 yards of it. Reduce all ordinary light in the space
by one step and impose 1 bane on attribute rolls and luck
rolls made by enemies in this space.
Protection from Magic: The demon imposes 1 bane on rolls
against it from magical effects and it rolls to resist or end
magical effects with 1 boon.
Horrifying Appearance: A sighted creature that starts its
turn with line of sight to the demon makes a Will roll with
2 banes. On a success, the creature becomes immune
to Horrifying Appearance for 1 hour. On a failure, the
enemy becomes stunned (luck ends). When this affliction
ends, the enemy becomes frightened of the demon (luck
ends). While frightened of the demon, on each of its turns,
the creature must use an action to run, if it can, and move
by the fastest and safest available route away from the
demon.
Face Me (Magical): If the demon is not unconscious at the
start of its turn, it can roar at one creature within 15 yards.
Make a Will (+7) roll against the target’s Will. On a
success, the target is pulled into an empty space within the
demon’s reach and becomes held (luck ends).
Fury: A demon can make a Demonic Weaponry attack,
teleport to an empty space within 20 yards, or heal 75
damage and end all afflictions.
Call of the Void: When the demon becomes incapacitated
and is not in the Void already, roll a d6. On a 3 or higher,
a formless demon takes its place. On a 2, it returns to the
Void and is removed from combat. On a 1, the demon
disappears into the Void as above but leaves behind a
Demon Princes demonic ichor in the space it left.
Each time a demon breaks through the barrier to real- ACTIONS
ity, it has a chance to learn about the mortal world and Melee Attack—Demonic Weaponry · Slashing: Strength
everything in it. When finally destroyed and driven (+8) with 2 boons (12d6)
back to the Void, it carries with it everything it learned. Corruption: A flesh-and-blood target loses 1d6 Health
Repeated forays into Creation enable the demon to and becomes vulnerable and weakened (luck ends both).
grow both its intelligence and its power, until such Six Attacks: The demon makes up to six Demonic Weaponry
time that it evolves to a greater form. Demonists whis- attacks, but no more than two attacks per target.
per about the mightiest demons who could rival the END OF THE ROUND
Bestiary

gods themselves. Called demon princes, these hor-

rors orchestrate efforts to shatter reality and devour Whirlwind of Death: If the demon is not unconscious, it
swings its weapons around its body. Each enemy within 5
everything in it. yards of the demon makes an Agility roll with 1 bane. On
a failure, the enemy takes 3d6 damage.

148
TYPE VI DEMON Demonic Ichor
DEMON · DIFFICULTY 64 The destruction of a demon sometimes leaves a stain in the world,
Defense: 20, Health: 666 a tarry residue that manifests the demon’s ruinous intent and con-
Strength: 20 (+10), Agility: 12 (+2) tinues its work to unravel reality. The ichor becomes a creeping
thing, slinking over the ground and dissolving whatever it touches.
Intellect: 16 (+6), Will: 20 (+10)
Size: 6, Speed: 12 (Fly, Strider)
DEMONIC ICHOR
Languages: Archaic
Senses: True Vision CREATION · DIFFICULTY 2

Immune: asleep, confused, controlled, frightened, held, Defense: 8, Health: 20

poisoned, slowed, stunned, unconscious; deprivation, Strength: 11 (+1), Agility: 8 (–2)
exposure, infection, suffocation
Intellect: —, Will: —
Shadow of the Void (Magical): The demon darkens light
within 100 yards of it. Reduce all ordinary light in the Size: 1, Speed: 5 (Climber, Slippery, Squeeze 1 inch,
space by two steps and impose 1 bane on attribute rolls Strider; no running)
and luck rolls made by enemies in this space. Senses: Awareness 5
Horrifying Appearance: A sighted creature that starts its Immune: asleep, held, poisoned, prone, slowed; deprivation,
turn with line of sight to the demon makes a Will roll with exposure, infection, suffocation
2 banes. On a success, the creature becomes immune
to Horrifying Appearance for 1 hour. On a failure, the Protection from Magic: The demonic ichor imposes 1 bane
enemy becomes stunned (luck ends). When this affliction on rolls against it from magical effects and it rolls to resist
ends, the enemy becomes frightened of the demon (luck or end magical effects with 1 boon.
ends). While frightened of the demon, on each of its turns, Corrosive Body Spikes: When a creature attacks the
the creature must use an action to run, if it can, and move demonic ichor using a melee weapon that lacks the
by the fastest and safest available route away from the Long trait or an unarmed attack, the creature makes a luck
demon. roll after the attack. On a failure, the creature loses 1d6
Health.
Fury: A demon can make a Sword and Flail attack, regain
access to Apocalyptic Flames, or heal 166 damage and ACTIONS
end all afflictions.
Melee Attack—Appendage: Strength (+1) with 1 boon
Howl of the Demon Lord (Magical): When the demon’s (2d6)
damage total first reaches or surpasses 333, the demon
releases a deafening roar that reverberates 100 miles in Corruption: A flesh-and-blood target loses 1d6 Health
all directions. All creatures in this range lose 4d6 Health. and becomes vulnerable and weakened (luck ends both).
Once the demon uses this trait, it loses access to it for 24 Dissolving Touch: Target one object in reach. The target
hours. loses 3d6 Health.
Explosive Demise (Magical): When the demon becomes
incapacitated, an enormous ball of fire envelops it and
it explodes, leaving nothing behind. The explosion deals
20d6 damage to each creature and object within 10
miles. A creature makes a Strength roll. On a failure,
the creature takes an extra 20d6 damage. On a critical
failure, it is killed outright and utterly destroyed.
The explosion leaves behind a 33-yard-deep crater
with a 66-yard diameter.
ACTIONS
Melee Attack—Sword and Flail · Brutal, Slashing: Strength
(+10) with 3 boons (20d6)
Two Attacks: The demon makes two Sword and Flail attacks.
Apocalyptic Flames (Magical): The demon releases
demonic fire from its body out to a range of 10 miles. The
flames deal 30d6 damage to each creature and object in
the area. Once the demon uses this talent, it loses access
Chapter 3

to (luck ends).
END OF THE ROUND
Herald of the Demon Lord (Magical): Each creature and
object within its Shadow of the Void trait loses 2d6 Health.

149
 Demon Spaw n Void Gaze (Magical): If the demonist is not confused
or unconscious at the start of their turn, they level their
gaze at one enemy within 20 yards. The target makes a
Ordinary people and animals transformed into monstrous things Will roll with 1 bane. On a success, the target becomes
by the Void’s touch, the demon spawn run amok through the immune to Void Gaze for 1 hour. On a failure, the target
countryside. Most appear as fleshy, lurching mounds of swiveling becomes frightened of the demonist (luck ends); a target
eyeballs, slobbering maws, and spiked and clawed limbs jutting can overcome this effect with a success on a Will roll with
1 bane, thereby becoming immune to Void Gaze for
every which way. One might also hear plaintive cries for mercy 1 hour.
between the mewling, bubbling, and piping noises they make.
Vilest Curse (Magical): If the demonist is not confused or
unconscious at the start of their turn, target one enemy
DEMON SPAWN within 10 yards. The target takes 2d6 damage, and
becomes cursed (luck ends).
MONSTER · DIFFICULTY 4
Fury: A demonist can use Draining Digit, teleport to an empty
Defense: 11, Health: 40 space within 10 yards, or heal 25 damage and end all
Strength: 13 (+3), Agility: 9 (–1) afflictions.
Intellect: 6 (–4), Will: 11 (+1) Fitting End: When the demonist becomes incapacitated, a
tear in reality opens and pale hands come forth to snatch
Size: 2, Speed: 6 its body and drag it into the yawning darkness. A type
Senses: Dark Vision I demon emerges from the gap, with the tear closing
behind it. The demon treats all other creatures as enemies
Immune: frightened, stunned and takes its turn immediately.
Appalling Eruption: When the demon spawn’s damage
total reaches 10, 20, and 30, a glistening, toothy tentacle ACTIONS
emerges from its body. Tentacles gained from this trait fall Melee Attack—Dagger · Thrown 5: Agility (+0) with 1 boon
off and rot away when the demon spawn’s damage total (1d6)
drops beneath the listed thresholds.
Draining Digit (Magical): The demonist targets one enemy
ACTIONS within 10 yards. The target loses 3d6 Health. Once the
demonist uses this talent, they lose access to it (luck
Melee Attack—Claws, Teeth, Tentacles: Strength (+3) with ends).
1 boon (4d6)
Spider Fountain (Magical): The demonist summons spiders
Multiple Attacks: The demon spawn makes one Claws, inside their enemy. Target one enemy within 10 yards. The
Teeth, Tentacles attack plus an additional attack for each target takes 4d6 damage, and the demonist makes an
toothy tentacle gained from Appalling Eruption. Intellect (+5) roll with 1 boon against the target’s Strength.
On a success, red demonic spiders boil out of the target’s
mouth, nose, and ears, causing it to take 6d6 damage and
Demonist become frightened of the demonist (luck ends).
Demonist Blight (Magical): Darkness enfolds the demonist’s
enemy. Target one enemy within 10 yards. Make an
Demonists peer into the Void to discover reality’s secrets and
Intellect (+5) roll with 1 boon against the target’s Agility.
apprehend magic beyond anything found in the mortal world. On a success, the target takes 3d6 damage and is
Such knowledge comes at a terrible price, however. The demonist cloaked in darkness until the end of the demonist’s next
becomes erratic, malicious, and cruel, as demonic influences rav- turn, during which time the target is totally obscured and
age their body, causing appalling mutations that range from extra blinded.
eyeballs to spare mouths. The demonist suffers the self-inflicted Demonic Congress (Magical): Clawed hands reach out from
blight, believing that they stand at the precipice of attaining god- the Void to pull a person apart. Target one enemy within
like power. 10 yards. Make an Intellect (+5) roll with 1 boon against
the target’s Strength. On a success, the target takes 10d6
damage. If the target becomes incapacitated from this
DEMONIST damage, it dies and the hands rip the target into quivering
chunks. Once the demonist uses this talent, it loses access
HUMAN · DIFFICULTY 8 to it for 1 minute.
Defense: 10, Health: 100 END OF THE ROUND
Strength: 11 (+1), Agility: 10 (+0) Whispers from the Void: Roll a d6. On a 1, the demonist
Intellect: 15 (+5), Will: 13 (+3) becomes confused until the end of the next round. On a
Bestiary

6, the demonist makes attribute rolls and luck rolls with 2

Size: 1, Speed: 5 boons, and its attacks and damage-dealing effects deal
Languages: Arcane, Archaic, Common, Sylvan an extra 2d6 damage until the end of the next round.
Senses: Dark Vision
Immune: controlled, frightened, stunned

150
Dev il
The Adversary made the devils to harvest souls from the mortal world, but the ancient compact that binds fiends to the Netherworld
prevents devils from carrying out their work. They must be summoned. Luckily, the means for doing so has a way of reaching those in
need. Devils negotiate with their summoners with the intent of gaining one or more souls as part of the bargain. The Adversary invests
them with the magic they need to carry out tasks on their summoners’ behalf. Such tasks might be supplying them with information,
murdering someone, bringing forth riches, or something else. Always does the devil exact a price, however, and that price is usually a soul.
Scarlet skin, black lips and teeth, horns, and fiery eyes make devils unmistakable. They have furred legs that end in cloven hooves, while
slender tails extend from the base of their spines to terminate in a spade-like growth. Polite to a fault, empathetic even, devils help any
who call upon them and never make a judgment about the service requested. They are all friendliness and sympathy until the time comes
to collect the debt.

DEVIL Dark Temptation (Magical): When an ally starts its turn

within 10 yards of the devil and can hear what the devil
FIEND · DIFFICULTY 16 says, the devil enlists that ally’s aid. Make an Intellect (+6)
roll with 1 boon against the ally’s Will. On a success, the
Defense: 18, Health: 120 target becomes controlled by the devil (luck ends). On a
Strength: 14 (+4), Agility: 11 (+1) failure, the target becomes immune to Dark Temptation for
1 hour.
Intellect: 16 (+6), Will: 12 (+2)
Size: 1, Speed: 6
Languages: Tongues
Senses: True Vision
Immune: confused, controlled, frightened, on fire, stunned;
damage from cold, damage from fire; infection
Dreadful Allure: When an enemy starts its turn with line
of sight to the devil, that enemy makes a Will roll. On a
success, the enemy becomes immune to Dreadful Allure
for 1 hour. On a failure, the enemy becomes the devil’s
ally until the devil becomes incapacitated or the enemy is
harmed by the devil.
Protection from Magic: The devil imposes 1 bane on rolls
against it from magical effects and it rolls to resist or end
magical effects with 1 boon.
Masterful Disguise (Magical): At the start of its turn if it is
not unconscious, the devil can transform into a human-
shaped being of any flesh-and-blood ancestry and remain
in this form until it assumes a new one, it takes damage
from silver, or it becomes unconscious. While under the
effects of this talent, the devil loses its Dreadful Allure, but
otherwise uses its normal rules.
Silver Vulnerability: A fiend loses 1d6 Health whenever it is
harmed by a silvered weapon.
ACTIONS
Melee Attack—Claws: Strength (+4) with 1 boon (6d6)
Hellfire Spray (Magical): The devil sprays blue-black flames
from its hands. Target one creature within 15 yards. The
target takes 1d6 damage. Then, make an Intellect (+6) roll
with 1 boon against the target’s Agility. On a success, the
target takes an extra 5d6 damage, and catches fire and
becomes held (luck ends both).
Two Attacks: The devil makes two Claws attacks. It can use
Chapter 3

Hellfire Spray in place of one of these attacks.

REACTIONS
Pinning Gaze (Magical): When an enemy starts its turn with
line of sight to the devil, make a Will (+2) roll against that
enemy’s Will. On a success, the enemy becomes held until
it loses line of sight to the devil, it overcomes the affliction
with a success on a Will roll, or the devil dies. On a failure,
the enemy becomes immune to this trait for 1 hour.

151
 to bring misfortune to its summoner. Strict parameters can make
HARVESTING SOULS
the roll more difficult, while loose or no restrictions can grant an
A devil can use an action to claim the soul of one creature to whom automatic success. No matter what, though, a devil who has agreed
its soul belongs provided that creature is within 5 yards. The creature to a service will carry it out to the best of its ability.
dies and its burning soul emerges from the body so that the devil can COMPANIONSHIP: A devil can be convinced to accompany the
take it. This action enables the devil to heal all damage, regain all lost summoner for a time, but usually for no more than a number of
Health, and make attribute rolls with 1 boon for 1 hour. days equal to the summoner’s level. The devil follows its sum-
moner, watches from the sidelines, and offers advice. It might pro-
Summoning Devils tect its summoner or carry out a particular task while it is bound.
INFORMATION: A devil can impart information the summoner
Devils answer magic used to summon them from the Netherworld. requests. Devils have access to a wide range of secrets, usually
The procedure is easy, the methods available in a wide range of gained from bargains, and readily share this information if it
pamphlets, grimoires, and even holy books. Anyone who follows suits them. Despite this, they are not omniscient; some things
the proper steps can summon a devil. not even they know. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide if the
devil knows something or can discover it, or not.
SERVICE: A devil can be convinced to perform a particular service.
Draw the Circle Examples include arranging the assassination of another mor-
tal, intelligence gathering, theft, hiding something, or retrieving
A summoner should inscribe a circle to hold the devil before the something. A devil will undertake anything for the right price,
summoning begins. The summoner creates a circle of powdered though the time it takes depends on what is requested.
silver worth 1 gp on the surface where the devil shall appear. When GIFTS: Devils can also award infernal gifts, if it’s within their power
finished, the summoner can imbue the circle with magic that gives to do so. Without the promise of a soul, a devil will provide a gift
it power by losing 1d6 Health. The magic remains for 24 hours or worth no more than 100 gp. If offered a soul, the devil provides
until the circle is broken. Any creature summoned to a space inside whatever gift it can to claim the soul. It might increase attributes,
the circle cannot move across the circle by any means, nor can it but no more than by 1 each, increase Health by no more than 6,
use magic to affect creatures, objects, or areas beyond the circle. or grant the knowledge of an expert spell or a spell of a lower tier.

Speak the Mystic Words Selling One's Soul

A devil appears if certain mystic words are spoken. Such words Certain paths assume the characters who take them have already
include naming the devil to be summoned, exhortations for it to bargained away their souls in return for magical knowledge.
appear, and invocations to the gods old and new for protection, The drawbacks of such bargains are shown in the path’s features.
as well as whatever the summoner might be willing to offer. The Others who bargain with devils and surrender their souls become
chanting counts as performing a ritual. damned, which means their soul belongs to the Netherworld
when they die. Being damned has the following effects.

Make the Bargain PARIAH

A damned creature finds children, animals, and servants of the
When the summoner finishes speaking, smoke fills the place where
gods are hostile to it. In addition, it makes rolls to interact in social
the devil appears. Lightning, thunder, wind, and foul odors might
situations with 1 bane.
also accompany the fiend.
A devil sees any summoning as an opportunity to claim a mortal DEVIL’S MARK
soul and is thus amenable to negotiation after a bit of bluster to
maintain appearances. It undertakes any task that will not obvi- The damned creature has a mark somewhere on its body that des-
ously lead to its own destruction in return for binding the sum- ignates its fealty to the Adversary. The mark is often a patch of
moner’s soul. It is unlikely to perform services for anything less discolored skin on a place that can be concealed with clothing. It
than a soul or for creatures who have already promised their souls has no sensation whatsoever; one could push a long needle into
to a different devil. the flesh without causing any discomfort.
Convincing a devil to perform a task without offering a soul CURSED
requires a successful Intellect roll against its Will. The nature of the
service imposes 1 or more banes on the roll as you choose. If the roll A damned creature is cursed. The curse cannot be lifted short of
Bestiary

succeeds, the devil carries out the service exactly as it was negotiated. divine intervention.
Offering a gift to the devil—a sacrifice of life, treasure, knowledge,
DOOM
or magic can make it more willing to undertake the task.
If the devil accepts the bargain, it does everything it can to come If a damned creature dies, its soul travels to the Netherworld. It
out ahead in the deal. It wants to ruin the summoner first and then cannot be restored to life until the fiends agree to release the soul,
escape its mortal master’s service if at all possible so it can corrupt something they are unlikely to do, though an offer of ten times the
others. It exploits any and every loophole, and does whatever it can soul’s value might convince them.

152
Dhampir DHAMPIR ANCESTRY
DHAMPIR
Dhampirs carry the curse of vampirism in their veins. Although
akin to vampires, they remain living, breathing people, but now Size: 1, Speed: 6
saddled with a thirst for fresh blood. Vampires might create dham- Senses: Keen Scent
pirs by accident, being unable to drain their victims fully and with- Immune: poisoned
holding a sampling of their own blood. Other dhampir came from
cursed parents. Natural Weapons: A dhampir can use their teeth as a
single natural melee weapon with the Nimble trait to deal
Dhampirs always appear human and fall within typical ranges 1d6 damage.
of height and weight. After months go by without feeding on
Other Traits: Drink Blood, Sunlight Weakness
blood, a dhampir appears pale and unhealthy. Body mass, color,
and even speech change by denying their thirst. A week of regular
blood feeding, though, can restore vigor to a dhampir and make
them appear at the prime of their life.

Nosferatu
The ability to control the thirst for blood that comes with the vampire’s curse varies with the individual. The most disciplined dhampirs
can go weeks, even months, without a taste, but all too many are enslaved by their appetites and feed whenever they can.
Those who become habitual blood drinkers pose a danger to their communities and face reprisals or death if caught. Once exposed,
they flee for the darkness, vanishing into the catacombs, sewers, and other unwholesome places, where they live among the other scav-
engers and parasites. Dwelling amid rot and squalor takes a toll on these dhampirs until they become ravaged, nasty, bug-ridden, and
blighted with disease. Such dhampirs are nosferatu, outcasts hated by all.

DHAMPIR NOSFERATU
DHAMPIR · DIFFICULTY 2
Defense: 13, Health: 10
Strength: 11 (+1), Agility: 11 (+1)
Intellect: 12 (+2), Will: 8 (–2)
Size: 1, Speed: 6
Languages: Common, Undertongue
Senses: Keen Vision
Immune: poisoned
Sunlight Weakness: If the dhampir starts their turn in a space
lit by sunlight, the dhampir becomes weakened until the
start of their next turn.
ACTIONS
Melee Attack—Fangs: Strength (+1) with 1 boon (1d6)
Drink Blood: When the nosferatu attacks with their fangs
and gets a success against a held, stunned, or unconscious
target or a critical success against a different target, and
the target is a flesh-and-blood creature, the target loses
1d6 Health. Then, for 1 minute, the nosferatu’s Speed
increases by 2 and they make attribute rolls with 1 boon.
Call Rats (Magical): A mass of rats appears on the ground in
a Size 5 space within 10 yards, and they remain there for
1 minute. Any creature on the ground in the target space
when the rats appear or that moves onto that ground
Chapter 3

before the effect ends takes 2d6 damage and makes an

Agility roll. On a failure, the creature takes an extra 2d6
damage. A single effect that deals 10 damage or more to
at least half the target space ends the effect early. Once the
nosferatu uses this talent, it loses access to it for 1 minute.

153
 Dire Wolf
Dire wolves have the shape of ordinary wolves but grow much larger: a typical example reaches up to 6 feet tall at the shoulder and weighs
close to 200 pounds. They have sleek black fur and bright red eyes that shine when they reflect light. Unlike other beasts, dire wolves can
speak, mostly in their own filthy tongue.
Legend claims that the dire wolves were born from the union of the Horned Lord and the Wild Woman in the early days of the world,
but what love they had for their makers withered when the gods favored some of their kind but not others with the ability to change their
shapes. In their bitterness, they warred against their warg kin and hunt them still under the light of the moon.
A great many dire wolves keep alive the old grudges and have been corrupted by them. Rather than hunt and kill in the manner of
other beasts, they work evil on the lands they prowl. They leave droppings to spoil crops, steal livestock, drag off shepherds, and worse.

DIRE WOLF
MONSTER · DIFFICULTY 4
Defense: 13, Health: 40
Strength: 13 (+3), Agility: 12 (+2)
Intellect: 11 (+1), Will: 12 (+2)
Size: 1, Speed: 7 (Strider)
Languages: Dire Wolf
Senses: Keen Scent, Keen Vision
Pack Tactics: A dire wolf rolls against targets that have
already been attacked in the same round with 1 boon.
Spring Away: When the dire wolf uses an action to attack,
it increases its Speed by 2 and becomes Slippery until the
start of its next turn.
ACTIONS
Melee Attack—Teeth: Strength (+3) with 1 boon (3d6)
Savage Throat Rip: A prone, stunned, or unconscious
target takes an extra 3d6 damage.
Knock Down: A target creature of the dire wolf’s Size or
less makes a Strength roll. On a failure, the creature falls
prone and cannot stand up while in the reach of at least
one dire wolf.

Cu Sith
In all the world there is no hound nobler than the cu sith
(coo-shee). The size of a young bullock, with a thick,
shaggy coat of green fur and tightly coiled paws, each
as broad as a human hand, the cu sith moves with
grace and restraint. It never becomes excited, never
behaves like a lesser dog, and barks only when it must.
Highborn elves keep cu sith as companions, and the
beasts sometimes accompany the faerie hunters who
cross the borders between worlds to stalk and bring
down their prey. It’s said that to earn a cu sith’s trust is to
Bestiary

have a companion for life.

A cu sith uses the rules for the dire wolf, but it also
automatically succeeds on rolls it makes to sneak and
speaks Sylvan instead of Dire Wolf.

154
Drag on
Dragons are powerful monsters that embody greed. They have no interests beyond feeding their great appetites and adding to the moun-
tains of wealth they have already accumulated. Dragons breathe fire, most can fly, and all are almost impossible to kill. They come in a
variety of colors; some have four legs, others two, and a few lack any legs at all and instead claw at their foes with the talons sprouting
from their wings. The idea of good or noble dragons is belied by countless examples of their cruelty and hatred.

Instinctive Grab: When the dragon deals damage with

DRAGON a Claw attack while it is flying, it makes a grab attempt
MONSTER · DIFFICULTY 32 against the same target. If the dragon makes a Claw
attack against a target it has grabbed in this way, the roll
Defense: 20, Health: 300 to attack results in an automatic success, and the dragon
Strength: 19 (+9), Agility: 10 (+0) maintains the grab.
Intellect: 16 (+6), Will: 19 (+9) Slashing Tail: When an enemy starts its turn within a number
of yards equal to the dragon’s Size + 2, the dragon can
Size: 10, Speed: 8 (Fly, Slippery) sweep its tail at that enemy. Make a Strength (+9) roll with
Languages: Archaic 1 boon against the enemy’s Defense. On a success, the
enemy takes 6d6 damage and falls prone.
Senses: True Vision
Immune: confused, controlled, stunned
Dragon Roar: At the start of combat, the dragon roars. Each Dragon's Lair
enemy within 10 yards makes a Will roll. On a failure, the
enemy becomes held and frightened of all dragons (luck Places difficult to reach and perilous to explore typify the loca-
ends both). tions where a dragon might make its lair. Volcanic calderas, lava
Dragon Scales: When the result of a roll to attack the dragon tubes, ruins that have slid into a deep ravine, abandoned crum-
is 24 or lower and the dragon is not injured, it takes half bling castles, and similar locations make ideal sites for storing and
the damage. In addition, whenever the dragon takes half guarding wealth. A dragon might recruit other creatures to help
damage from an attack using ordinary weapons, the
attacker makes a luck roll. On a failure, the weapon loses guard its lair, and more than one cult has formed around these
all Health and breaks; if the attacker used an unarmed powerful monsters.
strike, it instead loses 1d6 Health.
POISONOUS FUMES: Noxious gas fills the air inside the dragon’s
Fury: A dragon can use Three Attacks, move, or heal 75 lair. At the end of each round, a breathing creature in the lair,
damage and end all afflictions. other than the dragon, makes a Strength roll with 1 bane. On a
Windborne Dust: When the dragon lands after flying, the success, the creature becomes immune to Poisonous Fumes for
beating of its wings kicks up dust and debris. Each other 1 hour. On a failure, the creature loses 1d6 Health and becomes
creature within 5 yards makes a luck roll and a Strength roll. Strength impaired until the end of the next round. Strong wind
On a failed luck roll, the creature becomes blinded until the clears the fumes from the lair for 1 hour.
end of its next turn. On a failed Strength roll, it falls prone.
FIERY PLUME: Whenever a creature’s attribute roll results in a
ACTIONS
critical failure, flame jets from below the creature, causing it to
Melee Attack—Claw · Slashing: Strength (+9) with 2 boons take 8d6 damage.
(3d6)
Melee Attack—Teeth · Piercing: Strength (+9) with 2 boons OILY SECRETIONS: Pools of oil dot the floor in the dragon’s lair.
(6d6) Whenever the dragon uses Fire Breath, it rolls a d6. On a 5 or 6,
Furnace Breath: On a success or a failure, the target takes the oil in one Size 3 space of the dragon’s choice ignites, filling
2d6 damage from the heat of the dragon’s breath. the space with smoke that lasts for 1 minute. The smoke creates
Critical Success: The target takes an extra 3d6 damage. total obscurement in its space.
Three Attacks: The dragon makes two Claw attacks and one
Teeth attack. A DRAGON'S HOARD
Fire Breath: The dragon exhales fire into a Size 20 space
it can reach. Each creature or object in the target space Dragons covet precious metals and gemstones above all else. Since
takes 10d6 damage, and flammable objects that are they often lair in places hostile to delicate artwork and other fin-
neither worn nor carried catch fire. A creature makes an ery, dragons pass up anything that might become damaged and
Chapter 3

Agility roll with 1 bane. On a failure, it takes an extra

10d6 damage and catches fire (luck ends). Once the thus worthless in favor of more durable goods, which they swallow
dragon uses this trait, it loses access to it (luck ends). and then disgorge on reaching the hoard. Often, precious metals
REACTIONS melt and run together, forming large lumps when they cool.
A typical dragon’s hoard includes the following treasure:
Bloodied Breath: When the dragon is harmed while injured 150,000 cp, 100,000 sp, 50,000 gp, 75,000 gp in various gems and
or when it becomes injured, the dragon regains access to
Fire Breath and uses it immediately. Once the dragon uses jewels, 1d6 magical weapons, 1d6 suits of magical armor, 2d6 odd-
this trait, it loses access to it for 1 minute. ities, and 50,000 gp of other durable valuables.

155
 Drag onet DRAGONET ANCESTRY
DRAGONET
Dragonets claim kinship to the mighty dragons, who dwarf them
Natural Defense: +3
in size, strength, and sheer destructive potential. Ask any dragonet
and they’ll tell you that the larger breed is a woeful throwback to Size: 1/2, Speed: 5 (Fly)
a less enlightened time, and that they remain hopeful that dragons Other Traits: Slight Form, Fragile Flier, Prehensile Tail, Fire
will embrace their cunning and set aside their dreadful tempers to Breath
engage the world as they do: in peace. For ages, the dragonets lived
alongside the peoples of Erth and have found common cause with them.
Their long association with others makes dragonets common sights in most urban centers. Only in the most backward, remote com-
munities do they remain unknown. One can find dragonets in the courts of nobles, performing for change in the village green, or hefting
knapsacks and charging off into the unknown with other adventurers. Dragonets crave excitement and seek it out wherever they go.
Few communities belong exclusively to dragonets, though most people know about the Auld Wood, where the Dragon Queen holds
court over a shimmering lake in whose depths is said to rest a mirror that leads to other worlds. Here, the ancient regent watches over her
children, urging them to good action and to keep the peace with other peoples. Under her guidance, the dragonets avoided conflict with the
wargs, faeries, orcs, and countless others; rather than fight tooth and nail, they discover common interests and find ways to achieve them.
Dragonets share the same physical traits as dragons and other dragon-like beings, but with small compact bodies that reach up to 3
feet long at adulthood and weigh 50 to 60 pounds. They all have long, prehensile tails that serve as extra appendages, small wings that let
them flutter in the air, and needle-sharp teeth and claws. Scales of any color cover their bodies, and most glitter in the light like jewels.

Trickster
Most dragonets avoid confrontations; they seek peace with others. Their gregarious natures and accommodating personalities have
served them well to this end, but when they cannot avoid conflict, they use mischief to teach their enemies lessons they’ll never forget.
Tricksters use magic, traps, and tricks to vex their foes and send them fleeing to safety and sanity.

TRICKSTER
DRAGONET · DIFFICULTY 2
Defense: 13, Health: 10
Strength: 8 (–2), Agility: 13 (+3)
Intellect: 12 (+2), Will: 10 (+0)
Size: 1/2, Speed: 5 (Fly)
Languages: Common
Prehensile Tail: A dragonet can use their
tail as an additional arm. They can use it to
interact with objects, carry objects of Size
1/4 or smaller, and wield off-hand weapons.
Chicanery: If the dragonet trickster is not confused,
controlled, stunned, or unconscious, it can use this
talent to make attribute and luck rolls with 1 boon
until the start of its next turn or target one creature
within 5 yards. The target makes a Will roll. On
a failure, it becomes confused and vulnerable until
the start of the dragonet’s next turn.
Fire Breath: The dragonet can use this trait when they
attack. In addition to the effects of the attack, the
dragonet targets one creature or object within 5 yards.
The target makes an Agility roll. On a failure, the target
takes 1d6 damage. Once the dragonet uses this trait, they
lose access to it (luck ends).
Bestiary

Slight Form: A dragonet makes Strength rolls with 1 bane

and they grant 1 boon on rolls against their Strength.
Fragile Flier: The dragonet loses the Fly trait while injured.
ACTIONS
Melee Attack—Dagger: Agility (+3) with 1 boon (1d6)

156
Drake ARCHER
The draugr archers act as sentries for draugr lairs. They post up on
Drakes have sleek bodies equipped with large leathery wings that the balconies, galleries, and bridges in the elaborate tomb com-
span as wide as they are long. Hollow bones and rippling muscles plexes they haunt.
make them lissome fliers. Fine scales like those of snakes cover
their bodies, thickening and becoming harder closer to their GUARD
wedge-shaped heads.
It falls to the guards to protect their leaders’ remains and treasures.
Many suppose drakes share a common origin with dragonets
They roam the tunnels of the barrows, searching for robbers.
and dragons, given their appearance. If so, they lack anything close
to the dragonets’ intelligence or the dragons’ greed. They behave CHAMPION
as wild animals, being clever hunters but no smarter than the aver-
age predator. Drakes form packs and work together to bring down Exceptional warriors in life, draugr champions retain their skill
large game. Once they rake their prey to death, they settle down to at arms as they demonstrate with each swing of their massive
feed. If scavengers come near, they squirt poison from their maws weapons.
that burns whatever it touches.
DARK MAGE

DRAKE Scraps of skin cling to the dark mage’s bones and their eyes burn
with eldritch flame. They wield magic to destroy intruders.
MONSTER · DIFFICULTY 4
Defense: 14, Health: 40 HEAVY
Strength: 12 (+2), Agility: 12 (+2) Bigger, tougher, stronger warriors, the heavies come up from the
Intellect: 9 (–1), Will: 11 (+1) darkness to push back intruders who violate the barrows.
Size: 1, Speed: 6 (Fly) DEATH MASTER
Senses: Keen Vision
All draugr in a barrow take orders from the death master who
ACTIONS binds their souls to their bodies. The death master wears scorched
Melee Attack—Fangs: Strength (+2) with 1 boon or 2 boons black plate armor and can use dark magic to brutalize those it
against an injured target (2d6) encounters. It shrieks and cackles in battle, unnerving enemies.
Drake Venom: A flesh-and-blood target makes a Strength
roll with 1 bane. On a failure, it becomes poisoned (luck
ends). DRAUGR ARCHER
Spit Venom: The drake squirts venom from its mouth. Target UNDEAD · DIFFICULTY 2
one flesh-and-blood creature within 10 yards. Make an
Agility (+2) roll against the target’s Agility. On a success, Defense: 13 (leather), Health: 15
the target loses 3d6 Health and becomes blinded and Strength: 10 (+0), Agility: 12 (+2)
poisoned (luck ends both). Then, the drake loses this trait
for 1 minute. Intellect: 10 (+0), Will: 11 (+1)
Size: 1, Speed: 5
Languages: understands Archaic
Draugr Senses: Dark Vision
Immune: asleep, poisoned; exposure, deprivation, infection,
In some cultures, warriors see it as a great honor to accompany suffocation
their lieges to their final resting places. Entrusted with guarding
the remains of their masters, they are sealed inside the tombs to Relentless: When the draugr takes damage from an ordinary
source, it reduces the damage by 1d6 (minimum 0) and
stand vigil in the darkness. The vows they speak bind their souls then loses this trait for 1 minute.
to their bodies and prevent Lord Death from laying claim to them
Divine Doom: A draugr makes luck rolls with 1 bane.
when death finally enfolds them in its cold embrace. They remain,
aware and animate, unliving guardians at the ready to fight any ACTIONS
robbers who would plunder the vaults of the dead. Melee Attack—Short Sword · Piercing: Agility (+2) with
Draugr look like skeletal humans with their skin drawn tight 1 boon (1d6)
Chapter 3

to their bones. Their flesh atrophies until even the skin of the Ranged Attack—Bow · Range 20: Agility (+2) with 1 boon
abdomen pulls back around the pelvis and spine. Their eyes and (2d6)
other soft tissues have all rotted away, making their visages awful END OF THE ROUND
to behold. Dust and cobwebs cling to their bodies, and leather has
become brittle, mail rusted, and blades chipped and corroded. Burned by Sunlight: If the draugr is in a space lit by direct
Draugr draw no breath, so they cannot speak, but their hostile sunlight, it loses 4d6 Health and becomes weakened until
the end of the next round.
intentions are clear.

157
 DRAUGR GUARD DRAUGR DARK MAGE
UNDEAD · DIFFICULTY 2 UNDEAD · DIFFICULTY 4
Defense: 16 (ring, shield), Health: 15 Defense: 12 (leather), Health: 40
Strength: 12 (+2), Agility: 11 (+1) Strength: 12 (+2), Agility: 11 (+1)
Intellect: 10 (+0), Will: 12 (+2) Intellect: 10 (+0), Will: 12 (+2)
Size: 1, Speed: 5 Size: 1, Speed: 5
Languages: understands Archaic Languages: understands Archaic
Senses: Dark Vision Senses: Dark Vision
Immune: asleep, poisoned; exposure, deprivation, infection, Immune: asleep, confused, controlled, frightened, poisoned;
suffocation exposure, deprivation, infection, suffocation
Relentless: When the draugr takes damage from an ordinary Relentless: When the draugr takes damage from an ordinary
source, it reduces the damage by 1d6 (minimum 0) and source, it reduces the damage by 1d6 (minimum 0) and
then loses this trait for 1 minute. then loses this trait for 1 minute.
Divine Doom: A draugr makes luck rolls with 1 bane. Word of Ruin (Magical): At the start of its turn if it’s not
stunned or unconscious, the dark mage speaks a word
ACTIONS of ruin. Target up to three creatures within 5 yards. For
Melee Attack—Sword · Slashing: Strength (+2) with 1 boon each target separately, make a Will (+2) roll with 1 boon
(2d6) against its Strength. On a success, the target takes 2d6
damage, falls prone, and becomes confused (luck ends).
END OF THE ROUND On a failure, it becomes immune to Word of Ruin for 1
hour. Then, the dark mage loses access to this talent (luck
Burned by Sunlight: If the draugr is in a space lit by direct ends)
sunlight, it loses 4d6 Health and becomes weakened until
the end of the next round. Divine Doom: A draugr makes luck rolls with 1 bane.
ACTIONS
DRAUGR CHAMPION Melee Attack—Sword · Slashing: Strength (+2) with 1 boon
(2d6)
UNDEAD · DIFFICULTY 4 Ice Spear (Magical): The dark mage flings an icy spear.
Defense: 15 (mail), Health: 40 Target one creature within 15 yards. Make a Will (+2) roll
with 1 boon against the target’s Strength. On a success,
Strength: 14 (+4), Agility: 11 (+1) the target takes 4d6 damage and becomes held until
Intellect: 10 (+0), Will: 12 (+2) either it overcomes the affliction with a successful Strength
roll or takes 5 damage or more from fire.
Size: 1, Speed: 5
END OF THE ROUND
Languages: understands Archaic
Senses: Dark Vision Burned by Sunlight: If the draugr is in a space lit by direct
sunlight, it loses 4d6 Health and becomes weakened until
Immune: asleep, frightened, poisoned; exposure, deprivation, the end of the next round.
infection, suffocation
Relentless: When the draugr takes damage from an ordinary
source, it reduces the damage by 1d6 (minimum 0) and
then loses this trait for 1 minute.
Divine Doom: A draugr makes luck rolls with 1 bane.
ACTIONS
Melee Attack—Long Sword · Slashing: Strength (+4) with
1 boon (4d6)
REACTIONS
Lethal Advance: When an enemy starts its turn within 5 yards
and the draugr has no enemies in reach, the draugr can
move up to half its Speed toward the enemy that enabled
the use of this talent.
Bestiary

END OF THE ROUND

Burned by Sunlight: If the draugr is in a space lit by direct
sunlight, it loses 4d6 Health and becomes weakened until
the end of the next round.

158
 Scorching Blast (Magical): The death master causes fire to
DRAUGR HEAVY explode inside one Size 5 space within 20 yards. Each
UNDEAD · DIFFICULTY 4 creature and object in that space takes 4d6 damage. A
creature makes a luck roll. On a failure, it takes an extra
Defense: 16 (breastplate), Health: 40 2d6 damage and catches fire (luck ends).
Strength: 14 (+4), Agility: 10 (+0) Unholy Aid (Magical): The death master invokes aid. Target
one ally within 5 yards. It heals 6d6 damage and it can
Intellect: 10 (+0), Will: 12 (+2) use a reaction to make an attack. Once the death master
Size: 1, Speed: 5 uses this talent, it loses access to it for 1 minute.
Seal Shut the Gates to the Underworld (Magical): Gloom
Languages: understands Archaic spreads out from the death master to fill a Size 10 space
Senses: Dark Vision centered on it with moderate obscurement for 1 minute.
The effect ends early when the death master becomes
Immune: asleep, poisoned; exposure, deprivation, infection, incapacitated. Each creature that ends its turn in the
suffocation affected space and that is not an angel, creation, demon,
Relentless: When the draugr takes damage from an ordinary spirit, or undead loses 1d6 Health, and becomes cursed
source, it reduces the damage by 1d6 (minimum 0) and for as long as it remains in this space. A creature that is not
then loses this trait for 1 minute. an angel, creation, demon, spirit, or undead that becomes
incapacitated in this space dies and rises up as a zombie
Divine Doom: A draugr makes luck rolls with 1 bane. at the end of the round. The zombie regards all draugr
ACTIONS as allies. Once the death master uses this talent, it loses
access to it for 1 minute.
Melee Attack—Great Hammer · Bludgeoning: Strength (+4)
END OF THE ROUND
with 1 boon (4d6)
REACTIONS Shrieks and Cackles (Magical): Each enemy within 10
yards makes a Will roll. On a success, the enemy becomes
Sledgehammer Strike: When the draugr heavy gets a failure immune to Shrieks and Cackles for 1 hour. On a failure,
on a roll to attack with a great hammer, it can strike the the enemy becomes frightened of the death master until the
ground instead. Each creature, other than it, on the ground end of the next round.
within 3 yards makes an Agility roll with 1 boon. On a Burned by Sunlight: If the draugr is in a space lit by direct
failure, the creature falls prone. Then, the draugr heavy sunlight, it loses 4d6 Health and becomes weakened until
loses access to this talent for 1 minute. the end of the next round.
END OF THE ROUND
Burned by Sunlight: If the draugr is in a space lit by direct
sunlight, it loses 4d6 Health and becomes weakened until
the end of the next round.

DRAUGR DEATH MASTER

UNDEAD · DIFFICULTY 8
Defense: 16 (plate and mail), Health: 60
Strength: 13 (+3), Agility: 11 (+1)
Intellect: 13 (+3), Will: 14 (+4)
Size: 1, Speed: 5
Languages: understands Archaic
Senses: Dark Vision
Immune: asleep, confused, controlled, frightened, poisoned;
exposure, deprivation, infection, suffocation
Relentless: When the draugr takes damage from an ordinary
source, it reduces the damage by 1d6 (minimum 0) and
then loses this trait for 1 minute.
Leadership: Each ally within 5 yards rolls to attack with
1 boon.
Chapter 3

Divine Doom: A draugr makes luck rolls with 1 bane.

Ruinous End (Magical): When the death master becomes
incapacitated, each draugr ally within 1 mile loses 3d6
Health.
ACTIONS
Melee Attack—Long Sword · Slashing: Strength (+3) with
1 boon (3d6)

159
 Dryad Duergar
The daughters of Grandfather Tree have no love for outsiders, Faeries shackled to old grievances run the risk of becoming duer-
especially if the trespassers happen to be mortals. They happily gar, wicked beings who loathe mortals so much they can’t even
water the roots of their beloved trees with the blood of their look them in the eye. When around such people, duergar go off
enemies if given any excuse. As much as they enjoy tearing apart on tirades about offenses they have endured at mortal hands,
their enemies, they do fear for the trees they tend and thus leave which have nothing to do with the individual forced to endure
warnings aplenty that the woods are under their protection. their abuse, and spit, curse, and make crude gestures. They have an
Such warnings include hanged corpses, skulls along a path, rust- uncanny ability to find a person’s failings and bring them up in as
ing weapons left in a pile, or effigies of the Green Man placed on cutting a way as possible. In fact, people who have suffered a duer-
their territory’s borders. gar’s attentions claim they have never been able to feel clean again.
Dryads have two forms. In one they appear as young trees. They Insults are one thing, but the only way a riled-up duergar can
can spend years in this form, entangling their roots with those of calm down is to spill blood—and who better to kill than the stu-
their sisters and of their god and maker, sharing in one collective pid humans who made them so angry in the first place? Duergar
dream. The other form, adopted only when they must, is that of might be unreasonable, but they’re no fools. They know when
fierce maidens dressed in raiment of the woods: leaves, lichen, dirt, they’re outmatched. After all, they’re just a foot tall, and that’s only
fungi, and other growths all over their skin and bodies. Long poi- when they stand up straight, which they almost never do. Rather
soned claws extend from their fingertips. than confront big, full-grown mortals, duergar use magic to lead
When they speak, their voices sound like the creaking of wood their victims away and then kill them at their leisure.
and the groans and rustling noises trees make when the wind Duergar favor leather coats, trousers, fine shoes, and other taste-
blows. ful garb sized for their stature. They wear moss caps decorated
with feathers, which demonstrate tailoring skills. A kind word
DRYAD about their stylishness might stay the faeries’ hand.
ANGEL · DIFFICULTY 4
DUERGAR
Defense: 15, Health: 40
FAERIE · DIFFICULTY 4
Strength: 12 (+2), Agility: 13 (+3)
Defense: 20 (leather), Health: 20
Intellect: 10 (+0), Will: 15 (+5)
Strength: 13 (+3), Agility: 10 (+0)
Size: 1, Speed: 6 (Strider)
Intellect: 11 (+1), Will: 15 (+5)
Languages: Tongues
Size: 1/4, Speed: 5 (Strider)
Senses: Keen Vision
Languages: Common, Sylvan
Immune: asleep, confused, controlled, frightened, poisoned,
stunned; deprivation, exposure, infection, suffocation Senses: Keen Hearing, Keen Vision
Plant Stride: A dryad can move into spaces occupied by Immune: confused, controlled, frightened, stunned; infection
Size 1 and larger plants. When it does, it can exit from any
other space occupied by a Size 1 or larger plant within ACTIONS
10 yards. Melee Attack—Dagger · Thrown 5: Strength (+3) with
Tree Form: If standing on an earthen surface, and the dryad 1 boon (2d6 or 6d6 against a confused target)
is not unconscious and has not yet moved on its turn, the Foolish Obsession (Magical): The duergar speaks a riddle.
dryad can reduce its Speed to 0 and transform into a tree. Target one creature within 15 yards that can hear what
In this form, it knows the location of each creature and the duergar says. Make a Will (+5) roll with 1 boon
object within 15 yards of it. It stays in this form until it ends against the target’s Will. On a success, the target becomes
this effect (no action required). confused for 24 hours. Faeries are immune to this effect.
Flammable: A dryad takes double damage from fire and While confused in this way, the target treats the duergar
rolls to overcome being on fire with 1 bane. as its ally and must, if possible, follow it wherever it goes.
If the target is harmed, the confused affliction ends. On a
ACTIONS failure, the target becomes immune to Foolish Obsession
for 24 hours.
Melee Attack—Toxic Claws · Slashing: Agility (+3) with
1 boon (2d6)
Dryad Poison: A flesh-and-blood target makes a luck roll.
On a failure, it becomes Intellect impaired and poisoned
Bestiary

(luck ends both).

Two Attacks: The dryad makes two Toxic Claws attacks.

160
Dwarf DWARF ANCESTRY
DWARF
The Great Kingdom’s founding in the Old Country came at the
expense of the dwarfs, whose strongholds had stood since before Health: +4
the dark times of the Empire. Rich from precious metals and gem- Size: 1/2, Speed: 5
stones extracted from the bones of the earth, dwarfs riddled the Bonus Language: Dwarfish
lands with miles of passages to feed their appetite for treasure. Senses: Dark Vision
Their delving unearthed old horrors, things buried to keep them
from the light of day. While the dwarfs struggled to contain the Other Traits: Short Legs, Hard Target, Low Center of Gravity,
Superior Constitution
monsters they had released, invading humans struck the compro-
mised strongholds and plundered their vaults. The treasure helped
establish the kingdom that would rule the continent for centuries.
Some dwarfs cling to their old kingdoms, as diminished as they have become, but most left the mountains of their ancestors to live
among the conquerors, enriching themselves by mastery of their people’s trade and custom. Dwarf-forged weapons and armor returned
some dwarfs to their former wealth, but others refused to deal with the treacherous humans or their ilk and cast about for new homes or
spent their days pining for the ones they had lost.
While exceptions exist, most dwarfs see no difference between culture and ancestral identity. Being a dwarf means honoring one’s
ancestors: praying to them, acting with honor, never forgetting a slight, and making things that last to inspire those who come after.
Dwarfs value precious metals and gemstones as rare materials with which they can display their skills, and they produce wondrous trea-
sures to raise the esteem of their peoples. Some might paint them as greedy, vain, and bitter, but dwarfs have pride in themselves, their
people, and their history and never shrink away from telling others what they have done and can do. And these aren’t boasts. When
dwarfs make a promise or speak an oath, they never fail to follow through.
Typical dwarfs stand 3 to 4 feet tall but are strong and tough. They have dense, compact bodies, weighing upwards of 200 pounds,
often muscled, and covered in coarse hair. Facial hair has always been a point of pride with dwarfs, and a well-groomed beard, all silky and
soft, plays a large part in courtship for both potential grooms and brides. Dwarf mothers even carry their newborn babes in swaddling
made from the luxurious growth of their chins.

Deep Warden ACTIONS

Melee Attack—War Hammer · Bludgeoning: Strength (+4)
Protecting the mines and treasure vaults from outsiders falls to the with 2 boons (4d6)
deep wardens. Dwarfs take great pride in belonging to this war- Critical Success: A target creature makes a Strength roll.
rior society. There’s always need for more capable fighters, but the On a failure, the creature is pushed 2 yards and becomes
wardens sift through candidates to weed out the weak and fearful. vulnerable until the end of the dwarf’s next turn.
They permit no one to besmirch their reputations and sacrifice Ranged Attack—Crossbow · Brutal, Range 20, Reload:
their lives to protect their concerns. Agility (+0) with 2 boons (5d6)
REACTIONS
DWARF DEEP WARDEN Shield Bash: If the dwarf has its shield equipped when a
DWARF · DIFFICULTY 8 creature within reach gets a success on a roll to attack the
dwarf, the dwarf swings its shield at that creature. Make
Defense: 17 (mail, shield), Health: 80 a Strength (+4) roll with 1 boon against that creature’s
Strength: 14 (+4), Agility: 10 (+0) Defense. On a success, the creature takes 2d6 damage
and makes an Agility roll. On a failure, the creature falls
Intellect: 11 (+1), Will: 13 (+3) prone.
Size: 1/2, Speed: 5
Languages: Common, Dwarfish
Senses: Dark Vision
Immune: confused, frightened, vulnerable
Hard Target: Impose 1 bane on rolls to attack a dwarf by
creatures larger than them. Dwarfish
Low Center of Gravity: When an ordinary effect would move Dwarfish has many plosive sounds, which makes it
them against their will, the dwarf can make a Strength roll. seem hard, even belligerent. Its written form uses a
Chapter 3

On a success, ignore the effect. runic alphabet that includes some three thousand
In addition, a dwarf counts as being Size 1 for the characters.
purpose of making unarmed attacks and unarmed attacks
made against it.
Superior Constitution: When the dwarf becomes poisoned,
they make a luck roll. On a success, they end the affliction.
Short Legs: When a dwarf runs, they merely double their
Speed score.

161
 Elv es ELF ANCESTRY
ELF, FAERIE
In the world’s earliest days, elves lived in the moment, pursued
their passions, and passed time seeking pleasure and indulging Size: 1, Speed: 6
in it. The troubles, which most elves and other faeries have done Bonus Language: Sylvan
their best to forget, saw elves set aside their childishness to fight Senses: Keen Hearing, Keen Vision
for their existence against the trolls who would have driven them Immune: infection
from creation. And when too much blood had been spilled and
Other Traits: Iron Abhorrence, Protection from Magic,
new threats began to appear in the lands, the elves used their magic Unearthly Grace
to create new homes for their kind, realms hidden behind veils of
magic that no outsider could pierce.
Although faeries generally live in egalitarian societies, the elves’ sacrifice of their innocence saw them drift further and further from
their kin. Rather than run through enchanted forests at play with the talking animals, elves raised cities in the hearts of their hidden
kingdoms. Behind those walls they adopted human customs of status and rank, elevating some to nobility and condemning others to
servitude. While some argue for a return to the old ways, the ancient fey who have ruled for thousands of years show no sign of relaxing
their grip on the reins of power they took up so long ago.
Few people can claim with honesty to have ever set eyes on an elf, let alone exchanged words with one. Sickened by war and death,
many faeries withdrew from mortal lands. The elves have been content to pass their days in the bliss and comfort of the magical kingdoms
they created for themselves.
Despite their predilection toward idleness and decadence, some elves are intrigued by the lands beyond and their people, sometimes
enough to meddle in mortal affairs. With little understanding of the morality to which humans and others cleave, they think nothing
of taking what they want from mortals, be it a particularly fetching urn or a strapping young man whose physique is itself a work of art.
Most elves, after coming of age, undergo a Time of Wandering, in which they travel the realms of Faerie and beyond to see, experience,
and learn as much as they can before returning to the elfin paradise. During this time, some elves forge friendships with other peoples
and might overcome their natural amorality, discovering empathy and even compassion for others. Of course, there are also those who
see only an opportunity to make mischief and wreak havoc. Thus, people who chance to encounter the mercurial faeries use caution.
Elves have humanoid bodies that mortals deem striking for their beauty and perfection, made more appealing by juxtaposition with
stranger physical characteristics. Pointed ears and almond-shaped eyes are common, but an elf could also have the ears of a rabbit, the legs
of a cat, a bushy fox tail, butterfly wings, or might even be hollow inside. Elves stand between 4 1/2 to 5 1/2 feet tall, with slim builds,
weighing no more than 130 pounds.
HIGHBORN
The elves who helped create refuges to benefit their fey kin became the highborn and formed a society of wise, cunning, and powerful
nobles. Treasures, baubles, fine animals, and other things of beauty, inherent value, or artistic achievement—the highborn take what they
want and abandon their treasures when something more interesting comes along. If a mortal catches their fancy, they see nothing wrong
with bewitching the person and keeping them locked away for decades.

FEY KNIGHT
Quests take fey knights into the mortal lands and beyond. Some seek to win the hands of paramours who stole their hearts; others fight
to shed some ignoble debt. There are those who seek the glory of recovering a lost relic, and those who simply want to alleviate the ennui
that comes from living forever. Whatever the mission, the fey knights strive to complete it, no matter the cost.
Fey knights wear ornate bronze armor, with stylized helmets whose visors look like their faces or those of mortals, other faeries, or even
animals. They ride lively warhorses, accoutered in the faeries’ colors, and protected by silvery mail or bronze plates.

WILD HUNTER
On certain nights of the year, from the hidden realms come forth faeries armed with spears, swords, and bows, along with great hounds,
to capture as many mortals as they can. They burst through doors and drag their prisoners away, man or woman, old or young, never to
be seen again. Folklore claims that the faeries must pay a tithe to the Adversary, while others believe they steal mortals to turn them into
more faeries. Whatever the reasons, when the Wild Hunt begins, fear reigns. Only those who protect their homes with iron can keep
these hunters at bay.
Bestiary

162
ELF HIGHBORN D6 EFFECT

ELF, FAERIE · DIFFICULTY 16 1 The target falls prone and becomes stunned until the end of
its next turn.
Defense: 16, Health: 120
2 The target dances 5 yards away from the highborn and be-
Strength: 12 (+2), Agility: 16 (+6) comes held until the end of its next turn.
Intellect: 16 (+6), Will: 13 (+3) 3 An uncontrollable fit of laughter causes the target to become
Size: 1, Speed: 6 (Strider, Teleport 4) weakened until the end of its next turn.
Languages: Archaic, Common, Sylvan 4 The target harms itself as a show of devotion to the highborn.
Senses: Keen Hearing, Keen Vision The target loses 3d6 Health.

Immune: confused, controlled, stunned; infection 5 The target becomes frightened of the highborn until either
it overcomes the affliction with a successful Will roll or the
Bewitching Glamer (Magical): At the start of their turn, if highborn dies.
they are not unconscious, each enemy with line of sight to
the highborn makes a Will roll. On a success, the enemy 6 The target becomes controlled by the highborn (luck ends).
becomes immune to Bewitching Glamer for 1 hour. On a
failure, the enemy becomes confused and vulnerable for
24 hours. If the enemy sees the highborn become injured
or be harmed while injured, the enemy can make a Will
roll. On a success, the afflictions end and the enemy
becomes immune to Bewitching Glamer for 1 hour.
Protection from Magic: The elf imposes 1 bane on rolls
against them from magical effects. They roll to resist or end
magical effects with 1 boon.
Unearthly Grace: When the elf makes an Agility roll or
Intellect roll in combat, they can use this talent to add 5
to the result. Once they use this trait, they lose access to it
for 1 minute.
Fury: A highborn can use Deranged Revelry, teleport to an
empty space within 20 yards, or heal 30 damage and end
all afflictions.
Iron Abhorrence: Whenever an elf takes damage from a
weapon made of iron or an alloy of iron, they become
weakened until the end of their next turn
ACTIONS
Melee Attack—Short Sword · Piercing: Agility (+6) with
3 boons (6d6)
Two Attacks: The highborn makes two Short Sword attacks.
Mental Invasion (Magical): The highborn attempts to
burrow into another’s mind. Target one creature within
10 yards. The target takes 5d6 damage. Then make an
Intellect (+6) roll with 1 boon against the target’s Will.
On a success, the target takes an extra 5d6 damage,
and the highborn knows everything that has happened
to the target during the last 24 hours. In addition, the
highborn makes attribute rolls against the target with 1
boon forever. On a failure, the target becomes immune
to Mental Invasion for 24 hours.
Deranged Revelry (Magical): Target any number of creatures
within 5 yards. A target makes a Will roll. A confused
target rolls with 3 banes. On a success, the target becomes
immune to Deranged Revelry for 1 hour. On a failure, roll a
d6 to see what it does.
Chapter 3

163
 Protection from Magic: The elf imposes 1 bane on
ELF FEY KNIGHT rolls against them from magical effects. They roll to
ELF, FAERIE · DIFFICULTY 8 resist or end magical effects with 1 boon.
Unearthly Grace: When the elf makes an Agility roll
Defense: 19 (plate, shield), Health: 60 or Intellect roll in combat, they can use this talent
Strength: 14 (+4), Agility: 12 (+2) to add 5 to the result. Once they use this trait, they
lose access to it for 1 minute.
Intellect: 12 (+2), Will: 14 (+4)
Iron Abhorrence: Whenever an elf takes damage
Size: 1, Speed: 6 from a weapon made of iron or an alloy of iron,
Languages: Archaic, Common, Sylvan they become weakened until the end of their next
Senses: Keen Hearing, Keen Vision turn.
Immune: frightened; infection ACTIONS
Knight’s Challenge: At the start of combat if the knight is not confused, Melee Attack—Sword · Slashing: Strength (+4) with
controlled, stunned, or unconscious, it can issue a challenge. 1 boon (4d6)
Target one enemy within 10 yards that can hear the knight. The Melee Attack—Lance · Long, Special: Strength (+4)
enemy makes a Will roll with 2 banes. On a failure, the enemy with 1 boon (4d6)
rolls to attack targets other than the knight with 1 bane. The effect
lasts until the combat ends, the knight becomes incapacitated, or Ranged Attack—Shortbow · Range 20: Agility (+2)
the target becomes incapacitated. with 1 boon (3d6)
Two Attacks: The fey knight makes two Sword or
Shortbow attacks.
REACTIONS
Shield Block: If the elf knight has a shield equipped
when an enemy attacks them and the fey knight can
see the attacking enemy, the fey knight imposes
1 bane on the roll. If the roll results in a failure,
the fey knight can attack that enemy. Then, the fey
knight loses access to this talent (luck ends).

ELF WILD HUNTER

ELF, FAERIE · DIFFICULTY 2
Defense: 14 (leather), Health: 10
Strength: 11 (+1), Agility: 12 (+2)
Intellect: 11 (+1), Will: 10 (+0)
Size: 1, Speed: 6 (Strider)
Languages: Sylvan
Senses: Keen Hearing, Keen Vision
Immune: infection
Protection from Magic: The elf imposes 1 bane on
rolls against them from magical effects. They roll to
resist or end magical effects with 1 boon.
Unearthly Grace: When the elf makes an Agility roll
or Intellect roll in combat, they can use this talent
to add 5 to the result. Once they use this trait, they
lose access to it for 1 minute.
Iron Abhorrence: Whenever an elf takes damage
from a weapon made of iron or an alloy of iron,
they become weakened until the end of their next
turn
ACTIONS
Bestiary

Melee Attack—Spear · Thrown 5: Strength (+1) with

1 boon (2d6)
Ranged Attack—Shortbow · Range 20: Agility (+2)
with 1 boon (2d6)

164
Erinyes
Blind embodies the virtues of truth and justice, so she tasks her servants with upholding the laws of the land. It falls to them to punish
the most egregious oathbreakers and protect the innocent from their depredations. Even in lands where the High One holds sway,
Blind’s images appear in courthouses, while her altars and icons stand inside the constable precincts to remind the officers of their sacred
duty. Blind leaves mortals to sort their own affairs, but her wrath is awakened by egregious violations of the natural laws that ensure the
stability of reality by those who would corrupt or subvert order for their own ends. When angered, she sends forth the erinyes to exact
vengeance in her name.
Erinyes appear as tall, pasty-white female humans dressed in blood-drenched and soot-stained robes that might once have been white.
Great feathery wings carry them through the air. Hatred contorts their features.

