2 MONTE COOK’S ARCANA EVOLVED

Table of Contents
Introduction: New Possibilities
Why a New Book? . . . . . . . . . . .4
Who Is This Book For? . . . . . .4
What’s Inside? . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Themes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Rules Concepts . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Before You Start... . . . . . . . . .7
Creating Characters . . . . . . . .7
Chapter One: Abilities
Determining Ability Scores . .9
Ability Modifiers . . . . . . . . . . .9
Using Ability Scores . . . . . . . .10
Abilities and Spells
or Combat Rites . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Using Strength:
Carrying Capacity . . . . . . . . . .12
Using Intelligence:
Remembering . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Using Charisma:
Runechildren . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30
Sibeccai . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
Verrik . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33
Age, Height, and Weight . . . . .36
Chapter Three: Classes
Classes and Levels . . . . . . . . .37
Akashic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39
Champion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44
Greenbond . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53
Mage Blade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57
Magister . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61
Oathsworn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65
Ritual Warrior . . . . . . . . . . . .69
Runethane . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72
Totem Warrior . . . . . . . . . . . . .78
Unfettered . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .85
file
Warmain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .88
Witch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .91
Multiclass Characters . . . . . .99
Starting With the
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Chapter Six: Equipment
Money . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .150
Weapons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .150
Armor and Shields . . . . . . . .161
Goods and Services . . . . . . . .167
Chapter Seven: Playing the Game
Movement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .175
Vision . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .178
Staging Encounters . . . . . . .178
Combat Sequence . . . . . . . . .179
The Combat Round . . . . . . . .179
Armor Class . . . . . . . . . . . . .179
Hit Points . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .180
Facing and Flanking . . . . . . .180
Making Attacks . . . . . . . . . . .180
Attacks of Opportunity . . . .182
Attack Roll Modifiers . . . . .182
Cover and Concealment . . . .183
Inflicting Damage . . . . . . . . .184

Influencing Others . . . . . . . . .13 Death, Dying, and Healing . .185

Changing Ability Scores . . . . .13 Character Concept . . . . . . . . .100 Subdual Damage . . . . . . . . . .186
Actions in the Round . . . . . .187
Chapter Two: Races Chapter Four: Skills
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Breaking Items and

Racial Levels . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Skill Points . . . . . . . . . . . . . .101 Attacking Objects . . . . . . . . .194
Using Skills . . . . . . . . . . . . .101
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Evolved Levels . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Grenadelike Weapon

Humans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
Dracha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
Faen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Giants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
Litorians . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
Mojh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
Skill Descriptions . . . . . . . .104
Chapter Five: Feats and Talents
Gaining Feats . . . . . . . . . . . .123
Feat Categories . . . . . . . . . . .123
Feat Descriptions . . . . . . . . .128
Attacks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .197
Mounted Combat . . . . . . . . .197
Saving Throws . . . . . . . . . . . .198
Hero Points . . . . . . . . . . . . . .198

Malhavoc is a registered trademark and Arcana Evolved is a trademark owned by Monte J. Cook. Sword & Sorcery and the Sword & Sorcery logo are trademarks of White Wolf Publishing, Inc. All rights
reserved. All other content is ©2005–2008 Monte J. Cook. The mention of or reference to any company or product in these pages is not a challenge to the trademark or copyright concerned. This edition
of Monte Cook’s Arcana Evolved is produced under version 1.0a and/or draft versions of the Open Game License and the System Reference Document by permission of Wizards of the Coast. Subsequent
versions of this product will incorporate later versions of the license and document.
Designation of Product Identity: The following items are hereby designated as Product Identity in accordance with Section 1(e) of the Open Game License, version 1.0a: Any and all Malhavoc Press
logos and identifying marks and trade dress, such as all Malhavoc Press product and product line names including but not limited to Monte Cook’s Arcana Evolved, The Diamond Throne, Legacy of the
Dragons, Mystic Secrets: The Lore of Word and Rune, Ruins of Intrigue, The Dragons’ Return, and Transcendence; any specific characters and places; capitalized names and original names of places,
artifacts, characters, races, countries, geographic locations, gods, historic events, and organizations; any and all stories, storylines, histories, plots, thematic elements, and dialogue; and all artwork,
symbols, designs, depictions, illustrations, maps, and cartography, likenesses, poses, logos, or graphic designs, except such elements that already appear in final or draft versions of the System
Reference Document or as Open Game Content below and are already open by virtue of appearing there. The above Product Identity is not Open Game Content.
 TABLE OF CONTENTS 3

Chapter Eight: Magic Chapter Ten: Chapter Twelve: Creatures

Knowing and Readying
a Spell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .200
Spell Format . . . . . . . . . . . . .201
Casting a Spell . . . . . . . . . . .202
Aiming a Spell . . . . . . . . . . . .202
Saving Throw . . . . . . . . . . . .204
Spell Resistance . . . . . . . . . .204
The Spell’s Result . . . . . . . .204
Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . .205
Concentration . . . . . . . . . . .206
Caster Level . . . . . . . . . . . . .206
Spell Failure . . . . . . . . . . . . .207
Special Spell Effects . . . . . .207
Bringing Back the Dead . . . .207
Truenames . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .207
Elements and Energy Types .208
Diamond Throne Gazetteer
The World . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .322
The People . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .323
The Gods and Religions . . . .330
The History . . . . . . . . . . . . . .332
The Geography . . . . . . . . . . .340
The Kingdoms . . . . . . . . . . . .346
The Organizations . . . . . . . .359
The Cosmology . . . . . . . . . . .360
The Threats . . . . . . . . . . . . . .361
The Mysteries . . . . . . . . . . . .364
Adventure Ideas . . . . . . . . . .365
file
Chapter Eleven: Prestige Classes
Beast Reaver . . . . . . . . . . . . .367
Crystal Warrior . . . . . . . . . .369
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Alabast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .391
Chorrim . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .392
Cyclops . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .394
Dark Warden . . . . . . . . . . . . .395
Dragon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .396
Dream Hunter . . . . . . . . . . . .401
Evolved Creature Template .402
Harrid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .404
Inshon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .405
Radont . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .407
Rhodin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .408
Shadow Troll . . . . . . . . . . . .410
Slassan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .411
Undead Creature Templates .412
Xaaer (Death Ooze) . . . . . . . .414
Creatures From

Combining Magical Effects .208 Darkbond . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .371 Other Sources . . . . . . . . . . .415

Schools of Magic . . . . . . . . .209 Dragon Kith . . . . . . . . . . . . .373
Spell Templates . . . . . . . . . .210 Esoteric Mage . . . . . . . . . . . .374 Appendix
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Magic Items . . . . . . . . . . . . . .215 Giant Paragon . . . . . . . . . . . .376 Conversions . . . . . . . . . . . . . .418

