pow e r e d by

Zweihänder
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POWERED BY ZWEIHÄNDER LEAD DEVELOPER: Daniel D. Fox Daniel D. Fox and world in Blackbirds
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A flock of Blackbirds,
hailing from the kingdoms
of Erebos and beyond,
have had their Fates tied
together by a terrible
Dooming that will lead
them into direct conflict
with the Child of Longing,
the Golden Messiah, and
the Plague of Beauty
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 Contents
C H A P TE R 1: The Tide of Fate 1

C H A P TE R 2 : How to Play 15

C H A P TE R 3: Character Creation & Progression 37

C H A P TE R 4: Skills 95

C H A P TE R 5 : Talents & Techniques 111

C H A P TE R 6: Conflict & Rekindling 157

C H A P TE R 7: Trappings 205

C H A P TE R 8: Theurgy 241

C H A P TE R 9: Oligarchs 405

C H A P TE R 10: Bestiary 475

C H A P TE R 11: Corbel 605

C H A P TE R 12 : Highsalt 627

C H A P TE R 13: The Fateweaver 643

A RT I ST I N D E X 664
INDEX 668
T he world hangs by a thread of
fate. To sever this golden cord is
to plunge all of creation into chaos. A world
without gods or their justice, where rebirth is
the only possible salvation . . .

. . . and to be reborn, one must die.