ERINYES Two Attacks: The erinyes makes two Blazing Sword attacks
or two Bow attacks. The erinyes can use Burning Shackles
ANGEL · DIFFICULTY 16 in place of one of these attacks.
Burning Shackles (Magical): The erinyes hurls fiery shackles.
Defense: 18, Health: 120 Target one creature within 15 yards. The target takes 5d6
Strength: 13 (+3), Agility: 13 (+3) damage. Then, make a Will (+3) roll with 1 boon against
the target’s Agility. On a success, the target catches fire
Intellect: 13 (+3), Will: 13 (+3) and becomes held (luck ends both). Once the erinyes uses
Size: 1, Speed: 8 (Fly) this talent, it loses access to it for 1 minute.
Languages: Tongues
Senses: True Vision
Immune: asleep, confused, frightened, poisoned, stunned;
deprivation, exposure, infection, suffocation
Protection from Magic: The erinyes imposes 1 bane on rolls
against it from magical effects and it rolls to resist or end
magical effects with 1 boon.
Inevitable Justice (Magical): At the start of its turn, the
erinyes can use this talent to bestow a weighty curse.
Target one enemy it can see. The target becomes cursed
until either the erinyes or it becomes incapacitated, or the
erinyes uses this talent again. At the end of the round, if
an enemy cursed in this way is not within 15 yards, the
erinyes teleports to an empty space within 5 yards of that
enemy.
Cruel Tormentor: When the erinyes harms a creature, it can
use this talent to gain another use of an action for use
during its turn or the action is lost. Once the erinyes uses
this talent, it loses access to it (luck ends).
ACTIONS
Melee Attack—Blazing Sword · Slashing (Magical):
Strength (+3) with 2 boons (6d6)
Flames: A creature or object takes 2d6 damage from the
sword’s flames.
Unravel Courage: A target creature makes a Will roll. On a
success, the target becomes immune to Unravel Courage
for 1 hour. On a failure, the target becomes frightened of
the erinyes and vulnerable until it overcomes the affliction
with a success on a Will roll or the erinyes dies.
Ranged Attack—Bow with Flaming Arrows · Piercing,
Range 100 (Magical): Agility (+3) with 1 boon (5d6)
Chapter 3

Flames: A creature or object takes 2d6 damage from the

arrow’s flames.
Critical Success: The target catches fire (luck ends).

165
 Faun FAUN ANCESTRY
FAUN
Fauns live in forests across the borderlands and beyond. According
to the old lore, the Wise Woman created fauns in the likeness of Size: 1, Speed: 6 (Strider)
her lover, the Horned Lord, and gave them dominion over the Bonus Language: Sylvan
wild places in the world. There they have lived, brooking no tres- Senses: Keen Hearing
pass into their territory, fiercely defending their lands and people. Other Traits: Animal Friendship, Avoidance
In recent days, however, something changed, and now fauns are
emerging from their homelands.
Fomorian attacks against faun communities drove the change in attitude toward others. Faun leaders realized isolation would mean
extinction, so they reached out to the wargs, centaurs, and other wild peoples to form an alliance against the ravagers. This first step has
allowed them to see other ways of doing things and seeded an interest in other cultures that has only recently borne fruit. Fauns remain
rare in the free cities, but more are arriving on errands of commerce and peace.
Fauns still guard the routes to their communities, employing wild beasts and magic to conceal the paths they use to come and go.
Preserving their environment and honoring nature govern how they conduct themselves in the wild. Fauns claim the Horned Lord gave
them license to use what they need, but they know not to test their god’s wrath by taking his gifts for granted. Respect for the environ-
ment, cultivation, and conservation are the cornerstones of their societies.
Typical fauns stand between 4 and 5 feet tall on backward-bending legs that end in cloven hoofs. They have spare frames, with weight
ranging between 90 and 140 pounds. Thick, wiry fur covers their legs until it reaches their waists, where it gives way to smooth skin. Hair
covers their arms and grows thickly on their heads. Male fauns have curling horns, and most have facial hair. Fur coloration runs from
silver-white to black, while skin color has the same shades as among humans. Tattooing and scarification are common, with images and
words chosen to capture important moments in their lives.

Woods Watcher
The woods watchers patrol the borders of faun communities. They
try to eliminate scouts before they can report back or failing that,
lead enemies away from their settlements. In addition to their
great skill at woodcraft and survival, woods watchers are more
worldly than other members of their community thanks to fre-
quent contact with strangers.

FAUN WOODS WATCHER

FAUN · DIFFICULTY 2
Defense: 14 (leather), Health: 20
Strength: 12 (+2), Agility: 13 (+3)
Intellect: 11 (+1), Will: 11 (+1)
Size: 1, Speed: 6 (Strider)
Languages: Common, Sylvan
Senses: Keen Hearing
Animal Friendship: Animals not controlled by other creatures
or effects that meet a faun are friendly to them.
Avoidance: The faun imposes 1 bane on rolls against their
Defense and Agility. They lose access to this trait while
they are injured, confused, stunned, and unconscious.
ACTIONS
Melee Attack—Sword · Slashing: Strength (+2) with
Bestiary

1 boon (2d6)
Melee Attack—Dagger · Thrown 5: Agility (+3) with
1 boon (1d6)
Ranged Attack—Longbow · Range 30: Agility (+3) with
1 boon (2d6)
Two Attacks: The faun makes one Sword attack and one
Dagger attack.

166
Fomorians WOLF FOMORIAN: These fomorians combine the physical traits
of wolves and humans. Their lupine heads emerge from thick
necks that flow into hairless humanoid forms. Being stronger
Fomorians might once have been ordinary people, but the transfor- and tougher than others, they have access to superior equip-
mation into their present forms stripped them of all that was good ment; most wear mail shirts overtop leather or hide coverings.
and noble, leaving them spiteful, venal, and wholly irredeemable. Battle scars mar their bodies, left from fights among themselves
They worship demons. They kill for sport. They make nothing, grow as well as against enemies.
nothing, build nothing. They take what they want, exploit or tor- Wolf fomorians form large packs. A dominant member takes
ment their prisoners before eating them, and then, once they have control and leads with help from several close allies who receive
despoiled the lands, move on to begin again. Fomorians might have gifts in return for their support. The pack leader determines
humanoid shapes, but the amalgamation of beast and human has who eats and who goes hungry. Packs also include one or more
mongrels who carry their banners into battle.
turned them into something wild and unnatural.
Fomorian bands abide by a strict social order, wherein the strong BOAR FOMORIAN: Combining the features of people and wart-
rule the weak. A leader holds all the power until an upstart seizes it. hogs, porcine heads jutting from the shoulders of large human-
Lesser fomorians could easily overpower tyrannical rulers by work- oid bodies, boar fomorians are the worst of their kind. Tusks
ing together, but treachery always undermines such efforts. The least crowd their mouths, and their ears hang like flaps down past
their jowls. Voracious eaters, they carry a bit more bulk, with
subsist on scraps while the powerful enjoy all the spoils of victory.
distended abdomens that hang like skirts over their loins. They
Each tribe worships one of the great demons of the Void, the generally go without armor, since most doesn’t fit well, but they
fomorians modeling their behavior and activities after their mas- need little protection—they’re ferocious in a fight and chop up
ter, and the likeness of the vile power appears in their banners and their enemies with big battleaxes.
painted on their arms and armor. Each band has an altar raised to When not fighting, boar fomorians wallow in shallow pools,
their demon god and quickly stains its stones with the blood of eating, sleeping, and fouling their environment in a pestilential
their victims. stew. Flies fill the air, and the stink drowns out even the malodor-
MONGREL: Faced with short, harrowing lives defined by want
ous atmosphere of a fomorian camp. Boar fomorians have strong
and unmet need, mongrels exist as a fractious, treacherous peo- constitutions, so they never fall ill, but diseases bred in their
ple. They turn on each other with little provocation and make waters sometimes spread to the other fomorians and winnow
do by eating their sick and injured. Sickness riddles their ranks. their numbers until the whole band must pick up and move.
Poor living conditions reduce them to skin and bones. Most BEAR FOMORIAN: These hulking fomorians combine the fea-
have some deformity, such as a twisted limb, a strange growth, a tures of bears and people. As with other fomorians, the animal
stunted body, or some other physical malady. In addition, they head replaces the human one and blends into a muscled, hirsute
display a wide range of animal characteristics. Some have the body. Bear fomorians’ upper bodies are so large and broad that
heads of birds, bats, or snakes, while others have fur, scales, or they walk with a stoop, heads thrust forward on thick necks.
feathers on their bodies. They have comparatively short legs with feet that end in long
GOAT FOMORIAN: The goat-headed fomorians, also called claws. Many bear fomorians wear hooded cloaks and favor light
satyrs, rank just above the mongrels, but their station offers few armor for stealth.
luxuries. Like mongrels, goat fomorians face abuse and exploita- Bear fomorians have little love for their kin, and only fear
tion by others and receive only the dross from any raid. No satyr of reprisals from the spirit callers keeps them in check. Even
can stand to see its fellow succeed, so most hide their victories though they join the larger bands in times of battle, they keep
and keep their own counsel lest others murder and eat them. apart from the mess and chaos of fomorian camps. Bear fomo-
Goat fomorians stand about 4 feet tall and have scrawny bod- rians consider themselves civilized and converse with their vic-
ies covered in patchy fur. They have goatish heads, some with tims as they dine on them, starting with the toes and working
horns, others without. Most carry weapons of crude manufac- their way up until conversation becomes impossible.
ture or arms taken from enemies they killed. BULL FOMORIAN: Bands of any significant size always include
SPIRIT CALLER: In a society where the strong hold all the power, at least one of the dreaded bull fomorians. Each stands upwards
it might seem strange that fomorians look to the spirit callers of 8 feet tall and weighs as much as 500 pounds, and nearly all
for guidance. Spirit callers win their positions after surviving of that weight is muscle. They have overlarge bull heads from
possession by their demonic masters, and from those encoun- which emerge long, sharp horns. Most have brands and scars on
ters gain knowledge of dread magic with which they exert their their bodies, shaped in symbols to evoke the demons’ blessings.
influence over the band. This phenomenon belongs to the goat Bull fomorians would rule if not for their lack of wit. Instead,
fomorians only, and few survive the “holy” experience. The ones they fight and, when not fighting, live in luxury, enjoying the
who do lose all their body hair, and their skin turns bone white, fine things the other fomorians offer them. The spirit callers
scrawled with symbols related to their demonic patron. Their know their value and work to keep these monsters placated.
horns grow huge and spiraling, while their eyes turn completely
Chapter 3

black. Once elevated, spirit callers cover themselves in robes of FOMORIAN

human skin and don elaborate demonic masks.
Spirit callers retain something of their former personalities, Fomorians speak a crude language full of snarls, barks, and hoots.
but their brutishness, cruelty, and selfishness motivate them The written version features runic symbols not unlike those used
to push the fomorians into battle against all they encounter, in Dwarfish.
whether they need food and supplies or not. Spirit callers can
impart some of the demons’ influence on their underlings, giv-
ing them great strength at a terrible price.

167
 MONGREL FOMORIAN FOMORIAN SPIRIT CALLER
MONSTER · DIFFICULTY 1 MONSTER · DIFFICULTY 4
Defense: 10, Health: 10 Defense: 12 (leather), Health: 60
Strength: 9 (–1), Agility: 10 (+0) Strength: 11 (+1), Agility: 11 (+1)
Intellect: 8 (–2), Will: 6 (–4) Intellect: 12 (+2), Will: 13 (+3)
Size: 1, Speed: 6 Size: 1, Speed: 5
Languages: Fomorian Languages: Common, Fomorian
Senses: Keen Vision Senses: Keen Vision
Vicious Mob: If 10 mongrel fomorians or more start their Leadership: Each ally within 5 yards rolls to attack with
turn in the same Size 5 space, they can combine their turn 1 boon.
and act as a single creature. If the mob uses an action
to attack, target any number of creatures in their space Howling Darkness (Magical): When the spirit caller is
or within 1 yard of it, and roll for each attack separately, harmed, it can use this talent to rise a few feet into the air
with 3 boons. On a success, the attack deals an extra 1d6 and then scream. Each creature within 5 yards becomes
damage. deafened (luck ends). Then, magical darkness spreads out
from the spirit caller’s body to fill a Size 5 space centered
ACTIONS on it until the end of the round. The darkness creates total
obscurement in the space. At the end of the round, the
Melee Attack—Spear · Thrown: Strength (–1) (2d6) spirit caller returns to the ground, and each enemy within 5
yards makes a Will roll. On a failure, the enemy becomes
frightened of the spirit caller until it overcomes the affliction
GOAT FOMORIAN with a successful Will roll. Finally, the spirit caller loses
access to this talent for 1 minute.
MONSTER · DIFFICULTY 1
ACTIONS
Defense: 12, Health: 10
Melee Attack—Skull Staff: Will (+3) with 1 boon (4d6)
Strength: 10 (+0), Agility: 11 (+1)
Critical Success: A target creature becomes Strength
Intellect: 9 (–1), Will: 9 (–1) impaired (luck ends).
Size: 1, Speed: 6 Thunderous Blast (Magical): Thunder booms where the
spirit caller chooses. Target one Size 5 space within 15
Languages: Fomorian
yards. Each object in the space takes 3d6 damage. Each
Senses: Keen Vision creature in the space takes 1d6 damage and makes a
Revel in Carnage: The goat fomorian rolls to attack with Strength roll. On a failure, the creature takes an extra 2d6
1 boon while within 5 yards of at least one injured ally. damage and becomes confused (luck ends).
The Eye of the Beast Falls Upon You! (Magical): The spirit
ACTIONS caller singles out an ally to suffer. Target one fomorian ally
Melee Attack—Short Sword · Piercing: Agility (+1) (1d6) within 15 yards. The target becomes cursed. While cursed
in this way, the target rolls to attack with 1 boon and its
Ranged Attack—Javelin · Thrown 10: Strength (+0) (1d6) attacks deal an extra 2d6 damage. At the end of each
round, though, the target loses 1d6 Health. The spirit caller
loses access to this talent (luck ends).

WOLF FOMORIAN
MONSTER · DIFFICULTY 2
Defense: 15 (mail), Health: 20
Strength: 12 (+2), Agility: 12 (+2)
Intellect: 9 (–1), Will: 10 (+0)
Size: 1, Speed: 7 (Strider)
Languages: Fomorian
Senses: Keen Scent, Keen Vision
Bestiary

Pack Tactics: A wolf fomorian rolls against targets that have

already been attacked in the same round with 1 boon.
ACTIONS
Melee Attack—Hatchet · Brutal, Thrown 5: Strength (+2)
with 1 boon (1d6)
Two Attacks: The wolf fomorian makes two Hatchet attacks.

168
WOLF FOMORIAN PACK LEADER ACTIONS

MONSTER · DIFFICULTY 4 Melee Attack—Sword · Slashing: Strength (+4) with 1 boon

(3d6)
Defense: 15 (mail), Health: 40 Ranged Attack—Crossbow · Brutal, Range 20, Reload:
Strength: 14 (+4), Agility: 12 (+2) Agility (+0) with 1 boon (3d6)
Intellect: 10 (+0), Will: 11 (+1) Two Attacks: The bear fomorian makes two Sword attacks.
Size: 1, Speed: 7 END OF THE ROUND

Languages: Fomorian Bloodthirsty Aggression: If the bear fomorian isn’t confused,

controlled, stunned, or unconscious, it can gain an action
Senses: Keen Scent, Keen Vision and use it immediately. Once it uses this talent, it loses
Hateful Howl: At the start of the pack leader’s turn, if it’s not access to it (luck ends).
confused, controlled, stunned, or unconscious, the pack
leader howls. Each ally within 15 yards becomes immune
to the frightened affliction and deals an extra 1d6 damage BULL FOMORIAN
on its attacks. At the end of each round, roll a d6. On a 3
or lower, the effect ends. Once the pack leader uses this MONSTER · DIFFICULTY 16
talent, it loses access to it for 1 minute.
Defense: 12, Health: 200
Leadership: Each ally within 5 yards rolls to attack with
1 boon. Strength: 15 (+5), Agility: 10 (+0)
Pack Tactics: A wolf fomorian pack leader rolls against Intellect: 8 (–2), Will: 12 (+2)
targets that have already been attacked in the same round Size: 3, Speed: 6 (Strider)
with 1 boon.
Languages: Fomorian
ACTIONS
Senses: Keen Scent, Keen Vision
Melee Attack—Great Axe · Brutal: Strength (+4) with Immune: confused, stunned
1 boon (4d6)
ACTIONS
Melee Attack—Great Axe · Brutal: Strength (+5) with
BOAR FOMORIAN 1 boon (8d6)
MONSTER · DIFFICULTY 4 Melee Attack—Horns · Brutal: Strength (+5) with 1 boon
(4d6)
Defense: 12 (shield), Health: 80 Two Attacks: The bull fomorian makes one Great Axe attack
Strength: 13 (+3), Agility: 10 (+0) and one Horns attack.
Intellect: 9 (–1), Will: 11 (+1) Head Butt: Target one creature in reach. The bull fomorian
makes a Strength (+5) roll with 1 boon. On a success, the
Size: 1, Speed: 5 target takes 8d6 damage. If the bull fomorian moves at
Languages: Fomorian least 4 yards before the attack, the target instead takes
16d6 damage, and, if it is Size 1 or smaller, is pushed 3
Senses: Keen Scent, Keen Vision yards and falls prone.
Immune: Strength impaired, weakened REACTIONS
ACTIONS
Sweeping Horns: When an enemy moves within reach, the
Melee Attack—Battle Axe · Brutal: Strength (+3) with bull fomorian can make a Horns attack against that enemy.
2 boons (3d6) END OF THE ROUND
Critical Success: The boar fomorian sweeps its tusks at the
same target. The target makes an Agility roll with 1 bane. Rampage: The bull fomorian rampages until the end of the
On a failure, it takes an extra 1d6 damage. next round. The bull fomorian increases its Speed by 3,
rolls to attack with 2 boons, and its attacks deal an extra
2d6 damage. The bull fomorian loses access to this talent
BEAR FOMORIAN (luck ends).
MONSTER · DIFFICULTY 8
Defense: 15 (brigandine, shield), Health: 80
Strength: 14 (+4), Agility: 10 (+0)
Chapter 3

Intellect: 11 (+1), Will: 12 (+2)

Size: 2, Speed: 6
Languages: Fomorian
Senses: Keen Scent, Keen Vision

169
 Fuath
Bitterness over the faeries’ withdrawal poisoned the fuath’s hearts. It transformed them from beings of unsurpassed beauty who watched
over the pristine waters of streams and lakes into ugly things, consumed by hatred for humans and all who claim kinship with them.
Malice bleeds from their warped bodies and sickens the waters in which they live, mirroring their spite.
Fuaths spend much of their time at the bottom of lakes or ponds, occasionally watching the surface and the fish for signs of someone
boating or standing on the shores. When they detect a trespasser, they drift up to the surface to spy from a distance. Fuaths might stay
hidden if confronted by numerous foes or sing a sweet song to lure a fool into their embrace. They have no capacity for mercy; their
victims might escape, though maimed, or their bones join the rest in the murky depths.
Short, squat bodies covered in yellow fur tangled with slime and clotted with mud give fuaths a mangy appearance. Water bugs crawl
over them, along with the occasional frog or other insect-eating creature. Fuaths have thin membranes between their long fingers and
toes, each of which ends at a sharp black talon. Long, thick tails drag behind them when not swinging to impale prey.

FUATH
FAERIE, AMPHIBIOUS · DIFFICULTY 8
Defense: 12, Health: 80
Strength: 12 (+2), Agility: 11 (+1)
Intellect: 12 (+2), Will: 8 (–2)
Size: 1/2, Speed: 6 (Slippery, Swimmer)
Languages: Sylvan
Senses: Keen Vision
Immune: confused, controlled, stunned; infection
Fury: A fuath can make a Teeth and Claws attack, grant
one creature it has controlled an action and enable that
creature to use it to attack, or heal 20 damage and end
all afflictions.
Sunlight Weakness: If the fuath starts its turn in a space lit by
sunlight, the fuath becomes weakened until the start of its
next turn.
ACTIONS
Melee Attack—Teeth and Claws: Strength (+2) with 1 boon
(6d6)
Fuath Venom: A flesh-and-blood target makes a Will roll.
On a failure, it becomes controlled and poisoned (luck
ends both).
Two Attacks: The fuath makes two Teeth and Claws attacks.
REACTIONS
Tail Slash: When an enemy within a number of yards equal
to the fuath’s Size + 2 moves, the fuath uses its tail to slash
at the enemy. Make a Strength (+2) roll with 2 boons
against the target’s Defense. On a success, the target takes
3d6 damage and falls prone.
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Fungal Hulks
Fungal hulks stomp through the lightless tunnels beneath the borderlands. Wherever they go, spore clouds trail behind them that settle
on dead flesh, take root, and grow more hulks. As a result, the subterranean depths crawl with these strange mobile fungi.
Fungal hulks have humanoid forms with pale, rubbery skin sprouting rusty orange shelves, blue combs, and weird, delicate fronds.
Mops of thick hairlike growths conceal what might be their heads, but these beings have no sentience. They only work to make more of
their kind by infecting creatures with their spores.
SPORES: Anyone exposed to a fungal hulk’s spores suffers the effects of infection after 24 hours. See Shadow of the Weird Wizard for
the rules concerning infection. Fungal hulk spores impose 1 bane on Strength rolls to recover. At the end of each week of infection,
victims find more and more discolored patches on their skins that eventually sprout into fungal growths. When a creature dies from
the infection, these patches become 1d6 fungal buds 1d6 days later.
Buds break off their corpse host when they grow to about 8 inches, then wander off in search of decaying meat or plant matter. It
takes a couple of weeks for a bud to grow to full size and become a hulk. Until that time, it sheds no spores.

FUNGAL HULK
FUNGUS · DIFFICULTY 4
Defense: 9, Health: 60
Strength: 13 (+3), Agility: 9 (–1)
Intellect: 5 (–5), Will: 15 (+5)
Size: 2, Speed: 6
Senses: Awareness 5
Immune: asleep, confused, blinded, deafened, frightened,
Intellect impaired, Will impaired, stunned
Infectious Spores: When the fungal hulk takes 10 damage
or more from a single instance of damage, it releases
spores from its body that spread through a Size 10 space
centered on it. The spores create moderate obscurement
in the space for 1 minute. At the end of each round,
each flesh-and-blood creature in the space makes a
Strength roll. On a success, the creature becomes immune
to infection from fungal hulk spores for 24 hours. On a
failure, it becomes infected with fungal hulk spores.
ACTIONS
Melee Attack—Fist: Strength (+3) with 1 boon (4d6)
Choking Spores: A flesh-and-blood target becomes
vulnerable until the end of the fungal hulk’s next turn.
Two Attacks: The fungal hulk makes two Fist attacks.

FUNGAL BUD
FUNGUS · DIFFICULTY 1
Defense: 6, Health: 10
Strength: 10 (+0), Agility: 9 (–1)
Intellect: 5 (–5), Will: 15 (+5)
Size: 1/4, Speed: 4
Senses: Awareness 5
Immune: asleep, confused, blinded, deafened, frightened,
Chapter 3

Intellect impaired, Will impaired, stunned

ACTIONS
Melee Attack—Fist: Strength (+0) (2d6)

171
 Fungen
In addition to the fungal hulks that cause so much trouble for miners and spelunkers, there are other, older fungi in the warm, moist
grottoes who display something that comes close to human sentience if not its equal. Some believe hulks are related to fungen or are
rogue breakaways from larger fungen colonies; they’re not. Hulks are their own kind.
The intelligence of a fungen colony is directed by the mother, the progenitor of all the different varieties of fungen who toil to pro-
tect the colony. Individual members possess the wherewithal to complete their tasks and problem-solve when needed to carry out their
assigned work if something interferes. Fungen show no signs of ambition beyond their assigned purpose, whether tending the compost
piles, killing and dragging intruders to the mounds dotting their caves, or hunting for prey in the surrounding darkness.
Fungen make rumbling noises, but these should not be mistaken for language. The rumble occurs for unknown reasons.

BUTTON FELLOW FUNGEN BUTTON FELLOW

The button fellows have 2-foot-tall bodies, each surmounted by a FUNGUS · DIFFICULTY 1
small, brown, rounded cap above vaguely humanoid features. They
Defense: 9, Health: 10
have slender arms and legs and work in the refuse piles, using bone
paddles to turn over the compost. Strength: 11 (+1), Agility: 9 (–1)
Intellect: 6 (–4), Will: 15 (+5)
BLUECAP Size: 1/2, Speed: 4
These mushroom folk have wide, white-dotted blue caps extend- Senses: Awareness 10
ing out from the tops of their heads. The fungen mother tasks Immune: asleep, blinded, controlled, deafened
them with protecting the colony from predators.
ACTIONS
PUFFBALL FELLOW Melee Attack—Paddle: Strength (+1) (1d6)
The puffball fellows replenish fungen numbers. When conflict
reduces the population below a sustainable level, the fungen
mother produces puffball fellows to seed the ground with spores FUNGEN BLUECAP
and grow replacements of the kinds the colony needs most. Each is FUNGUS · DIFFICULTY 2
a large round, brown, dimpled ball from which jet spores.
Defense: 11 (shield), Health: 20
JELLIED LAD Strength: 12 (+2), Agility: 9 (–1)
Wet and slimy, jellied lads cling to walls, trees, and fallen debris. Intellect: 8 (–2), Will: 15 (+5)
Close study reveals dark spots in the middle of their brown bod- Size: 1, Speed: 5
ies that suggest faces. These fungen break down rubbish—fallen Senses: Awareness 10
logs, leaves, dead creatures. When an enemy draws near, a jellied
Immune: asleep, blinded, controlled, deafened
lad releases its grip on the surface to which it clings and envelops
its prey. Its digestive enzymes do the rest of the work. ACTIONS
Melee Attack—Poisoned Spear · Thrown 5: Strength (+2)
FUNGEN MOTHER (2d6)
The mother is a pool of white, gloopy soup from which emerge Poison: A flesh-and-blood target makes a Strength roll
long, hairlike tendrils. The creator and ruler of the colony, she with 1 boon. On a failure, it becomes poisoned (luck
ends). If a creature poisoned in this way becomes injured,
spreads out in the darkest, wettest place in the territory. The heat it falls prone, removes the poisoned affliction from itself,
from her mass makes the air humid and reeking. and becomes unconscious for 2d6 hours or until another
The mother knows everything that happens within the colony’s creature uses an action to wake it.
bounds.
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FUNGEN PUFFBALL FELLOW FUNGEN MOTHER
FUNGUS · DIFFICULTY 4 FUNGUS · DIFFICULTY 8
Defense: 7, Health: 80 Defense: 0, Health: 300
Strength: 12 (+2), Agility: 7 (–3) Strength: —, Agility: —
Intellect: 8 (–2), Will: 15 (+5) Intellect: 15 (+5), Will: 15 (+5)
Size: 2, Speed: 4 (Slippery, Strider, Water Walk; no climbing) Size: 10, Speed: 0
Senses: Awareness 10 Languages: understands all
Immune: asleep, blinded, controlled, deafened Senses: Awareness 1 mile
Trample: A puffball fellow can move through spaces
occupied by creatures and objects smaller than it. When Immune: asleep, confused, controlled, blinded, deafened,
it enters a creature’s space, that creature makes an Agility held, Intellect impaired, Will impaired, slowed, stunned,
roll. On a failure, the creature takes 1d6 damage and falls weakened
prone. When it enters an object’s space, the object takes Transformative Spores: The fungen mother fills the air
1d6 damage. A creature or object can be subject to this within 10 yards of its space with spores that create light
fellow’s Trample just once per round. obscurement. A flesh-and-blood creature that starts its
Spore Jet: When harmed, the puffball fellow releases a jet turn in this space makes a Strength roll. On a success, the
of spores to propel it 4 yards in a direction it chooses. In creature becomes immune to Transformative Spores for
a Size 5 space centered on the space it left, spores create 24 hours. On a failure, the creature becomes poisoned
light obscurement for 1 minute. At the end of each round, (luck ends) and the creature rolls to end this affliction with
each flesh-and-blood creature in that space makes a 1 bane. If a creature dies while poisoned in this way, it
Strength roll. On a failure, the creature becomes poisoned regains all lost Health and returns to life as a mold thrall.
(luck ends). Once the puffball fellow uses this trait, it loses
access to it (luck ends). No Reactions: The fungen mother reduces the number of
reactions it can use to 0 and never benefits from gaining
ACTIONS additional reactions.
Melee Attack—Body: Strength (+2) with 1 boon (1d6) Flammable: A fungen mother takes double damage from fire
and rolls to overcome being on fire with 1 bane.
ACTIONS
FUNGEN JELLIED LAD
Mother Spores: The fungen mother releases spores to
FUNGUS · DIFFICULTY 4 fill the air within 10 yards with moderate obscurement
Defense: 6, Health: 40 that remains until the end of the next round. The spores
affect only flesh-and-blood creatures. Choose one of the
Strength: 13 (+3), Agility: 10 (+0) following effects:
Intellect: 6 (–4), Will: 15 (+5) • Mind Spores: A creature makes a Strength roll with
Size: 1, Speed: 5 (Slippery, Squeeze 1 inch) 1 bane. On a failure, the mother can telepathically
Senses: Awareness 10 communicate with it for 24 hours provided the creature
is anywhere within 10 miles.
Immune: asleep, blinded, controlled, deafened
• Corrosive Spores: A creature makes a Strength roll with
Glider: While not confused, held, stunned, or unconscious, 1 bane. On a failure, it loses 6d6 Health and becomes
a jellied lad suffers no harm from landing after a fall, and poisoned (luck ends). At the end of each round, while
lands in any empty space within 10 yards of the space the creature is poisoned in this way, it loses an extra
directly beneath it when it fell. 2d6 Health.
ACTIONS • Hallucination Spores: A creature makes a Will roll with
1 bane. On a failure, it becomes blinded and deafened
Melee Attack—Fleshy Flaps: Strength (+3) with 1 boon (2d6) (luck ends both). If the creature fails an attribute roll
Envelop: The jellied lad wraps its flaps around a target of while it is blinded and deafened in this way, it becomes
its Size or smaller, which causes the target to become held stunned until the end of the next round.
and weakened. While held, the target cannot breathe • Control Spores: A creature makes a Will roll with 1 bane.
and if the jellied lad takes damage, it only takes half the On a failure, it becomes controlled by the mother (luck
damage while the target it has held takes the rest. The ends). Until a creature is no longer controlled by it, the
effect lasts until the target dies, the jellied lad becomes mother can speak using the controlled creature’s mouth.
incapacitated, or the target overcomes the affliction with a
success on a Strength roll with 1 bane.
REACTIONS
Chapter 3

Enzyme Spray: When the lad takes damage, it can spray

corrosive fluid into a Size 3 space within reach. Each
creature in that space makes an Agility roll with 1 bane.
On a failure, it becomes poisoned (luck ends).
END OF THE ROUND
Crushing Grip: One creature held by the jellied lad loses
1d6 Health.

173
 Mold Thralls
The fungen waste nothing, not even captives. Prisoners usually go to feed the colony, but the fungen mother might have other plans and
turn them into mold thralls. Any creature of flesh and blood can be transformed into a mold thrall.
The creature becomes a fungus but retains its ancestry traits and gains all the mold thrall traits. For an example, see the mold thrall
bear below.

MOLD THRALL TRAITS MOLD THRALL BEAR

FUNGUS FUNGUS · DIFFICULTY 4

Attributes: Strength and Will increase by 1, Agility decreases Defense: 11, Health: 80
by 1, and Intellect decreases by 5. Strength: 14 (+4), Agility: 9 (–1)
Languages: — Intellect: 4 (–6), Will: 12 (+2)
Senses: Awareness 10 Size: 2, Speed: 6
Immune: asleep, blinded, deafened Senses: Awareness 10, Keen Scent
Toxic Spores: At the start of its turn, the mold thrall sheds Immune: asleep, blinded, deafened
spores filling the air within 2 yards of it with light
obscurement that lasts until the start of its next turn. Any Toxic Spores: See mold thrall traits.
flesh-and-blood creature in the area of spores makes a ACTIONS
luck roll. On a success, the creature becomes immune to
Toxic Spores for 1 hour. On a failure, it loses 1d6 Health Melee Attack—Claws · Slashing: Strength (+4) (2d6)
and becomes Strength impaired (luck ends). If it is already Critical Success: A Size 1 or smaller target falls prone and
Strength impaired, the creature loses an extra 1d6 Health cannot stand up while within reach of the bear.
instead.
Melee Attack—Teeth: +4 (Strength) (2d6)
Two Attacks: The bear can make one Claws attack and one
Teeth attack.
REACTIONS
Swat: When an enemy within 1 yard harms the bear, the
bear can swat at that enemy. The enemy that enabled the
use of this talent makes an Agility roll with 1 bane. On a
failure, it takes 1d6 damage.
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174
Garg oyle Ghast
The souls of the damned, on passing through the Netherworld’s So long has it been since ghasts last terrorized people, they have
gates, are given over to the care of the gargoyles, if they’re lucky. become creatures of legend. The old tales described them as feed-
Gargoyles, being the most numerous fiends in this hellish place, ing on mortal fear. They have been called intruders who slipped
spend their days and nights tormenting prisoners in imaginative into the mortal world from some other realm, demons in the flesh,
ways. These fiends use the realm’s mutable nature to personalize and worse. What is known is that the gods intervened and sealed
the experiences for their victims to make the suffering even sweeter. them away in the Vault that had been lost and forgotten for centu-
Rare is the gargoyle that escapes the Adversary’s realm. Like ries, until a band of adventurers happened upon the structure and
other fiends, they can be called forth to serve mortals, but gar- broke the seals of binding that imprisoned these monsters.
goyles lack the devils’ cunning or patience. They are brutish and Now, ghasts run amok along the edges of the borderlands,
cannot offer mortals anything other than simple brawn. Gargoyles wreaking havoc wherever they go. They thrive on fear and terror-
have few personal ambitions—they are cruel, selfish, and petty. ize their prey, drinking deep from the horror until their victims
Gargoyles have various appearances. Their humanoid-shaped succumb. All too often corpses turn up with shocks of white hair,
bodies boast a wide range of features, from exaggerated human faces twisted up into expressions of despair.
faces frozen in expressions of pain, hilarity, sadness or hate, to the Ghasts look almost human, with pale white skin peeking out
heads and body parts of animals. Most have horns, talons, claws, through the grime covering their bodies. Brittle black hair sticks
long fangs, and tails ending in strange shapes. out in all directions from their heads, while black fissures and
cracks ring overlarge eyes that appear to be all pupils. Worst of
GARGOYLE all is a ghast’s mouth: it hangs open, the lower jaw swinging back
and forth as it moves, and from it some dark oily substance con-
FIEND · DIFFICULTY 4
stantly dribbles down the monster’s neck and paints its torso with
Defense: 15, Health: 40 foulness.
Strength: 12 (+2), Agility: 10 (+0)
Intellect: 9 (–1), Will: 12 (+2) GHAST
Size: 1, Speed: 5 MONSTER · DIFFICULTY 2
Languages: Archaic Defense: 12, Health: 20
Senses: Keen Vision Strength: 12 (+2), Agility: 12 (+2)
Immune: frightened; damage from cold, damage from fire; Intellect: 10 (+0), Will: 11 (+1)
infection
Size: 1, Speed: 6 (Slippery)
Stone Form: If the gargoyle has not moved on its turn, it
can choose to become held. While held, the gargoyle Languages: understands Archaic
becomes indistinguishable from a statue and it takes half Senses: Dark Vision
damage from ordinary sources.
Feed on Fear: The ghast takes half damage from frightened
Silver Vulnerability: A fiend loses 1d6 Health whenever it is enemies.
harmed by a silvered weapon.
Foreboding Sound (Magical): At the start of the ghast’s turn
ACTIONS if it’s not confused, controlled, stunned, or unconscious, it
makes a gruesome sound. Each enemy within 5 yards that
Melee Attack—Trident: Strength (+2) with 1 boon (3d6) can hear it makes a Will roll. On a success, it becomes
Critical Success: The gargoyle can move the target to an immune to Foreboding Sound for 1 hour. On a failure, the
empty space in its reach. creature becomes frightened of all ghasts for 1 minute. The
Melee Attack—Claws and Teeth: Strength (+2) with 1 boon enemy can end the effect early by killing a ghast. Once the
(3d6) ghast uses this trait, it loses access to it for 1 minute.
Two Attacks: The gargoyle makes two Trident attacks or two ACTIONS
Claws and Teeth attacks.
Melee Attack—Claws and Teeth: Strength (+2) with 1 boon
(2d6 or 3d6 against a frightened target)
Two Attacks: The ghast makes two Claws and Teeth attacks.
Chapter 3

175
 Ghost
A ghost roams places where the spirit world overlaps the mortal world. Some watch the locations where they died and might take an
interest when living people inhabit those places. But if a ghost feels that it suffered a wrongful death, it might resent intrusion into its
suffering and make its displeasure known by manifesting itself from the spirit world so it can be seen by mortals.
A manifested ghost appears exactly as it did at the moment of death. Thus, one might look like an elderly person, while another could
roam about with a broken neck. Missing limbs, signs of disease, maltreated, burned, and butchered bodies could all show in ghosts’
forms. Once the ghost quits the mortal world, its injuries fade and it looks as it did in the prime of its life.
A ghost that becomes incapacitated in the mortal world retreats to the spirit world, where it remains for 24 hours. The only way to
defeat a ghost for good is to lay its remains to rest or destroy it in the spirit world, where it loses its special movement traits.

GHOST
SPIRIT · DIFFICULTY 4

Defense: 22, Health: 40

Strength: 10 (+0), Agility: 12 (+2)
Intellect: 10 (+0), Will: 11 (+1)
Size: 1, Speed: 5 (Fly, Hover, Insubstantial, Silent,
Slippery)
Languages: Archaic, Common, or Kingdom
Senses: True Vision
Immune: asleep, blinded, deafened, frightened,
held, on fire, poisoned, prone, slowed; exposure,
deprivation, infection, suffocation
ACTIONS
Chilling Touch (Magical): The ghost extends a
spectral appendage. Target one creature in
reach. Make a Will (+1) roll with 1 boon against
the target’s Strength. On a success, the target
loses 2d6 Health and becomes weakened (luck
ends). In addition, the target makes an Agility roll.
On a failure, it falls prone and drops whatever it
is holding.
Spiritual Possession (Magical): The ghost attempts to
take over a creature’s body. Target one creature
in reach and make a Will (+1) roll against the
target’s Will. On a success, the target becomes
controlled by the ghost (luck ends). On a failure,
the target takes 1d6 damage and becomes
immune to Spiritual Possession for 1 hour.
While the target is controlled in this way, the
ghost becomes invisible and immune to harm,
knows all that the target knows, and can speak
with its voice. The ghost hides inside the target, so
it moves when the target moves. When the effect
ends, the ghost reappears in an empty space
within 1 yard of the target.
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176
Ghoul
The gods forbid the eating of flesh from one’s own kind. Anyone who knowingly violates this taboo risks transformation into a ghoul:
eaters of the dead, shunned by mortals and hated by the gods. Considering the fate of those who sample the forbidden flesh, it’s a wonder
there are any ghouls in the world at all. And yet there seems to be no shortage of them. One can find them among the cannibal tribes
living in the shadow of the Nehe, scuttling about in the catacombs beneath Eastport, and haunting graveyards, battlefields, and anyplace
else where mortal remains collect.
The divine curse works against a new ghoul’s body and mind. The person cannot seem to keep on weight; it melts off the body no mat-
ter how much the ghoul eats. All skin and bones, ghouls must feed constantly or waste away. They crave the flesh of their former people
and only that forbidden meat eases their pangs.
Ghouls suffer numerous maladies. Many walk with stooped postures from running bent over in cramped catacombs. Disease riddles
their bodies and their minds, and skin conditions and parasites add to their misery. Ghouls clothe themselves in garb pilfered from the
dead, and some of the vainer members of their small communities might adorn themselves with rings and necklaces they fancy.
These monsters appear human, but no matter how much they wash and how many scented oils they use, the stench of decay follows
them. The skin of their faces draws close to the bone, while their eyes turn rheumy and weep black tears that stain the hollows around
them. Worst of all are their tongues. The organs lengthen, swell, and toughen, protruding from their mouths between rows of sharp
black teeth.
Rejected from society, ghouls congregate in large numbers to protect themselves. They have developed their own language,
Undertongue, and a culture that unites them around the idea that they gain something from the people they eat. Rather than see them-
selves as cursed, these “civilized” ghouls believe they have evolved, having won their new, elevated nature from consuming the flesh of
their old forms. Often, such ghouls offer a service in human communities. Feeding on the dead removes the need for burial, while also
giving access to people who consort with whatever seedy underworld happens to thrive there.

GHOUL
MONSTER · DIFFICULTY 2
Defense: 15, Health: 15
Strength: 11 (+1), Agility: 12 (+2)
Intellect: 10 (+0), Will: 7 (–3)
Size: 1, Speed: 5
Languages: Undertongue
Senses: Keen Scent, Keen Vision
Ghoul Curse: A ghoul is cursed. If it spends at least 1 hour
eating the flesh of a sentient person, it loses this trait for
24 hours.
Sunlight Weakness: If the ghoul starts its turn in a space lit
by sunlight, the ghoul becomes weakened until the start of
its next turn.
ACTIONS
Melee Attack—Claws and Teeth: Agility (+2) with 1 boon
(2d6 or 3d6 against a weakened target)
Gruesome Touch: A flesh-and-blood creature becomes
weakened until the end of the ghoul’s next turn.

Undertongue
Chapter 3

The pictogrammatic language of the ghouls sees little

use outside of their subterranean communities. To those
unfamiliar with the language, its words and phrases all
have an incomprehensible hissing sound. Ghouls often
etch pictograms into stone that can be read by feel.

177
 Giant
Once, giants terrorized the land. Being enormous with equal-sized appetites, they roamed Erth, stuffing whatever they could catch into
their mouths. Emerging peoples united to fight back against them and winnowed their numbers until the survivors retreated to the hills
and mountains, where they remain to this day.
Giants have the general form and appearance of humans, except for size. A typical giant has a height of about 20 feet and weight of 2
1/2 to 3 tons. Most have human-like features, with sloping foreheads, broad noses, and jutting jaws. They have stooped postures and long
arms with oversized hands that reach their knees. Most have long, tangled, filthy hair and don crudely stitched hides.
It takes so much food to keep a giant fed, they must live alone or in small family groups that split apart when the young come of age.
They live in large caves and in the ruins of human-built structures.

GIANT Melee Attack—Fist: Strength (+8) with 1 boon (6d6)

Two Attacks: The giant makes two Tree attacks or two Fist
GIANT · DIFFICULTY 16 attacks.
Defense: 4, Health: 300 Throw Boulder: The giant throws a Size 3 boulder. Target
one Size 3 space within 100 yards. The boulder lands in
Strength: 18 (+8), Agility: 8 (–2) that space and then rolls in the direction it was thrown,
Intellect: 9 (–1), Will: 10 (+0) stopping when it rolls 3d6 yards or when it can roll no
further. Each creature or object in the space where the
Size: 8, Speed: 6 (Strider) boulder lands takes 5d6 damage, and each creature or
Languages: Runic object in the boulder’s path takes 2d6 damage. In either
case, a creature makes an Agility roll and takes an extra
Trample: A giant can move through spaces occupied by 5d6 damage on a failure. The giant carries 1d6 boulders.
creatures and objects smaller than it. When it enters a When it runs out, it must collect more boulders before it
creature’s space, that creature makes an Agility roll. On can use this talent again.
a failure, the creature takes 4d6 damage and falls prone.
When it enters an object’s space, the object takes 4d6 REACTIONS
damage. A creature or object can be subject to this giant’s Powerful Slap: When an enemy flies into the giant’s reach
Trample just once per round. or starts its turn there while flying, the giant backhands
ACTIONS that enemy. Make a Strength (+8) roll against the target’s
Agility. On a success, the target takes 10d6 damage, flies
Melee Attack—Tree · Bludgeoning: Strength (+8) with 2d6 × 5 yards away from the giant, and then makes a Will
1 boon (8d6) roll with 1 bane. On a failure, the target becomes stunned
Critical Success: A target smaller than the giant makes until the end of the next round.
a Strength roll with 1 bane. On a failure, the target is END OF THE ROUND
pushed 1d6 × 5 yards away from the giant, and takes
1d6 damage for every 5 yards it moves or was prevented Giant Antics: If the giant is not confused, controlled, stunned,
from moving by encountering an obstacle. Then, the target or unconscious, make a luck roll. On a success, roll a d6 to
lands prone. see what the giant does:

D6 EFFECT
1-3 The giant kicks out. Target one creature or object within 4 yards. Make a Strength (+8) roll against the target’s Agility. On a success, the
target takes 3d6 damage, flies 5 yards away from the giant, and then lands prone.
4-6 The giant stomps its foot. Target one creature within 2 yards. The target makes an Agility roll with 1 bane. On a failure, it takes 5d6 damage
and falls prone.
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178
Giant Bugs
People blame the New Lands’ strangeness on the Weird Wizard, but he can’t take credit for all the odd things there. Giant ants, spiders,
beetles, and other bugs have infested the lands since long before people laid the foundations for their first settlements. Rarity and bellig-
erence set these giant bugs apart from other animals, and they can be as dangerous as any monster.
Normally, giant bugs do not talk or understand language, but stories out of the faerie lands tell of those who can speak.

GIANT ANT GIANT SCORPION

Great mounds, over 100 feet in diameter and 30 feet tall, mark The venom from an ordinary scorpion is dangerous enough, but
entrances to giant ant colonies. The ants forage in the wilderness when it comes from the giant variety, a dose is lethal. Giant scorpi-
for miles around, carrying foodstuffs in the form of young trees ons live in hot, arid deserts and badlands. Their mottled carapaces
and livestock back to the nest. Colonies can have hundreds of let them blend in with their surroundings as they await prey. These
members, and their nests can spread miles underground. patient hunters can reach 6 feet in length and weigh as much as
Worker ants haul and carry. They reach up to 4 feet in length 300 pounds.
and might have brown, red, or black exoskeletons. The larger sol-
diers protect colonies by guarding the passages in and out. When GIANT SPIDER
another colony settles too close, the soldiers march out to destroy The reason many people react to spiders with revulsion might
the rival queen. be from an unconscious awareness or ancestral knowledge of the
giant varieties that hunt people. These are no house spiders; they
GIANT BEETLE
grow up to 6 feet in diameter, but most behave much as their
Over a dozen distinct species of giant beetle live in the Known smaller counterparts. One might encounter giant black widows,
World. In most cases, they resemble large versions of their smaller brown recluses, hobo spiders, and tarantulas. Unlike the more rea-
counterparts: dog-sized cockroaches, stag-sized stag beetles, and sonably sized varieties, giant spiders are dangerous to all people.
pony-sized dung beetles. Strange variations exist as well. One
breed, for example, has glowing spots on its carapace that shed GIANT TICK
dim light. Among the nastiest of the giant bugs, housecat-sized ticks can kill
adult people. They hide in tall grasses and under leaves until they
GIANT CENTIPEDE
can hitch a ride on a passing creature. A giant tick climbs onto
Flat-bodied, segmented arthropods with a multitude of legs, cen- its victim’s body and attaches itself to drain the creature’s blood.
tipedes pose significant danger only when they grow very large. Many ticks carry diseases.
Giant centipedes thrive in woodlands, but most live underground.
Their carapace color varies depending on their environment. GIANT WASP
Giant wasps build paper nests in large trees capable of bearing
GIANT CRAB
the weight. Rather than serving as places for young to mature, the
The size of ponies, giant crabs pick through debris littering the nests provide cover for resting wasps. By day, the wasps fly around
southern sea’s coast. These ill-tempered, amphibious scavengers their nests, scavenging for plant matter and small animals, and
attack anything they think they can eat. looking for suitable hosts in which to lay their eggs.

GIANT DRAGONFLY
GIANT ANT WORKER
Found in the Jungle of Za, giant dragonflies snap up small mon-
keys, rodents, and other wildlife that dwells there. MONSTER · DIFFICULTY 1
Defense: 18, Health: 10
GIANT LOBSTER
Strength: 11 (+1), Agility: 10 (+0)
The scavengers of the depths, giant lobsters look like enormous
Intellect: 8 (–2), Will: 10 (+0)
versions of their more typical counterparts. They can grow up to
15 feet long and weigh many hundreds of pounds. Giant lobsters Size: 1/2, Speed: 6 (Climber)
have mottled green-and-brown shells encrusted with barnacles Senses: Dark Vision, Keen Scent
and ropes of trailing seaweed.
ACTIONS
Chapter 3

GIANT MOSQUITO Melee Attack—Mandibles: Strength (+1) (1d6)

Giant mosquitoes thrive in warm and hot climates with damp ter-
rain, such as rainforests, jungles, and swamps. They live by drain-
ing blood from the bodies of living creatures.

179
 GIANT ANT SOLDIER GIANT BEETLE
MONSTER · DIFFICULTY 2 MONSTER · DIFFICULTY 4
Defense: 18, Health: 20 Defense: 18, Health: 40
Strength: 12 (+2), Agility: 10 (+0) Strength: 13 (+3), Agility: 9 (–1)
Intellect: 8 (–2), Will: 12 (+2) Intellect: 8 (–2), Will: 10 (+0)
Size: 1, Speed: 6 (Climber) Size: 2, Speed: 5 (Burrower, Climber)
Senses: Dark Vision, Keen Scent Senses: Dark Vision
ACTIONS ACTIONS
Melee Attack—Mandibles and Stinger: Strength (+2) with Melee Attack—Mandibles · Brutal: Strength (+3) with
1 boon (1d6) 1 boon (4d6)
Critical Success: The target also becomes poisoned (luck
ends).
GIANT CENTIPEDE
MONSTER · DIFFICULTY 1
Defense: 17, Health: 5
Strength: 8 (–2), Agility: 12 (+2)
Intellect: 8 (–2), Will: 11 (+1)
Size: 1/4, Speed: 8 (Slippery, Strider)
Senses: Dark Vision
ACTIONS
Melee Attack—Mandibles: Agility (+2) (1d6)
Centipede Venom: A flesh-and-blood target makes
a Strength roll with 1 boon. On a failure, it becomes
poisoned (luck ends).

GIANT CRAB
MONSTER, AMPHIBIOUS · DIFFICULTY 2
Defense: 18, Health: 20
Strength: 12 (+2), Agility: 11 (+1)
Intellect: 9 (–1), Will: 11 (+1)
Size: 1, Speed: 5 (Swimmer)
Senses: Dark Vision
Grappler: The giant crab rolls to grab with 1 boon and
imposes 2 banes on rolls to escape the grab.
ACTIONS
Melee Attack—Large Claw: Strength (+2) (2d6)
Melee Attack—Small Claw: Strength (+2) (1d6)

GIANT DRAGONFLY
MONSTER · DIFFICULTY 2
Defense: 20, Health: 10
Bestiary

Strength: 11 (+1), Agility: 13 (+3)

Intellect: 10 (+0), Will: 10 (+0)
Size: 1, Speed: 8 (Fly, Slippery)
ACTIONS
Melee Attack—Mandibles: Agility (+3) (2d6)

180
GIANT LOBSTER GIANT SCORPION
MONSTER, AMPHIBIOUS · DIFFICULTY 8 MONSTER · DIFFICULTY 8
Defense: 18, Health: 60 Defense: 18, Health: 60
Strength: 14 (+4), Agility: 10 (+0) Strength: 13 (+3), Agility: 10 (+0)
Intellect: 10 (+0), Will: 11 (+1) Intellect: 10 (+0), Will: 13 (+3)
Size: 3, Speed: 5 (Swimmer) Size: 2, Speed: 5
Senses: Keen Vision Senses: Keen Scent, Keen Vision
Grappler: The giant lobster rolls to grab with 1 boon and Grappler: The giant scorpion rolls to grab with 1 boon and
imposes 2 banes on rolls to escape the grab. imposes 2 banes on rolls to escape the grab.
ACTIONS ACTIONS
Melee Attack—Pincer · Slashing: Strength (+4) with 1 boon Melee Attack—Pincer · Slashing: Strength (+3) with 1 boon
(4d6) (3d6)
Two Attacks: The giant lobster makes two Pincer attacks. Melee Attack—Stinger · Long, Piercing: Strength (+3) with
1 boon (5d6)
REACTION
Scorpion Venom: A flesh-and-blood target becomes
Instinctive Grab: When the giant lobster deals damage with poisoned (luck ends).
a Pincer attack, it makes a grab attempt against the same Two Attacks: The giant scorpion makes two Pincer attacks.
target. If the lobster makes a Pincer attack against a target
it has grabbed in this way, the roll to attack results in an REACTIONS
automatic success, and the lobster maintains the grab.
Instinctive Grab: When the giant scorpion deals damage
with a pincer attack, it makes a grab attempt against the
GIANT MOSQUITO same target. If the giant scorpion makes a Pincer attack
against a target it has grabbed in this way, the roll to
MONSTER · DIFFICULTY 1 attack results in an automatic success, and the scorpion
maintains the grab.
Defense: 11, Health: 10
Strength: 10 (+0), Agility: 11 (+1)
Intellect: 5 (–5), Will: 12 (+2) GIANT SPIDER
Size: 1/2, Speed: 5 (Fly) MONSTER · DIFFICULTY 2
ACTIONS Defense: 14, Health: 20
Proboscis: The giant mosquito tries to jab its proboscis into a Strength: 12 (+2), Agility: 12 (+2)
creature. Target one Size 1/2 or larger flesh-and-blood Intellect: 10 (+0), Will: 10 (+0)
creature in reach. Make an Agility roll (+1) with 1 boon
against the target’s Agility. On a success, the mosquito Size: 1, Speed: 6 (Climber, Silent, Strider)
lands on the target and the target loses 1 Health. The Senses: Dark Vision, Keen Vision
giant mosquito moves with a target larger than itself. And,
while on the target’s body, the mosquito imposes 1 bane ACTIONS
on the target’s rolls to attack it but grants 1 boon on other
creatures’ rolls to attack it. Melee Attack—Fangs · Piercing: Strength (+2) with 1 boon
(1d6)
END OF THE ROUND Giant Spider Venom: A flesh-and-blood target makes
Blood Drain: If the giant mosquito is on the body of a flesh- a Strength roll with 1 bane. On a failure, it becomes
and-blood creature, the creature loses 1 Health. poisoned (luck ends). If the target’s Health drops to 10
or less while poisoned, it ends the poisoned affliction and
becomes unconscious instead. Every 8 hours, the target
can make a Will roll. On a success, it ends the unconscious
affliction. Time spent unconscious in this way does not
count as resting.
Webs: The giant spider sprays webs from its spinnerets.
In the Shadow of Titans Target one creature within 10 yards. Make an Agility (+2)
roll against the target’s Agility. On a success, the target
Chapter 3

The earth groans under the weight of giant creatures, becomes held until it overcomes the affliction with a success
their movements felt in every bone. Hunger hangs on a Strength roll. The affliction also ends if the target takes
heavy in the air—their appetite matching their size—a 5 damage or more from fire or if another creature uses an
constant reminder of the characters' precarious posi- action to cut away the webs. Once the giant spider uses
tion. One wrong turn, one startled roar, and the only this trait, it loses access to it (luck ends)
option is a desperate fight for survival, clawing back a
sliver of hope against formidable odds

181
 GIANT TICK GLOAMING
MONSTER · DIFFICULTY 1 MONSTER · DIFFICULTY 4
Defense: 20, Health: 5 Defense: 16, Health: 40
Strength: 10 (+0), Agility: 11 (+1) Strength: 13 (+3), Agility: 12 (+2)
Intellect: 6 (–4), Will: 12 (+2) Intellect: 10 (+0), Will: 10 (+0)
Size: 1/4, Speed: 4 (Climber, Silent) Size: 1, Speed: 6 (Silent, Strider)
Senses: Keen Scent Senses: Dark Vision, Keen Scent
ACTIONS Unreal in Light: A gloaming is invisible when in a space lit
by bright or dim light. When in a space lit by faint light, it
Attach: The giant tick attempts to attach itself to a creature. imposes 3 banes on rolls to attack it.
Target one flesh-and-blood creature that is in reach and
that is larger than the giant tick. Make an Agility (+1) roll ACTIONS
with 1 boon against the target’s Agility. On a success, the Melee Attack—Claws and Teeth: Strength (+3) with 1 boon
giant tick enters the target’s space and attaches itself to (3d6)
the target’s body, where it remains until it ends the effect.
While attached, the tick moves with the target. The giant Overwhelm: If the gloaming moved at least 6 yards
tick imposes 1 bane on the target’s rolls to attack it but before making the attack, the target also makes an Agility
grants 1 boon on other creatures’ rolls to attack it. roll. On a failure, the target takes an extra 1d6 damage,
falls prone, and cannot stand up until either it is no longer
END OF THE ROUND in the gloaming’s reach or the gloaming becomes prone,
Blood Drain: If the giant tick is attached to a flesh-and-blood stunned, or unconscious.
creature, that creature loses 1 Health, and the target makes Two Attacks: The gloaming makes two Claws and Teeth
a luck roll. On a failure the target becomes exposed to attacks.
infection.

GIANT WASP
MONSTER · DIFFICULTY 2
Defense: 16, Health: 20
Strength: 11 (+1), Agility: 12 (+2)
Intellect: 8 (–2), Will: 13 (+3)
Size: 1, Speed: 5 (Fly)
ACTIONS
Melee Attack—Stinger · Piercing: Agility (+2) with 1 boon
(1d6)
Giant Wasp Venom: A flesh-and-blood target makes
a Strength roll with 1 bane. On a failure, it becomes
poisoned and weakened (luck ends both).

Gloaming
Gloamings are almost impossible to see. They disappear in light.
Only in utter darkness do they become visible but, of course, only
to people who don’t need light to see. Such people see gloamings
as sleek cats that move in sudden stops and starts, utterly hair-
less and with dull, unreflective eyes.
Most solitary gloamings are males who have yet to attract
a pride of females and sire young on them. Gloaming prides
can wipe out entire towns, but these groups rarely ven-
Bestiary

ture into settled lands. Gloamings attack any creature

except dogs, which have an uncanny ability to sense
them, even when they’re effectively not there.
Gloamings have an aversion to those creatures
and flee from them.

182
Gnome GNOME
ELEMENTAL, GNOME · DIFFICULTY 4
Outside of dwarfs, troglodytes, and other dwellers in the world’s
depths, gnomes have little cause or opportunity to interact with Defense: 15, Health: 40
people. For ages they sealed themselves away in giant caverns to Strength: 14 (+4), Agility: 10 (+0)
honor the spirits of earth and stone in the manner of their ances- Intellect: 10 (+0), Will: 11 (+1)
tors, without interference from the peoples against whom they
Size: 1/2, Speed: 4 (Strider; no swimming)
warred at the dawn of creation. Isolation makes gnomes suspicious
of outsiders, and chance encounters often result in violence. Languages: Gnome
Dwarfs count gnomes among their direst enemies. Their loath- Senses: Awareness 5, Dark Vision 5
ing stems not from any acts of aggression on the gnomes’ part, but Immune: blinded, deafened, poisoned; deprivation, exposure,
rather from the reprisals the dwarfs suffered when they delved infection, suffocation
too close to gnome enclaves. Since gnomes feel no compulsion to Stone Footing: While in contact with a dirt or stone surface, the
mark their territory, outsiders have no idea when they trespass. For gnome can ignore any ordinary effect that would move it.
the gnomes, this is not their problem, and they respond with swift, Pass through Earth and Stone: A gnome can move through
lethal force. obstacles consisting of earth, sand, and stone as if they did
Gnomes have little in common with other people physically. not exist.
Instead of flesh and blood and bone, they have 3-foot-tall bod- ACTIONS
ies assembled from rocks stacked in approximation of human-
oid shapes. Cracks in the stones of their heads widen to serve as Melee Attack—Fist · Bludgeoning: Strength (+4) with 1 boon
mouths, and glittering pieces of mica act as their eyes. They have (3d6)
three fingers on each hand and three toes on each foot. Nothing Critical Success: The target falls prone.
seems to hold their body stones together. In death, they collapse Two Attacks: The gnome makes two Fist attacks.
into piles of undifferentiated rocks. Shockwave Strike (Magical): The gnome sends a shockwave
rolling through the ground inside of three contiguous Size
5 spaces of which one is within reach. Each creature on the
ground in a target space takes 6d6 damage and makes
an Agility roll with 1 bane. On a failure, the creature falls
prone. On a critical failure, it takes an extra 4d6 damage
and cannot stand up (luck ends). Once the gnome warrior
uses this talent, it loses access to it for 1 minute.
Elementals
The elementals claim to have been the first
peoples in the world and witnessed the com-
ing of the faeries and trolls, and all the others
who followed. Yet they have fallen far from
their dizzying heights of yore. Rather than ruling
over creation as its stewards, the elementals
have been driven away: forced underground,
into the skies, beneath the deep waters, and
into the fiery heart of the world. In their isola-
tion, resentment has grown into a poisonous
hatred for the usurpers who toppled them in a
time long forgotten.
It’s surmised that many diverse elemen-
tal peoples once existed, but now just four
major lines remain: gnomes, salamanders,
sylphs, and undines. Each holds what territory
it controls with an iron grip and resents any
intrusion, responding with lethal and shocking
force against anyone who tries to settle there.
The shattered bones of miners who dug too
closely lie scattered near a gnome enclave,
and the smears of dead sky-sailors might
darken the ground of an island drifting across
Chapter 3

the sky above the far eastern reaches of the

new lands.

