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Chasing Adventure v0.8.1 FREE
Chasing Adventure v0.8.1 FREE
Adventure v0.8
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Table of Contents In the Full Version
Introduction 27 Paladin Tables and Generators
1 About 29 Ranger 49 Adventures
2 Getting Started 31 Thief 49 Outlines
33 Wizard 49 Friends
Playing the Game
Game Master 50 Locations
5 How to Play
37 Principles and Moves 51 Enemies
6 Adventure Moves
38 Play Order 52 Magic Items
6 Chase Moves
39 The First Session 53 Magic Item Generator
7 Peripheral Moves
8 Favor Moves 40 Ominous Forces Advanced Play
9 Tags 41 Example Ominous Forces 56 The Genre
9 Followers 42 Additional Insight and 56 Optional Rules
Advice
10 Items 57 Handling PvP
44 NPCs
11 Treasures 58 Example PvP
44 NPC Creation
11 Magic Items 60 Examining the Adventure
45 Example NPCs Moves
12 Assets
46 GM Reference 62 Writing New Moves
Playbooks 46 Play Order 63 Artifacts
14 Barbarian
48 Change Log 64 Making a Playbook
16 Bard
66 Unfinished Monk
18 Cleric 48 Credits Playbook
21 Druid 67 Traps
48 Influences
23 Fighter 67 Puzzles
25 Immolator 68 Blank Playbook
Introduction
3
About
Chasing Adventure is a fast-paced action- If you’re used to games like Dungeons and If you’ve played Dungeon World before, here
focused tabletop roleplaying game about Dragons or Pathfinder, here is what’s different are the main differences between the two.
daring adventurers in a fantasy setting. about this kind of system: • Advantage and Disadvantage have
This game started as a refinement of Dungeon This game starts and ends with the fiction. replaced most instances of +1/-1 modifiers
World but has since evolved into its own When acting as either a PC or the GM, • No Load, Rations, or (mostly) Ammo
game, inspired by Apocalypse World, Worlds of focus on the narrative, describe what your • CON has been removed as a stat
Adventure, One Shot World, Blades in the Dark, character does cinematically as if they were
and many more. in an adventure movie. Don’t just look at • Background replaces Race and Alignment
your playbook and pick something, instead • Moves and Playbooks have been remade
Action and drama, tension and payoff, victory and improved
describe in detail what your character tries to
and tragedy are what this game is about. It is
do and how they pursue it. • HP and Damage have been replaced with
designed to hit the ground running and only
Conditions
stop when you need to catch your breath. This Sometimes it will be very clear as to ‘what
game is not about resource management, happens next’ without needing to roll dice or • Wealth is an abstract replacement for coins
survivalism, or mundane tasks. do anything else. That’s great! Keep describing • You can gain or lose Favor with each other
things back and forth and pushing the fiction and NPCs.
If this is your first time playing a tabletop forward. Rolls aren’t always needed.
roleplaying game, here is how this one works:
Sometimes, it won’t be clear, or maybe you’ll
One person plays as the Game Master (GM). have a gut feeling to roll. That probably means
Their role is to describe and portray the world there is a Move being triggered. Follow the
and characters (NPCs) in it, how they act and procedure of the move, rolling if necessary,
react to the other players. They have access to and let that move inform the narrative going
the Game Master chapter to help them. forward. Whenever a roll is made, it will always
The others take the role as a Player, each have an effect on the fiction.
playing a single adventurer, or Player Character Either way, (usually) the GM describes what
(PC). Their role is to face down dangers and happens as a result of the PC’s pursuit and
drive the story forward with their pursuits. how things have changed because of it. Often,
They have access to the Adventure, Chase they should finish the description with a new
and Peripheral moves, and they each choose question, such as ‘what do you do?’
a Playbook for their character (such as the
Barbarian) that gives them access to new The GM doesn’t roll dice, they simply describe
moves. what happens in the world, what the NPCs
do, what changes in the environment, and so
The GM and Players work together to tell an on. NPCs don’t roll to do things like players
exciting story. Like a conversation the GM do, instead the PCs rolls and moves affect
and Players go back and forth, with the GM both their own success and the successes of
describing a situation and asking what one affected NPCs.
or more PCs do. The Player then describes
their PCs action. Sometimes a PC might do There is no specified turn order, and distance
something that triggers a Move. Do what the isn’t measured or numbered. Abstract
move says, rolling if called for, and continue the maps and pictures are perfectly fine to use
conversation based on what that move directs. supplementally, but the game is primarily
meant to be played through shared
imagination, even during a fight.
1
Getting Started
You Need: Then look at who you initially Favor, and • A description of the background
choose which PC that is based on what’s been
• Two or more people, one GM and one PC. • A special ability, often a new move or an
established.
Three to five people are recommended. upgrade to an existing move, that is unique
GM, while this is happening pay close to it
• Copies of the Playbooks and GM Sheet
attention, ask questions, add ideas, and use
• An item or piece of equipment that, while
• Two or more Six-Sided Dice (called ‘d6’) what happens as a foundation for the coming
not unique in general, you can’t otherwise
adventure. Take as many notes as you want.
• Writing Utensils (Pencils Recommended) start with
Everyone is encouraged to ask any followup
• Some Paper (Optional) • A drive, which acts as a small flexible goal
questions that might occur to them, to better
or quirk that you are encouraged to portray
Talk About The Game flesh out the idea and add more interesting
and pursue. See the End of Session and
What ideas do you have for the game? What details.
Epiphany moves under Peripheral Moves in
do you want to see in it, and what don’t you the Playing the Game chapter
Create the Adventure
want to see? What Safety Tools do you want to
The GM can spend a few minutes writing up an
use? Talk honestly and kindly with each other,
adventure starter and creating NPCs as needed
listen respectfully, and make sure everyone has Choose Stats. Two stats are specified
using the procedure in the Game Master
a voice. This discussion is not restricted to the according to your background.
chapter.
start of the game, feel free to revisit it in the
future. Stats are most commonly used in your
The Opening Scene playbook’s Starting Moves and the Adventure
The GM will open the first scene in the middle Moves in the Playing the Game chapter.
Make Characters Together
of the action. Describe something exciting
Each player chooses a playbook and starts When you roll dice, you will be rolling both d6s
and/or dangerous happening, focus part of
filling it in (see Create a Character to the right). and adding them together along with a stat.
that danger on one of the PCs specifically, ask
Meanwhile, the GM reviews and familiarizes Sometimes you’ll roll more than two dice and
them what they do, and build from there!
themselves with the GM Playbook and GM take the highest or lowest two as the result.
Section, and comes up with any ideas they’d
like to include. Creating Characters
Choose Equipment. Items are fairly simple
Ask and Answer Choose Your Playbook. It’s recommended, but in this game, and often can do what you’d
While playbooks are being filled in, talk about not necessary, that each PC choose a different expect. See the Tags and Items sections of the
the characters and the world, using the Ask, playbook. Playing the Game chapter.
Answer and Favor sections as prompts for
interconnected ideas. The paragraph below each playbook’s title
describes what the playbook is about. The
Players, ask the group questions from your Starting Moves on the second page are core Check Starting Moves. Some playbooks have
playbook’s Ask section, usually one question to how it plays, and the Background section choices within their starting moves, such as the
at a time going around the group, and answer shows three ‘flavors’ of the playbook. Barbarian’s Herculean Appetites or the Druid’s
them together. These questions should give Shapeshift. Make those choices now.
depth to the relationships between the PCs.
Then look at the Answer section and answer Choose Your Background. Each background
aloud the questions that interest you. consists of the following:
These questions should give depth to your • Two specified starting stats, written in
relationship with the world and NPCs. brackets next to the background title
2
Responsibility and Safety
X, N, and O Cards are check-in tools. They can
Safety Means Fun Lines and Veils are used to set boundaries be used by tapping physical cards, typing the
Chasing Adventure can be a very fast-paced on content in a game. Lines are hard limits letter into chat, or using hand signals. Before
game, and it can be difficult or awkward to on content, things that the GM or the players the game beings, remind everyone that they
stop in the middle of an action scene. That’s don’t want to engage in. Setting up a line are available and how to use them.
why it’s very important to talk abut what means that content won’t show up in the
The X Card can be used at any point if a
content is and isn’t fun beforehand, and to game at all. Veils are soft limits, things that are
participant is uncomfortable with the content
use tools that make it easier to deal with okay ‘behind a curtain’ or when they ‘cut to
happening in-game. When the X Card is used,
issues that may arise during play. Safety is black’. Setting up a veil means that the content
the group can change, rewind or skip the
always more important than any move or dice might be in the game, but not spotlighted or
content.
roll. Visit this link for more tools: http://bit.ly/ described in great detail. Lines and Veils can be
adjusted as needed throughout the game. The N Card can be used at any point if a
ttrpgsafetytoolkit
participant feels like they are headed towards
The GM is Responsible For: Script Change Ratings are used to set tone an X. When the N card is used, the group can
• Managing Game Flow and Spotlight and boundaries for your game. Using film change the content or have the scene ‘fade to
ratings (or your own), you can outline what black’.
• Describing the World to the Players
audience you’re playing for (e.g. PG-13 vs R). The The O Card can be used at any point if a
• Unleashing Consequences rating also addresses what content players do participant wants to continue with the
• Following the Principles and Moves and don’t want to see. Make sure to balance content. They can also regularly be prompted
• Knowing the GM Section and respect everyone’s wishes. Ratings can be by asking ‘O?’ out loud or in chat to check-in if
adjusted as needed throughout the game. everyone is still okay.
The PCs are Responsible For:
• Knowing the Basic, Chase, Peripheral and The Open Door is the assurance that someone
can leave or take a break from the game Script Change Toolbox is a set of cinema-
Playbook moves
for their own safety and well-being without themed tool words that can be used to adjust
• Taking Exciting Risks play and content. They can be used by tapping
being judged. State this at the beginning and
• Engaging With the World and Each Other cards, typing the letter in chat, or by using
periodically throughout the game.
• Being Generous With the Spotlight hand signals.
Emotions and stress from the game can Bleed Rewind can be used when something
Everyone Is Equally Responsible For: over into post-game life. This can affect the happened in play that makes a participant
• Having Fun enjoyment of the game, as well as out-of- uncomfortable. When Rewind is used, be clear
• Speaking Up When There is an Issue game relationships between players if not about what content is being adjusted, rewind
• Respecting and Understanding Each Other worked through. Being open and honest to a point before it happened, and play starts
• Ensuring a Safe Space about where the game beings and ends, and again.
being conscious of which feelings belong to Fast Forward can be used when a participant
• Organizing and Scheduling
the player and which are just bleed, helps to would like to skip past uncomfortable content
• Asking Each Other Interesting Questions mitigate the effects. or to the next part of the fiction. When it is
No One Is Solely Responsible For the Story used, skip forward to a new spot in the fiction
Debriefing as a group is a great way to reflect
The story is created when the PCs actions, the that everyone agrees upon.
on the game, identify possible issues, highlight
GM’s descriptions and consequences, and dice the fun things to continue, and work through Pause can be used when things are too
all collide together in a radiant explosion. potential bleed. Debriefing can happen right intense, but you still want to continue playing
You are all players, and you are all finding out after the game or in the days following it. the scene. When used, you can take a break
the story together. and/or discuss the content as needed. After
that, you can Resume, Rewind or Fast Forward.
3
Playing
the Game
4
How to Play
Most of the time, the Players and GM go back When you receive a condition, choose one of Consequences described by the GM can be
and forth in a conversation, describing actions, your stats and write in what the condition is any number of things, taking harm, destroyed
reactions, consequences and emotions of their (you choose). While you have that condition, equipment, a difficult choice, a tough situation.
characters and (for the GM) the world. The you have Disadvantage on all rolls with it. Each Make sure to describe the consequences
GM presents the fictional situation the player stat may only have one condition at a time. dynamically; the ogre doesn’t just deal
character(s) find themselves in, they respond, damage, he slams you into the ground with an
Some especially dangerous enemies inflict
sometimes moves are triggered, and repeat. earthshaking roar and starts grasping for the
multiple conditions at once.
nearest boulder to throw.
When a PC does something that triggers
When you roll using a stat that has a
a move (act despite an imminent threat or Coming up with vivid descriptions, especially
condition, gain 1 XP.
obstacle, openly fight an enemy up close, etc.) on the fly, can be difficult. Feel free to ask each
follow the procedure of the move. Once the If you have armor, you can choose to mark it other for ideas and input. The Players have final
move has resolved, then resume building the instead of a condition, it will refresh when you say over describing their PCs actions, and the
narrative as informed by the move. Settle In. Piercing attacks ignore most armor. GM has final say over the world and NPCs.
When you roll, you do so with two six-sided Armor from worn equipment (eg Chainmail) Example of Play and Spotlight Change:
dice (2d6), add them together with a stat. only works against physical harm, while other
GM: You follow the trail of destruction past
Roll+STR means you add your STR to the result. armor might only work for other sources
cracked boulders and splintered trees, to
of conditions. This armor might even get
When your total result is a 6 or lower, if the finally see the source of the carnage. An
damaged or broken during your adventures,
move says what happens then do that. If it enormous ogre stands hunched in a clearing,
but can be repaired.
says ‘in addition to whatever the GM says’ or sniffing the air as if searching for something. It
doesn’t say anything, then the GM will say Conditions can be healed when you Settle In, hasn’t yet noticed you, what do you do?
what happens. This often includes negative when you use items like Supplies, or through
Player: I charge immediately, drawing my
consequences, see the Principle and Moves some abilities that certain playbooks can use.
sword and hoping to get in close before the
section of the Game Master chapter for more
Example Conditions: ogre notices.
details.
STR - Weakened, Nauseous GM: The ogre smells you coming and starts
When you have Advantage or Disadvantage
turning towards you, roaring in territorial rage.
on a roll, you roll an extra d6 and take the two DEX - Dizzy, Shaky, Stunned
Let’s see if you reach it first, roll to Defy with
highest (Advantage) or lowest (Disadvantage)
WIS - Confused, Exhausted, Blinded DEX.
as the result. Advantage and Disadvantage
cancel each other out, and multiple sources of INT - Dazed, Forgetful, Concussed Player: (rolls) a four, uh oh.
Advantage and Disadvantage can stack (roll an
CHA - Scarred, Grumpy GM: It grabs you with a hand as big as your
extra d6 per source, always keep two).
torso, picking you up and throwing you into a
The Spotlight is a term referring to who the
Some effects let you gain Advantage/ tree to the side. You suffer two conditions and
fiction is focusing on at the moment. Whoever
Disadvantage Forward, this means that it only are momentarily dazed.