 C H A P TE R 1

The Tide of Fate

“ I N T H I S W O R L D, I S T H E D E ST I NY
O F M A N K I N D CO NT RO LL E D
BY S O M E T R A N S C E N D E NTA L
E NT I T Y O R L AW? I S I T LI K E
T H E H A N D O F G O D H OV E R I N G
A B OV E? AT L E A ST, I T I S T R U E
T H AT M A N H A S N O CO NT RO L ,
E V E N OV E R H I S OW N W I LL .”
—Kentaro Miura, Berserk
T he invisible hand of Fate is felt most noticeably
when it is absent. In Blackbirds , there exists
an atmosphere of lingering dread ushered
in by the recent destruction of the gods. This abominable act
was executed by a secretive cabal known only as the Oligarchs:
pompous mortals united not only to evade the icy touch of death,
but also to destroy and supplant the deities themselves. And after
slaying Heaven’s pantheon, they turned their dark intentions on
the very arbiters of Fate.
The Norns, who once sat amongst the roots of Yggdrasil and ruled
over the destiny of gods and mortals, are no more. The three sisters
were the last victims of the Oligarchs’ assault on providence. Their
deaths unleashed torrents of ungoverned Fate, which spilled over the
world, mingling with lives previously destined for the mundane and
giving rise to the Blackbirds, persons tethered to the frayed threads
of destiny. Like the ravens that scattered from the branches above
the murdered Norns, these Blackbirds have no masters, hold no
particular allegiances, and, in most cases, are unaware of their role
in the events to come. That the death of the gods irreversibly altered
their lives remains a mystery to them.
Never has there been an age so ripe with unfettered potential. The
Blackbirds are now part of an unraveling prophecy no mortal ear has
heard, one that will draw the ire of Heaven’s new masters. Perhaps the
Oligarchs did not factor these interlopers into their plans. Maybe they
did not care, assuming it impossible for the Blackbirds to be a threat,
no matter their metaphysical agency.
In their victory over Fate, the Oligarchs have transformed into
entities largely exceeding comprehension. Mortals can only gaze in
trembling awe at what they have become. We merely apply human
desires and motivations to them to better fathom them. However, it is
possible to understand the Oligarchs before their transformations
because all were people who sought divine power—contemporary
figures who saw themselves as akin to gods even before ascending to
their thrones.
The land has become a purgatory brimming with supernatural
horror, unmerciful violence, and endless war. How your character, a
Blackbird, will confront this terrifying reality is entirely up to you.
But remember, more often than not, it is the world
that changes people, not the other way round. A
Blackbird’s agency, wit, or skill will not always
protect them from harm. One may die, slaughtered
in a back alley, while another may rise to lead
nations against the coming darkness.
Your character’s intrinsic relationship with the
threads of destiny is what sets them apart from
everyone else, a blessing and a curse. As a Blackbird,
they’ve been chosen to play a significant role in the
world—a life of paradox, unable to escape the
currents of Fate, yet also able to ply them.
4 BLACKBIRDS
T H E N AT U R E O F M A G I C
T
he world swims in a roiling maelstrom of
Od, a primeval force permeating all the
cosmos. It is a storm that knows neither
beginning nor end. Thought to be the breath of
gods exhaled with each divine word of punishment
and salvation, the Od is why the lodestone
attracts—it is how the dowsing rod finds water; it is
the falcon and the sky. The riddle of the Od has
perplexed scholars for millennia. Kings and queens
have squandered fortunes in pursuit of its secrets.
Every religion claims it as their own, and all of them
are wrong. It is everything that has ever been and
everything that shall ever be.
To see the Od is to witness the mercurial nature
of forever. The Od can take many shapes, but most
often, it appears as a swirling miasma of color
obeying cosmic winds that may, in turn, be an
expression of itself. Some mortals are born with the
ability to see the Od, while others are forced to rely
on scrying devices such as orbuculi or still pools of
sacred water to witness its glory. Staring into the Od
reveals the truth of things—the reason for a boar’s
moodiness, a duchess’s near future, or a crumbling
ruin’s secrets. Its shades and texture change with
hypnotic vibrance, pulsing with coded revelation.
Unless someone has gone to great lengths to
conceal themselves from the currents of the Od,
their essence will manifest as part of the surrounding
flow. Take a crowded tavern, for example: a familiar
enough scene filled with a hodgepodge of human
behaviors. To the ordinary person, it is a gathering
of their fellow peasantry—boisterous arguments
crash past a minstrel’s verse, smells of stale mead
and urine assault the nostrils, spiced wine passes
over lips, and floorboards vibrate with the
thunderous energy of a hundred stamping feet. To
those possessing Odsight, there is so much more to
perceive. The joyous laughter of a child playing a
tambourine bubbles into the air on warbling ringlets
of light; the murderous intentions of a gambler spill
from his lips in the form of shadowy eels; two lovers
ponder each other as drowsy wisps of Od steam off
their hearts. Each expression illustrates feelings—
some obvious, others buried.
But be warned: those without the Odic gift still
feel an empathetic twinge when someone spies upon
their souls. Linger too long in your search, and the
hairs on the napes of their necks will stand on end.
While most will not understand what perturbs them,
they will at least recognize the source of their
discomfort—an excellent way for the overly curious
to end up skewered on the tip of a drunkard’s sword.
Supernatural creatures leave signs of their
passing as the Od becomes displaced—somewhat
akin to a mighty ship carving its wake across an
ocean’s surface. The Od can also be an unreliable
narrator when it comes to abominations that
conceal their ethereal forms. The material and
immaterial comprise neighboring realms, and the
rules that govern each are intertwined. Beings
capable of shaping bone and twisting flesh are all
practiced liars. Some can even repress the Od
around them, if only for a time. The most insidious
fiends literally ride within mortal hosts, animating
sinew and impersonating consciousness. Rooting
these horrors out is like removing a worm from the
center of a human brain. Their passage often goes
unnoticed, and empires have fallen because of it.
Bending the rules of creation to one’s personal
will has always been a questionable act. Even before
the advent of the Oligarchs, magic-wielding theurges
were mistrusted and often shunned. Ordinary people
are rightly uncomfortable with the idea of being torn
apart by invisible hands or set alight with a word.
Magic has always had a multitude of uses, of course. It
has easily saved as many lives as it’s taken, but violence
is what captured the imaginations of the peasantry.
Odic power is rightfully scrutinized by those who
witness it, and unfortunately, memory is a fickle thing,
prone to focus on events that terrify. The narrative that
sorcery is an unethical practice served the royal courts
and humanity’s many faiths, which have always sought
to marginalize those who command more influence
than themselves. So, the witch is feared, perhaps more
so now than in any other age.