183
 G oblins GOBLIN ANCESTRY
GOBLIN, FAERIE
Some faeries have become embittered by the loss of the natural
Size: 1/2, Speed: 6 (Slippery)
world to the mortals and prey upon them, but a great many more
in the hidden kingdoms love beauty, freedom to pursue their Bonus Languages: Goblin Tongue
desires, and pleasure. The goblins, though, reject these things and Senses: Keen Vision
embrace their opposites. These dark faeries surround themselves Immune: infection
with ugliness and delight in the suffering of others. They sort Other Traits: Sunlight Weakness
themselves into a strict hierarchy, with the almost divine Goblin
King at the top.
Like all faeries, goblins have different shapes, physical characteristics, and other defining qualities that set them apart from one another,
though these differentiating features tend toward the strange and ugly. Generally, a goblin stands between 2 and 4 feet in height and can
weigh anywhere between 20 and 80 pounds. Goblins dress in whatever they can steal and cobble together armor from ordinary goods
and materials.
Many goblins live in the Goblin City, a sprawling metropolis that extends for miles in all directions. It is said to be everywhere and
nowhere, a place reached through mirrors, magical doorways under the stairs, beneath forgotten bridges, and in the boles of dead trees.
The city is a great maze, with streets that shift around, buildings that rise and fall of their own accord, and strange and terrible things
that lurk in its shadows. At the center is the palace of the Goblin King, which can be seen from anywhere in the city but has no obvious
route to it.

GOBLIN GRUNT Goblins with Jobs

GOBLIN, FAERIE · DIFFICULTY 1 Goblins are thrust into different jobs based on their characteristics
Defense: 12 (leather), Health: 10 and knacks.
Strength: 8 (–2), Agility: 11 (+1) MITE HORDE
Intellect: 9 (–1), Will: 8 (–2)
Goblins too small to heft a spear face a tough existence, primarily
Size: 1/2, Speed: 6 (Slippery) because other goblins see them as easy targets. For their own sur-
Languages: Goblin Tongue vival, diminutive goblins called mites join to stave off the abuse
Senses: Keen Vision they would endure on their own. Forming into a horde gives
mites a chance to get back at their tormentors. It’s common to
Immune: infection see a large, stupid goblin go under a tide of these biting, clawing
Sunlight Weakness: If the goblin starts their turn in a space things.
lit by sunlight, the goblin becomes weakened until the start
of their next turn. ODD FELLOW
ACTIONS All too often goblins mistake bad ideas for good ones. Their traps
Melee Attack—Dagger · Thrown 5: Agility (+1) (1d6) backfire, spells from pilfered scrolls go awry, explosives touch off
without any warning. Sometimes, though, goblins manage to find
Ranged Attack—Sling · Bludgeoning, Range 15: Agility
something that works reliably enough to be useful. One prime
(+1) (1d6)
example is the madcaps—purple mushrooms that make goblins
who eat them feel invincible.
Odd fellows gobble up madcaps before they fight and gain
strength and courage while in the grip of the hallucinogenic fun-
gus. That they can also see sounds and taste colors is just a bonus.
Odd fellows rush ahead of other goblins to push enemies back
long enough for allies to catch up and finish them off.
Goblin Tongue These goblins wear bright costumes with large floppy hats. They
keep the mushrooms they ingest in small pouches hanging around
A language foisted on the outcast faeries by their mas-
their necks.
Bestiary

ter, the Goblin King, Goblin Tongue uses the vocabu-

lary, grammar, and script of Sylvan, but they’re all jum-
bled up, with some words meaning entirely different BOOMER
things and writing always in the passive voice. Given their affection for mechanical traps and devices, it took lit-
tle time for goblins to figure out how to make explosive powder.
Sloppy design and foolishness, though, make using their devices
sketchy at best, and many goblins’ lives are cut short mere seconds
after lighting a fuse or dropping a bomb on the ground.

184
 Goblin boomers affect a serious air in manner and dress. They
GOBLIN MITE HORDE
wear goggles over their eyes and have tools hanging from pockets
and loops all over their coveralls. They carry their bombs in greasy GOBLIN, FAERIE, SWARM · DIFFICULTY 4
sacks. Defense: 16, Health: 40
BEAST RIDER Strength: 10 (+0), Agility: 14 (+4)
Intellect: 9 (–1), Will: 8 (–2)
Goblins steal wolf pups and train them to bear riders. Each rider
oversees the care and feeding of the pup, creating a special bond Size: 2, Speed: 6 (Slippery, Squeeze 1 inch)
that enables them to fight almost as one. The wolves feel strong Languages: Goblin Tongue
loyalty to their riders and become ferocious in their defense of Senses: Keen Vision
them.
Immune: controlled, held, impaired, prone, slowed, stunned,
weakened; infection
SKULK
Sunlight Weakness: If the mite horde starts its turn in a space
The skulks kidnap mortals to replenish the ranks of the workers lit by sunlight, the mite horde becomes weakened until the
condemned to toil in the mines under the Goblin City. Young start of its next turn.
prisoners, though, might suffer a darker fate and be transformed ACTIONS
into new goblins by the Goblin King’s dread magic. Such changes
require the family members to disown the youth, something the Swarming Mites: The mites flow forward to kill. Target any
number of creatures on the ground in the mite horde’s
goblins secure with bribes and offerings. space and within its reach. For each target separately, make
Skulks wear dark clothing and camouflage their skin with black an Agility (+4) roll against its Agility. Roll with 1 boon, or
paint. They sneak about the city when not on missions, gathering 2 boons against an injured target. On a success, the target
secrets for later use. Skulks spy for the Goblin King as well, so they takes 4d6 damage, or 2d6 damage if the horde is injured,
have few friends among their own kind. No one likes a snitch. and the target becomes Strength and Agility impaired (luck
ends both).
MOG END OF THE ROUND

Mogs are goblins who stand as tall as humans and have the strength Biting Mites: If the mite horde is not confused or unconscious,
and toughness to give even orcs pause. They stand between 5 and each enemy in the mite horde’s space and in its reach
makes an Agility roll. On a failure, the enemy takes 1d6
6 feet tall and have heavy bodies that can weigh as much as 300 damage.
pounds. They have the typical green skin and pointed ears and
nose common to all goblins.
HEXCASTER GOBLIN ODD FELLOW
Magic levels the battlefield. A goblin armed with spells can equal GOBLIN, FAERIE · DIFFICULTY 2
or best a knight in full plate riding a charging steed, and thus many Defense: 12 (leather), Health: 20
goblins pick up spells to weaken their enemies and make them
Strength: 8 (–2), Agility: 11 (+1)
suffer. Hexcasters festoon their bodies with strange writings and
stitch occult symbols into their clothes. Many also use bone pins Intellect: 8 (–2), Will: 7 (–3)
to hold scraps of paper, doll parts, and other odds and ends on Size: 1/2, Speed: 6 (Slippery)
their bodies. Languages: Goblin Tongue
BOSS Senses: Keen Vision
The meanest, nastiest goblins scratch and claw their way to the Immune: frightened; infection
top of the heaps to take the title of boss. Once installed, they cow Under the Influence: The goblin makes Strength rolls with
their underlings through threats and violence. What physical 2 boons and imposes 2 banes against its Strength.
advantages bosses had on the ride up fall away as their bodies grow Sunlight Weakness: If the goblin starts their turn in a space
soft from rich foods and idleness, until they need servants to carry lit by sunlight, the goblin becomes weakened until the start
them around on palanquins. In addition to the goblins who carry of their next turn.
its palanquin, one mog or six goblins always accompany the boss. ACTIONS
Melee Attack—Club: Strength (–2) with 2 boons (3d6)
END OF THE ROUND
Chapter 3

Consume the Shroom! If the goblin is not stunned or

unconscious, roll a d6. On a 6, the odd fellow increases
its Speed by 6 and the number of actions it can use on its
next turn by one. On a 1, it becomes stunned until the end
of the next round.

185
 GOBLIN BOOMER GOBLIN SKULK
GOBLIN, FAERIE · DIFFICULTY 2 GOBLIN, FAERIE · DIFFICULTY 2
Defense: 12 (leather) Health: 20 Defense: 14 (leather, shield), Health: 20
Strength: 10 (+0), Agility: 10 (+0) Strength: 11 (+1), Agility: 13 (+3)
Intellect: 10 (+0), Will: 9 (–1) Intellect: 10 (+0), Will: 10 (+0)
Size: 1/2, Speed: 6 (Slippery) Size: 1/2, Speed: 6 (Silent, Slippery)
Languages: Goblin Tongue Languages: Goblin Tongue
Senses: Keen Vision Senses: Keen Vision
Immune: infection Immune: infection
Explosive End: If the boomer becomes incapacitated before Hide in Shadows: The goblin skulk can hide in spaces lit by
exhausting its supply of bombs, make a luck roll. On a dim light, faint light, or no light, even when being observed.
failure, the bombs go off. Resolve the explosion of each
from the goblin’s space. Sunlight Weakness: If the goblin starts their turn in a space
lit by sunlight, the goblin becomes weakened until the start
Sunlight Weakness: If the goblin starts their turn in a space of their next turn.
lit by sunlight, the goblin becomes weakened until the start
of their next turn. ACTIONS

ACTIONS Melee Attack—Short Sword · Piercing: Agility (+3) with

1 boon (2d6)
Melee Attack—Hammer · Bludgeoning, Thrown 5: Strength Blowgun and Toxic Darts: The skulk shoots a dart from its
(+0) (1d6) blowgun. Target one creature within 5 yards, and make an
Goblin Bomb: The boomer carries 3 grenades. See Chapter Agility (+3) roll against the target’s Agility. On a success,
3 in Shadow of the Weird Wizard for rules. the target takes 1 damage and becomes poisoned (luck
ends). The first time the target gets a failure on the luck roll to
end the affliction, the target falls prone, ends the poisoned
GOBLIN BEAST RIDER affliction, and becomes unconscious for 2d6 hours.
REACTIONS
GOBLIN, FAERIE · DIFFICULTY 2
Shadow Stalk (Magical): If the skulk is not held or slowed
Defense: 14 (leather, shield), Health: 20 when an enemy the skulk can see starts its turn and the skulk
Strength: 12 (+2), Agility: 11 (+1) is hidden from it, the skulk becomes invisible, moves up to its
Speed, and remains invisible until it stops moving.
Intellect: 10 (+0), Will: 11 (+1)
Shadow Trapdoor (Magical): When the skulk moves, it can,
Size: 1/2, Speed: 6 (Slippery) at any point during its movement, open a magical trapdoor
Languages: Goblin Tongue that tries to suck a creature inside it. Target one creature
within 15 yards. The target makes an Agility roll. On a
Senses: Keen Vision success, the target moves to the nearest empty space of its
Sunlight Weakness: If the goblin starts their turn in a space choice. On a failure, the target teleports to an empty space
lit by sunlight, the goblin becomes weakened until the start of the skulk’s choice within 15 yards and then falls prone.
of their next turn. Once the skulk uses this talent, it loses access to it (luck ends).
ACTIONS
Melee Attack—Spear · Thrown 5: Strength (+2) with 1 boon MOG
(2d6) GOBLIN, FAERIE · DIFFICULTY 4
Combined Attack: If the beast rider rides a friendly creature
with the Mount trait, the creature can use a reaction to Defense: 12 (leather) Health: 60
attack the same target. Strength: 13 (+3), Agility: 10 (+0)
Ranged Attack—Shortbow · Range 20: Agility (+1) with Intellect: 6 (–4), Will: 10 (+0)
1 boon (2d6)
Size: 1, Speed: 5
Languages: Goblin Tongue
Senses: Keen Vision
Immune: infection
Bestiary

Sunlight Weakness: If the goblin starts their turn in a space

lit by sunlight, the goblin becomes weakened until the start
of their next turn.
ACTIONS
Melee Attack—Maul · Bludgeoning: Strength (+3) with
1 boon (4d6)

186
GOBLIN HEXCASTER GOBLIN BOSS
GOBLIN, FAERIE · DIFFICULTY 4 GOBLIN, FAERIE · DIFFICULTY 4

Defense: 13 (leather), Health: 40 Defense: 6, Health: 80

Strength: 8 (–2), Agility: 12 (+2) Strength: 13 (+3), Agility: 8 (–2)
Intellect: 12 (+2), Will: 8 (–2) Intellect: 14 (+4), Will: 12 (+2)
Size: 1/2, Speed: 6 (Slippery) Size: 1, Speed: 2 (Slippery)
Languages: Arcane, Goblin Tongue Languages: Archaic, Goblin Tongue, Sylvan
Senses: Keen Vision Senses: Keen Vision
Immune: infection Immune: confused, controlled, stunned; infection
Unlucky Presence: While the hexcaster is not injured, Leadership: Each ally within 5 yards rolls to attack with
confused, controlled, stunned, or unconscious, it imposes 1 boon.
1 bane on luck rolls made by enemies within 5 yards of it. Palanquin: The boss sits in a high-backed chair mounted
Sunlight Weakness: If the goblin starts their turn in a space on a palanquin carried by six goblin grunts. While the
lit by sunlight, the goblin becomes weakened until the start boss is on the palanquin, the effect of its Leadership talent
of their next turn. expands to 10 yards.
The goblins carrying the palanquin use their actions to
ACTIONS keep it aloft and move together as the boss directs them.
Melee Attack—Daggers · Thrown 5: Agility (+2) with 1 boon If three or more of the goblins carrying the palanquin
(2d6) become incapacitated, they drop it, the boss loses this trait,
and any remaining goblins take their turns when they next
Two Attacks: The hexcaster makes two Daggers attacks. can. If the boss becomes incapacitated while it is atop the
REACTIONS palanquin, the goblins drop the palanquin and take their
turns when they next can.
Goblin Curses: When a creature within 15 yards starts its
turn, the hexcaster can cause that creature to become Sunlight Weakness: If the goblin starts their turn in a space
cursed (luck ends). When the creature ends this effect, lit by sunlight, the goblin becomes weakened until the start
it becomes immune to this hexcaster’s curses for 1 hour. of their next turn.
While cursed in this way, the target suffers one of the ACTIONS
following additional effects:
• Thorn in the Heel: The cursed target takes 1d6 damage Melee Attack—Whip · Long: Strength (+3) with 2 boons (0)
each time it moves 4 yards or more on its turn. Critical Success: The target takes 1d6 damage.
• Spit in the Eye: The cursed target cannot see beyond Ranged Attack—Crossbow · Brutal, Range 20: Agility (–2)
5 yards. with 1 boon (4d6)
• Rumble in the Gut: Whenever the cursed target gets Crack that Whip: The goblin boss makes a Whip attack and
a failure on an attribute roll, it becomes stunned until up to two goblin allies benefiting from the boss’s Leadership
the end of its next turn. talent can use reactions to attack. The goblin rolls to attack
with 2 boons and deals an extra 1d6 damage.
REACTIONS
Battle Tactics: When an ally within 5 yards gets a failure on
a roll to attack, the boss can turn the result into a success.
Strong Language: When an enemy starts its turn within
5 yards, the boss can make an Intellect (+4) roll with
1 boon against that enemy’s Will. On a success, the
target becomes frightened of the boss until either the
boss becomes incapacitated or the target overcomes the
affliction with a successful Will roll. On a failure, the target
becomes immune to Strong Language for 1 hour.
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187
 G org on Great Serpent
The gorgons trace their heritage back to a paranoid emperor who Cobras, asps, rattlesnakes, and other serpents live all over the
ruled over a thousand years ago. He bargained with the Adversary, world, but so do other larger and deadlier breeds. The great ser-
offering his soul and the souls of all his descendants for the means pents, found on land and in the seas, resemble their smaller coun-
to kill his enemies with a mere glance. The Adversary granted his terparts, being scaled reptiles with fangs that can inject deadly tox-
wish by turning him into a monster whose gaze petrified anyone ins. They reign as elite predators.
upon which it fell. The emperor’s offspring scattered after his
death, seeking sanctuary from their sire’s vengeful enemies. Thus
GREAT SERPENT
have the gorgons hidden themselves away in secret places where
they are seldom found. MONSTER, AMPHIBIOUS · DIFFICULTY 8
Defense: 14, Health: 120
GORGON
Strength: 15 (+5), Agility: 12 (+2)
MONSTER · DIFFICULTY 16 Intellect: 9 (–1), Will: 13 (+3)
Defense: 18 (shield), Health: 180 Size: 4, Speed: 8 (Swimmer)
Strength: 13 (+3), Agility: 14 (+4) Senses: Keen Vision
Intellect: 12 (+2), Will: 16 (+6) Immune: controlled, stunned
Size: 2, Speed: 8 (Slippery) Scale Scrape: When the great serpent stops moving after
Languages: Archaic moving at least 2 yards, each enemy within 1 yard of
it makes an Agility roll. On a failure, the enemy takes
Senses: True Vision 2d6 damage and becomes vulnerable until the end of
Immune: confused, controlled, stunned, unconscious the round.
Fury: A gorgon can make a Saber or Longbow attack, move ACTIONS
up to twice its Speed, or heal 45 damage and end all
afflictions. Melee Attack—Fangs: Strength (+5) with 1 boon (4d6)
Great Serpent Venom: A flesh-and-blood target makes
Glimpse the Eyes: When an enemy attacks the gorgon a Strength roll with 2 banes. On a failure, it becomes
and rolls with 1 boon or more, the enemy is at risk of poisoned (luck ends). While it is poisoned in this way, the
meeting the gorgon’s eyes. If any boon dice come up as target is stunned and loses an extra 2d6 Health at the end
4 or higher, the enemy is subject to the gorgon’s Petrifying of each round.
Gaze without the gorgon needing to use a reaction to use
that trait. Melee Attack—Tail · Long: Strength (+5) with 1 boon (3d6)
Toxic Blood: When the gorgon takes damage or loses Two Attacks: The great serpent makes one Fangs attack and
Health while injured, its toxic blood sprays from its body. one Tail attack.
Each enemy within 2 yards makes a luck roll. The enemy REACTIONS
with the lowest failed result takes 4d6 damage.
Reactive Slap: If the great serpent has no creature grabbed
ACTIONS when an enemy within a number of yards equal to its Size
+ 4 harms the great serpent, make a Tail attack against
Melee Attack—Saber: Strength (+3) with 1 boon (3d6) that enemy.
Ranged Attack—Longbow · Range 30: Agility (+4) with
1 boon (3d6) END OF THE ROUND
Two Attacks: The gorgon makes two Saber attacks or two Constricting Coils: Each enemy within 2 yards of the great
Longbow attacks. serpent makes an Agility roll with 1 bane. A held, slowed,
stunned, or unconscious enemy gets an automatic failure.
REACTIONS On a failure, the enemy becomes held until the great
Petrifying Gaze (Magical): When an enemy starts its turn serpent dies. If the target was held in this way already, it
with line of sight to the gorgon, make a Will (+6) roll loses 4d6 Health and becomes weakened until the end of
against that enemy’s Will. On a success, an enemy with the next round. While held in this way, it moves with the
a Health score of 20 or less turns into a stone statue and great serpent when it moves. An enemy can overcome this
dies, while an enemy with a Health score higher than 20 effect with a success on a Strength roll. The enemy rolls
loses 4d6 Heath and becomes held (luck ends). Each time with 1 bane for each point of Size it is smaller than the
the enemy makes a luck roll to end the affliction, it loses great serpent.
1d6 Health. If the reduction drops its Health to 20 or less,
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the target turns into a stone statue and dies.

188
Green G orger
Things living in the depths of the earth cannot be selective about what they eat. There’s little forage outside of mushrooms, and small
things like bugs and worms don’t provide enough nourishment for things that grow to any substantial size. This is why green gorgers
never turn their sensitive noses up at anything that might be edible, be it fungus, plant, carcass, or ooze. Green gorgers have a knack for
finding things to eat, and once one sniffs out prey, it pursues its victim with single-mindedness.
A green gorger has a quadrupedal body with bands of thick armor plates spreading down from its spine to protect its back and sides
from falling debris. Four squat limbs end in long claws for digging through earth and stone. It has a short, paddle-shaped tail, and a wide
head with large toothy maw like that of a lizard.
Gnomes, having nothing to fear from green gorgers, raise these brutes as pets and keep up their strength with a diet of mushrooms
and rotten vegetable matter. These gorgers become even more hostile when given a chance to make a meal of something that walks, runs,
creeps, or crawls.

GREEN GORGER
MONSTER · DIFFICULTY 4
Defense: 15, Health: 60
Strength: 14 (+4), Agility: 10 (+0)
Intellect: 9 (–1), Will: 13 (+3)
Size: 2, Speed: 6 (Burrower)
Senses: Dark Vision
Immune: frightened
ACTIONS
Melee Attack—Claws · Slashing: Strength (+4) with 1 boon (2d6)
Melee Attack—Teeth · Piercing: Strength (+4) with 1 boon (1d6)
Two Attacks: The green gorger makes one Claws attack and one Teeth attack.
END OF THE ROUND
Rampage: The green gorger rampages until the end of the next round. The green gorger increases its Speed by 3, rolls to attack
with 2 boons, and its attacks deal an extra 1d6 damage. Then, the green gorger loses access to this talent (luck ends).

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189
 Gremlin Gruad
Leaking boats, thrown wagon wheels, and other unexplainable An enormous, bipedal lizard with a gray, pebbly hide and brown
disasters are blamed on wicked, mischievous faeries known as stripes, a gruad stands 13 feet tall and weighs one ton. Its hind legs
gremlins. Inveterate tricksters, they delight in spreading chaos, support its body, while its smaller forelimbs have long talons that
focusing on things people make and use. Gremlins almost never it uses to tear and claw. A thick, muscular tail extends out from the
engage in direct conflict; they sneak about and weaken objects so base of its spine, while its boxy head boasts a huge maw filled with
that they fail at the worst time possible. sharp teeth. Its breath smells of death; as a carrion eater, its mouth
Some gremlins target people who annoy them or display ill is a playground for disease.
manners. However, since the faeries move at their own speed,
when they are finally moved to do something, they might come GRUAD
after descendants of the individual who originally wronged them. MONSTER · DIFFICULTY 32
Large-scale projects also attract gremlins. The bigger the project,
the greater the appeal. Multiple gremlins might infest the site and Defense: 18, Health: 320
work their mischief from behind piles of quarried stone or high up Strength: 18 (+8), Agility: 10 (+0)
in the scaffolding. Intellect: 10 (+0), Will: 11 (+1)
Gremlins belong to the little folk and can live indefinitely, short Size: 3, Speed: 8 (Strider)
of violence or mishap. They stand about 8 inches tall and weigh
Senses: Keen Scent
no more than a couple of pounds. Each has one odd distinctive
feature of unusually large size: a giant tooth, a bulging eye, or a Immune: confused, controlled, stunned
nose so long it drags on the ground. Gremlins eschew clothing and Fury: A gruad can attack, move, or heal 80 damage and
never pass up a chance to flaunt their undressed bodies. end all afflictions.
Taste for Blood: When the graud’s attack causes a target of
GREMLIN flesh and blood to become injured, the gruad gains a taste
for its blood that lasts 24 hours. Until this effect ends, the
FAERIE · DIFFICULTY 2 target cannot hide from the gruad, the gruad rolls to attack
the target with 1 boon, and its attacks against the target
Defense: 21, Health: 5 deal an extra 1d6 damage.
Strength: 4 (–6), Agility: 16 (+6) Trample: A gruad can move through spaces occupied
Intellect: 12 (+2), Will: 7 (–3) by creatures and objects smaller than it. When it enters
a creature’s space, that creature makes an Agility roll.
Size: 1/4, Speed: 5 On a failure, the creature takes 4d6 damage and falls
Languages: Goblin Tongue or Sylvan prone. When it enters an object’s space, the object takes
4d6 damage. A creature or object can be subject to this
Senses: Keen Vision gruad’s Trample just once per round.
Immune: infection ACTIONS
Unlucky Presence: While the gremlin is not injured, confused,
controlled, stunned, or unconscious, it imposes 1 bane on Melee Attack—Teeth · Piercing: Strength (+8) with 1 boon
luck rolls made by enemies within 5 yards of it. (8d6)
Critical Success: The gruad shakes the target in its mouth.
ACTIONS The target loses 3d6 Health and then lands prone in an
Melee Attack—Teeth: Agility (+6) with 1 boon (1d6) empty space of the gruad’s choice within 5 yards. A flesh-
and-blood target is also exposed to infection.
Critical Success: The target becomes cursed (luck ends).
While cursed in this way, it halves the result of any attribute Melee Attack—Claw · Slashing: Strength (+8) with 1 boon
roll or luck roll it makes. (4d6)
Jinx Objects (Magical): The gremlin jinxes objects around Melee Attack—Tail · Long: Strength (+8) with 1 boon (6d6)
it. Target any number of objects, all in one Size 5 space Knock Down: A target smaller than the gruad makes a
within 10 yards. Each target becomes jinxed for 24 hours. Strength roll. On a failure, it falls prone.
Any creature wearing or carrying a jinxed target is cursed Four Attacks: The gruad makes one Teeth attack, two Claw
until it no longer wears or carries the object. In addition, attacks, and one Tail attack.
whenever a creature cursed in this way makes an attribute
roll and gets an even number on the die, one ordinary REACTIONS
object the creature wears or carries loses all its Health. Lashing Tail: When an enemy within a number of yards
Bestiary

Once the gremlin uses this talent, it loses access to it for equal to the gruad’s Size + 1 starts its turn, the graud can
24 hours. make a Tail attack against that enemy.
Magical Sabotage (Magical): Target one object within 10
END OF THE ROUND
yards. Each time a creature touches or uses the target, that
creature makes a luck roll with 1 bane. On a failure, the Rampage: The gruad rampages until the end of the next
target loses 3d6 Health. round. The gruad increases its Speed by 3, rolls to attack
Once the gremlin uses this talent, it loses access to it (luck with 2 boons, and its attacks deal an extra 1d6 damage.
ends). Then, the gruad loses access to this talent (luck ends).

190
Guardian Statue HAG
FAERIE · DIFFICULTY 16
Wary spellcasters imbue stone statues with magic that brings them
to life when intruders come too close to their prized possessions. Defense: 20, Health: 160
These fanciful statues sport animal heads atop humanoid forms. Strength: 14 (+4), Agility: 12 (+2)
Intellect: 14 (+4), Will: 16 (+6)
GUARDIAN STATUE Size: 1, Speed: 6 (Slippery)
CREATION · DIFFICULTY 8 Languages: Arcane, Common, Goblin, Sylvan
Senses: True Vision
Defense: 10, Health: 100
Immune: confused, controlled, frightened, stunned; infection
Strength: 15 (+5), Agility: 10 (+0)
Protection from Magic: The hag imposes 1 bane on rolls
Intellect: —, Will: — against it from magical effects and it rolls to resist or end
Size: 2, Speed: 5 (Strider) magical effects with 1 boon.
Senses: Awareness 5 Fury: A hag can use Hag Fire, use Hag Curse, or heal 40
damage and end all afflictions.
Immune: asleep, blinded, confused, controlled, deafened,
frightened, on fire, poisoned, stunned, weakened; Alter Appearance (Magical): If the hag is not unconscious at
deprivation, exposure, infection, suffocation the start of its turn, it can transform into a Size 1 flesh-and-
blood creature of any ancestry. The hag remains in this
ACTIONS form until it uses this talent again or it takes damage from
an iron weapon. It makes all decisions about this form’s
Melee Attack—Great Sword · Slashing: Strength (+5) with appearance and can alter its voice to suit its form.
1 boon (8d6)
ACTIONS
REACTIONS
Deny Retreat: When an enemy within reach moves at least 1 Melee Attack—Claw · Slashing: Strength (+4) with 1 boon
(3d6)
yard, the guardian statue moves up to half its Speed and
the enemy that enabled the use of this talent makes an Critical Success: A flesh-and-blood target becomes
Agility roll. On a failure, the enemy falls prone. weakened (luck ends).
Two Attacks: The hag makes two Claw attacks.
Hag Fire (Magical): The hag throws a ball of green fire to
Hag a Size 1 space within 20 yards. When the ball reaches
its destination or can move no further, it explodes. Each
creature and object within 5 yards of where the ball
Strange old women living alone in the woods almost always exploded takes 4d6 damage. A creature that takes this
arouse suspicion from people living nearby. Such suspicion is damage makes an Agility roll with 1 bane. On a failure,
unfair to the innocent souls who have outlasted their friends and the creature takes an extra 4d6 damage and catches fire
(luck ends).
family, facing their last days in seclusion, but folklore recalls too
Hag Curse (Magical): The hag spits a bitter curse. Target
many stories of child-eating monsters who don the guises of old one creature within 15 yards. Make a Will (+6) roll with
women to lure victims into their clutches. Candy houses, huts 1 boon against the target’s Will. On a success, the target
marching through the woods on chicken legs, even horrid things becomes cursed for 1 minute. While it is cursed in this way,
riding inside flying giant skulls—all are the work of crones who the target is weakened and takes an extra 1d6 damage
use diabolical magic to feed their unholy appetites. Such beings whenever it takes damage. On a failure, the target
becomes immune to Hag Curse for 1 hour.
are called hags and, though they might appear more or less
human, they are anything but. REACTIONS
Nymphs and other faeries who allow evil to blossom in their Dreamless Slumber (Magical): When an enemy the hag has
hearts risk becoming beings of great wickedness. Despite tales of cursed starts its turn and is within 15 yards, the hag can
their being ugly, withered things, hags in their true forms look as make a Will (+6) roll against the Will of that enemy. On a
success, the target falls prone and becomes unconscious
beautiful as they ever were but choose to adopt monstrous appear- until it is no longer cursed. On a failure, the target becomes
ances. The traditional figure of the bent and hobbling crone is immune to Dreamless Slumber for 1 hour.
nothing more than a disguise. Streaming Smoke (Magical): When the hag becomes
Hags who wear these disguises might believe their outward injured or is harmed while injured, it can dissolve into a
cloud of smoke and stream into an empty space within 10
Chapter 3

appearance should match their inner nature. Others use them to

put others at ease by seeming weak and powerless. A few, having yards, where it immediately returns to its hag form. While it
is in smoke form, the hag is immune to all harm.
come to hate their beauty, hide behind gruesome masks as a way
to protect themselves.
One might feel sympathy for these faeries, but hags all have evil
hearts and wallow in cruelty and disgusting habits. They prey on
the weak and lure victims into their clutches to be savored and
eaten. Hags feel no remorse and seek ever to worsen the world.

191
 Halfling HALFLING ANCESTRY
HALFLING
Halflings have never stayed in one spot long enough to create a
settlement. No matter how much they like a place, the horizon Size: 1/2, Speed: 5
always calls and before they know it, they’ve traveled halfway to Languages: Ranger Signs
wherever their feet take them next. So rather than houses and gar- Immune: frightened
dens, halflings live in the backs of colorful wagons, going wherever Other Traits: Pluck, Wanderlust
the road takes them.
Each halfling community comprises several extended and mul-
tigenerational families, which together make up one of a hundred or so clans found in the borderlands and in the Old Country. Each clan
owns a fleet of covered wagons that are more like little homes on wheels, with sleeping quarters for everyone. When halflings wed, they
work together to build their own wagon in which to live and raise their children. Halfling clans herd livestock, usually goats and sheep,
but larger clans might have cattle. To supplement their diets, they forage, scavenge, and trade with others.
One might think the traveling life to be spare, but halfling communities have produced some of the greatest storytellers, musicians,
and thespians the world has known. Generally, each clan has a specialty to encourage settlements to welcome them for a time. They
might put on shows, musical acts, or theater; offer miscellaneous goods for sale; or have tradespeople who can make repairs, tend to the
sick, and so on.
No one knows where the halflings came from, but stories about them have been making the rounds since the days of the Old Empire,
and most believe they were traveling even before its founding. Halflings tell stories about the Lands of Plenty, a place promised to them
by the gods of old that one day they will find. And when they do, they will gather up all the clans to bring them to their new home.
Whether this place exists or not doesn’t matter to most halflings, though some say it’s just a few miles away; life is a journey and there’s
no direction to go other than forward.
To call halflings small humans would be a mistake. Though they resemble humans superficially, a number of qualities set them
apart. For one, halflings stand 3 feet tall, plus or minus a few inches, and most weigh between 30 and 60 pounds. Halflings have three
fingers and a thumb on each hand and four toes on each foot. They have large, pointed ears that lack lobes, with tufts of fur growing
from the tips.

Outrider
Each caravan has a number of halflings who ride ponies (as horses, see page 68 in Shadow of the Weird Wizard) in front, behind, and
to the sides to watch for threats and issue warnings if faced with hostile forces. Outriders are skilled slingers and cunning fighters. They
never back down from a battle and would give their lives to protect their kin.

HALFLING OUTRIDER
HALFLING · DIFFICULTY 2
Defense: 13 (leather), Health: 15
Strength: 11 (+1), Agility: 12 (+2)
Intellect: 10 (+0), Will: 11 (+1)
Size: 1/2, Speed: 5
Languages: Common, Ranger Signs
Immune: frightened
Pluck: When the halfling makes an attribute roll, they can discard the result and roll again. The halfling must use the result of the
second roll. Once the halfling uses this trait, they lose access to it for 1 minute.
Spirited Strike: When the halfling outrider attacks while riding a mount, the mount gains the Slippery movement trait until the end
of the halfling’s turn and can immediately move up to half its Speed.
Wanderlust: A halfling rolls to climb, jump, swim, and toss with 1 boon.
ACTIONS
Bestiary

Melee Attack—Spear · Thrown 5: Strength (+1) with 1 boon (2d6)

Ranged Attack—Sling · Bludgeoning, Range 15: Agility (+2) with 1 boon (1d6)

192
Haren HAREN ANCESTRY
HAREN
The New Lands have few indigenous peoples; the menace of
Size: 1, Speed: 6 (Strider)
the Weird Wizard drove most into the borderlands and the Old
Country. The haren, like the centaurs and a few others, chose to Bonus Languages: Haren
remain and spent generations fighting against the clockworks Senses: Keen Hearing, Keen Scent
and the Weird Wizard’s other creations. Even though the Weird Other Traits: Leaper
Wizard has gone, the haren have had little chance to rebuild, for
newcomers from the west continually intrude into their lands.
Haren look like bipedal humanoid rabbits. They have soft fur all over their bodies and long, sensitive ears.
Unlike the animals they resemble, these are no meek or timid people. They are warriors, fierce and proud, with
little use for others not like themselves. Strict vegetarians, they wear nothing that comes from animals. They
favor simple weapons and armor fashioned from bark and wood.
Communities of haren, called boroughs, center on hills, with wattle-and-daub houses arranged in a circle
around the mound. Each community makes decisions as a group, though the elder members are accorded the
respect they’re due for their experience. Each household looks after their own and the neighbors on their right,
thus building tightknit, strong communities.
Haren subsist on foraging and opportunistic farming—they let nature do the bulk of the work. This leaves
them free to pursue their own interests, such as music, art, or playing games. It also enables them to take turns
patrolling the edges of their territory. Rotating guard duty means everyone in the borough has skill at arms,
while also preventing warrior societies from forming, something the haren rejected a long time ago.
Haren do not have gods in the manner of other peoples. Instead, they put all their spiritual focus on maintaining
the health and safety of their community. In a way, their borough is like a god to them, and members see it as their duty
to sacrifice for the good of their home and hearth.

HAREN PATROLLER
HAREN · DIFFICULTY 2
Defense: 14 (wood, shield), Health: 15
Strength: 11 (+1), Agility: 12 (+2)
Intellect: 10 (+0), Will: 10 (+0)
Size: 1, Speed: 6 (Silent, Strider)
Languages: Haren
Senses: Keen Hearing, Keen Scent
Leaper: A haren can expend 1 yard of movement to
jump to a space within 5 yards. Once they use this
trait, they lose access to it for 1 minute.
Shifty: After a haren uses an action to attack, and
is not held, it can move 1 yard and gains the
Slippery trait for this movement.
ACTIONS
Melee Attack—Spear · Thrown 5: Strength (+1)
with 1 boon (2d6)
Ranged Attack—Bow · Range 20: Agility (+2)
with 1 boon (2d6)
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193
 Harpy HARPY ANCESTRY
HARPY
Another people indigenous to the New Lands, harpies live in cliff-
side communities scattered along the subcontinent’s southern coast Size: 1, Speed: 5 (Fly)
overlooking the Sea of Fear. Skyhunters set out each day at dawn, Bonus Languages: Harpy
flying over the sea to catch fish, eels, and other creatures of the Senses: Keen Vision
deeps, while the rest tend to their community’s needs—mending Natural Weapons: A harpy can use their talons together as
nets, rearing children, watching for enemies, gathering forage, and a single natural weapon that deals 1d6 damage and has
the like. Contact with other peoples has been anything but peaceful. the Nimble trait.
Many harpy communities have xenophobic tendencies and attack
interlopers without provocation. Hence, sailors have been bringing
back stories of the winged terrors out of the east for centuries.
Like many peoples of the New Lands, harpies possess animal traits, with wings and the lower bodies of hawks. The rest of their bodies can
pass for human, though their facial features have sharp angles, high brows, and feathers in place of hair.

HARPY SKYHUNTER
HARPY · DIFFICULTY 2
Defense: 12, Health: 10
Strength: 11 (+1), Agility: 12 (+2)
Intellect: 10 (+0), Will: 10 (+0)
Size: 1, Speed: 5 (Fly)
Languages: Harpy
Senses: Keen Vision
ACTIONS
Melee Attack—Talons: Agility (+2) with 1 boon (1d6)
Ranged Attack—Shortbow · Range 20: Agility (+2) with 1 boon (2d6)

Haunt
Spirits break down, losing coherency and memory until they become mere echoes of what they were. Haunts manifest from the spirit
world at specific times, move and act in a manner that gives some clue to their final moments, and then fade away. They ignore other
creatures and go about their activities as they have done for decades or even longer. They pass through obstacles and might even be seen
walking in the empty air, marking the floors of a structure that fell into ruin long ago. Though unsettling, haunts pose little harm to the
living.

HAUNT
SPIRIT · DIFFICULTY 1
Defense: 15, Health: 5
Strength: —, Agility: 10 (+0)
Intellect: —, Will: —
Size: 1, Speed: 5 (Insubstantial, Silent, Slippery)
Immune: asleep, blinded, confused, controlled, deafened, frightened, held, impaired, on fire, poisoned, prone, weakened;
exposure, deprivation, infection, suffocation
Invisible: A haunt is invisible.
Bestiary

ACTIONS
Frightening Manifestation: The haunt loses its Invisible trait until the start of its next turn. Each enemy that can see it makes a Will
roll. On a success, the creature becomes immune to Frightening Manifestation for 1 hour. On a failure, it takes 1d6 damage
and becomes frightened of the haunt (luck ends).

194
Headless HEADLESS
UNDEAD · DIFFICULTY 4
As unnatural fog rolls in, a horse’s whinny cuts through the silence.
A flash of light, the thunder of hooves, and then, springing out Defense: 17 (plate), Health: 80
from the mist, comes the headless. Strength: 13 (+3), Agility: 11 (+1)
This warrior bleeds menace. The rotting head it carries by the Intellect: 11 (+1), Will: 15 (+5)
hair screams laughter as it swings from side to side, its filthy grin
Size: 1, Speed: 5
stretched wide to show black teeth. As terror grips onlookers, the
headless cracks its bone whip, which looks awfully like a spine, and Languages: Archaic, Common, or Kingdom
cuts a path through its prey. Senses: Dark Vision
Faeries create the headless from warriors who have crossed them. Immune: asleep, blinded, deafened, poisoned; exposure,
After removing their heads, the faeries curse them with unlife, deprivation, infection, suffocation
forcing them to carry their severed appendages wherever they go. Terrifying Cackle (Magical): If the headless is not confused,
The curse fuels their hatred and drives the headless to harry the controlled, stunned, or unconscious at the start of its turn
living each night until someone or something puts them down. and can see an enemy, it lifts its severed head, which then
A headless sits upon the back of a great black horse (as warhorse, cackles. Each enemy within 20 yards makes a Will roll
with 1 bane. On a success, the enemy becomes immune
see page 69 in Shadow of the Weird Wizard) or drives a black car- to Terrifying Cackle for 1 hour. On a failure, the enemy
riage festooned with bones and burning black candles. becomes frightened of the headless (luck ends). Once the
headless uses this trait, it loses access to it (luck ends).
Divine Doom: A headless makes luck rolls with 1 bane.
ACTIONS
Chapter 3

Melee Attack—Bone Whip · Long: Strength (+3) with 1

boon (4d6)
Critical Success: The target becomes vulnerable and
weakened (luck ends both).
Two Attacks: The headless makes two Bone Whip attacks.

195
 Hobg oblin HOBGOBLIN ANCESTRY
HOBGOBLIN, FAERIE
Although their names are similar, goblins and hobgoblins have
little in common. Goblins are faeries who shunned their own Size: 1/2, Speed: 5 (Silent)
kind after following the Goblin King out of the hidden realms to Bonus Languages: Sylvan
drive mortals from the world and wreak havoc wherever they can. Senses: Dark Vision
Hobgoblins, on the other hand, are secretive faeries who often Immune: infection
live among mortal communities, unseen, undetected, unless they
Other Traits: Fade Away
choose otherwise.
The name hobgoblin means house goblin, a name given to all
kinds of household faeries who, for one reason or other, decide to pitch in with the chores and labor in return for small gifts of clothing,
baubles, and a bit of cream, which they seem to love. The name has come to refer also to faeries who live under homes, hidden away in
small towns, or in the tunnels under the southern cities. Not every hobgoblin has an interest in doing chores; many go about their busi-
ness without the compulsion to milk cows or mend shoes.
Hobgoblins form small communities inside mortal lands. Rather than flee from humanity’s spread, they employed their magical
nature to stay out of view. They survive by taking what they need from their mortal neighbors and leaving behind something that hob-
goblins see as having equal value. For example, a hobgoblin might pluck a fresh-baked pie from a windowsill and leave a bit of ribbon as
payment, believing the ribbon has equal value from the effort to acquire it.
Hobgoblin communities are tight-packed warrens that spread through tunnels excavated under human settlements and in the border-
lands. Among themselves, hobgoblins have no sense of ownership; they share everything and contribute to the good of their commu-
nities with whatever skills they have. Many have considerable skill as artisans, and some of the best tailors, cobblers, and jewelers in the
known world happen to be hobgoblins.
Few people ever see hobgoblins, so good are these faeries at disappearing and sneaking. Hobgoblins can magically disappear, and while
invisible, they mute the sounds they make so that others remain ignorant of their existence. When they do deign to show themselves,
they appear as little people, between 2 1/2 and 3 1/2 feet tall, with rotund bodies and spindly limbs. Hobgoblins weigh between 40
and 60 pounds. They have long, pointed noses, small bright eyes under bushy eyebrows, and large hairy ears. They have a wide range of
coloration, from milk-white to obsidian black and everything in between.

HOBGOBLIN SNEAK
HOBGOBLIN, FAERIE · DIFFICULTY 2
Defense: 13, Health: 10
Strength: 9 (–1), Agility: 13 (+3)
Intellect: 11 (+1), Will: 9 (–1)
Size: 1/2, Speed: 5 (Silent)
Languages: Common, Sylvan
Senses: Dark Vision
Immune: infection
ACTIONS
Melee Attack—Dagger · Thrown 5: Agility (+3) with 1 boon (1d6)
Magical Mending (Magical): The hobgoblin touches one Size 1 or smaller object in reach. The target regains all lost Health.
Once the hobgoblin uses this talent, they lose access to it until after they rest.
REACTIONS
Fading Form: When harmed, the hobgoblin can become invisible and immune to damage from ordinary sources for 1 minute.
The effect ends if the hobgoblin harms a creature. Once it uses this trait, they lose access to it for 1 minute.
Bestiary

196
Hollow Knight
From the shadows lurch warriors clad in full plate armor, but the heat and glow they radiate reveal them to be hollow armored suits
given the semblance of life by magic. Hollow knights patrol their makers’ domains, marching through the halls or standing guard on the
battlements, mute sentinels that never grow weary. In battle, they fight with no fear as they slash and chop with their weapons.
Hollow knights can be found among the retinues of any powerful magic-user, though the methods involved in their creation remain
something of a secret. It’s believed a renegade magician named Ranold the Big, a would-be rival to the Weird Wizard, created the hollow
knights to counter his enemy’s clockwork soldiers. The small army of hollow knights, as deadly as they were, could do nothing against
the Weird Wizard’s forces, and Ranold the Big became a footnote in history.

HOLLOW KNIGHT
CREATION · DIFFICULTY 4
Defense: 20 (full plate, shield), Health: 40
Strength: 12 (+2), Agility: 10 (+0)
Intellect: —, Will: —
Size: 1, Speed: 5
Senses: Awareness 10
Immune: asleep, blinded, confused, deafened,
impaired, poisoned, stunned; damage from fire;
deprivation, exposure, infection, suffocation
Explosive Ending (Magical): When the hollow
knight becomes incapacitated, it explodes. Each
object within 2 yards of it takes 2d6 damage,
while each creature within 2 yards of it makes
a luck roll. On a failure, the creature takes 2d6
damage. The explosion consumes everything
the hollow knight wears and carries.
ACTIONS
Melee Attack—Sword · Slashing: Strength (+2)
with 1 boon (2d6)
Two Attacks: The hollow knight makes two Sword
attacks.

Chapter 3

197
 Horrid Mother and that are not destroyed most likely grow into horrid mothers them-
selves. Few survive long enough to do so, though, as the horrid
Unspeakable Young mother snaps up the offspring.
If the horrid mother understands language, it makes no sign,
A shadow moves in the deep woods. A shrill, piping warble sets answering no questions, doing nothing but croon and dribble and
hairs standing and chills dancing down the spine. As the thing birth and blight the land wherever its limbs drag it.
moves out from the canopy-cast gloom and comes into view, the
mind buckles to the point of breaking. This is a thing that should HORRID MOTHER
not be, a horror born and bred in nightmare whose existence MONSTER · DIFFICULTY 32
serves only to make the world worse.
Tangles of limbs jut out at unlikely angles from a body bloated and Defense: 11, Health: 400
purplish white. Things that look like insects scurry over its bulk, rac- Strength: 16 (+6), Agility: 11 (+1)
ing on hundreds of hair-fine legs to sample the nectar weeping from Intellect: 8 (–2), Will: 14 (+4)
the dark pits dotting its form. But most awful is the visage: the wide,
Size: 8, Speed: 5 (Strider)
moon-shaped face with moist lips dribbling a thin, sweet-smelling
liquor that kills whatever it touches. Then the horrid mother’s body Immune: confused, controlled, frightened, stunned
shudders and the dimples yawn wide to release a host of young, each Disgorge Unspeakable Young: At the start of combat, the
a human-headed worm with an idiotic grin, hooting and bleating as horrid mother vomits 5d6 unspeakable young into empty
it slithers toward the potential meal. spaces of its choice within 10 yards. Once the horrid
mother uses this trait, it loses access to it for 24 hours.
The horrid mother comes not from this world and might be
unique in its wrongness, though some have sighted this thing in Horrifying Appearance: A sighted enemy that starts its turn
different places separated by hundreds of miles, which suggests a with line of sight to the horrid mother makes a Will roll
with 2 banes. On a success, the enemy becomes immune
whole race of these terrible things exist. The unspeakable young to Horrifying Appearance for 1 hour. On a failure, the
enemy becomes stunned (luck ends). When this affliction
ends, the enemy becomes frightened of the horrid mother
(luck ends). While frightened of the horrid mother, on each
of its turns, the creature must use an action to run, if it can,
and move by the fastest and safest available route away
from it.
Uncanny Reek: Flesh-and-blood enemies within 5 yards that
are not immune to the poisoned affliction are weakened
for as long as they remain within this range.
Verminous Symbionts: When an enemy makes a melee
attack or an unarmed attack against the horrid mother,
the enemy makes a luck roll. On a failure, it takes 2d6
damage.
ACTIONS
Melee Attack—Limbs: Strength (+6) with 2 boons (10d6)
Splashing Slobber: Nasty slobber spills from the horrid
mother’s mouth. Each creature within 5 yards makes a
luck roll. On a failure, the creature takes 1d6 damage and
becomes Strength impaired (luck ends). If the creature is
already Strength impaired, it takes an extra 1d6 damage
instead.
Four Attacks: The horrid mother makes four Limbs attacks.

UNSPEAKABLE YOUNG
MONSTER · DIFFICULTY 1
Defense: 11, Health: 10
Strength: 10 (+0), Agility: 8 (–2)
Bestiary

Intellect: 6 (–4), Will: 10 (+0)

Size: 1/4, Speed: 5 (Slippery, Strider)
Immune: blinded, deafened, frightened, prone, slowed
ACTIONS
Melee Attack—Teeth: Strength (+0) with 1 boon (1d6)

198
Horrors
Horrors hail from alien realities where many of nature’s rules have no hold. Efforts to explore these realms let loose strange things into
the world, nameless horrors anathema to life. That such things could escape and wreak havoc on Erth was unthinkable once, but reckless
magicians have weakened the boundaries between worlds, and from time to time horrors slip through the wounds and hunt.
Horrors come in two broad varieties: horrors and large horrors. Both types have seemingly random arrangements of form, with fea-
tures sometimes familiar and others entirely alien. All have monochromatic bodies, with most being glossy black, but red, blue, yellow,
green, and other colors are possible. Large horrors are simply bigger, nastier versions of their counterparts.
If horrors understand language, they show no sign of it. They do not speak, but they do scream, hoot, and bark.

HORROR
MONSTER · DIFFICULTY 4
Defense: 16, Health: 60
Strength: 13 (+3), Agility: 13 (+3)
Intellect: 13 (+3), Will: 13 (+3)
Size: 1, Speed: 6
Senses: True Vision
Immune: confused, frightened, stunned
Untethered from Reality: At the start of the horror’s turn if it is not controlled or unconscious, make a luck roll. On a success, the
horror can teleport to an empty space of its choice within 10 yards.
ACTIONS
Melee Attack—Appendages · Slashing: Strength (+3) with 1 boon (3d6)
Failure: The horror gains an action and repeats the attack. Then, it loses this trait for 1 minute.
END OF THE ROUND
Rampage: The horror rampages until the end of the next round. The horror increases its Speed by 3, rolls to attack with 2 boons,
and its attacks deal an extra 1d6 damage. Then, the horror loses access to this talent (luck ends).

LARGE HORROR
MONSTER · DIFFICULTY 8
Defense: 16, Health: 120
Strength: 15 (+5), Agility: 15 (+5)
Intellect: 15 (+5), Will: 15 (+5)
Size: 2, Speed: 6
Languages: True Vision
Immune: confused, frightened, stunned
Untethered from Reality: At the start of the large horror’s turn if it is not controlled or unconscious, make a luck roll. On a success,
the large horror can teleport to an empty space of its choice within 10 yards.
ACTIONS
Melee Attack—Appendages · Slashing: Strength (+5) with 2 boons (6d6)
Failure: The large horror gains an action and repeats the attack. Then, it loses this trait for 1 minute.
END OF THE ROUND
Rampage: The large horror rampages until the end of the next round. The large horror increases its Speed by 3, rolls to attack
with 2 boons, and its attacks deal an extra 1d6 damage. Then, the large horror loses access to this talent (luck ends).
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199
 Husks HUSK WARRIOR
UNDEAD · DIFFICULTY 4
As if the Salt Barrens were not bad enough, travelers have begun
reporting figures creeping across the sandy dunes, and many blame Defense: 18 (breastplate, shield), Health: 40
these strangers for emptied villages and missing caravans. Only Strength: 12 (+2), Agility: 11 (+1)
recently has anyone encountered these beings and survived, and
all descriptions make them out to be wasted and shriveled, as dry Intellect: 9 (–1), Will: 15 (+5)
as the desert, with voices that sound like sand scraping over stone. Size: 1, Speed: 5 (Slippery, Strider)
With no name offered, those living on the edges of the wastes Senses: Dark Vision
have come to call them husks, for they appear to be the withered Immune: asleep, frightened, poisoned, slowed; exposure,
remains of humans given unnatural life. deprivation, infection, suffocation
The husks come from the heart of the wasteland. Dark magic
blighted their land and infected them, dooming them to an Protection from Magic: The husk imposes 1 bane on rolls
against it from magical effects and it rolls to resist or end
accursed existence that only destruction can end. Husks retain magical effects with 1 boon.
their minds and memories, but whatever force they summoned
devoured their souls and, in so doing, enslaved them. Now, they Doom the Living (Magical): When an enemy starts its turn
march toward other lands to make war on whoever they find and with line of sight to a husk, the enemy becomes cursed and
feed souls to the thing they serve. vulnerable for 24 hours.
Some husks curse people who see them. If those people die, Divine Doom: A husk makes luck rolls with 1 bane.
the darkness consumes their souls and they rise up as new husks 1
ACTIONS
hour later. Husks created in this way use the rules for husk warriors
in place of their previous rules. Melee Attack—Spear · Thrown 5: Strength (+2) with 1 boon
Husks lack the necessary anatomy to speak, though they under- (3d6)
stand the dead language of their people. Ranged Attack—Javelin · Thrown 10: Strength (+2) with
1 boon (2d6)
WARRIOR
The rank-and-file members of the husk forces were all once HUSK MAGUS
human or near-human people, but along with their souls they
have lost almost all the moisture from their bodies, leaving them UNDEAD · DIFFICULTY 8
nearly skeletal, the flesh as hard as wood. Lips are gone, noses Defense: 17, Health: 80
broken off, and long, wispy hair frames skull-like visages. Husk Strength: 11 (+1), Agility: 13 (+3)
warriors dress in breastplates and armored skirts. They carry
Intellect: 14 (+4), Will: 15 (+5)
spears and shields into battle.
Size: 1, Speed: 5 (Fly, Hover, Slippery)
MAGUS Senses: Dark Vision
Leading the husk warriors falls to the magi. These magic-using Immune: asleep, frightened, poisoned, slowed; exposure,
undead float above the ground, being little more than torsos deprivation, infection, suffocation
draped in fluttering rags. Most wear spiked crowns or metal bands Protection from Magic: The husk imposes 1 bane on rolls
around their skulls. against it from magical effects and it rolls to resist or end
magical effects with 1 boon.
Doom the Living (Magical): When an enemy starts its turn
with line of sight to a husk, the enemy becomes cursed and
vulnerable for 24 hours.
Divine Doom: A husk makes luck rolls with 1 bane.
ACTIONS
Melee Attack—Claws · Slashing: Agility (+3) with 1 boon (4d6)
Darkening Bolt (Magical): The husk magus flings magical
darkness from its hand. Target one creature within 30
yards. Make an Intellect (+4) roll against the target’s
Agility. On a success, the darkness hits and deals 4d6
damage. The target also becomes weakened (luck ends).
Feast of Souls (Magical): The husk magus drains life energy
from the living. Each flesh-and-blood enemy within 5 yards
makes a luck roll. On a failure, it loses 2d6 Health, and
Bestiary

becomes Strength impaired (luck ends). For each enemy

that fails this roll, the husk magus and each of its husk allies
heal 1d6 damage. Once the husk magus uses this talent, it
loses access to it for 1 minute.
REACTIONS
Battle Tactics: When an ally within 5 yards gets a failure on a
roll to attack, the husk magus turns the failure into a success.

200
Hybrid D6
Hindlegs
APPEARANCE D6
Tail
APPEARANCE
The Weird Wizard produced a menagerie of hybrids from many 1 Eagle 1 Snake
different creatures prized for their sturdiness and ferocity. One
2 Horse 2 Trunk
can find parts of lions, bears, and horses in his made creatures,
improved with wings, beaks, talons, and other features. Rather 3 Tentacles 3 Scorpion
than cross similar animals, such as lions and bears, the Weird 4 Bear 4 Horse
Wizard preferred to combine disparate creatures—bears with 5 Cat 5 No tail
owls and lions with eagles—believing, rightly or wrongly, that the
6 Human 6 Human face
marriage of far-removed species demonstrated his artistry.
Many of the Weird Wizard’s monsters presented no or little
danger, such as the owlcats he so favored, as well as antmice and Special
swinesnakes. A few of his greatest accomplishments have found D6 SPECIAL TRAIT
their way into the world and now pose a danger to people and
1 Gains the Aquatic, Slippery, and Swimmer traits.
wildlife alike. You can generate a hybrid’s appearance randomly by
rolling dice and finding the results on the following tables. 2 Knows Common and can speak.
3 Increase Health by 10 and gains the Mount trait.
HYBRID 4 Increase Speed by 2 and gains the Strider trait.
MONSTER · DIFFICULTY 4 5 Increase Defense by 2 and gains the Climber trait.

Defense: 11, Health: 60 6 Gains the Fly trait.

Strength: 13 (+3), Agility: 11 (+1)

Intellect: 10 (+0), Will: 11 (+1)
Size: 2, Speed: 5
Senses: Keen Vision
ACTIONS
Melee Attack—Claws and Teeth: Strength (+3) with 2 boons
(4d6)

Head Body
D6 APPEARANCE D6 APPEARANCE
1 Bird 1 Lion
2 Bear or boar 2 Reptile
3 Dog or wolf 3 Goat
4 Horse or stag 4 Horse
5 Lion 5 Porcupine
6 Reptile 6 Bear

Forelegs Wings
D6 APPEARANCE D6 APPEARANCE
1 Eagle 1–3 Leathery
2 Horse 4–6 Feathered
3 Tentacles
4 Bear
Chapter 3

5 Cat
6 Human

201
 Hydra Illustrated Guardian
When Lord Death defeated Draconus and bent the Ancient One Experienced explorers know to trust nothing when exploring
into divine form, the conflict spilled the dragon’s blood and from places held or once held by magic-users, for anything can be a
it sprang forth his angels, the dreaded hydras, who slithered across magical trap, even a mediocre painting on a wall. Magic bound to
the world, finding refuge in the most desolate places. Their divine a painting, etching, or some other illustration enables the image to
origin has little effect on hydras’ cunning; they behave much as lift itself free from the surface and attack intruders.
monsters do. Instead, they inherited their sire’s regenerative abil- An illustrated guardian might be a mural or a portrait. When
ity, which lets them persist despite harm or hardship. creatures deemed enemies by whoever created it come close, it
Hydras appear as giant, multiheaded serpents. Their bodies steps free from its surface as a two-dimensional object and fights
can reach up to 100 feet in length, and they have between seven until destroyed. The guardian bleeds paint or ink when harmed,
and twelve heads atop long, sinewy necks that emerge from the and once destroyed, breaks down into the pigments from which
main trunk. Severing a hydra’s neck causes two to grow in its place it was made.
unless fire first burns the stump.
ILLUSTRATED GUARDIAN
HYDRA CREATION · DIFFICULTY 4
ANGEL · DIFFICULTY 32 Defense: 15, Health: 40
Defense: 8, Health: 60 per head Strength: 13 (+3), Agility: 10 (+0)
Strength: 17 (+7), Agility: 10 (+0) Intellect: 10 (+0), Will: 15 (+5)
Intellect: 8 (–2), Will: 12 (+2) Size: 2, Speed: 5 (Slippery, Strider)
Size: 6, Speed: 5 (Strider) Senses: Awareness 5
Senses: Dark Vision, Keen Vision Immune: asleep, blinded, confused, controlled, deafened,
held, impaired, poisoned, stunned, weakened; deprivation,
Immune: asleep, confused, controlled, frightened, poisoned, exposure, infection, suffocation
stunned; deprivation, exposure, infection, suffocation
Two-Dimensional: Each creature after the first in a round that
Multiple Heads: A hydra has 1d6 + 6 heads. Each counts attacks the guardian rolls with 1 bane.
as a separate creature attached to a single larger body.
Each head can use one action and one reaction, but the Site-Bound: The guardian can move no farther than 10
heads collectively can move only once during the round. yards from the place where it became a creation.
If one head becomes held, all the heads become held. ACTIONS
Otherwise, afflictions apply only to the heads that have
them. Any damage taken or Health lost that does not apply Melee Attack—Illustrated Weapon: Strength (+3) with
to a specific head applies to a head of the hydra’s choice. 1 boon (4d6)
A head whose damage total equals its Health is severed Entrapping Paint: A target creature becomes held and
or otherwise destroyed (though see Head Regeneration). vulnerable (luck ends).
Destroying all the heads kills the hydra. Two Attacks: The illustrated guardian makes two Illustrated
ACTIONS Weapon attacks.
Melee Attack—Fangs · Piercing: Strength (+7) with 1 boon REACTIONS
(6d6) Engage the Enemy: When an enemy moves to a space
Hydra Venom: A flesh-and-blood target makes a Strength within 5 yards, the guardian can move up to its Speed
roll. On a failure, it becomes poisoned (luck ends). toward that enemy. If the guardian can reach the enemy,
Spew Fire: The hydra head spews a stream of fire from it attacks. If the enemy takes any damage from this attack,
its maw. Target one creature or object within 50 yards. the enemy’s Speed drops to 0 until the start of its next turn.
Make a Strength (+7) roll against the target’s Agility. On
a success, the target takes 4d6 damage, and catches fire
(luck ends).
END OF THE ROUND
Head Regeneration: If the hydra lost one or more heads to
damage from sources other than acid or fire, the hydra
regenerates one head and grows an additional one from
Bestiary

the same neck. Each head’s damage total is 0.