‘has the spotlight’ is the person/are the people
affects your next roll. Similarly, Advantage/
whose actions we are following and seeing the Player: I’m going to absorb a condition with
Disadvantage Ongoing means it affects all of
consequences of. In a typical scene, the GM my chainmail armor and take Stunned as a
your future rolls until the situation causing
guides the spotlight and switches it between DEX condition. I may roll worse, but at least I’ll
it changes. Advantage/Disadvantage is not
PCs frequently. It’s everyone’s job at the table get some XP doing so.
situational, it is only granted by moves.
to share the spotlight generously with each
GM: Sounds good. Meanwhile, the Ogre turns,
When you inflict a condition, the GM will mark other.
fixing its bloodshot eyes on the Wizard in the
a condition on the NPC(s) affected. Once all
distance, and lumbers forwards, roaring and
conditions are marked, they are defeated.
picking up speed. Wizard, what do you do? 5
Adventure Moves Chase Moves
These are the ‘core’ moves, used most often in the game. Examine It wouldn’t be ‘Chasing Adventure’ without moves for
When you closely investigate a charged situation, ask chases, would it?
Defy the GM one question about it and roll+WIS. On a 7-9, the
When you act despite an imminent threat or obstacle, GM answers your question truthfully. On a 10+ the GM also Start the Chase
tell us how you do it. Then roll.... answers related followup questions. You and your allies When you enter a chase, either in pursuit or escape, you
• +STR if you endure or power through it roll with Advantage when first acting on this information. and the GM each start with 0 Hold. If multiple PCs are
Some example questions are below: participating in the chase, they all share Hold.
• +DEX if you act with speed or finesse
• Who/what else is hidden?
• +INT if you employ quick or out-of-the-box thinking
• +WIS if you rely on mental fortitude or sharp senses
• How can I gain the upper hand? Gain the Edge
• What would happen here if I ___________? When you try to gain the momentum in a chase, say
• +CHA if you use charm, subterfuge or social grace
• Who is really in control here? how much Hold you want and roll...
On a 10+ the threat doesn’t come to bear. On a 7-9 it only
abates if you make costly sacrifice or ugly choice, the GM • +STR if you create or destroy physical obstacles
will tell you what. Scrutinize • +DEX if you run, hide or maneuver
When you have an intimate or prying conversation with • +INT if you distract or lure them
Engage someone, roll+WIS. On a 10+ hold 2, on a 7-9 hold 1. During • +WIS if you keep your eyes and ears peeled
this conversation you can spend hold 1-for-1 to ask their
When you openly fight an enemy up close, roll+STR. On • +CHA if you disguise yourself or try to talk them down
player any question about this person’s thoughts, feelings
a 7+ you and your enemy trade blows, usually inflicting a On a 7+ you gain that number of Hold. On a 7-9, so does
or motivations. If you have their Favor, gain +1 Hold, even on
condition on each other. On a 10+ you either avoid their the GM. On a 6- the GM gains that Hold, in addition
a 6-. Some example questions are below:
attack, inflict an extra condition, or take something from whatever else they say. Until someone has 3 or more hold,
them, your choice. • How might I get you to ____________?
the GM will describe the chase continuing onwards.
• How do you feel about ____________?
Let Fly • How can I gain your Favor? It’s Over
When you attack from afar, roll+DEX. On a 10+ you have • What is your goal? When either party in a chase has 3+ Hold , the chase
a clear shot and inflict a condition. On a 7-9 you inflict a comes to an end. Whoever has the most Hold succeeds in
condition but are either put in a dangerous position or Compel escaping or catching the other party. If both parties have
gain Disadvantage Forward, your choice. When you use favor, payment, promises or threats to get the same amount, the PCs win the chase (just barely). The
someone to do something, say what you want them to do losing party can spend Hold 1-for-1 to:
Ponder (or not to do) and roll+CHA. If they Favor you, you may use • Learn something of the other party (where they will
When you consider what you know about a subject, ask up their Favor to gain +2 to the roll. go, who leads them, how to escape them now, etc.)
the GM one question about it, say how you might know For NPCs, on a 10+ they’ll do what you want. On a 7-9 • Have the chase end somewhere advantageous for
the answer, and roll+INT. On a 10+ the GM will tell you the they’ll only do it if you also Favor them afterwards. them (reinforcements, a trap or lair, etc.)
detailed, useful truth. On a 7-9 they will tell you a vague, For PCs, on a 7-9 choose one below, on a 10+ both, and on • Gain Advantage Forward (PCs only)
twisted, or incomplete truth. Either way, you and your allies a 6-, they may instead immediately ask you two questions
roll with Advantage when first acting on this information. • Inflict Disadvantage Forward on the PCs (GM only)
as if they Scrutinized you.
Some example questions are below: • If they do it, you will Favor them.
• Where might ___________ be located? Avalanche
• If they don’t do it, they have Disadvantage Forward
• What could have caused ___________? When you navigate an imminent environmental danger
and you no longer Favor them.
(trap, rockslide, wildfire, etc.), use the Chase Moves as
• What might be the best way to ___________?
normal, but with the following changes:
• What have I heard or read about this person/creature? Push Yourself • When you Gain the Edge using knowledge or out-of-
When you put all of your effort into one act, you may take the-box thinking, roll+INT.
Cooperate or Sabotage a condition of your choice (bypassing armor) to roll with
• When you lose a chase against something dangerous,
When you act alongside one of your companions, they Advantage. The condition does not affect this roll.
each participating PC takes a condition per Hold you
either roll with Advantage or Disadvantage. Either way, you are short. If you Crumble as a result of this, treat it as a
are both exposed to any costs or consequences associated Settle In normal Crumble and decide your fate.
with their move. One can be assisted or hindered by When you settle in to rest as a group, the GM advances
multiple people, gaining a new source of Advantage/ the Ominous Forces. Then if anyone has 5 or more XP they Player Note: Bid an amount of Hold that feels
Disadvantage per person. Level Up (it is possible to level up multiple times at once appropriate to the chase. If you want to end it quickly,
with enough XP). When you’ve finished resting and resume then bid 2 or 3. If the chase is more long-term or
your adventuring, remove all your conditions and refresh extended, bid just 1.
your undamaged armor.
6
Peripheral Moves
These moves, while still important, aren’t often used as Connect I’m Back!
frequently as the Adventure moves. When you declare you know an NPC who could help and When you explain your absence from the last session,
go looking for them, roll+CHA. On a 10+, they could do say what happened and roll …
End of Session what you need and they aren’t hard to find. On a 7-9, they • +STR if you fought an enemy or escaped
At the end of each session, as a group answer the could do what you need, but the GM will choose one. imprisonment.
following: • They have a grudge against you or aren’t entirely • +DEX if you did something secret, stole something, or
• Did we discover something new and important about willing to trust you. evaded something.
the world or characters? • They’re already caught up in some sort of trouble. • +INT if you learned ancient knowledge or invented
• Did we newly visit or significantly alter a memorable • They’re far away, hiding, trapped, or hard to find. something.
location? • +WIS if you discovered a scandalous secret or had a
• Did we overcome a notable obstacle, enemy, or Epiphany divine encounter.
challenge? When you have a change of heart, say what is behind it • +CHA if you made an ally, learned about a culture, or
For any “yes” answer, everyone marks 1 XP. and write a new Drive. purchased something of interest or value.
Additionally, mark 1 XP if you accomplished your Drive. On a 10+, you had a prosperous leave; take Advantage
Penny For Your Thoughts Forward and gain 1 XP. On a 7-9, you attracted trouble or
Level Up When you Examine by asking around for rumors caused unintended consequences, the GM will say.
When you have 5 or more XP after Settling In, reduce and information, you may spend 1 Wealth to roll with
your XP by 5 and choose one of the following: Advantage.
You can always take these options:
• Increase a stat of your choice from +0 to +1. The Briefcase
• Take an Advanced Move from your class. When you Compel someone accepting of bribes, Offering
1 Wealth gives you Advantage, and offering 2 Wealth lets
• Acquire an Asset (see page 12) you automatically succeed as if you had rolled a 10+.
• Remove a locked condition. (see Crumble on this
page)
Pursue a Goal
• Change playbooks.
When you want to accomplish a complex task or long-
You can take these options only once each: term project, tell the GM what you hope to achieve. They’ll
• Increase a stat of your choice from +1 to +2. tell you the steps you’ll need to take to achieve your goal.
• Increase a stat of your choice from +1 to +2.
• Take a Starting or Advanced move from another class. Player Note: You can represent goals through clocks
• Take a Starting or Advanced move from another class. - circles divided into segments, with each segment
Once you reach level 10, you can also take these options: corresponding to a step.
• Take an Advanced Move (Level 10+) from your class
• Increase a stat of your choice from +2 to +3. GM Note: Each step is a requirement, cost, or risk between
the player and their goal. For simple goals, give them up
• Retire to safety. to 4 steps; for complex goals, give them up to 8 steps. If
it’s simpler than 4 steps it might not need this move at all.
Navigate
When you venture out in lengthy pursuit of a quarry, Crumble
roll+Nothing. If you already know the location of your When you mark your last condition (other than armor),
quarry, roll with Advantage. On a 10+ the GM chooses one, your life is untenable.
on a 7-9 the GM chooses two. On a 6-, all three.
When your life is untenable, be it from conditions or
• You are exhausted or distracted, each of you takes a otherwise, you’re out of the action for a while. Say how
condition. and choose one from the list below:
• You are noticed, by your quarry or by someone else, • Lock in a condition of your choice. It can’t be removed
and they act accordingly. except through a Level Up. You still gain XP from it.
• You are impeded. A significant obstacle stands • Change to a new playbook
between you and your quarry.
• Die
If you’re not dead, remove all conditions that aren’t Locked.
The GM will say when you’re back in the action.
7
Favor Moves
Favor represents feelings of gratitude, honor, responsibility,
or debt between a PC and either an NPC or another PC.
Favor is inherently a positive feeling, even if your PC isn’t
necessarily a good person they want to act in the interests
of someone they favor.
Reciprocate
When you accomplish a significant task for someone,
choose two if you favor them, or one if you don’t:
• Gain 1 XP.
• You no longer Favor them
• They Favor you.
• You get to ask them two questions as if you had
Scrutinized them.
Refuse
When you deny the request of, or take action against,
someone you Favor, roll+nothing. On a 10+, choose one.
On a 7-9 choose two:
• Someone no longer Favors you (GM will say who)
• It will cost you
• It’ll come back to bite you
• You have Disadvantage Forward against them
Antagonize
When you insult, injure or disappoint someone who
Favors you, they no longer do.
Appease
When you would Favor someone you already Favor,
choose one:
• Heal them of one condition, describe how you do so.
• Gain Advantage Forward to aid them or accomplish
something for them.
8
Tags Followers
Tags are short descriptors of an item that help define During your adventures, through play, assets or a move, The GM will give them a few Descriptors, too, befitting of
what it can and can’t do. Like with items, this list is not you might gain a trusted companion - humanoid, beast, or who or what they are. Here are some examples
exhaustive or cumpulsory, and can be easily modified. monster - that travels with you. Give it a name , describe it, • Athletic: Good at running, climbing, jumping, etc.
and work with the GM to create it.
• Cautious: Careful and methodical; avoids acting rashly.
Area: It hits or effects everything in an area.
• Devious: Deceitful, treacherous, thieving.
Armor: Provides n armor that can be used up instead of Each Follower has a Want, Moves, Conditions, and Armor,
• Stealthy: Avoids detection; often gets the drop on foes.
taking conditions from physical harm. n-Armor doesn’t just like any other NPC. Leave this part to the GM; they’ll tell
stack, while +n Armor does. you what you should know when the need arises. • Beautiful: Draws admiration and attention; makes an
impression.
Awkward: It’s unwieldy and tough to use. The GM might
invoke the consequences on a 6- roll or when appropriate. • Terrifying: Its presence and appearance invoke fear.
Choose one or two Qualities they have, or make new ones.
Clumsy: It’s incredibly unwieldy to use. The GM might • Group: A team, gang, or mob, with all the strengths
• Meek: Accepts their lowly lot; will agree to do
invoke the consequences on a 6- roll or when appropriate. and drawbacks of greater numbers.
degrading and unreasonable tasks without the need
Additonally, you have Disadvantage on DEX rolls while to Command. • Ferocious: Merciless, violent, and aggressive.
using it. • (In)Famous: They’re well-known, for good or for ill.
• Warrior: They count as +1 Armor when they help you
Dangerous: Unsafe; take the proper precautions when fight, and you don’t have to Command them to fight • Stubborn: Tough, hard-working, and willing to put up
using it or the GM may freely invoke the consequences. unless the opposition is terrifying or overwhelming. with discomfort.
Distinctive: It has an obvious and unique sound, • Organised: Follows plans well, works well in a • Self-Sufficient: Can easily navigate and live off the
appearance or impression when used. group. Once they agree to a plan, you don’t need to land.
Fiery: It painfully burns, sears, and causes things to catch Command them as long as the plan doesn’t go awry. • Faithful: Dedicated to a religion, belief, or cause.
fire. Hot to the touch. • Healer: When they tend to wounds with Supplies or
Forceful: It inflicts powerful, crushing blows that knock Medicine, they can treat two patients with 1 use.
targets back and down.
Heavy: It requires two hands to wield properly.
• Educated (___________): They’re learned about a
particular subject. When they help you Ponder it,
Follower Moves
Infinite: Too many to keep count. Throw one away, and you they’ll also give you an interesting (but not necessarily
useful) piece of information.
Endeavor
have another one.
When your Companion does a dangerous task alone,
Messy: It harms foes in a particularly destructive way, • Cunning: Clever and observant. When they help you
they do it to the best of their ability, but are taken out of
ripping people and things apart. Examine, treat a 7-9 as a 10+.
the action (trapped, injured, distracted, etc.). The GM will
Piercing: It ignores armor. • Charming: They are desirable or have a way with say how.
Reload: You have to take time to reload it between uses. words. When they help you Compel someone who
Favors you, you can gain the bonus from their Favor
Slow: It takes a while to use - at least a minute, if not more.
without using it up.
Assist
Unbreakable: It can’t be broken or destroyed by normal When your Companion (or another NPC) works
means. alongside you, it counts as them Cooperating with you;
The GM will also assign them a number of Costs equal to you roll with Advantage, but they are also exposed to the
Valuable: It always counts as leverage to Parley.
their Qualities, choosing from these or making new ones: costs or consequences of your move.
Vicious: It harms foes in an especially cruel way, inflicting
• Brutality: They have an instinct or outright desire for
agonising, bloody wounds.
savage unnecessary violence. Command
Range Tags • Independence: They may follow you for convenience
or mutual gain, but they are not truly loyal to you.
When you order or expect your Follower to do something
contrary to their instincts or costs, roll+CHA. On a 10+,
• Riches: They demand regular coins, gems or other they do it now, as well as one could expect. On a 7-9, the
Someone using a weapon outside of its normal range may
valuables. GM chooses one.
need to first use another move such as Defy Danger to do
so, or may not be able to at all. • Ego: They want frequent and regular credit for heroics, • The experience endangers; they do it but are out of
regardless of whether or not they truly contributed. the action for some time.