Before the Oligarchs slashed their way through
the tapestry of reality, theurgy was more prevalent
than it is today. Magic was a disciplined and
stringent art form practiced by secretive orders, and
humanity’s connection to the Od was barred only
by a conjurer’s will and the depth of their knowledge.
But that age came to a violent end when the gods
were overthrown, as did the lives of untold
magicians. All those whose thoughts swam within
the Od at that fateful moment perished
horribly . . . or so they say. There are conflicting
accounts of exactly what transpired, and it is
impossible to know how many magicians died
during the so-called Extinguishing. What is clear is
that their numbers have dwindled to a scant few.
The Od, the essence of all things, was structured
by the will of gods, manifesting in what humanity
observed as the fixed laws of nature. But now, that
tapestry hangs in tatters, and the dark light that
A D A R K E R, G R I T T I E R FA NTA SY
The subgenres of fantasy can be challenging to chart, a
labyrinth of interlocking ideas more incestuous than a
pedigreed royal family. Blackbirds is a darker, grittier
fantasy, and can be summarized as an alchemical
reduction of three literary styles of fiction: low fantasy,
epic fantasy, and grimdark fantasy. The dead rise, magic
is real, and a concealed dagger is as deadly as a polished
longsword. Nobility and morality are in no way related.
Every battle is a matter of life and death. Very little is
guaranteed, especially the lives of characters we like.
But there are romantic elements, and a doomed world
may also still be beautiful, permeated as it is with
melancholic charm.
Low fantasy denotes a sense of grit, excitement, and
realism. Toothless highwaymen stalk the roads, royal
families hold each other’s children hostage to gain political
leverage, and a pack of wolves may drag you from your
trusted mare straight into an early grave. Armor gives way,
swords break, wounds fester. The Blackbirds setting
bears a resemblance to our own world, while possessing
a sense of period-specific authenticity. And when these
T H E T I D E O F FATE 5
shines through its rents illuminates hidden motes of
dust, each innumerable speck a visitor from distant
elsewheres. Once seen, it is impossible to unsee.
These beings are called Outsiders, and theirs is a
chorus of manipulation intent on fulfilling the
wildest dreams of those bold enough to listen. In
the absence of the divine, these interlopers have
become conduits to the Od’s power. To seek the
arcane is to treat with the fiends who now govern it.
Their appetites are peculiar—and, now, unavoidable.
Theurges are seldom possessed by the Outsiders
with whom they barter. Their partnership is more
akin to a symbiotic relationship: sorcerers want access
to the Od, and Outsiders wish to toy with the material
world. This is not to imply that these relationships are
hostile or lacking altogether in fellowship, or even
loyalty. The personalities of both Outsiders and their
ensorcelling counterparts are unique, and no two
partnerships are entirely the same.
grittier elements combine with the legendary and
horrific, the world truly starts to shine.
While there are no orcs or dragons to slay, there are
numerous epic-fantasy elements to be found within the
pages of this tome. Creatures whispered of in folklore
and spun into campfire song walk among humanity.
Long-forgotten doors to the Od clatter open, and the
magical locks meant to imprison unspeakable darkness
give way. It is a time of prophecy set in an age where the
candle of hope burns ever lower.
Undoubtedly, the elixir’s most dangerous
component is a smoldering portion of grimdark fantasy,
black and endless like a thousand starless nights. Eldritch
creatures penetrate the interstice between realms. The
gods humanity worshiped are dead, and a terrifying new
hierarchy has taken their place. Magic suffuses the world,
but to delve into its workings requires summoning and
bargaining with mysterious and puissant entities from
beyond the confines of reality. The Blackbirds setting is
a skin stitched from cosmic horror gently fitted over a
period similar to the late Middle Ages.
 6 BLACKBIRDS
It is impossible not to conclude that a
frightening game is being played by the Outsiders,
one from which the Oligarchs themselves may not
be free. All that remains unchanged is the Od, silent
and eternal.
THE WORLD
T
he world of Blackbirds is diverse and
expansive. It ranges from the misty
forests of Thule in the north, down
through the continent of Erebos and across the
Carcass Nations engulfed by unrest and war, before
finally descending to the island city-state of Corbel,
mired in a lengthy military occupation by Florent,
a mighty nation from across the Azule Sea.
A D E C E P T I V E LY M O RTA L W O R L D
To gaze upon an average city square would impart a
somewhat false sense that no other beings inhabit the
land. While these bloodlines harbor extreme variations,
such as the hulking jötunnkin and the accursed
nephilim, both are, after a fashion, human—born of
this world, with their fates tethered to it. But within the
crush of humanity are beings who choose to hide their
true natures—those who wish to pass unrecognized, as
well as those whose numbers are so few they are easily
overlooked, overshadowed by the sheer density of
human civilization. Most people will never encounter
one of the aes or their more obscure relatives, the
daimn. Few even believe in such fantastical beings—save
perhaps children and odd recluses. Yet, they have been
with humanity, unobtrusively moving through the ages,
since the world was young. For every hundred thousand
humans, one is not what they seem, while the daimn,
raw and obvious, number even fewer. How the mortal
world will greet them is uncertain.
The Carcass Nations and
the War of Empty Thrones
The Republic was cast into a civil war twelve years
ago by the figures who would later transcend and
become the beings now called Oligarchs. This
massive conflict provided the sacrifice of blood,
flesh, and spirit needed for their monstrous
transformation into godlike entities. And the war
rages on, perpetuated by their loyal retainers, who
wait for the Oligarchs’ triumphant return.
The splintered states of the fallen Republic,
once pinnacles of civilization, have been plunged
into chaos, reforged in the twin crucibles of warfare
and suffering into the Carcass Nations. In these
barren lands, only crows feast. The leaders of these
divided states have either fallen to the Oligarchs or
are mustering forces to repel them. Bonds of fealty
that endured for over a thousand years have been
severed. A wave of meticulous treachery washes over
the kingdoms of Erebos with devilish precision:
diplomats poisoned, royal families hastily
executed—all who might stand in the way of the
Oligarchs are targets for their servants.
Vichy’s ancient library was burned to the
ground, and with it, the scrolls symbolizing the
Republic’s declaration of unification, the Conclave of
Erebos. Untold scholarly works were lost in flames—
grimoires, relics from ages past, all gone. And of the
friars that tended to them, little is known. More than
one has been found nailed to a tree or hung from a
bridge over the years. But there may be those who
still manage to elude their pursuers.
Mysterious figures such as the Veteran and her
mercenary company, the Band of the Iron Scale, make
war against the Oligarchs’ servants, raiding their
encampments and hunting them with a tireless zeal
driven by the will of gods who no longer watch over
humanity. They serve no crown, an unsanctioned
army of whispers who appear at twilight and vanish
before the rooster crows. No one has ever laid eyes
upon the Veteran’s face, hidden behind a bronze mask
in the mien of a keening maiden. Her forces have
broken long-held sieges and turned the tide of
 T H E T I D E O F FATE 7