202
 Imp An unbound incarnation has no physical or visual presence.
It ignores all attacks, effects, and anything else that would affect
a physical body. It might communicate with visitors or not, as it
The least of the Netherworld’s fiends, imps are many—weak,
chooses. When it does so, it can speak any language and its voice
small, and obnoxious pests. Since they lack the strength and might
sounds from all directions.
of their larger kin, they resort to tricks, taunts, and other games
to frustrate and infuriate their foes. Imps gather in large gangs, People seek out an incarnation for information. As a genius
watching diabolical scenes from afar and offering rude commen- loci, it knows everything about its surrounding environment,
tary about the victims as they are torn apart, eaten, and tortured. including the people that live or have lived there, the location
Imps have tiny, chubby bodies, their cherubic appearance sullied of nearby structures, and events that happened there over thou-
by the presence of leathery wings, horns, and long stinger-tipped sands of years. It might be convinced to answer up to three ques-
tails. tions, by offering a gift or performing a ceremony to catch its
attention. The gift required depends on the incarnation; some
IMP might demand blood sacrifice, others offerings of burnt incense,
gold, or magical trinkets.
FIEND · DIFFICULTY 2 Rudeness, disturbances, or no reason at all might make an incar-
Defense: 16, Health: 10 nation angry, merging its essence with the material nearby to form
Strength: 7 (–3), Agility: 13 (+3) an immense being. One might cause a mountainside to break free
and move like a giant formed of rock and bristling with trees.
Intellect: 11 (+1), Will: 10 (+0)
Another could assume the form of a 60-foot-tall column of water,
Size: 1/2, Speed: 5 (Fly) while another might transform into a conflagration with a crude,
Languages: Archaic hateful face in the center.
Senses: True Vision If defeated, the incarnation abandons its physical form and
Immune: infection becomes docile. It answers questions put to it, as described above,
and then becomes dormant for a time, perhaps a few hours or cen-
Painful Reprisal: When the imp becomes incapacitated,
each enemy within 5 yards makes a luck roll. The enemy turies, as the entity chooses.
with the lowest failed result becomes cursed (luck ends). AVALANCHE INCARNATION
Silver Vulnerability: A fiend loses 1d6 Health whenever it is
harmed by a silvered weapon. A shockwave spreads out from a sudden bulge in the ground,
which grows larger until it tears free to become a giant of earth and
ACTIONS stone. Rocks rain from its body as it moves, smashing flat every-
Melee Attack—Stinger: Agility (+3) with 1 boon (1d6) thing underneath it. The grinding of its stones and the thundering
Imp Venom: A flesh-and-blood target makes a Strength of its steps foretell the destruction it will create.
roll. On a failure, the target becomes confused and
poisoned (luck ends both). CONFLAGRATION INCARNATION

The daemon’s hatred turns flames white, and they spread every-
Incarnations where, incinerating everything they touch. The fires gather to form
a miniature sun and, just visible as dark spots on the brightness,
Incarnations might have created the world. Their existence could one can make out a snarling visage of something ancient, alien, and
explain the presence of magic. Or they might be some other ves- inimical to life.
tige left behind from creation. Whatever they are, incarnations,
also called genius loci, daemons, daimons, and genies, have with- CYCLONE INCARNATION
drawn from the world and pass the ages in muted fury.
Dust, dirt, and other debris lift from the ground to be whipped
Found only in the remotest isolated places, incarnations lack
form in their natural, unbound states. Though unseen, their around by a towering whirlwind. In the swirling detritus appear a
essence imbues their surroundings and sometimes makes their pair of black eyes and a great cavern of a mouth, driving forward to
presence known. They create patterns in the dust covering the tear everything to pieces.
floors of caves, cause fiery words to appear on a wall in an unknown
TSUNAMI INCARNATION
script, or make substances behave in odd ways: rocks flow like
water, streams pour uphill, ice crystals form in sweltering deserts, A heaving, frothing mass of water assumes the form of an enor-
and more. Aside from the visual cues, unbound incarnations also mous wave that gathers speed as it moves toward the shore. But
Chapter 3

disturb magical currents, so that people’s hair stands on end or rather than break when it gets there, its waters fall as rain to flood
they hear queer whispers. the ground.

203
 AVALANCHE INCARNATION Immune: asleep, blinded, confused, controlled, deafened,
frightened, held, impaired, on fire, poisoned, prone, slowed,
CREATION · DIFFICULTY 64 stunned; deprivation, exposure, infection, suffocation
Radiant: The incarnation emits bright light.
Defense: 6, Health: 800
Fury: An incarnation can gain an action and use it, move, or
Strength: 20 (+10), Agility: 10 (+0) use one end of the round trait.
Intellect: 18 (+8), Will: 20 (+10) Wild Fire: At the start of the conflagration incarnation’s turn,
Size: 20, Speed: 10 (Strider) flames rush out from it in all directions. Each object within
Senses: Awareness 1 mile 40 yards takes 10d6 damage. Each creature within 40
yards takes 5d6 damage and makes an Agility roll. On
Immune: asleep, blinded, confused, controlled, deafened, a failure, the creature takes an extra 5d6 damage and
frightened, held, impaired, on fire, poisoned, prone, catches fire. All flammable objects in this range catch fire.
slowed, stunned; deprivation, exposure, infection,
suffocation ACTIONS
Fury: An incarnation can gain an action and use it, move, or Conflagration: A whirlwind of fire forms from the incarnation’s
use one end of the round trait. mass and spins off to strike a Size 10 space within 50
Brutal Shockwave: At the start of the avalanche incarnation’s yards. Each object in the space takes 20d6 damage,
turn, a shockwave rolls through the ground in all directions. and catches fire. Each creature in the space takes 10d6
Each object on the ground within 40 yards takes 10d6 damage and makes a luck roll. On a failure, the creature
damage. Each creature on the ground within 40 yards takes an extra 10d6 damage and catches fire (luck ends).
takes 5d6 damage and makes an Agility roll. On a failure, Each time the creature makes a luck roll to end being on
the creature takes an extra 5d6 damage and falls prone. fire, the creature takes 5d6 damage.
The ground within 40 yards becomes challenging terrain END OF THE ROUND
until cleared away.
Dread Heat: Each creature and object within 10 yards takes
Trample: An avalanche incarnation can move through 5d6 damage and catches fire (luck ends).
spaces occupied by creatures and objects smaller than it.
When it enters a creature’s space, that creature makes an Stoke the Elemental Flame: Each creature and object on fire
Agility roll. On a failure, the creature takes 6d6 damage within 100 yards takes 5d6 damage.
and falls prone. When it enters an object’s space, the
object takes 6d6 damage. A creature or object can be
subject to this incarnation’s Trample just once per round. CYCLONE INCARNATION
ACTIONS CREATION · DIFFICULTY 64

Rockfall: The avalanche incarnation forms a fist from Defense: 20, Health: 400
boulders and brings it down. Target one Size 10 space Strength: 18 (+8), Agility: 18 (+8)
within 20 yards. Each object in that space takes 10d6 Intellect: 18 (+8), Will: 20 (+10)
damage. Each creature in that space takes 5d6 damage
and makes a Strength roll. On a failure, the creature takes Size: 20, Speed: 20 (Fly, Hover, Slippery, Squeeze 1 inch)
an extra 5d6 damage, falls prone, and becomes both Senses: Awareness 1 mile
confused and unable to stand (luck ends both).
Then, debris falls from the incarnation’s body. Each Immune: asleep, blinded, confused, controlled, deafened,
object within 5 yards of it takes 2d6 damage. Each frightened, held, impaired, on fire, poisoned, prone, slowed,
creature within this range makes a luck roll. On a failure, stunned; deprivation, exposure, infection, suffocation
the creature takes 2d6 damage. Fury: An incarnation can gain an action and use it, move, or
use one end of the round trait.
END OF THE ROUND
Savage Wind Storm: At the start of the cyclone incarnation’s
Gravity Well: The incarnation drags everything around it turn, wind blasts out from it in all directions. Each object
closer. Each unsecured object within 10 yards is pulled within 40 yards takes 8d6 damage. Each unsecured
into the incarnation’s body. Each secured object within this object in this range is pushed 3d6 yards. Each creature
range takes 5d6 damage. Each creature within this range within 40 yards takes 4d6 damage and makes a Strength
makes a Strength roll. On a failure, it’s pulled 1d6 yards roll. On a failure, the creature takes an extra 4d6 damage,
toward the incarnation. Anything that enters its space takes is pushed 3d6 yards, and falls prone.
20d6 damage.
ACTIONS
Cyclonic Strike: A whirlwind speeds off from the incarnation’s
CONFLAGRATION INCARNATION body. Target one Size 5 space within 50 yards. The wind
deals 8d6 damage to each object in the space and 4d6
Bestiary

CREATION · DIFFICULTY 64 damage to each creature. A creature makes a Strength roll

with 1 bane. On a failure, the creature takes an extra 4d6
Defense: 10, Health: 600 damage, is pushed 3d6 yards away from the incarnation,
Strength: 15 (+5), Agility: 18 (+8) and falls prone.
Intellect: 18 (+8), Will: 20 (+10) END OF THE ROUND
Size: 20, Speed: 10 (Fly, Hover, Slippery, Squeeze 1 inch, Punishing Gusts: Strong wind blows from the incarnation’s
Strider) body out to a range of 20 yards until the end of the next
Senses: Awareness 1 mile round.

204
Wind Frenzy: Each unsecured object within 20 yards moves Strength roll. On a failure, the creature takes an extra 4d6
1d6 yards in a direction the incarnation chooses. Each damage and is pushed 2d6 yards and falls prone.
secured object in this range takes 10d6 damage. Each Rising Waters: Water covers the ground within 50 yards of
creature in this range takes 5d6 damage and makes a the incarnation. Creatures in the water move by swimming.
Strength roll with 1 bane. On a failure, the creature takes
an extra 5d6 damage and moves 1d6 yards in a direction ACTIONS
the incarnation chooses. Wave Strike: The tsunami incarnation sends a wave of water
crashing into a Size 5 space within 15 yards. The wave
deals 12d6 damage to each object in the target space.
TSUNAMI INCARNATION A creature in that space takes 8d6 damage and makes
a Strength roll with 1 bane. On a failure, the creature
CREATION · DIFFICULTY 64 takes an extra 4d6 damage, falls prone, and becomes
vulnerable and weakened (luck ends both).
Defense: 10, Health: 700 END OF THE ROUND
Strength: 18 (+8), Agility: 10 (+0)
Tide Comes In: Each unsecured object within 10 yards is
Intellect: 18 (+8), Will: 20 (+10) pulled 2d6 yards toward the incarnation. Each creature
Size: 20, Speed: 10 (Squeeze 1 inch, Strider, Swimmer) in this range makes a Strength roll. On a failure, it's pulled
2d6 yards toward the incarnation. If the creature enters
Senses: Awareness 1 mile the incarnation’s space, it becomes trapped (luck ends).
Immune: asleep, blinded, confused, controlled, deafened, While trapped, the creature is held, stunned, and loses
frightened, held, impaired, on fire, poisoned, prone, slowed, 3d6 Health at the end of each round. When the effect
ends, the creature exits the incarnation’s space into an
stunned; deprivation, exposure, infection, suffocation empty space of its choice within 5 yards of it. Once the
Fury: An incarnation can gain an action and use it, move, or incarnation uses this trait, it loses access to it until the end
use one end of the round trait. of its next turn.
Crashing Waves: At the start of the tsunami incarnation’s Tide Goes Out: Each unsecured object within 10 yards is
turn, waves of water crash down from it in all directions. pushed 2d6 yards. Each creature in this range makes a
Each object within 20 yards takes 4d6 damage. Each Strength roll. On a failure, the creature is pushed 2d6
yards and falls prone. Once the incarnation uses this trait,
unsecured object in this range is pushed 2d6 yards. Each it loses access to it until the end of its next turn.
creature within 20 yards takes 4d6 damage and makes a

Chapter 3

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 Iron Giant
The iron statue depicting a seated, elk-headed humanoid was ever a curiosity to the people living in Guardian Green, a village in the far
north of the borderlands. It had become a landmark for many travelers, and its oddness attracted settlers and fortune hunters alike until
a small town had grown up around it. But one day, the statue moved. It stood up, reaching its full 30 feet in height, and stomped off to
the east. The iron giant ignored the people around it, and its tread flattened a few buildings, squashing Old Man Chester while he was
in his outhouse.
There might be a dozen iron giants left in the world, not including the rusted scraps of the few that have fallen to violence and mishap.
The known giants are subjects of legend: one is said to have its back braced against a fractured cliff not far from the Forbidden City, and
another marches back and forth across the Shrieking Defile, a deep cut that runs parallel to the Wilderlands. Others have been spotted
guarding tombs, treading the streets of abandoned cities, and in curious places, such as perched on rocky outcroppings or bristling with
trees whose roots have sunk into the hollows of their bodies.
Iron giants can have any shape, though most have humanoid bodies and the heads of beasts such as stags, lions, and eagles. Many carry
enormous swords, but any weapons are possible.

IRON GIANT
CREATION · DIFFICULTY 32
Defense: 20, Health: 400
Strength: 18 (+8), Agility: 10 (+8)
Intellect: —, Will: —
Size: 10, Speed: 6 (Strider)
Senses: Awareness 20
Immune: asleep, blinded, confused, controlled, deafened, frightened, held, impaired, on fire, poisoned, prone, slowed, stunned;
deprivation, exposure, infection, suffocation
Protection from Magic: The iron giant imposes 1 bane on rolls against it from magical effects and it rolls to resist or end magical
effects with 1 boon.
Shattering Stride: An iron giant can move into spaces occupied by objects. When it enters an object’s space, the object loses
6d6 Health. If the object drops to 0 Health, the iron giant can continue moving. Otherwise, the iron giant is pushed back to the
nearest empty space of its Size and its Speed drops to 0 until the start of its next turn.
Metal Body: Each time the iron giant takes 20 damage or more from fire, each creature and object within 5 yards takes 1d6
damage from the heat coming off it.
Each time the iron giant takes 20 damage or more from lightning, each creature within 5 yards makes a luck roll. On a
failure, the creature takes 1d6 damage, falls prone, and becomes Strength impaired until the end of the next round.
Crack the Shell: If an iron giant takes 20 damage or more from both from fire and cold in the same round, it loses 3d6 Health.
ACTIONS
Melee Attack—Sword · Slashing: Strength (+8) with 2 boons (6d6)
Critical Success: A target smaller than the iron giant is pushed 1d6 × 5 yards away from it and then lands prone. On landing,
the target takes an extra 1d6 damage per full 5 yards it moved in this way or was prevented from moving.
Three Attacks: The iron giant makes three Sword attacks.
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206
Jabberwock ACTIONS
Melee Attack—Claw · Slashing: Strength (+6) with 1 boon
A single jabberwock exists, or so people hope, and it lives in (3d6)
the deep forests adjacent to one of the hidden kingdoms of the Melee Attack—Teeth · Piercing: Strength (+6) with 1 boon
faeries. Which kingdom, though, changes, for the jabberwock (6d6)
knows the secret pathways through the world and can thus move Three Attacks: The jabberwock makes two Claw attacks and
from forest to forest as it chooses. Obviously, this capability one Teeth attack.
makes tracking down the monster exceedingly hard. Groups of Lightning Blast (Magical): The jabberwock releases lightning
knights have set out on quests to bring down this beast if they from its mouth. Target up to three creatures, all in one Size
5 space within 15 yards. Each target takes 6d6 damage.
ever find it. None have. Then for each separately, make a Strength (+6) roll with 2
But plenty have heard its burbling voice or caught the flash of its boons against the target’s Agility. On a success, the target
eyes through the gloom. Plenty more have witnessed the carnage it takes an extra 6d6 damage. Once the jabberwock uses
creates with its teeth and claws; pieces of unfortunate cows, sheep, this trait, it loses access to it (luck ends).
and herders have been found in the lower branches of trees or scat- END OF THE ROUND
tered over wide areas. Such discoveries, though, offer little hope of
Burble: Strange sounds issue from the jabberwock. Each
tracking the monster, as it has sated its hunger and wandered off. enemy within 10 yards makes a Will roll. On a success,
A jabberwock has a massive reptilian body, but everything the enemy becomes immune to Burble for 1 hour. On a
about it seems wrong: it cannot be a dragon despite having some failure, the enemy becomes Intellect impaired for 24 hours
of the same characteristics. It stands 20 feet tall, has a humanoid or until the jabberwock dies. A creature Intellect impaired
body covered in thick scales, and a brutish head atop a long, sin- in this way cannot understand any speech, hearing only
gibberish when anyone
uous neck. Tentacles hang like wattles from its face, all wrinkled other than itself speaks.
and swinging with its movements. It has two batwings on its back,
but it only flutters awkwardly, without real flight. Its blazing eyes
seem to track foes, even those hidden by magic, and
when it rushes forward, it leads with its claws to
catch and tear its prey to pieces.
Although the jabberwock makes noises
aplenty, whether or not it understands
language remains unknown, given that it ignores
anything its victims say.

JABBERWOCK
MONSTER · DIFFICULTY 32
Defense: 25, Health: 300
Strength: 16 (+6), Agility: 11 (+1)
Intellect: 10 (+0), Will: 16 (+6)
Size: 4, Speed: 5
Senses: True Vision
Immune: confused, controlled, frightened, stunned
Eyes of Fearsome Flame: At the start of the
jabberwock’s turn, if it is not unconscious, its
eyes blaze with fearsome flame. Any enemy
within 10 yards that has line of sight to it
makes a Will roll. On a success, the enemy
becomes immune to Eyes of Fearsome Flame
for 1 minute. On a failure, the enemy becomes
frightened of the jabberwock (luck ends). If the enemy is
already frightened, it instead catches fire (luck ends).
Fury: A jabberwock can attack, move, or heal 75 damage
Chapter 3

and end all afflictions.

207
 Jack-o' -Lantern
The ghost lights sometimes spotted on the moors might be torches or lanterns. It’s perfectly normal to see such things on a dark night.
But there’s something odd about the lights. The longer one watches them, the stronger the sense of invitation, an urge to follow the lights
and seek the safety promised by their warm glow.
Such lights shine from wicked faeries called will-o’-the-wisps or, more commonly, jack-o’-lanterns, who use magic to lure mortals into
danger. When night falls, they release flames that look like gently bobbing plumes of pale fire. When an enemy draws close, though, the
flames assume the appearance of wild, grinning faces that rush forward and attack.

JACK-O’-LANTERN
FAERIE · DIFFICULTY 8
Defense: 20, Health: 40
Strength: 6 (–4), Agility: 16 (+6)
Intellect: 10 (+0), Will: 10 (+0)
Size: 1/4, Speed: 6 (Fly, Hover, Slippery)
Languages: Sylvan
Senses: True Vision
Immune: on fire; damage from fire; infection
Bewitching Lights: When an enemy starts its turn with line of sight to the jack-o’-lantern, the enemy makes a Will roll with 1 bane.
On a success, the enemy becomes immune to Bewitching Lights for 1 hour. On a failure, it becomes confused until the jack-o’-
lantern becomes incapacitated or 1 mile or more separates the enemy and the jack-o’-lantern.
When an enemy confused in this way is harmed, it can make a Will roll with 1 bane. On a success, the enemy ends the
affliction on itself and becomes immune to Bewitching Lights for 24 hours.
An enemy confused in this way moves at full speed toward the jack-o’-lantern on each of its turns.
ACTIONS
Melee Attack—Fiery Touch: Agility (+6) with 1 boon (6d6)
Critical Success: The target catches fire (luck ends).
REACTIONS
Dart Away: When the jack-o’-lantern gets a failure on a roll to attack, its Speed increases by 2 until the end of its turn.
END OF THE ROUND
Spontaneous Eruption (Magical): Make a luck roll. On a success, fire blasts out from the jack-o’-lantern. Each object within
5 yards takes 6d6 damage. Each creature within this range makes a luck roll. On a failure, the creature takes 6d6 damage.

Jann JANNI ANCESTRY

JANN
The known world grew a little bit larger when janni explorers and
merchants reached the borderlands. The janni wasted no time accli- Size: 1, Speed: 5
mating themselves and made every effort to learn the local languages Bonus Languages: Janni
and customs, seemingly to facilitate trade and to be welcomed as Other Traits: Elemental Affinity
guests. As comfortable as they appeared among mortals, though,
janni have kept their settlements apart, mingling only when they
have need but otherwise keeping to themselves. Janni appear human, with human heights and weights, but have
The Four Kingdoms, a mighty autocracy on the other side of the blue skin that grows lighter as they age. Infants, for example, have
world, owes its success and might to trade. It established footholds in midnight blue skin, while elders are so pale as to be almost white.
nearly every land until it achieved economic dominance over all its All janni have white hair, though most adults shave their scalps
neighbors. Not content with their gains, janni expeditionary fleets and eschew facial hair. They all have blue-on-blue eyes. Most wear
clothing of local fashions, though many elders have yet to shed the
Bestiary

set sail to find new markets, and one such fleet made landfall here.
hooded gray robes they all wore when they first arrived.
The janni have shown interest in local religions and are particu-
larly interested in divine magic, but few have converted to any faith. JANNI
They continue to honor the nameless elemental spirits that repre-
sent different aspects of their culture and beliefs. For them, studying The musical tongue of the janni is exclusive to them. It shares no
and mastering elemental magic shows a singular devotion to spiri- common vocabulary, grammar, or alphabet with other languages,
tuality, as these elements grant control over the fundamental forces reinforcing this people’s alien nature.
underpinning reality.

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Querant Lightning Strike (Magical): The jann throws lightning from
their hand. Target one creature or object within 20 yards.
Make a Will (+3) roll against the target’s Agility. On a
The janni claim to have come in peace and seem eager to conduct success, the target takes 2d6 damage. In addition, each
business, but others suspect them of having an ulterior motive. creature and unsecured object within 1 yard of the target
Some janni are genuine, but a few see the New Lands as a place to is pushed 1 yard away.
plunder of its resources, with a ready population to clap in chains Critical Success: The target catches fire (luck ends).
of servitude. The jann querant works toward this end by gathering
information about local leaders, religious groups, and anyone else
who might interfere with their plans of domination.
Kelpie
The shapechanging kelpies dwell in the rivers and lakes of the
QUERANT
New Lands, in numbers enough for people to have a care when
JANN · DIFFICULTY 2 traveling near such places. Kelpies live simply, making their
Defense: 11, Health: 20 meals on birds and animals coming to drink. They drag their
prey into the depths to drown them and then eat the corpses.
Strength: 10 (+0), Agility: 11 (+1)
Kelpies prefer isolation, and came to live here after committing
Intellect: 12 (+2), Will: 13 (+3)
some treacherous act that led to their exile.
Size: 1, Speed: 5 In their true forms, kelpies appear as green-skinned, wrinkled
Languages: Common, Janni men and women, with soft mouths containing sharp teeth and
Elemental Affinity (Magical): If the jann lack the confused, heads crowned with ropy black tendrils. Kelpies can adopt differ-
controlled, stunned, and unconscious afflictions, they can ent forms and assume the appearance of anything that might attract
use this trait at the start of their turn to gain affinity to Air,
Earth, Fire, or Water. The effect lasts until they end the prey. They might look like horses, or fetching young men or women.
effect, use this trait again, or become confused, controlled, Ever hungry and having a taste for alcohol, kelpies accept bribes
stunned, or unconscious. to release their captives. An offering of fresh meat or a gallon of
• Air Affinity: The air moves around the jann constantly wine eases the weird stickiness of their forms so that their victims
to create light wind in a Size 5 space centered on can scurry off. However, kelpies are cunning negotiators and abide
them. They increase their Speed by 2 and gain the by the exact wording of any bargain they make—no more, no less.
Strider trait. Whenever they get a critical success, they
can choose one creature or object within 5 yards. The
target makes a Strength roll. On a failure, the jann KELPIE
pushes the target up to 5 yards. FAERIE, AMPHIBIOUS · DIFFICULTY 4
• Earth Affinity: Dirt and stone crawl up from the ground
to encase the jann’s body. The jann increases their Defense: 9, Health: 60
natural Defense by 3 and Health by 5. Whenever Strength: 14 (+4), Agility: 13 (+3)
they get a critical success, they can choose one Intellect: 12 (+2), Will: 14 (+4)
creature or object within 5 yards. A target creature
makes an Agility roll. On a failure, the creature falls Size: 2, Speed: 5 (Swimmer)
prone. A target object takes 1d6 damage. Languages: Sylvan
• Fire Affinity: Flames envelop the jann but do no harm Senses: Keen Vision
to them or their possessions. Their attacks with melee Immune: confused, controlled, stunned; infection
weapons deal an extra 1d6 damage from the flames.
Change Appearance: At the start of the kelpie’s turn if it is
Whenever the jann gets a critical success, they can
not unconscious, it can transform into another creature.
choose one creature or object within 5 yards. The The new creature’s form can be that of the kelpie’s Size
target makes an Agility roll. On a failure, the target or smaller. Its rules are unchanged regardless of its form.
takes 1d6 damage..
Adhesion: When a Size 1 or smaller creature touches the
• Water Affinity: Water spreads across the jann’s body kelpie or deals damage to it using a melee weapon,
until they become fully enveloped. They can breathe or when the kelpie succeeds on a roll to attack such a
the water as if it were air. They gain the Slippery trait. creature, the creature (or the object that touched the kelpie)
Whenever they get a critical success, they can choose becomes adhered to it until the kelpie uses an action to
one creature or unsecured object within 5 yards of you. release it and any other adhered creature or object it
A target creature makes a Strength roll. On a failure or chooses. A creature adhered to the kelpie moves with it
if you target an object, you pull it up to 5 yards. and is Strength impaired, Agility impaired, and vulnerable.
Observation: At the start of the jann’s turn if it is not confused, An object moves with the kelpie unless secured.
Chapter 3

controlled, stunned, or unconscious, it can use this talent to An adhered creature can use an action to cut itself
observe a creature. Target one creature within 15 yards. free with an edged weapon, but it loses 1d6 Health and
Until the jann uses this talent again, it rolls to attack the might suffer some cosmetic damage—loss of fingers, for
target and rolls against the target with 1 boon, its attacks example.
and other harmful effects deals an extra 1d6 damage to
it, and it imposes 1 bane on the target’s rolls to attack it. ACTIONS

ACTIONS Melee Attack—Appendage: Strength (+4) with 1 boon (2d6)

Two Attacks: The kelpie makes two Appendage attacks.
Melee Attack—Rapier · Piercing: Agility (+1) with 1 boon (2d6)

209
 Kilmoulis Kobold
The people flooding the Borderlands attract the interest of the Veteran miners know how to pour out a measure of beer and leave
malevolent and curious alike. Among the many denizens of the a sweet behind when they finish their daily work. They always
New Lands, the kilmoulis are excited by the sudden appearance of keep candles lit to watch for the telltale sign of the green flame.
all these new folk and creep about, watching to see what they do. And when they hear tapping in the stone, they know they have
Mortals who uphold the old traditions that secure peace between dug too far and make haste to leave the shaft, for the Little People
them and the faeries, such as leaving offerings of milk and food, under the Mountains are close.
or who keep their homes clear of hateful iron, might also attract Ask any hedge witch and she’ll prescribe a twist of iron to those
a kilmoulis. Kilmoulis focus on millers and others involved with with faerie troubles. Everyone knows that the fair folk can’t abide
green and growing things and will, if these mortals earn their iron. They recoil from its stink and shrink away from its touch. It
respect, lend a hand. They grind the grain, chase off rodents, and doesn’t hurt them, aside from making them feel a bit sick and caus-
keep the mill, silos, and other holdings in good working order. ing their skin to wriggle, but the effects are enough to turn them
As helpful as they can be, kilmoulis all have a mischievous away without killing them—faeries become enraged when one of
streak, a wicked impulse that urges them to play tricks on people, their own is harmed.
especially anyone who visits the mortals the faeries have adopted. But such a remedy does no good when it comes to kobolds,
Sacks of grain might split, a horse might take off after having its who, rather than withdraw from it, seek iron in the subterranean
tail pulled, and a cart might throw a wheel—all such pranks are realms. Kobolds savor the sensations iron creates and use it as the
hilarious to kilmoulis. gin-blossomed enjoy drink. Miners believe kobolds keep great
Kilmoulis stand about 2 feet tall and have thin, spindly bod- piles of ore in the deepest caves, and in cold forges shape the metal
ies. Their noses take up most of their faces and they have no into exquisite weapons, armor, and decorative apparel.
mouths: they snort their food. Without mouths, they communi- Well-suited to deep delving, kobolds have tiny bodies, about 1
cate through whistling, popping, and clicking sounds from their foot tall, and weigh between 6 and 10 pounds. Dirt, mold, and
nostrils. lichen almost conceal their light green skin, but no amount of
grubbiness can cover up the one exaggerated feature each possesses.
KILMOULIS Examples include feet of preposterous size, long noses whose tips
drag on the ground, or eyelids so droopy they need clothespins to
FAERIE · DIFFICULTY 1
hold them open.
Defense: 11, Health: 10
Strength: 12 (+2), Agility: 11 (+1) KOBOLD
Intellect: 10 (+0), Will: 8 (–2) FAERIE · DIFFICULTY 2
Size: 1/2, Speed: 5 (Slippery, Strider) Defense: 17 (plate), Health: 10
Languages: understands Common, Sylvan Strength: 13 (+3), Agility: 10 (+0)
Senses: Keen Scent, Keen Vision Intellect: 10 (+0), Will: 10 (+0)
Immune: infection Size: 1/4, Speed: 5 (Strider)
ACTIONS Languages: Sylvan
Melee Attack—Fist: Strength (+2) with 1 boon (1d6) Senses: Dark Vision, Keen Hearing
Pratfall (Magical): The kilmoulis tricks a creature. Target one Immune: infection
creature within 10 yards. The target falls prone. Then, for
1 minute, all faeries make attribute rolls with 1 boon for ACTIONS
1 minute. Once the kilmoulis uses this talent, it loses access Melee Attack—Pick · Piercing: Strength (+3) with 1 boon
to it for 1 minute. (2d6)
REACTIONS Critical Success: Target one Size 5 space on the ground
Steal Luck (Magical): When an enemy within 10 yards within 15 yards. The ground in that space shakes. Each
makes a luck roll, the kilmoulis can use this talent to cause creature on it makes an Agility roll. On a failure, the
that enemy to become cursed (luck ends). While the target creature falls prone.
is cursed, the kilmoulis and each of its allies within 5 yards Rock Drop (Magical): The kobold causes a rock to break
make luck rolls with 1 boon. free from a ceiling. Target one creature within 20 yards
under a hard surface. The target makes a luck roll. On a
Bestiary

failure, the target takes 2d6 damage.

210
Korrigan ACTIONS
Melee Attack—Fist: Strength (+1) with 1 bane (1d6)
When the faeries fought a war against extinction by the trolls, not Chaotic Confusion (Magical): The korrigan weaves magic to
one korrigan took up arms. When mortals spread out to claim the befuddle others. Target up to five creatures all in the same
lands lost by the faeries, the korrigans living there simply with- Size 5 space within 15 yards. For each target separately,
drew. Even when threatened by cold steel, korrigans would rather make an Intellect (+1) roll with 1 boon against the target’s
Intellect. On a success, the target becomes confused and
die than take up arms. To be a korrigan is to embrace nonviolence. Intellect impaired (luck ends both). Until this effect ends,
They cannot even contemplate the alternative. the target regards all creatures other than the korrigan
Korrigans’ commitment to peace arose from their distress at as its enemy and must choose the targets for its attacks at
seeing so much bloodshed, but also from fear for themselves and random.
everyone around them if they ever wavered in their pledge to harm
none. The Faerie Queen cursed the korrigans for their inaction in
fighting against the trolls, naming them cowards and fainthearts. FELL BEAST
If ever they draw blood, even in self-defense, they would become FAERIE · DIFFICULTY 8
monsters.
Defense: 9, Health: 80
Avoiding such transformations keeps korrigans in hidden places,
where there’s little chance of encountering even the boldest ranger. Strength: 16 (+6), Agility: 11 (+1)
They might inhabit deep forests, secluded vales, high mountains, Intellect: 8 (–2), Will: 13 (+3)
or any place with few, if any, entrances. Korrigans make their Size: 1, Speed: 7 (Climber, Slippery)
homes in the hollows of old trees and expand these spaces with Senses: Keen Hearing, Keen Vision
magic to make them spacious and comfortable.
Immune: frightened; effects that would enable it to heal
Once each year, the korrigans emerge from their hidden lands to damage or regain Health; infection
trade at the Night Market, offering fine cloaks of woven spidersilk,
shoes of living plants that take their nourishment when their wear- ACTIONS
ers stand still, among many other wonders. They accept buttons, Melee Attack—Claw: Strength (+6) with 1 boon (4d6)
bronze, and other goods in exchange. They keep to themselves, Three Attacks: The fell beast makes three Claw attacks.
though, even at this bustling place, never mingling with others.
END OF THE ROUND
Korrigans look like short, 2-foot-tall dwarfs, with long, fanciful
beards and varicosed noses. Closer inspection reveals they have Rampage: The fell beast rampages until the end of the next
the pointed ears of the fair folk, squat heads, and wrinkled fea- round. The fell beast increases its Speed by 3, rolls to attack
with 2 boons, and its attacks deal an extra 1d6 damage.
tures. Adults have thin or no hair on their heads. They have outsize Then, the fell beast loses access to this talent (luck ends).
hands on both arms and legs.
If a korrigan succumbs to its curse, thick, coarse hair sprouts all
over its body and its head sinks into its torso, emerging from the
middle of its chest, all contorted and strange. Extra limbs sprout
from its body, and the thing gambols and capers as it tears every-
one and everything into pieces.

KORRIGAN
FAERIE · DIFFICULTY 1
Defense: 9, Health: 10
Strength: 11 (+1), Agility: 11 (+1)
Intellect: 11 (+1), Will: 11 (+1)
Size: 1/2, Speed: 5 (Climber, Slippery, Teleport 5)
Languages: Common, Goblin Tongue, Sylvan
Senses: Keen Hearing, Keen Vision
Immune: infection
Chapter 3

Faerie Queen’s Curse: The korrigan is cursed. If it harms

another creature with any effect other than Chaotic
Confusion, at the end of the round, the korrigan transforms
into a fell beast and remains in that form until it dies. While
so transformed, it uses the fell beast’s rules in place of its
own and retains its damage total in its new form.
Vanishing Escape (Magical): When the korrigan teleports,
it becomes invisible for 1 minute. This effect ends early if it
harms another creature.

211
 Kraken REACTIONS
Ink Cloud: If submerged in water when it becomes injured
It might be that the kraken living in the Sea of Fear is Oceanus or has lost four tentacles or more, the kraken can release
himself. Certainly, the monster has proven itself the equal of any- a jet of ink that spreads through a water-filled Size 20
thing that dares sail its waters. People who return from voyages, space originating from its body. The ink creates total
obscurement in the space and clears away 1 minute later.
without having caught wind of its appalling reek or spotted its Then the kraken swims up to 30 yards and has the Slippery
gigantic tentacles reaching up from the deep, swear they offered trait for this movement. Once the kraken uses this trait, it
gifts to the sea god before they touched their oars or lowered their loses access to it for 1 minute.
sails. Then again, the kraken might just be an impossibly powerful
servant of Oceanus.
The kraken is enormous, measuring 120 feet in length from KRAKEN TENTACLE
the tips of its tentacles to the crest of its head. Suction cups and Defense: 13, Health: 80
thorns dot its flexible limbs, which the monster uses to grab and
Strength: 20 (+10), Agility: 13 (+3)
hold prey. Like an octopus, the kraken has neither skeleton nor
exoskeleton, so it can squeeze through spaces far smaller than its Intellect: —, Will: —
size should allow. Size: 4
When attacking a ship, the kraken comes up from below and Senses: Awareness 20
reaches with its tentacles up and over the sides to either crush Immune: asleep, blinded, confused, controlled, confused,
the vessel or pluck creatures from it. It uses two of its tentacles to frightened, poisoned, stunned
anchor itself to the ship and fights with the remaining six.
Grappler: The kraken tentacle rolls to grab with 1 boon and
imposes 2 banes on rolls to escape the grab.
KRAKEN Body Dependent: The tentacle is attached to the kraken and
ANGEL, AQUATIC · DIFFICULTY 64 is part of its body, but it acts as an independent creature.
The tentacle’s end can move up to 15 yards away from the
Defense: 16, Health: 400 kraken’s body, but the tentacle stretches between the end
and the body. The tentacle moves with the kraken.
Strength: 20 (+10), Agility: 13 (+3)
Intellect: 11 (+1), Will: 20 (+10) ACTIONS
Size: 8, Speed: 6 (Squeeze 1 yard, Swimmer) Grasp: Target one creature or object within 15 yards of the
kraken’s body. Make a Strength (+10) roll with 1 boon
Languages: Tongues against the target’s Agility. On a success, the target takes
Senses: Awareness 1 mile 4d6 damage and makes a luck roll. On a failed luck roll,
Immune: asleep, blinded, confused, controlled, confused, the target becomes grabbed. The tentacle can have just
frightened, poisoned, stunned; deprivation, exposure, one creature grabbed at a time.
infection, suffocation Constrict: A creature grabbed by the tentacle loses 2d6
Health and makes a Strength roll. On a failure, the creature
Horrifying Appearance: A sighted enemy that starts its becomes weakened until the start of the kraken’s next turn.
turn with line of sight to the kraken makes a Will roll with
2 banes. On a success, the enemy becomes immune to Dash: The tentacle swings a creature or object it has grabbed
Horrifying Appearance for 1 hour. On a failure, the enemy at another creature within 15 yards. Make a Strength
becomes stunned (luck ends). When this affliction ends, (+10) roll with 1 boon against the target’s Agility. On a
the enemy becomes frightened of the kraken (luck ends). success, the target and the grabbed creature each take
While frightened of the kraken, on each of its turns, the 5d6 damage, and the tentacle extends the duration of the
creature must use an action to run, if it can, and move by grab until the end of its next turn.
the fastest and safest available route away from it. Tear Asunder: Target a creature or object grabbed by
Independent Tentacles: The kraken has eight tentacles. Each a different tentacle within 15 yards. The target makes a
acts as its own creature, and any damage taken applies to Strength roll with 1 bane. On a failure, the target loses
the target tentacle. During each round, the tentacles and 20d6 Health. If the loss drops its Health to 0, the tentacles
the kraken each take a turn. See Kraken Tentacle, below, rip the target’s body to pieces.
for their rules.
ACTIONS
Melee Attack—Beak: Strength (+10) with 2 boons (10d6)
Critical Success: The target also becomes devoured.
Bestiary

While devoured, the target is held and stunned, moves

with the kraken, and loses 5d6 Health at the end of each
round. If the kraken is incapacitated, it vomits all devoured
creatures and objects into empty spaces of its choice
within 5 yards.

212
Ktulians ABOMINATION
Animals infected with the Sleeper’s Gift lose their original forms,
Beneath the greenery and rubble making up much of Storm shedding wings, limbs, and other features as they transform into
Isle’s surface rests a great temple, one that sank beneath the long, wormlike monsters with bulging arms and barbel-fringed
waves thousands of years ago by divine decree. In this structure, maws. These things thrive underwater and on land but are so far
built by hands alien and strange, worshipers sacrificed creatures removed from the other ktulians that they contribute nothing to
to appease their monstrous deity. Their reward was to become the cause of awakening the Sleeper. Instead, they prey on passing
changed by their god’s influence until they became as things from ships, drag off swimmers, or rise from the shallows to strike like
the seas, moist and suckered, with rolling fish eyes and wheezing serpents and rip chunks from their victims’ bodies.
gills. Their corruption offended Oceanus and he washed them
all away. SKIN-STEALER
Refugees stirred up the sleeping evil and, one by one, became Few realize that the Sleeper’s tendrils reach far beyond the island
infected by the Ancient One’s influence. As the changes took hold, where it waits to be roused; Ktulians have spread across the Sea
they came to resemble the horrors of the past in body and became of Fear’s coastlines, infiltrating communities to bring the bless-
thralls to their new god in mind. They excavated the temple, free- ings of their hideous master. Such work falls to the skin-stealers.
ing it from the darkness that swallowed it, and have spent the last These humanoid horrors have moist purplish-gray skin and eyes
centuries working to awaken their master. that bulge out from the temples. Easily identifiable in this form,
The island’s remoteness makes it unlikely for anyone to inter- skin-stealers conceal their presence by taking the hides of people
fere with their designs, but whispers of great treasure and ancient they murder and wearing them like clothing until the flesh rots
magic have lured more than a few adventurers to its shore. All were away. They can pass as human—or whatever—at a glance, but
infected by the spiritual contagion and forced to join the servants close inspection reveals the awful truth.
of the Unnamable One, the Sleeper in the Dark, He Who Dreams.
Could the ktulians, as they have come to be called, spread out from DEEP CHANTER
their lair to bring forth the will of their master? Have they done so
Some recipients of the Sleeper’s Gift escape being warped out of
already? Only time will tell.
true and find the alien influence lifts them up to become better
THRALL than they were. That hope of ascension dissipates when transfor-
mation stumbles and leaves them with no chance of joining the
Anyone infected by the Sleeper’s Gift eventually becomes a slave
exalted ones. They instead become deep chanters.
of the alien intelligence hidden beneath the island. These thralls
The accursed chanters hear whispers from the Sleeper, but the
neglect their bodies and soon become filthy, sore-ridden, halfway
message never comes through clearly. They clutch their skulls and
to starvation. The weak and sickly die soon after the transforma-
mouth half-formed words, eyes rolling in their heads, searching for
tion, while those who manage to survive evolve into something
some clue about the purpose of their existence. Pain wracks their
stronger, tougher, and nastier.
bodies and strange voices crowd out their own thoughts. Such
NACREOUS GUARD agony prevents them from standing upright; the pressure in their
heads becomes unbearable when they try. Instead, they scuttle about
Some thralls experience slow calcification of their skin, render- on all fours, their faces occluded by writhing mops of tentacles.
ing it a shining carapace from which protrude spikes and spines.
Additional appendages grow out from their arms: one a gently EXALTED
tapering spike, the other a crab claw. The agony of this transfor-
Most who receive the Sleeper’s Gift lose something of themselves,
mation murders any remaining personality that might have sur- becoming monstrous things. But people who possess some latent
vived infection and turns the thralls into nearly mindless guards psychic ability become exalted, simulacra of the thing trapped in
of the island. its slumber, able to hear their master’s whispers and carry out its
THRALL HARVESTER
orders.
Just a few exalted exist, so rare are the gifts required to ascend
The ktulians need new blood to sustain their numbers and thus and dwell in the Sleeper’s darkness. Each is an emaciated hovering
eagerly greet trespassers. They make plain the routes up to the thing; the ruined, useless limbs hang limp until they fall free from
caves, which they make as inviting as possible, leaving offerings the torso, whose sole purpose is to keep alive the bloated gray mat-
of food and fire. If newcomers opt not to venture too far inland, ter locked inside skulls split from within to accommodate the new
thrall harvesters descend from the mountains under night’s cover mass. Tentacles grow from their faces, completely concealing their
Chapter 3

to bring them in by force. features. Exalted draw nutrients from these new appendages and
Thrall harvesters retain the appearance of their former ances- no longer need solid food.
tries but for the mats of ropy and writhing tentacles that reach Psychic powers grant the exalted full functionality despite the
out from their bulging abdomens. They typically wear smocks to ruin of their bodies. They can move objects by thought and can
cover the horror afflicting their torsos. The heavy appendages have lacerate enemy minds with blasts of psychic energy. If they come
unusual strength and can overpower and restrain even powerful under attack, exalted telepathically summon waves of minions
foes. Harvesters know their surroundings well and move without while directing the full weight of their psionic magic to eradicate
making a sound to better take their victims by surprise. trespassers and leave behind smoking husks.

213
 THE SLEEPER’S GIFT KTULIAN THRALL HARVESTER
Ambulatory nodules of wrinkled flesh wriggle free from the MONSTER, AMPHIBIOUS · DIFFICULTY 2
island’s deep, dark places and infest the caves. They take no effort Defense: 8, Health: 20
to destroy; they pop when crushed underfoot and burn to greasy
Strength: 12 (+2), Agility: 12 (+2)
ash when touched by flame. But they are dangerous to sleepers
who bed down unaware of the tiny watchers. Intellect: 10 (+0), Will: 11 (+1)
A nodule creeps up to a sleeping victim and inserts itself into the Size: 1, Speed: 5 (Silent)
victim’s ear canal, where it takes hold and spreads roots through- Languages: Ktulian
out the sleeper’s mind. The effects on the victim are subtle, mani-
ACTIONS
festing as an obsession with the island and a growing certainty that
some wondrous treasure awaits. After a few days, the personality Melee Attack—Club: Strength (+2) with 1 boon (2d6)
vanishes and the parasite takes total control. It learns enough from Tentacles: The harvester wiggles its tentacles. Target one Size
the early days of infection to mimic the host’s behavior, but only to 1 or smaller creature in reach. Make a Strength (+2) roll
preserve its own existence from suspicious companions who have with 1 boon against the target’s Agility. On a success, the
not yet been turned. target takes 1d6 damage and the target makes a Strength
roll. On a failure, it falls prone and becomes poisoned
(luck ends). While poisoned in this way, the target is also
KTULIAN THRALL stunned. If the target’s Health drops to 5 or less and it
does not die, it ends the poisoned affliction and becomes
MONSTER, AMPHIBIOUS · DIFFICULTY 1
unconscious for 10d6 hours.
Defense: 9, Health: 10
Strength: 10 (+0), Agility: 9 (–1)
KTULIAN ABOMINATION
Intellect: 10 (+0), Will: 11 (+1)
Size: 1, Speed: 5 (Swimmer) MONSTER, AMPHIBIOUS · DIFFICULTY 4
Languages: Ktulian Defense: 15, Health: 40
Immune: Strength impaired, Agility impaired Strength: 14 (+4), Agility: 12 (+2)
Fragile Body: When the thrall takes damage while injured, it Intellect: 6 (–4), Will: 12 (+2)
takes an extra 1d6 damage.
Size: 1, Speed: 6 (Slippery)
Foul Bolstering: When the thrall becomes incapacitated, it
dies and one ally of its choice within 5 yards heals 1d6 Senses: Keen Vision
damage. Immune: held, prone, slowed
ACTIONS Grappler: The abomination rolls to grab with 1 boon and
imposes 2 banes on rolls to escape the grab.
Melee Attack—Club: Strength (+0) (2d6)
ACTIONS

KTULIAN NACREOUS GUARD Melee Attack—Tentacles: Strength (+4) with 2 boons (2d6)
REACTION
MONSTER, AMPHIBIOUS · DIFFICULTY 4
Instinctive Grab: When the Ktulian abomination deals
Defense: 18, Health: 40 damage with a tentacles attack, it makes a grab attempt
Strength: 12 (+2), Agility: 11 (+1) against the same target. If the abomination makes a
Tentacles attack against a target it has grabbed in this
Intellect: 9 (–1), Will: 12 (+2) way, the roll to attack results in an automatic success, and
Size: 1, Speed: 5 (Swimmer) the abomination maintains the grab.
Languages: understands Ktulian
Body Spikes: When a creature attacks a nacreous guard
using a melee weapon that lacks the Long trait or an
unarmed attack, the creature makes a luck roll after the
attack. On a failure, the creature takes 1d6 damage.
Cracked Shell: When injured, the nacreous guard’s Defense
drops to 11 and it loses access to its Body Spikes trait.
The nacreous guard regains this trait 24 hours after it has
Bestiary

healed all damage.

ACTIONS
Melee Attack—Arm Spike: Strength (+2) with 1 boon (3d6)
Melee Attack—Pincer: Strength (+2) with 1 boon (2d6)
Two Attacks: The nacreous guard makes one Arm Spike
attack and one Pincer attack.

214
KTULIAN SKIN-STEALER EXALTED KTULIAN
MONSTER, AMPHIBIOUS · DIFFICULTY 2 MONSTER, AMPHIBIOUS · DIFFICULTY 8
Defense: 13, Health: 20 Defense: 12, Health: 120
Strength: 12 (+2), Agility: 11 (+1) Strength: 4 (–6), Agility: 12 (+2)
Intellect: 12 (+2), Will: 11 (+1) Intellect: 16 (+6), Will: 18 (+8)
Size: 1, Speed: 5 (Swimmer) Size: 1, Speed: 5 (Fly, Hover)
Languages: Common, Ktulian Languages: Common, Ktulian
Harvest Skin: The skin-stealer can spend 1 minute working Senses: Awareness 20
on an unconscious flesh-and-blood creature or a flesh- Immune: blinded, confused, controlled, deafened, frightened,
and-blood creature dead no longer than 1 hour. When stunned
it finishes, if the creature has a humanoid shape and is the
skin-stealer’s Size, the skin-stealer peels the skin away and Fury: An exalted ktulian can make a Psychic Tentacle attack,
drapes it over its naked body. regain the use of Pierce the Cranium and use it, or heal 30
Any creature that can reach the skin-stealer sees through damage and end all afflictions.
the disguise automatically. A creature within 10 yards that Synaptic Static: Each enemy within 5 yards of at least one
can see the disguised skin-stealer but is beyond its reach exalted ktulian becomes Intellect impaired and Will
makes an Intellect roll. On a success, the creature sees impaired for as long as it remains there.
through the disguise.
A skin disguises the skin-stealer for 8 hours before Telekinetic Limbs: The exalted ktulian has four invisible
becoming useless and sloughing away. tentacles of psychic force that can reach up to 5 yards.
Each has the functionality of an arm and hand. The exalted
ACTIONS uses Will for any rolls it makes to use these appendages.
Melee Attack—Claws · Slashing: Strength (+2) with 1 boon ACTIONS
(2d6)
Critical Success: The target becomes vulnerable (luck ends). Melee Attack—Psychic Tentacle · Range 5: Will (+8) with
1 boon (1d6)
Corruption: A flesh-and-blood target loses 1d6 Health
and becomes weakened (luck ends).
KTULIAN DEEP CHANTER
Four Attacks: The exalted ktulian makes four Psychic Tentacle
MONSTER, AMPHIBIOUS · DIFFICULTY 2 attacks.
Defense: 9, Health: 10 Ravage the Mind (Magical): The exalted ktulian releases a
burst of psychic energy. Target one Size 5 space within
Strength: 11 (+1), Agility: 9 (–1) 20 yards. Each enemy in that space takes 4d6 damage
Intellect: 9 (–1), Will: 11 (+1) and makes a Will roll. On a failure, it takes an extra 4d6
damage and becomes confused (luck ends). A target
Size: 1, Speed: 5 injured by this damage also becomes stunned (luck ends);
Languages: Common, Ktulian if it becomes incapacitated from this damage, it dies from
the explosion of its head. Once the exalted uses this talent,
Senses: Awareness 5 it loses access to it for 1 minute.
Immune: blinded, deafened Pierce the Cranium (Magical): The exalted ktulian attempts
Awful Gibbering: Enemies within 5 yards of at least one to bore a hole in a creature’s mind. Target one or two
deep chanter are Intellect impaired for as long as they creatures within 15 yards. For each target separately,
remain there. make a Will (+8) roll with 1 boon against the target’s
Will. On a success, the target takes 5d6 damage and
Psychic Death: When the deep chanter becomes becomes Will impaired (luck ends). A target injured
incapacitated, its mind explodes, showering everything by this damage is also stunned (luck ends). A target
with bits of flesh and bone. Each enemy within 5 yards incapacitated by this damage dies as a hole opens in the
makes an Intellect roll with 1 boon. On a failure, the enemy center of its forehead and brain matter spills out to plop
takes 2d6 damage and becomes stunned (luck ends). on the ground. Once the exalted ktulian uses this talent, it
ACTIONS
loses access to it (luck ends).
END OF THE ROUND
Melee Attack—Claws and Tentacles: Strength (+1) with
1 boon (2d6) Psychic Agony: Each Intellect impaired or Will impaired
Two Attacks: The deep chanter makes two Claws and creature within 10 yards takes 1d6 damage.
Tentacles attacks. Flying Debris: If the exalted is not injured, psychic energy
Chapter 3

generated by its mind causes debris to fly around it. Each

enemy within 5 yards makes an Agility roll. On a failure,
it takes 3d6 damage. On a critical failure, it falls prone.

215
 Lamia
A grand entrance offers access to a temple built inside a mountain. Fluted columns and giant statues flank the high doors. Cherry blos-
soms swirl in the perfume-scented air, and when the doors open, a vision of beauty bids weary travelers welcome to take their rest in
sumptuous environs. Yet all this is nothing more than illusion, a façade spun by a malicious creature known as a lamia. The monster’s
cruelty and hunger for the flesh and blood of the innocent are the stuff of legend.
Only by stripping away the illusions can the monster’s true nature be discovered. Instead of a temple or palace or house of plenty, the
lamia dwells in ruins, filth, and squalor. Bones litter the floor, and a tremendous stink hangs heavy in the air. Blank-eyed victims sit in
cages, lost in the lamia’s fantasies until it makes ready to dine on their fattened bodies. The lamia’s handsome, inviting form transforms
to reveal four arms instead of two and a serpent’s tail instead of legs. The beautiful face curls into a cruel smirk, and evil intent gleams in
its flaring eyes.
Lamias ensnare and enchant strangers. They entice these guests to wander through illusory corridors, while the lamias relieve them of
their treasures and devour their owners, one by one.

LAMIA
MONSTER · DIFFICULTY 16
Defense: 18, Health: 200
Strength: 15 (+5), Agility: 16 (+6)
Intellect: 14 (+4), Will: 16 (+6)
Size: 2, Speed: 6 (Slippery)
Languages: Archaic, Common, Kingdom
Senses: True Vision
Immune: confused, controlled, frightened, stunned
Fury: A lamia can make two Saber attacks, move, or heal 50
damage and end all afflictions.
ACTIONS
Melee Attack—Saber · Slashing: Agility (+6) with 2 boons
(3d6)
Melee Attack—Tail: Strength (+5) with 2 boons (3d6)
Four Attacks: The lamia makes four Saber attacks. It can
substitute a Tail attack for one of these attacks.
END OF THE ROUND
Corrupting Whispers (Magical): The lamia whispers to
its foes. Each enemy within 5 yards that can hear and
understand the lamia makes a Will roll with 1 bane. On
a success, the enemy becomes immune to Corrupting
Whispers for 24 hours. On a failure, it becomes controlled
by the lamia until the end of the next round.

Cunning Illusions
A lamia determines the appearance of the area within 30 yards
of it. It can make doors vanish, conceal traps and hazards, make
creatures appear as other than they are, add features, or make fea-
tures invisible. The illusions have visual, auditory, olfactory, and
tactile components. Any illusory feature that would deal damage
Bestiary

deals 4d6, though no more than once each round. Hazards and
properties that would deal damage but are concealed by illusions
deal their normal damage. Any illusion created by the lamia dis-
appears if it is more than 30 yards away or if the lamia becomes
incapacitated.

216
Leshy
Grandfather Tree’s angels sprang from the seeds that fell from his branches and now watch over woodlands and forests all around the
world. When not patrolling, they sink their roots into the soil to entangle these questing appendages with surrounding trees. The god
uses the network to communicate his wishes to his offspring. Leshies might spend any amount of time in this dormant state, and the
songs they make with the creaking of their branches coax the trees to grow strong and true.
When angered or called to fight, a leshy uproots itself to reveal a body with two long legs and powerful arms. A face-like structure ani-
mates in its bark, with glowing green orbs for eyes. Little can stand up to an enraged leshy; its rootlike hands can turn stones to powder,
and when it moves, it squishes anything too slow to get away under its spatulate feet.

LESHY ACTIONS

ANGEL · DIFFICULTY 16 Melee Attack—Fist: Strength (+7) with 1 boon (6d6)

Ranged Attack—Rock · Range 50: Strength (+7) (10d6)
Defense: 15, Health: 200
Two Attacks: The leshy makes two Fist attacks.
Strength: 17 (+7), Agility: 10 (+0)
END OF THE ROUND
Intellect: 15 (+5), Will: 18 (+8)
Woodland Wrath: If the leshy is outdoors in woodland
Size: 4, Speed: 6 (Strider) terrain, it causes the forest to animate. Each enemy within
Languages: Tongues 10 yards makes an Agility roll with 1 bane. On a failure,
the enemy takes 3d6 damage and becomes held (luck
Senses: Awareness 20 ends).
Immune: asleep, confused, controlled, frightened, poisoned,
stunned; deprivation, exposure, infection, suffocation
Fury: A leshy can make a Fist attack, cover the
ground within 10 yards with entangling
plants that create an area of challenging
terrain for 1 minute, or heal 50 damage
and end all afflictions.
Trample: A leshy can move through
spaces occupied by creatures
and objects smaller than it. When
it enters a creature’s space, that
creature makes an Agility roll.
On a failure, the creature takes
4d6 damage and falls prone. When
it enters an object’s space, the object
takes 4d6 damage. A creature or
object can be subject to this leshy’s
Trample just once per round.
Shattering Stride: A leshy can move into
spaces occupied by objects. When it enters an
object’s space, the object loses 6d6 Health. If
the object drops to 0 Health, the leshy
can continue moving. Otherwise,
the leshy is pushed back to the
nearest empty space of its Size
and its Speed drops to 0 until
the start of its next turn.
Flammable: A leshy takes
double damage from fire
and rolls to overcome being
on fire with 1 bane.
Chapter 3

217
 Lev iathan
At over 300 feet long from the front of its blunt head to the flukes of its tail, few, if any, creatures in Erth’s waters exceed the leviathan
in size. Many sailors have spotted its midnight blue hide and remarked on the gleaming white patterns dotting its back, but no one has
ever bested this monstrous whale. The harpoons studding its hide and the bones tangled in the ropes dragging behind it tell the tales of
those who tried.
The leviathan might appear in the Sea of Fear one day and a thousand leagues away the next. In no way could an ordinary beast manage
these speeds, which leads some sailors to speculate that the leviathan knows hidden channels through the world’s waters and uses them
to move from ocean to ocean to sate its terrible hunger.
As challenging as the leviathan is to fight, the spaces inside its body can house all manner of strange things. Entire ships might sit inside
its gullet, while old sailors, turned into ghouls from resorting to cannibalism to survive, might greet fools who thought to bring this great
whale to its end.