Intimate: It’s useful when you’re closer than arm’s reach. • Principles: They have a code, belief or boundary that • They complain loudly, now or later, and demand
Close: It’s useful at arm’s reach, or up to a few feet away. they expect you to adhere to. compensation or your Favor.
Near: You need to be able to see the whites of their eyes. • Safety: They expect you to protect them from any • It takes them longer than expected, is done shoddily,
danger, or ideally there to be no danger at all. or will cost you later.
Far: You need to be within shouting distance.
• Errands: They frequently need you to assist them with
tasks, some menial, some dangerous, some both
• Unstable: They can sometimes be a danger to you, and
you have to be prepared to put up with that.
9
Items Common Equipment Example Poisons
Here are a few common pieces of weaponry, gear, and Adventuring Gear: 5 Uses, 2 Wealth Oil of Taggit: Dangerous, 2 Wealth
services. These lists aren’t exhaustive or compulsory, and A collection of useful mundane items such as chalk, poles, Must be consumed. The target falls into a light sleep.
variants upon these items are likely to exist. Their prices spikes, ropes, etc. When you rummage through your
may also vary depending on location, haggling, and similar adventuring gear for some useful mundane item and mark
factors. For example, you might have a Rusty Sword which Bloodweed: Dangerous, 2 Wealth
off a use, you find what you need.
might easily break on a 6- in combat. Or you might have Requires contact. Until they are cured, the first time
a Masterwork Bow which has Piercing in addition to its the target hurts someone each scene, they inflict no
other tags. Supplies: 3 Uses, Slow, 1 Wealth conditions.
Food, water, bandages, anything that can offer relief. When
Common Weapons you have a few minutes, you can mark off a use of Supplies
to remove 1 condition on yourself or another.
Goldenroot: Dangerous, 2 Wealth
Must be consumed. The target treats the next person they
Sling: Near, Awkward, Reload, 0 Wealth see as a trusted ally, until proved otherwise.
Ragged Bow: Near, Reload, 1 Wealth Medicine: 2 Uses, Slow, 2 Wealth
Fine Bow: Near/Far, Reload, 2 Wealth These might be poultices to heal wounds, herbal
Serpent’s Tears: Dangerous, 2 Wealth
supplements to calm nerves, or otherwise. When you
Crossbow: Near, Distinctive, Reload, 1 Wealth take a few minutes to prepare and use these, remove 2 Requires contact. The target takes 1 extra condition when
conditions or 1 other affliction from yourself or another. hurt until they are cured.
Unarmed: Intimate
Brass Knuckles, Cestus: Intimate, 1 Wealth Healing Potion: 2 Wealth Services And Expenses
Dagger/Knife/Dirk: Intimate/Close/Near, 1 Wealth When you drink an entire potion, immediately remove 3
Many/Hidden Knives: Intimate/Near, Infinite, 2 Wealth conditions from yourself. 1 Wealth: Most services and expenditures. Repair of most
damaged equipment. Healing from a chirurgeon. A
week’s stay at a peasant’s inn. A night of song, dance, and
Club/Shillelagh: Close, 0 Wealth Bag of Books: 5 Uses, 1 Wealth companionship. A custom item from a blacksmith or other
Staff/Pike: Close, 1 Wealth When your bag of books contains just the right book for professional (in addition to its base price). A hired killer. A
Sword/Axe/Mace: Intimate/Close, 1 Wealth the subject you’re Pondering (your choice), consult the guide through perilous terrain. Most hirelings.
book and mark off a use to roll with Advantage.
Greatsword/Glaive/Halberd: Close, Heavy, Forceful, 2
Wealth 2 Wealth: Exceptional and exotic services and
Spiked Chiain/Whip: Close, Vicious, Awkward, 1 Wealth Pipeleaf: 3 Uses, 2 Wealth expenditures. Magical healing from a priest or alchemist. A
Rapier: Close, Piercing, 2 Wealth When you offer to share pipeleaf with someone, and they week’s stay at a noble’s inn. A small festival. A professional
accept, mark off a use and gain their Favor. assassin. A guide through dangerous, life-threatening
Spear: Close/Near, 1 Wealth lands.
Double-Bladed Staff: Close, Awkward, 1 Wealth
Flask of Whiskey: 2 Uses, 1 Wealth
Nunchaku/Setsukon: Intimate/Close, Awkward, 1 Wealth Anything of greater cost or value is typically a long-term
When you down a draught, mark off a use to roll with
Common Armor Advantage to act boldly or face down terror. investment, such as ownership of a house, caravan,
business, or ship.
Worn armor like these only mitigate conditions from Trap Kit: Dangerous, Slow, 1 Wealth
physical harm. Other sources of conditions (social strain, A bear trap, tripwire rig, bag of caltrops or marbles, or
pushing yourself, etc) might be mitigated through the similar. When you take the time to set it up in advance, it
Advanced Moves of certain playbooks. becomes a hazard you’ll want to steer clear of.
10
Treasures Magic Items Empower multiple new moves. These moves
are often related to each other or directly lead
into each other.
Sometimes inbetween saving worlds and These unique and significant items typically
slaying dragons, adventurers may search for have a name, a description, and an effect. Here
Ring of Temptation
treasure in vaults, caches or their enemies’ are the most common effects and examples.
A piece of seemingly simple jewellry, this metal ring
bodies. In order to determine what they stokes the greed of all who see it.
In Chasing Adventure, magic items are never
find, roll 1d6 + the conditions of the NPC on When you flaunt the ring in front of someone new,
merely purchased. They are rare and unique,
the following table. The adventurers can roll+CHA. On a 10+ choose two, on a 7-9 choose one:
and can only be found through adventures.
only search once as appropriate, if they are • They’ll try to take it, now or later, and leave
searching a bunch of goblin bodies then roll Create a simple effect. Usually minor trinkets
themself vulnerable when doing so
once including the Group or Horde modifiers. • You can ask their player one question as if you
often used to add descriptive flair, but can Scrutinized them.
powerful if used creatively. • They Favor you for as long as you have the ring.
Treasure shouldn’t be too hidden from the When you part with the ring, willingly or not, roll+WIS.
players, nor should they need to Examine Child’s Play On a 10+ you have managed to resist temptation. On
to find treasure unless it has been carefully a 9 or lower you mark 1 XP if you get the ring back,
A plain yellow scarf. “I can’t see you, you can’t see me!” another 1 XP if it’s by force or subterfuge. On a 6- you
hidden away. When you place the scarf over someone’s eyes as also take and lock a Condition due to your obsession.
a blindfold, they turn invisible until the blindfold is This condition can only be removed by getting the ring
removed. back.
3 Nothing of significance
Augment an existing move. Alter an existing Limited Use. Some magic items may have a
4 Valuables worth 1 Wealth
move, strengthening them or giving them a limited number of uses before they expire or
5 A map or clue that leads to...(reroll) new facet. break.
12
Playbooks
13
Barbarian Background
Outsider (+2 STR, +1 INT)
Choose one Ask Who here...
When you Ponder knowledge rare in these regions, Answer Now or while adventuring
Favor
As much detail as you’d like, be it species, features, etc
Savage (+2 STR, +1 CHA) Initially, you Favor the PC who is teaching you their ways
Drive You hail from stranger, more terrifying lands than I Favor...
Based on Background, see the Epiphany peripheral move most folk can imagine, and your time there made
Name Details
you strong.
STR DEX
Survivor (+2 STR, +1 WIS)
You weathered a great calamity, something that
Weakened, Nautious Dizzy, Shaky, Stunned
resulted in the downfall of your family, your empire,
or your livelihood. Yet you have carried on. Equipment
When your life is untenable, in addition to the You start with:
INT WIS normal Crumble options you can choose to Look
• Flask of Whiskey (2 Uses)
• A token of your homeland
death in the eyes and spit in its face. If all five
• The equipment from your Background
conditions are marked you immediately remove up
to three not-locked ones. If your life was untenable
Dazed, Forgetful Confused, Exhausted Choose one:
otherwise, you avoid or survive anyways through
• Axe (Intimate/Close) and Shield (+1 Armor)
superhuman feat or sheer force of will. Once you
• Greatsword (Close, Heavy, Forceful)
choose this option, you cannot choose it again until
CHA LEVEL
you reach a level that is a multiple of 5 (5, 10, 15 etc).
Choose two:
Starts at 1 Equipment: Adventuring Gear (5 Uses) • Chainmail Armor (1 Armor)
• 2 Wealth
XP
Drive: Take back something you lost. • Medicine (2 Uses, Slow)
Scarred, Grumpy
• Pipeleaf (3 uses)
Starts at 0
• A Healing Potion
14
Starting Moves You get all of these
Ugly Truth
When you smash through social etiquette to call
Not to Be Trifled With
Any intelligent, mortal creatures who sees you knows
something what it really is, roll+CHA. On a 7+, name instinctively that you are a force to be reckoned
Rampage
someone here who now agrees with and Favors you. with and treats you appropriately. When you fight a
When you Engage, on a 10+ if you choose to inflict an extra On a 10+ you also have Advantage Forward when group or horde of foes at once, they don’t inflict extra
condition, you instead inflict two extra. doing something about it. conditions to you.
15
Bard Background Choose one
When you use Bardic Knowledge, after the GM tells Answer Now or while adventuring
Additionally, when you heal with arcane art, you Who trained you in the arts you know?
a laughing name, a musical name, a catchy name
heal two conditions instead of one. What event recently shook the status quo?
inopportune moment
I Favor...
Drive Name Details
Based on Background, see the Epiphany peripheral move
Wandering Minstrel (+2 CHA, +1 DEX)
Armor
You roam the land in search of stories of heroism to
share, and earn your keep telling your stories and
Based on your equipment and abilities, fill in the circles when you use armor singing your songs in taverns and inns.
I Am Favored By...
Your Arcane Art has 4 uses instead of 3.
Name Details
Choose your Background, then in write the rest as +1, 0, -1 in any order Additionally, when you curse a foe with Arcane Art
their armor is removed entirely for the scene.
STR DEX
Equipment: Adventuring Gear (5 Uses)
16
Starting Moves You get all of these
Scholarly Insight
Name a subject (Spells and Magicks, Unusual Beasts,
Steeped in Lore
When you spend downtime (hours or days) sifting
Gods and Their Servants, Grand Histories, etc.). When through rumours and information in a library,
Speak Softly
you Ponder this subject, you treat any result of a 6- as watering-hole, or other scholarly or social nexus,
When you Scrutinize someone by speaking openly and a 7-9. roll+INT. On a 10+ choose three. On a 7-9 choose two.
honestly with them, you can roll+CHA instead of +WIS, and
• You learn of a valuable treasure.
may ask an additional question, even on a 6-. If you ask this
extra question, they will ask you one in return. You may lie, Elder Arts • You learn of a dangerous enemy or group.
but if you do you can’t use this move on them again and When you weave magic into the shape of your • You learn something useful about an area’s
you lose their Favor forever. chosen art, choose one of the effects below. history, layout, or politics.
• Instill a powerful emotion
• Your research went unnoticed by your enemies.
• Lull into a deep and infectious slumber.
Arcane Art • Stun or entrance. For each one you choose, the GM might ask you “how
You start with 3 Art. When you invoke your potent magical Then, roll+CHA. On a 7+, the effect manifests in full, did you learn this?” Tell them the truth.
effects through your artistry, spend 1 Art and choose from affecting any number of Intelligent creatures you wish
below: for as long as you continue to perform your chosen Anything You Can Do, I Can Do Better
• Wield your art like a weapon (Near, Distinctive, art. On a 10+, it will linger even after your performance When you spend some quality time with another PC,
Piercing) until the end of the scene. ends, if only for a while. erase any shared moves and choose to share a move
• Curse a foe, reducing their Armor by 2 until the end of with them or they share a move with you. Whoever
the scene. gains the move can use it a number of times equal to
• Heal an ally of a condition (including yourself). Well-Traveled your CHA.
When you return somewhere you’ve visited before
When you Let Fly using your art, you roll +CHA instead of
+DEX
(your call), tell the GM when you were last here; they’ll Air of Honesty
tell you how it’s changed since then. When you next
When you Settle In, reset your Art to 3. When you Scrutinize someone who Favors you, you
Connect there, you treat any result of a 6- as a 7-9.
may use up their Favor for a +2 to the roll, similar to
Compel.
Bardic Knowledge Unflinching When you use up someone’s Favor when Compelling
When you first encounter someone or something You have +1 Armor against conditions caused by social or Scrutinizing them, on a 6- you retain their Favor in
that you’ve heard tales, songs, or legends about (your situations or mental strain. addition to whatever the GM says.
call), tell the GM something interesting you’ve heard
about it. The GM will tell you what else you’ve heard that Encouraging Words
complicates things. When you Settle In, one ally of your choice (except
yourself) gains +1 Armor until you next Settle In. Advanced Moves (lvl 10+)
Gracious Performance
When you perform your chosen art - any act of expression Wide Audience Eldritch Tones
or culture - or put its product before an Intelligent When you use Gracious Performance or Elder Arts, When you use Gracious Performance, you gain +1
audience, roll+CHA. On a 10+, Hold 3. On a 7-9, Hold 1. you can also affect non-Intelligent creatures such as Hold, even on a 6-.
Spend Hold 1-for-1 to name an NPC in the audience and undead, animals, plants, and constructs. When you use Elder Arts, on a 12+, the effects will
choose one. persist until your next performance.
• This person must see me. Slippery
• This person must give me a gift. When you Gain The Edge by being a dashing rogue Buckle Thy Swash
• This person Favors me. (swing on a chandelier, charm someone for help, When you Defy in a 1-on-1 fight, on a 7+ you also
On a 6-, you suffer no harm or lost opportunity; you simply jump out of a window, etc), roll with Advantage. disarm, trip, or otherwise outmaneauver your enemy.
perform very well.
Throw Down the Gauntlet Bachelor of Arts
Advanced Moves When you level up you may
choose to learn one of these
When you demand a formal duel in response to an
insult, your opponent may use a substitute or propose
When you Settle In, gain 2 additional Art.
conditions, but they cannot decline.
Showstopper While you are in a formal duel, you have +1 Armor
When you make a showy, dramatic entrance into against your opponent and your attacks ignore their
a tense situation, describe your grand entrance and armor.
roll+CHA. On a 7+, everyone stops to watch and listen
until you finish your opening speech. On a 10+, your Close-Up
speech culminates into one bold, decisive action; When you Engage while wielding your art like a
you roll with Advantage on that move and ignore the weapon, roll+CHA instead of +STR.
penalty from conditions.
17
Cleric Background Choose one
I Favor...
Drive Warpriest (+2 WIS, +1 STR)
Name Details
Based on Background, see the Epiphany peripheral move Your faith has been tempered on the battlefield and
you are seasoned in fighting the enemies of your
Armor domain.
Based on your equipment and abilities, fill in the circles when you use armor When you Defy in order to use an Invocation, roll
with Advantage. I Am Favored By... Initially, your Deity Favors you.