Up in the alphabet
A great sadness forms
The mirror counts
What blood is left
The court lies empty
Your courage dims
The chosen pitch
Is different
And indifferent
I am the weapon
That matches these sounds
The water
Of iron & mud
Everything tastes stolen
Behold this painting
Of our illness on the ground
Legible
And infinite in teeth.

T H E H I D D E N A N D T H E FE W
Fairy folk, the hidden people, the children of Yolk—
these titles speak of the aes and the daimn. Beings
stranded within the mortal world through the divine
will of a dead god, the fae are entangled among the
threads of Fate like flies trapped in a spider’s silk.
When Hekaté delivered their children unto the world,
they were one people, but a schism in their society
led to an offshoot that bonded some of the fairy folk
with the great dragon that is the world, and in doing
so, the daimn were brought forth. In previous epochs,
during humanity’s infancy, the aes and their siblings
ruled over great cities or toiled deep within the world
in halls carved from the dragon itself. But hubris, a
misconstrued belief in their supremacy, and the death
of their progenitor laid their cultures low. That any of
Hekaté’s children live is miraculous, for the wars that
followed brought both to the edge of extinction. With
few exceptions, the ruins of the aes and the daimn have
been ground to dust by the passage of time. As with
their great works, these beings are like fleeting ghosts
lost at the periphery of the mortal world, like two
droplets of ink plunged into the well of humanity.