LEVIATHAN
MONSTER · DIFFICULTY 16
Defense: 6, Health: 500
Strength: 20 (+10), Agility: 10 (+0)
Intellect: 13 (+3), Will: 18 (+8)
Size: 10, Speed: 8 or 0 on dry land (Swimmer)
Senses: Awareness 1 mile
Immune: confused, controlled, frightened, stunned
Into the Maw: The leviathan can enter the spaces of creatures
smaller than it. When it enters a creature’s space, that
creature makes an Agility roll with 1 bane. On a success,
the creature takes 10d6 damage and moves 5 yards in a
direction the leviathan chooses. On a failure, it moves into
the leviathan’s gullet.
Gullet: The leviathan’s gullet is a line of six Size 5 dark,
air-filled spaces. Each creature inside such a space is
weakened until it leaves the leviathan’s body. A creature
can escape through its digestive system, exiting at the
tail, which counts as moving 25 yards across challenging
terrain. A creature can also attempt to escape through the
leviathan’s gullet but must make an Agility roll with 3 banes.
On a success, the creature escapes. On a failure, it takes
6d6 damage. If the leviathan becomes incapacitated, it
expels the contents of its gullet into empty spaces of its
choice within 5 yards in front of its body.
REACTIONS
Fluke Slaps: When the leviathan swims at least 5 yards, it can
slap its flukes. Each creature in a Size 5 space originating
from it makes an Agility roll with 3 banes. On a failure,
the creature takes 10d6 damage and becomes confused
(luck ends). Each object in the space takes 10d6 damage.
Bestiary

218
Liche Horrid Glare (Magical): If the liche is not unconscious at
the start of its turn, it glares at one creature in its line of
sight. The target makes a Will roll with 2 banes. On a
Few people are willing to relinquish greatness once they have success, the target becomes immune to Horrid Glare
attained it. Once having reached the peak of one’s ability and for 1 hour. On a failure, the target becomes held and
exceeded all rivals, the idea of surrendering all that success is weakened (luck ends both).
unthinkable. For one who has mastered magic, has learned more Fury: A liche can gain an action and use it immediately,
than any, becoming the envy of all others, death is just another teleport to an empty space within 20 yards, or force
obstacle to overcome. each enemy with line of sight to it to make a Will roll with
1 bane; on a failure, the enemy becomes frightened of
Liches are magic-users who refuse to die. Using the most forbid- the liche (luck ends).
den magic, they anchor their essential being to soul cages so that if
Soulbound Rebirth (Magical): When the liche becomes
their bodies should perish, the bound soul can remake them from incapacitated, it crumbles to dust and, 24 hours later,
the wreckage. Their physical forms can die again and again, but so re-forms in a Size 1 empty space of its choice within
long as the soul remains in the mortal world, they return. 5 yards of its soul cage.
Securing a soul against Lord Death requires sundering the soul
ACTIONS
from the body, whether by drinking poison or using some other
method to kill the flesh. The prepared cage then snares the soul, Enervating Touch (Magical): The liche swipes at nearby
and the liche awakens in this vessel. From there, it can animate its foes. Target one creature within reach. Make an Intellect
corpse into a state of unlife and control it. (+7) roll with 1 boon against the target’s Agility. On a
success, the target takes 4d6 damage and loses 2d6
The typical image of a liche is a withered corpse dressed in the Health.
moldy rags of its former finery. This holds true for the oldest of Spectral Grasp (Magical): The liche raises its hand and
their kind, who have spent centuries in the world. Most liches, darkness flies. Target one creature the liche can see
though, appear more or less as they did before they transformed within 20 yards. Make an Intellect (+7) roll with 2 boons
themselves into undead abominations. Why should they appear against the target’s Strength. On a success, the target
rotten and decayed? After all, if they can triumph over death, they rises 10 feet into the air and becomes held (luck ends).
can certainly preserve their bodies. A target makes the roll to end the affliction with 2 banes.
Each time the target starts its turn while it is held in this
The only way to truly kill a liche is to destroy its soul cage. way, it takes 16d6 damage. Once the liche uses this
Thus, liches keep these vessels hidden away behind deadly traps talent, it loses access to it for 1 minute.
and guarded by terrifying monsters. And even if questers breach Peel Away the Rind (Magical): The liche rakes a clawed
those defenses, they must contend with the liche and the full force hand. Target one creature within 5 yards. Make an
of its magic. A soul cage is a magical object with Defense 20 and Intellect (+7) roll with 2 boons against the target’s
Health 100. If the soul cage is destroyed, the liche loses access to Strength. On a success, the target takes 12d6 damage. If
its Soulbound Rebirth talent. the target becomes incapacitated from this damage, the
skin is ripped from its body, and then, after being fully
This example liche has mastered certain dark spells, turning shucked, dies screaming. Once the liche uses this talent,
them into magical talents. You can replace these talents with spells it loses access to it (luck ends).
from any tradition. Oblivion Dart (Magical): Black missiles fly from the liche’s
hand. Target up to three creatures within 20 yards. For
LICHE each target separately, make an Intellect (+7) roll with
1 boon against its Agility. On a success, the target takes
UNDEAD · DIFFICULTY 32 6d6 damage and makes a luck roll. If the luck roll results
in a failure, the target becomes blinded until the end of
Defense: 20, Health: 200 its next turn.
Strength: 11 (+1), Agility: 13 (+3) Crack the Mind (Magical): The liche invades another’s
Intellect: 17 (+7), Will: 15 (+5) mind. Target one creature the liche can see within
5 yards. Make an Intellect (+7) roll against the target’s
Size: 1, Speed: 5 Will. On a success, the target becomes stunned (luck
Languages: Arcane, Archaic, Common, Kingdom ends), and the liche learns all the target’s secrets. On a
failure, the target becomes confused and Will impaired
Senses: True Vision (luck ends both). Once the liche uses this talent, it loses
Immune: asleep, confused, controlled, frightened, held, access to it (luck ends).
poisoned, slowed, stunned; exposure, deprivation,
REACTIONS
infection, suffocation
Protection from Magic: The liche imposes 1 bane on rolls Devastating Rebuke: When a creature attacks the liche, the
Chapter 3

against it from magical effects and it rolls to resist or end liche flicks it away. The creature that enabled the use of this
magical effects with 1 boon. talent makes a Strength roll with 2 banes. On a failure, it
is pushed 10 yards away from the liche, falls prone, and
Magical Resistance: The liche takes half damage from becomes confused (luck ends).
magical effects.

219
 Life Eater
The life eaters creep out of their lairs when night falls. In the quiet darkness, they hunt for living things on which to feed. Having refused
or been prevented from accepting the finality of death, life eaters steal life energy to extend their own unnatural existence. Without it,
they wither away and crumble into greasy ashes.
Victims get a reprieve from life eaters during daylight hours, as the sunlight burns them like fire. Once the horizon pinks, the monsters
scramble for cover. They hide in old cellars, in the muck at the bottom of wells, in the depths of tombs or caves—anywhere the hated
light cannot reach.
Life eaters create more of their kind by draining living people of the vital essence that keeps them alive. Darkness flows in to fill the
vacuum so created and transforms the victims into pale strangers, with huge black eyes, frizzed hair, and mouths that issue a constant
high-pitched whine. Nothing remains of who they were.

LIFE EATER
MONSTER · DIFFICULTY 4
Defense: 16, Health: 40
Strength: 12 (+2), Agility: 11 (+1)
Intellect: 10 (+0), Will: 10 (+0)
Size: 1, Speed: 6
Languages: understands Archaic
Senses: Dark Vision
Spawn Life Eater: A flesh-and-blood creature
reduced to 0 Health by the life eater transforms
into a life eater 1d6 rounds later.
ACTIONS
Melee Attack—Claws: Strength (+2) with
1 boon (2d6)
Death Grasp: A flesh-and-blood target becomes
held (luck ends).
Devour Life (Magical): The life eater sucks life
from the living. Target one held flesh-and-
blood creature within 5 yards. The target loses
3d6 Health and becomes weakened until after
it rests. A target already weakened instead
loses an extra 3d6 Health. The life eater heals
damage equal to half the Health lost by the
target and the life eater emits faint light from its
eyes for 1 minute. Once the life eater uses this
talent, it loses access to it (luck ends).
END OF THE ROUND
Burned by Sunlight: If the life eater is in a space
lit by direct sunlight, it loses 4d6 Health and
becomes weakened until the end of the next
round.
Life Draw (Magical): Each enemy within 5 yards
of at least one life eater makes a Strength roll.
On a failure, the enemy moves up to 5 yards
toward the nearest life eater and becomes
weakened until the end of the next round.
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220
Li v ing Statue
Living statues blend into the rubble and wreckage of ruined settlements. They look like ordinary stone statues of people in various poses,
cracked and weathered, but very much alive.
Living statues have no difficulty remaining still. They can go years without moving at all. But when they do move, their unnatural
nature shows itself in their fluid forms, their poise, and the lightness of their steps. One might mistake them for creatures of flesh and
blood, if not for the hardness of their bodies and their great strength.
For generations, the living statues observed the development of the civilizations that rose after their own fell. They took no part in the
struggles or tragedies they witnessed. But with the influx of refugees and the uncertainty created by the Weird Wizard’s disappearance
have come reports of walking and talking statuary, some of which have been anything but peaceful.
The New Lands once belonged to the living statues, but the peoples who followed them picked over their civilization’s corpse until
only a few ruins remained. The living statues see themselves as monuments to their past, and they fight to preserve the memories of who
they once were.

LIVING STATUE
LIVING STATUE · DIFFICULTY 8
Defense: 18, Health: 80
Strength: 14 (+4), Agility: 10 (+0)
Intellect: 13 (+3), Will: 13 (+3)
Size: 1, Speed: 5 (no swimming)
Languages: Archaic, Living Statue
Senses: Dark Vision
Immune: poisoned; deprivation, exposure, infection,
suffocation
Statue Disguise: Until a living statue takes a turn, it looks like
an ordinary sculpture. During its first turn, it makes rolls to
attack with 1 boon.
Merge with Stone: The living statue can enter a space
occupied by stone that is its Size or larger. The living statue
fully merges with the object. While merged, the living
statue perceives from the surface of the object but cannot
use actions or reactions. The living statue remains inside
the object until it exits from any place on the surface within
5 yards of where it entered.
If the object holding the living statue is destroyed, make
a luck roll. On a failure, the living statue’s Health drops
to 0.
ACTIONS
Melee Attack—Fist · Bludgeoning: Strength (+4) with 1 boon
(3d6)
Two Attacks: The living statue makes two Fist attacks. Chapter 3

221
 Lizardman
Thin marshy islands rise from the Sea of Fear, and on them live bipedal lizards. The lizardmen were named by the first to encounter these
reptile folk, thinking them all males due to their lack of female characteristics and with no understanding of reptile anatomy. Lizardmen
resemble people and have the rudiments of a culture, but such developments seem recent or, possibly, are all that remain since the col-
lapse of an ancient civilization. They behave more like the apex predators they are: they build no shelters, wear no clothing, eat what they
hunt and find, and their language cannot express complex ideas.
Lizardmen are humanoids with green, brown, black, or rust-red scales armoring their bodies. They have wide flat heads and large
mouths filled with inward-curved teeth to tear skin and muscle from bone. Long tails extend from the base of their spines and drag on
the ground behind them. They wear no clothing but adorn their bodies with bones and teeth on necklaces.

LIZARDMAN
MONSTER · DIFFICULTY 2
Defense: 15, Health: 20
Strength: 13 (+3), Agility: 10 (+0)
Intellect: 10 (+0), Will: 11 (+1)
Size: 1, Speed: 5 (Swimmer)
Languages: Lizardman
Senses: Keen Scent
ACTIONS
Melee Attack—Teeth: Strength (+3) with 1 boon (2d6)
Lizardman Venom: A flesh-and-blood target makes a luck roll. On a failure, the target becomes poisoned (luck ends).
Ranged Attack—Javelin · Thrown 10: Strength (+3) with 1 boon (1d6)

Lizardmen Obelisks
Throughout the islands where lizardmen live stand 13-foot-tall obelisks of black stone on which has been scrawled strange, squiggly writ-
ing. The writing emits a nauseous green light when a living thing comes close. The lizardmen appear fascinated by these things, though
it’s doubtful that they carved them since lizardmen have not yet developed tool use. They become wild in the presence of an obelisk and
utter sounds approximating chanted speech. Their eyes glow with a febrile light and their narrow tongues flick the air, tasting for prey.

DREAD OBELISK
OBJECT

Defense: 0, Health: 60
Strength: —, Agility: —
Intellect: —, Will: —
Size: 3, Speed: 0
Unholy Blessing: All creatures within 5 yards of the obelisk become immune to the frightened affliction, roll to attack with 1 boon,
and make all other attribute rolls with 1 bane for as long as they remain within this range.
Immune: All afflictions
Dark Gift: When a creature within 5 yards of the obelisk becomes incapacitated, the creature dies. Each other creature within
5 yards of the obelisk regains 1d6 Health and becomes immune to deprivation for 24 hours. A creature can benefit from this
trait just once per 24-hour period.
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222
Lycanthrope
When human followers of the Horned Lord gave into their bestial impulses and killed devotees of Sister Moon, the god cursed them.
The curse caused them to transform into beasts in the light of the full moon to remind them of the wrong they committed. The Horned
Lord turned from these people and left them to fend for themselves. The curse lingers in their blood, and its stain has been passed down
through all their descendants.
The curse of lycanthropy forces victims to adopt animal or animal-hybrid forms. In these forms, they lose themselves to become raven-
ous monsters. The curse torments them, as it prevents them from living normal lives. Invariably, lycanthropes make victims of their loved
ones when the change comes upon them.
A lycanthrope in human form uses whatever rules are appropriate, whether priest, necromancer, knight, or commoner. In this form,
it is as vulnerable to harm as anyone and the curse lies dormant. When it transforms, it becomes a killing machine, driven by unnatural
hunger to slaughter and feed on the remains.
PASSING THE CURSE: A living mortal creature incapacitated by a lycanthrope becomes cursed until the lycanthrope that bestowed the
curse is slain. While cursed in this way, the creature transforms and uses the following rules in place of its own one night each month
when the moon is full.

LYCANTHROPE
MONSTER · DIFFICULTY 8

Defense: 14, Health: 60

Strength: 14 (+4), Agility: 13 (+3)
Intellect: 11 (+1), Will: 15 (+5)
Size: 1, Speed: 6 (Strider)
Languages: Common
Senses: Keen Scent, Keen Vision
Immune: frightened
Silver Vulnerability: Whenever the lycanthrope
takes damage from a silver weapon, the
lycanthrope also loses 2d6 Health.
ACTIONS
Melee Attack—Claw · Slashing: Strength
(+4) with 1 boon (2d6)
Melee Attack—Teeth · Piercing: Strength
(+4) with 1 boon (6d6)
Three Attacks: The lycanthrope makes two
Claw attacks and one Teeth attack.
END OF THE ROUND
Regeneration: The lycanthrope heals 3d6
damage.
Rampage: The lycanthrope rampages until
the end of the next round. The lycanthrope
increases its Speed by 3, rolls to attack
with 2 boons, and its attacks deal an extra
1d6 damage. Then, the lycanthrope loses
access to this talent (luck ends).
Chapter 3

223
 Magic -Users On a success, the target becomes weakened (luck ends).
Until the affliction ends, whenever the target moves, it takes
4d6 damage from the lightning that crackles around its
Magic might be everywhere, but few are those who can wield it body. In addition, at the end of the round, one creature or
with anything that comes close to proficiency. It takes talent, drive, object of the expert’s choice within 5 yards of the target
and ability to make a serious go of casting spells, and even the ones makes an Agility roll to avoid a tongue of lightning that
who manage it rarely learn more than a couple. True magic-us- leaps from the target. On a failure, the target takes 3d6
damage. Once the expert uses this talent, it loses access
ers attain their status after years of training, and hold positions to it for 24 hours.
of influence in the world. A wizard might stand at a king’s side Eldritch Blast (Magical): The expert magic-user releases a
offering council and wisdom, while a foul necromancer could blast of spooky energy from their hands. Each creature
work dark magic in a tower of bones in the center of a blighted and object inside a Size 3 space within reach takes 4d6
land. Witches, warlocks, sorcerers, and more might be great allies damage and makes a Strength roll. On a failure, a creature
or deadly foes. becomes frightened of the expert magic-user (luck ends),
The following entries offer magic-users of differing power levels. while an object takes an extra 4d6 damage.
For ease of use in play, these characters have magical talents that Expert Mage Bolt (Magical): The expert flings a magical bolt
from their hand. Target one creature or object within 10
mirror certain spells. You can customize these characters by swap- yards. The target takes 3d6 damage. The expert magic-
ping out the talents for spells chosen from whatever traditions you user can use this talent three times and regains expended
like of the creature’s tier. uses after 24 hours.
REACTIONS
NOVICE MAGIC-USER
Evasive Maneuver (Magical): When the expert magic-user
HUMAN · DIFFICULTY 2 is harmed, they teleport to an empty space they can see
within 10 yards. Once the expert magic-user uses this
Defense: 10, Health: 10 talent, they lose access to it (luck ends).
Strength: 9 (–1), Agility: 10 (+0)
Intellect: 11 (+1), Will: 11 (+1)
MASTER MAGIC-USER
Size: 1, Speed: 5
Languages: Arcane, Archaic, Common, Kingdom HUMAN · DIFFICULTY 16

ACTIONS Defense: 24, Health: 80

Melee Attack—Dagger · Thrown 5: Agility (+0) (1d6) Strength: 10 (+0), Agility: 9 (–1)
Mage Bolt (Magical): The novice flings a magical bolt from Intellect: 16 (+6), Will: 15 (+5)
their hand. Target one creature or object within 10 yards. Size: 1, Speed: 5 (Teleport 8)
The target takes 2d6 damage. The novice can use this
talent three times. It regains expended uses after 24 hours. Languages: Arcane, Archaic, Common, Kingdom
Magical Healing (Magical): The novice uses healing Immune: confused, controlled, stunned
magic. Target one creature in reach. The target heals 3d6 Protection from Magic: The magic-user imposes 1 bane on
damage. Once the novice uses this talent, they lose access rolls against it from magical effects and it rolls to resist or
to it for 24 hours. end magical effects with 1 boon.
REACTIONS ACTIONS
Mage Shield (Magical): When a creature the novice can see Melee Attack—Sword · Slashing: Strength (+0) (2d6)
rolls to attack it or rolls against it, the novice can impose
1 bane on the roll. Black Beam of Death (Magical): The master sweeps a black
beam out from their hand. Target one Size 5 space in
reach. Each object in the target space loses 10d6 Health.
Each creature in that space loses 3d6 Health and makes
EXPERT MAGIC-USER an Agility roll with 1 bane. On a failure, it loses 7d6 Health.
HUMAN · DIFFICULTY 8 The master magic-user can use this talent three times. They
regain expended uses after 24 hours.
Defense: 16, Health: 60 Prick the Bladder (Magical): The master reaches out. Target
Strength: 9 (–1), Agility: 10 (+0) one creature in reach. Make an Intellect (+6) roll with
1 boon against the target’s Agility. On a success, the
Intellect: 12 (+2), Will: 12 (+2) target takes 30d6 damage from sudden, rapid inflation,
Bestiary

Size: 1, Speed: 5 followed by a burst that showers gore on everything within

5 yards. Once the master uses this talent, it loses access to
Languages: Arcane, Archaic, Common, Kingdom it for 24 hours.
ACTIONS Master Mage Bolt (Magical): The master flings a magical
bolt from their hand. Target one creature or object within
Melee Attack—Dagger · Thrown 5: Agility (+0) (1d6)
10 yards. The target takes 6d6 damage. The master
Lightning Cage (Magical): Lightning arcs from the magic- magic-user can use this talent three times, and regains
user to entrap a foe. Target one creature or object within expended uses of it after 24 hours.
10 yards. Make a Will (+2) roll against the target’s Agility.

224
Man-Bear-Pig
After a dozen hunters and trappers vanished in the valley, three seasoned rangers went in to investigate. Only one returned, and he was
never the same, mumbling about the squealing, the claws, the horror. The rangers, and the hapless woodsfolk who preceded them, all
fell victim to the dreaded man-bear-pig.
The idea of a creature combining the qualities of man, bear, and pig might seem ludicrous, but the squealing cries that sound from time
to time send thrills of fear through anyone with the misfortune to hear them. The few people to have seen it confirm that it does include
all the creatures for which it is named. It is a bipedal humanoid figure of considerable size and bulk, covered in coarse black hair, with
the facial features of a tusked wild hog.
The man-bear-pig keeps to itself for the most part, rarely showing its face, but it leaves signs everywhere. Gouges in tree trunks mark
where it has sharpened its tusks, and the tell-tale prints of cloven hooves reveal the passage of this monster.

MAN-BEAR-PIG
MONSTER · DIFFICULTY 8
Defense: 13, Health: 120
Strength: 14 (+4), Agility: 12 (+2)
Intellect: 10 (+0), Will: 14 (+4)
Size: 2, Speed: 6 (Strider)
Senses: Keen Hearing, Keen Scent, Keen Vision
Immune: Strength impaired, Agility impaired, weakened
Real Serious: When the man-bear-pig gets a failure on an
attribute roll, it makes attribute rolls with 3 boons until the
end of its next turn.
ACTIONS
Melee Attack—Fists: Strength (+4) with 1 boon (3d6)
Melee Attack—Tusks: Strength (+4) with 1 boon (3d6)
Two Attacks: The man-bear-pig makes one Fists attack and
one Tusks attack.
END OF THE ROUND
Rampage: The man-bear-pig rampages until the end of the
next round. It increases its Speed by 3, rolls to attack with
2 boons, and its attacks deal an extra 1d6 damage. Then,
the man-bear-pig loses access to this talent (luck ends).

A Brush with
the Man-Bear-Pig
Elias, a woodsman who is usually unflappable, felt a
prickle of fear as dusk painted the forest an unsettling
quiet. An unnatural squeal shattered the silence, send-
ing chills down his spine. A monstrous figure lumbered
from the shadows—the man-bear-pig of campfire
legends. Panic warred with experience. Elias dodged
Chapter 3

its charge, the stench overwhelming. The creature

turned, fury burning in its eyes. What followed is lost
to the woods. Elias either faced the beast head-on or
escaped with a harrowing tale, forever marked by his
encounter with the man-bear-pig.

225
 Manticore The mechanical has the form of an armored humanoid 30 feet
tall. Pistons power its arms and legs, and a giant motor on its back
generates the energy it needs to move. Faceted jewels crown its
Manticores are born from evil magic for the sole purpose of terror-
head that it apparently uses to see. A few dents and scratches mar
izing and eating other beings. A manticore has the body of a lion,
its body, signs of failed efforts to destroy it.
though covered in filthy, matted red fur. Great black, leathery wings
unfurl from its shoulder blades, and a long, jointed tail extends from
its hindquarters, stinger dripping venom. If these features were not MECHANICAL
bad enough, add to them a human head with a mane of black fur. CREATION · DIFFICULTY 32
The manticore’s face appears male or female, but with bestial char-
acteristics: a darkened nose, deep-set eyes, and a mouth fringed in Defense: 20, Health: 300
sharp teeth similar to those found in a shark’s mouth. Strength: 19 (+9), Agility: 10 (+0)
Centaurs know manticores better than anyone. They have Intellect: 11 (+1), Will: 19 (+9)
grieved the loss of foals taken by these monsters. Even though cen- Size: 8, Speed: 6 (Strider)
taurs make regular hunts to destroy them, manticores continue to
Senses: True Vision
vex them no matter how far they travel across the plains. The mon-
sters thrive in the grasslands and seem to take special pleasure in Immune: asleep, blinded, confused, controlled, deafened,
tormenting the horsefolk. frightened, impaired, poisoned, stunned, weakened;
deprivation, exposure, infection, suffocation
MANTICORE Protection from Magic: The mechanical imposes 1 bane on
rolls against it from magical effects and it rolls to resist or
MONSTER · DIFFICULTY 8 end magical effects with 1 boon.
Defense: 15, Health: 80 Trample: A mechanical can move through spaces occupied
by creatures and objects smaller than it. When it enters
Strength: 14 (+4), Agility: 12 (+2) a creature’s space, that creature makes an Agility roll.
Intellect: 11 (+1), Will: 12 (+2) On a failure, the creature takes 5d6 damage and falls
prone. When it enters an object’s space, the object takes
Size: 3, Speed: 6 (Fly) 5d6 damage. A creature or object can be subject to this
Languages: Manticore mechanical’s Trample just once per round.
Senses: Keen Scent, Keen Vision Shattering Stride: A mechanical can move into spaces
occupied by objects. When it enters an object’s space,
Immune: frightened the object loses 10d6 Health. If the object drops to 0
Sadistic: When the manticore harms a flesh-and-blood Health, the mechanical can continue moving. Otherwise,
creature, the manticore makes attribute rolls with 1 boon the mechanical is pushed back to the nearest empty space
until the end of its next turn. of its Size and its Speed drops to 0 until the start of its next
turn.
ACTIONS
Explosive Ending: When the mechanical becomes
Melee Attack—Claws and Teeth · Slashing: Strength (+4) incapacitated, it explodes. Each object within 30 yards
with 1 boon (4d6) takes 40d6 damage. Each creature in this range takes
Melee Attack—Stinger: Strength (+4) with 1 boon (2d6) 20d6 damage and makes a luck roll. On a failure, the
Manticore Venom: A flesh-and-blood creature makes a creature takes an extra 20d6 damage. The explosion
Strength roll with 1 bane. On a failure, the target becomes consumes utterly the mechanical.
poisoned and vulnerable (luck ends both). ACTIONS
REACTIONS
Melee Attack—Claw · Slashing: Strength (+9) with 1 boon
Instinctive Sting: When an enemy moves into the manticore’s (10d6)
reach or moves within it, the manticore can make a Stinger Two Attacks: The mechanical makes two Claw attacks.
attack against that enemy.
END OF THE ROUND
Ruinous Pulse (Magical): The mechanical releases a
Mechanical destructive pulse from its body out to a range of 30 yards.
The pulse deals 10d6 damage to each object in the area.
The mechanical’s approach is felt long before it shows itself, for Each creature in the area takes 5d6 damage and makes
a Strength roll with 1 bane. On a failure, it takes an extra
the ground shakes with each step it takes. Then the screech of 5d6 damage and becomes stunned until the end of its next
Bestiary

metal on metal and chuffing sounds of machinery fill the air, caus- turn. Once the mechanical uses this trait, it loses access to
ing animals to scatter in panic. When it finally comes into view, it for 1 minute.
the gigantic ambulatory machine smashes everything in its path, Deafening Alarm: If the mechanical took damage during
heedless of the obstacles it encounters. the round, it blares a high-pitched siren until the end of
The mechanical appeared in the New Lands not long after the the next round. The noise is audible up to 1 mile away
Weird Wizard vanished, and since then, it has roamed the coun- and causes creatures within 30 yards of the mechanical to
become deafened for as long as the siren sounds and for
tryside, tearing up the landscape almost as if searching for some- 1 hour after it ends.
thing or someone.

226
Merrows
Anyone who sails the seas or who makes their living from fishing has a story about the merrows: how they cut nets, lure sailors to their
doom, and come aboard in the darkest hours of the night to make ghost ships of seafaring craft. Merrows resent mortal intrusion into
their waters and see any vessel that enters their territory as fair game.
Merrows are blue- or green-skinned humanoids with fish tails instead of legs. The fierce hunters wear thick beards, while sirens appear
comely. Sirens lure victims into the reach of hunting parties, who butcher their foes with practiced ease.

MERROW HUNTER
FAERIE, AMPHIBIOUS · DIFFICULTY 2
Defense: 15, Health: 20
Strength: 12 (+2), Agility: 11 (+1)
Intellect: 9 (–1), Will: 10 (+0)
Size: 1, Speed: 5 (Swimmer)
Languages: Merrow
Senses: Keen Vision
Immune: infection
ACTIONS
Melee Attack—Spear · Thrown 5: Strength (+2) with 1 boon
(2d6)

MERROW SIREN
FAERIE, AMPHIBIOUS · DIFFICULTY 4
Defense: 11, Health: 20
Strength: 11 (+1), Agility: 11 (+1)
Intellect: 11 (+1), Will: 12 (+2)
Size: 1, Speed: 5 (Swimmer)
Languages: Merrow
Senses: Keen Vision
Immune: infection
Enchanting Appearance: When an enemy starts
its turn with line of sight to the merrow siren,
the enemy makes a Will roll with 1 bane.
On a success, the enemy becomes immune
to Enchanting Appearance for 1 hour. On
a failure, it becomes Intellect impaired for
1 minute or until harmed.
ACTIONS
Melee Attack—Short Sword · Piercing: Strength (+1) with
1 boon (1d6)
Bewitching Song (Magical): If the siren can sing, target one
enemy within 20 yards that can hear. The siren makes a
Will (+2) roll against the target’s Intellect. On a success,
the target becomes controlled by the siren (luck ends). On
Chapter 3

a failure, the enemy becomes immune to Bewitching Song

for 24 hours.
Shriek (Magical): The siren shrieks. Each creature that hears
the shriek, is not a merrow, and is within 15 yards of the
siren takes 3d6 damage, and makes a Strength roll. On
a failure, the creature takes an extra 3d6 damage and
becomes stunned (luck ends). Once the siren uses this trait,
it loses access to it for 1 minute.

227
 Mutants but thick, purple scars, folds of hanging flesh, tumescent nodules,
and misshapen limbs make their lives misery. A few lose the abil-
ity to walk and must drag themselves across the ground. The pain
The Old Empire fell and darkness swept over its lands. The emper-
they endure leaves little room for humanity, and thus they form
or’s sorcerers battled with vile warlocks in flaming skies to decide
bloodthirsty mobs, driven to share their suffering with everyone
the fate of the mightiest nation ever, but the more magic they used,
they find.
the more chaos they created until the Empire at last expired. Most
fled, but a few stayed behind who soon found themselves altered, MARAUDER
warped into broken forms.
The survivors became mutants, once human descendants forced The marauders rush headlong into battle. They armor their bod-
into unlikely and appalling forms by the reckless magic let loose on ies with leathers dyed in ludicrous colors and conceal their faces
the Empire’s ruins. Had these changes affected their bodies alone, behind animal masks. They hoot, shriek, and bark like the animals
perhaps the mutants would have realized the danger in staying, they resemble.
but the transformation altered their minds as well, freighting them
CREEPER
with cruel impulses and uncontrollable anger.
The mutants worship the forces of destruction that changed The boneless creepers infiltrate communities, gather information,
them. Their interpretations of the burning skies and the upheaving and assassinate leaders. Their efforts can bring a community to
earth told them to spread forth and conquer, to remake other peo- its knees even without a full mutant attack. Creepers favor long
ples in their own, hideous image. Now, with the Old Country in hooded cloaks that cast their monstrous faces into shadow. Many
its own troubles, there’s nothing to stop the march of the mutants. take trophies from their victims; it’s common to see one with a
WRETCH
child’s stuffed animal hanging from its belt or a necklace of ears
around its neck.
The majority of the mutant host are wretches. Each one is a study
in how deadly their homeland has become, how strange its effects WARP CASTER
on those who were once human. Wretches have humanoid shapes, Warp casters learned how to tame the wild magic running amok
through the Devastation and channel its energies through iron
staffs capped with green metal rings. Their skill at magic use earns
them a higher standing in their society and when at large, they
travel in the company of wretches. Warp casters wear long black
robes with tall, pointed black hats that cover the sides of their
heads but leave their faces bare. The robes bear glyphs the wearers
believe protect them from their magic.

TERROR HULK
Not even the warp masters can control the terror hulks, so violent
are they. The best they can do is to imprison the monsters’ heads
in cages so that they at least can’t bite allies. At 9 feet tall and close
to 600 pounds, mutants accept the risks of bringing these brutes
along to smash down walls and tear knights from their steeds.

WARP KNIGHT
The silent warp knights stride into battle wearing matte black
armor that has become fused to their bodies. So completely does
their armor encase their forms that not even their eyes show.
Strange magic courses through the armor plates, and in their dark-
ness, one might spy monstrous visages and alien vistas.

WARP MASTER
The warp masters take their orders from the magical storms rag-
ing over their homelands, for only they can pick out the messages
Bestiary

amid the booms of thunder and scream of wind. They visualize

other lands in their minds’ eyes and believe those are sites their
powers wish them to destroy.
Warp masters are appalling things of tissue and bone, without
any trace of their former humanity left. They are floating clots of
meat, festooned with teeth, hair, and rolling eyes. When they use
their magic, unseemly bulges form in their bodies, stretching and
sometimes bursting to spurt vitality onto the ground.

228
MUTANT WRETCH MUTANT WARP CASTER
MONSTER · DIFFICULTY 1 MONSTER · DIFFICULTY 4
Defense: 9, Health: 10 Defense: 10, Health: 30
Strength: 11 (+1), Agility: 9 (–1) Strength: 11 (+1), Agility: 10 (+0)
Intellect: 8 (–2), Will: 12 (+2) Intellect: 9 (–1), Will: 14 (+4)
Size: 1, Speed: 5 Size: 1, Speed: 5
Languages: Archaic Languages: Archaic
Unhinged: A mutant is Intellect impaired and Will impaired. Unhinged: A mutant is Intellect impaired and Will impaired.
Appalling Explosion (Magical): When the mutant wretch ACTIONS
becomes incapacitated, it explodes and dies. Each
creature within 5 yards makes a luck roll. On a failure, it Melee Attack—Staff: Strength (+1) with 1 boon (1d6)
takes 1d6 damage. Warp Strike (Magical): The warp caster hurls a multicolored
ACTIONS beam from its hand. Target one creature within 50 yards.
Make a Will (+4) roll with 1 boon against the target’s
Melee Attack—Club: Strength (+1) (2d6) Strength. On a success, the target takes 4d6 damage and
catches fire (luck ends).
Then make a luck roll. On a failed roll, the warp caster
MUTANT MARAUDER takes 4d6 damage, and each other creature or object within
5 yards takes 2d6 damage. A creature other than the warp
MONSTER · DIFFICULTY 2 caster makes a luck roll and takes an extra 2d6 damage
on a failure. If this damage incapacitates the warp caster, it
Defense: 13 (leather), Health: 20 dies and everything it wears or carries disappears in a twist
Strength: 12 (+2), Agility: 12 (+2) of colors.
Intellect: 10 (+0), Will: 11 (+1)
Size: 1, Speed: 6 (Slippery, Strider) MUTANT TERROR HULK
Languages: Archaic MONSTER · DIFFICULTY 8
Unhinged: A mutant is Intellect impaired and Will impaired. Defense: 7, Health: 120
ACTIONS Strength: 15 (+5), Agility: 8 (–2)
Melee Attack—Sword and Hatchet · Slashing: Strength (+2) Intellect: 7 (–3), Will: 14 (+4)
with 1 boon (3d6) Size: 2, Speed: 5
Languages: Archaic
MUTANT CREEPER Caged Head: The terror hulk makes rolls to attack with
1 bane. When the terror hulk becomes injured, it loses this
MONSTER · DIFFICULTY 4 trait until a new cage is installed on its head.
Defense: 14 (leather), Health: 40 Wild Foe: If the terror hulk lacks the Caged Head trait, it
treats all other creatures as enemies.
Strength: 10 (+0), Agility: 13 (+3)
Unhinged: A mutant is Intellect impaired and Will impaired.
Intellect: 11 (+1), Will: 11 (+1)
ACTIONS
Size: 1, Speed: 5 (Slippery, Squeeze 1 inch, Strider)
Languages: Archaic Melee Attack—Great Hammer · Bludgeoning: Strength (+5)
with 1 boon (6d6)
Unhinged: A mutant is Intellect impaired and Will impaired.
Critical Success: If the terror hulk has access to the Wild
ACTIONS Foe trait, it tries to bite. Target one other creature in reach.
Make a Strength (+5) roll with 1 boon against the target’s
Melee Attack—Daggers · Thrown 5: Agility (+3) with 1 boon Agility. On a success, the target takes 3d6 damage.
(2d6)
END OF THE ROUND
Critical Success: The target makes a Strength roll. On a
failure, the target becomes confused (luck ends). Each time Rampage: The mutant terror hulk rampages until the end of
the target makes a luck roll to end the affliction, the target the next round. It increases its Speed by 3, rolls to attack
Chapter 3

loses 1 Health. with 2 boons, and its attacks deal an extra 1d6 damage.
Two Attacks: The mutant creeper makes two Daggers attacks. Then, the terror hulk loses access to this talent (luck ends).

229
 MUTANT WARP KNIGHT target teleports to an empty space of the warp master’s
choosing within 5 yards.
MONSTER · DIFFICULTY 8 REACTIONS
Defense: 20 (full plate, shield), Health: 60 Warp Form: When an ally within 15 yards starts its turn,
Strength: 13 (+3), Agility: 10 (+0) the warp master can distort its form. The target becomes
Intellect: 10 (+0), Will: 15 (+5) stunned until the end of its next turn. For 1 minute after, the
Size: 1, Speed: 5 target rolls to attack with 1 boon and its attacks deal an
extra 1d6 damage.
Languages: Archaic
Reality Distortion (Magical): Enemies within 5 yards of
the warp knight are cursed, Intellect impaired, and Will
impaired while they remain in range.
Mutant Beasts
Unhinged: A mutant is Intellect impaired and Will impaired. The Devastation spares nothing. The mutants found ways to put
Explosive End: When the warp knight becomes incapacitated, some of the stranger creations to good use.
it catches fire. At the end of the round, the warp knight
explodes. Each other creature and object within 5 yards SLUG STEED
takes 2d6 damage. A creature makes a luck roll. On a
failure, it takes an extra 2d6 damage. The explosion kills the Swollen to the size of horses, slug steeds have purple hides with yel-
warp knight and destroys everything it wears and carries. low mottling. Tall eyestalks emerge from their heads above soft, wet
ACTIONS maws that drip corrosive juices. They carry warp knights into battle.
Melee Attack—Sword · Slashing: Strength (+3) with 1 boon SNIFFER HOUND
(3d6)
Two Attacks: The mutant warp knight makes two Sword Once people selectively bred by the mutants for finding and track-
attacks. ing prey, the sniffer hounds endure years of debasement and mis-
treatment until they become as beasts. A sniffer hound crawls over
MUTANT WARP MASTER the ground on all fours and uses the single great tube of a nostril
that fills its face to pick up the faintest scents.
MONSTER · DIFFICULTY 8
Defense: 14, Health: 80 SLUG STEED
Strength: 8 (–2), Agility: 11 (+1) MONSTER · DIFFICULTY 1
Intellect: 14 (+4), Will: 16 (+6)
Defense: 8, Health: 10
Size: 1, Speed: 6 (Fly, Hover)
Strength: 12 (+2), Agility: 8 (–2)
Languages: Archaic
Senses: Awareness 10 Intellect: 6 (–4), Will: 8 (–2)
Immune: blinded, confused, controlled, deafened, frightened, Size: 2, Speed: 5 (Mount)
stunned Languages: understands Archaic
Leadership: Each ally within 5 yards of the mutant warp ACTIONS
master rolls to attack with 1 boon.
Madness Field (Magical): Enemies within 5 yards of the Melee Attack—Dripping Maw: Strength (+2) (1d6)
mutant warp master become Intellect impaired and Will Critical Success: The target becomes weakened (luck
impaired for as long as they remain there. In addition, ends). Each time the target makes a luck roll to end the
when an enemy in this range takes damage, it makes a affliction, it takes 1d6 damage.
Will roll. On a failure, it takes an extra 3d6 damage and
becomes stunned (luck ends).
SNIFFER HOUND
Strange Expulsion: When a creature within 5 yards of the
warp master creates a magical effect, the warp master MONSTER · DIFFICULTY 1
makes a luck roll. On a success, something foul squirts at the
creature, which causes it to become vulnerable (luck ends). Defense: 11, Health: 10
ACTIONS Strength: 10 (+0), Agility: 11 (+1)
Intellect: 8 (–2), Will: 10 (+0)
Melee Attack—Tentacle: Agility (+1) (4d6)
Size: 1, Speed: 6
Bestiary

Corruption: A flesh-and-blood target loses 1d6 Health

and becomes weakened (luck ends). Languages: understands Archaic
Warp Strike (Magical): The warp master sends one or Senses: Keen Scent
two colorful beams out from its hands. Target one or
two creatures, all in one Size 5 space, within 30 yards. Immune: blinded, deafened
Each target takes 1d6 damage. Then, for each target
separately, make a Will (+6) roll with 1 boon against ACTIONS
the target’s Agility. On a success, the target takes 3d6 Melee Attack—Claws: Agility (+1) (2d6)
damage, becomes Strength impaired (luck ends), and the

230
Muttering Maw
Heaving stomps and the spatter of slimy drool announce the muttering maw’s approach. A monster of dim intelligence, it wanders about
to feed its prodigious appetite. When it catches something in its paw-like appendages, it stuffs the morsel into the mouth that cuts across
the top of its headless torso. No one knows where the monsters came from, but though they lack the numbers to pose danger on a large
scale, they are enough to trouble people who cross paths with them.
A muttering maw has a large, bulky torso with a mouth that bisects its body, opening between its two powerful shoulders. Rotten
brown teeth crowd the gaping orifice and foul slime leaks out from the sides, splashing between its legs and leaving a trail behind it. It
has strong limbs, and its arms end in three-fingered hands.

MUTTERING MAW
MONSTER · DIFFICULTY 16
Defense: 15, Health: 160
Strength: 15 (+5), Agility: 10 (+0)
Intellect: 7 (–3), Will: 13 (+3)
Size: 2, Speed: 6
Senses: Awareness 10
Immune: blinded, confused, controlled, deafened,
frightened, stunned
ACTIONS
Melee Attack—Fist ·
Bludgeoning: Strength
(+5) with 1 boon (6d6)
Critical Success: The
muttering maw snatches
a Size 1 or smaller
target and bites it.
The target takes
an extra 10d6
damage and falls
prone.
Two Attacks: The muttering
maw makes two Fist
attacks.
END OF THE ROUND
Horrid Doubling: Roll a
d6. On a 6, the muttering
maw becomes stunned
until the end of the
next round, but a new
muttering maw crawls
out of its mouth and
takes the next available
turn. The new muttering
maw’s damage total is
0. Once the muttering
maw produces another
muttering maw in this
way, it loses access to
this trait for 24 hours.
Chapter 3

231
 Nagas NAGA ANCESTRY
NAGA
The Thonian Empire arose not long after the naga, refugees from
an unraveling reality, slipped through a gate and settled on the Natural Defense: +1
subcontinent south of the Sea of Fear. The settlers brought with Size: 1, Speed: 4 (Slippery)
them advanced technology that allowed them to stamp out resis- Bonus Languages: Thonian
tance by the indigenous humans, whom they enslaved. With Senses: Keen Scent
a large labor force and the technological wonders that they had
Natural Weapons: A naga can use their fangs as a natural
salvaged from their home world, the Thonians built a powerful weapon. Attacks with their fangs deal 1d6 damage and
empire that spread across nearly half of all Erth. the weapon has the Nimble trait.
For all its power, flaws riddled the Thonian civilization. The naga
Other Traits: Cold Blooded, Naga Venom, Serpentine
discovered they were ill-suited to this world, and over a few gen-
erations, their numbers diminished due to hardship, disease, and
shrinking numbers of eggs. To save themselves, the brightest worked to merge their kind with that of their slaves, producing all manner of
abominations, some of which have since evolved into monsters that terrorize the world to this day. The horrors perpetrated by these desper-
ate efforts saw a slave uprising that culminated with the collapse of the Thonian Empire, and most of its lands slid into the watery depths.
The humans who threw off their chains fled to the Jungle of Za, where their descendants would orchestrate their own fall into barbarism.
Generally, naga appear as humanoids with serpent heads and scaly bodies. Experimentation with magic and science have led to the
creation of many strange offshoots, some appearing almost human, others revolting to all.
DEGENERATE
Most naga are degenerates, the most wretched of their kind. They speak a pidgin of the Thonian tongue and use simple tools for hunting.
SHAPESHIFTER
The shapeshifters descend from the naga who sought to integrate into their enemies’ societies. They have an innate ability to alter their
physical forms to look like members of other ancestries.

THONIAN
The Thonians cling to the memory of their fallen civilization and
have retained enough knowledge to utilize artifacts recovered from
the depths. Thonians dress in diaphanous robes, jeweled rings, neck-
laces, and headdresses. They speak the Thonian tongue only.

THONIAN ELUCIDATOR
The elucidators fight a losing battle to preserve their kind. These
individuals have stayed alive for thousands of years by pumping
themselves full of strange chemicals that have driven them all hope-
lessly insane. Their madness blinds them to the futility of trying to
rebuild what was lost. Elucidators don black robes embroidered in
weird symbols. The robes come with tall pointed hoods that leave
their snakelike visages exposed.

ECHOES OF A LOST EMPIRE

Serpentine refugees built an empire and ascended to power with
advanced technology. They enslaved the native human population,
but their reign was short-lived.
Struggling to adapt to their new world, the naga dwindled in
number. In a desperate act of self-preservation, they mixed their
blood with their human slaves. The results were horrifying. These
Bestiary

monstrosities, twisted by magic and science, still plague the world

today.
The enslaved humans, recoiling from these abominations, eventu-
ally rebelled and brought the Thonian Empire crashing down. Freed
but scarred, the humans retreated into isolation. Though the Thonians
are gone, their legacy of hubris and twisted creation haunts the world.

232
 Serpentine: A naga cannot run and makes rolls to jump or
NAGA DEGENERATE leap with 1 bane. They impose 1 bane on rolls made to
NAGA · DIFFICULTY 1 move them or knock them prone and they make rolls to
avoid being moved or knocked prone with 1 boon.
Defense: 11, Health: 5 ACTIONS
Strength: 10 (+0), Agility: 9 (–1)
Intellect: 6 (–4), Will: 8 (–2) Melee Attack—Shock Lance: Agility (+1) with 1 boon (2d6)
Size: 1, Speed: 4 (Slippery) Jolt: A flesh-and-blood target becomes Strength impaired
(luck ends).
Languages: Thonian
Melee Attack—Fangs: Agility (+1) with 1 boon (1d6)
Senses: Keen Vision
Naga Venom: A flesh-and-blood target makes a Strength
Cold-Blooded: A naga makes rolls to resist the effects of cold roll. On a failure, it becomes poisoned (luck ends).
exposure with 2 banes.
Devastator Pistol: The Thonian fires its Devastator Pistol.
Serpentine: A naga cannot run and makes rolls to jump or Target one creature or object within 20 yards. Make an
leap with 1 bane. They impose 1 bane on rolls made to Intellect (+1) roll with 1 boon against the target’s Agility.
move them or knock them prone and they make rolls to On a success, the target takes 3d6 damage. If it becomes
avoid being moved or knocked prone with 1 boon. incapacitated from this damage, the target dies and
ACTIONS disappears, along with everything it wears and carries.
On a failed Intellect roll, make a luck roll. On a failure,
Melee Attack—Fangs: Strength (+0) (1d6) the Devastator Pistol runs out of charges and becomes an
Naga Venom: A flesh-and-blood target makes a Strength improvised melee weapon.
roll. On a failure, it becomes poisoned (luck ends).
Ranged Attack—Javelin · Thrown 10: Strength (+0) (1d6)
THONIAN ELUCIDATOR
NAGA · DIFFICULTY 4
NAGA SHAPESHIFTER
Defense: 14, Health: 40
NAGA · DIFFICULTY 2
Strength: 11 (+1), Agility: 12 (+2)
Defense: 13, Health: 15 Intellect: 16 (+6), Will: 15 (+5)
Strength: 12 (+2), Agility: 11 (+1) Size: 1, Speed: 4 (Slippery)
Intellect: 11 (+1), Will: 9 (–1) Languages: Thonian
Size: 1, Speed: 6 (Slippery) Senses: Keen Vision
Languages: Thonian Protection from Magic: The elucidator imposes 1 bane on
Senses: Keen Vision rolls against it from magical effects and it rolls to resist or
Shapeshift (Magical): At the start of the naga’s turn, if it is not end magical effects with 1 boon.
injured, confused, controlled, stunned, or unconscious, it Cold-Blooded: A naga makes rolls to resist the effects of cold
transforms into a creature of flesh and blood with a humanoid exposure with 2 banes.
shape. It uses its normal rules regardless of its appearance.
Serpentine: A naga cannot run and makes rolls to jump or
Cold-Blooded: A naga makes rolls to resist the effects of cold leap with 1 bane. They impose 1 bane on rolls made to
exposure with 2 banes. move them or knock them prone and they make rolls to
ACTIONS avoid being moved or knocked prone with 1 boon.
Melee Attack—Sword · Slashing: Strength (+2) with 1 boon (2d6) ACTIONS
Melee Attack—Fangs: Strength (+2) with 1 boon (1d6) Melee Attack—Staff of Serpents (Magical): Agility (+2) with
Naga Venom: A flesh-and-blood target makes a Strength 2 boons (3d6)
roll. On a failure, it becomes poisoned (luck ends). Staff Venom: A flesh-and-blood target makes a Strength
Two Attacks: The naga makes one Sword attack and one roll with 1 bane. On a failure, it becomes poisoned and
Fangs attack. vulnerable (luck ends both).
Melee Attack—Fangs: Agility (+2) with 2 boons (1d6)
Naga Venom: A flesh-and-blood target makes a Strength
THONIAN roll. On a failure, it becomes poisoned (luck ends).
Mind Blight (Magical): The elucidator invades an enemy’s
NAGA · DIFFICULTY 2
mind. Target one enemy within 10 yards. Make an Intellect
Defense: 13, Health: 15 (+6) roll against the target’s Will. On a success, the target
Chapter 3

becomes controlled by the elucidator (luck ends). Once

Strength: 9 (–1), Agility: 11 (+1) the elucidator uses this talent, it loses access to it for 1 hour.
Intellect: 11 (+1), Will: 10 (+0) Unseen Fire (Magical): The elucidator bathes a foe with
Size: 1, Speed: 4 (Slippery) invisible fire. Target one creature within 10 yards. The
Languages: Thonian target takes 1d6 damage. Make an Intellect (+6) roll
Senses: Keen Vision against the target’s Agility. On a success, the target takes
an extra 3d6 damage and catches fire and becomes
Cold-Blooded: A naga makes rolls to resist the effects of cold weakened (luck ends both).
exposure with 2 banes.

233
 Nehes tougher than their fellows. They dye their bodies bright red and
carry weapons studded with teeth.
A great nation once thrived in the Jungle of Za, but, like many
DEMAGOGUES AND VISIONARIES
nations, its decadence allowed an authoritarian regime to come to
power and drain the nation of any good and decency it once had. Nehe demagogues represent everything that is wrong with the
As their cities crumbled, the people retreated to the wilderness, nehe. They put themselves first in everything, pay little attention
carrying their cruelty, pettiness, and selfishness with them as they to the needs or desires of the people they would lead, and focus all
devoted their lives to worshiping their twisted deity in hopes of their efforts on improving their own positions and providing for
gaining power over others. their own comfort. For all their bluster, demagogues give ground
Generations of inbreeding and violence left the nehe impover- if faced with a serious threat and quit the battlefield long enough
ished of all prior advances. They have forgotten agriculture, know to drum up reinforcements.
only weapons as their tools, and live by hunting and scavenging. The demagogues take their orders from the visionaries, who are
Nehe appear somewhat human but behave more like wild, violent believed to speak for their dread god. They appear more human
apes. Most stand between 5 and 6 feet tall and weigh hundreds than other nehe, having little body hair and going so far as to wear
of pounds. They have a thin layer of fur over much of their hides, finery and masks. The visionaries direct nehe society, deciding
with coloration ranging from yellow to brown, orange being the whom people should hate and what grievances they ought to have.
most common. Nehe have broad facial features that express their
idiocy and brutishness.
NEHE
OATHSWORN
MONSTER · DIFFICULTY 2
The dark god the nehe worship demands regular sacrifices. The
oathsworn, who have spoken vows of loyalty to their deity, keep Defense: 10, Health: 20
the altars sticky with fresh blood. Oathsworn are larger and Strength: 12 (+2), Agility: 10 (+0)
Intellect: 8 (–2), Will: 10 (+0)
Size: 1, Speed: 6
Languages: Nehe
Sadistic: When the nehe harms a flesh-and-blood
creature, the nehe makes attribute rolls with 1 boon
until the end of its next turn.
Misinformed: The nehe makes Intellect rolls with 1 bane.
ACTIONS
Melee Attack—Club: Strength (+2) (2d6)
Ranged Attack—Rock · Thrown 5: Strength (+2) with
1 bane (1d6)

NEHE DEMAGOGUE
MONSTER · DIFFICULTY 4
Defense: 11, Health: 60
Strength: 12 (+2), Agility: 11 (+1)
Intellect: 10 (+0), Will: 11 (+1)
Size: 1, Speed: 6
Languages: Nehe
Leadership: Each ally within 5 yards rolls to
attack with 1 boon.
Sadistic: When the nehe harms a flesh-and-
blood creature, the nehe makes attribute rolls
Bestiary

with 1 boon until the end of its next turn.

Misinformed: The nehe makes Intellect rolls with
1 bane.
ACTIONS
Melee Attack—Axe · Brutal: Strength (+2) with 1
boon (4d6)

234
NEHE OATHSWORN Nether W raith
MONSTER · DIFFICULTY 4
Few ways out of the Netherworld evade the attention of the
Defense: 11, Health: 60 watchful gargoyles, but the souls of the damned sometimes find
Strength: 12 (+2), Agility: 11 (+1) them. When they slither free from the Adversary’s dominion, the
Intellect: 8 (–2), Will: 11 (+1) darkness clinging to them transforms the accursed souls into hid-
eous nether wraiths.
Size: 1, Speed: 6 Nether wraiths appear as humanoid shadows with flickering red
Languages: Nehe lights for its eyes. They drift through the air, their bodies roiling
Unwavering Belief: The oathsworn makes Will rolls with 1 and writhing. They pass through solid obstacles, driven by a terri-
boon. ble craving for the life force on which they feed.
Sadistic: When the nehe harms a flesh-and-blood creature, Sunlight can destroy nether wraiths, so at first light, they flee for
the nehe makes attribute rolls with 1 boon until the end of cover, taking refuge in old cellars, ruins, vaults, and tombs. When
its next turn. night falls again, they boil out of their hiding places, flowing
Misinformed: The nehe makes Intellect rolls with 1 bane. toward their victims, the eagerness to feed revealed in the burning
lights of their eyes.
ACTIONS
Melee Attack—Mace · Bludgeoning: Strength (+2) with NETHER WRAITH
1 boon (4d6)
SPIRIT · DIFFICULTY 8
REACTIONS
Defense: 20, Health: 60
Hit Them Again: When the oathsworn gets a success on a
roll to attack, the oathsworn can attack. Once it uses this Strength: 10 (+0), Agility: 15 (+5)
talent, it loses access to it for 1 minute. Intellect: 11 (+1), Will: 14 (+4)
Size: 1, Speed: 8 (Fly, Hover, Insubstantial, Silent, Slippery)
NEHE VISIONARY Languages: understands Archaic, Common, or Kingdom
Senses: True Vision
MONSTER · DIFFICULTY 8
Immune: asleep, blinded, deafened, frightened, held, on fire,
Defense: 15, Health: 100 poisoned, prone, slowed; exposure, deprivation, infection,
suffocation
Strength: 12 (+2), Agility: 11 (+1)
Unnatural Darkness: A nether wraith becomes invisible while
Intellect: 12 (+2), Will: 14 (+4) in faint light or no light at all.
Size: 1, Speed: 6 ACTIONS
Languages: Nehe
Draining Touch: The nether wraith reaches out to touch
Leadership: Each ally within 5 yards rolls to attack with someone. Target one or two flesh-and-blood creatures in
1 boon. reach. For each target separately, make an Agility (+5)
Scapegoat: If the visionary is not confused, controlled, roll against its Agility. On a success, the target loses 4d6
stunned, or unconscious at the start of its turn, target one Health and becomes weakened (luck ends).
enemy within 10 yards. The target becomes a scapegoat END OF THE ROUND
until the start of the visionary’s next turn. Each ally within
10 yards rolls to attack the scapegoat with 1 boon and Burned by Sunlight: If the nether wraith is in a space lit by
their attacks deal an extra 2d6 damage to it. direct sunlight, it loses 4d6 Health and becomes weakened
until the end of the next round.
A Different Truth: When the visionary gains an affliction,
make a luck roll. On a success, the affliction ends.
Sadistic: When the nehe harms a flesh-and-blood creature,
the nehe makes attribute rolls with 1 boon until the end of
its next turn.
Misinformed: The nehe makes Intellect rolls with 1 bane.
ACTIONS
Chapter 3

Melee Attack—Battle Axe · Brutal: Strength (+2) with 1 boon

(4d6)

235
 Nisse
Let Far Dwelling’s ruins be a warning to those who do not take seriously the threat of the traveling old man. The few people who man-
aged to escape the flattening of their town, the rout of their livestock, and the ruin of all they ever had, explain they had no idea the little
old man on the back of a surly pig would have such a temper, especially about his long, white beard. The more they laughed, the angrier
he became. And when angry enough, he grew and grew until he towered over them all.
Nisse travel from place to place, sometimes on foot, sometimes on the backs of pigs, to gauge whether or not mortals act as good cus-
todians of the land. They leave small gifts on doorsteps for those who earn their esteem and destroy those who offend them.
These wandering faeries take the forms of old men about 2 feet tall, bent nearly in half, with long white beards that drag on the ground.
All wear smart blue jackets and pointed blue hats, and often no pants at all. When not astride a pet hog, they hobble about on canes.

NISSE
FAERIE · DIFFICULTY 16
Defense: 10, Health: 240
Strength: 18 (+8), Agility: 10 (+0)
Intellect: 14 (+4), Will: 16 (+6)
Size: 1/2 (see Bigger and Bigger),
Speed: 5
Languages: Common, Sylvan
Immune: confused, controlled, stunned;
infection
Trample: A Size 3 or larger nisse can
move through spaces occupied by
creatures and objects smaller than
it. When it enters a creature’s space,
that creature makes an Agility roll.
On a failure, the creature takes 2d6
damage and falls prone. When it
enters an object’s space, the object
takes 2d6 damage. A creature or
object can be subject to this nisse’s
Trample just once per round.
Stomp: If the nisse is Size 4 or larger
and has not moved, it can reduce its
Speed to 0 until the start of its next turn
to stomp its foot. Target one creature
smaller than the nisse in reach. The
target makes an Agility roll with 1
bane. On a failure, the target takes
4d6 damage, plus 1d6 damage per
point of the nisse’s Size above 4, and
the target falls prone.
ACTIONS
Melee Attack—Walking Stick: Strength
(+8) (5d6)
Larger Strikes: A target takes an extra
2d6 damage per point of Size the
nisse is greater than 2.
Two Attacks: The nisse makes two
Walking Stick attacks.
Bestiary

END OF THE ROUND

Bigger and Bigger: If the nisse is Size
1/2, it becomes Size 2. If it is Size 2
or larger, its Size increases by 1. The
increase to Size lasts until the combat
ends.

236
Nymph ACTIONS
Melee Attack—Claw · Slashing: Agility (+6) with 2 boons
Nymphs are always female, as they sprang from the shattered pieces (4d6)
of a magical looking-glass in which the Faerie Queen viewed her- Critical Success: The target becomes cursed and
self until she threw it to the floor in a fit of pique. The faeries pro- vulnerable (luck ends both). An enemy cursed by the
duced from these shards were nearly equal to the Faerie Queen in nymph also becomes controlled by her for as long as it
remains cursed.
their terrible beauty; to allow one’s eyes to rest upon their perfect
forms would drive away all sight forever. The nymphs had no place Two Attacks: The nymph makes two Claw attacks.
in the courts of the elvish lords and ladies and so spread out to
settle in the mortal lands, where they could rule over their own
dominions in the manner of their maker. Observ er
Selfish, vain, and sometimes petty, nymphs have no regard for
the feelings of those whom they enchant, and hold them captive Once the Weird Wizard completed construction of the Forbidden
until they weary of them and discard them. Nymphs might involve City, he withdrew behind its walls to focus on his work. He did
themselves in the affairs of neighboring peoples, fomenting dis- not, however, leave the lands unattended. He left many creations
cord just to see what happens. They take what they want and do as to watch over his dominion, monitor developments, and correct
they please. They surround themselves with pretty things, such as behavior when and as necessary. The most common of these cre-
a fine painting, the voice of a bard, or the face of a striking young ations are the observers, giant floating eyeballs who transmitted
woman, and marvel over them until they grow bored. everything they saw to their creator.
A nymph keeps the company of 1d6 adventurers enchanted to The floating organs have tendrils fringing their orbs that let
protect her from harm. them steer while flying, and drag behind them a curtain of these
fibrous tendrils. Observers never communicate, nor do they initi-
NYMPH ate hostile action. They defend themselves, though, if they come
under attack by releasing beams of white light from their pupils
FAERIE · DIFFICULTY 16
that can burn through solid stone.
Defense: 18, Health: 160
Strength: 11 (+1), Agility: 16 (+6) OBSERVER
Intellect: 16 (+6), Will: 18 (+8) CREATION · DIFFICULTY 1
Size: 1, Speed: 7 (Slippery, Strider, Teleport 3)
Defense: 11, Health: 5
Languages: Archaic, Common, Sylvan
Strength: 8 (–2), Agility: 11 (+1)
Senses: Keen Hearing, Keen Vision
Intellect: 6 (–4), Will: 11 (+1)
Immune: confused, controlled, held, poisoned, stunned;
infection Size: 1, Speed: 5 (Fly, Hover)
Protection from Magic: The nymph imposes 1 bane on rolls Senses: True Vision
against it from magical effects and it rolls to resist or end Immune: deprivation, exposure, infection, suffocation
magical effects with 1 boon. Explosive Ending (Magical): When the observer becomes
Awful Glare (Magical): If the nymph is not unconscious at incapacitated, it explodes. Each object within 2 yards of
the start of her turn, she glares at one creature in her line it takes 2d6 damage, while each creature within 2 yards
of sight. The target makes a Will roll with 3 banes. On of it makes a luck roll. On a failure, the creature takes 2d6
a failure, the target becomes blinded and weakened until damage. The explosion consumes everything the observer
the nymph becomes incapacitated or she uses an action wears and carries.
to end the afflictions. On a critical failure, the target also
takes 20d6 damage. ACTIONS
Foment Obsession: Each enemy within line of sight to the Eye Ray (Magical): The observer launches a beam of light
nymph becomes weakened for as long as it can see her. from its central eye. Target one creature or object within
15 yards. Make an Agility (+1) roll with 1 boon against
Terrible Beauty (Magical): When an enemy starts a turn with
line of sight to the nymph, the enemy makes a Will roll the target’s Agility. On a success, the target takes 2d6
with 3 banes. On a success, it becomes immune to Terrible damage. If the target takes 9 damage or more from a
Beauty for 1 hour. On a failure, the enemy becomes cursed single beam, it also catches fire (luck ends).
until the nymph becomes incapacitated or uses an action
Chapter 3

to end the affliction (if within 5 yards). An enemy cursed by

the nymph is also controlled by her.
Fury: A nymph can attack, move one creature it has controlled
up to its Speed and then that creature makes an attack, or
heal 40 damage and end all afflictions.