Choose your Background, then in write the rest as +1, 0, -1 in any order Equipment: Healing Potion Name Details
Choose two:
CHA LEVEL • A Shield (+1 Armor)
Starts at 1 • Adventuring Gear (5 Uses)
• 1 Wealth
Scarred, Grumpy XP Starts at 0
• Supplies (3 Uses, Slow)
• Pipeleaf (3 uses)
18
Starting Moves You get all of these Advanced Moves When you level up you may
choose to learn one of these
Inquisitor
When you Examine or Scrutinize in order to find
Divine Agent Cloistered Wisdom your deity’s enemies, roll with Advantage.
You serve and worship a deity who grants you power. Give When you Ponder or Examine something pertaining
your god a name (maybe Helferth, Sucellus or Zorica): to your deity’s domains, you may roll +WIS instead of Beseech
Then, define your deity’s domains by filling in each answer: +INT. When you Compel your deity to grant you a boon or
guidance related to their domains, you may use up
• What they Control (the sun, the seas, the skies, etc)
their favor to automatically succeed as if you had rolled
• What they Represent (love, death, war, wind, etc) Thy Will Be Done
a 10+.
• Who Worships them (dwarves, nobles, wizards, etc) While your deity Favors you, so do all of their
worshippers.
• Their Enemies (demons, undead, heretics, etc) Miracle Worker
• Their Demands (sacrifices, secrets, victory, etc) When you use Thaumaturgy, you may ignore or veto
Lead the Flock
When you preach to a mob, roll+CHA. On a 10+, hold 3. one requirement of your choice.
Favored Servant On a 7-9, hold 1. At any time you may spend your hold,
While your deity Favors you, their domains react obviously 1-for-1, to have the mob:
to your presence (sunrays silhouette you, nobles bow
before you, demons hiss and flee, etc.).
• Bring people forward and deliver them to you.
• Bring forward all their precious things.
Advanced Moves (lvl 10+)
When you ask your deity how to gain their Favor, they • Unite and fight for you.
• Work together in a collaborative act Greatest Invocation (requires Greater Invocation)
will impose a task upon you related to their Demands.
When you complete it, mark 1 XP and gain their Favor. • Go quietly back to their lives. Gain the Greater benefit of two invocations you know.
Miracle examples: Raise someone from the dead; call down an unnatural storm of acid rain and soul-clouds; restore someone’s missing limb; unravel the assorted dangers, threats, and grim portents of a front; summon a divine envoy. 19
Cleric Invocations
Cure Wounds Cause Fear (Ongoing) Freedom of Movement (Ongoing)
An ally you touch is either healed of 1 condition or Name an individual or a type of mortal creature. They A physical obstacle, hazard, or dangerous environment
cured of a mortal poison or disease. are filled with dread, causing them to recoil and back of your choosing no longer poses any threat to you.
Risk: The cure is temporary, ignore any penalties from away; the weak and cowardly among them must You don’t need to Defy this threat.
the condition/poison/disease for the scene. outright flee. Risk: It is still a threat, but you have Advantage
Greater: They either heal an extra condition or gain Risk: Many more or fewer creatures than you expected Ongoing to Defy it or similar.
Advantage Forward. are affected. Greater: The effect extends to nearby allies as well.
Greater: On a 12+, even the mighty and strong-willed
Divine Wrath must flee. Empower (Ongoing)
The awesome power of your deity harms an enemy Your deity has given you the ability to go beyond your
(Forceful, Distinctive, Piercing) Illuminate (Ongoing) limitations. Choose one of your stats. While the spell is
Risk: It isn’t Piercing A magical light is projected from a point you choose, ongoing, it is treated as +3 and ignores penalties from
piercing darkness, illusions, and other falsehoods or conditions.
Greater: On a 12+, they are also left momentarily
trickery. Risk: Once the effect ends, you suffer a condition of
stunned and helpless.
Risk: The enemies of your deity can sense the your choice from exhaustion.
disturbance caused by your divine magic for miles Greater: You can use this invocation on others. The
Divine Ward (Ongoing)
around. person who is empowered is the one who would suffer
An ally gains Advantage Ongoing to Defy, or is
Greater: The light is blinding to all who look upon it, the Risk.
protected from something pertaining to your deity’s
and enemies of your deity can’t bear to get near it.
domains.
Risk: They only gain Advantage Forward., or the Messenger
protection is temporary. Sanctuary (Ongoing) A message you speak is delivered to a person of your
As you cast this spell, you walk the perimeter of an choosing, no matter where they are.
Greater: On a 12+, all your allies are affected.
area, consecrating it to your deity. As long as you stay Risk: The message is delivered in a vague or difficult to
within this area, you are alerted whenever someone interpret way.
Contact Spirits acts with malice within it (including entering with Greater: When they receive the message, they can also
You can speak with the recently departed, or with a harmful intent).
respond in kind.
soul of your choosing; its spirit is pulled back through Risk: The barrier is flawed; enemies of your deity
the planes, just close enough to speak to you and can still enter, undetected and unhindered by your
answer any one question you ask to the best of its Provision
sanctuary.
ability. You miraculously have just the mundane item you
Greater: On a 12+, none can enter the sanctuary
Risk: The spirit is not bound to tell the truth or aid you. need, as if you had spent 1 use of Adventuring Gear.
without your express knowledge and consent.
Greater: On a 12+, you can ask it any number of Risk: You don’t have exactly what you need, but
questions you desire; it will answer them as best it can. something similar.
Bless
Greater: The item is of superb quality, gain Advantage
For the remainder of this scene, an ally gains +1 armor
Dismissal or inflicts an extra condition the next time they hurt
Forward the first time you use it.
Choose an otherworldly entity or spirit you can see; it is someone.
banished from this world or back to whatever tethers Risk: An enemy gains the same effect.
it here.
Greater: The ally gets both the armor and condition, or
Risk: It can choose to remain if it takes two conditions all nearby allies are affected (in the same way).
(Piercing).
Greater: On a 12+, weaker entities are utterly destroyed. Speak in Tongues (Ongoing)
Stronger spirits are permanently banished from this
You can clearly speak with and understand any
place, with whatever tethers them here destroyed.
sentient creature.
Risk: Only one sentient creature can understand and
Bestow Curse
speak with you (that couldn’t normally).
A foe you touch has their armor reduced to 0 or is
Greater: Nearby allies can also affected.
struck by some supernatural disease, by blindness, or
by some other affliction for a few minutes.
Risk: You also suffer the effects of the curse.
Greater: On a 12+, the effect is permanent.
20
Druid Background Choose one
You are of the sacred spaces; you are born of soil and wear the marks of her ...has shown me a benefit of civilization?
spirits on your skin. You may have had a life before, maybe you were a city Your soul feels a close kinship with the deep places
...has tempted nature’s wrath?
dweller, but not now. You’ve given up that static shape. Listen to your allies
of the world. Worms and mushrooms are your family,
pray to their carved stone gods and polish their silver shells. Their gods are
children, their steel is false protection. You wear the pelts of the earth itself. and lightless tunnels your hallways.
You can clearly sense your surroundings, even when Answer Now or while adventuring
Equipment
Once you were of the ‘civilized’ world, but that all
Weakened, Nautious Dizzy, Shaky, Stunned
changed when you were marked by the spirits as
nature’s servant and given her gifts. You start with:
Natural creatures Favor you by default. • Leather Armor (1-Armor)
INT WIS • Adventuring Gear (5 Uses)
Equipment: Pipeleaf (3 Uses) • The Equipment from your background
Drive: Restore something to a healthy state
Choose one:
Dazed, Forgetful Confused, Exhausted • Sling (Near, Awkward, Reload) & Knife (Intimate/Near)
• Shillelagh (Close) and Shield (+1 Armor)
21
Starting Moves You get all of these Predator and Prey
Whenever you Examine, in addition to your normal
Eye of the Tiger
When you mark an animal with blood, mud, or dirt,
question you may ask ‘What are my animal instincts
At One With The World you can see through its eyes as if they were your own,
telling me?’ even on a 6-. no matter what distance separates you, and you can
You can speak with and understand animals, as well as
can shapeshift into its species. Only one animal may
closely study them and Compel them as if they were
people. You also have no need to eat or drink.
Rules of Nature be marked in this way at a time.
When you take the shape of a creature both
Communion
dangerous and fearsome, your attacks Pierce armor.
Advanced Moves (lvl 10+)
When you spend some time in a place, connecting with Barkskin
nearby creatures and spirits, roll+WIS. You will be granted Elemental Mastery (requires Environmentalist)
While your feet touch the ground, you have +2 Armor When you call upon primal elemental spirits (fire,
a vision of significance to you, your allies, or the spirits
against physical injuries. water, air, etc) to aid you, roll+WIS. On a 7+, they act
around you. On a 10+, the vision will be clear and helpful to
you. On a 7-9, the vision is unclear and murky. On a 6-, in on your behalf. On a 10+ choose one, on a 7-9 both.
addition to whatever the GM says, the vision is upsetting, To Speak With the World Itself • The effort drains you, mark a condition
frightening, or traumatic; take disadvantage forward. When you partake in Communion, whatever the • They cause significant collateral damage.
result, you may ask any one question about the vision
you received. The spirits will answer you to the best of Weather Weaver
Shapeshift
their knowledge and ability.
When you call upon the wilds to change your shape, When you call upon the spirits to create a strong
choose one of your attuned creatures and roll+WIS. On a weather phenomenon, roll+WIS. On a 10+ choose two,
10+, you transform quickly and without issue. On a 7-9, you The Bridge Between Worlds on a 7-9 choose one.
still transform, but you are put in a spot or draw unwanted You see the patterns that make up the fabric of the
• The phenomenon appears immediately and lasts
attention. world. You can now apply your Shapeshifter and
as long as you desire
At One With the World moves to inanimate natural
objects (plants and rocks) as well as pure elements • Nearby land is not permanently altered
While in an animal shape, you gain any innate abilities (fire, water, air, and earth). Work with the GM to define • None of your allies, wildlife or innocents are
and weaknesses of the form; claws, wings, gills, and so on. the qualities, limitations, and Instinct of such forms. directly harmed
You also gain the Instinct of your new form; this primal You learn one such Attuned transformation now.
urge is something innate to each creature and becomes a
More Beast Than Man
part of you while you are shifted.
Shed When you Shapeshift, gain Advantage Forward to
When you shapeshift after fulfilling your current pursue your shape’s Instinct.
When you try to change shape without having fulfilled shape’s Instinct, heal yourself of one condition.
your Instinct (including shifting back to normal), roll+WIS. Red of Tooth and Claw (requires Rules of Nature)
On a 10+ you succeed and all is well. On a 7-9 you succeed, Call of the Wild When you take the form of a creature both
but won’t be able to transform back into that creature dangerous and fearsome, your attacks are Brutal
When you openly cry to the natural beasts for aid,
until you reattune with it by fulfilling its Instinct. On a 6- and gain one of the following tags: Messy, Forceful or
choose a type of animal and roll+WIS. On a 7+ they
the GM says what will happen, perhaps you lose yourself in Vicious.
arrive to help you, on a 10+, choose one, and on a 7-9,
your animal form and run away or turn on your allies.
choose two:
• They terrify, intimidate or distract an enemy
You begin play with two Attuned Creatures.
• They arrive immediately, without delay
• They cause no collateral damage
When you Level Up, you may choose to add two more
Attuned Creatures to your list instead of another benefit.
Balance
When you inflict a condition, gain 1 Balance.
When you touch someone and channel the spirits of
Instinct examples: smash and tear, fly free and without care, prey upon the weak and isolated, consume and devour, skulk and ambush, weave webs and victimise the foolish, assault and challenge the brave or strong. 22
Fighter Background Choose one
As much detail as you’d like, be it species, features, etc Favor Initially, you Favor the PC you’ve fought back-to-back with
LEVEL
• Shield (+1 Armor)
CHA
• A Healing Potion
Starts at 1
• Medicine (2 Uses)
• Flask of Whiskey (2 Uses)
Scarred, Grumpy XP Starts at 0
• Pipeleaf (3 Uses)
23
Starting Moves You get all of these Quarterback Narsil
When you forcefully grab or tackle a foe, roll + STR. Your signature weapon gains 1 additional
Battle Momentum On a 7+ you do it, unless they large or strong they’re enhancement, 3 in total.
disabled while you hold them. On a 7-9 they struggle
You understand the back and forth rhythm of a fight
better than most. When suffer or inflict a physical
for a bit at first, inflicting a condition in the process. Steel Gaze
condition during a fight, gain 1 Momentum. During When you enter combat, roll+CHA. On a 10+, Hold 2.
a fight, you may spend the amount of Momentum in Riddle of Steel On a 7-9, Hold 1. During the fight you can spend your
brackets for the following: Crossing blades with someone counts as intimate and Hold, 1-for-1 to make eye contact with an NPC present,
prying conversation for the purposes of Scrutinizing who freezes or flinches and can’t act until you break it
• (3) Restore 1 of your Armor
them. When you Scrutinize someone you’re fighting, off. On a 6-, your enemies immediately identify you as
• (3) Inflict an extra condition on an attack roll with Advantage. their biggest threat
• (2) Gain Advantage Forward to Engage or Let Fly
You can have a maximum of 5 Momentum, and at the end Percussive Counterspell
of a fight it resets to 0. Knot Expert When you interrupt a spell or magical effect using
When you tie up someone whom you have grappled, force, roll+STR. On a 10+ you successfully interrupt it.
Armed and Ready or disabled, using rope, chains, manacles or similar, it On a 7-9 the spell is reduced or rebounded in some
You ignore the Clumsy tag on armor you’re wearing. is always quick and never dangerous. way, the GM will say how.
When you’re up close and personal with a wizard or
Amateur Smith spellcaster, you automatically inflict a condition on
Particular Set of Skills them whenever they cast a spell.
When you Settle In, you can repair a single item of
When you Compel with threats of violence, roll with
damaged or destroyed equipment.
Advantage.
Demolitionist Battleborn
When you Defy in battle, you may spend 1 Momentum
Advanced Moves (lvl 10+)
When you want to destroy an object, be it a building, to roll with Advantage.
magical artifact, or obstacle, tell the GM what it is. It Expert Smith (replaces Apprentice Smith)
is always possible, but the GM will give you 1 to 4 of the
following requirements (separated by “ANDs” and “ORs”);
Basic Training When you rest, you can repair all damaged or
You’ve gotten used to the tireless marches, late destroyed equipment, and change the assets of your
• It’s going to take hours/days/weeks. nights, early mornings and backbreaking labor. You signature weapon from one to another.
• First you must ________. are unaffected by all but the most extreme forms of
• You’ll need help from ________. exhaustion. When you Settle In, you can stay up all Master Stroke
• You’ll need to use ________. night on watch without feeling tired. When you roll a 12+ on Engage, you can inflict an
• It will be easy/difficult to repair extra condition and avoid their attack.