Artifacts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .225 Knight of the Axe . . . . . . . . .377 Character Sheet . . . . . . . . . .424
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Mage Priest . . . . . . . . . . . . . .379 Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .426

Chapter Nine:
Spells and Combat Rites
Spell List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .228
Spell Descriptions . . . . . . . .236
Combat Rites . . . . . . . . . . . . .318
Nightwalker . . . . . . . . . . . . .381 Open Game License . . . . . . . .430
Ollamh Lorekeeper . . . . . . .382
Rune Lord . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .385
Somnamancer . . . . . . . . . . . . .387
Prestige Classes From
Other Sources . . . . . . . . . . .389

Designation of Open Game Content: Subject to the Product Identity designation above, the following portions of Monte Cook’s Arcana Evolved are designated as Open Game Content: the “Before
You Start” section of the Introduction; the entirety of Chapters One and Four; the racial class tables and the “Racial Traits” sections of Chapter Two; the class tables and “Class Features” sections of
Chapter Three; the feats in Chapter Five in their entirety; the magic items and artifacts in Chapter Eight in their entirety; the combat rites in Chapter Nine in their entirety; the names, spell parameters
(range, duration, etc.), and game mechanics of the spells in Chapter Nine; the prestige class advancement tables and “Class Features” sections of Chapter Eleven; the statistics and “Combat“ text for
the monsters in Chapter Twelve; and anything else contained herein which is already Open Game Content by virtue of appearing in the System Reference Document or some other Open Game Content
source. In Chapters Six, Seven, and Eight, all the material that also appears in the System Reference Document is open, and all other material is not.
Some portions of this book which are Open Game Content originate from the System Reference Document and are ©1999–2008 Wizards of the Coast, Inc. The remainder of these Open Game Content por-
tions of this book are hereby added to Open Game Content and if so used, should bear the COPYRIGHT NOTICE “Monte Cook’s Arcana Evolved ©2005–2008 Monte J. Cook.” This material is protected under the
copyright laws of the United States of America. Any reproduction, retransmission, or unauthorized use of the artwork or non-Open Game Content herein is prohibited without express written permission from
Monte Cook, except for purposes of review or use of Open Game Content consistent with the Open Game License. The original purchaser may print or photocopy copies for his or her own personal use only.
This document is a work of fiction. Any similarity to actual people, organizations, places, or events is purely coincidental.
4 MONTE COOK’S ARCANA EVOLVED
INTRODUCTION:
New Possibilities
Everything changes. It’s the key concept of evolution—everything moves forward.
ple
m
Sa
Y
ou hold in your hands a book that attempts to express
its own reality. It is a setting—not just with places and
characters, but with the rules that define how those
characters operate within those places. Monte Cook’s Arcana
Evolved is based on the idea that the best way to describe a thing
is to define that thing. It is a roleplaying game rules set based on a
popular rules set, but different in its own ways. It’s fantasy role-
playing taken in a new direction.
The book in your hands was given life by a previous volume
called Arcana Unearthed. Just as that book unearthed a new, magi-
cal world, this one takes that world another step. Arcana Evolved
is built atop Arcana Unearthed. You won’t find anything in Arcana
Unearthed that isn’t also in this book—but Arcana Evolved offers
quite a bit that is new.
Like its predecessor, you can use Arcana Evolved in many ways.
It can supplement your existing fantasy roleplaying game (these
rules mesh well with the core 3rd Edition and 3.5 Revised Edition
rules), or it can replace the existing rules you use. It’s complete
enough to serve as an entire alternate player’s handbook. It’s got
everything you need.
Most likely, you are already familiar with the central core
around which the contents of this book revolve. You’ll find,how-
ever, that the individual elements—the races, the classes, the
feats, the spells, even some of the skills and equipment—are
new and different.
WHY A NEW BOOK?
If you already own Monte Cook’s Arcana Unearthed, you’re
already familiar with much of the material in this book. It’s not,
strictly speaking, a new edition or even a revision. To borrow a
term from the movie industry, it’s really more of a director’s cut.
Inside you’ll find the races, classes, and other elements that you
remember. You’ll also find that this book clarifies a number of
the rules and incorporates the errata. Moreover, you’ll find all
the material from Arcana Unearthed’s companion volume, The
Diamond Throne, as well as some from the Player’s Guide (a
file
component of the DM’s Screen product) has been added in.
Even more exciting, however, is the new material. Inside you’ll
find a new race called the dracha. You’ll see that there is a whole
new concept called evolved levels that takes the racial levels of
Arcana Unearthed a step further. This book offers an exciting
new class called the ritual warrior, and along with it a new con-
cept called combat rites. You’ll find new causes to champion, a
new witchery manifestation, new levels in each class, new feats,
new equipment, new spell templates, new spells, new prestige
classes, and new creatures. Lastly, now that the book is in full
color, it is more beautiful than ever before.
The new material, for the most part, revolves around a con-
cept that fans of Arcana Unearthed are sure to find exiting: the
return of the dragons to the Lands of the Diamond Throne. The
dragons left these shores millennia ago, and their recent return
has thrown the other races into turmoil. What’s more, the drag-
ons bring with them the ability to help characters evolve into
newer and better forms.
In short, this basically is a new, deluxe presentation with some
much-needed bonus material and some exciting story elements
added in. This material is my most important work since I start-
ed Malhavoc Press, and this book is a closer approximation to
my ultimate vision for my “variant player’s handbook.” In a way,
you could say that the material finally has the presentation it
deserves. Everything evolves.
WHO IS THIS BOOK FOR?
This book is designed for experienced roleplayers. The intended
audience is familiar with the 3rd Edition or 3.5 Revised Edition
core rules, although that knowledge isn’t crucial.
You do not need to be familiar with or even own Monte
Cook’s Arcana Unearthed to use this book. Arcana Evolved
has everything from that book, and a lot more besides. You do
not need any other player’s handbooks. However, you’ll find that