237
 Ogre
The trolls’ creations befoul the world still, and the things that spawned in the flesh-forges reproduced themselves and passed down all
their cruelty, violence, and brutishness to their offspring. The ogres have the dubious distinction of being the trolls’ greatest success, and
their numbers have spread everywhere. Embodying all the worst aspects of the mortal peoples, ogres have few interests beyond feeding
their prodigious appetites.
Ogres ruin the lands in which they live. They build shelters from felled trees, boulders, and bones, and then spend their time indulging
themselves. They might inhabit these places alone or in small groups. Some take over towns, raising themselves up as tyrants who take
and take until there’s nothing left, not even people, to eat.
The human stock used to make them remains apparent in ogres’ forms. They stand about 10 feet tall and tend toward corpulence.
Lacking shame, they forgo clothing but cover themselves in uncured hides during the winter months. Most carry disease, and their
extended presence can contaminate water sources. A great many ogres find profit in taking control over smaller humanoids. Bandits,
deserters, orc bands, and others ccould draw the attention of these brutes, attention rarely welcomed for long. Ogres muscle in, kill the
leaders, and appoint themselves as lords and masters of the rest. They rule over these sorry groups for as long as it serves their interests;
when they tire of it, they kill and eat the rest.
OGRE
MONSTER · DIFFICULTY 8
Defense: 12, Health: 80
Strength: 14 (+4), Agility: 10 (+0)
Intellect: 10 (+0), Will: 10 (+0)
Size: 2, Speed: 5
Languages: Common
Senses: Keen Scent
ACTIONS
Melee Attack—Cleaver · Brutal: Strength (+4) with 1 boon
(4d6)
Critical Success: The target takes an extra 1d6
damage and becomes vulnerable (luck ends).
Two Attacks: The ogre makes two Cleaver
attacks.
REACTIONS
Vomit: When harmed, the ogre can
projectile vomit at one creature
within 5 yards. Make a Strength
(+4) roll against the target’s
Agility. On a success, the
target takes 3d6 damage
from the corrosive vomit and
becomes weakened (luck
ends). A Size 1 or smaller
target also falls prone. Once
the ogre uses this talent, it loses
access to it until after it spends 1
hour gorging itself.
Bestiary

238
OM head-sized block of steel atop a corded, muscular neck. Somehow,
the gigant perceives from this block.
Little do people know that the Weird Wizard spent the better part OVERMIND
of ten years fighting against the OM to prevent these aliens from
getting a foothold on Erth. The invaders came from another, fail- The Intelligence extends its identity to all bodies it creates. It per-
ing reality and, upon emerging from the Void, sought to conquer ceives from them and acts through them, but the forms limit what
the world and remake it in their own image. Only through the it can do. To take a more direct hand, the Intelligence might pro-
Weird Wizard’s efforts was their attack blunted, and now that he duce an overmind, a superior creation that more closely matches
has gone, the OM have recovered from their losses and make ready the Intelligence’s true form.
to emerge from hiding and take the New Lands and beyond. The overmind accesses its arsenal of psychic powers to break
All members of the OM collective follow the directives given enemies not yet under its control. If it falls to its injuries, each OM
to them telepathically by the great mind, the Intelligence hidden member within a certain distance dies.
somewhere in the world. This Intelligence commands its minions An overmind is a giant brain suspended in a nutrient rich soup
to spread out, capture the living and remake them into something that is held by a floating glass-and-steel vat.
useful, and expand until the whole of the world falls under their
control. The OM’s objective is similar to that of the reen, and some OM SERVITOR
believe the two might share a common origin.
In every OM outpost, one can find the fabricator vats that spawn MONSTER · DIFFICULTY 1
unseeing and other monstrosities to serve the Intelligence. Servitors Defense: 9, Health: 10
dump unconscious bodies into the vats, whose fluids break down
Strength: 11 (+1), Agility: 9 (–1)
the organic matter, which then coheres into the desired shape.
OM individuals do not eat. Instead, they have feeding ports. Intellect: 20 (+10), Will: 20 (+10)
At mealtime, members make their way to nutrient tanks sporting Size: 1, Speed: 5
dozens of flexible hoses. A member attaches a hose to the port, Senses: Awareness 10
which then pumps in a nutritious slurry of discarded organic mat- Immune: asleep, blinded, confused, controlled, deafened,
ter that has been enriched with vitamins and minerals. frightened, Intellect impaired, Will impaired, stunned,
The OM’s members carry out specific roles as described below. vulnerable, weakened
The Intelligence perceives from each and can speak through any of Strength in Numbers: If there’s at least one OM ally within 10
them, providing they have the necessary organs to speak. yards of this creature, impose 1 bane on rolls to attack it.
SERVITOR ACTIONS

Even without the metal plug fitted into the mouth, the metal grills Melee Attack—Hammer · Bludgeoning, Thrown 5: Strength
(+1) (1d6)
fitted over the eyes, or the nutrient port with screwcap installed in
the abdomen, it is clear that there’s something wrong with servi-
tors. They don’t move as people do. They appear stiff, awkward, as OM SPECTATOR
if considering every movement of their bodies before taking them.
Servitors show no anger or joy on their slack faces and simply go MONSTER · DIFFICULTY 2
about their duties as the Intelligence directs. Defense: 16, Health: 5
SPECTATOR Strength: 6 (–4), Agility: 13 (+3)
Intellect: 20 (+10), Will: 20 (+10)
The OM make spies from the eyeballs harvested from the bodies
of prisoners doomed to become servitors. Once fitted with spider Size: 1/8, Speed: 5 (Climber, Strider)
legs, these miniscule watchers collect information for the overmind. Senses: True Vision
Spectators can emit beams of energy from their eyes that warp their Immune: asleep, blinded, confused, controlled, deafened,
enemies’ bodies. They are sometimes called lash crawlers. frightened, Intellect impaired, Will impaired, stunned,
vulnerable, weakened
UNSEEING Strength in Numbers: If there’s at least one OM ally within 10
yards of this creature, impose 1 bane on rolls to attack it.
The unseeing serve as the OM collective’s shock troops and speed
over the ground to leap on victims, worrying them with the thin ACTIONS
claws curling from their fingertips. Unseeing are headless and neck-
Chapter 3

Melee Attack—Tendril: Agility (+3) (1d6)

less humanoids with bruise-colored skin and clawed appendages. Pain: A flesh-and-blood target becomes vulnerable until
the end of its next turn.
GIGANT
Warp Gaze: The spectator emits a beam from its pupil.
To clear away deadfalls, hammer through stone walls, and topple Target one creature within 15 yards. Make a Will (+10)
buildings and other obstacles, the Intelligence constructs gigants. roll against the target’s Agility. On a success, the target
takes 1d6 damage and becomes impaired in an attribute
Each one has an overlarge and muscled humanoid body cov- of the spectator’s choice (luck ends).
ered in black-and-white marbled skin. In place of a head, it has a

239
 OM UNSEEING OM OVERMIND
MONSTER · DIFFICULTY 2 MONSTER · DIFFICULTY 32
Defense: 12, Health: 20 Defense: 11, Health: 360
Strength: 12 (+2), Agility: 12 (+2) Strength: 5 (–5), Agility: 11 (+1)
Intellect: 20 (+10), Will: 20 (+10) Intellect: 20 (+10), Will: 20 (+10)
Size: 1, Speed: 8 (Climber, Slippery) Size: 1, Speed: 5 (Fly, Hover)
Senses: Awareness 10 Languages: understands all
Immune: asleep, blinded, confused, controlled, deafened, Senses: Awareness 100
frightened, Intellect impaired, Will impaired, stunned, Immune: asleep, blinded, confused, controlled, deafened,
vulnerable, weakened frightened, Intellect impaired, Will impaired, stunned,
Strength in Numbers: If there’s at least one OM ally within 10 vulnerable, weakened
yards of this creature, impose 1 bane on rolls to attack it. Protection from Magic: The overmind imposes 1 bane on
rolls against it from magical effects and it rolls to resist or
Pack Tactics: An unseeing rolls against targets that have end magical effects with 1 boon.
already been attacked in the same round with 1 boon.
Psychic Shield: While not injured, the overmind imposes
ACTIONS 3 banes on rolls against its Defense.
Melee Attack—Claws · Slashing: Strength (+2) with 3 boons Extra Reaction: Increase the number of reactions the
(2d6) overmind can use in a round by one.
REACTION Hive Mind: The overmind shares senses with each OM ally
within 1 mile.
Dart Away: When the unseeing gets a failure on a roll to
attack, its Speed increases by 2 until the end of its turn. Brain Death: If the overmind becomes incapacitated, each
OM ally within 1 mile drops to 0 Health.
ACTIONS
OM GIGANT Arrest Thought (Magical): The overmind wipes the minds
MONSTER · DIFFICULTY 8
of its enemies. Target any number of creatures, all in one
Size 5 space, within 15 yards. A target with a Health score
Defense: 5, Health: 80 of 50 or less falls prone and becomes unconscious (luck
ends). A target with Health 25 or less dies from its head
Strength: 16 (+6), Agility: 10 (+0) suddenly exploding. Once the overmind uses this talent, it
Intellect: 20 (+10), Will: 20 (+10) loses access to it (luck ends).
Size: 6, Speed: 6 (Strider) Lance the Mind (Magical): The overmind blasts its enemies’
minds. Target up to three creatures, all in one Size 5
Senses: Awareness 10 space, within 15 yards. For each target separately, make
Immune: asleep, blinded, confused, controlled, deafened, an Intellect (+10) roll with 1 boon against its Will. On
frightened, Intellect impaired, Will impaired, stunned, a success, the target takes 6d6 damage and becomes
vulnerable, weakened weakened (luck ends).
Strength in Numbers: If there’s at least one OM ally within REACTIONS
10 yards of this creature, impose 1 bane on rolls to Mental Disdain: When an enemy within 5 yards attacks
attack it. it, the overmind can make a Will (+10) roll with 1 boon
Shattering Stride: A gigant can move into spaces occupied against that enemy’s Strength. On a success, the target
by objects. When it enters an object’s space, the object rises into the air and flies 1d6 × 5 yards away from the
loses 10d6 Health. If the object drops to 0 Health, the overmind, lands prone, and becomes stunned (luck ends).
gigant can continue moving. Otherwise, the gigant is The target takes 1d6 damage for every 5 yards it moved or
pushed back to the nearest empty space of its Size and its was prevented from moving by encountering an obstacle.
Speed drops to 0 until the start of its next turn. If the target becomes injured from this damage, it becomes
unconscious (luck ends) instead of stunned.
ACTIONS
Your Body, My Weapon: When an enemy within 5 yards
Melee Attack—Fist · Bludgeoning: Strength (+6) with 1 boon starts its turn, the overmind can make a Will (+10) roll with
(10d6) 1 boon against that enemy’s Strength. On a success, the
target becomes held, rises into the air, and then is used to
Smack Down: A target smaller than the gigant makes attack a different creature or object within 5 yards of it.
a Strength roll. On a failure, it falls prone and becomes The overmind makes a Will (+10) roll with 1 boon against
Bestiary

confused (luck ends). the secondary target’s Agility. On a success, both the
Two Attacks: The gigant makes two Fist attacks. primary and secondary target take 5d6 damage. Then, the
held affliction ends for the primary target and it falls prone.
END OF THE ROUND
Synaptic Overload: Each enemy within 5 yards makes a
luck roll. On a failure, the enemy becomes confused until
the end of the next round.

240
Orcs
Orcs are people corrupted by a magical sickness of the soul. The disease infects those living close to one of the imprisoned Ancient Ones,
and the blight cares nothing if its victims are humans, elves, dwarfs, or something else. Dwarf kingdoms have gone dark when miners
dug too deep and encountered the blight in their tunnels, while faeries have become changed when some shifting of the Dragon’s coils
causes a dark power to rise closer to the world’s surface. Worse, dark wizards and foul sorcerers, discovering places steeped in corruption,
assemble armies from the prisoners they drag to these places, burying them in the muck until the transformation takes hold.
The infection dooms a victim to a tragic existence shaped by untrammeled hatred and cruelty. Empathy and compassion are seen as
signs of weakness, and orcs recognize authority only in the strongest and most dangerous of their fellows. The threat of imminent death
or suffering ensures obedience from lesser orcs, though they have no alliances among each other. Each fights over the scraps left by their
betters and laughs when the injured or frail go hungry.
Efforts to heal the afflicted have failed, for this ailment strikes not just the body but the essential being of the individual, remaking it
into a monster. Perhaps divine intervention might lift the blight from their souls, but the gods have taken no pity on the orcs’ plight and
turned their backs on them as if they were the very fiends of Hell. A sharp blade and a readied spell appear to be the only remedies for
these unfortunate souls.
Transformation into an orc happens almost at once. The body convulses, the skin assumes an unhealthy gray or green color, and the
sclera turn blood red. Meanwhile, the mind sickens and personality warps. Empathy dies to leave the individual callous and hardened.
Emotions beyond anger and hatred fade away so that orcs show almost no sympathy toward anything they encounter and certainly expe-
rience no shame or guilt for their actions. They lie, manipulate, and coerce, all to feed their appetites. The curse makes these people into
uncaring monsters, a plague on the world.
Orcs grow strong and durable. They can tolerate pain and keep fighting after suffering appalling injuries. Their inflated sense of self
prevents them from suicidal action, though they love to butcher those weaker than themselves, and their survival instinct ensures they
bolt from superior forces. Sunlight is hateful to orcs, and they cannot stand green and growing things. They’ll kill anything but love
murdering faeries, as they know death means utter oblivion to the immortals.

ORC TRANSFORMATION
MONSTER

Strength: +2
Intellect: –1, Will: –1
Size: 1, Speed: 5
Senses: Dark Vision
Other Traits: Bloodthirsty, Sunlight Weakness

DRUDGE

Many orcs never rise above the lowly station of drudge.

The drudges in every force of orcs know better than any-
one the cheapness of life. They form the van of any attack-
ing force, and their fate is to be chopped, sliced, bashed,
or shot. Orc drudges cobble together what armor they
can find and wield chipped, rusty, and broken weapons.

FIREBREATHER

Orc gangs sometimes include a colorful character whose

antics and insults goad the warriors into a fighting frenzy.
These orcs, called firebreathers, wear motley, foolish cos-
tumes, and dance and caper while their fellows start the
Chapter 3

killing.

SKIRMISHER

Swift and merciless, skirmishers use hit-and-run tactics to

provoke enemies into engaging the heavies. Skirmishers
might also serve as scouts, but most orc bands care little
for the disposition of enemy forces.

241
 TROOPER ORC FIREBREATHER
Healthier specimens can loot better equipment and thus fight in MONSTER · DIFFICULTY 2
units of other troopers. Orc troopers might cut down drudges in
their path. Defense: 12, Health: 15
Strength: 11 (+1), Agility: 12 (+2)
HEAVY
Intellect: 11 (+1), Will: 9 (–1)
The heavies form the iron core of orc fighting forces. Their better Size: 1, Speed: 5
armor protects them from missiles as they close in and hack ene-
mies apart with their heavy weapons. Languages: Common
Senses: Dark Vision
MANSLAYER Irritating Prattle: Allies within 5 yards of the firebreather roll
Adept at infiltration and assassination, manslayers slip through to attack with 1 boon, while enemies within this range roll
enemy lines to cause mayhem by killing officers and sabotaging to attack with 1 bane.
supplies. Manslayers wear dark clothing, hoods, and cloaks. Bloodthirsty: When the result of the orc's roll to attack is 5
or less, roll a d20 and add the number rolled to the result.
OVERSEER Sunlight Weakness: If the orc starts their turn in a space lit by
Big and nasty, orc overseers command their underlings through sunlight, the orc becomes weakened until the start of their
next turn.
intimidation and the crack of their whips. Many overseers wear
gruesome masks and adorn their bodies with trophies taken from ACTIONS
the people they have killed.
Melee Attack—Club: Strength (+1) (2d6)
DOOMBRINGER REACTIONS
Clever orcs make pacts with the forces responsible for their trans- Go Get Him! When the firebreather gets a failure on a roll to
formation and gain from them dreadful magical power. Orc attack, it enables one ally within 5 yards to move up to its
doombringers wear long robes strewn with symbols that hurt to Speed and use a reaction to attack.
look upon.

DEATH ORC ORC SKIRMISHER

That some turn into death orcs and others do not remains a mys- MONSTER · DIFFICULTY 2
tery. Taller, stronger, nastier than other orcs and free from weak-
ness to sunlight, death orcs have many advantages over their kin Defense: 13 (brigandine), Health: 20
and thus rule over them. They don the best armor and wield the Strength: 11 (+1), Agility: 12 (+2)
best weapons. Intellect: 10 (+0), Will: 10 (+0)
WARLORD Size: 1, Speed: 5
Languages: Common
The strongest and most cunning death orcs lead. They pick out
their rivals and eliminate them, then assault anyone who might Senses: Dark Vision
object. Battle scars make them ugly, which only makes lesser orcs Bloodthirsty: When the result of the orcs roll to attack is 5 or
fear and respect them more. less, roll a d20 and add the number rolled to the result.
Sunlight Weakness: If the orc starts their turn in a space lit by
ORC DRUDGE sunlight, the orc becomes weakened until the start of their
next turn.
MONSTER · DIFFICULTY 1
ACTIONS
Defense: 10, Health: 10
Melee Attack—Saber: Agility (+2) with 1 boon (2d6)
Strength: 12 (+2), Agility: 10 (+0)
Ranged Attack—Longbow · Range 30: Agility (+2) with
Intellect: 9 (–1), Will: 10 (+0) 1 boon (2d6)
Size: 1, Speed: 5
Languages: Common
Senses: Dark Vision
Bestiary

Bloodthirsty: When the result of the orc's roll to attack is 5

or less, roll a d20 and add the number rolled to the result.
Sunlight Weakness: If the orc starts their turn in a space lit by
sunlight, the orc becomes weakened until the start of their
next turn.
ACTIONS
Melee Attack—Spear · Thrown 5: Strength (+2) (2d6)

242
ORC TROOPER ACTIONS
Melee Attack—Daggers · Thrown 5: Agility (+3) with
MONSTER · DIFFICULTY 2
2 boons (2d6)
Defense: 12 (leather), Health: 20 Critical Success: The target becomes vulnerable (luck ends).
Strength: 12 (+2), Agility: 10 (+0) Two Attacks: The orc makes two Daggers attacks.
Intellect: 9 (–1), Will: 10 (+0)
Size: 1, Speed: 5
ORC OVERSEER
Languages: Common
Senses: Dark Vision MONSTER · DIFFICULTY 4
Bloodthirsty: When the result of the orc's roll to attack is 5 Defense: 15 (mail), Health: 40
or less, roll a d20 and add the number rolled to the result. Strength: 13 (+3), Agility: 11 (+1)
Sunlight Weakness: If the orc starts their turn in a space lit by Intellect: 11 (+1), Will: 12 (+2)
sunlight, the orc becomes weakened until the start of their
next turn. Size: 1, Speed: 5
Languages: Common
ACTIONS
Senses: Dark Vision
Melee Attack—Sword · Slashing: Strength (+2) with 1 boon Bloodthirsty: When the result of the orc's roll to attack is 5
(2d6) or less, roll a d20 and add the number rolled to the result.
Ranged Attack—Bow · Range 20: Agility (+0) with 1 boon Sunlight Weakness: If the orc starts their turn in a space lit by
(2d6) sunlight, the orc becomes weakened until the start of their
next turn.
ORC HEAVY ACTIONS

MONSTER · DIFFICULTY 4 Melee Attack—Battle Axe · Brutal: Strength (+3) with 1 boon
(4d6)
Defense: 16 (plate and mail), Health: 40 Ranged Attack—Whip · Long: Agility (+1) with 1 boon (0)
Strength: 14 (+4), Agility: 10 (+0) Critical Success: The target takes 1d6 damage.
Intellect: 9 (–1), Will: 11 (+1) Where There’s a Whip: If the overseer targeted an ally,
Size: 1, Speed: 5 the ally makes rolls to attack with 1 boon and its attacks
Languages: Common deal an extra 1d6 damage for 1 minute.
Senses: Dark Vision Two Attacks: The overseer makes one Battle Axe attack and
one Whip attack.
Bloodthirsty: When the result of the orc's roll to attack is 5
or less, roll a d20 and add the number rolled to the result.
Sunlight Weakness: If the orc starts their turn in a space lit by DEATH ORC
sunlight, the orc becomes weakened until the start of their
next turn. MONSTER · DIFFICULTY 8
ACTIONS Defense: 18 (plate and mail, shield), Health: 80
Melee Attack—Great Axe · Brutal: Strength (+4) with Strength: 14 (+4), Agility: 11 (+1)
1 boon (5d6) Intellect: 11 (+1), Will: 13 (+3)
Size: 1, Speed: 6
ORC MANSLAYER Languages: Common
Senses: Dark Vision
MONSTER · DIFFICULTY 4 Immune: confused, frightened
Defense: 14 (leather), Health: 40 Bloodthirsty: When the result of the orc's roll to attack is 5
Strength: 12 (+2), Agility: 13 (+3) or less, roll a d20 and add the number rolled to the result.
Intellect: 11 (+1), Will: 11 (+1) ACTIONS
Size: 1, Speed: 5 (Slippery) Melee Attack—Sword · Slashing: Strength (+4) with 2 boons
Languages: Common (4d6)
Senses: Dark Vision Ranged Attack—Longbow · Range 30: Agility (+1) with
2 boons (4d6)
Chapter 3

Bloodthirsty: When the result of the orc's roll to attack is 5

or less, roll a d20 and add the number rolled to the result. Two Attacks: The death orc makes two Sword attacks or two
Sunlight Weakness: If the orc starts their turn in a space lit Longbow attacks.
by sunlight, the orc becomes weakened until the start of REACTIONS
their next turn.
Rub Some Dirt On It: When the death orc takes damage, it
heals 2d6 damage. Once it uses this talent, it loses access
to it for 1 minute.

243
 ORC DOOMBRINGER ORC WARLORD
MONSTER · DIFFICULTY 8 MONSTER · DIFFICULTY 8
Defense: 12 (leather), Health: 80 Defense: 19 (plate, shield), Health: 80
Strength: 13 (+3), Agility: 10 (+0) Strength: 15 (+5), Agility: 11 (+1)
Intellect: 11 (+1), Will: 13 (+3) Intellect: 12 (+2), Will: 14 (+4)
Size: 1, Speed: 5 Size: 1, Speed: 5
Languages: Common Languages: Common
Senses: Dark Vision Senses: Dark Vision
Bloodthirsty: When the result of the orc's roll to attack is 5 Immune: confused, controlled, stunned
or less, roll a d20 and add the number rolled to the result. Leadership: Each ally within 5 yards rolls to attack with
Sunlight Weakness: If the orc starts their turn in a space lit by 1 boon.
sunlight, the orc becomes weakened until the start of their Drive to Violence: The attacks of each ally within 5 yards
next turn. deal an extra 1d6 damage.
ACTIONS Bloodthirsty: When the result of the orc's roll to attack is 5
Melee Attack—Pole Arm · Long: Strength (+3) with 2 boons or less, roll a d20 and add the number rolled to the result.
(5d6) ACTIONS
Concussion Blast (Magical): The doombringer raps the butt
of its pole arm on the ground to send a wave of force at Melee Attack—Long Sword · Slashing: Strength (+5) with
its foes. Target one Size 2 space within 20 yards. Each 3 boons (6d6)
object in that space takes 6d6 damage. Each creature in REACTIONS
that space takes 3d6 damage and makes a Strength roll
with 1 bane. On a failure, the creature takes an extra 3d6 Die for Me: If the warlord has an ally in reach when the
damage, and becomes vulnerable (luck ends). warlord would take damage, the warlord causes one ally
Doom of the Ancient Ones (Magical): The doombringer within reach to take the damage on its behalf.
calls doom down on an enemy. Target one creature within
10 yards. Make a Will (+3) roll with 1 boon against the
target’s Strength. On a success, the target sinks into the
ground, removed from play (luck ends). While removed
in this way, the target loses all actions and reactions, and
has a Speed score of 0. Each time the target makes a luck
roll to end this effect, the target loses 2d6 Health. When
the effect ends, the target returns to an empty space of its An Orc's Wretched
choice within 5 yards of the space it left and makes a Will
roll. On a failure, the target becomes frightened of all orcs Awakening
(luck ends).
END OF THE ROUND Agron wasn't always a hulking brute with bloodshot
eyes. He used to be a simple dwarf miner, hacking
Whispers of the Ancients: If the doombringer is not injured, away at the stubborn mountain rock. One day, a
confused, controlled, stunned, or unconscious, whispering cave-in opened a hidden passage, spewing forth a
sounds emanate from it. Each enemy within 5 yards makes sickly green mist. Agron, pride urging him forward,
a Will roll. On a success, the enemy becomes immune became the first to investigate. The mist stole over him,
to Whispers of the Ancients for 1 hour. On a failure, the and a cold tendril wrapped around his soul.
enemy takes 1d6 damage and becomes Will impaired Agony ripped through him. His calloused hands
(luck ends). grew massive and clumsy. His vision blurred, the
world tinged with an unnatural green. When it sub-
sided, a scream escaped his lips, a sound that
echoed with the dawning realization: he was no lon-
ger dwarf but an orc. Now, his only companions are
the stench of his fellows and the thrill of a good fight.
Pity? Never heard of it. There's only survival, and
maybe, just maybe, enough bloodshed to drown out
the hollowness gnawing at his core.
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Otso Crushing Weight: The otso throws itself at a foe. Target one
creature of a Size smaller than the otso in reach. Make a
Strength (+5) roll against the target’s Agility. On a success,
Foresters have reason to be careful when exploring the wooded the target takes 6d6 damage, falls prone, and becomes
areas of the New Lands. Aside from the spirits, the mischievous held and cannot stand up until the otso moves out of
faeries, and an untold number of monsters, one entity above the reach, the otso becomes incapacitated, or until the target
overcomes the affliction with a success on a Strength roll
rest gives cause for wariness. The great golden bear known as the with 3 banes.
otso rules the woodlands and protects all animals in its domain. If
END OF THE ROUND
a trespasser comes with torch and axe and shows no respect for the
living things that dwell there, the golden bear might appear and Lifegiving Presence: Each ally within 5 yards heals 1d6
deliver justice for those harmed. damage.
An otso is an angel of the Horned Lord, who created them soon
after Grandfather Tree seeded the world with green and growing
things, to protect his own creations against the trolls and other
wicked beings that preceded the mortal peoples. Priests of the
Phantom
Horned Lord claim each land has an otso protector, though the The longer a spirit spends as a ghost, the more bitterness and regret
immortals seem hidden away, perhaps hibernating until there is poison it until it becomes a phantom. In this form, the ghost’s
need for them. At religious festivals for the Horned Lord, images memory of being alive is so dimmed that it develops an unrea-
of golden bears are raised to protect the revelers from harm. sonable hatred for the living that drives it to seek out people and
An otso takes the form of an enormous bear with a gleaming torment them to death. Those murdered by phantoms have their
coat of golden fur. When it stands on its hind legs, it easily reaches souls torn from their bodies and are cursed to a ghostly existence.
15 feet tall. It weighs close to 2,000 pounds. Phantoms look like spectral versions of their living forms at the
time of their death, but frayed around the edges and with more
OTSO monstrous visages.
ANGEL · DIFFICULTY 16
PHANTOM
Defense: 20, Health: 160
SPIRIT · DIFFICULTY 4
Strength: 15 (+5), Agility: 11 (+1)
Intellect: 13 (+3), Will: 15 (+5) Defense: 18, Health: 40
Size: 3, Speed: 6 (Climber, Strider) Strength: 10 (+0), Agility: 13 (+3)
Languages: Tongues Intellect: 11 (+1), Will: 13 (+3)
Senses: True Vision Size: 1, Speed: 5 (Fly, Hover, Insubstantial, Silent, Slippery)
Immune: asleep, blinded, confused, controlled, deafened, Languages: Archaic, Common, or Kingdom
frightened, poisoned, stunned, weakened; deprivation, Senses: True Vision
exposure, infection, suffocation
Immune: asleep, blinded, deafened, frightened, held, on fire,
Protection from Magic: The otso imposes 1 bane on rolls poisoned, prone, slowed; exposure, deprivation, infection,
against it from magical effects and it rolls to resist or end suffocation
magical effects with 1 boon.
Sunlight Weakness: If the phantom starts its turn in a space lit
Shielding Presence: The otso imposes 1 bane on rolls to by sunlight, the phantom becomes weakened until the start
attack allies within 5 yards. of its next turn.
Otso Wrath: While injured, the otso’s attacks deal an extra ACTIONS
2d6 damage.
Spirit Touch: The phantom targets one flesh-and-blood
ACTIONS creature in reach. Make an Agility (+3) roll with 1 boon
Melee Attack—Claws · Slashing: Strength (+5) with 1 boon against the target’s Agility. On a success, the target takes
(4d6) 2d6 damage, loses 1d6 Health, and becomes Agility
impaired (luck ends).
Melee Attack—Teeth · Piercing: Strength (+5) with 1 boon
(6d6) If the target becomes incapacitated by this damage, it dies
and, at the end of the round, its ghost appears in the space
Two Attacks: The otso makes one Claws attack and one above its body. The ghost treats the phantom as its ally.
Teeth attack.
Critical Success: The target also becomes frightened of
the phantom (luck ends). If the target is frightened already,
Chapter 3

it falls prone and cannot stand until it overcomes the

affliction.

245
 Pix ie
It’s easy to miss pixies when you’re not looking for them. At 6 inches tall, with the coloration of flowers and fluttering on bright wings,
they look like ordinary butterflies—and that’s only if they wish to be seen. If they wear clothes, they make do with a bit of fur or a ribbon
plucked from a mortal home. But rarely do the pixies show themselves to mortals, preferring instead to remain hidden so they can watch
and play tricks on them.
Pixies join the other diminutive faeries of the hidden kingdoms, being exceptionally small and whimsical. Though atomies, brownies,
and others might band together, pixies seem just fine on their own and travel the lands in search of adventure and excitement. They love
to dig around in old ruins and flit through the deep woodlands, but they follow anything that interests them, observing a mortal from a
distance for a few days or even weeks before something else catches their attention.
More than anything, pixies love making mischief for others. They take any chance they can to make a mortal look foolish. Pixies get
away with their pranks since few can see them. Simple creatures, such as animals and children who have yet to form opinions about the
world, can see pixies clearly, but those who have let their imaginations lie fallow, whose thoughts and beliefs have calcified, are easy prey
for their mischief.

PIXIE
FAERIE · DIFFICULTY 2
Defense: 20, Health: 5
Strength: 5 (–5), Agility: 17 (+7)
Intellect: 10 (+0), Will: 8 (–2)
Size: 1/8 Speed: 5 (Fly)
Languages: Common, Sylvan
Senses: Keen Vision
Immune: infection
Invisible: A pixie is invisible. When they use an
action, they lose this trait until they use an action
to regain it.
Glow (Magical): At the start of the pixie’s turn if it
is not injured, confused, controlled, stunned, or
unconscious, it emits bright light until it becomes
incapacitated or ends this effect.
ACTIONS
Melee Attack—Dagger · Thrown 5: Agility (+7)
with 1 boon (1d6)
Ranged Attack—Wee Bow · Range 10: Agility
(+7) with 1 boon (1d6)
Critical Success: A flesh-and-blood target
makes a Will roll. On a failure, the target falls
prone and becomes unconscious until harmed
or another creature uses an action to shake,
kick, or shout it awake. Time spent unconscious
in this way does not count toward resting.
Shrink Object (Magical): The pixie targets
one ordinary object in reach. If the target is
something carried, but not worn, by a creature,
the pixie makes an Agility (+7) roll against the
target’s Agility. On a success, the pixie touches
the object. An object touched shrinks down to
Size 1/16 and remains at this Size until the
Bestiary

pixie uses this talent again, the pixie dies, or the

pixie ends the effect.

246
Plague Mother Podling
The Pale Lady covets her father’s crown. She plots against him Under normal circumstances, the pod tree drops its seeds during
and works in the world to gnaw at the edges of his dominion. the spring, and each seedling unfolds arms and legs to set out on
Unlike Lord Death, she has no compunctions about using or cre- its journey and plant itself in a suitable location—provided that
ating undead, which she sees as just one more plague to let loose gangs of squirrels don’t get to it first. But when threatened by fire,
on mortals. Among her nastier creations are the plague mothers, disease, or axes, the tree drops its seeds for its own defense. A typi-
undead created from women bloated by the goddess’s fell influ- cal pod tree is a 20-foot-tall plant with Defense 0 and Health 100.
ence, ready to deploy her unholy gifts. A podling looks like a little person assembled from chestnuts.
Plague mothers make perfect delivery systems for sickness. They
walk with their heads bent and their long hair draped across their
PODLING
faces. Their tattered dresses swish as they shuffle along the roads.
They could be commoners. They might be refugees. But they are PLANT · DIFFICULTY 1
actually incubators for plagues that spread through the air. Defense: 10, Health: 5
Strength: 5 (–5), Agility: 10 (+0)
PLAGUE MOTHER Intellect: 5 (–5), Will: 10 (+0)
ANGEL · DIFFICULTY 1 Size: 1/8, Speed: 4
Defense: 8, Health: 10 Immune: asleep, confused, frightened, stunned
Strength: 11 (+1), Agility: 10 (+0) Resolute: The podling imposes 1 bane on rolls against its
Intellect and Will.
Intellect: 9 (–1), Will: 10 (+0)
Size: 1, Speed: 4 ACTIONS

Languages: Tongues Melee Attack—Claws: Agility (+0) with 1 boon (1)

Senses: Keen Vision Dread Cooperation: A target takes an extra 1 damage for
each other podling within 5 yards of it.
Immune: asleep, blinded, deafened, frightened, poisoned;
deprivation, exposure, infection, suffocation.
Infectious Presence: A flesh-and-blood creature that starts its
turn within 2 yards of the plague mother makes a Strength
roll. On a success, the creature becomes immune to this
effect for 24 hours. On a failure, the creature becomes
exposed to infection. If already exposed to infection in this
way, the creature takes 1d6 damage instead.
Awakening in Panic
Protection from Magic: The plague mother imposes 1 bane Flick, a young podling seed, nestled within his cozy
on rolls against it from magical effects and it rolls to resist pod high in the branches of the Mother Tree. One day,
or end magical effects with 1 boon. a searing heat ripped through the air, smoke stinging
Plague Burst (Magical): When the plague mother becomes his nostrils. Before he could understand, Flick felt him-
incapacitated, it explodes and dies, throwing contaminants self plummet through the air. He landed with a thud on
in all directions. Each creature within 5 yards makes a soft earth, the world a blur of terror.
luck roll. On a failure, the creature becomes exposed to He peeked out of his pod, blinking at the unfamiliar
infection. brightness. No branches cradled him, no gentle sway-
ing lulled him. Panic surged through him. He was alone,
ACTIONS vulnerable, and separated from the Mother Tree's life
force. But a primal instinct flickered within him. He had
Melee Attack—Unarmed Strike: Strength (+1) with 1 bane to find soil, to burrow deep and take root. Only then
(1d6) could he survive, only then could he grow into a pro-
Unpleasant Gift of the Goddess (Magical): The plague tector of the forest, just like the Mother Tree.
mother projectile vomits on one creature within 5 yards.
The target takes 1d6 damage. Then, make a Strength (+1)
roll against the target’s Agility. On a success, the target
takes an extra 1d6 damage and becomes vulnerable and
weakened until the end of its next turn. Once the plague
mother uses this trait, it loses access to it for 24 hours.
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 Polly wogs POLLYWOG ANCESTRY
POLLYWOG, AMPHIBIOUS
The pollywogs, a swamp-dwelling people found throughout the
known world, rebuff anyone from outside their communities. Self- Size: 1, Speed: 5 (Swimmer)
sufficient and god-fearing, they make do by fishing and foraging Bonus Language: Pollywog
but consider any trespassers onto their lands to be food, whether Other Traits: Leaper, Sticky Tongue
wildlife or explorers. Invariably, the disappearance of travelers
brings angry relatives and friends and loved ones, but all these
seekers ever find are bones.
Although pollywogs have humanoid forms, with similar size and stature, no one would mistake them for humans. They more resemble
bipedal frogs with stooped postures, heads that extend directly from their torsos, and long fingers and toes with webbing between them.
They have moist, mottled skin and bulging eyes atop their heads.
Pollywogs wear simple clothing of woven reeds, and their weapons are crude things, such as clubs and rock-tipped spears.
Their language is one of chirps, clicks, and croaks.

GOD-CROAKER POLLYWOG GOD-CROAKER

The mystics of a pollywog community, god-croakers wear elabo- POLLYWOG, AMPHIBIOUS · DIFFICULTY 2
rate masks of tree bark and animal bones that make them appear
Defense: 13, Health: 40
strange and monstrous. The god-croakers invoke Tchatchanaga,
the god of the pollywogs, who they believe lives in the bottom of Strength: 11 (+1), Agility: 11 (+1)
the great swamp, eating the flesh of dead things. Intellect: 11 (+1), Will: 13 (+3)
Size: 1, Speed: 5 (Swimmer)
GREAT POLLYWOG
Languages: Pollywog
One of every twenty eggs produces a great pollywog, about twice Leaper: A pollywog can expend 1 yard of movement to
the size of the typical warrior and with bright orange skin. jump to a space within 5 yards. Once they use this trait,
they lose access to it for 1 minute.
MONARCH
Trill of the Pollywogs: At the start of combat, the god-croaker
Every ten or so pollywog settlements have a special place apart fills the air with a high-pitched whine that spreads through
from the rest. This place is the home of their monarch, a nasty, vio- a Size 10 space centered on it for 1 minute. When an
enemy starts its turn in the space and is not deafened, it
lent sort that rules by terrorizing all the rest. Pollywogs pay tribute makes a Will roll with 1 bane. On a success, the enemy
to their monarch in the form of offerings, but otherwise keep clear becomes immune to Trill of the Pollywogs for 1 hour. On a
of this sacred site so they can go about their business unmolested. failure, the enemy becomes confused and vulnerable (luck
The monarch can do whatever it wants: killing, eating, taking, ends both).
and so on. For this reason, the other pollywogs avoid their leader’s ACTIONS
attentions.
Melee Attack—Spear · Thrown 5: Will (+3) with 1 boon
(2d6)
POLLYWOG WARRIOR Ranged Attack—Sling · Range 20: Will (+3) with 1 boon
POLLYWOG, AMPHIBIOUS · DIFFICULTY 1 (1d6)
Sticky Tongue: The pollywog launches its tongue at one
Defense: 10, Health: 5 creature of its Size or smaller within 3 yards. Make a
Strength: 11 (+1), Agility: 10 (+0) Strength (+1) roll against the target’s Agility. On a success,
the target is pulled up to 3 yards. On a critical success, the
Intellect: 9 (–1), Will: 10 (+0) pollywog makes a Spear attack against it.
Size: 1, Speed: 5 (Swimmer) Corpse-Eater Maw (Magical): The god-croaker causes a
Languages: Pollywog great, yawning maw to open on the ground. Target one
creature within 15 yards. The target takes 2d6 damage.
Leaper: A pollywog can expend 1 yard of movement to Then, make a Will (+3) roll with 1 boon against the
jump to a space within 5 yards. Once they use this trait, target’s Agility. On a success, the target takes an extra
they lose access to it for 1 minute. 2d6 damage. If the target becomes incapacitated from
ACTIONS this damage, it disappears into the maw and is never
again seen. Once the god-croaker uses this trait, it loses
Bestiary

Melee Attack—Club: Strength (+1) (2d6) access to it for 1 minute.

Sticky Tongue: The pollywog launches its tongue at one
creature of its Size or smaller within 3 yards. Make a
Strength (+1) roll against the target’s Agility. On a success,
the target is pulled up to 3 yards. On a critical success, the
pollywog makes a Club attack against it.

248
GREAT POLLYWOG
POLLYWOG, AMPHIBIOUS · DIFFICULTY 4
Defense: 15, Health: 40
Strength: 13 (+3), Agility: 10 (+0)
Intellect: 10 (+0), Will: 11 (+1)
Size: 1, Speed: 5 (Swimmer)
Languages: Pollywog
Leaper: A pollywog can expend 1 yard of
movement to jump to a space within 5 yards.
Once they use this trait, they lose access to it
for 1 minute.
ACTIONS
Melee Attack—Maul · Bludgeoning: Strength
(+3) with 1 boon (3d6)
Great Croak: The great pollywog croaks. Each
creature within 10 yards of it that is not a
pollywog makes a Strength roll. On a failure,
the creature takes 4d6 damage and becomes
confused until the end of the great pollywog’s
next turn. Once the great pollywog uses this
trait, it loses access to it for 1 minute.
Sticky Tongue: The pollywog launches its tongue
at one creature of its Size or smaller within 3
yards. Make a Strength (+3) roll against the
target’s Agility. On a success, the target is
pulled up to 3 yards. On a critical success, the
pollywog makes a Maul attack against it.

POLLYWOG MONARCH
POLLYWOG, AMPHIBIOUS · DIFFICULTY 8
Defense: 12, Health: 120
Strength: 14 (+4), Agility: 10 (+0)
Two Attacks: The pollywog monarch makes two Claw attacks.
Intellect: 10 (+0), Will: 12 (+2) Hungry, Hungry Monarch: The monarch makes a Claw attack against
Size: 3, Speed: 6 (Swimmer) one creature, but it makes the roll with 2 boons instead of 1. On a
Languages: Pollywog success, in addition to dealing damage, the monarch snatches the
target, takes a bite out of it, and flings it away. The target takes an
Immune: confused, controlled, stunned extra 8d6 damage and falls prone in an empty space within 10
Leaper: A pollywog can expend 1 yard of yards of the monarch’s choosing. Once the monarch uses this trait, it
movement to jump to a space within 5 yards. loses access to it (luck ends).
Once they use this trait, they lose access to it Sticky Tongue: The pollywog launches its tongue at one creature of its
for 1 minute. Size or smaller within 3 yards. Make a Strength (+4) roll against the
target’s Agility. On a success, the target is pulled up to 3 yards. On a
ACTIONS critical success, the pollywog makes a Claw attack against it.
Melee Attack—Claw · Slashing: Strength (+4)
with 1 boon (2d6)
Chapter 3

249
 Poltergeist
Spirits who refuse to abandon the mortal world often linger in places they consider their homes. The longer they spend in these places,
the greater their detachment from who they used to be. They might become restive, violent even, especially to those they deem intruders.
Such spirits become poltergeists, noisy ghosts that terrorize the living by causing destructive and dangerous happenings in the places
they haunt. Foul odors, bone-chilling cold, flying objects, and invisible fists smashing into people represent just some of the methods a
poltergeist can use to scare off those who intrude on its suffering.
For some reason, poltergeists who spend too much time in one place eventually attract demonic attention. A formless demon might
latch onto a poltergeist, driving it to lethal levels of violence. If the poltergeist is destroyed, the demon breaks free and either possesses a
person it encounters or assumes a physical form.

POLTERGEIST Frightening Appearance: At the start of its turn, if the

poltergeist is invisible and not stunned or unconscious,
SPIRIT · DIFFICULTY 8 the poltergeist can lose its Invisible trait until the start of its
next turn. Each creature that has line of sight to it makes a
Defense: 16, Health: 80 Will roll with 1 bane. On a success, the creature becomes
immune to this poltergeist’s Frightening Appearance for 1
Strength: 10 (+0), Agility: 11 (+1) hour. On a failure, it becomes frightened of the poltergeist
Intellect: 12 (+2), Will: 15 (+5) (luck ends).
Size: 1, Speed: 5 (Fly, Hover, Insubstantial, Silent, Slippery) Spawn Formless Demon: When the poltergeist becomes
incapacitated, make a luck roll. On a success, a formless
Senses: True Vision demon appears in an empty space within 5 yards of the
Immune: asleep, blinded, confused, deafened, frightened, space last occupied by the poltergeist and takes its turn
held, on fire, poisoned, prone, slowed; exposure, immediately.
deprivation, infection, suffocation ACTIONS
Invisible: A poltergeist is invisible. Forceful Thrust (Magical): The poltergeist hurls its hatred at
Wreak Havoc (Magical): If the poltergeist is invisible and its foes. Target one or two creatures in the same Size 3
not stunned or unconscious at the start of its turn, the space within 10 yards. For each target separately, make
poltergeist targets one Size 5 space within 15 yards and a Will (+5) roll against the target’s Strength. On a success,
produces a random effect. Roll a d6 to see what happens. the target takes 4d6 damage. Also, if the target is Size 2
or smaller, it makes an Agility roll. On a failure, the target
The poltergeist then loses Frightening Appearance until the takes an extra 1d6 damage and falls prone.
start of its next turn.

D6 RANDOM EFFECT

1 Freezing Cold: The temperature plunges in the target space until the start of the poltergeist’s next turn. Each creature in the space makes a
Strength roll. On a failure, the creature takes 2d6 damage and becomes Agility impaired (luck ends).

2 Foul Odor: A stink fills the target space. Each creature in the space makes a Strength roll with 1 bane. On a failure, the creature takes 1d6
damage, and becomes confused and Strength impaired (luck ends both).

3 Flying Objects: Doors fly open and slam shut, and 1d6 objects fly into the air. For each flying object, one creature of the poltergeist’s
choice within 10 yards of the target space makes an Agility roll with 1 bane. On a failure, the creature takes 3d6 damage.

4 Chilling Sounds: Unsettling noises fill the target space. Each creature in the space and within 5 yards of it makes a Will roll. On a failure,
the creature becomes frightened of the space until the end of its next turn.

5 Forceful Assault: An invisible force strikes at one creature of the poltergeist’s choice in the target space. Make a Will (+5) roll against
the target’s Strength. On a success, the target takes 3d6 damage, the poltergeist moves the target up to 5 yards in any direction, and the
target then falls prone.

6 Spiritual Chaos: Choose two different effects other than this one.
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250
Pooka searching for more blood.
Powries slink about, rarely showing themselves until just before
they attack. They look like little old men, all gnarled, bent, and
Famously friendly faeries, pookas seek out the company of mor-
crooked, with glittering eyes beneath beetling brows, yellow teeth
tals to travel with them, aid them, and share in their experiences.
crowding small mouths, and streaks of blood down the sides of
However, pookas have a reputation for volatile behavior. They can
their faces that turn their white beards black. Powries wear tat-
be all laughter and songs one moment and bite their friend’s face
tered clothing and heavy iron boots.
off the next. These sudden bouts of anger blow over as quickly as a
storm, but they are nevertheless nasty, so wise folks avoid making
lasting connections with these fey.
POWRIE
A pooka can adopt just about any form it wishes, but its normal FAERIE · DIFFICULTY 4
appearance is a hunched naked man or woman of declining years
Defense: 16, Health: 40
with long, stringy white hair. In this form, the pooka has some
physical sign of its fey blood, such as a rabbit’s ears, a donkey’s tail, Strength: 12 (+2), Agility: 14 (+4)
cloven hooves instead of feet, or the like. A pooka is the first to Intellect: 10 (+0), Will: 12 (+2)
laugh at its own jokes, and its laughter is the loudest of all. Size: 1/2, Speed: 6 (Slippery)
Languages: Goblin Tongue
POOKA
Senses: Dark Vision, Keen Vision
FAERIE · DIFFICULTY 2 Immune: infection
Defense: 12, Health: 20 ACTIONS
Strength: 10 (+0), Agility: 12 (+2) Melee Attack—Razor · Slashing: Agility (+4) with 1 boon
Intellect: 11 (+1), Will: 9 (–1) (4d6)
Size: 1, Speed: 5 Drench the Cap: If a flesh-and-blood target takes 10
damage or more, the powrie heals 1d6 damage.
Languages: Common, Sylvan
Horrid Cut: The powrie makes a Razor attack and rolls an
Senses: Keen Hearing, Keen Vision additional d20, using the highest result. On a success, the
Immune: confused; infection target takes an extra 2d6 damage. Once the powrie uses
this talent, it loses access to it (luck ends).
Disastrous Presence: Enemies within 5 yards make attribute
rolls and luck rolls with 3 banes. When an enemy in this REACTIONS
range gets a failure on such a roll, the enemy takes 2d6 Murderous Pursuit: When an enemy within line of sight
damage.
moves 5 yards or more away from the powrie, the powrie
ACTIONS can either end any held affliction it has or move up to twice
its Speed.
Melee Attack—Teeth: Agility (+2) with 1 boon (1d6)
Animal Form: The pooka transforms into a beast of its
Difficulty or less. The pooka remains in this new form until
it becomes incapacitated, uses an action to return to its
normal form, or uses this talent again. The pooka uses the
rules for its new form in place of its own, though it retains
this talent regardless of the form it wears.
END OF THE ROUND
Fickle Fortune: Make a luck roll. On a failure, the pooka
treats all creatures in its line of sight as enemies until the
end of the next round.

Pow rie
The Goblin King ensures that underlings who displease him
suffer for their faults. One only needs to look to the powries,
sometimes called redcaps, who live in constant fear of death, usu-
Chapter 3

ally from some minor indiscretion. Powries must keep their caps
drenched in mortal blood or face an excruciating end—green
flames consume their bodies as they run around screaming until
they finally collapse into piles of greasy ashes. Being goblins to
begin with, powries have no qualms about cutting up mortals
and plugging the wounds with their hats until they are sopping
wet. Such efforts buy them a day or so before they have to go

251
 Priests ACOLYTE
HUMAN · DIFFICULTY 1
In both the Old Country and the New Lands, religion helps
stabilize societies. A common faith knits together communities Defense: 10, Health: 10
through shared beliefs, outlines behavioral expectations through Strength: 10 (+0), Agility: 10 (+0)
whatever code it presents, and encourages cooperation between Intellect: 10 (+0), Will: 11 (+1)
members. Religion can also do great harm to communities, espe-
Size: 1, Speed: 5
cially when used to justify a tyrant’s reign, strip away liberties, or
denigrate others for their individual qualities or behaviors. Too Languages: Common
often, people fall under the sway of one religion or another and ACTIONS
adopt extreme interpretations of the doctrine, which leads to
Melee Attack—Dagger · Thrown 5: Strength (+0) with
fanaticism. 1 boon (1d6)
Fanatics become dangerous when their belief systems isolate
them from other viewpoints. If friction becomes too great, fanatics
might abandon the societies that birthed them to establish their PENITENT
own communities on the fringes. Such communities might create
settlements built on religious law or they might wander the lands, HUMAN · DIFFICULTY 1
causing trouble for all in their paths. Defense: 8, Health: 10
ACOLYTE Strength: 10 (+0), Agility: 10 (+0)
Many priests begin their careers as acolytes. At this lowly status, Intellect: 10 (+0), Will: 11 (+1)
they spend as much time cooking, cleaning, gardening, and doing Size: 1, Speed: 5
other chores as they study holy texts and learn the liturgy. Languages: Common
Fanatic: A penitent makes Will rolls with 1 boon.
PENITENT
ACTIONS
A penitent is one who has been taught or comes to believe they
have committed some grievous crime and that the only way to Melee Attack—Club: Strength (+0) (2d6)
attain redemption is through suffering. They wear hair shirts and
are generally filthy and diseased.
CRUSADER
CRUSADER
HUMAN · DIFFICULTY 2
Religions wage war to stamp out heretics, to combat existential Defense: 17 (mail, shield), Health: 20
threats to themselves, and to spread their faith to unbelievers.
Crusaders take up arms in the name of their god. Strength: 13 (+3), Agility: 10 (+0)
Intellect: 10 (+0), Will: 11 (+1)
FLAGELLANT Size: 1, Speed: 5
Guilt can drive people to commit self-destructive acts to expi- Languages: Common, Kingdom
ate the wickedness brewing in their hearts. Flagellants travel in Intolerance: If the crusader is not confused when they get a
wretched conditions and, when not fighting nonbelievers, scourge failure on a roll to attack, the crusader can use this trait to
their bodies with whips and chains. discard the result and roll again with 1 bane. If this roll fails
as well, the crusader becomes confused (luck ends).
ORDAINED PRIEST ACTIONS
The ordained priests oversee religious congregations. On holy Melee Attack—Sword · Slashing: Strength (+3) with 1 boon
days, they perform the sacred rites to honor their gods. In religions (2d6)
that profess to offer moral guidance, ordained priests might lead Ranged Attack—Crossbow · Brutal, Reload: Agility (+0)
groups in instruction on proper behavior. with 1 boon (2d6)

PROSELYTIZER
Out of insecurity, fear of their deity’s wrath, or a desire to expand
Bestiary

their influence, proselytizers work to convert nonbelievers. They

try to convince others of their god’s superiority over others and the
rewards for worship of the deity: good crops, joy and comfort in
the afterlife, love, or the defeat of one's enemies.

252
FLAGELLANT PROSELYTIZER
HUMAN · DIFFICULTY 2 HUMAN · DIFFICULTY 4
Defense: 8, Health: 20 Defense: 12 (shield), Health: 60
Strength: 12 (+2), Agility: 10 (+0) Strength: 12 (+2), Agility: 10 (+0)
Intellect: 9 (–1), Will: 11 (+1) Intellect: 11 (+1), Will: 14 (+4)
Size: 1, Speed: 5 Size: 1, Speed: 5
Languages: Common Languages: Archaic, Common
Immune: frightened, Strength impaired, weakened Leadership: Each ally within 5 yards rolls to attack with
Fanatic: A flagellant makes Will rolls with 1 boon. 1 boon.
Martyr: When the flagellant takes damage, they can choose Fanatic: A proselytizer makes Will rolls with 1 boon.
to take an extra 1d6 damage. If they do so, until the end Holy Clarity: The proselytizer rolls to attack with 1 boon
of their next turn, the flagellant makes attribute rolls with against confused, Intellect impaired, and Will impaired
1 boon and their attacks deal an extra 1d6 damage. targets. Their attacks against such targets deal an extra
2d6 damage.
ACTIONS
ACTIONS
Melee Attack—Flail · Bludgeoning: Strength (+2) with
1 boon (2d6) Melee Attack—Mace · Bludgeoning: Strength (+2) with
2 boons (3d6)
Critical Success: A target creature becomes confused until
ORDAINED PRIEST the end of the proselytizer’s next turn.
HUMAN · DIFFICULTY 2 REACTIONS

Defense: 12, Health: 10 Harangue: When an enemy within 15 yards starts its turn,
the proselytizer can make a Will (+4) roll with 2 boons
Strength: 11 (+1), Agility: 10 (+0) against the Will of that enemy. On a success, the target
Intellect: 11 (+1), Will: 12 (+2) becomes Intellect impaired and Will impaired (luck
ends both). On a failure, the target becomes immune to
Size: 1, Speed: 5 Harangue for 24 hours.
Languages: Archaic, Common
ACTIONS
Melee Attack—Club: Strength (+1) with 1 boon (2d6)
Invoke Aid (Magical): The ordained priest invokes a blessing
for itself and each ally within 5 yards. For 1 minute, each
target makes attribute and luck rolls with 1 boon. Once
the ordained priest uses this talent, they lose access to it
for 1 minute.
Divine Light (Magical): The ordained priest releases a ray
of heavenly light from their hand. Target one creature
within 10 yards. Make a Will (+2) roll against the
target’s Agility. The priest rolls with 1 boon against a
demon, faerie, fiend, spirit, or undead. On a success, the
target takes 2d6 damage and becomes weakened until
the end of its next turn.
Chapter 3

253
 Pumpkin Head
Refusing the Underworld’s call costs spirits much. Separation from their living bodies quickly erodes their sense of self, and with it,
empathy toward other living things. Cruelty, malice, even hatred drive these spirits, and they take aim at people on whom they vent all
their rage. Such spirits use whatever means they have to carry out their wicked actions, even possessing objects.
Pumpkin heads form when spirits enter the bodies of scarecrows and give them the semblance of life. They take their name for the cus-
tom of using gourds for scarecrow heads during harvest season. A great orange pumpkin with features carved into the flesh, perched atop
a body of wood and hay dressed in old clothes, presents a startling figure. The pumpkin head uses its disturbing appearance to terrorize
victims and carves them up with its big, rusty knife.

PUMPKIN HEAD
CREATION · DIFFICULTY 4
Defense: 15, Health: 60
Strength: 11 (+1), Agility: 12 (+2)
Intellect: 10 (+0), Will: 11 (+1)
Size: 1, Speed: 5
Senses: Awareness 10
Immune: asleep, blinded, deafened, poisoned;
deprivation, exposure, infection, suffocation
Flammable: A pumpkin head takes double
damage from fire and rolls to overcome
being on fire with 1 bane.
Spawn Ghost: When the pumpkin head
becomes incapacitated, make a luck roll.
On a success, a ghost wriggles free from
the pumpkin head’s body and begins taking
turns during the next round.
ACTIONS
Melee Attack—Big Knife · Slashing: Agility
(+2) with 2 boons (3d6)
Critical Success: A flesh-and-blood target
loses 1d6 Health.
Hack and Slash: The pumpkin head becomes
Slippery until the end of its turn and makes
three Big Knife attacks. Once it uses this
talent, it loses access to it (luck ends).
Bestiary

254
Rager
It took a single day for the fever to wipe out Highpoint’s population. A merchant ship had crashed onto the rocks, and the surviving
crew spilled out from the wreckage. They swarmed up the slopes, pulled themselves over the walls, and overran the city, reducing the
population of five thousand to zero in a matter of hours. Only by luck did word of the disaster reach the Great Kingdom magicians, who
contained the outbreak with fire until nothing of the city remained except blackened stones. Only fools believe the threat of this strange
plague has passed, and many people suspect the rage fever will return and, next time, they won’t be so lucky.
A magical disease, rage fever spreads through the bites of the infected. A victim of the disease sickens rapidly, with a high fever and
debilitating headache. When the victim finally succumbs, it snaps awake, jumps up, and rushes about looking for others to infect.
Ragers look like filthy, wounded humans. An abundance of energy prevents them from ever slowing down. Close inspection reveals
their eyes have changed: the irises are orange blobs, pupils upside-down five-pointed stars.

RAGER
MONSTER · DIFFICULTY 2
Defense: 10, Health: 20
Strength: 14 (+4), Agility: 12 (+2)
Intellect: 6 (–4), Will: 15 (+5)
Size: 1, Speed: 8
Senses: Keen Scent, Keen Vison
Immune: asleep, confused, frightened,
poisoned
Pack Tactics: A rager rolls against targets
that have already been attacked in the
same round with 1 boon.
Violent Mob: A rager’s attacks deal an
extra 1 damage for each other rager
within 5 yards of it.
ACTIONS
Melee Attack—Hands: Strength
(+4) with 1 boon (1d6)
Melee Attack—Teeth: Strength
(+4) with 1 boon (1d6)
Rage Fever: A flesh-and-blood
target makes a Strength roll and
a luck roll with 1 bane. If the
creature gets a failure on either
roll, it becomes poisoned (luck
ends). If the target dies while
it has this affliction, it returns to
life, heals all damage, regains all
lost Health, and stands up at the end
of the round as a new rager. The target
uses these rules in place of its own.
REACTIONS
Instinctive Bite: When the rager gets
a success on a roll to attack with its
Hands, it can make a Teeth attack.
END OF THE ROUND
Chapter 3

Rampage: The rager rampages until

the end of the next round. The rager
increases its Speed by 3, rolls to attack
with 2 boons, and its attacks deal an
extra 1d6 damage. Then, the rager
loses access to this talent (luck ends).