• You and your allies will risk danger from ________. Eye For Danger
When you Scrutinize a dangerous NPC, the GM will I’ll Take That (requires Like Water Upon Rocks)
• You’ll have to use up/wear out ________ to do it. also reveal to you an ability or tactic they can use. When you completely avoid a blow from a melee
weapon, you may spend 2 Momentum to steal that
On No You Don’t
Advanced Moves When you level up you may
weapon for yourself.
choose to learn one of these When you stop someone from leaving your reach,
roll with Advantage. Andúril (requires Narsil)
Like Water Upon Rocks Your signature weapon gains 1 additional
When you harm someone, you may spend 2 Battle-Scarred enhancement, 4 in total.
Momentum to destroy a weapon or disable a form of You have +1 Armor against conditions from physical
attack. harm. Battle Master
When you enter a fight, gain 2 Momentum. Your
Field Medic I Aim to Misbehave maximum Momentum is now 7.
When you heal someone with Supplies or Medicine, When you use Demolitionist, you may ignore or veto
you or your patient (your choice) refreshes 1 armor. one requirement of your choice.
Grudge Match
When you attack someone in public, such as in a
street or ballroom, no one will intervene as long as it’s
just you two until someone is killed.
Demolitionist examples: starting a cave-in, breaking a wall down, blowing up a building, shattering a renowned sword, dropping a magical ring into a volcano 24
Immolator Background Choose one
You have the Invocation move from the Cleric Answer Now or while adventuring
Favor
As much detail as you’d like, be it species, features, etc
Equipment: Shield (+1 Armor) Initially, you Favor the PC who is least impressed by you
Drive
Drive: Bring to light a secret or scheme
I Favor...
Based on Background, see the Epiphany peripheral move
Name Details
Heart of the Phoenix (+2 CHA, +1 STR)
Armor You acquired your fire when you died and were
Based on your equipment and abilities, fill in the circles when you use armor reborn. You may have ‘died’ several times since then,
but it doesn’t seem to stick with you.
I Am Favored By...
Choose your Background, then in write the rest as +1, 0, -1 in any order When you Crumble, replace ‘Die’ with ‘Die for now,
Name Details
but return to life when we next Settle In.’
STR DEX
Equipment: Adventuring Gear (5 Uses)
25
Starting Moves You get all of these
Mushu
You have an animal companion (see Followers on
Twice as Bright, Half as Long
While channeling your fire, you may treat one of your
Firebrand page 9). This companion has an additional descriptor: missed rolls as a 7-9, or a 7-9 as a 10+. Tell the GM what
Affinity for Fire: This follower cannot be harmed by you’ve lost to make this come to pass; (an emotion, a
You can manipulate fire in a variety of cosmetic ways fire or heat, even of a magical nature. memory, etc). It’s gone forever, right now.
such as: dimming, flaring, sparking, changing color, and
creating shapes and images in the flames. You can also use
existing sources of fire as a weapon (near, vicious). Choose Smokestep Eye for Destruction
one trait of your fire now: When you obscure yourself with a cloud of smoke, At any time, ask the GM “What here is flammable?”
ash or cinders, you can instantly transport yourself They will answer truthfully.
• Conjured: You can create your own fire rather than
anywhere within the cloud, or to another nearby cloud.
relying on something burning.
• Controlled: You deal reduced collateral damage, allies Impressive Scars
(including NPCs) have +1 Armor against your fire.
Everburning You ignore the penalty from CHA conditions.
When you imbue an object with a portion of your
• Malleable: Your fire gains the Intimate and Close tags. fire, it will burn with a dim, heatless flame without
• Expansive: Your fire gains the Area tag.
• Long-Reaching: Your fire gains the Far tag.
being consumed. For each one you choose below, take
an ongoing -1 to Firebrand. Advanced Moves (lvl 10+)
When you fight using fire as a weapon, roll+CHA. On a 7+ • The flame is not heatless, the object burns foes
hurt your foe, on a 7-9 choose two, on a 10+ choose one. when used as a weapon. Blades of Chaos (requires Infernal Weapon)
• The flame is bright, and will illuminate shadows, Your fire gains an additional trait, and has the Messy
• You cause unintended collateral damage.
uncover illusions and reveal invisibility. and Forceful tags when wielded as a weapon.
• You draw unwanted attention. • The flame remains connected to you, you can see
• Take -1 Ongoing to Firebrand until you next Settle In. and hear everything near the object. By Fire Be Purged
Objects do not need to be flammable to be imbued When you burn away a magical enchantment,
From The Ashes this way. You may take your portion back at any time compulsion or curse, roll+CHA. On a 10+ it is destroyed.
by touching the object. On a 7-9 choose one:
When you burn a sacrifice and stare deeply into the
flames, ask the GM one question about it or that which • The effect is only cleaned partially or temporarily.
is associated with it (owners, loved ones, history, etc.) Signal Flare • The cleansing has left its mark on its subject (they
and roll+CHA. On a 7+ you see a vision in the flames that When you shoot a burst of fire high into the air, you suffer a condition)
answers your question, the GM will describe it. On a 10+ do it. It hovers above you for minutes for everyone • The cleansing draws unwanted attention from the
the vision is clear and obvious. On a 7-9 the vision is vague, within miles to see. Anyone who has seen you use your true source of the magic.
shadowy, or metaphorical. fire knows that it is yours.
Watch the World Burn
Mesmeric Infernal Weapon When you channel the flames and call down a
When you have time and privacy with someone and you Your fire gains an additional trait. firestorm, tell the GM what you’re sacrificing and
impose your fiery will upon them, roll+CHA. On a 10+, hold roll+CHA. The sky open ups and fire pours like rain
within an area proportionate to your sacrifice;
2. On a 7-9, hold 1. They can spend your hold, 1-for-1, by: Burning Hearts
everyone and everything in the area is severely hurt
• Giving you something they think you want. When you gaze intensely into someone’s eyes, you
(2 conditions). On a 10+, you can extinguish the storm
• Doing something you tell them to do. may ask their player “what is your deepest desire?”
with a little effort. On a 7-9, the fires rage out of control,
They’ll answer with the truth, even if the character
• Fighting to protect you. spreading and dusting where they are carried by wind
does not know or would otherwise keep this hidden.
• Favoring you. and weather. On a 6-, something cruel, intelligent, and
If they’re an NPC, they can’t act out against you until your hungry comes with the storm.
Don’t Blink
Hold is spent. If they’re a PC, you can spend your Hold, When you stand your ground before a creature of
1-for-1, to: fire, such as an elemental or a dragon, roll+CHA. On a
Dragon of the West (requires Agni Kai)
• Distract them with the thought of you, forcing them 10+ you have earned its begrudging respect and it will When you Defy fire or heat, on a 12+ choose one:
to Defy it if they want to act. not attack you (for now). On a 7-9 it won’t attack you • You turn the attack back on itself (if applicable)
• Inspire them with the thought of you, giving them +1 for now but it grows impatient. The GM will tell you • You restore your own flame from theirs (any -1s to
Forward. what to do to be spared its wrath. Firebrand are removed)
Based on your equipment and abilities, fill in the circles when you use armor Drive: Lead another to act despite fear or doubt.
I Am Favored By...
Choose your Background, then in write the rest as +1, 0, -1 in any order Judge (+2 WIS, +1 DEX) Name Details
Weakened, Nautious Dizzy, Shaky, Stunned When a Paladin move asks you to roll +CHA, or
when you Compel with honest terms, you may roll
Equipment
+WIS instead. You start with:
• A symbol of your authority
Equipment: Crossbow (Near, Distinctive, Reload)
INT WIS • Supplies (3 Uses, Slow)
Drive: Judge a helpless enemy, either denying them • Scale Armor (2-Armor, Clumsy)
mercy or setting them free. • The equipment from your Background
27
Starting Moves You get all of these Advanced Moves When you level up you may
choose to learn one of these
Judge, Jury
When you use I Am the Law, on a 12+, all three choices
Devout Virtue occur.
Inspiring Bravery
You adhere to a strict moral code that grants you power When you charge headfirst into danger, you and
beyond that wielded by normal folk. Choose two of the those who join you each gain Advantage forward. Healthy Distrust
following vows: Whenever you Defy dark, corrupt, or chaotic magic
wielded by your foes, treat any result of a 6- as a 7-9.
• Justice: Suffer not a crime unpunished. When you Rotten Stench
question a defeated, captured, or willing individual, Whenever you Examine regarding outlaws or evil
you can stare into their eyes to know if they are lying creatures, roll with Advantage. Virtuous
or not. Take another vow from Devout Virtue.
• Mercy: Let no innocent creature suffer in your Quest
presence. Whenever you heal someone else, you are When you dedicate yourself to a mission through Last Stand
also healed of one condition. prayer, meditation, ritual cleansing, etc., state what When you mark your fourth condition, refresh all of
• Courage: Refuse to let those who have power abuse you set out to do (such as discover the truth about your Armor.
it. As long as you physically stand in defense of someone or something, or slay a blight on the land).
another, they will not be targeted or harmed. The GM will give you a blessing (a voice that transcends
• Purity: Abstain from mortal pleasures and finery. You language, an invulnerability to bladed weapons, etc);
stay true to your goal, and this blessing remains yours.
Advanced Moves (lvl 10+)
are immune to all mortal poisons and diseases.
When you complete your Quest, gain 1 XP and lose
• Loyalty: Remain true to your word and to your allies.
the blessing.
Absolute Authority
When you speak the truth, none can doubt you. They When you roll a 12+ to Command, your follower
might deny what you say, but in their hearts they transcends their moment of fear and doubt and carry
recognise the truth and conviction of your words. Booming Timbre out your order with particular effectiveness.
• Penitence: Do not needlessly kill intelligent When you raise your voice, it carries far and cuts
creatures. When trying to prevent a conflict, roll with through even the cacaphony of battle. You also have Hunting the Grail (requires Quest)
Advantage. Advantage when Commanding a Follower. When you Quest, receive two Blessings instead of one.
Answer
You can speak with and understand animals and
other wild things, and you begin play with a trusted Now or while adventuring
Drive: Learn something new of nearby wildlife What was destroyed the last time you made a mistake?
Look As much detail as you’d like, be it species, features, etc Favor Initially, you Favor the PC you want to teach your ways to
Choose your Background, then in write the rest as +1, 0, -1 in any order Name Details
When you Ponder or Examine the underworld or Answer Now or while adventuring
Drive: Take an especially unlikely and dangerous risk Who is your greatest rival?
Choose your Background, then in write the rest as +1, 0, -1 in any order Equipment: Adventuring Gear (5 Uses) Name Details
I Favor...
Drive You’ve earned your power through sleepless years of
study, effort, and exploitation. Name Details
Based on Background, see the Epiphany peripheral move
Dazed, Forgetful Confused, Exhausted When you break the token of your patron’s blessing, Choose one:
your patron appears immediately before you to • Leather Amor (1-Armor)
bargain. Tell it what you want and it’ll tell you what • Peculiar Robes and a Healing Potion
it wants in return. If you give it what it wants in both
CHA LEVEL word and spirit, then the token of your patron’s Choose two:
Starts at 1 blessing will be renewed. • Staff (Close, Heavy)
• Medicine (2 Uses)
XP
Equipment: Flask of Whiskey (2 Uses) and a token of
Scarred, Grumpy • Firecrackers (Distinctive, 3 Uses)
your patron’s blessing (what does it look like?)
Starts at 0 • Crossbow (Near, Distinctive, Reload)
Drive: Advance your patron’s agenda, or deflect or • 1 Wealth
evade an inquiry into your doings • Pipeleaf (3 Uses)
33
Starting Moves You get all of these Counterspell
When you attempt to counter a spell as it is being
Sanctum
When you have time, arcane materials, and a safe
cast, roll+SPELL. On a 10+, the spell is successfully space, you can create your own place of power for the
Cast a Spell
countered. On a 7-9 choose one. Ritual move. Describe to the GM what kind of power it
When you harness your magical talents, choose a spell • The spell is countered, but you are left vulnerable. is and how you’re binding it to this place. In return, the
you know and roll+SPELL. On a 10+, you successfully evoke • The spell is countered, but the unraveled magic GM will tell you one kind of creature that will have an
the spell and its effects come to pass. On a 7-9, the spell is causes some collateral damage or side effects. interest in your workings.
still successful, but choose one consequence from the list • The spell is only partially countered, a weaker
below. version manifests instead. Mastermind
• The spell’s Risk comes to pass. Whenever you Examine or Scrutinize, on a 7+ you can
• The spell’s magic drains you. You take -1 Ongoing to Wisdom of the Ages ask an additional question.
Cast a Spell for the rest of the session. When another PC comes to you for advice and you
• Using it puts you in danger or draws unwanted honestly tell them what you think is best, they gain Floo Network
attention, the GM will say how. Advantage forward to do as you suggest. When you Connect with someone of a magical
While one spell is ongoing, you can’t use another. You can When you give sound advice to a receptive NPC, nature, roll with Advantage. Furthermore, on a 7-9 you
end an ongoing spell whenever you wish. roll+CHA. On a 7+, they follow your advice to the best choose instead of the GM.
of their ability, and on a 10+ they also appreciate your
You start with 2 spells known. When you Level Up, you can
advice enough to Favor you.
choose to Learn a New Spell instead of another benefit.
If you gained this move without a Wizard Background, choose a Background
that best fits the source of your magic and use its SPELL stat.
Showoff Advanced Moves (lvl 10+)
When you attempt to wow an audience with a
display of your powers, roll+SPELL. On a 10+, choose 2. Even Further Beyond
Prestidigitation On a 7-9, choose 1. Choose a single spell. It always has its Greater effect
You have the power to easily invoke minor magical • You have their full and undivided attention. by default. Furthermore, if the Greater effect would
cantrips without penalty. Slowly moving small objects, • You draw a large and interested crowd. be invoked on this spell then its effects increase even
creating minor obvious illusions, generating mild heat and • You instill fear, admiration, or both in those that more so, the GM will say how.
sources of light, and other similar feats are all easily within watch.
your power without having to roll. Classical Mastery (cannot learn Wild Mastery)
Logical Deduction Whenever you Cast a Spell, on a 12+ the spell’s Greater
Ritual You may Examine and Scrutinze with INT instead of effect is invoked.
When you want to achieve a powerful magical effect, WIS, and you may Ponder with WIS instead of INT.
tell the GM what you’re trying to achieve. Ritual effects Wild Mastery (cannot learn Classical Mastery)
are always possible, but the GM will give you 1 to 4 of the Arcane Ward When you Cast a Spell, on a 10+ you may treat it as a
Following conditions (separated by “ANDs” and “ORs”): You have +1 Armor against spells and magical effects 7-9 to invoke the spell’s Greater effect.
• It’s going to take days/weeks/months.