other core rules reference books, like the MM and the DMG,
will enhance your game play.
The DMG offers a number of useful tips for DMs running
Arcana Evolved games. NPC classes including the warrior, com-
moner, expert, and aristocrat (but not the adept) add depth to a
campaign. Rules for awarding experience points and treasure are
also useful. The book details the basic magic items (magic
weapons, armor, rings of protection, etc.) you’ll want for your cam-
paign, in addition to many special items that you could use with
these rules, if you wish. Plus, it offers a wealth of guidelines for
creating and running a campaign.
The MM presents far more creatures than this book can (and
in Chapter Twelve you’ll find a list of creatures from the MM and
other books that fit well into the Diamond Throne setting). Even
DMs who don’t feel the need to use MM creatures in their
adventures will find them useful for summoning spells. The MM
also includes statistics for animals, which are necessary for char-
acter classes with animal companions.
The Arcana Evolved website <www. arcanaevolved.com> offers
an introductory adventure for this book, but you can also use fan-
tasy adventures meant to go along with the core rules. You can
find additional source material on magic in Mystic Secrets: The
Lore of Word and Rune and 50 new creatures in Legacy of the
Dragons, both from Malhavoc Press. Monster books such as the
Creature Collection series and Tome of Horrors from Sword &
ple
Sorcery can add a nice variety. Counter Collection: Arcana Evolved
and BattleBox: Arcana Evolved from Fiery Dragon Productions
m
enhance the gaming experience with full-color counters and more.
Also look for Fiery Dragon’s official Arcana Evolved adventure
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series, exclusively in PDF. If miniatures are more your style, check
out the Arcana Evolved line from Iron Wind Metals, including the
Heroes of the Diamond Throne assortment and new blister packs.
WHAT’S INSIDE?
Here’s what you’ll find in each chapter of Arcana Evolved:
1. Abilities: All you need to know about Strength, Intelligence,
and a character’s other abilities.
2. Races: Eight character races, plus humans. These races
have special racial or evolved level progressions that you can take
like classes to gain unique racial abilities. Most of them start out
as viable 1st-level characters, either with traditional classes or
racial or evolved levels.
3. Classes: The 12 Arcana Evolved core classes are balanced to
work together and created to be complete in this book, covering all
the traditional “roles” you enjoy in a fantasy game, but in an a very
different way. All classes advance to 25th level.
4. Skills: This chapter provides some new takes on skills and
clears up some problem areas found in other games.
5. Feats and Talents: In addition to traditional types of feats,
this chapter offers two other types: the talent, a special ability you
can choose only at the start of the game, and the ceremonial feat,
which you can choose only after performing certain rituals.
6. Equipment: This chapter gives you different types of
armor—including exotic armor—weapons, and alchemical
substances, plus all the basics.
INTRODUCTION: NEW POSSIBILITIES 5
7. Playing the Game: The core structure of the game remains
familiar to established roleplayers, with a few variant twists for
experienced players or for those who simply want to take advan-
tage of advanced development of the rules. Of special interest is a
hero point system that allows players to accomplish amazing tasks.
8. Magic: Anyone who’s a little tired of the traditional “pre-
pare, then cast” method of handling spells will love the ability to
alter a spell’s power and weave together minor spells into larger
ones. Also, spell templates let you customize spells to fit your
character. Lastly, this chapter offers magic items and artifacts
that characters can discover on their adventures and use to
enhance their characters.
9. Spells and Combat Rites: This book offers hundreds of
spells, each complete with guidelines for heightening and dimin-
ishing its effects and for creating a magic item from it. This chap-
ter also presents combat rites: rituals used by the ritual warrior,
oathsworn, and warmain classes.
10. Diamond Throne Gazetteer. The setting that serves as a
backdrop for the rules in Arcana Evolved is called Dor-Erthenos,
the Lands of the Diamond Throne. This chapter provides a very
brief overview of this default setting, although it is certainly not the
file
only setting possible. The gazetteer includes enough information to
get a DM started, but really the idea is for you to take this setting
and make it your own.
11. Prestige Classes. Characters that advance to mid and
high levels can qualify for these special, world-specific classes.
They help define the setting and the people who live there.
12. Creatures. Many creatures are unique to the Lands of
the Diamond Throne, and some of them appear here. At the core
of the chapter, you will find the unique and dangerous dragons of
the setting, newly returned to the realm.
Appendix: The rules in this book are entirely compatible with
other fantasy roleplaying supplements you might already own.
The Appendix offers conversions to help you translate your exist-
ing campaign material.
Bonus source material and ideas to augment the information
in Monte Cook’s Arcana Evolved appear on my website. Find the
links to these free web enhancements and much more online at
<www.arcanaevolved.com>.
This rulebook is protected content except for items specifical-
ly called out as Open Game Content on the pages 2–3. For full
details, please turn page 430. Open content is not otherwise
marked in the text of this book.
THEMES
Those of you familiar with previous Malhavoc Press products
know that I like to play around with various ideas and build
upon cohesive themes. Here are some of the themes I’ve
explored in this book:
Oaths and Ceremonies
Arcana Evolved suggests a world in which people take rituals very
seriously, and ceremonies constitute an important part of every
aspect of a person’s life. One imagines that characters in this
6 MONTE COOK’S ARCANA EVOLVED
world have short rituals to perform before they eat or sleep. Daily
ceremonies cleanse the mind and refresh the soul. In game
terms, big important ceremonies provide characters with powerful
feats and tie into class and race abilities.
Oaths carry much weight and seriousness as well. The folk of
the Lands of the Diamond Throne take things like vows, honor,
and duty very seriously, as you can see from such character classes
as the oathsworn and the champion.
Through ceremony, people realize the importance of that
which lies beyond themselves. By placing value on oaths, duty,
and honor, they recognize the importance of that which lies
within themselves.
Character Choice vs. Destiny
Although chance and fate seem to guide one’s life at times,
Arcana Evolved assumes a world where freedom of choice is more
important than the unknown whims of fortune or the predestined
plans of immortal beings. Characters choose to become mojh,
sprytes, or runechildren. They choose to evolve. Oathsworn
choose their own oaths and fulfill them because they want to.
Champions pick their causes, totem warriors choose their totem
spirits, and witches decide their witchery manifestations for
themselves. Characters wishing to become great warriors can
select the path of the unfettered, ritual warrior, or warmain.
In this world, characters make their own decisions—and they
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must live with the consequences. They have no game system to
dictate their actions (and reactions), so they must take responsi-
m
bility for their own behavior.
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Contrast and Opposition
Characters range from the tiny sprytes to the massive giants. For
every champion of life there is a champion of death. There are
more contrasting oppositions in a fantasy milieu than just good
versus evil.
Complex Races and Classes
Do the giants have a right to rule just because they freed the other
races from slavery? Can a sibeccai ever be free of her self-
imposed feelings of indebtedness to the giants? Why does a mojh
choose to give up its humanity? Just what is it that makes the ver-
rik such ciphers? Each race you meet in this book comes with a
complex set of inherent questions.
Characters’ reliance on ritual suggests they are very aware of
their place in the world. Many classes assume such a connection
with the setting: Champions represent a cause, oathsworn swear
an oath about some specific task, an akashic’s abilities come from
the memories of others, and greenbonds are tied directly to the
land. Characters of any class must contend with concerns much
larger than themselves.
Evolution
Everything changes—everything moves on. Those who stand still
risk being left behind. But even as characters and creatures
adapt, there are other changes to be made. Players need to
weigh their options and make their choices carefully, because
with evolution comes increased power, in the form of new
evolved levels and high levels (20th to 25th) in this book’s core
classes. Making careful choices includes deciding who to consid-
er a friend and an enemy.
Giving Power Back to DMs
The core rules of the Player’s Handbook were written to be as
simple as possible, with very little need or room for DM adjudi-
cation. Arcana Evolved is intended for game masters, or DMs,
with a little experience, who are fully capable of making judg-
ment calls and sensible rulings. This isn’t to say that a careful
eye didn’t watch over the balance and playability of these rules.
But that same careful eye also made sure not to overdefine con-
cepts or regulate them too heavy-handedly. DMs have room to
make the game their own.
Tailor-Made Characters
Players can easily adapt many of the classes in this book to make
them more like what they envision for their characters. One can
quickly create different types of champions, totem warriors, or
witches, for example. Multiclassing has no restrictions. Any race
file
is equally suited to any class.
A world of new possibilities awaits.
RULES CONCEPTS
Although this book obviously offers alternate races, classes,
spells, and so on, those of you familiar with the existing core
rules will notice that in Arcana Evolved, I’ve presented a lot of
different concepts even among rules that are already established.
Racial and Evolved Levels. With the concept of racial lev-
els, a character can focus on advancing within the nature of her
race and racial abilities, rather than taking levels in a class.
Along with racial levels come evolved levels. These levels work
just like racial levels, but they come only after a character makes
a special pact with the dragons.
Talents. Talents are feats that one can take only at 1st level.
Some things you are simply born with.
Ceremonial Feats. Ceremonial feats grant supernatural abil-
ities bequeathed through the performance of certain rituals. The
rituals require expensive components and the help of others.
Spell Flexibility. Spells in Arcana Evolved are not just set,
unchangeable programs, but flexible, customizable options for
players. Each spell can be diminished or heightened to produce
a spectrum of effects. It can be laden to hold more power. It can
be woven with other spells to cast a more powerful spell. Adding
spell templates can change the nature of a spell and its effects.
Casters can add in new material components to change the
effects. Magic is fluid and subject to the whims of the individual
caster, thus it remains always mysterious and fascinating.
Combat Rites. Combat rites are special abilities that mem-
bers of certain martial character classes access through battle
ceremonies. There are four ranks of combat rites, each one more
powerful than the ones before it.
Hero Points. This rules subset allows players to take special,
desperate actions not normally possible under the rules. Hero