The peoples of Erebos countless battles, only to slip away
represent an enormous before the delirium of war lifts
tapestry, replete with enough to make clear the
variations of culture. Were magnificence of her victories.
the world not engulfed However, these victories are often
by the horrors of war and short-lived, as the Veteran’s efforts
beset with the perversions appear to follow no rhyme or
of supernatural forces, reason, and the war she fights seems
it would be a majestic to be one of her own authoring,
sight to behold. But now divorced from the greater struggle.
is a time of ill omens Perceptive tacticians argue she is
and unlikely heroes. The striking at the Oligarchs’ network
world is changing, and no of conspirators, cutting away the
society will be spared. rotten meat that infects the betrayer
nations’ courts. Others still claim
she is nothing more than an
indulgent bit of wartime gossip. Nevertheless, all who
claim to have fought alongside the Iron Scale carry an
unquenchable ember of hope.
The War of Empty Thrones is unlike any conflict
Erebos has ever faced. No one nation is to blame, and
yet, all are mired in its bloodshed. At first, it was
surmised that a maddening sickness spread across all
the countries of the Middle Kingdoms, erupting into
civil wars that careened into neighboring provinces.
But this was no illness. The inciting events were too
specific, too well timed, and too masterfully executed.
The hands of a young prince are sent to his parents; a
king throws himself from a tower; knighted generals
turn traitor and attack their own kingdoms. The
pattern repeats with dreadful purpose. Society erodes
until all that is left is carnage—this was the birth of
the Carcass Nations, the byproduct of an unholy
conspiracy the likes of which this age had never seen.
Erebos, a continent once united under the
banner of the Republic, is now a menagerie of warring
states and burning ruins. Where there was once free-
flowing trade, there is famine. Crops wither. Fields go
untilled. Rats swarm through the remains of the dead
that clog the paved streets of fallen cities. Roads of
churned mud that lead away from the Carcass Nations
are choked by innumerable refugees dragging along
the meager possessions they managed to snatch up
T H E T I D E O F FATE 9
before escaping their countrymen’s dark fates. No
direction offers true salvation, however, and conflict
surrounds these weary travelers on their dire sojourns.
With each passing day, it seems, the War of Empty
Thrones devours another kingdom.
The Middle Kingdoms of Erebos have been
irrevocably changed by such conflict. Garia’s king is
no more. The once-ruler of the ancient capital city of
Elysium lies dead, struck down by the armies of the
theocracy Vichy mere days ago, with only Princess
Osanna Gilead left to lead the nation’s defense. Hill
people stream forth from a radicalized Caoimhe
Clan-Lands, having seemingly embraced the brutal
“old ways” of their missing ruler, Caoimhe-Ondrej.
Cathia’s borders are eerily silent, with no word sent
from the politically powerful Bardic College as
armies march to retake the region’s former cantons.
The hated King Malthus sits unchallenged upon the
throne of Hyperitus, ordering his soldiers to slaughter
any who cross the border, while whispers stir within
the Splendid Kingdoms as Queen Corinthia finds
herself surrounded on all sides by war. There,
shadowy forces muster at Baerald-upon-Muse,
waiting for the moment to strike.
Elklund spirals into a brutal
civil war. Afet’s famed markets
have turned treacherous as coin
and vile, black-market wares flow
uninhibited into neighboring
Ipswald’s dangerous criminal
underworld. In the north, Thule’s
capital of Highsalt swirls with
conspiracy as nobles turn upon “To walk the roads of
each other in dangerous cat-and- Elklund is to have a spring
mouse games. In the south, an in one’s step, though not so
ominous feeling has overtaken a much from joy as from the
nearly abandoned Corbel, as the shifting of the cobblestones
servants of the Oligarchs jockey underfoot as they’re stirred
for power. by the unseen fingertips of
A dark new chapter in history the disquieted dead upon
is being written, untethered from whom they were laid.”
Fate and inked with the blood of — Observations of the
Wandering Squire
millions.
 10 BLACKBIRDS
CO R B E L
The fortress-island Corbel
draws its name from the nation’s
long-abandoned capital, carved
into the cliffs above the Gulf of
Echoes—a historical wonder that