• First you must ________. Equivalent Exchange Assimilation (requires Dispel Magic or Counterspell)
• You’ll need help from ________. When you Push Yourself by using your own blood as When you Dispel Magic or Counterspell, on a 12+
part of casting a spell, you automatically succeed as if you absorb and store the magical effect for later. The
• It will require ________.
you had rolled a 10 (including modifiers). magic can be released like Casting a Spell, after which
• The effect will be unreliable or limited. the stored magic dissipates.
• You and your allies will risk danger from ________. When you release stored magic immediately after
Dispel Magic absorbing it, such as at the one who tried to cast it
• You’ll have to disenchant ________ to do it.
When you spend time unravelling an ongoing magical at you, roll with Advantage. You can only have one
When you perform a Ritual while accessing a source of
effect, roll+SPELL. On a 10+ choose 2. On a 7-9 choose 1. magical effect stored at a time.
great magical power, you may ignore one requirement of
your choice. • The dispel is permanent.
• A weaker version of the magic doesn’t linger.
• The unravelled magic doesn’t lash out harmfully
Ritual examples: Teleporting to a distant location; communicating between the planes; locating or viewing items, creatures, or places from afar, imbuing an object with magical power. 34
Wizard Spells
Sleep Mirror Image Magic Missile (Ongoing)
Up to 3 foes you can see fall asleep. Only creatures You conjure an illusory duplicate of yourself that You shoot forth bolts of pure magical energy. (Near,
capable of sleeping are affected, and they will awake if mimics your actions. This illusion counts as +1 Armor Distinctive, Piercing). While this is Ongoing, you can Let
disturbed (loud noises, jostling, pain, etc). against physical harm and cannot be Pierced, but can Fly by rolling+SPELL instead of +DEX.
Risk: The effect is fleeting and they will awaken soon. be bypassed through Area attacks. You can only have Risk: The missiles aren’t Piercing.
one mirror image at a time.
Greater: The spell effects another 2 targets Greater: Your missiles gain the Far and Forceful tags.
Risk: The illusion is flawed and can also be bypassed
with Piercing attacks.
Fireball Spellblade (Ongoing)
Greater: The Mirror Image is only destroyed on a 1-2.
You evoke a mighty ball of flame that envelops your You conjure a weapon of pure magic, describe it and
target and everyone near it, hurting them (Fiery, Area). give it one or two range tags and Piercing.
Risk: The blast effects either much more or much less Invisibility Risk: The weapon’s magic is unstable, and doesn’t
than anticipated, the GM will say. You or an ally you touch becomes undetectable by have Piercing.
Greater: The fireball inflicts an extra condition. sight for the scene or until they attack. Greater: The weapon also has 2 traits from the
Risk: Either one creature can still see them clear as Signature Weapon enhancements.
day, or anyone scrutinous enough can still pierce the
illusion; the GM will say.
Darkness (Ongoing) Visions Through Time
Greater: The effect gains the Ongoing tag, lasting for as
An area you designate is blanketed by supernatural As you cast this spell, you gaze into a reflective surface
long as you maintain it, even while attacking.
darkness and shadow while the spell is ongoing. to see into the depths of time. The GM will reveal the
Torches, lanterns, and other mundane lights within the details of an Ominous Force to you - a bleak event that
area are also snuffed out. Immunity (Ongoing) will come to pass without your intervention - as well as
Risk: Something is summoned with the darkness; the Name one specific source of harm, such as burning, something useful about how you could interfere with
GM will say. cutting, lightning, poisonous gas, or mundane the danger’s outcome.
projectiles; for as long as this spell is ongoing, you Risk: You receive two pieces of information; one true,
Greater: Even magical lights cannot pierce the
darkness. are immune to harm from that source (as well as any the other false. The GM will not tell you which is which.
secondary effects; choking smoke, hypothermia, etc). Greater: You and your allies gain advantage the first
Risk: You gain +1 Armor against it but are not immune.
Entangle (Ongoing) time you try to influence the danger’s outcome.
Greater: This effect also spreads to nearby allies.
You cause a close group of creatures to become
ensnared by roots, webs, or magical bindings. Until you Mind Meld
release them, they cannot move across distances. Polymorph (Ongoing) You form a telepathic bond with a creature you
Risk: The spell stops them, but only for a few moments. Your touch transforms a willing creature into another touch, allowing you to share thoughts, emotions, and
mundane creature; work with the GM to determine memories. You can only maintain one such connection
Greater: The snare also deals hurts them via thorns,
the strengths, adaptations, and major weaknesses of at a time, and may dismiss it whenever you like.
choking, poison, etc.
the creature’s new form. Risk: When one of you suffers conditions so does the
Risk: The creature’s mind will be altered too, or the other.
Conjure Guardian (Ongoing)
form has an unintended and unforeseen quality - the Greater: You can also share vision and other senses
You conjure a being of magical force (see Followers GM will say. through the link.
on page 9). By default it is a Warrior with the Brutality
Greater: The change can be made permanent,
cost, looks like a ghostly humanoid, and will attack
your enemies relentlessly. Choose two:
although only one such permanent polymorph can Forcecage (Ongoing)
exist at a time.
• Adaptable: Takes the form and adaptations of a A single foe is held in an unbreakable cage of
previously-encountered creature (wings, many transparent magical force. While the spell is ongoing,
arms, etc) Charm the caged creature cannot be harmed and can hear
A creature you touch is bewitched into treating you as your thoughts, and you cannot leave sight of the cage.
• Skilled: It gains another Quality (can choose
a trusted friend for about an hour, and they Favor you Risk: You cannot take action (besides dismissing the
multiple times)
for as long as the spell lasts. Once the spell ends, they forcecage) while the spell is ongoing.
• Disciplined: It will follow your commands know full well the effects of your magic.
intelligently. Greater: The cage is large enough to encompass those
Risk: The entranced creature, though your friend, still within a few paces of the target.
The construct persists until it is destroyed or dismissed, doesn’t Favor you deep down.
or until you conjure another.
Greater: You may gain Advantage Ongoing towards
Risk: The construct gains another cost. them while the spell is active, or have them not
Greater: You can make an additional choice. remember the effects of your magic when the spell
ends.
35
Game Master
36
Principles and Moves
The Game Master is an important role, and can Encourage Exciting Risks means gently GM Moves
be a whole lot of fun! Most of your time will be pushing your players to do things that aren’t • Hit the Ground Running
spent describing a situation to one or more quite safe, but are awesome or important • Inflict Conditions
PCs, usually followed by “What do you do?”. enough to try anyways. Often the best time
• Throw Them Around
to do this is when players ask you questions
‘Fire!’ the Inquisitor shrieks, and a volley of arrows fly about the world or what they can do. • Change the Environment
towards you. What do you do? • Foreshadow an Ominous Force
“The Jade Goliath is only weak to its own beam attack. • Set Up an Immediate Danger
The volcano explodes in fire as Mallum Bloodscale flies You’ll have to provoke one and redirect it back.”
out of it, smoke trailing from his scaled wings. He’s • Make Them Choose
heading straight towards the village. What do you do? Portray a Lively World means describing your • Take Something Away
characters, environments, and actions in vivid, • Have It Backfire
Your head sears in pain as the Gilded Empress starts dynamic language. A yeti doesn’t just swing its
sifting through your memories, searching for one in
• Sometimes, Give Them What They Want
claws, it roars, grabs its victim, and drags them
particular. What do you do? • Introduce Something New
towards its frozen lair. The Acid Fens don’t just
bubble corrosively, the air burns your nostrils as • Slow Down for a Bit
After the PC’s answer, and moves are resolved, a cloud of colorful insects dart away. • Ask Them
you describe how the situation has changed.
Sometimes that includes what bad things Think Dangerously means don’t be afraid of As the GM, you ‘make a move’ to change the
happened as a result of a previous roll or hurting or breaking things. This could be your situation when...
action. This culminates in you presenting characters, or an important treasure, or the
...the players look to you to see what happens
the new situation to your players and again Adventurers themselves. If the PCs manage to
asking ‘What do you do?’ Sometimes it’s to the kill Darthoridan the Eternal in the first session, ...the players ignore a clear threat
same player, and sometimes you switch the then great! What happens next? How does ...the players roll a 6- on most moves
perspective (spotlight) to a different player. that ripple across future events? Similarly, if the ...a move results in being exposed, vulnerable,
Ranger fails to dodge a troll’s club, then they or similar.
The GM is encouraged to follow the Principles tget harmed and might be knocked down.
and Moves as much as possible when playing Often when in a scene you first make Soft
Leave Things Open means that if the PC’s ask
the game. The Principles describe the mindset Moves. Describe the coming danger(s) to the
questions, offer ideas, or hope that something
to aim for when GMing this game, while the player and ask ‘What Do You Do?’ If the players
is a certain way, always consider the idea
Moves are specific types of consequences and fail (or roll poorly when trying) to thwart the
before deciding. When you prepare your ideas,
situations that might happen to the PC’s. soft move, then you make a Hard Move.
make sure they are mutable and easy to adapt
to future ideas. This could be for the PCs ideas,
GM Principles or your own future ones. Hard moves are the irrevocable consequences
When describing situations and consequences, from a situation - damage dealt, broken gear,
the GM is encouraged to follow these: Ask, Then Gloss Over the Boring Stuff means dead allies, etc. Bad stuff happens on a hard
• Encourage Exciting Risks don’t go minute-by-minute. If the players are move, sometimes more than one!
taking a weeklong journey, maybe say ‘a week
• Bring NPCs To Life
passes and you get there’. If they are spending After making a Hard Move, you might use that
• Think Dangerously some time buying stuff in town, just have them to pivot into another Soft Move for the next
• Leave Things Open spend their Wealth and move on. Always check ‘What Do You Do?’ ‘Hardness’ and ‘Softness’ of
• Ask, Then Gloss Over the Boring Stuff with your players before skipping forwards, as a move are hugely situational, make sure to do
it might not be boring for them or they may what feels appropriate within the fiction and
have something exciting planned. soft moves you already made.
37
Play Order
Hit The Ground Running means jump straight Take Something Away means it’s gone. Maybe GM Makes a Move
into the action. It’s typically used when that something can be taken back, maybe it Hard or Soft, Following Principles, to set up the situation
everyone looks to you to describe a new scene, can’t be. Either way, they’re going to miss it. End with ‘What Do You Do?’
after some time has passed, or if they are
about to start a chase. Often this is used in Have It Backfire means they did it in word and
deed, but not in spirit. The adventurers aren’t Player(s) describe their response
tandem with another move.
What does it look like?
incompetent, so this backfiring is likely due to
Inflict Conditions means just that, hurting freak accident, unforeseeable consequence, or
the Adventurers. This should never just be a the frightening power of an enemy. Is a move triggered? If so, is a roll involved?
condition, always describe the damage in the If there is no move, go back to the top.
fiction as well. A poisoned blade might cause Introduce Something New could be a new If there is no roll, follow the move then go back to the top.
nausea, or a dragon might rip someone’s arm challenger appearing, but it could also be If there is a roll, then roll what the move says.
off. Conditions should be appropriate to the an ally, treasure, or new factor that changes They can Cooperate, Sabotage, and/or Push Themselves.
situation, and be sure to telegraph severe everything already going on. If the stat rolled has a condition, then they take -1 to the
roll but gain 1 XP.
damage in advance.
Sometimes, Give Them What They Want
Throw Them Around means things like means that when you can’t think of any Was a 10+ Rolled?
knocking them down, tying them up, tossing interesting or appropriate consequences, or
Follow the success results of the move, then return to top.
them through a window, or, when appropriate, when you feel they’ve earned it, just say yes.
pitching them off a cliff.
Slow Down For a Bit means that sometimes Was a 7-9 Rolled?
Change The Environment could mean it’s nice to stop and smell the roses. Just Follow the effect
collapsing the tunnel around them, setting describe the area without threats, peaceful Suffer choices or consequences given by the move
the building on fire, magically teleporting towns, laughter-filled campfires, and friendly Return to top.
them. Maybe this is moving them to a new faces. Maybe even give the PC’s the reigns for a
environment, maybe it is altering or destroying bit. These treasured times make the challenges Was a 6- Rolled?
the existing one. ahead more bearable. If the move says what happens, follow that.
If it doesn’t say anything, or says ‘In addition to what the
Foreshadow an Ominous Force means Ask Them means asking a player a question GM says’, then the GM makes a Hard Move
describing the effect that an Ominous Force is about the world and letting them answer Return to top
working towards, or has already accomplished. it. Surely the Druid can tell you about how
Maybe it’s already happened, maybe the PCs treants are born? Maybe the Thief knows about
Was a condition inflicted?
still have a chance to thwart it. the local thieves guild? This does not replace
PCs and NPCs can absorb conditions from physical harm
Ponder or Examine, but can let a player answer using Armor from their worn items, as long as it isn’t
Set Up an Immediate Danger is often the most the result of such a roll. Try not to use this for Piercing.
common soft move. You describe something immediate situations (‘What do you see?’) Some PCs might have an ability that provides Armor
about to happen right here and now, but but instead for general world (“What does against other sources of conditions.
hasn’t happened yet. Can the PCs stop it? Leonoth’s wizard familiar look like?”) Check if they Crumble
Return to top
Make Them Choose means putting your PC’s
desires in conflict. Do they want to save their
prized sword or protect their companion? Do
they attack the dragon’s lair or protect the king
from political assassination?
38
The First Session
Getting Started equally responsible for being mature, kind and horrific fate is said to befall those slain with it?
respectful of each other.
At the start of the first session everyone Remember to encourage your PCs to ask you
should talk about the game, create characters You are not the author. This is a shared questions in return. They likely won’t be as
together, and ask questions to each other. narrative, and if you go in with a ‘plot’ then the leading, but it’s still great!
While the players create their PCs, you can game will make that difficult and not fun. Lean
Here are some example questions, flavored
come up with ideas and ask them leading into the unexpected, let yourself be surprised!
to each playbook, that will help build your
questions to build an exciting shared starting You are not infalliable, so don’t sweat the small opening scene.
premise. See page 2 for more details on this stuff. If you make a mistake, or have trouble
process. coming up with ideas, that’s okay. Feel free to
Your PCs start off already knowing each other ask for help from your fellow players or others. Example Session One Questions
and ready to adventure together. This allows You are there to have fun too! Collaborative is a These questions are a bit more open-ended
you to easily Hit the Ground Running when two-way street, so feel free to inject your ideas than usual, since they are intended to help the
you’re ready to start. into the world or suggesting an idea to a PC PCs also build the starting scenario.
Then spend a few minutes creating what you (after asking if they are okay with that).