points allow game play to more closely resemble fictional stories
in which the main characters perform some amazing feat just at
the right moment. They also encourage heroic play.
“Death’s Door” Rules. Although a bit more complicated
than the standard rules, the guidelines in Arcana Evolved govern-
ing how long an injured character can stand before he drops
allow the system to simulate tough characters who are “wound-
ed, but still fighting.”
BEFORE YOU START…
Keep these important rules concepts and assumptions in mind as
you read through Monte Cook’s Arcana Evolved:
Dice Notation
The rules in this book use the following die notations:
d4 = four-sided die d10 = ten-sided die
d6 = six-sided die d12 = twelve-sided die
d8 = eight-sided die d20 = twenty-sided die
d% = percentile dice
Die rolls are expressed in the following format:
[#] die type [+/– modifiers]
Example: 3d6+2 means: “Roll three six-sided dice. Add the
result of the three dice together. Then add 2.”
ple
Rounding Fractions
m
In general, if you wind up with a fraction, round down, even if
the fraction is one-half or larger.
Sa
Exception: Certain rolls, such as damage and hit points, have
a minimum of 1.
Multiplying
Sometimes a special rule makes you multiply a number or a die
roll. As long as you’re applying a single multiplier, multiply the
number normally. When two or more multipliers apply, however,
combine them into a single multiple, with each extra multiple
adding 1 less than its value to the first multiple. Thus, a double
(×2) and a double (×2) applied to the same number results in a
triple (×3, because 2+1=3).
Basic Task Resolution System
These rules assume a standardized system for determining the
success or failure of any given task. That system is as follows:
d20 roll + any modifiers = result vs. a target number
The modifiers and target number are determined by the type of
task. If the result of the d20 roll plus the modifiers equals or
exceeds the target number, the task is successful. Any other result
means a failure. For example, on a saving throw or a skill check,
the target number is the Difficulty Class (DC). In an attack roll,
the target number is the Armor Class (AC) of the opponent.
A “natural 20” on the die roll is not an automatic success. A
“natural 1” on the die roll is not an automatic failure. The excep-
tions to this rule are attack rolls and saving throws.
INTRODUCTION: NEW POSSIBILITIES 7
No Alignments
There are no alignments in Arcana Evolved into which you must
shoehorn your character’s outlook. This rulebook does not attempt to
define good or evil, nor does it address law or chaos. Characters
should decide for themselves what is good and what is evil, the way
real people do. There are no spells that reveal whether a character is
evil or good—his actions and the perspectives of those around him
determine that. Very few characters think of themselves as evil. The
truth is, such concepts are relative.
Yet even without alignments, villains still do terrible things to further
their own goals. Heroes still make great sacrifices to stop them. The
classic conflicts all remain. But now there are even more. Two noble
and altruistic characters might oppose each other, for example. Their
personal ideologies might even cause each of them to define the other
as “evil.”
Characters with a conscience still act responsibly, and those with a
code of conduct still adhere to it: Having no alignment is not an
excuse for all characters to act wantonly. As in the real world, things
are much more interesting if there are not nine alignments but, in
fact, an infinite number of them—each character becomes his own
alignment.
file
CREATING CHARACTERS
More than anything, this book is a guide to help you create fan-
tasy characters. It also offers the rules you need to have these
characters take on challenges, such as casting spells and engag-
ing in combat.
When creating a player character (PC), use a copy of the
character sheets on pages 424–425 and follow these steps:
1. Come up with a concept. This is the most important
step. Don’t think in terms of game mechanics or stereotypes.
Come up with your own idea for a character. Don’t use easy
hooks like “good” and “evil,” but imagine a realistic personality
and outlook. Think in terms of the character’s background, his
goals, and his likes and dislikes. (See also “Starting With the
Character Concept” on page 100.)
2. Roll ability scores. Roll 4d6 six times. Drop the lowest
die each time and assign the totals as you wish to your ability
scores. (See Chapter One.) While you do this, flip ahead to
Chapters Two and Three to be aware of how your ability scores
will affect your race and class. For example, a witch with a low
Wisdom score won’t be as effective as one with a high Wisdom
score. It’s up to you, however. Use a pencil as you write your
ability scores on your character sheet, so you can switch them
around later if you need to.
3. Choose a race and a class. This step often takes place
after you roll the dice in Step 2 but before you assign the scores
to abilities. However, do it the way it feels most natural. Don’t
forget that many races have classlike racial levels that you can
take in lieu of up to three levels of a standard class. Refer to
Chapters Two and Three. After you choose, fill in the appropri-
ate spaces on your character sheet with special racial and class
abilities, your base attack bonus, initiative modifier, and saving
throw modifiers. If you’ve chosen to play a spellcasting character,
jot down the spells you’d like to have ready to cast, as well as
8 MONTE COOK’S ARCANA EVOLVED
Thank You to Our Playtesters
Original Playtesters: Matthew Arieta, Scott Bercaw, Michele Bonelli