255
 Raider
Despite the best efforts by the cities and nations to tame the continent, many people in and around the New Lands and Old Country
reject the ways of progress and keep their own customs. Of these, some live in peace with their neighbors. Tribes might follow herds of
cattle or live along rivers, growing crops in the nutrient-rich mud of the shores. But as civilization encroaches, some tribal groups see
profit in taking what they want using violence. These raiders might attack outposts on the edges of their land or sweep in from the ocean
to strike seaside settlements, carrying off prisoners and plunder. Raiders represent those barbarian tribes whose social structure celebrates
war and violence.

SCOUT
Raiders rely on the information their scouts learn about the disposition of enemy forces. Quick and lightly armed and armored, scouts
sneak ahead and return with their findings.

BERSERKER
Warlike tribes often include berserkers, warriors with a penchant for losing control in battle. This loss might stem from consuming hal-
lucinogenic substances, spiritual possession, or psychosis.

WAR PRIEST
Go-betweens for the living and the dead, the priest communes with spirits or gods their tribe worships. The priests perform all the rites
and rituals required to gain favor from their supernatural masters and offer support in the form of counsel or magic as needed. War
Priests decorate their bodies to look fearsome, using symbols that evoke the dread powers they serve.

NAMED
Raider bands include a few of the named, warriors whose acts have earned them a place above the rabble, at the side of their thane. These
warriors are colorful, eccentric characters who carry trophies of past conflicts into battle.

HERO
Many barbarian tribes owe fealty to a king, lord, lady, or legendary figure. Some inherit their positions, and others win them by trials of
combat or through their own deeds. Heroes have absolute authority or rule only by consent of the ruled.

RAIDER WILDLING RAIDER SCOUT

HUMAN · DIFFICULTY 1 HUMAN · DIFFICULTY 1

Defense: 12 (shield), Health: 10 Defense: 12 (leather), Health: 10

Strength: 11 (+1), Agility: 10 (+0) Strength: 10 (+0), Agility: 11 (+1)
Intellect: 10 (+0), Will: 10 (+0) Intellect: 10 (+0), Will: 10 (+0)
Size: 1, Speed: 5 Size: 1, Speed: 5
Languages: Archaic, Common, or Kingdom Languages: Archaic, Common, or Kingdom
Vicious: When the raider rolls damage, roll twice and use the Vicious: When the raider rolls damage, roll twice and use the
higher amount. higher amount.
ACTIONS ACTIONS

Melee Attack—Hatchet · Brutal, Thrown 5: Strength (+1) Melee Attack—Short Sword · Piercing: Agility (+1) (1d6)
with 1 boon (1d6) Ranged Attack—Bow · Range 20: Agility (+1) (2d6)
Bestiary

256
RAIDER BERSERKER NAMED RAIDER
HUMAN · DIFFICULTY 2 HUMAN · DIFFICULTY 4
Defense: 12 (shield), Health: 20 Defense: 15 (mail), Health: 50
Strength: 12 (+2), Agility: 11 (+1) Strength: 14 (+4), Agility: 12 (+2)
Intellect: 9 (–1), Will: 12 (+2) Intellect: 11 (+1), Will: 13 (+3)
Size: 1, Speed: 6 Size: 1, Speed: 6
Languages: Archaic, Common, or Kingdom Languages: Archaic, Common, or Kingdom
Vicious: When the raider rolls damage, roll twice and use the Kill Everyone: When the raider gets a failure on a roll to
higher amount. attack, they can use this talent to turn the failure into a
success. Once the raider uses this talent, they lose access
ACTIONS to it for 1 minute.
Melee Attack—Battle Axe · Brutal: Strength (+2) with 1 boon Vicious: When the raider rolls damage, roll twice and use the
(3d6) higher amount.
REACTIONS ACTIONS
Strike Again! When the berserker’s attack causes a target to Melee Attack—Great Axe · Brutal: Strength (+4) with
become injured or incapacitated, the berserker can make 1 boon (4d6)
an unarmed attack against it. Critical Success: One enemy within the named raider’s
END OF THE ROUND reach other than the target of the attack makes an Agility
roll. On a failure, the enemy takes 1d6 damage from a
Rampage: The berserker rampages until the end of the next glancing blow.
round. The berserker increases its Speed by 3, rolls to
attack with 2 boons, and its attacks deal an extra 1d6
damage. Then, the berserker loses access to this talent RAIDER HERO
(luck ends). HUMAN · DIFFICULTY 8
Defense: 15 (mail), Health: 100
RAIDER WAR PRIEST Strength: 15 (+5), Agility: 11 (+1)
HUMAN · DIFFICULTY 2 Intellect: 11 (+1), Will: 15 (+5)
Defense: 14 (leather, shield), Health: 30 Size: 1, Speed: 6
Strength: 10 (+0), Agility: 10 (+0) Languages: Archaic, Common, or Kingdom
Intellect: 12 (+2), Will: 13 (+3) Immune: frightened
Size: 1, Speed: 5 Leadership: Each ally within 5 yards rolls to attack with
1 boon.
Languages: Archaic, Common, or Kingdom
Kill Everyone: When the raider gets a failure on a roll to
Vicious: When the raider rolls damage, roll twice and use the attack, they can use this talent to turn the failure into a
higher amount. success. Once the raider uses this talent, they lose access
ACTIONS
to it for 1 minute.
Vicious: When the raider rolls damage, roll twice and use the
Melee Attack—Sword · Slashing: Strength (+0) with 1 boon higher amount.
(2d6)
Spirit of the Damned (Magical): The war priest causes a ACTIONS
spirit of the damned to appear. Target one empty Size 1 Melee Attack—Great Axe · Brutal: Strength (+5) with
space within 15 yards. The spirit shrieks and fades away. 2 boons (6d6)
Each creature within 5 yards of the target space makes a
Will roll. On a failure, the creature becomes frightened of Critical Success: A target creature makes a Strength roll
the priest until either the priest becomes incapacitated or with 1 bane. On a failure, it falls prone and becomes
the creature overcomes the affliction with a successful Will weakened until the end of the raider’s next turn.
roll. In addition, the war priest’s allies make rolls to attack REACTIONS
creatures frightened in this way with 1 boon. Once the war
priest uses this talent, it loses access to it for 1 minute. Inspiring Command: When an ally within 5 yards gets
a failure on a roll to attack, the raider hero can turn the
Chapter 3

Screaming Spirits (Magical): The war priest releases failure into a success, but the attack deals half damage.
shrieking spirits from the spirit world. Target one Size 5
space within 10 yards. Each enemy in the target space
makes a Will roll with 1 bane. On a failure, the enemy
takes 1d6 damage, falls prone, and cannot stand up until
the start of their next turn.

257
 Raw head and Bloody Bones
Folklore has its oddities, much of it bunkum and superstition. Those bizarre warnings about bogeymen and goblins stealing children
away could be nothing more than misguided efforts to steer the young toward proper behavior. But sometimes the villains described
have an eerie ring of truth, and they very well might be out there, squatting in the bottom of an old sinkhole or lurking in the darkness
under the stairs.
Rawhead and bloody bones always appear together, since they are one creature divided into two parts. The rawhead is a flayed skull
with sharp teeth that floats in the air as if held up by an invisible body. Its partner, the bloody bones, is a headless skeleton from which
hang tattered strips of skin and sinew. The pair terrorize their victims and compete to see who will be the first to make them scream and
then die.

RAWHEAD
UNDEAD · DIFFICULTY 4
Defense: 18, Health: 60
Strength: 12 (+2), Agility: 12 (+2)
Intellect: 10 (+0), Will: 14 (+4)
Size: 1/4, Speed: 5 (Fly, Hover)
Senses: Dark Vision
Immune: asleep, blinded, confused, deafened, frightened, poisoned; exposure, deprivation, infection, suffocation
Divine Doom: A rawhead makes luck rolls with 1 bane.
ACTIONS
Melee Attack—Teeth: Agility (+2) with 1 boon (3d6)
Corruption: A flesh-and-blood target loses 1d6 Health and becomes weakened (luck ends).

BLOODY BONES
UNDEAD · DIFFICULTY 4
Defense: 10, Health: 80
Strength: 14 (+4), Agility: 12 (+2)
Intellect: 10 (+0), Will: 14 (+4)
Size: 1, Speed: 5 (Slippery)
Sight Link: A bloody bones sees using the rawhead’s eyes and can see only what the rawhead can see. If it attacks a creature
the rawhead cannot see, the bloody bones is blinded for that attack.
Immune: asleep, blinded, confused, deafened, frightened, poisoned; exposure, deprivation, infection, suffocation
Divine Doom: A bloody bones makes luck rolls with 1 bane.
ACTIONS
Melee Attack—Claw · Slashing: Strength (+4) with 1 boon (2d6)
Two Attacks: The bloody bones makes two Claw attacks.
Bestiary

258
Reaper
Lord Death wrote the laws governing the fates of mortals and, for the most part, those laws hold. Souls do, though, escape the Underworld
and linger in the mortal lands. It might take days, maybe years, but the reapers always find these runaways and drag them to whatever
fate they earned.
Spectral entities of darkness and sharp edges, reapers roam the shadows of the mortal world, from which they watch for signs of those
who would violate the natural order. Although tasked with snagging disembodied souls on their scythes, they sometimes take on tasks
that further their maker and master’s interests and might harass mortals engaged in activities that threaten divine law. Once committed,
they pursue their victims until they make the kill or are themselves destroyed.
A reaper appears as a humanoid figure draped in darkness. Anyone close to it can make out the skull that hovers where its head should
be and spy the blue-white pinpricks blazing in its eye sockets. All reapers carry scythes that glimmer when swung.

REAPER
ANGEL · DIFFICULTY 16
Defense: 20, Health: 140
Strength: 13 (+3), Agility: 13 (+3)
Intellect: 13 (+3), Will: 15 (+5)
Size: 1, Speed: 8 (Fly, Hover, Insubstantial, Silent, Slippery)
Languages: Tongues
Senses: Awareness 20
Spirit Sense: The reaper knows the location of each spirit within 60 yards.
Immune: asleep, blinded, confused, deafened, frightened, held, poisoned, slowed, stunned, weakened; deprivation, exposure,
infection, suffocation
Protection from Magic: The reaper imposes 1 bane on rolls against it from magical effects and it rolls to resist or end magical
effects with 1 boon.
Invisible: A reaper is invisible. When it uses an action, it loses access to this trait until it uses an action to regain it.
ACTIONS
Melee Attack—Scythe · Long, Slashing: Strength (+3) with 3 boons (6d6)
Life Drain: A flesh-and-blood target that is not undead loses 3d6 Health.
Spirit Theft: A target spirit disappears and its animated head appears on the reaper’s belt where it remains until the reaper
reaches the underworld, netherworld, paradise, or some other place to which the spirit belongs.
Two Attacks: The reaper makes two Scythe attacks.
REACTIONS
Death Calls for Thee (Magical): When a creature within 10 yards starts its turn, the reaper can reveal to that creature its own
death. The target makes a Will roll with 1 bane. On a failure, it becomes frightened of the reaper until it overcomes the affliction
with a successful Will roll or the reaper dies. At the end of each round, a target frightened in this way makes a luck roll. On a
failure, it becomes confused and vulnerable until the end of the next round.
END OF THE ROUND
The End Is Nigh: If the reaper is not unconscious, it can teleport to an empty space within 15 yards where it can reach the enemy
with the highest Health score.
Life-Draining Presence: Each enemy within 5 yards of the reaper makes a Strength roll. On a failure, it loses 1d6 Health.
Chapter 3

259
 Reen
The reen are forerunners of a terrible invasion from beyond the stars. Eons ago, a dying civilization dispatched these machines to scour
the universe for worlds suitable for colonization and prepare them for the coming of their makers. The reen fall like stars from the skies
and establish outposts in remote places. There, they build copies of themselves from the resources they plunder from their environment.
As their numbers grow, they venture out to explore the world, to sample what interesting things they find for use or annihilation.
DRONE
The reen drone has an egg-shaped body from which protrude eight flexible arms, each terminating in three-pronged grippers. The body
sports numerous lenses of red glass that swivel to give the drone all-around vision.
THRALL
People, animals, and monsters captured by the reen become raw materials for making thralls. Mechanical components implanted in the
victims’ bodies transform them into mindless workers who aid in colonization of the world.

REEN DRONE
CREATION · DIFFICULTY 8
Defense: 18, Health: 80
Strength: 14 (+4), Agility: 15 (+5)
Intellect: 12 (+2), Will: 14 (+4)
Size: 1, Speed: 6 (Fly, Hover, Slippery)
Languages: Reen
Senses: True Vision
Immune: asleep, confused, controlled, frightened, poisoned,
stunned; deprivation, exposure, infection, suffocation
Explosive Ending: When the reen drone becomes
incapacitated, it explodes. Each object within 5 yards of
it takes 2d6 damage, while each creature within 5 yards
takes 1d6 damage and makes a luck roll. On a failure,
the creature takes an extra 2d6 damage. The explosion
consumes utterly the reen drone’s remains.
ACTIONS
Melee Attack—Tentacle: Strength (+4) with 1 boon (3d6)
Wrenching Move: The target can either take an extra 1d6
damage or be moved up to 5 yards in a direction the reen
chooses.
Three Attacks: The reen drone makes three Tentacle attacks.

REEN THRALL
CREATION · DIFFICULTY 1
Defense: 5, Health: 20
Strength: 11 (+1), Agility: 8 (–2)
Intellect: 5 (–5), Will: 10 (+0)
Size: 1, Speed: 4
Immune: confused, frightened, Intellect impaired, Will
impaired, stunned; deprivation, exposure, infection,
Bestiary

suffocation
Superior Programming: When a reen thrall gains an
affliction to which it is not immune, it takes 1d6 damage
and the affliction ends.
ACTIONS
Melee Attack—Hands: Strength (+1) with 1 bane (2d6)

260
Rev enant REVENANT ANCESTRY
REVENANT, UNDEAD
Lord Death gave mortals the gift of death so they could live again
in their offspring. Each generation dies to make room for the next, Size: 1, Speed: 5
and anyone who violates the natural order of things makes an Senses: Keen Vision
enemy of the Father of Endings and the cultists of the Last Door Immune: poisoned; exposure, deprivation, infection,
who serve him. Necromancers, undead, unbound spirits, and suffocation
worse all offend the dark lord, and divine retribution against those Other Traits: Feign Death, Divine Doom, From the Brink
who would cheat the god of his due can be swift and terrible. Yet
from time to time, Lord Death allows a mortal to remain in the
world after death, living on, in a fashion, for some inscrutable purpose. Those given a second chance at life are known as revenants.
It is not mercy that stays Lord Death’s hand; some other purpose drives this decision. One person might die before the time ordained
by the Fates, another could have some crucial task left unfulfilled, while another still might be destined to accomplish a quest that will
serve the greater good. Some revenants return to life only to fall dead a few days later and never rise again, while others become ancient,
hoary things, withered skin clinging taut to their bones, still drawing breath despite their great age. The seeming randomness of who does
and who does not become a revenant suggests to some that there might be no divine plan, but rather a hitch in the workings of reality,
and that the more revenants are at large in the world, the more reality frays.
A typical revenant appears as it did in life, but with a deathly pallor. The skin loses its color, hair becomes brittle and might fall out,
and lips draw back to reveal the teeth. Those who persist for long periods become gaunt, even skeletal, until they are indistinguishable
from corpses. Luckily for them, enough revenants exist that a cottage industry has grown to help them stave off the worst of time’s effects.
Special ointments keep the skin soft and pliable, while herbal bundles can be sewn into the flesh to keep parasites at bay and mask the
odors of the body’s gradual decline. Revenants have no natural means of repairing their injuries, so some wear and tear is normal; a reve-
nant might display fine stitching that keeps cuts closed and use cosmetics to cover abrasions and punctures.

Vigilante
A need for revenge drives some revenants to become vigilantes.
The time for law and order to punish the criminals has passed, so
these revenants take it upon themselves to mete out justice.

REVENANT VIGILANTE
REVENANT, UNDEAD · DIFFICULTY 4
Defense: 14 (ring), Health: 60
Strength: 12 (+2), Agility: 12 (+2)
Intellect: 11 (+1), Will: 13 (+3)
Size: 1, Speed: 5
Languages: Common
Senses: Keen Vision
Immune: poisoned; exposure, deprivation, infection, suffocation
Fanatic: A vigilante makes Will rolls with 1 boon.
Feign Death: The revenant appears to be a corpse while
prone or incapacitated.
Divine Doom: The revenant makes luck rolls with 1 bane.
ACTIONS
Melee Attack—Sword · Slashing: Strength (+2) with 2 boons
(2d6)
Melee Attack—Short Sword · Piercing: Strength (+2) with
2 boons (1d6)
Ranged Attack—Crossbow · Range 20: Agility (+2) with
Chapter 3

2 boons (2d6)
Two Attacks: The revenant makes one Sword attack and one
Short Sword attack.
REACTIONS
From the Brink: When the revenant becomes incapacitated,
they can heal 3d6 damage. Once the revenant uses this
trait, they lose access to it until after they rest.

261
 Salamander
The salamanders were not about to let mortals spread across the world unchecked and so they raised armies, constructed war machines,
and pushed out to meet humanity’s expansion head on. As history shows, the salamanders failed, and the resounding defeat almost
spelled the end of their kind, for the bellicose humans saw them as a threat to their own existence. Surviving salamanders fled to the far-
flung Hell Furnaces and other hot, volcanic lands where they knew mortals could not follow, and there licked their wounds, biding their
time until they could strike once more.
The malice salamanders feel toward mortals distracts them from improving their lot. Not a minute has been wasted doing more than
ensuring their own survival. Day and night, forges produce iron spears and breastplates for the soldiers who undergo grueling training to
prepare for battle. They have the numbers to pose a threat, but they wait, possibly to secure alliances with the other elementals.
Salamanders stand about 7 feet tall and have lithe, muscled bodies with long tails instead of legs. Skin coloration tends to be orange
with spots of brown, red, or black. Fleshy fringes hang from the arms and sides of the face, while a crest of horns crowns the head.

SALAMANDER
ELEMENTAL, SALAMANDER · DIFFICULTY 4
Defense: 16 (breastplate), Health: 40
Strength: 12 (+2), Agility: 12 (+2)
Intellect: 10 (+0), Will: 10 (+0)
Size: 1, Speed: 5 (Slipper)
Languages: Salamander
Immune: on fire, poisoned, prone; damage from fire;
deprivation, exposure, infection, suffocation
ACTIONS
Melee Attack—Burning Spear · Thrown 5: Strength (+2)
with 1 boon (2d6)
Flames: A target takes 1d6 damage from the flames.
Critical Success: A target catches fire (luck ends).
Javelin of Fire (Magical): The salamander hurls a fiery javelin.
Target one creature within 30 yards. The target takes 2d6
damage. Then, make a Will (+0) roll with 1 boon against
the target’s Agility. On a success, the target takes an extra
4d6 damage. Once the salamander uses this talent, they
lose access to it (luck ends).
Critical Success: The target also catches fire (luck ends).
END OF THE ROUND
Appalling Heat: Each creature in reach makes a Strength
roll. On a failure, it takes 1d6 damage and becomes
weakened until the end of the next round.
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262
Seraph
For all that the priests of the High One present angels as benevolent entities, created to watch over mortals and protect them from evil,
seraphs have no obligation to mortals unless their orders say otherwise. Their only purpose is to serve their creator, and thus they might
be defenders and saviors or destroyers.
The Rolls of Paradise hold all the names of the million or so seraphs in service to their maker, yet little sets one apart from the others.
All look humanoid with the same grim and unsmiling countenances. Most have no body hair, but they all have feathered wings emerging
from their backs, they all have great feathered wings emerging from their backs. Seraphs’ skin has a range of metallic hues, from silver to
gold, brass to bronze, each etched with fine filigree that, on close examination, reveals itself to be faint, woven lines that chronicle the life
and times of the individual.
That the High One intends seraphs for war is apparent in the fiery blades they wield and the zeal with which they use them. Seraphs
make poor conversationalists, despite knowing all tongues, and when they speak, they do so in monotone voices, droning on about
whatever mission impels them. No reason can move them. Bargaining falls on deaf ears. The seraphs know what awaits them should they
falter in their purpose or develop the sickness of free will. Existence as an archon, cast out from Paradise and shunned by all of Heaven,
appeals only to the most deranged and broken of these mighty servants.

SERAPH
ANGEL · DIFFICULTY 16
Defense: 17, Health: 200
Strength: 17 (+7), Agility: 17 (+7)
Intellect: 17 (+7), Will: 17 (+7)
Size: 1, Speed: 7 (Fly)
Languages: Tongues
Immune: asleep, confused, frightened, poisoned, vulnerable,
weakened; deprivation, exposure, infection, suffocation
Radiant: The seraph emits bright light.
Fury: A seraph can attack, gain the Slippery trait until the
end of the round and move, or heal 50 damage and end
all afflictions.
Holy Presence: Enemies within 10 yards become cursed for
as long as they remain within this range.
ACTIONS
Melee Attack—Flaming Sword · Slashing: Strength (+7) with
1 boon (4d6)
Flames: A target takes 2d6 damage from the flames.
Critical Success: The target catches fire and becomes
vulnerable (luck ends both). While it has these afflictions,
the target cannot retreat.
Two Attacks: The seraph makes two Flaming Sword attacks.
Heavenly Inferno (Magical): The seraph calls down a
column of flame. Target one Size 5 space it can see. Each
enemy in the target space takes 10d6 damage. A demon,
faerie, fiend, spirit, or undead takes an extra 5d6 damage.
Once the seraph uses this talent, it loses access to it (luck
ends).
REACTIONS
Word of Summons (Magical): When a creature within 15
Chapter 3

yards ends its turn, the seraph can cause that creature
to teleport to an empty space on a solid surface of the
seraph’s choice within 5 yards of the seraph.

263
 Shade
Actions in life determine what fate mortals find when they die. Most souls vanish into the dark kingdom of the Underworld, where Lord
Death rules over the numbed masses doomed to wander this lightless place. A few, chosen by the High One, might be lifted out of the
Underworld to dwell in Paradise, experiencing comfort and joy, but also endless boredom. And those who embraced selfishness, whose
actions brought about evil ends, fall into the clutches of the Netherworld to face the fiends condemned to this harrowing place.

LARES
The High One came to Erth to save mortal souls from the oblivion of the Underworld. People who live free from error, who are vir-
tuous, noble, and compassionate, might find salvation in death and become lares in Paradise. Unfortunately, even a minor infraction
can block a soul’s ascent. Lares, the souls who reach Paradise, look like idealized versions of their mortal selves carved from metal, with
halos shining around their heads. The longer
they spend in Paradise, the less they remem-
ber until the High One promotes them to the
rank of seraph.

LEMURE
Existence in the Netherworld should be
unendurable, for the fiends show great cre-
ativity in the suffering they create. For the
souls damned to pass the eons in this place
of pain, all paths out of Hell have been
closed. These lemures are not even allowed to
die—no matter how their bodies have been
brutalized, they remain keenly aware and
feel every agony. Such treatment makes them
hateful beyond reason and, given the chance,
they subject others to everything they have so
far endured.
Lemures have wrecked, broken bodies,
flesh torn open, bones breaking through the
skin, organs dragging, their forms pierced,
shattered, and cut almost beyond recogni-
tion. Yet they mewl and cry, curse and spit,
lashing out at anything within reach.

MANES
Souls of the dead become manes upon pass-
ing through the Underworld’s gates. The
transformation fixes their forms so they
appear without any of the infirmities they
experienced in life, neither old nor young,
but somewhere between.
The Underworld erodes their identities,
corroding memories, dulling emotions, until
the individuals fade away, utterly consumed
by Lord Death. Until dissolution occurs,
manes can pass their time however they
choose—wail and gnash teeth, sit and stare,
Bestiary

scour the curious writings in the realm’s

Library of Forgotten Works, or haunt the
borders of the Underworld in hopes of catch-
ing a glimpse of the living world.

264
LARES
SPIRIT · DIFFICULTY 2
Defense: 11, Health: 20
Strength: 11 (+1), Agility: 11 (+1)
Intellect: 11 (+1), Will: 11 (+1)
Size: 1, Speed: 5
Languages: Archaic, Common, or Kingdom
Senses: True Vision
Radiant: The lares emits bright light.
Immune: asleep, blinded, confused, deafened, frightened, held, on fire, poisoned, prone, slowed; exposure, deprivation, infection,
suffocation
Eternal Returns: If killed by anything other than a god or demon, the lares returns to life after 24 hours with all lost Health
regained and all damage healed.
ACTIONS
Melee Attack—Sword · Slashing: Strength (+1) with 1 boon (2d6)

LEMURE
SPIRIT · DIFFICULTY 2
Defense: 9, Health: 30
Strength: 12 (+2), Agility: 9 (–1)
Intellect: 9 (–1), Will: 12 (+2)
Size: 1, Speed: 5
Languages: Archaic, Common, or Kingdom
Senses: True Vision
Immune: asleep, poisoned; exposure, deprivation, infection, suffocation
Sadistic: When the lemure harms a flesh-and-blood creature, the lemure makes attribute rolls with 1 boon until the end of its
next turn.
Eternal Returns: If killed by anything other than a god or demon, the lemure returns to life after 24 hours with all lost Health
regained and all damage healed.
ACTIONS
Melee Attack—Claws and Teeth: Strength (+2) with 1 boon (2d6)

MANES
SPIRIT · DIFFICULTY 1
Defense: 10, Health: 10
Strength: 10 (+0), Agility: 10 (+0)
Intellect: 10 (+0), Will: 10 (+0)
Size: 1, Speed: 5
Languages: Archaic, Common, or Kingdom
Senses: True Vision
Immune: asleep, blinded, deafened, frightened, held, on fire, poisoned, prone, slowed; exposure, deprivation, infection, suffocation
Chapter 3

Eternal Returns: If killed by anything other than a god or demon, the manes returns to life after 24 hours with all lost Health
regained and all damage healed.
ACTIONS
Melee Attack—Unarmed Strike: Strength (+0) with 1 bane (1d6)
END OF THE ROUND
Fading Memory: Make a luck roll. On a failure, the manes becomes confused until the end of the next round.

265
 Slime SINISTER JELLY
MONSTER, AMPHIBIOUS · DIFFICULTY 2
Any creature lacking a fixed anatomy, skeleton, and exoskeleton
counts as a slime. Hunger drives these nearly mindless predators, Defense: 9, Health: 20
and when they find prey, they dissolve it to absorb nutrients. Strength: 13 (+3), Agility: 9 (–1)
Slimes thrive in damp, dark places and can take over entire cave Intellect: 2 (–8), Will: 15 (+5)
systems given sufficient prey and time.
Size: 1, Speed: 5 (Slippery, Squeeze 1 inch, Swimmer)
SINISTER JELLY Senses: Awareness 10
One finds sinister jellies in underground lakes and riverbeds, Immune: asleep, blinded, confused, deafened, held, prone,
slowed, stunned
though their clear bodies make them difficult to spot. When a
creature disturbs the water, the jelly unfolds itself to ensnare its Aquatic Invisibility: A sinister jelly is invisible while submerged
victim in damp folds, where tiny barbs inject digestive enzymes in or on the surface of water.
that let the jelly drink its victim. Shared Pain: Whenever the sinister jelly takes damage while
it has a creature grabbed, it divides the damage evenly
MALEVOLENT GOO between itself and the creature it has grabbed.
ACTIONS
A malevolent goo spreads its clear mass thin over the ground to
look like a shallow puddle or damp spot. It creeps by inches until Body Slam: The jelly draws itself to come crashing down.
prey comes into reach. It then forms pseudopods from its mass, Target one creature in reach. Make a Strength (+3) roll
appendages that drip corrosive juices. against its Agility. On a success, the target loses 1d6
Health, falls prone, and becomes held until the jelly moves
or the jelly dies. A target held in this way can overcome
SENTIENT FLESH-EATING SLIME
the affliction with a success on a Strength roll with 1 bane.
An amorphous slick of protoplasm, the sentient flesh-eating slime Dissolved: Target one flesh-and-blood creature held as
creeps across surfaces in search of living creatures. Its slowness the result of this jelly’s successful use of Body Slam. The
often forces it to subsist on carcasses, but it might strike sleepers, target loses 2d6 Health. A creature of flesh and blood
whose Health is reduced to 0 by a sinister jelly becomes a
the injured, and the slowed. liquid that the sinister jelly can absorb. Objects worn and
carried by the creature that feature metal construction are
MALICIOUS OOZE unaffected by this trait.
Looking like an ambulatory pool of bubbling green goop, a mali- END OF THE ROUND
cious ooze dampens the ground around itself wherever it comes Corrosive Leakage: Any creature within 5 yards of the sinister
to a rest. A clever predator, it hides from prey, follows along at a jelly and in the same body of water takes 1d6 damage.
distance, and then strikes from the shadows when its target is dis-
tracted or caught unawares. The ooze’s corrosive juices make short
work of its victim’s skin, turning it into a runny, foul-smelling slick MALEVOLENT GOO
that the ooze absorbs over time.
MONSTER · DIFFICULTY 4
NEFARIOUS PUDDING Defense: 6, Health: 60
This slime appears as a big dollop of wet, liver-colored pudding Strength: 12 (+2), Agility: 8 (–2)
with a thick skin from which sprout hair, fingernails, or bits of Intellect: 4 (–6), Will: 15 (+5)
bone. When confronted with something it deems tasty, a nefar-
Size: 1, Speed: 5 (Climber, Squeeze 1 inch; no running)
ious pudding draws itself up into a large column and folds itself
in half, bringing its top down onto its victim’s body to wrap it in Senses: Awareness 10
a damp sheath that numbs nerve endings even as it liquefies skin, Immune: asleep, blinded, confused, deafened, held, prone,
hair, and bones. slowed, stunned
ACTIONS
Melee Attack—Pseudopod: Strength (+2) with 1 boon (3d6)
Sapping Touch: A flesh-and-blood target becomes
Strength impaired (luck ends).
Two Attacks: The malevolent goo makes two Pseudopod
Bestiary

attacks.
END OF THE ROUND
Burned by Sunlight: If the goo is in a space lit by direct
sunlight, it loses 4d6 Health and becomes weakened until
the end of the next round.

266
SENTIENT FLESH-EATING SLIME NEFARIOUS PUDDING
MONSTER · DIFFICULTY 4 MONSTER · DIFFICULTY 8
Defense: 6, Health: 60 Defense: 5, Health: 80
Strength: 12 (+2), Agility: 8 (–2) Strength: 15 (+5), Agility: 7 (–3)
Intellect: 10 (+0), Will: 15 (+5) Intellect: 3 (–7), Will: 15 (+5)
Size: 1, Speed: 4 (Climber, Slippery, Squeeze 1 inch; no Size: 2, Speed: 5 (Slippery, Squeeze 1 inch; no running)
running) Senses: Awareness 10
Senses: Awareness 10 Immune: asleep, blinded, confused, deafened, held, prone,
Immune: blinded, deafened, held, prone, slowed slowed, stunned
ACTIONS Corrosive Spray: When the pudding takes damage, it
releases a spray of corrosive fluids into a Size 2 space
Melee Attack—Pseudopod: Strength (+2) with 1 boon (4d6) within reach. Each creature in that space makes a luck roll.
Corrosion: A flesh-and-blood target becomes poisoned On a failure, the creature loses 2d6 Health.
(luck ends). ACTIONS
END OF THE ROUND
Engulf: The pudding rises up and flows forward. Target one
Burned by Sunlight: If the slime is in a space lit by direct Size 2 space within reach. The pudding moves into that
sunlight, it loses 4d6 Health and becomes weakened until space. Each creature that is not held, prone, or slowed in
the end of the next round. the space makes an Agility roll. On a failure, the creature
loses 2d6 Health and disappears inside the nefarious
pudding’s body, where it remains until the pudding
MALICIOUS OOZE becomes incapacitated or the target overcomes the effect
with a successful Strength roll with 1 bane. When the effect
MONSTER · DIFFICULTY 8 ends for a target, it exits the pudding into an empty space
of its choice within 1 yard of it. While inside the pudding,
Defense: 10, Health: 120 the target loses access to the Awareness trait, if it has it, is
Strength: 13 (+3), Agility: 10 (+0) blinded, deafened, held, and weakened, and loses 2d6
Health at the end of each round. The target moves with the
Intellect: 8 (–2), Will: 15 (+5) pudding when it moves.
Size: 2, Speed: 5 (Slippery, Squeeze 1 inch; no running) REACTIONS
Senses: Awareness 10 Hideous Bulge: When an enemy starts its turn in reach, the
Immune: asleep, blinded, confused, deafened, held, prone, pudding causes an unseemly bulge to form in its body.
slowed, stunned Make a Strength (+5) roll against that enemy’s Strength.
On a success, the enemy takes 2d6 damage and falls
Split: When the ooze takes damage from a weapon or prone.
lightning, it splits into two Size 1 oozes. Each has half the
Health score of the original ooze and divides the damage
total between the two oozes evenly. Once the ooze has
divided, it loses access to this trait for 24 hours, at which
point each ooze grows to its normal Size and uses its
normal rules.
ACTIONS
Melee Attack—Pseudopod: Strength (+3) with 1 boon (4d6)
Two Attacks: The malicious ooze makes two Pseudopod
attacks.
Chapter 3

267
 Specter
Some people were so awful in life, so incalculably evil, that not even Hell wants them. The unwanted spirits roam the mortal world, doing
as much harm as they can. Trapped between life and death, their anger and hatred build until their souls are transformed into something
monstrous.
Specters have power enough to stand before the full light of the sun and remain unscathed. No holy symbol can move them, no god-
sworn servant can disturb them. They are a force for evil that obliterates everything in their path.
Luckily for the living, specters haunt the places in which they once lived only. They roam the corridors of old castles, prowl the
dungeon depths, and survey the crumbling splendor of the lives they lost. Those of low station terrorize people in their haunts, and the
presence of a specter can clear the poor quarter faster than can a brute squad.
Elements of their former appearance survive in their spectral forms, but everything appears warped and distorted, almost making
them caricatures. Nearly all show signs of how they died. One might have a hangman’s noose around its neck, while another has a bloated
face from being poisoned.

SPECTER
SPIRIT · DIFFICULTY 8
Defense: 18, Health: 80
Strength: 12 (+2), Agility: 15 (+5)
Intellect: 15 (+5), Will: 17 (+7)
Size: 1, Speed: 10 (Fly, Hover, Insubstantial,
Silent, Slippery)
Languages: Archaic, Common, or Kingdom
Senses: True Vision
Immune: asleep, blinded, deafened,
frightened, held, on fire, poisoned, prone,
slowed; exposure, deprivation, infection,
suffocation
Protection from Magic: The specter imposes
1 bane on rolls against it from magical
effects and it rolls to resist or end magical
effects with 1 boon.
Psychic Tempest (Magical): When the
specter takes 20 damage or more from a
single instance of damage, each enemy
within 5 yards takes 1d6 damage and
makes a Will roll. On a failure, the enemy
takes an extra 2d6 damage and becomes
frightened of the specter (luck ends).
Spiritual Destruction: A specter devours the
soul of any creature it kills. Such a creature
cannot be restored to life by any means.
When this happens, each enemy within 5
yards of the specter makes a Will roll with
1 bane. On a failure, the enemy becomes
frightened of the specter until the enemy
overcomes the affliction with a successful
Will roll or the specter dies.
ACTIONS
Draining Touch (Magical): Target one or
two creatures in reach. Make an Agility
Bestiary

(+5) roll with 1 boon against the Agility of

each target. On a success, the target loses
4d6 Health and becomes weakened until
it rests for at least 1 hour. On a failure, the
specter adds 20 to the next roll it makes
against that target before the end of its
next turn.

268
Sphinx SPHINX ANCESTRY
SPHINX
Across the Sea of Fear lies a great and mighty nation, the Immortal
Size: 1, Speed: 6 (Strider)
Kingdom of Aegon, land of the sphinxes. For thousands of years,
the sphinxes have held this territory and thrown back every effort Bonus Language: Sphinx
to invade it. Their isolation born from contempt of the lesser peo- Other Traits: Avoidance, Glider
ples living beyond its boundaries, the sphinxes secured its borders
and made no move to add to its prodigious holdings, as their lands
held all that they needed.
Something has changed in the last century. The rivers dried up, the forests withered, and the grasslands became desert wastes. The
sphinxes’ already modest birthrate plummeted, and fewer and fewer young were born. Believing their lands to be cursed, many sphinxes
have left their dying home to find their futures elsewhere. In a great diaspora, they press to the Emerald Islands far to the south, and north
across the Sea of Fear to the borderlands and beyond.
In Aegon, the sphinxes worshiped the same gods that make up those of the Old Faith, though with different interpretations of those
deities and the names by which they call them. It’s held there that the sun god, whom they name Aram, rules the pantheon and his wife, the
Orisu, rules over the night. Death, called Nekron, hates reality and sends his jackals to steal away the living to languish in his dark realm.
The priests hold substantial power in Aegon and their chief function is to support the queen who rules as the mortal wife of Aram.
When she passes, her soul is believed to ascend to join the past queens who dwell in the night skies as stars. Her consorts serve as guards,
advisors, and companions, and when their queen dies, they follow her into death.
Until recently, the only sphinxes people knew appeared in Empire-era sculptures and in old paintings that offered a stylized interpre-
tation of these peoples. In reality, sphinxes fall in the human range of height and weight. They have leonine bodies capable of walking
upright or on all fours, with short, golden fur covering them from head to foot. They have the tails of lions, and their facial features min-
gle human and lion. Males have thick dark manes that grow from the back of their skulls and necks to form a collar of sorts. All sphinxes
have vestigial feathered wings.
The language of the sphinxes is exclusive to that people. Its pictogrammatic writing appears in old temples and other ruins.

Exile
Traitors, devotees of the Aegon death god Nekron, criminals, and the like are cut off from their homeland and forced to make do in a
strange and unknown world. Want, conflict, and other hardships turn even the wrongly exiled into grizzled, tough survivors, willing and
able to do whatever they must to see another day.

SPHINX EXILE
SPHINX · DIFFICULTY 4
Defense: 14 (ring), Health: 60
Strength: 13 (+3), Agility: 13 (+3)
Intellect: 11 (+1), Will: 10 (+0)
Size: 1, Speed: 6 (Strider)
Languages: Common, Sphinx
Avoidance: A sphinx imposes 1 bane on rolls against their Defense and Agility. They lose access to this trait while they are
injured, confused, stunned, and unconscious.
Glider: While not confused, held, stunned, or unconscious, a sphinx suffers no harm from landing after a fall, and lands in any
empty space within 10 yards of the space directly beneath them when they fell.
ACTIONS
Melee Attack—Saber: Agility (+3) with 2 boons (2d6)
Melee Attack—Dagger · Thrown 5: Agility (+3) with 2 boons (1d6)
Two Attacks: The sphinx makes one Saber attack and one Dagger attack.
Chapter 3

Whirling Strike: The sphinx exile makes a spinning leap, whipping its weapons around itself. Make an Agility (+3) roll and
compare the result to the Defense of each enemy within 3 yards. If the result equals or beats the enemy’s Defense, the enemy
takes 3d6 damage. Once the sphinx uses this talent, they lose access to it (luck ends).
REACTIONS
Swift Cut: When an enemy within reach attacks the sphinx, the sphinx can force that enemy to make a luck roll along with its roll
to attack. If the luck roll results in a failure, the enemy takes 1d6 damage.

269
 Sprig gan SPRIGGAN ANCESTRY
SPRIGGAN, PLANT
Grandfather Tree strode the lands of Erth and planted seeds to cover
creation with a wondrous garden. The seeds took root and sprouted Natural Defense: +1
into trees, flowers, grasses, vines, and so much more, but some also Size: 1, Speed: 5
pulled themselves free from the soil to become the first spriggans. Plant Strike: A spriggan with a Will score of 13 or higher
These sentient plants believe themselves to be the offspring of the can choose targets for its Claw attacks from among those
great green god and commit their long lives to preserving the world’s within 5 yards.
most garden-like regions from exploitation and ruin. Natural Weapons: A spriggan can use their claws as natural
Unless spriggans choose to reveal themselves, travelers can weapons. The claws deal 1d6 damage and have the
pass through their groves a dozen times without suspecting Nimble trait.
their presence. Being plants, albeit mobile ones, spriggans have Other Traits: Plant Bond, Tree Form, Flammable
no need for shelter, to grow crops, or to keep livestock for
food. They can nourish themselves by sinking their feet in the soil and reaching up to absorb the sun’s light through their fingerlike
branches. Neither rain nor the elements bother them. All a spriggan community needs to thrive is a place to root themselves when
they need and congregate when they want.
Having few reasons to interact with the outside world, spriggans are rare beyond their forest homes. They find ready allies in woodwoses,
some wargs, and other woodland folk, and if something threatens their friends, a whole grove of spriggans might rally to the cause. Other
spriggans set out to start new groves, carry out a mission for their maker, or succumb to curiosity about what lies beyond the woods.
Spriggans appear humanoid, but in place of flesh and blood, they have a thin layer of bark covering springy wood. Spriggans’ eyes shine
like green candle flames, and they have small gaps for mouths that move enough to let them speak, but they have no noses nor ears. In
place of hair, crests of leafy branches rise from the tops of their heads and sprout from their bodies.
While rooted, though, spriggans look like ordinary woody shrubs, with sparse greenery and plenty of thorns to dissuade creatures
from disturbing them. Although immobile in this state, spriggans remain aware of their surroundings and can pull themselves free to
deal with any threats.

Xenophobe
Considering how peoples of flesh and blood ravage the forests for timber, it’s easy to understand how spriggans might come to despise
them. Spriggan xenophobes declare war against the “fleshies” and hunt all who trespass in their woods. Some mount their victims’ muti-
lated heads on the edges of their territory as a warning, but spriggans with a taste for murder might forgo such deterrents.

SPRIGGAN XENOPHOBE
SPRIGGAN, PLANT · DIFFICULTY 4
Defense: 11, Health: 40
Strength: 12 (+2), Agility: 10 (+0)
Intellect: 11 (+1), Will: 10 (+0)
Size: 1, Speed: 5
Languages: Common
Plant Bond: While within 5 yards of any plant, a spriggan has the Awareness 5 trait.
Tree Form: On a spriggan’s turn, if on a surface made from earth, they can use this trait to reduce their Speed to 0. The effect
lasts until they end this effect (not an action), or they become unconscious. While subject to this trait’s effects, they ignore any
ordinary effect that would move them. To all others, they appear to be a tree of twice their Size.
Dig In: A spriggan on an earthen surface that has not moved can reduce their Speed to 0 until the start of their next turn. Until this
effect ends, the spriggan ignores any effect that would move it against its will.
Plant Stride: A spriggan can move into spaces occupied by Size 1 and larger plants. When it does, it knows where all the other
Size 1 or larger plants are within 10 yards, and it can exit from any of those spaces.
Flammable: A spriggan takes double damage from fire and rolls to overcome being on fire with 1 bane.
ACTIONS
Bestiary

Melee Attack—Claw: Strength (+2) with 1 boon (2d6)

Two Attacks: The spriggan makes two Claw attacks.
REACTIONS
Plant Allies: When harmed, the spriggan xenophobe can cause the ground within 5 yards to become challenging terrain for 1
hour. In addition, each enemy on the affected ground makes a Strength roll. On a failure, the enemy is pushed 5 yards. Once
the spriggan uses this trait, they lose access to it for 1 minute.

270
Sprite SPRITE ANCESTRY
SPRITE, FAERIE
Sprites, sometimes called the children of the forest, remained in
the mortal world when the other faeries left. They chose to stay Size: 1/2, Speed: 5
because they refused to owe a debt to the elves who fashioned the Bonus Languages: Sylvan
new realms, instead going their own way. By necessity, sprites have Senses: Keen Hearing, Keen Vision
remained hidden, leading secretive lives to avoid encounters with Immune: exposure, infection
the foolish, short-lived peoples who seem determined to spread
Other Traits: Wild Speech, Wee Travel, Wild Escape
everywhere and make a mess of everything.
In their normal forms, sprites stand 2 feet tall and weigh about
20 pounds. They have slim bodies and appear in all the colors of the rainbow. Sprites make their clothes from found things—a scrap of
cloth, a garland of flowers, a skirt of woven grasses—but have little interest in wearing the skins of dead animals.
Typical sprite names include Acorn, Berry, Joy, Leaf, Ribald, Squirrel, and Wix.

Scamp
Scamps are sprites who see mortals as perfect targets for games. They do all the tricky things for which other faeries take the blame—
horses panic, small items disappear, youngsters become lost in the woods. Most scamps do not seek to do lasting harm, but when they
become riled up, the tricks can go too far and someone can get hurt.

SPRITE SCAMP • A frightening image appears and causes the target to

become frightened (luck ends) of the sprite.
SPRITE, FAERIE · DIFFICULTY 2 • The target attacks one other creature of the sprite’s
Defense: 15, Health: 10 choice within the target’s reach. The target rolls with
1 bane.
Strength: 9 (–1), Agility: 13 (+3) Once the sprite uses this talent, they lose access to it
Intellect: 11 (+1), Will: 10 (+0) (luck ends).
Size: 1/2, Speed: 5 REACTIONS
Languages: Common, Sylvan Wild Escape: When you are harmed, the sprite can use Wee
Senses: Keen Hearing, Keen Vision Travel and then the effects of that trait end.
Immune: exposure, infection
Wild Speech: A sprite can communicate with normal animals
such as cats, dogs, pigs, and horses. They can interpret the
noises animals make, as well as their body language, to
get the gist of what they say.
Wee Travel (Magical): A sprite can use this talent at the
start of their turn if they lack the confused, controlled, held,
stunned, or unconscious afflictions. They transform into a
Size 1/16 bird, butterfly, or mote of light and remain in
that form until the end of their turn. While subject to this
trait’s effects, they have the Fly and Slippery traits, but
their attacks deal no damage, and they lose the ability
to speak.
ACTIONS
Melee Attack—Short Sword · Piercing: Agility (+3) with
1 boon (1d6)
Ranged Attack—Bow · Ranged 20: Agility (+3) with 1 boon
(2d6)
Cruel Tricks (Magical): If the sprite is hidden, they can play
a trick. Target one creature within 10 yards and make
an Intellect (+1) roll against the target’s Intellect. On a
Chapter 3

success, the target suffers one of the following effects:

• The target’s mouth seals shut (luck ends), preventing
it from speaking.
• The target falls prone and makes an Agility roll. On a
failure, the target takes 1d6 damage.

271
 Swarm Sylph
Any kind of small animal can join its fellows to become a swarm. When the elementals went to war against the mortals, they went
Bats, rats, carnivorous fish, insects, and birds, when encountered without the sylphs. The people of the air refused to sacrifice their
in great numbers, become seething masses of scales, feathers, fur, lives for lands they never wanted in the first place and to fight
claws, and teeth. Swarms retain coherency for as long as they per- alongside peoples with whom they had almost nothing in com-
ceive a threat. mon. Rather than drown in a sea of blood and violence, the sylphs
took the skies and the cities they built atop the clouds. And there
SWARM they have remained for thousands of years.
Time has not been kind to the sylphs. Their isolation left them
BEAST, SWARM · DIFFICULTY 4
to face threats alone. City after city fell into ruin, some of them
Defense: 16, Health: 40 to dragons that chose to lair amid the spires, others emptied after
Strength: 10 (+0), Agility: 14 (+4) some unknown calamity struck, the city’s inhabitants vanished
suddenly. The few communities that survived have become even
Intellect: 5 (–5), Will: 10 (+0)
more withdrawn, to the point that visitors who make it to their
Size: 5, Speed: 5 (Slippery, Squeeze 1 inch) eyries find themselves thrown off the side to fall the way they
Senses: Awareness 20 had come.
Immune: blinded, confused, deafened, held, prone, Sylphs look human but have the skin, hair, and eyes of the skies,
slowed, stunned being azure, gray, bone white, and all the colors of dawn, dusk, and
Nasty Swarm: Whenever an enemy starts its turn within 1 yard night. They have lightweight bodies thanks to hollow bones and
of the swarm or inside the swarm’s space, the enemy takes sport large butterfly wings on their backs.
1d6 damage and makes a Strength roll. On a failure, the
enemy takes an extra 1d6 damage and becomes slowed
and weakened until the start of its next turn. SYLPH
ACTIONS ELEMENTAL, SYLPH · DIFFICULTY 4
Swarm Strike: The swarm flows into a space to beset enemies Defense: 18, Health: 40
it finds there. Target one Size 5 space within 2 yards. The Strength: 12 (+2), Agility: 14 (+4)
swarm moves to that space and each enemy in it takes
1d6 damage and makes a Strength roll with 1 bane. On Intellect: 12 (+2), Will: 9 (–1)
a failure, the enemy takes an extra 2d6 damage and Size: 1, Speed: 8 (Fly, Slippery)
becomes blinded and deafened until the end of its next turn.
Languages: Sylph
Immune: poisoned; harm from landing after a fall;
deprivation, exposure, infection, suffocation
Helpful Wind: When a sylph rolls to attack, roll an additional
d20 and use the highest result.
ACTIONS
Melee Attack—Bident: Agility (+4) with 1 boon (3d6)
Ranged Attack—Bow · Range 20: Agility (+4) with 1 boon
(2d6)
Scattering Gust (Magical): The sylph sends wind to blast
their foes. Target one Size 3 space within 10 yards. Each
unsecured object in that space is pushed 5 yards. Each
creature in the space makes a Strength roll with 1 bane.
On a failure, the creature is pushed 5 yards and becomes
vulnerable until the end of the sylph’s next turn. On a
critical failure, the target also takes 2d6 damage and falls
prone.
REACTIONS
Zephyr Escape: When the sylph takes damage and is not
injured, they can become invisible and move up to their
Bestiary

Speed. At the start of the sylph’s next turn, they become

visible again. Once a sylph uses this trait, they lose access
to it for 1 minute.

272
Tomb Guardian
Dire curses and deadly guardians make tomb raiders think twice
before breaking the seals on the tombs of the Devastation. The
grand structures stand as monuments to arrogance, wealth, and
power. Those interred there went to great lengths to secure their
bodies and treasures from thieves. Thus, diabolical traps, disease,
curses, and worse lurk in the darkness inside these pyramids.
But for all the perils that wait for the unwary, the greatest threat
comes in the form of the accursed guardians, undead protectors
who stand a vigil over their masters to ensure none disturb their
slumber. The guardians exist with Lord Death’s blessing, a rare
instance of the god permitting undead and granted only by the
lavish sacrifices of the holy orders. Thus do the accursed guard-
ians carry the seed of darkness in their remains, a darkness that
makes them terrors in battle.
Linens wrap the guardian’s body, but time and scavengers have
caused some to fall free and reveal their desiccated, blackened
flesh. A glimpse of their visages shows lips pulled back from
teeth and hollows where eyes once looked out. Many wear out-
landish costumes of the times when they were interred, and in
those costumes one can find hints of the crimes they committed
in life that saw them condemned to spend eternity watching over
the dead.

TOMB GUARDIAN
UNDEAD · DIFFICULTY 8
Defense: 10, Health: 80
Strength: 14 (+4), Agility: 8 (–2)
Intellect: 8 (–2), Will: 15 (+5)
Size: 1, Speed: 4 (no running)
Senses: True Vision
Immune: asleep, blinded, deafened, frightened, Strength
impaired, stunned, weakened; exposure, deprivation,
infection, suffocation
Accursed Appearance (Magical): When an enemy starts
its turn with line of sight to the tomb guardian, the enemy
becomes cursed (luck ends). An enemy cursed in this
way loses 1d6 Health the first time it takes damage in a
round. The luck rolls an enemy makes to end this effect
result in automatic failures if it has line of sight to the tomb
guardian.
Flammable: A tomb guardian takes double damage from
fire and rolls to overcome being on fire with 1 bane.
Divine Doom: A tomb guardian makes luck rolls with 1 bane.
ACTIONS
Melee Attack—Fist: Strength (+4) with 1 boon (6d6)
Critical Success: A flesh-and-blood target makes a Will
Chapter 3

roll. On a failure, it becomes stunned until the end of its

next turn.
Two Attacks: The tomb guardian makes two Fist attacks.

273
 Triton TRITON ANCESTRY
TRITON, AMPHIBIOUS
Old salts still warn sailors embarking from the mainland to steer
clear of the towers of Shangrana, structures of corkscrewing coral Size: 1, Speed: 5 (Swimmer)
believed to rise from the sunken city on the floor of the Sea of Fear. Bonus Language: Triton
Too many galleons and cogs found their way to the bottom of the Senses: Keen Vision
sea after drifting into the waters the sea-dwelling tritons control Other Traits: Fluid Evasion
to risk their ire. Accords with the kingdoms of the Old Country
put a stop to the tritons’ coastal raids, but any trespass into their
territory arouses their anger, and the sea positively boils with activity as they launch strikes against the intruders.
Tritons have tall, lean, willowy bodies covered in a fine mesh of silvery blue scales. They have smooth piscine faces, with globular eyes
over which snap special membranes to protect them from silt and grit. They lack noses but have nostrils and small mouths equipped with
sharp, serrated teeth. Gills cut across their chests, allowing them to draw air from water.
At sea tritons forgo clothing, but they recognize land-dweller customs enough to don loose, comfortable robes while ashore. Tritons
avoid restrictive garments as these make swimming more difficult, though they do cover their bodies in sharkskin armor (as leather)
when at war.

Sea Devil
A militant, bellicose faction found in nearly every triton commu-
nity, the Sea Devils see recent efforts to deal peacefully with the
Triton land-dwellers as capitulation and believe that alliances with the
humans and others will ultimately dilute triton culture and soci-
The Triton language has no spoken form. Instead, peo- ety. Sea Devils do everything they can to sabotage peace treaties
ple versed in it make hand gestures that match the signs
of the written form. A complex language with nearly with the air-breathers and attack ships that sail the Sea of Fear.
1,000 gestures and symbols, few other than tritons
have been able to master it.
TRITON SEA DEVIL
TRITON, AMPHIBIOUS · DIFFICULTY 2
Defense: 14 (leather), Health: 20
Strength: 12 (+2), Agility: 11 (+1)
Intellect: 11 (+1), Will: 12 (+2)
Size: 1, Speed: 5 (Swimmer)
Languages: Triton
Senses: Keen Vision
Fluid Evasion: When the triton uses dodge, the triton gains
the Slippery trait and imposes 1 bane on rolls against its
Defense and Agility until the end of its next turn.
ACTIONS
Melee Attack—Spear · Thrown 5: Strength (+2) with 1 boon
(2d6)
Melee Attack—Harpoon · Thrown 5: Strength (+2) with
1 boon (1d6)
Critical Success: The target also becomes vulnerable,
weakened, and tethered to the triton. While it is tethered,
the target can move no farther than 5 yards from the triton,
but if the triton moves more than 5 yards from the target, the
triton pulls the target with it. The target can use an action to
yank the harpoon free, which causes it to lose 1d6 Health,
Bestiary

or to cut the harpoon’s rope with an edged weapon.

274
Troglodyte TROGLODYTE WRETCH
MONSTER · DIFFICULTY 2
There are places not even the rangers dare travel. Bone Canyon
and the Pitfields, places found in the mountains of the border- Defense: 10, Health: 30
lands, have claimed the lives of so many that the mere whisper of Strength: 12 (+2), Agility: 10 (+0)
their names can cause people to break into sweats. The trouble Intellect: 8 (–2), Will: 7 (–3)
with such environments is that they belong to the troglodytes, a Size: 1, Speed: 5
violent, monstrous people who pass their days underground and Languages: Undertongue
come up under the cover of night to hunt. Senses: Dark Vision
Humanity triumphed over their elemental foes when war broke Immune: Will impaired
out between them, and now that ancient conflict has been all but
Chaotic Outburst: When the troglodyte gets a failure on a
forgotten by human descendants. Among the troglodytes, though, roll to attack, each creature in reach makes a luck roll. The
the horrors of that war remain fresh, captured in the macabre art creature with the lowest failed result takes 1d6 damage.
decorating the walls of their cavern homes. Fear of the fiery worms Once the wretch uses this talent, it loses it for 1 minute.
and the mountains that move kept these former humans under- Sunlight Weakness: If the troglodyte starts its turn in a space
ground and saw them delve ever deeper until they left behind the lit by sunlight, the troglodyte becomes weakened until the
purity of the sunlit lands and walked into the embrace of eternal start of its next turn.
darkness. ACTIONS
The refugees found a new god in the dark, an Ancient One Melee Attack—Club: Strength (+2) with 1 boon (2d6)
shackled in the depths but who rested close enough to the surface
Melee Attack—Javelin · Thrown 10: Strength (+2) with
for his whispers to reach the ears of the frightened people. Those 1 boon (1d6)
whispers heightened the fear until it drove out all other thought,
and in their terrified state, they turned to the darkness to guide
them. Generations spent listening to the voices have seen ordinary TROGLODYTE WITCH
people become monstrous in both body and mind, the last vestiges MONSTER · DIFFICULTY 4
of humanity remaining only in their shapes.
Troglodytes would be content to stay in the darkness, but hun- Defense: 13, Health: 40
ger draws them forth. They crave meat, materials, and new blood Strength: 11 (+1), Agility: 10 (+0)
to fold into their numbers and keep the Whisperer’s Gifts at bay— Intellect: 12 (+2), Will: 8 (–2)
those gifts being a whole host of problems caused by inbreeding. Size: 1, Speed: 5
So, when the fire in the sky sinks below the world rim, the troglo- Languages: Undertongue
dytes come forth to hunt, to capture, to kill. Senses: Dark Vision
Troglodytes appear human for the most part, but they have Immune: Will impaired
chalk-white skin and dark bruising under their eyes. Most have Sunlight Weakness: If the troglodyte starts its turn in a space
some sort of physical malady that intensifies their suffering. They lit by sunlight, the troglodyte becomes weakened until the
garb themselves in the skins of people they’ve killed and use weap- start of its next turn.
ons of wood, bone, and rock. ACTIONS
Most claim membership in one of the many troglodytic clans,
each of which looks to the largest, nastiest one to lead them. Some Melee Attack—Short Sword · Piercing: Strength (+1) with
1 boon (1d6)
tribe members have magical abilities as taught to them by the
Whisperer. Such individuals gain special status, as everyone fears Deranged Whispers (Magical): The witch mutters. Target
one creature within 5 yards. Make an Intellect (+2) roll with
them. Their status guarantees them first picks of the food and pris- 1 boon against the target’s Will. On a success, the target
oners, who also might become food. becomes confused (luck ends). Until the effect ends, the target
is deafened from the constant deranged whispering it hears.
WRETCH In addition, if the target is injured, it becomes controlled by
Most troglodytes count as wretches, feeble-witted killers driven by the witch for as long as it is confused in this way.
appetite and hatred. Skin the Beast (Magical): The witch makes a cutting motion
with her hand. Target one flesh-and-blood creature within
WITCH 10 yards. Make an Intellect (+2) roll with 1 boon against
the target’s Strength. On a success, the target loses 4d6
Rare troglodytes retain enough of their wits to direct their hate Health and becomes vulnerable and weakened (luck ends
Chapter 3

toward mastering evil magic. These strange folk adorn their bodies both). While it is weakened in this way, the target loses
1d6 Health at the end of each round. Once the witch uses
with filth, bones, and bits of skin harvested from their victims. this talent, it loses access to it (luck ends).
MONSTROSITY REACTIONS

Careful breeding produces true giants of the troglodyte kind. Feast on Death: When an enemy within 10 yards becomes
incapacitated, the witch and each of its allies within 10
These hulking brutes have more cunning and cruelty than all the yards heal 2d6 damage.
rest.