Barbarian - Which appetite do you pursue
need for just this session. For a typical 3-4 hour Your NPCs are not the adventurers. They can be here? How do you intend to sate it?
session with 1 hour already spent on previous awesome, some can be around frequently, but
steps, this likely means a couple NPCs, some Bard - What rumor or legend is said about this
their most memorable moments should be
notes on environments and obstacles, and place?
how they interact with the PCs.
general ideas. Then open the scene in the Fighter – What dangerous enemy do you hope
middle of the action, set a situation up for to fight here?
one of the PCs specifically, and ask ‘What do Leading Questions
you do?’. This begins the conversation that is Ranger – What important figure went missing
Chasing Adventure. When asking a question, prompt your PCs here recently?
imagination by adding your own ideas in the
Wizard – What dangerous magic is afoot?
form of evocative yet vague qualifiers and
Planning a Campaign adjectives (leads). This should help your PCs Cleric – What are your deity’s enemies planning
give exciting answers quickly while still having here?
During or after a session, take notes on what authority over what to say. Sometimes a PC
happened during it for you to refer to later. Immolator – What calamity previously
will give an answer that contradicts your initial
Then spend some time, maybe hours or maybe happened here?
lead, that’s okay, follow that answer anyways as
days, thinking about the session and coming they likely prefer it. Thief – What treasure are you here to acquire?
up with ideas for the future of the PCs.
What weapon have you heard the Obsidian Paladin – What heinous criminal once took
When you feel ready, write down these ideas Knight wields? refuge here?
freeform. Then, take them and structure them
into Ominous Forces (see the next page). Make What terrifying weapon have you heard the Druid – How is nature here twisted and
sure to Leave Things Open and not to expect Obsidian Knight wields? corrupted?
something specific from the PCs. You can also add extra leads as a follow-up
question that you can ask alongside the first or
after it’s been answered.
As The GM
What ancient, terrifying weapon have you
You are not responsible for everyone’s fun. heard the Obsidian Knight wields? What
This is a collaborative game, and everyone is
39
Ominous Forces
There are a great many entities, organizations, 3. takes a lot of time, series of intricate acts, Remember that If it’s only on Settle In or not.
and more that seek to change the world for implausible based on previous event Emphasize that if the players go off and do
the worse, perhaps even end it altogether. They 4. takes ages to occur, bafflingly complex another thing without resting then come back
are all represented by Ominous Forces. acts, absurdly unlikely based on previous to stop a non-immediate threat, then their
event reward is that not enough time has advanced
Ominous Forces is how the GM organizes for it to advance.
longer-term threats, dangers, or unwanted What notable characters does this relate to?
change. They advance only when the PCs Write them down here. This includes both PCs
Settle In. The PCs will likely be running around and NPCs. Imminent Perils
trying to stop, delay or otherwise deal with the
An Imminent Peril is a version of an Ominous
Ominous Forces happening.
What interesting questions can be explored Force that takes place over a short amount of
through this? Write the questions down time, maybe a single session. An Imminent
Ominous Forces can be almost anything, from now. This could be how the PCs will act in a Peril may represent a quickly rising danger,
a naturally-spreading plague, an invading situation, or information they might discover or itself be a single event in an Ominous
army, an important person changing for the through play. Force. You can create them like a normal
worse. Always make an Ominous Force about Ominous Force, except that instead of just
something the PC’s care about, so they’ll care foreshadowing it as a GM move you can
about its outcome. If your Fighter is a patriotic Lastly, give it a snazzy title.
advance its events directly as well.
soldier for his kingdom, maybe there’s a force
about it falling apart.
Managing Ominous Forces
To Create an Ominous Force, answer the Whenever the PC’s Settle In, advance each
following: Ominous Force by one. This rewards the PCs
attempts to accomplish as much as possible
What terrible thing will ultimately happen if before Settling In and resting.
the Adventurers don’t intervene?
Write that down as the Culmination. If the PC’s have thwarted a force enough for its
events to no longer make sense, then do one of
What notable events will happen leading to two things:
the Culmination? Write those down in order • Adapt the force. Rewrite future events to
below as the Advancement. take the PC’s actions into account. The
force does not advance this time.
How much time will pass between each • Remove the Force entirely. If it doesn’t
event? Use the guidelines below to write the make sense for the Culmination to happen
numbers down next to each event. When the again, or if it’s no longer interesting, then
number is reached, the corresponding event remove it.
happens.
1. quick to unfold, a singular act, the only Between sessions, go through each Ominous
possible result of the previous event Force, make sure it’s still relevant, and add or
2. takes some time to happen, moderately remove Characters or Questions as you see fit.
complex acts, fairly obvious based on You can also add more Ominous Forces if you
previous event want to add more pressure to the PCs efforts.
40
Example Ominous Forces Additionally, here is a fully custom Ominous
If the Lord of the Rings was a Chasing Questions:
Will the PCs be able to cleanse King Theoden of his Force about a more complex situation than is
Adventure campaign, this might be how some
enfeeblement? present in the Lord of the Rings.
of its Ominous Forces were organized at the
Who else sees Wormtongue for who he really is?
start of each Lord of the Rings movie.
What vulnerability of his fortress is Saruman blind to? The Kingdom Crumbles
How can the kingdom of Rohan defeat the Uruk-hai army? Culmination: The Kingdom Descends Into Lawless Anarchy
The Hunt for the One Ring
Culmination: Sauron regains his full power
The Siege of Gondor Advancement
Culmination: Minas Tirith is captured by Sauron’s forces (0/1) The Crown Prince dies in a tragic accident.
Advancement
(0/1) The Nazgul are dispatched to hunt the One Ring. (0/1) Noble houses accuse each other even during the
Advancement
(0/2) The Nazgul find the ringbearer, kill them, and take funeral.
(0/1) Osgiliath is attacked by orcs and Nazgul, Faramir and
the Ring.
his forces defend it with heavy casualties.
(0/2) The Nazgul return to Mordor and present the Ring to (0/2) The Queen’s heartbreak causes her to become terribly
(0/1) More orcs attack from the river, and this time Faramir
Sauron. sick. With no heir, the kingdom is at risk.
is forced to retreat from Osgiliath.
(0/2) Sauron builds up his armies in Osgiliath and Mordor
Notable Characters: (0/2) The Queen passes away. The noble houses vye to take
(0/1) Faramir tries to retake Osgiliath, but is brutally
Frodo the Ringbearer Sam Gamgee defeated the throne.
The Nazgul Gollum (0/1) Denethor, mad with grief, burns himself alive with his
son. (0/2) A house war breaks out. Old grudges are unleashed
Questions: (0/1) Sauron’s armies assault Minas Tirith and new ones are forged. Alliances are frail as each house
How long will it take for Frodo to be corrupted by the ring? (0/1) Gondor is defeated, and Minas Tirith taken. works against all others.
What will it take for Sam to abandon his friend?
How long can the PCs escape the pursuit of the Nazgul? (0/3)The houses armies are now in tatters due the fighting,
and they can barely protect their own borders. Bandits,
Will Gollum manage to take the Ring for himself? Notable Characters:
monsters, and worse now roam the kingdom openly. Each
Peregrin (Pippin) Took Gandalf the White settlement can only rely on itself.
The White Wizard Captain Faramir The Witch King of Angmar
Culmination: The Kingdom of Rohan is destroyed Denethor II, Steward of Gondor (0/3) The houses fall to infighting, bandits, starvation, or
each other. Most soldiers abandon their posts and join the
Advancement Questions: looting.
(0/1) Saruman the White creates a superior breed of orc - How will the PCs finally convince Denethor to light the
Uruk-hai. beacons of Gondor? (0/1) The palace is burned to the ground, all treasures
(0/1) Grim Wormtongue, the king’s advisor, joins Saruman. How can the Witch King be defeated? stolen, and the last vestiges of order dies with it.
(0/2) King Theoden is enfeebled by magic. Will Gandalf survive his confrontation with the Witch King?
(0/2) Outer towns and villages of Rohan are attacked by What will Pippin do during his time in Gondor? Notable Characters:
orcs and incited Dunlendings. Hawke the Fighter Dalton the Soldier
(0/1) Eomer, the last hope of resistance against Saruman, is Queen Margaret Baron Krauss
banished from Rohan alongside those loyal to him. General Tallus Lady Fren
(0/2) Saruman raises an Uruk-hai army to destroy Rohan.
(0/1) The Uruk-hai army swarms across Rohan and destroys Questions:
it utterly. Was the Prince’s death really an accident? Was the queen’s
really a sickness?
Notable Characters: Will the PC’s vye for power themselves?
Saruman the White Gandalf the Grey/White Which houses will try to ally with the PCs?
King Theoden Grima Wormtongue
Eomer
41
Additional Insight and Advice
Managing the Spotlight • Shooting someone with an arrow when for dramatic character-defining moments and
they are tied up, unconcious, and a few memorable scenes.
The Spotlight’ refers to who the fiction is feet away isn’t risky in any way, so Let Fly
focusing on in the moment - who is in the Choices can be between two desires of the
doesn’t trigger. It just happens.
camera and the focus of the scene. During a same PC, or they can be between two separate
fast-paced scene, managing it in a way that These are both examples of fictional PC desires. Maybe the Paladin is making the
feels fluid can be difficult. Consider moving the positioning in action. Of course, fictional choice between saving his close Thief friend
spotlight to another player when the situation positioning can be changed by your GM moves from execution or or keeping to his lifelong
changes in an interesting way, such as: or by the PCs actions in the game. vow of Justice.
• After a PC does something awesome, • The Dragonbane Sabre can cut through When coming up with a cost or choice, the
move the spotlight to another PC and ask even the toughest dragon hide, so a PC first thing that comes to mind is often the best
them how they take advantage of this wielding it can Engage a dragon. thing - don’t overthink it. You can also write
opportunity. down some ideas for interesting costs and
• Shooting a tied up, unconscious demon
choices between sessions.
• After a PC gets into trouble, focus on is a whole ‘nother matter. Besides, are
another PC and ask them how (or if) they demons ever really unconscious? It might On the rare occasion where a PC manages to
help them out of it. be a trick..roll to Let Fly. bypass a choice and get both things they want,
celebrate it!
Additionally, sometimes your PCs may be When you Set Up an Immediate Danger,
clambering over each other to all speak or act usually in the middle of a fight, you are Example Costs
at once. Make sure to take your time with the establishing the fictional position of the PCs -
Lose or destroy a weapon or possession
spotlight to make sure everyone, including how bad it will be if it goes wrong.
your NPCs, have their time in the spotlight. Inflict collateral damage
Suffer a condition
Offering Interesting Costs and Choices
Fictional Positioning Costs and choices are a core part of Chasing
Lose favor with someone important
Fictional Positioning is a term that can Adventure; when a PC Pushes Themselves they Assist an enemy with their goals
be summarized as ‘what makes sense to pay the cost of a condition for the benefit of
Make things more difficult in the long run
potentially happen in the fiction’. It can usually Advantage. Over the course of the game, PCs
be simplified into two parts: will pay costs and make choices both big and It takes a lot of time (when time is of essence)
small, obvious and subtle.
• How effective will it be if it goes well? You are separated from your allies
Coming up with Costs that are big enough to
• How bad will it be if it goes wrong? hurt, while small enough to not feel punitive or
If either of these boil down to ‘nothing much’, obvious takes practice. Every PC has different Fighting Dangerously
then a move shouldn’t trigger like it normally priorities and thresholds for what costs, and
GMing in general takes time and practice to
would, as that would put the mechanics of the types of costs, they are willing to pay. Pay
become skilled at, and that includes managing
move into conflict with the fiction (and the attention and remember how they feel about
fights and threats.
fiction wins). each cost.
Foreshadow threats before they occur. A
• Swinging a normal sword against a The most interesting choice is one the PC
wizard doesn’t just suddenly cast fireball, they
dragon’s tougher-than-steel hide can’t struggles to choose. Typically this happens
start chanting eldritch tongues as flames
reasonably harm the dragon. Engage when two things they want (or don’t want, or a
gather in their palms. A tower shouldn’t
doesn’t trigger, it just doesn’t work. mix of both) are put in front of them and they
unexpectedly collapse, it cracks, shudders,
have to select one. This is excellent potential
42
groans and shakes first. Small threats might When No Move Fits 2. Some chases take place over a long time
not need much forewarning, but the larger a and/or distance. For example, near the
threat is the more likely it is appropriate. Sometimes a PC does something risky without beginning of the Lord of the Rings, part of
obviously triggering a move. the fellowship are chasing a group of uruk-
Portray NPCs believably. That ogre isn’t
Pleaing before the tyrant Queen without using hai that captured their friends.
just a ruthless killing machine, it’s probably
hunting for food or defending its territory. Most favor, payment, promises or threats does not 3. Some chases can be low tension, without
creatures won’t fight mindlessly to the death, trigger Compel. much in terms of stakes or danger. The
but flee or surrender. If a creature is capable of without having an intimate or prying chase at the start of Aladdin is used to
emotions, imbue its actions with the emotions conversation with them does not trigger introduce the titular character, but he’s
its feeling. If it isn’t capable of emotion, then Scrutinize. never.
portray its cold otherness instead.
Stabbing someone from the shadows is not Chases aren’t so different from any other
When appropriate, hit hard. PCs are made engaging someone ‘openly’, so it’s does not scenes. You still describe the situation, make
to be easy to hurt but tough to kill, the trigger Engage. moves as appropriate, and often end with
Crumble move is designed so that a PC can ‘what do you do?’. Additionally, the PCs still
only really die when their player allows it. When situations like these occur, you have two have access to all of their normal Adventure,
When a PC faces off against a foe established recourses: Peripheral and Playbook moves. They aren’t
as dangerous, it detracts from the fiction if • If this is something particularly risky, then restricted to just the Chase Moves. That said,
they don’t actually do anything dangerous. have them Defy the dangers that would if a PC acts intending to gain an advantage in
Instead of just vanishing like a normal ghost, come with failing. Even if they succeed, it the chase, then they’re usually trying to Gain
the legendary Shadow Thief might first slip just means nothing bad happened, they the Edge over a normally appicable move.
an etheral dagger between your ribs with one still might not get exactly what they want.
hand while picking your pocket with the other.
• Make a GM move or two in the form of just More Resources
Don’t wait for the PCs to act. While a 6- roll is saying what happens, since everyone is
the most obvious time to make a GM move, likely looking to you anyways to find out. These have been written for different games
the most frequent opportunity is usually when Not all moves are bad for the PCs, maybe it that require a similar mindset and practices to
the players look to you to see what happens. makes the most sense to ‘Sometimes, Give Chasing Adventure.