di Salci, Julian Alexander Brevad, Sindre Buchanan, Mark Bursey,
Roy Cejing Butler, Mark Byer, Tim Campbell, Michele Carter,
Steven Charbonneau, Sue Cook, Brenda Copping, Bruce Cordell,
Philippe Daigneault, Riccardo D’Antimi, Jesse Decker, Sam Didier,
Donavan Dufault, Mylène Dumais, Matthew E. Farr, Per Ditlef Faye,
Bob Fitch, Victoria Fitch, Dave Fried, Frank Gilson, Ed Goethe,
Kelly Graham, Scott Hannah, Sean Hannah, Ken Heaton, Michael
Heiberg, Manuel Rodriguez Jàuregui, Joseph H. Johnson, Nathan
Johnson, Peter Kastner, Lance Keber, Robin Knepper, Patrick
Langlois, Geof Laur, Robben Leaf, Matt Locke, Tom Lommel,
Alessandro Marchetti, Mike Marohl, Marie-France Matte, Sean
McLeod, Martin Ménard, Geoffrey Scott Mercer, Chris Metzen,
Andrew W. Morris, Fabio Milito Pagliara, Susan Patrick, Chris
Perkins, Nicolas Pevishan, Joachim Rasmussen, Brian Riley, John
Schwartz, Del Shand, Nicolas Shand, Odin Runningen Skaugen,
Joseph Skupniewitz, Cheryl Storm, Jeremy Storm, Pete Storm, John
Sussenberger, Lisa Sussenberger, Tammy Tavener, Robert L. Trottier,
Bob Tucker, and Collin White.
Arcana Evolved Playtesters: Anders Bering, Rob Bowell, Daniel
Byer, Mark Byer, Michael Cole, Audrey Collins, Bill Collins, Sean
Donovan, Torben Fronval, Jeremy Goodwin, Holly Gray, Pete Kastner,
Robber Leaf, Sean Lenihan, Tom Lommel, Brian MacDonald, Kevin
MacKay, Sara MacKay, Lisa Morey, Paul Morey, Steven Munch,
Jonna Nielsen, Erik Peterson, Mikkel Rasmussen, Stephen Sloan,
Patrick Smith, Robert Smith, Thomas Smith, Annette Keis Thustrup,
ple
Søren Keis Thustrup, Andrew Wardell, Viola Wardell, Rory Weston,
Elee Wood, and Joseph Wu.
m
your available number of spell slots and the Difficulty Class of
Sa
each level of spell.
4. Buy skills. Every class has a number of starting skill
points you can use to buy skills for your character. Remember
that class skills cost 1 point per rank, and all other skills cost
2 points per rank. Select your skills from those described in
Chapter Four and note the ranks on your character sheet.
5. Choose feats and talents. Every character starts out with
at least two feats; one of them might be a ceremonial feat, and
one or both might be a talent. Humans get an additional starting
feat. Only starting characters can choose talents, so consider
them carefully. You can’t go back and get a talent later. Feats and
talents are described in Chapter Five. Add your selections to
your character sheet where indicated.
6. Figure hit points. Each class has an associated Hit Die
listed in Chapter Three. Assume that you rolled the highest
number on the die, then add your Constitution modifier to the
total. The result is your hit point total at 1st level. Note it on
your character sheet.
7. Buy equipment. Roll 5d4 and multiply the result by 10.
That’s your starting number of gold pieces to buy equipment.
You’ll probably want to make sure you get a weapon (or perhaps
two—one for melee and one for ranged attacks) and maybe
some armor, but that depends on your class. See the equipment
listed in Chapter Six. Once you’ve listed your equipment on your
character sheet, you can also determine your Armor Class and
carrying capacity.
8. Complete your character sheet. Now that you know
your character’s basic abilities and skills, and you have an idea of
what he owns and what he can do, fill out the rest of your char-
acter sheet. Name your character and jot down some notes
about background, age, appearance, and personal goals.
Gaining Levels
You gain new levels by earning experience points (XP), as
described at the beginning of Chapter Three. When your charac-
ter has earned enough experience points to advance a level, fol-
low these steps:
1. Choose class or racial level. When you gain a level, the
most common thing to do is to take the next higher level in your
current class. However, you are free to take the first level in
another class (or dracha, giants, litorians, mojh, sibeccai, sprytes,
and verrik can choose a racial level instead). Choosing an
evolved level requires DM approval. Taking levels in two or more
classes is called multiclassing (see page 99). You can advance in
as many classes as you wish, but you can only gain a level in one
class at a time.
2. Apply changes to base attack bonus, base saving
file
throw modifiers, and spells. Refer to the chart associated
with the class or racial level for your new base attack bonus,
saving throw modifiers, and spell slots and spells readied per day
(if any).
3. Record new class abilities (if any). Many classes gain
special abilities when they acquire a new level.
4. If the level is 3rd, 6th, 9th, 12th, 15th, 18th, 21st,
or 24th, choose a new feat. All characters get a new feat at
these levels. Some characters gain additional bonus feats based
on their class. This feat can be a general feat, an item creation
feat, or a ceremonial feat—but remember that the ceremony
requires costly components, time, and often aid from others.
5. If the level is 4th, 8th, 12th, 16th, 20th, or 24th,
add a point to one ability score. At these levels, you can add
1 point to any ability score you choose. If the change alters your
ability modifier, make sure you update all other relevant scores,
such as skill bonuses, saving throw bonuses, attack bonuses, and
so on.
6. Buy skills. Use your class’ skill points to buy new skills.
Remember that class skills cost 1 point per rank and all other
skills cost 2 points per rank.
7. Roll for hit points. Each class has an associated Hit Die.
Roll the die, add your Constitution modifier to the result, and
add that result to your current hit point total.
 >>>>>>>>>>>>
CHAPTER ONE: ABILITIES 9
Chapter One:

Abilities
Strength. Dexterity. Constitution. Intelligence. Wisdom. Charisma.
These are the most essential building blocks of a character.

E
ach of the six abilities measures some fundamental
and unique aspect of a character. Not everyone can
have a high score in each one—ability scores repre-
sent weaknesses as well as strengths. Warriors command great
Strength and Constitution, while spellcasters possess a high
Intelligence or Wisdom. Occasionally, however, a warrior such
as an unfettered has a high Dexterity or Intelligence. A magis-
ter’s high Constitution score represents an uncharacteristically
high stamina.
Ability scores both define stereotypes and allow characters to file
deviate from them to become unique individuals. Every charac-
ter has six basic abilities, each of which has a score, normally
ranging from about 3 to 18. The average score for a human is
10 or 11.
ple

Strength (Str) shows how physically strong your character

is. Someone with a Strength of 3 is so feeble he can barely carry
m

his own weight. Someone with a Strength of 18 has strength of

great renown. The giants have great Strength.
Sa

Dexterity (Dex) shows how quick and deft your character is.
Someone with a Dexterity of 3 is known for inept clumsiness,
while someone with a Dexterity of 18 is incredibly nimble and
fast. The races of litorians and quickling faen are known for
their Dexterity.
Constitution (Con) shows how healthy and hearty your
character is. A character with a Constitution of 3 is sickly and
frail. Someone with a Constitution of 18 is fit, never sick, and
can take a lot of physical punishment. Sibeccai and dracha have
great Constitution.
Intelligence (Int) shows how smart your character is.
Someone with an Intelligence of 3 can barely form a complete
sentence, while someone with an Intelligence of 18 is a genius.
The races of mojh and loresong faen are very intelligent.
Wisdom (Wis) shows how perceptive, intuitive, and willful
your character is. Someone with a Wisdom of 3 is regarded by
everyone as a fool, unaware of half the things going on around
him. Someone with a Wisdom of 18 is canny and insightful,
usually difficult to fool. Verrik are very wise.
Charisma (Cha) shows your character’s strength of person-
ality. It also involves both personal magnetism and physical
beauty. A character with a Charisma of 3 is horrible and
hideous. Someone with a Charisma of 18 is charming, forceful,
persuasive, and probably good looking.
DETERMINING ABILITY SCORES
Although the normal human range is 3 to 18, ability scores
range from 0 to infinity. Thus, to determine your character’s
ability scores, roll 4d6, discard the lowest die, and total the
remaining three dice. Generate six such scores, then arrange
them among the six abilities as you desire.
Different character classes benefit from having high results in
certain ability scores, and certain races modify ability scores, so
refer to Chapters Two and Three for more information and
ideas on how to best arrange your scores.
ABILITY MODIFIERS
Each ability has an accompanying modifier. The modifier is the
number you add to or subtract from the result of a die roll when
your character tries to do something related to that ability. A
positive modifier is called a bonus, and a negative modifier is
called a penalty.
You can calculate the modifier using this formula:
(ability ÷ 2) – 5 [round result down]
This means you could show the range of ability modifiers as a
table, like this one:
10 MONTE COOK’S ARCANA EVOLVED> > > > > > > > > > > >
Ability Score Modifier A character adds his Strength modifier to melee attack and
0 0 damage rolls, and to damage rolls when using a thrown weapon.
1 –5 Skills requiring physical power, such as Climb or Jump, use
2–3 –4 Strength modifiers to adjust the skill bonus. Strength is used to
4–5 –3 determine carrying capacity (see “Using Strength: Carrying
6–7 –2 Capacity” on page 12).
8–9 –1 A creature with no Strength score can’t exert force, usually
10–11 0 because it has no physical body or because it doesn’t move. The
12–13 +1 creature automatically fails Strength checks. If the creature can
14–15 +2 attack, it applies its Dexterity modifier to its base attack instead
16–17 +3 of its Strength modifier.
18–19 +4
20–21 +5 Dexterity
22–23 +6 Any creature that can physically move has at least 1 point of
24–25 +7 Dexterity.
26–27 +8 A character adds her Dexterity modifier to her Armor Class
28–29 +9 and to attack rolls when using a ranged weapon. Skills requiring
30–31 +10 agility, such as Open Lock or Balance, use Dexterity modifiers
etc. etc. to adjust the skill bonus. A character also adds her Dexterity
modifier to her Reflex saving throw bonus.
USING ABILITY SCORES A creature with no Dexterity score can’t move. If it can act, it
file
Your characters will use their ability scores all the time to over- applies its Intelligence modifier to initiative checks instead of
come obstacles and resist threats. its Dexterity modifier. Such a creature fails all Reflex saves and
Dexterity checks.
Strength
ple

Any creature that can physically manipulate other objects has at Constitution
least 1 point of Strength. Any living creature has at least 1 point of Constitution.
m
Sa

A character adds his Constitution modifier to his Hit Die
when he rolls for hit points at each level. Skills requiring stal-
wart stamina, such as Concentration, use Constitution modi-
fiers to adjust the skill bonus. A character also adds his
Constitution modifier to his Fortitude saving throw bonus.
If a character’s Constitution changes enough to alter his
Constitution modifier, his hit points also increase or decrease
accordingly at the same time.
A creature with no Constitution has no body or no metabo-
lism. It is immune to any effect that requires a Fortitude save
unless the effect works on objects. Such a creature is also
immune to ability damage, ability drain, and energy drain, and
always fails Constitution checks.
Intelligence
Any creature that can think, learn, or remember has at least
1 point of Intelligence.
A character adds her Intelligence modifier to her skill points
when she gains them at each level. Skills requiring acute intel-
lect, such as Knowledge or Appraise, use Intelligence modifiers
to adjust the skill bonus. Magisters and runethanes with high
Intelligence gain extra spells (see page 12), and they must have
good Intelligence scores to cast spells at all.
A creature with no Intelligence score is an automaton, operat-
ing on simple instincts or programmed instructions. It is immune
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>>>>>>>>>>>>
CHAPTER ONE: ABILITIES 11
to all mind-affecting effects (charms, compulsions, phantasms,
and morale effects) and automatically fails Intelligence checks.
Wisdom
Any creature that can perceive its environment in any fashion
has at least 1 point of Wisdom.
Skills requiring insight or perception, such as Spot and Sense
Motive, use Wisdom modifiers to adjust the skill bonus. Witches
and greenbonds with high Wisdom gain extra spells (see page 12)
and must have a good Wisdom to cast spells at all. Characters who
use combat rites, such as ritual warriors or oathsworn, gain bonus
rites to use each day if they have a high Wisdom score. A character
also adds his Wisdom modifier to his Will saving throw bonus.
Anything with no Wisdom score is an object, not a creature.
Anything without a Wisdom score also has no Charisma score,
and vice versa.
Charisma
Any creature capable of telling the difference between itself and
things that are not itself has at least 1 point of Charisma.
file Skills requiring force of personality or charm, such as Intimidate
and Gather Information, use Charisma modifiers to adjust the skill
bonus. Mage blades with high Charisma gain extra spells (see
“Abilities and Spells or Combat Rites,” on the next page), and
they must have good Charisma scores to cast spells at all.