275
 farmer who raised it from a calf. Evil tyrants sometimes recruit
TROGLODYTE MONSTROSITY trolls for their strength and ferocity in battle or enslave them
MONSTER · DIFFICULTY 8 if they resist. Trolls often find themselves in wicked company,
whether they want to be there or not.
Defense: 12 (leather), Health: 100
Trolls adapt to their environments and develop unusual physi-
Strength: 16 (+6), Agility: 10 (+0) cal traits as a result, but all share a few common traits. First, trolls
Intellect: 8 (–2), Will: 8 (–2) are big. They stand twice as tall as humans do and their bellies
Size: 2, Speed: 6 stick out, hanging over their belts (if they wear them). They have
Languages: Undertongue gray, pebbly skin, owing to brief encounters with sunlight, which
turns them to stone. Their facial features appear cartoonish, with
Senses: Dark Vision
exaggerated noses and eyebrows, and mouths filled with chis-
Immune: Will impaired el-like teeth.
Hateful Aggression: When the monstrosity gets a failure on
a roll to attack, it can take 1d6 damage, discard the result CAVE TROLL
and roll again. Once it uses this talent, it loses access to it Trolls living underground favor places where they can reach the
(luck ends).
surface for hunting and foraging. Of all the trolls, cave trolls have
Sunlight Weakness: If the troglodyte starts its turn in a space degenerated the most, and many have lost the use of language alto-
lit by sunlight, the troglodyte becomes weakened until the
start of its next turn. gether. When villains need muscle to bolster their forces, they find
these dim-witted brutes to be suitable fodder.
ACTIONS
Melee Attack—Great Hammer · Bludgeoning: Strength (+6) MARSH TROLL
with 2 boons (6d6) The trolls living in swamps, bogs, and other wetlands tend to be
REACTIONS smarter and nastier than their cave-dwelling counterparts. Marsh
Punch Down: When the monstrosity gets a success or a trolls use traps and beasts to corral their prey and take them apart
failure for a roll to attack, it can target one creature in at leisure. Some marsh trolls even know how to use crude magic.
reach. The target makes an Agility roll with 1 bane. On a Since they cannot tolerate sunlight, marsh trolls pass the days in
failure, the target takes 2d6 damage. On a critical failure, dark waters or buried in mud, silt, or sand.
the target also falls prone.
Unhinged Charge: When the monstrosity takes damage TWO-HEADED TROLL
from a ranged attack or a magical effect, it can move up
to twice its Speed. If it can reach the source of the damage Trolls’ regenerative ability can produce weird anomalies, such as
by the end of this movement, the monstrosity attacks it and additional limbs or even heads.
the attack deals an extra 4d6 damage.

RUNIC
Troll One of the oldest languages, Runic comes down to the present
from early kingdoms of the dwarfs, from the trolls, or from some
The trolls entered the world at the same time as did the faeries
proto-society that predates both. The language has a harsh sound
but have since fallen into barbarism and evil. Once they were a
full of hard consonants and uses a blocky script.
clever people, gifted in crafting things and working magic, and
few equaled their skill at commanding the weather or bending
the elements to their will. Their discovery of the arcane arts CAVE TROLL
would go on to become the foundation for the major traditions
MONSTER · DIFFICULTY 8
of magic used today.
But for all their virtues, the trolls were a spiteful, mistrustful Defense: 10, Health: 100
people, and they hated the faeries’ willfulness and inability to Strength: 16 (+6), Agility: 10 (+0)
keep their word. Where faeries had beauty and wit, trolls were Intellect: 8 (–2), Will: 11 (+1)
ugly, cynical, and skeptical. War between the two seemed inevi-
table, and when it began, their struggle for dominion of creation Size: 3, Speed: 6 (Strider)
would spawn giants, ogres, and other beings, while leaving great Languages: Understands Runic
swaths of the world damaged and unsuited for life of any kind. Senses: Dark Vision, Keen Vision
Bestiary

In the end, the trolls fled for the mountains, the caves, and the Flammable: A troll takes double damage from fire and rolls
swamps, where their bitterness poisoned them and held them to overcome being on fire with 1 bane.
back from playing a part in the world’s development. In their
ACTIONS
isolation, they lost so much of their lore that they eventually
became the monsters the faeries claimed them to be. Melee Attack—Claws: Strength (+6) with 1 boon (4d6)
Trolls now live in the wilderness, singly or in small groups. Melee Attack—Teeth: Strength (+6) with 1 boon (4d6)
They terrorize anyone they happen upon and eat what they take Two Attacks: The cave troll makes one Claws attack and one
by force, whether they snatch an innocent cow from a field or the Teeth attack.

276
END OF THE ROUND Languages: Runic
Petrified by Sunlight (Magical): If a troll is in a space lit Senses: Dark Vision, Keen Vision
by sunlight, its Defense increases by 2 and its Health Two Heads: While not injured, the troll increases the number
decreases by 25. The changes are permanent. A troll of actions and reactions it can use by one each. If the troll
whose Health is reduced to 0 in this way turns into a stone becomes confused, controlled, Intellect impaired, Will
statue and then dies. impaired, or stunned, it can make a luck roll. On a success,
Regeneration: The cave troll heals 2d6 damage. the affliction ends.
Rampage: The troll rampages until the end of the next round. Flammable: A troll takes double damage from fire and rolls
The troll increases its Speed by 3, rolls to attack with to overcome being on fire with 1 bane.
2 boons, and its attacks deal an extra 1d6 damage. Then, ACTIONS
the troll loses access to this talent (luck ends).
Melee Attack—Claws: Strength (+6) with 2 boons (5d6)
Melee Attack—Teeth: Strength (+6) with 2 boons (5d6)
MARSH TROLL Two Attacks: The two-headed troll makes one Claws attack
and one Teeth attack.
MONSTER, AMPHIBIOUS · DIFFICULTY 8
END OF THE ROUND
Defense: 12, Health: 100
Petrified by Sunlight (Magical): If a troll is in a space lit
Strength: 15 (+5), Agility: 12 (+2) by sunlight, its Defense increases by 2 and its Health
Intellect: 11 (+1), Will: 14 (+4) decreases by 25. The changes are permanent. A troll
whose Health is reduced to 0 in this way turns into a stone
Size: 3, Speed: 5 (Swimmer) statue and then dies.
Languages: Runic Regeneration: The two-headed troll heals 3d6 damage.
Senses: Dark Vision, Keen Vision Rampage: The troll rampages until the end of the next round.
The troll increases its Speed by 3, rolls to attack with
Sadistic: When the marsh troll harms a flesh-and-blood 2 boons, and its attacks deal an extra 2d6 damage. Then,
creature, the troll makes attribute rolls with 1 boon until the the troll loses access to this talent (luck ends).
end of its next turn.
Flammable: A troll takes double damage from fire and rolls
to overcome being on fire with 1 bane.
ACTIONS
Melee Attack—Claws: Strength (+5) with 1 boon (3d6)
Melee Attack—Teeth: Strength (+5) with 1 boon (3d6)
Two Attacks: The cave troll makes one Claws attack and one
Teeth attack.
Troll Blight (Magical): The troll works dark magic. Target
one creature within 10 yards. Make a Will (+4) roll
against the target’s Strength. On a success, the target takes
12d6 damage and becomes vulnerable and weakened
(luck ends both). While weakened in this way, the target’s
body undergoes a horrifying series of transformations that
impose 1 bane on rolls made by its allies if they can see
the target. Once the marsh troll uses this talent, it loses
access to it (luck ends).
END OF THE ROUND
Petrified by Sunlight (Magical): If a troll is in a space lit
by sunlight, its Defense increases by 2 and its Health
decreases by 25. The changes are permanent. A troll
whose Health is reduced to 0 in this way turns into a stone
statue and then dies.
Regeneration: The marsh troll heals 2d6 damage.
Chapter 3

TWO-HEADED TROLL
MONSTER · DIFFICULTY 16
Defense: 10, Health: 300
Strength: 16 (+6), Agility: 10 (+0)
Intellect: 10 (+0), Will: 12 (+2)
Size: 5, Speed: 6 (Strider)

277
 Unicorn Undine
Few have ever seen a unicorn, but stories describe it as a sil- Undines were among the first people to appear in the world,
very-white deer with a single spiraling horn that emerges from and they spread across the globe, carrying with them the waters
the center of its forehead. Unicorns have manes and tails akin to quench creation’s fires. Now, they live in the depths, avoiding
to those of horses, while males have beards. A faint gleam shines contact with other peoples, even shunning the tritons with whom
from them all, marking them as somehow special, holy even. Many they sometimes share territory.
people understandably see unicorns as symbols of purity, virtue, Physically, undines resemble the salamanders. They have
and goodness. humanoid torsos with long, eel-like tails in place of legs. Their
Unicorns, like most faeries, have no reason to adhere to civi- facial features recall those of fish: wide mouths and large bulging
lization’s conceptions of good and evil. They seek pleasure in all eyes with gold or silver irises. A fin rises like a crest along the top
things, and go where and when they choose. Many unicorns do of an undine’s head and extends down the back of the skull, neck,
show some preference for keeping the company of human maid- and spine. Delicate fins line the arms and form a fringe at the end
ens, though why is anyone’s guess. of the tail.
Unlike other faeries, unicorns make little mischief. If captured,
corralled, or in any way restrained, they become wild, kicking at UNDINE
their captors and using their horns to gut. Unicorns can just step
ELEMENTAL, UNDINE, AMPHIBIOUS · DIFFICULTY 2
away to safety anytime they choose, but the need to punish the
temerity of their would-be jailors gets in the way of common sense. Defense: 14, Health: 20
A unicorn’s horn holds great magical power, so much so that Strength: 12 (+2), Agility: 13 (+3)
some hunt these magnificent beasts. Legend claims the horn can
Intellect: 9 (–1), Will: 9 (–1)
restore life to the dead, grant immortality, slay any creature, and
open portals to other universes. Killing a unicorn, though, is Size: 1, Speed: 6 (Slippery, Swimmer)
hardly a good act. The faeries look down on unicorn-murderers Languages: Undine
and might reward such actions with a lasting and terrible curse. Senses: Keen Vision
Immune: poisoned; deprivation, exposure, infection,
UNICORN suffocation
FAERIE · DIFFICULTY 8 ACTIONS
Defense: 18, Health: 60 Melee Attack—Spear · Thrown 5: Strength (+2) with 1 boon
(2d6)
Strength: 13 (+3), Agility: 15 (+5)
Riptide (Magical): The undine creates water to crash down
Intellect: 13 (+3), Will: 15 (+5) on their foes. Target one Size 5 space within 15 yards.
Size: 2, Speed: 8 (Teleport 4) Each unsecured object in the space moves 5 yards in a
direction the undine chooses. Each creature in the
Languages: understands Sylvan space makes a Strength roll. On failure, the
Senses: Keen Hearing, Keen Scent, Keen Vision creature takes 2d6 damage and moves 5
yards as the undine chooses. If the creature
Immune: confused, controlled, stunned; infection has the Swimmer trait, it chooses its
Protection from Magic: The unicorn imposes 1 movement. Once the undine uses this
bane on rolls against it from magical effects talent, they lose access to it (luck
and it rolls to resist or end magical effects with ends).
1 boon. REACTIONS
ACTIONS
Dart Away: When the undine gets
Melee Attack—Horn · Piercing: Agility a failure on a roll to attack, its
(+5) with 3 boons (6d6) Speed increases by 2 until the
Melee Attack—Hooves: Agility (+5) end of its turn.
with 1 boon (2d6)
Two Attacks: The unicorn makes one
Horn attack and one Hooves attack.
Impaling Charge: The unicorn moves at least
8 yards and makes a Horn attack. The attack
Bestiary

deals an extra 6d6 damage.

278
Unseen Typically, vampires’ nature comes as a curse passed to them by
the vampire that ended their lives. After feeding and draining a
victim of all its blood, a vampire can spill its own blood into the
The sudden chill, the standing of hairs, the feeling of being
victim. Three nights after, the victim becomes a vampire and uses
watched: these and other sensations mean nothing—until they
the following rules in place of those it had in life.
don’t. The phenomena might be caused by the presence of a spirit.
But it might also mean that one of the unseen is near. The unseen
VAMPIRE
shoulder a terrible curse from offending Blind and must live out
their remaining days unnoticed, unheard, almost entirely cut off UNDEAD · DIFFICULTY 8
from the world. Defense: 18, Health: 120
The crime earning such a fate always involves a grave injustice,
Strength: 14 (+4), Agility: 14 (+4)
an act that brings harm to the innocent or that inflicts meaningless
suffering. When such an act occurs, Blind or one of her proxies Intellect: 14 (+4), Will: 14 (+4)
might intervene to bestow doom on the perpetrator. This sentence Size: 1, Speed: 8 (Climber, Slippery)
causes them to fade from view so that ordinary people can no lon- Languages: Archaic, Common, and Kingdom
ger see or recognize the individual or hear their conversation, cries, Senses: Dark Vision, Keen Hearing, Keen Scent, Keen Vision
or suffering. The goddess cuts these people off from the rest of the Immune: confused, controlled, poisoned, stunned; exposure,
world. deprivation, infection, suffocation
Although the intent is to make the individual suffer, some find Divine Doom: The vampire makes luck rolls with 1 bane.
their condition affords them with even more opportunities for
causing trouble. Although unseen cannot directly touch or affect ACTIONS
people who cannot see them, they can spy and sabotage, making Melee Attack—Sword · Slashing: Strength (+4) with 2 boons
them invaluable assets for unscrupulous sorts who would deign to (4d6)
consort with such doomed individuals. Melee Attack—Fangs · Piercing: Strength (+4) with 2 boons
(4d6)
UNSEEN Drain Blood: A flesh-and-blood target that’s controlled,
held, or unconscious loses 4d6 Health and the vampire
MONSTER · DIFFICULTY 1 heals all damage.
Two Attacks: The vampire makes two Sword attacks. It can
Defense: 10, Health: 10 substitute one Fangs attack for one Sword attack.
Strength: 11 (+1), Agility: 10 (+0) REACTIONS
Intellect: 10 (+0), Will: 9 (–1)
Charming Gaze (Magical): When an enemy starts its turn
Size: 1, Speed: 5 with line of sight to the vampire, make a Will (+4) roll with
Languages: understands Common 1 boon against that enemy’s Will. On a success, the enemy
becomes held until it loses line of sight to the vampire, it
Invisible (Magical): An unseen is invisible. It cannot touch or overcomes the affliction with a success on a Will roll, or
affect any creature that cannot see it, nor can it affect any the vampire dies. If the target is held already, it becomes
object being observed by a sighted creature. Creatures controlled (luck ends). If the target is harmed, it can use a
that cannot see the unseen cannot hear it either. reaction to overcome the effect. On a failure, the enemy
becomes immune to this trait for 1 hour.
ACTIONS
Misty Escape: When the vampire becomes incapacitated,
Melee Attack—Unarmed Strike: Strength (+1) with 1 boon it heals 1d6 damage and becomes a cloud of mist that
(1d6) has the Fly and Hover traits. In this form, the vampire is
immune to all harm but cannot use actions or reactions.
It can expend all of its movement at any time to resume
its normal form. Once the vampire uses this trait, it loses
Vampire access to it for 24 hours.
END OF THE ROUND
Vampires encompass many different strains of parasites who wear
Burned by Sunlight: If the vampire is in a space lit by direct
humanoid forms. The most common, shown below, feed on blood, sunlight, it loses 4d6 Health and becomes weakened until
but some drain energy, emotion, or desire. Whatever their appear- the end of the next round.
ance or their nature, vampires depend on living beings to sustain
their unnatural existence.
Chapter 3

Vampires who drink blood restore their vigor each time they
feed so that they appear almost alive, flushed with the hot blood
they have taken. In time, the rush fades and the price of undeath
takes hold once more, making the vampires appear pale, thin,
ghastly. The longer a vampire goes without drinking, the less con-
trol it has over its impulses, and it might turn against friends and
even loved ones to slake its terrible appetite.

279
 Vampire Bat Void Shadow
The setting sun sparks a flurry of activity in the town. People hurry The Void sometimes intrudes on creation, casting the lands into
to their homes and slam the doors behind them. Shutters bang faint shadow. In this gloom, souls newly released from the dead
shut, latches rattling. By the time full dark settles over the place, might succumb to this otherworldly influence and become cor-
all has become still, with only the wind sighing through the trees. rupted by it. Such souls become shadows themselves, humanoid
Even the animals stay quiet lest they invite the attention of these shapes formed from darkness that seek to make more of their kind
nocturnal hunters. The vampire bats wing through the darkness, from the souls of the living.
gathering in great clouds to feed on the living. Invisible in shadows and darkness, Void shadows take shape
Vampire bats in the New Lands prey on all living creatures, when forced into the light, where they appear as human-shaped
large or small. An individual bat can kill a full-grown human if clots of darkness, all smeary around the edges. The air grows still
it finds purchase on the body, while a pack can wipe out a herd of and temperatures plummet until water turns to ice.
livestock, leaving their drained carcasses all over the grazing fields. Void shadows show great patience when on the hunt. They fol-
Vampire bats possess unnatural cunning and a ruthlessness that low prey, oozing through the darkness until their victims are most
shows in the snorting, wheezing sounds they make as they close vulnerable. However, most Void shadows stay near where they
in for the kill. took shape, in places that have borne witness to demonic incur-
Like ordinary bats, vampire bats have furred bodies and thin sions or where dark magic has been recently used.
membranes that stretch from their arms to let them fly. Unlike
their smaller kin, these bats grow up to 2 feet long and have up VOID SHADOW
to 6-foot wingspans. Each has a pair of sharp fangs to puncture
SPIRIT · DIFFICULTY 4
victims, then lap up the spilling blood.
Vampire bats have strong forelimbs and can use them to speed Defense: 18, Health: 40
across the ground. Even if knocked from the sky with a torn wing, Strength: 10 (+0), Agility: 13 (+3)
they can charge and cling to their prey’s bodies. The bats glut
Intellect: 11 (+1), Will: 13 (+3)
themselves on blood, and some feed until they burst.
Most, though, become lethargic when full and Size: 1, Speed: 6 (Insubstantial, Silent)
sluggishly flap back to their lairs. Senses: True Vision
Immune: asleep, blinded, confused, deafened,
VAMPIRE BAT frightened, held, on fire, poisoned, prone, stunned;
exposure, deprivation, infection, suffocation
MONSTER · DIFFICULTY 2
Shadow Invisibility: A Void shadow is invisible while
Defense: 15, Health: 10 in space lit by faint light or no light at all.
Strength: 12 (+2), Agility: 15 (+5) ACTIONS
Intellect: 9 (–1), Will: 11 (+1) Void Touch: Target one or two creatures in reach. Make
Size: 1, Speed: 6 (Fly) an Agility (+3) roll with 1 boon against the target’s
Agility. On a success, the target loses 2d6 Health
Senses: Keen Hearing and becomes weakened (luck ends). The void
ACTIONS shadow heals damage equal to the
amount of Health the target lost.
Melee Attack—Teeth: Strength (+2) A flesh-and-blood creature whose
with 2 boons (2d6) Health is reduced to 0 by a Void
Critical Success: A flesh-and-blood shadow dies and rises 1d6 rounds later
target loses 1d6 Health. as a new Void shadow, using these rules
in place of its own.
END OF THE ROUND
Burned by Sunlight: If the Void shadow is in
a space lit by direct sunlight, it loses 4d6
Health and becomes weakened until the
end of the next round.
Bestiary

280
Warg WARG ANCESTRY
WARG
The warg tribes living in the borderlands fled persecution in the
Old Country when they were deemed a plague on humanity. The Size: 1, Speed: 5
first wargs were afflicted with a strange disease called lycanthropy Senses: Keen Scent
who spread their affliction to others through their bites. This dis- Other Traits: Wolf Form, Pack Tactics
ease, which behaved much like a curse, caused them to shed their
human forms and become wolves whenever the light of the full moon shone upon the land. Under the influence of this bewitching light,
the werewolves ran amok, killing and spreading their affliction to all they could. Generations under the curse's weight enabled wargs
time enough to find ways to control it, to bend the beast within to their will. No longer would they be thralls of their doom; they would
live as they choose.
Once human, wargs can pass as such in their humanoid form, but the disease or curse that led to their creation saddled them with fierce
features, hairy bodies, and gleaming, golden eyes. When they choose, they can transform into enormous wolves with fur matching their
hair color. Wargs are comfortable in either form and shift between them as their needs demand.

Feral Warg
Feral wargs have adopted a hostile stance toward the newcomers and make regular attacks against settlements to drive the people away.
They might take prisoners, but the fates of their captives might be torture, servitude, or worse. Feral wargs embrace their bestial natures
and forgo clothing when in human form. They paint their bodies in black and white stripes, switching between forms as they race to
engage their enemies.

FERAL WARG
WARG · DIFFICULTY 2
Defense: 11 (12 in Wolf Form), Health: 20
Strength: 13 (+3), Agility: 11 (+1)
Intellect: 10 (+0), Will: 11 (+1)
Size: 1, Speed: 5 (6, Strider, in Wolf Form)
Languages: Common
Senses: Keen Scent, plus Keen Hearing and Keen
Vision (Wolf Form)
Wolf Form: If the warg is not confused, controlled,
stunned, or unconscious and not in their wolf
form already, they, and everything they wear
and carry, transform into a wolf and remain in
that form until they end the effect.
Pack Tactics: A warg rolls against targets that
have already been attacked in the same round
with 1 boon.
ACTIONS
Melee Attack—Axe · Brutal: Strength (+3) with 1
boon (3d6)
Melee Attack—Fangs (Wolf Form only): Strength
(+3) with 1 boon (3d6)
Critical Success: A target of the warg’s Size or
smaller makes a Strength roll. On a failure, it
falls prone.
Chapter 3

END OF THE ROUND

Rampage (Wolf Form Only): The feral warg
rampages until the end of the next round. The
feral warg increases its Speed by 3, rolls to
attack with 2 boons, and its attacks deal an
extra 1d6 damage. Then, the feral warg loses
access to this talent (luck ends).

281
 Warrior ARCHER
HUMAN · DIFFICULTY 1
Whether fighting hostile armies, roving bands of brigands, or
monsters, opportunities abound for people who know how to Defense: 11 (padded), Health: 10
handle themselves in combat. Strength: 10 (+0), Agility: 10 (+0)
Intellect: 10 (+0), Will: 10 (+0)
CONSCRIPT
Size: 1, Speed: 5
From the ranks of ordinary folk come the conscripts. Community
Languages: Common
leaders press the common folk into service and give them spears to
carry into battle. They are the least members of any force. ACTIONS
Melee Attack—Short Sword · Piercing: Strength (+0) (1d6)
ARCHER
Ranged Attack—Bow · Range 20: Agility (+0) (2d6)
Most archers in a force are hunters, farmers, and the like who dis-
play some proficiency with bows.
PATROLLER
PATROLLER
HUMAN · DIFFICULTY 1
Towns and cities depend on patrollers to police their streets.
Duties include breaking up fights, chasing down thieves, and Defense: 12 (leather) Health: 10
bringing killers to justice. A community might have small teams of Strength: 11 (+1), Agility: 10 (+0)
patrollers who watch over districts. Intellect: 10 (+0), Will: 10 (+0)
Size: 1, Speed: 5
SOLDIER
Languages: Common
Professional soldiers have the training they need to survive in bat-
tle. When not fighting, they might find employment as guards. ACTIONS
Most mercenaries count as soldiers. Melee Attack—Club: Strength (+1) (2d6)

KNIGHT
A knight could be a shining beacon of chivalry and honor, captain SOLDIER
a household guard, pledge to protect a regent, undertake quests HUMAN · DIFFICULTY 2
for the crown, or wander the lands in disgrace, forced to wear the
black for violating the chivalric code. Knights can be as rich as Defense: 17 (mail, shield), Health: 15
lords or as poor as beggars, but most fall somewhere in between. Strength: 12 (+2), Agility: 10 (+0)
All knights, regardless of their circumstances, earn the right to Intellect: 10 (+0), Will: 11 (+1)
carry arms and display their family’s colors by swearing oaths to Size: 1, Speed: 5
uphold the tenets of chivalry, a code of conduct to which they
Languages: Common
must cleave.
When encountered in the wild, a knight rides a war steed. One ACTIONS
or more squires (soldier) and servants (commoner) accompany Melee Attack—Sword · Slashing: Strength (+2) with 1 boon
traveling knights, each mounted on steeds. (2d6)
Melee Attack—Hatchet · Brutal, Thrown 5: Strength (+2)
CONSCRIPT with 1 boon (1d6)

HUMAN · DIFFICULTY 1
Defense: 11 (padded), Health: 10
Strength: 10 (+0), Agility: 10 (+0)
Intellect: 10 (+0), Will: 10 (+0)
Size: 1, Speed: 5
Languages: Common
Bestiary

ACTIONS
Melee Attack—Spear · Thrown 5: Strength (+0) (2d6)
Ranged Attack—Sling · Bludgeoning, Range 15: Agility
(+0) (1d6)

282
 known as white worms. Since they look like enormous maggots,
KNIGHT
some people believe these things feed on the carcass of something
HUMAN · DIFFICULTY 4 massive in the Void. The white worms thrash about, chewing
organic matter and excreting reeking sprays that incubate dev-
Defense: 18 (plate and mail, shield), Health: 40
astating plagues. If threatened, they turn themselves inside out,
Strength: 13 (+3), Agility: 10 (+0) expelling the corrosive goo that makes up the organs and fluids of
Intellect: 10 (+0), Will: 11 (+1) their bodies in one self-destructive burst.
Size: 1, Speed: 5
Languages: Common, Kingdom WHITE WORM
Stalwart: When a knight becomes confused or frightened,
MONSTER · DIFFICULTY 1
make a luck roll. On a success, the affliction ends.
ACTIONS Defense: 8, Health: 10
Strength: 8 (–2), Agility: 8 (–2)
Melee Attack—Sword · Slashing: Strength (+3) with 2 boons
(3d6) Intellect: 3 (–7), Will: 10 (+0)
Melee Attack—Mace · Bludgeoning: Strength (+3) with Size: 1, Speed: 4 (no running)
2 boons (3d6) Senses: Awareness 5
Melee Attack—Lance · Long: Strength (+3) with 2 boons Immune: asleep, blinded, deafened, poisoned
(3d6)
ACTIONS
Two Attacks: The knight makes two Sword attacks or two
Mace attacks. Melee Attack—Teeth: Strength (–2) (1d6)
REACTIONS

W hite Worm Corrosive Outburst: When a creature within 5 yards attacks

it, the white worm can turn itself inside out. Its Health drops
to 0 and it releases a foul spray of corrosive fluids at the
When demons breach the barriers of reality and spill into the attacking creature. The creature takes 1d6 damage and
world, they bring with them a storm of erratic energy that warps makes an Agility roll. On a failure, it takes an extra 1d6
and rends the landscape all around. Emerging from the churned damage and becomes subject to infection.
earth, pushing aside the stones and dirt, are dog-sized grubs

Chapter 3

283
 Woodwose WOODWOSE ANCESTRY
WOODWOSE
In ancient times, the trolls cozened the woodwoses into believ-
ing the faeries were their enemies and, in so doing, enlisted them Health: +12
in their war for dominion over Erth. The woodwoses fought Size: 1, Speed: 5
with all their might but could not reconcile the stories about Bonus Languages: Runic
the fair folk with what they saw in battle and, after realizing they Other Traits: Great Reach, Hulking, Easy Target
had been duped, turned against their masters to help the faeries
bring them low.
After the faeries withdrew to recover, the woodwoses were left to find a place for themselves, free to decide for the first time who they
would be and what they would do in this war-torn world. A great many turned their efforts toward healing the magic-ravaged land.
From their labors, new forests grew from the ashes of the old, mountains regained their heights, and the waters flowed pure once more.
Now, millennia later, new peoples have spread across the lands and use them as they choose, plundering the world of its riches to feed
their ambitions. Woodwoses grieve for the damage done to the land but know their time approaches its end and that soon, there will
be none left to preserve the world against future harm. This knowledge has made some woodwoses bitter and violent, but most seek to
educate others, encouraging them to tread lightly and preserve what they can. Sadly, many folk attack what they fear, uncaring that the
message woodwoses bring is good and noble.
Woodwoses might live among other peoples or in small groups in the wilderness, where they use magic to shape their homeland with-
out destroying it. Their magic can bring forth what they need to eat, shape trees to shelter them from the elements, and purify water to
nourish them. As peaceful as they are, though, when roused to anger, they become terrifying brutes, able to tear enemies limb from limb
if given good enough cause.
It’s easy to understand why people fear the woodwoses, even though most are peaceful; they stand between 7 and 9 feet tall and
weighing as much as 500 pounds. Thick, coarse fur covers their bodies, being reddish brown, gray, or black. Curling horns, reminiscent
of those found on rams, grow out from the sides of their heads and end in sharp points. They have broad hands and feet, with spatulate
digits that end in darkened nails.

Hermit
Hermits use their seclusion to reflect on the nature of things, but more often to make peace with their bloody heritage. Woodwoses
who live apart might be hostile to those who trespass on their solitude, though they will warn away such people before resorting
to anything so crude as violence. If pressed, they fight only to drive off intruders and let would-be enemies retreat so long as they
never return.

WOODWOSE HERMIT
WOODWOSE · DIFFICULTY 2
Defense: 6, Health: 30
Woodwose: Strength: 14 (+4), Agility: 9 (–1)
Shepherds of the Wild Intellect: 10 (+0), Will: 11 (+1)
Size: 1, Speed: 5
Even the most peaceful woodwoses carry the weight
of their violent past. Hermits, especially, use their Languages: Common, Runic
solitude to channel their rage into a different outlet: Immune: Strength impaired
sculpting. Using their immense strength and connection Great Reach: The woodwose increases its reach by 1.
to the earth, they shape fallen trees and rocks into
silent guardians. These intricate carvings stand as both Hulking: A woodwose makes Strength rolls with 1 boon and
a testament to the woodwose's artistic ability and a imposes 1 bane on rolls made against their Strength.
warning to those who would exploit the land. Easy Target: A woodwose grants 1 boon on rolls against
their Defense.
ACTIONS
Bestiary

Melee Attack—Mace · Bludgeoning: Strength (+4) with

1 boon (2d6)
Critical Success: A target of the woodwose’s Size + 1 or
smaller makes a Strength roll. On a failure, the woodwose
either pushes the target 5 yards or knocks it prone.

284
W y v ern WYVERN
MONSTER · DIFFICULTY 16
Darkness descended over the field, sending the sheep scattering
and the shepherd casting about for the shadow’s source. Before it Defense: 15, Health: 200
could find the monster, something long and sharp punched into Strength: 16 (+6), Agility: 12 (+2)
his back and lifted him into the air. It was not the stinger that
Intellect: 8 (–2), Will: 10 (+0)
killed him though; it was the venom pumped into his body that
sent him off to the Underworld screaming. Size: 3, Speed: 6 (Fly)
Large relatives of the drakes, people sometimes mistake Senses: Keen Vision
wyverns for dragons since these beasts grow to enormous size, ACTIONS
fly, and have reptilian forms. Wyverns, though, have more in
common with drakes than they do the larger, nastier monsters. Melee Attack—Teeth: Strength (+6) with 1 boon (4d6)
Wyverns lack the dragons’ keen intellect and behave as other Melee Attack—Talons: Strength (+6) with 1 boon (3d6)
predators do. They scour the lands for prey and dive down to Melee Attack—Stinger: Strength (+6) with 1 boon (4d6)
sting their victims to death. Wyvern Venom: A flesh-and-blood target loses 1d6
A wyvern is a 30-foot-long reptile with wings instead of fore- Health and makes a Strength roll with 1 bane. On a failure,
limbs and clawed digits at the joints. A long snake tail ends in it loses an extra 2d6 Health and becomes poisoned (luck
ends). A target poisoned in this way makes rolls to end the
a scorpion stinger that drips venom from the tip. This spillage affliction with 1 bane.
burns the ground where it falls, and trackers can follow the burns Three Attacks: The wyvern makes a Teeth attack, a Talons
Chapter 3

to a wyvern’s roost to destroy the beast and all its eggs. attack, and a Stinger attack.
Size and appetite disrupt ecosystems unlucky enough to
REACTIONS
attract a wyvern. The beast establishes itself as the top predator,
focusing on larger prey such as livestock, bears, wolves, and the Swift Sting: When an enemy moves to within 5 yards or
like. Wyverns attack people too, though they can be driven off if moves within this distance, the wyvern can make a Stinger
attack against that enemy.
injured in the attack.

285
 Zombie
The unmistakable odor of rotting meat alerts the living to the presence of zombies. The shuffling, nearly mindless creatures are the most
wretched of all the living dead. Theirs is a tortured existence, where the light of reason casts but a feeble, flickering glow and in whose
minds can be found only the desire to consume raw flesh, torn straight from the bone. They want nothing of dead meat and so gather
into mobs that shuffle and stumble toward the nearest concentrations of people and animals they can find.
With no safeguards against decay, zombies collapse into twitching piles after a few days or a week or two at most. Their stink attracts
scavengers and so it’s nothing to see a zombie picked over by crows or savaged by jackals. Zombies can do little to arrest their decline and
use the time afforded in undeath to feed their appalling appetites and make more of their kind.

ZOMBIE PLAGUE
Exotic magic of terrible darkness brings zombies into the world, but zombies can and do perpetuate their own kind. For more informa-
tion, see Chapter 1.

INFESTED ZOMBIE
Their vulnerability to scavengers causes some zombies to become infested with vermin. Wriggling worms, roaches, maggots and flies, and
even rats might hide in their bodies. About one in ten zombies have the following trait.
INFESTED: The first time the zombie takes damage and does not become incapacitated, a swarm of vermin bursts from its body, which
causes the zombie to become stunned until the end of its next turn. Each creature in the zombie’s reach makes an Agility roll. On a
failure, the creature takes 1d6 damage and becomes frightened of the zombie.

BLOATED ZOMBIE
Gasses trapped inside zombie bodies can cause them to bulge and issue flatulent sounds when they move. About one in ten zombies have
the following trait.
EXPLOSIVE END: When injured, the zombie’s Health drops to 0 and it explodes. Each creature within 5 yards makes an Agility roll. On
a failure, the creature takes 1d6 damage from the flying debris.

HULKING ZOMBIE
A zombie’s overall durability depends on the source cadaver. Bigger, tougher, and stronger people make more dangerous zombies, as they
can take more punishment before they fall. Typically, one in ten zombies count as hulking zombies and have this trait.
HULKING: The hulking zombie makes Strength rolls with 1 boon and imposes 1 bane on rolls made against its Strength. It makes
Agility rolls with 1 bane and grants 1 boon on rolls made against its Agility.

ZOMBIE
UNDEAD · DIFFICULTY 2
Defense: 8, Health: 20
Strength: 12 (+2), Agility: 8 (–2)
Intellect: 3 (–7), Will: 15 (+5)
Size: 1, Speed: 4 (no running)
Senses: Awareness 10
Immune: asleep, blinded, deafened, frightened, impaired, poisoned; exposure, deprivation, infection, suffocation
Divine Doom: The zombie makes luck rolls with 1 bane.
ACTIONS
Melee Attack—Hands: Strength (+2) (2d6)
Critical Success: The target becomes slowed (luck ends).
Bestiary

Bite: Target one incapacitated, confused, controlled, grabbed, held, frightened, slowed, or stunned flesh-and-blood creature in
reach. Make a Strength (+2) roll with 1 boon against the target’s Agility. On a success, the target takes 3d6 damage.

286
Enemy difficulty appendix
DIFFICULTY 1 Unseen Giant Bug, Giant Dragonfly
Warrior, Archer Giant Bug, Giant Spider
Animated Skeleton, Small
Warrior, Conscript Giant Bug, Giant Wasp
Awakened Object, Small
Warrior, Patroller Goblin Beast Rider
Bandit Wretch
White Worm Goblin Boomer
Beast, Curlbeak
Goblin Odd Fellow
Beast, Gigantic Frog DIFFICULTY 2
Goblin Skulk
Beast, Gigantic Rat Adventuring Archer Gremlin
Beast, Raptor Adventuring Criminal Halfling Outrider
Beast, Wolf Adventuring Priest Haren Patroller
Boneguard, Broken Adventuring Fire Mage Harpy Skyhunter
Cliff Haint Adventuring Soldier Hobgoblin Sneak
Commoner, Peasant Animated Skeleton, Medium Imp
Commoner, Militia Member Awakened Object, Medium Jann Querant
Criminal, Burglar Bandit Soldier Kobold
Criminal, Pickpocket Beast, Boar Ktulian Deep Chanter
Cultist Beast, Crocodile Ktulian Skin-Stealer
Demon, Minor Beast, Python Ktulian Thrall Harvester
Fomorian, Goat Beast, Shark Lizardman
Fomorian, Mongrel Beast, Viper Magic-User, Novice
Fungal Bud Boneguard Archer Merrow Hunter
Fungen, Button Fellow Boneguard Chopper Mutant Marauder
Giant Bug, Giant Ant Worker Boneguard Defender Naga Shapeshifter
Giant Bug, Giant Centipede Boneguard Shield-Bearer Naga Thonian
Giant Bug, Giant Mosquito Cambion Hellbringer Nehe Believer
Giant Bug, Giant Tick Centaur Hunter OM Spectator
Goblin Grunt Changeling Imposter OM Unseeing
Haunt Clockwork Forbidden Guard Orc Firebreather
Horrid Mother, Unspeakable Young Cockatrice Orc Skirmisher
Kilmoulis Criminal, Cozener Orc Trooper
Korrigan Criminal, Enforcer Pixie
Ktulian Thrall Crustacor Pollywog, God-Croaker
Mutant Wretch Cultist, Deacon Pooka
Mutant Slug Steed Cultist, Cult Leader Priest, Crusader
Mutant Sniffer Hound Demon, Type I Priest, Ordained
Naga Degenerate Demonic Ichor Priest, Flagellant
Observer Dhampir, Nosferatu Rager
OM Servitor Dragonet Trickster Raider, Berserker
Orc Drudge Draugr Archer Raider, War Priest
Plague Mother Draugr Guard Shade, Lares
Podling Elf Wild Hunter Shade, Lemure
Chapter 3

Pollywog Warrior Faun Woods Watcher Slime, Sinister Jelly

Priest, Acolyte Fomorian, Wolf Sprite Scamp
Priest, Penitent Fungen Bluecap Triton Sea Devil
Raider, Scout Ghast Troglodyte Wretch
Raider, Wildling Ghoul Undine
Reen Thrall Giant Bug, Giant Ant Soldier Vampire Bat
Shade, Manes Giant Bug, Giant Crab Warg, Feral

287
 Enemy difficulty appendix
Warrior, Soldier Beast, Bear Criminal, Murderer
Woodwose Hermit Beast, Bull Crocotta
Zombie Beast, Gigantic Lizard Cultist, Cult Priest
Beast, Great Cat Demon, Formless
DIFFICULTY 4
Beast, Mastodon Demon, Type II
Animated Skeleton, Large Boneguard Death Priest Demon Spawn
Atomies, Swarm of Boneguard Captain Dire Wolf
Awakened Object, Large Brownies, Band of Drake
Bandit Leader Bugbear Draugr Champion
Barghest Carnivorous Tree Draugr Dark Mage
Bauchan Catoblepas Draugr Heavy
Beast, Ape Criminal, Hired Killer Dryad
Duergar
Fomorian, Boar
Fomorian, Spirit Caller
Fomorian, Wolf Pack Leader
Fungal Hulk
Fungen Puffball Fellow
Fungen Jellied Lad
Fungen, Mold Thrall Bear
Gargoyle
Ghost
Giant Bug, Giant Beetle
Gloaming
Gnome
Goblin Boss
Goblin Hexcaster
Goblin Mite Horde
Goblin Mog
Green Gorger
Headless
Hollow Knight
Horror
Husk Warrior
Hybrid
Illustrated Guardian
Kelpie
Ktulian Abomination
Ktulian Nacreous Guard
Life Eater
Luminous Symbiote
Bestiary

Merrow Siren
Mutant Creeper
Mutant Warp Caster
Naga Elucidator
Nehe Demagogue
Nehe Oathsworn
Orc Heavy

288
Enemy difficulty appendix
Orc Manslayer Ktulian, Exalted Leviathan
Orc Overseer Living Statue Magic-User, Master
Phantom Lycanthrope Muttering Maw
Pollywog, Great Magic-User, Expert Nisse
Powrie Man-Bear-Pig Nymph
Priest, Proselytizer Manticore Otso
Pumpkin Head Mutant Terror Hulk Reaper
Raider, Named Mutant Warp Knight Seraph
Rawhead and Bloody Bones Mutant Warp Master Troll, Two-headed
Revenant Vigilante Nehe Visionary Wyvern
Salamander Nether Wraith DIFFICULTY 32
Slime, Malevolent Goo Ogre
Chimera
Slime, Sentient Flesh-Eating OM Gigant
Cyclops
Sphinx Exile Orc, Death
Deep Worm
Spriggan Xenophobe Orc Doombringer
Demon, Type V
Swarm Orc Warlord Dragon
Sylph Pollywog Monarch Gruad
Troglodyte Witch Poltergeist Horrid Mother
Void Shadow Raider, Hero Hydra
Warrior, Knight Reen Drone Iron Giant
Slime, Malicious Ooze Jabberwock
DIFFICULTY 8
Slime, Nefarious Pudding Kraken
Amphisbaena Specter Liche
Archon Antihero Tomb Guardian Mechanical
Attercop Troglodyte Monstrosity OM Overmind
Bog Beast Troll, Cave
Boggart DIFFICULTY 64
Troll, Marsh
Boneguard, Giant Unicorn Demon, Type VI
Boneguard Champion Vampire Incarnation, Avalanche
Cinderkin Incarnation, Conflagration
Cultist, Cult High Priest DIFFICULTY 16 Incarnation, Cyclone
Daeva Godslayer Banshee Incarnation, Tsunami
Demon, Type III Basilisk
Demonist Blob
Draugr Death Master Bone Machine
Dwarf Deep Warden Collector
Elf Fey Knight Colossus
Fomorian, Bear Dead Dreamer
Fuath Demon Type IV
Fungen Mother Devil
Giant Bug, Giant Lobster Elf Highborn
Chapter 3

Giant Bug, Giant Scorpion Erinyes

Great Serpent Fomorian, Bull
Guardian Statue Giant
Horror, Large Gorgon
Husk Magus Hag
Jack-o’-Lantern Lamia
Korrigan, Fell Beast Leshy

289
 index
A B
Acolyte.................................................................................. 252 Bandits.................................................................................. 106
Adventurers...................................................................10, 100 Banshee................................................................................. 107
Aerial Combat.......................................................................49 Bards.........................................................................................61
Agents......................................................................................11 Barghest................................................................................ 108
Agility Rolls.............................................................................. 8 Bartleby, Kris, and Company.............................................61
Amphisbaena...................................................................... 101 Basilisk.................................................................................. 109
Ancestries Bauchan................................................................................ 110
Archon......................................................................102 Bear........................................................................................ 111
Cambion...................................................................122 Beasts..................................................................................... 111
Centaur.....................................................................124 Bestiary Rules.........................................................................96
Beyond Level 10....................................................................22
Changeling...............................................................125
Beyond the Mortal World..................................................94
Clockwork................................................................128
Black Hearts...........................................................................61
Daeva.........................................................................140 Blob....................................................................................... 114
Dhampir...................................................................153 Bloody Bones...................................................................... 258
Dragonet...................................................................156 Boar....................................................................................... 111
Dwarf.........................................................................161 Bog Beast.............................................................................. 115
Elves...........................................................................162 Boggart................................................................................. 116
Goblins......................................................................184 Bone Guard......................................................................... 117
Halfling.....................................................................192 Bone Machine..................................................................... 116
Haren.........................................................................193 Briny Flats...............................................................................76
Harpy.........................................................................194 Broken Hills...........................................................................77
Hobgoblin................................................................196 Brownie................................................................................ 120
Jann............................................................................208 Bugbear................................................................................. 121
Nagas.........................................................................232 Bull......................................................................................... 111
Pollywogs..................................................................249 Burglar.................................................................................. 132
Revenant...................................................................261 Buying......................................................................................19
Sphinx........................................................................269 C
Spriggan....................................................................270
Sprite..........................................................................271 Calamity (Deity)...................................................................66
Triton.........................................................................274 Cambion.............................................................................. 122
Woodwose................................................................284 Campaigns..............................................................................17
Carnivorous Tree................................................................ 123
Ancestries, Other..................................................................11
Catoblepas........................................................................... 123
Animated Skeletons........................................................... 101
Centaur................................................................................. 124
Antihero............................................................................... 102 Changeling........................................................................... 125
Ape......................................................................................... 111 Character Exits......................................................................11
Aquatic Combat....................................................................49 Characters................................................................................. 9
Archer................................................................................... 282 Chimera................................................................................ 126
Archon.................................................................................. 102
Bestiary

Cinder Peak Isles...................................................................78

Asylum, City..........................................................................75 Cinderkin............................................................................. 126
Atomy................................................................................... 103 Cliff Haint........................................................................... 127
Attercop Forest......................................................................76 Climate.............................................................................23, 74
Attercop................................................................................ 104 Climb, The..............................................................................87
Attributes................................................................................97 Clockwork........................................................................... 128
Awakened Objects............................................................. 105 Cloud Market.........................................................................79
290
 index
Cockatrice............................................................................ 129 Difficulty.............................................................................9, 96
Collector.............................................................................. 130 Digging / Excavation............................................................29
Colossus................................................................................ 131 Diminished Magic................................................................41
Combat Difficulty................................................................98 Dire Wolf............................................................................. 154
Combat in Motion...............................................................29 Diseases....................................................................................39
Combat....................................................................................47 Doors and Gates....................................................................29
Aerial Combat........................................................... 49 Draconus.................................................................................68
Aquatic Combat....................................................... 49 Dragon Hoard.................................................................... 155
Combat in Motion................................................... 29 Dragon.................................................................................. 155
Commoners......................................................................... 131 Dragon’s Lair....................................................................... 155
Connections...........................................................................19 Dragon’s Teeth Mountains.................................................78
Connections...........................................................................50 Dragonet.............................................................................. 156
Conscript............................................................................. 282 Drake..................................................................................... 157
Cozener................................................................................ 132 Draugr................................................................................... 157
Crafting....................................................................................19 Druids......................................................................................61
Criminals.............................................................................. 132 Dryad.................................................................................... 160
Crocodile............................................................................. 111 Duergar................................................................................. 160
Crocotta............................................................................... 134 Dwarf.................................................................................... 161
Crusader............................................................................... 252
Crustacor.............................................................................. 134 E
Cu Sith.................................................................................. 154 Eastport...................................................................................79
Cultists.................................................................................. 135
Elementals............................................................................ 183
Curlbeak............................................................................... 112
Elves....................................................................................... 162
Cyclops................................................................................. 139
Enforcer................................................................................ 132
D Enhanced Magic....................................................................41
Daeva..................................................................................... 140 Erinyes................................................................................... 165
Dark Wood.............................................................................78 Erratic Magic..........................................................................41
Dead Dreamer.................................................................... 141 Exile....................................................................................... 269
Dead Magic............................................................................41 Exorcism............................................................................... 144
Deep Worm......................................................................... 142 Explorers.................................................................................... 9
Defense / Health...................................................................97
Demon Princes................................................................... 148
F
Demon Spawn.................................................................... 150 Faun....................................................................................... 166
Demonic Ichor................................................................... 149 Flagellant.............................................................................. 253
Demonist............................................................................. 150 Fleeing......................................................................................47
Demons................................................................................ 143 Followers of the True Faith.............................................. 137
Devastation.............................................................................93 Fomorians............................................................................ 167
Devil...................................................................................... 151 Forbidden Guard................................................................ 128
Chapter 3

Dhampir............................................................................... 153 Force.........................................................................................40

Dice Rolling............................................................................. 8 Fortune....................................................................................50
Strength Rolls...............................................................8 Four Towers............................................................................80
Agility Rolls..................................................................8 Free Companies.....................................................................62
Intellect Rolls................................................................8 Fuath...................................................................................... 170
Will Rolls.......................................................................8 Fungal Hulks....................................................................... 171
Luck Rolls......................................................................8 Fungen.................................................................................. 172
291
 index
G Harpy.................................................................................... 194
Harvesting Souls................................................................ 152
Gargoyle............................................................................... 175
Hate (Deity)...........................................................................66
Ghast..................................................................................... 175
Haunt.................................................................................... 194
Ghost..................................................................................... 176
Haunted Grasslands.............................................................81
Ghoul.................................................................................... 177
Headless................................................................................ 195
Giant Bugs........................................................................... 179
Heirs of Queron................................................................. 136
Giant..................................................................................... 178
Hellbringer.......................................................................... 122
Gigantic Frog....................................................................... 112 Hermit.................................................................................. 284
Gigantic Lizard................................................................... 112 Hired Killer......................................................................... 133
Gigantic Rat........................................................................ 112 Hobgoblin........................................................................... 196
Gloaming............................................................................. 182 Hollow Knight................................................................... 197
Gnome.................................................................................. 183 Homesteaders.........................................................................59
Goblin Wolves.................................................................... 114 Horned Lord..........................................................................69
Goblins................................................................................. 184 Horrid Mother.................................................................... 198
Gods and Religion................................................................65 Horrors................................................................................. 199
Calamity..................................................................... 66 Howling Dunes.....................................................................82
Draconus..................................................................... 68 Hunter.................................................................................. 124
Grandfather Tree...................................................... 68 Husks..................................................................................... 200
Grandmother Spore................................................. 69 Hybrid................................................................................... 201
Hate.............................................................................. 66 Hydra.................................................................................... 202
Horned Lord............................................................. 69
Lord Death................................................................. 65 I
Mother Sun................................................................ 67 Illusions....................................................................................40
Oceanus...................................................................... 68 Illustrated Guardian.......................................................... 202
Old Gods.................................................................... 65 Imp......................................................................................... 203
Pale Lady..................................................................... 66 Imposter............................................................................... 125
Sister Moon................................................................ 67 Improvisation.........................................................................13
Sky Father................................................................... 67 Incapacitated Characters.....................................................47
Want............................................................................. 66 Incarnations......................................................................... 203
Wild Woman............................................................. 69 Infected Beasts.................................................................... 112
Godslayer............................................................................. 140 Intellect Rolls........................................................................... 8
Golden Panoply.....................................................................56 Interactive Features...............................................................28
Gorgon................................................................................. 188 Iron Giant............................................................................ 206
Grandfather Tree...................................................................68 Items of Power........................................................................55
Grandmother Spore.............................................................69 Golden Panoply.....................................................................56
Great Cat.............................................................................. 112 Hand of Borboran................................................................56
Great Serpent...................................................................... 188 Ring of Arnox.........................................................................56
Green Gorger...................................................................... 189
Gremlin................................................................................ 190 J
Gruad.................................................................................... 190 Jabberwock.......................................................................... 207
Bestiary

Guardian Statue.................................................................. 191 Jack-O’-Lantern.................................................................. 208

Jann........................................................................................ 208
H Jungle of Za.............................................................................88
Hag........................................................................................ 191
Halfling................................................................................. 192 K
Hand of Borboran................................................................56 Kelpie.................................................................................... 209
Haren.................................................................................... 193 Khazud Lands........................................................................83
292
 index
Kilmoulis.............................................................................. 210 Maze, The................................................................................83
Knight................................................................................... 283 Mechanical........................................................................... 226
Kobold.................................................................................. 210 Merchants...............................................................................10
Korrigan............................................................................... 211 Merrows................................................................................ 227
Kraken................................................................................... 212 Midlands.................................................................................83
Ktulians................................................................................ 213 Militia Member.................................................................. 131
Missionaries and Pilgrims...................................................10
L Mold Thralls........................................................................ 174
Lamia..................................................................................... 216 Mother Sun.............................................................................67
Lands of Legend....................................................................94 Murderer.............................................................................. 133
Lares...................................................................................... 264 Mutant Beasts..................................................................... 230
Lemure.................................................................................. 265 Mutants................................................................................. 228
Leshy..................................................................................... 217 Muttering Maw................................................................... 231
Level Increase.........................................................................50
Leviathan.............................................................................. 218 N
Liche...................................................................................... 219 Nagas..................................................................................... 232
Life Eater.............................................................................. 220 Nefarious Pudding............................................................. 267
Life Events...............................................................................19 Nehes..................................................................................... 234
Lightfoot Caravan................................................................62 Nether Wraith..................................................................... 235
Living Statue........................................................................ 221 New Lands..............................................................................92
Lizardman............................................................................ 222 Nightspire...............................................................................93
Local Heroes..........................................................................11 Nisse...................................................................................... 236
Locations.................................................................................27 Nosferatu.............................................................................. 153
Locks........................................................................................29 Nymph.................................................................................. 237
Loners......................................................................................61
Lord Death.............................................................................65 O
Luck Rolls................................................................................. 8 Objects.....................................................................................28
Luminous Symbiote.......................................................... 140 Observer............................................................................... 237
Lycanthrope......................................................................... 223 Obstacles.................................................................................40
Oceanus...................................................................................68
M Oddities...................................................................................50
Magic........................................................................................40 Ogre....................................................................................... 238
Dead Magic................................................................ 41 Old Country..........................................................................92
Diminished Magic................................................... 41 Old Gods.................................................................................65
Enhanced Magic....................................................... 41 Om......................................................................................... 239
Erratic Magic............................................................. 41 Orcs....................................................................................... 241
Force............................................................................ 40 Ordained Priest.................................................................. 253
Illusions....................................................................... 40 Order of the All-Seeing Eye............................................. 137
Portals.......................................................................... 41 Order of the Thorn...............................................................64
Magic-User........................................................................... 224 Other Ancestries...................................................................11
Magic-Users............................................................................63 Otso....................................................................................... 245
Chapter 3

Malevolent Goo.................................................................. 266 Outcomes.................................................................................. 9

Malicious Ooze................................................................... 267 Outlaws....................................................................................10
Man-Bear-Pig...................................................................... 225 Outrider................................................................................ 192
Manes.................................................................................... 265
Manticore............................................................................. 226 P
Maps.........................................................................................47 Pace and Progress..................................................................25
Mastodon............................................................................. 112 Pale Lady.................................................................................66
293
 index
Patroller................................................................................ 282 Raptor................................................................................... 112
Peasant.................................................................................. 131 Rawhead............................................................................... 258
Penitent................................................................................ 252 Reaper................................................................................... 259
Peoples of the Borderlands.................................................59 Red Banners...........................................................................64
Tribes........................................................................... 59 Redeemers...............................................................................64
Refugees...................................................................... 59 Reen....................................................................................... 260
Homesteaders............................................................ 59 Refugees............................................................................11, 59
Villagers...................................................................... 60 Renegades................................................................................63
Urbanites.................................................................... 60 Reputation..............................................................................50
Loners.......................................................................... 61 Revenant............................................................................... 261
Phantom............................................................................... 245 Rewards...................................................................................49
Pickpocket........................................................................... 133 Ring of Arnox.........................................................................56
Pixie....................................................................................... 246 Roleplaying.............................................................................42
Plague Mother.................................................................... 247 Rounds....................................................................................... 9
Plains of Pendarm.................................................................84
Podling.................................................................................. 248 S
Pollywogs............................................................................. 249 Sage basics................................................................................. 5
Poltergeist............................................................................. 250 Salamander.......................................................................... 262
Pooka..................................................................................... 251 Salt Barrens.............................................................................85
Portals......................................................................................41 Scamp.................................................................................... 271
Powrie................................................................................... 251 Scenes, Trivial / Lethal.........................................................99
Priests.................................................................................... 252 Scions of the Scaled Ones................................................ 138
Proselytizer........................................................................... 253 Sea Devil............................................................................... 274
Pumpkin Head................................................................... 254 Sea Hold..................................................................................86
Python.................................................................................. 112 Sea of Fear...............................................................................86
Selling.......................................................................................19
Q Sentient Flesh-Eating Slime............................................. 267
Querant................................................................................ 209 Sentinel Wood.......................................................................87
Quests......................................................................................12 Seraph................................................................................... 263
Acts.............................................................................. 15 Setbacks...................................................................................26
Assembling Scenes.................................................... 16 Shade..................................................................................... 264
Between....................................................................... 18 Shark...................................................................................... 112
Conclusions............................................................... 17 Side Quests.............................................................................26
Creating...................................................................... 14 Sinister Jelly......................................................................... 266
Levels Sister Moon............................................................................67
Novice................................................................. 14 Size............................................................................................97
Expert................................................................. 15 Sky Father................................................................................67
Master................................................................ 15 Slime...................................................................................... 266
Objectives................................................................... 14 Societies / Institutions.........................................................61
Preparation................................................................. 12 Bards............................................................................ 61
Running...................................................................... 13 Bartleby, Kris, and Company................................. 61
Bestiary

Scenes.......................................................................... 16 Black Hearts............................................................... 61

Transitions.................................................................. 16 Druids.......................................................................... 61
Free Companies........................................................ 62
R Lightfoot Caravan.................................................... 62
Rager..................................................................................... 255 Magic-Users............................................................... 63
Raider.................................................................................... 256 Order of the Thorn.................................................. 64
Rangers....................................................................................64 Rangers........................................................................ 64
294
 index
Societies / Institutions (continued) Unspoken Society.............................................................. 136
Red Banners............................................................... 64 Urbanites.................................................................................60
Redeemers.................................................................. 64 Using Enemies.......................................................................98
Renegades................................................................... 63
Witches....................................................................... 63 V
Wizards....................................................................... 63 Vale of Sorrows......................................................................89
Soldier................................................................................... 282 Vampire Bat......................................................................... 280
Southlands..............................................................................94 Vampire................................................................................. 279
Specter................................................................................... 268 Vigilante............................................................................... 261
Speed........................................................................................97 Villagers...................................................................................60
Sphinx................................................................................... 269 Violence...................................................................................26
Spriggan................................................................................ 270 Viper...................................................................................... 114
Sprite..................................................................................... 271 Void Shadow....................................................................... 280
Strength Rolls.......................................................................... 8
Summoning Devils............................................................ 152
W
Sunrise Ocean........................................................................87 Walls / Structures..................................................................29
Surrendering...........................................................................47 Want (Deity)..........................................................................66
Swarm.................................................................................... 272 Warg...................................................................................... 281
Swordspoint............................................................................87 Warrior.................................................................................. 282
Sylph...................................................................................... 272 Waste, The...............................................................................89
Weather............................................................................23, 74
T Westport..................................................................................89
Talents......................................................................................97 White Worm....................................................................... 283
Talents, Legendary................................................................22 Wild Woman.........................................................................69
Terrain......................................................................................24 Wilderlands, The...................................................................89
Terrain, Interesting................................................................48 Will Rolls.................................................................................. 8
Thonian................................................................................ 233 Windfalls.................................................................................26
Tomb Guardian.................................................................. 273 Witches....................................................................................63
Traits.........................................................................................97 Wizards....................................................................................63
Traps.........................................................................................30 Wolf....................................................................................... 114
Travel........................................................................................25 Woods Watcher.................................................................. 166
Traveling Entertainers..........................................................11 Woodwose........................................................................... 284
Treasure....................................................................................50 Work.........................................................................................19
Tribes........................................................................................59 Wyvern Wood........................................................................90
Trickster................................................................................ 156 Wyvern.................................................................................. 285
Triton.................................................................................... 274
Troglodyte............................................................................ 275
X
Troll Haunts...........................................................................89 Xenophobe.......................................................................... 270
Troll....................................................................................... 276 Z
True Faith, Followers......................................................... 137
Zombie................................................................................. 286
U
Chapter 3

Zones........................................................................................48
Underside................................................................................89
Undertongue....................................................................... 177
Undine.................................................................................. 278
Unicorn................................................................................ 278
Unseen.................................................................................. 279
Unspeakable Young........................................................... 198
295
296
The companion volume to Shadow of the Weird Wizard, this supplement includes Schwalb Entertainment
everything you need to create and play through quests in the shadow of this strange
and otherworldly wizard. To help you carry out this vital role, this book contains
a staggering amount of information, covering rules and guidance for running the
game, a dynamic setting ripe for exploration, and an in-depth bestiary that includes
many old fantasy favorites and plenty of new and reimagined terrors. Some of the
cool things you’ll find include:
PO BOX 12548
• Origin stories for characters along with rules for playing starting characters and
going beyond level 10. Murfreesboro, TN 37129
• Advice and guidelines for running quests and creating ones from your own [email protected]
imagination. www.schwalbentertainment.com
• Downtime rules to cover the stuff that happens between quests.
• Dozens of tricks and traps
• Guidelines for creating supporting characters
• Oddities, magical items you can create using fun tables.
• Details on the gods, factions, societies, and more found in the borderlands, a
place between the old country that burns, and the weirdness of the new lands
abandoned by the Weird Wizard.
• Basic rules for playing ancestries other than human.
• A comprehensive bestiary that presents everything from enemy adventures to
zombies. Need a dragon, a powerful demon, maybe a leshy, or a selection of
faeries, undead, monsters? This book has it all.
Secrets of the Weird Wizard completes the game that began in Shadow of the Weird
Wizard. Armed with both supplements, you stand ready to make the world your
own and tell countless stories with your friends. The secrets are here for the taking.
Are you ready?

Secrets of the Weird Wizard is © 2024 Schwalb Entertainment, LLC. All rights reserved.