Additionally, if the PCs ignore a clear threat Them What They Want’. • Beginner’s Guide to Dungeon World -
then you should follow through on that threat
In both situations, there are fewer limits on http://eotvrpg.ru/gallery/dungeon_world_
even if neither of the above happen.
the stakes and consequences; anything could guide_pdf_version_1_2.pdf
Difficulty sometimes means more rolls. happen! • Jeremy Strandberg’s Framework for GMing
Particularly dangerous acts might first require
Dungeon World - https://spoutinglore.
dealing with multiple hazards to get into the
blogspot.com/2020/01/my-framework-for-
appropriate position. Charging an archer to Running a Chase gming-dungeon-world.html
Engage them may require first dealing with
the arrows they fire at you. Getting under a Chases are a core part of many stories, • Magpie Games’ Picking the Right GM
dragon might mean getting through both especially action, but they can come in a few Move - https://www.magpiegames.
their flame breath and their claws. When different forms: com/2016/03/17/picking-the-right-gm-
someone Defys a danger like this, be clear on 1. Most chases take place over a short move-in-pbta-part-one/
what they do and don’t Defy. Once a threat amount of time with high tension. See the • Apocalypse World: Crossing the Line -
is dealt with by a PC, it is usually assumed to Fast and Furious, the opening of Men in https://mightyatom.blogspot.com/2010/10/
remain dealt with until the situation changes. Black, and many more. apocalypse-world-crossing-line.html
43
NPCs NPC Creation
NPCs are the primary method that you as a Unlike PCs (usually), some NPCs can inflict 1. What’s Their Name?
GM will interact with the PCs and contribute to multiple conditions at a time when they inflict If you’re not sure then come back to this
the narrative. NPCs do not have stats like a PC harm. Write down how many conditions they later, or ask the PCs.
does, they don’t roll to act, you simply say what inflict on an attack, as well as any special tags
2. Who Are They? What Do They Look Like?
they do as part of making a GM move. or properties they might have.
Write this freeform summary down under
When making an NPC, write their name down Armor for NPCs works the same way as it does their name.
either first or last. Feel free to ask the PCs for for PCs - it protects from physical harm. NPCs
3. What do they want?
ideas as well. Then below the name, write the rarely suffer conditions any other way.
Write this down by starting with ‘Wants...’
following down.
4. What notable things can they do?
Then write down a brief description of them,
usually a single sentence, that summarizes Multiple NPCs Write each Method down separately. In
play, refer to this if you’re not sure how to
them. When fighting a group of creatures, instead of describe a certain GM move.
While there are assuredly creatures in all tracking each one individually, treat the whole
5. Can they fight?
worlds that don’t have a strong desire, they group as a single stronger monster. When
If not, they’re usually defeated when they
tend to stay in the background of the narrative. multiple NPCs fight together, treat them as
take 1 condition, and you’re done.
Therefore, the core thing that makes an NPC one NPC using Group or Horde toughness.
If so, then start with 3 conditions and
interesting is their Want. What is their instinct, When a group of different NPCs fight continue onward.
drive, ideal or longing? This is the core that together, count the highest stat among them
drives them to do what they do, and will 6. How tough are they?
(Conditions, Armor, Tags, etc) as the group’s
inform how they act in the moment. - Fight as a Group (3-6): -1 conditions alone,
stat.
+2 conditions in a group
The next thing that brings an NPC to life is When a group or horde of creatures all hurt - Fight as a Horde (7-20): -2 conditions
their list of Methods. What do they do that is the same person together, they inflict +1 alone, +1 conditions in a group, +3
especially notable or compelling? Write them (group) or +2 (horde) conditions. conditions in a horde
down in a list, usually 2-4. During the game you
- Particularly tough in a fight: +1 condition
can refer to this list for how they will pursue
- Central to an Ominous Force: +1 condition
their Want, and use them to frame your GM
moves. 7. How harmful are they?
- Can tear or bypass armor: Piercing
Since NPCs don’t roll, they don’t suffer ongoing
- Particularly deadly in a fight: +1 Condition
penalties for Conditions, so it acts more like
inflicted. Write it down as ‘Inflicts 2’.
hit points for them. If your NPC is not a skilled
- Can hurt multiple targets at once: Area
combatant, then that’s usually all you need.
- Have unrelenting strength: Forceful
They would just be defeated when they take
- Fight in a unique or loud way: Distinctive
1 Condition. However, if they are formidable
- Can easily tear things apart: Messy
in combat then they would need to take 3
- Inflicts harm in a unique way: Another tag
Conditions, modified by How tough they are
that seems appropriate (see Page 9)
(see NPC Creation on the right).
8. How well protected are they?
When time passes, such as when the PCs
- Cloth or flesh: 0 Armor
Settle In, feel free to restore some conditions to
- Leathers or chainmail: 1 Armor
your wounded (but still alive) NPCs if it makes
- Plate or bone: 2 Armor
sense to.
- Defensive skills, magic, or special traits: +1
Armor 44
Example NPCs
Wealthy Merchant Goblin Horde Example Wants
Used to letting her wealth do the talking for Nasty creatures that hide in caves, attack
her, she is nevertheless a skilled haggler and passersby, and pull vicious tricks. Wants revenge no matter the cost
can spot a good deal from a mile way. Wants to cause pain and laugh at it Wants money, and lots of it
Wants to grow her fortune. 6/4/1 Conditions, 1 Armor Wants true freedom
• understand something’s value at a glance Rusty knives and ragged bows
• offer beneficial bribes or deals Wants to fight for the clan
• Steal or destroy things
• hire someone to handle something • Rapidly retreat through tiny crevaces Wants a glorious death
Wants to take to the skies
The King of Knives Shadow Thief
Wants to rebuild a broken relationship
Having long ago learned the cost of mercy, he The spirit of a legendary outlaw who died long
built his struggling nation into a hegemony. ago in a betrayal even they have forgotten. Wants to spread the word of their god
Wants to ruthlessly enforce his will. Wants to steal treasure from the living Wants to learn more about the world
• Obtain and use secrets and leverage 4 Conditions, 1 Armor
Wants to destroy all magic
• Convince with his silver tongue Ethereal knives (Piercing)
• Employ use of elite assassins • Pass through solid matter
• Vanish into mist Example Methods
Grizzly Bear
Filled with territorial rage, this enormous Take a hostage
Primordial Dragon
beast will devour anyone it encounters. When her wrath is inflamed, she has burned Leave a trail of destruction
Wants to kill and devour entire empires to ashes. Summon unearthly horrors
3 Conditions, 0 Armor Wants to destroy all who enrage her.
Teeth and Claws (Forceful, Piercing, Messy) Set things ablaze
5 Conditions, 3 Armor
• unleash a terrifying roar Enormous teeth and claws (Inflicts 2, Piercing, Teleport short distances
• climb a large tree Forceful, Messy) Change faces
• chase any who run Incinerating fire (Inflicts 2, Piercing, Fiery, Area)
Offer a blessing, with great cost
• Summon natural disasters
Death Knight • Devour someone whole Reveal another backup plan
Once a champion of justice, this fallen warrior • Demand extreme tribute Devour metal
now serves darker masters for selfish goals.
Enchant someone via touch
Wants to bring death and destruction The Solemn
4 Conditions, 3 Armor These elite guards wear masks of sandstone. Dive from the skies
Cursed greatsword (Inflicts 2, Forceful) Wants to judge and execute the law. Hide in unexpected places
• unleash dark magic 4/4 Conditions, 1 Armor Burrow to safety
• raise an undead slave Dual Scimitars (1 Condition)
Possess the weakminded
• Unleash a display of psychic power
• Detect a lie Make a binding deal
Lunge with terrifying speed
45
GM Reference
Play Order Principles + Moves NPC Creation
Principles 1. What’s Their Name?
GM Makes a Move
Hard or Soft, Following Principles, to set up the situation • Encourage Exciting Risks 2. Who Are They? What Do They Look Like?
End with ‘What Do You Do?’ • Bring NPCs To Life Write this freeform summary down under
• Think Dangerously their name.
Player(s) describe their response • Leave Things Open 3. What do they want?
What does it look like? • Ask, Then Gloss Over the Boring Stuff Write this down by starting with ‘Wants...’
4. What notable things can they do?
Is a move triggered? If so, is a roll involved? Moves Write each Method down separately. In
If there is no move, go back to the top. • Hit the Ground Running play, refer to this if you’re not sure how to
If there is no roll, follow the move then go back to the top.
• Inflict Conditions describe a certain GM move.
If there is a roll, then roll what the move says.
• Throw Them Around 5. Can they fight?
They can Cooperate, Sabotage, and/or Push Themselves.
If the stat rolled has a condition, then they take -1 to the • Change the Environment If not, they’re usually defeated when they
roll but gain 1 XP. • Foreshadow an Ominous Force take 1 condition, and you’re done.
• Set Up an Immediate Danger If so, then start with 3 conditions and
Was a 10+ Rolled? • Make Them Choose continue onward.
Follow the success results of the move, then return to top. • Take Something Away 6. How tough are they?
• Have It Backfire - Fight as a Group (3-6): -1 conditions alone,
Was a 7-9 Rolled? • Sometimes, Give Them What They Want +2 conditions in a group
Follow the effect - Fight as a Horde (7-20): -2 conditions
• Introduce Something New
Suffer choices or consequences given by the move alone, +1 conditions in a group, +3
• Slow Down for a Bit conditions in a horde
Return to top.
• Ask Them - Particularly tough in a fight: +1 condition
- Central to an Ominous Force: +1 condition
Was a 6- Rolled?
If the move says what happens, follow that.
If it doesn’t say anything, or says ‘In addition to what the
Multiple NPCs 7. How harmful are they?
- Can tear or bypass armor: Piercing
GM says’, then the GM makes a Hard Move
When fighting a group of creatures, instead of - Particularly deadly in a fight: +1 Condition
Return to top
tracking each one individually, treat the whole inflicted. Write it down as ‘Inflicts 2’.
group as a single stronger monster. When - Can hurt multiple targets at once: Area
Was a condition inflicted? multiple NPCs fight together, treat them as - Have unrelenting strength: Forceful
PCs and NPCs can absorb conditions from physical harm one NPC using Group or Horde toughness. - Fight in a unique or loud way: Distinctive
using Armor from their worn items, as long as it isn’t - Can easily tear things apart: Messy
Piercing. When a group of different NPCs fight - Inflicts harm in a unique way: Another tag
Some PCs might have an ability that provides Armor together, count the highest stat among them that seems appropriate (see Page 9)
against other sources of conditions.
(Conditions, Armor, Tags, etc) as the group’s
Check if they Crumble 8. How well protected are they?
stat.
Return to top - Cloth or flesh: 0 Armor
When a group or horde of creatures all hurt - Leathers or chainmail: 1 Armor
the same person together, they inflict +1 - Plate or bone: 2 Armor
(group) or +2 (horde) conditions. - Defensive skills, magic, or special traits: +1
Armor
46
Example NPCs Example Wants
Wealthy Merchant Goblin Horde
Wants revenge no matter the cost
Used to letting her wealth do the talking for Nasty creatures that hide in caves, attack
her, she is nevertheless a skilled haggler and passersby, and pull vicious tricks. Wants money, and lots of it
can spot a good deal from a mile way. Wants to cause pain and laugh at it Wants true freedom
Wants to grow her fortune. 6/4/1 Conditions, 1 Armor
Wants to fight for the clan
• understand something’s value at a glance Rusty knives and ragged bows
• offer beneficial bribes or deals • Steal or destroy things Wants a glorious death
• hire someone to handle something • Rapidly retreat through tiny crevaces Wants to take to the skies
Wants to rebuild a broken relationship
The King of Knives Shadow Thief
Having long ago learned the cost of mercy, he Wants to spread the word of their god
The spirit of a legendary outlaw who died long
built his struggling nation into a hegemony. ago in a betrayal even they have forgotten. Wants to learn more about the world
Wants to ruthlessly enforce his will. Wants to steal treasure from the living Wants to destroy all magic
• Obtain and use secrets and leverage 4 Conditions, 1 Armor
• Convince with his silver tongue Ethereal knives (Piercing)
• Employ use of elite assassins • Pass through solid matter Example Methods
• Vanish into mist Take a hostage
Grizzly Bear
Filled with territorial rage, this enormous Leave a trail of destruction
Primordial Dragon
beast will devour anyone it encounters. When her wrath is inflamed, she has burned Summon unearthly horrors
Wants to kill and devour entire empires to ashes. Set things ablaze
3 Conditions, 0 Armor Wants to destroy all who enrage her.
Teeth and Claws (Forceful, Piercing, Messy) Teleport short distances
5 Conditions, 3 Armor
• unleash a terrifying roar Enormous teeth and claws (Inflicts 2, Piercing, Change faces
• climb a large tree Forceful, Messy) Offer a blessing, with great cost
• chase any who run Incinerating fire (Inflicts 2, Piercing, Fiery, Area)
Reveal another backup plan
• Summon natural disasters
Death Knight • Devour someone whole Devour metal
Once a champion of justice, this fallen warrior • Demand extreme tribute Enchant someone via touch
now serves darker masters for selfish goals.
Dive from the skies
Wants to bring death and destruction The Solemn
4 Conditions, 3 Armor These elite guards wear masks of sandstone. Hide in unexpected places
Cursed greatsword (Inflicts 2, Forceful) Wants to judge and execute the law. Burrow to safety
• unleash dark magic 4/4 Conditions, 1 Armor Possess the weakminded
• raise an undead slave Dual Scimitars (1 Condition)
Make a binding deal
• Unleash a display of psychic power
• Detect a lie Lunge with terrifying speed
47
Change Log Credits Influences
Chasing Adventure is distributed under a Stars Without Number by Kevin Crawford
Version 0.8
Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0
• Started Change Log International license. Blades in the Dark by John Harper
• Ensured Table of Contents is interactable
Dungeon World by Sage Latorra and Adam
• Reworded Pipeleaf, increased Wealth cost Thanks To
• Reduced the effect of healing potion Koebel
My amazing wife, Marisssa, without her
• Rearranged page so Tags section is before support and feedback this game would be half Apocalype World by D. Vincent Baker and
Items of what it is.
• Reworked example Items Meguey Baker
• Removed mistaken text under Play Order The original testers, Rick and Dominic. We Worlds of Adventure by Yoghai Gal and
that says the PCs gain XP on a 6- started with a hack and ended up here. Cameron Burns
• Slightly reworded NPC creation rules,
ensured that all example NPCs followed Playtesters Jordan, Gabriel and Indigo Oneshot World by Yochai Gal
the latest version of those rules
• Slightly reworded Ponder and Examine, Stonetop by Jeremy Strandberg
The Dungeon World Discord and Subreddit
added example questions to them both Masks by Magpie Games
communities, whose feedback and insight
• Reworked Assets, removed some of the have been invaluable.
more boring ones, added more depth to a Urban Shadows by Magpie Games
few of them.
Reddit users lichkicker1, the_imagesmith and
• Created Optional Rules section.
DaftPrince for creating a few of the example
• Created Handling PvP section. magic items.
• Added Refuse to the Favor moves.
• Reworded Crumble to ‘when you mark Most importantly, thank you to Jesus Christ,
your last condition (other than armor)’ my God and savior. Thank you for dying for my
instead of ‘when you mark your fifth sake, for forgiving my sins and saving my life.
condition’. Thank you for making me a better person.
• Changed conditions to cause disadvantage
with that stat instead of a -1 penalty to it.
• Added Avalanche move for environmental
chases!
• Greatly expanded GM section
• Added Advanced Play section
48