BONUS SPELLS AND COMBAT RITES

m

Bonus Spell Slots and Spells Readied (by Spell Level) or Bonus Combat Rites (by Rank)*
Sa

Score 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
1 Can’t cast spells tied to this ability or use combat rites
2–3 Can’t cast spells tied to this ability or use combat rites
4–5 Can’t cast spells tied to this ability or use combat rites
6–7 Can’t cast spells tied to this ability or use combat rites
8–9 Can’t cast spells tied to this ability or use combat rites
10–11 — — — — — — — — — — —
12–13 1 1 — — — — — — — — —
14–15 1 1 1 — — — — — — — —
16–17 1 1 1 1 — — — — — — —
18–19 1 1 1 1 1 — — — — — —
20–21 2 2 1 1 1 1 — — — — —
22–23 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 — — — —
24–25 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 — — —
26–27 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 — —
28–29 3 3 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 —
30–31 3 3 3 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 1
32–33 3 3 3 3 2 2 2 2 1 1 1
34–35 3 3 3 3 3 2 2 2 2 1 1
36–37 4 4 3 3 3 3 2 2 2 2 1
38–39 4 4 4 3 3 3 3 2 2 2 2
40–41 4 4 4 4 3 3 3 3 2 2 2
42–43 4 4 4 4 4 3 3 3 3 2 2
44–45 5 5 4 4 4 4 3 3 3 3 2

* Ignore combat ranks higher than 4.

12 MONTE COOK’S ARCANA EVOLVED> > > > > > > > > > > >
Anything with no Charisma score is an object, not a creature. CARRYING CAPACITY
Anything without a Charisma score also has no Wisdom score,
and vice versa. Strength Light Medium Heavy
Score Load Load Load
Scores of 0 and None 1 up to 3 lbs. 4–6 lbs. 7–10 lbs.
One or more of a character’s ability scores might fall to 0 during 2 up to 6 lbs. 7–13 lbs. 14–20 lbs.
the course of an adventure. The results are as follows: 3 up to 10 lbs. 11–20 lbs. 21–30 lbs.
• Strength 0 means the character cannot move at all. 4 up to 13 lbs. 14–26 lbs. 27–40 lbs.
He lies helpless on the ground. 5 up to 16 lbs. 17–33 lbs. 34–50 lbs.
• Dexterity 0 means the character cannot move at all. 6 up to 20 lbs. 21–40 lbs. 41–60 lbs.
He stands motionless, rigid, and helpless. 7 up to 23 lbs. 24–46 lbs. 47–70 lbs.
• Constitution 0 means the character is dead. 8 up to 26 lbs. 27–53 lbs. 54–80 lbs.
• Intelligence 0 means the character cannot think and 9 up to 30 lbs. 31–60 lbs. 61–90 lbs.
remains unconscious in a comalike stupor, helpless. 10 up to 33 lbs. 34–66 lbs. 67–100 lbs.
• Wisdom 0 means the character has withdrawn into a 11 up to 38 lbs. 39–76 lbs. 77–115 lbs.
deep sleep filled with nightmares, helpless. 12 up to 43 lbs. 44–86 lbs. 87–130 lbs.
• Charisma 0 means the character has withdrawn into a 13 up to 50 lbs. 51–100 lbs. 101–150 lbs.
catatonic, comalike stupor, helpless. 14 up to 58 lbs. 59–116 lbs. 117–175 lbs.
15 up to 66 lbs. 67–133 lbs. 134–200 lbs.
Keeping track of negative ability score points is never neces- 16 up to 76 lbs. 77–153 lbs. 154–230 lbs.
sary. A character’s ability score can’t drop below 0. 17
file up to 86 lbs. 87–173 lbs. 174–260 lbs.
It is possible for a creature to have an ability score of “none.” 18 up to 100 lbs. 101–200 lbs. 201–300 lbs.
A score of “none” is not the same as a score of “0.” A score of 19 up to 116 lbs. 117–233 lbs. 234–350 lbs.
“none” means that the creature does not possess the ability at 20 up to 133 lbs. 134–266 lbs. 267–400 lbs.
all. The modifier for a score of “none” is +0. 21 up to 153 lbs. 154–306 lbs. 307–460 lbs.
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22 up to 173 lbs. 174–346 lbs. 347–520 lbs.

ABILITIES AND SPELLS OR COMBAT RITES 23 up to 200 lbs. 201–400 lbs. 401–600 lbs.
m

The casting capability of each spellcaster class depends on a spe- 24 up to 233 lbs. 234–466 lbs. 467–700 lbs.
cific ability, as described for that class. If a character’s score in 25 up to 266 lbs. 267–533 lbs. 534–800 lbs.
Sa

this key ability is 9 or lower, the character can’t cast spells tied to 26 up to 306 lbs. 307–617 lbs. 618–920 lbs.
that ability. Characters get bonus spell slots and can ready bonus 27 up to 346 lbs. 347–693 lbs. 694–1,040 lbs.
spells based on this key ability. Find the number appropriate to 28 up to 400 lbs. 401–800 lbs. 801–1,200 lbs.
your character’s score in the “Bonus Spells and Combat Rites” 29 up to 466 lbs. 467–933 lbs. 934–1,400 lbs.
table on the previous page, and add it to both the spell slots and +10 ×4 ×4 ×4
the number of spells readied for that level. See Chapter Three:
Classes and Chapter Eight: Magic for more information. CARRYING LOADS
Characters who use combat rites use Wisdom as the key ability Maximum Check Speed Speed Speed
to determine how many bonus combat rites per day they gain. Load Dexterity Penalty (30 feet) (20 feet) (Run)
Medium +3 –3 20 feet 15 feet ×4
USING STRENGTH: CARRYING CAPACITY Heavy +1 –6 20 feet 15 feet ×3
If you want to determine whether your character’s gear is heavy
enough to slow her down (more than the armor already does),
total the weight of all her armor, weapons, and gear. Compare A character can lift up to double the maximum load off the
this total to the character’s Strength on the “Carrying Capacity” ground, but can only stagger around with it. While overloaded
table. See the “Carrying Loads” table to determine whether the in this way, the character loses any Dexterity bonus to Armor
weight is enough to slow your character down. Class and can move only 5 feet per round (as a full-round
If your character is wearing armor, use the lower figure— action).
either her speed in armor or her speed from the total load— A character can generally push or drag along the ground up
for each category on the “Carrying Loads” table (maximum to five times her maximum load at one-quarter her normal
Dexterity, check penalty, and speed). Do not stack the penalties. speed. Favorable conditions (smooth ground, dragging a slick
object) can double these numbers, and bad circumstances
Lifting and Dragging (broken ground, pushing an object that snags) can reduce
A character can lift up to her maximum load over her head. them to one-half or less.
Maximum load is the upper end of the heavy load range on
the “Carrying Loads” table.

Bigger and Smaller Creatures
The figures on the “Carrying Capacity” table are for Medium
creatures. Larger creatures can carry more weight depending on
size category: Large (× 2), Huge (× 4), Gargantuan (× 8), and
Colossal (× 16). Smaller creatures can carry less weight depend-
ing on size category: Small (× 3/4), Tiny (× 1/2), Diminutive (×
1/4), and Fine (× 1/8). Quadrupeds (or creatures with more
than four legs) have the following modifiers to carrying capacity:
Fine (× 1/4), Diminutive (× 1/2), Tiny (× 3/4), Small (× 1),
Medium (× 1 1/2), Large (× 3), Huge (× 6), Gargantuan (× 12),
and Colossal (× 24).
Tremendous Strength
For Strength scores not listed, determine the car-
rying capacity this way: Find the Strength
score between 20 and 29 that has the same
ones digit as the creature’s Strength score;
multiply the load figures by four if the
creature’s Strength is in the 30s, by 16 if
it’s in the 40s, by 64 if it’s in the 50s,
and so on.
USING INTELLIGENCE:
REMEMBERING
Whenever a character might remember
ple
something that happened to him either in actu-
al play, from his own (pre-game) past, or something
m
that happened “off stage,” he should make a check. In the
latter case, it may be remembering someone that the PCs saw
Sa
while eating dinner the previous night; perhaps the DM did not
want to point her out then, because doing so would have
aroused suspicions unnaturally.
The check for remembering is a simple Intelligence check.
Do not allow retries or taking 20. Use the following as a guide-
line for setting the Difficulty Class:
DC Condition
5 Something just about anyone would have noticed and
remembered. The general appearance of the man who
killed your father, assuming you got a good look at
him.
10 Something many people would remember, such as the
location of the tavern across town that they were at
the day before.
INFLUENCING ATTITUDE
Initial Attitude Hostile Unfriendly
Hostile Less than 20 20
Unfriendly Less than 5 5 15
Indifferent — Less than 1
Friendly — —
>>>>>>>>>>>>
CHAPTER ONE: ABILITIES 13
15 Something only those with really good memories
might recall, like the kind of earrings a woman was
wearing when you spoke to her three days ago.
20 Something only someone with a phenomenal memory
might remember, such as the name of a man you met
once, when you were only six years old.
25 Something no normal person could remember, such as
the 19th six-digit combination code on a list of 80
possible combination codes for a lock, when you only
saw the list for a moment or two.
USING CHARISMA: INFLUENCING OTHERS
It is possible to alter another’s attitude with a
Charisma check (1d20 + Charisma modifier).
This check can be further modified by the
Diplomacy skill. Roll the check, subtract
the Hit Dice of the creature the character
is attempting to influence, and consult
the appropriate initial attitude line on
the “Influencing Attitude” table to deter-
file mine the result. For example, say a char-
acter with a Charisma modifier of +2
attempts to influence a 3 HD unfriendly
inshon. The player rolls a 17, getting a total
of 16 (17+2–3=16), so the inshon becomes
indifferent rather than unfriendly. If the charac-
ter had at least 9 ranks of the Diplomacy skill, the
inshon would become friendly (17+9+2–3=25).
In general, a character cannot repeat attempts to influence
someone.
CHANGING ABILITY SCORES
For every four levels your character increases, you can raise one
ability score by 1 point. Ability scores can increase with no limit.
Poisons, diseases, and other effects can temporarily harm an
ability (temporary ability damage). Ability points lost to damage
return on their own, typically at a rate of 1 point per day.
Some effects drain abilities, resulting in a permanent loss (or
ability drain). Points lost this way don’t return on their own.
As a character ages, some ability scores go up over time and
others go down. For details, see the “Age” section at the end of
Chapter Two: Races.
When an ability score changes, the modifier associated with
that score also changes.
New Attitude
Indifferent Friendly Helpful
25 35 50
25 40
1 15 30
Less than 1 1 20
14 MONTE COOK’S ARCANA EVOLVED
>>>>>>>>>>>>
Chapter Two:
Races
The races in this book use the Lands of the Diamond Throne as a default setting. The realm’s turbulent
history is filled with great deeds and savage conflicts—the coming of the giants, the defeat of the diabolical
dramojh, and the very recent return of the dragons to reclaim their homeland. Epic events and the
deeds of singular individuals have shaped the races of the Diamond Throne lands. However, you
can transplant these races into any fantasy setting very easily.
ple
m
Sa
T
he descriptions of the player character races in this
chapter include information on background, personality,
and outlook. Remember that these notes are generalities,
not necessarily true of every specimen of that race living in the
Lands of the Diamond Throne today. Use them as guidelines, but
feel free to depart from them as needed to make your characters
unique and interesting.
These races are genetically incompatible with each other.
Mating between members of different races will not produce
any offspring.
RACIAL LEVELS
With the exception of humans and faen (not including sprytes), all
characters can gain racial levels. These racial levels represent an
advancement toward the ideal of the race. They also represent the
typical members of a race that would not take levels in an adven-
turing class, but still develop their innate abilities, talents, and
skills. From the point of view of game balance, they represent the
idea that the full-blown concept of a litorian, a giant, and so on
cannot be fully expressed as a balanced 1st-level character, but
more so as a 2nd- or even 3rd-level character.
EVOLVED LEVELS
Dragons in the Diamond Throne setting possess a unique power
granted to them by otherworldly items called the tenebrian seeds.
When infused with the essence of dragonkind, these seeds created
the dreaded dramojh: demonic creatures that enslaved the realm
for centuries (see Chapter Ten). Their power changes creatures,
granting them altered physical forms and capabilities, as well as
file
mental and magical abilities. The evolved forms exemplify and
exaggerate the essence of each race, so a litorian becomes even
more “litorian-ish,” and a verrik becomes more “verriklike.” In
some people’s eyes, the evolution creates abominations that nature
never intended (they often call it de-evolution, in fact). In others’
opinions, the changes the tenebrian seeds bring about allow an
individual to reach for a higher, truer self.
Whether it is truth or utter falsity, the dragons hold a monopoly
on the concept of evolution. Giants and sibeccai almost always
find the process abhorrent and frightening on those grounds
alone—they see it as a weapon the dragons might use against
them and their control of the Lands of the Diamond Throne. In
their minds, tenebrian evolution is a temptation to lure away the
inhabitants of the realm and place them under draconic control.
Most dragons, however, see evolution as a just reward for their
good and faithful servants and trusted allies. A few dragons,
remembering the creation of the dramojh, remain leery of tenebri-
an evolution. Since the dragons have only just recently returned
to their ancestral homeland, the concept of evolution is new to all
races other than the dracha.
Tenebrian evolution is represented by evolved levels. Like racial
levels, characters take them the way they would take levels of a
character class. Obviously, characters are restricted to taking evolved
levels of only their own race. Although some races are far more like-
ly to gain evolved levels than others, each race has evolved levels
available to it. Races with allowable racial levels add their evolved
levels directly to the racial levels. So, for simplicity’s sake, a litorian
with two evolved levels is simply referred to as a 5th-level litorian
(three racial levels + two evolved levels). Since the only way to get
those two extra litorian levels is through the evolution process, the
two evolved levels are simply understood. Except as noted here,
evolved levels are treated exactly like racial levels in every way.
If a given race has racial levels, a character must take all three
racial levels before acquiring evolved levels (without all three racial