predates the Age of Hyperion. In
“In the city of Corbel, Corbel, vast temples dedicated to
handshakes are always the old gods, held aloft on
performed by clasping columns of burgundy marble,
one another’s forearms, loom over fragrant marketplaces
which makes for a heartier and adorn squares. The masts of
gesture, as well as a simple what must be hundreds of ships
way to check newcomers for can be seen jostling for position
tricks up their sleeves . . .” in the surrounding Azule Sea.
—Observations of the Mule-drawn carts and throngs of
Wandering Squire
peddlers, speaking a myriad of
languages, clog the congested
alleyways of this mercantile titan. Corbel enjoys its
position as a cosmopolitan jewel nestled at the foot
of Erebos.
Or it did, before the war.
A hegemony of five families has ruled over
Corbel for millennia, with each house’s figurehead
serving as one of the city’s Domini. While the
seasons change, the names of Corbellian leadership
remain the same. It has always served the families
best to never choose sides and to remain neutral in
the world’s broader affairs. They concerned
themselves only with trade. But years of war in the
Carcass Nations caused the flow of vital supplies
into Corbel to cease. The population grew
apprehensive as fewer and fewer ships arrived from
far-off ports. Those that did moor upon the docks
carried news of nations laid to ruin by their own
armies, of farmland covered in winter’s frost at
midsummer, of long-forgotten horrors returning to
the world. There are only two things that travel
faster than a well-fletched arrow: the tall tales of
sailors and scandal within a royal court.
Fear became Corbel’s new master. As winter set
in during the war’s tenth year, an armada of
Florentian vessels led by a hulking dreadnaught
took up residence in the waters surrounding the
capital. Corbel was powerless to stop it. While the
Domini’s flags still hang over the Golden Basilica, a
foreign nation’s troops patrol the streets. The
stockyards lie empty, the docks groan quietly, and
all industry has ground to a halt. Florent’s siege is a
military occupation clothed in pageantry and royal
etiquette.
For the first time in a century, Corbel knows
hunger. Its citizens adhere to strict curfews, and
gold and finery are traded for beggars’ rations, while
shrewder members of the aristocracy seek ways out
of the city altogether. But finding smugglers capable
of escaping the fortress-island and with guile
enough to slip past a naval blockade is a desperate
matter indeed. The only visitors to Corbel now are
the gulls that shit on it.
Months of occupation have left the population
lean and skittish. There’s not a morsel of rat meat
unaccounted for, with far too many bellies to fill on
scraps. And there are whispers of darker things yet.
Rumors have spread of bodies being discovered by
Florentian guards, each corpse a twisted thing
reduced to a near-weightless husk. This gossip is
gaining merit as anointed clergy have been seen
whirling censers of smoldering sandalwood
alongside the night watch, who have traded their
leathers and cudgels for breastplate and pike.
THULE
Thule is a domain of seaweed-entangled
beaches and endless fjords, where nature’s rawness is
apparent across every season, be it the eternal night
of winter or the unrelenting dawn of summer. From
the emerald waters of Shallow Bay in the south to
the Lands of Fog and Ice in the north, the nation
and its people are as primal and proud as a sea cliff
enduring the ocean’s thunderous might.
Nestled among the ocean cliffs of Bowman’s
Perch loom the brine-spattered stone walls of
Highsalt, Thule’s vast capital. It’s a cold place,
soaked in the damp mist of the Boreal Sea, whose
architecture bears similarities to styles common to

the southern nations, but with an air of pagan
idolatry that many travelers find unsettling.
Built atop an ancient salt mine called the Ivory
Labyrinth, Highsalt has a long history that stretches
through the shroud of time to when the tribes of
the north were willful opponents untethered to
crown or country. Before the first cyclopean stones
were laid for the capital’s foundation, the cliffs of
Thule’s southern coast were considered places of
sacrifice sacred to the native people and their
oracles, the Children of the Shallows. These folk
were shamans dedicated to the Rider, goddess of the
sea and all its creatures—a titanic mare, draped in a
mane of seaweed, whose gaunt frame was encrusted
with barnacles and starfish.
T H E T I D E O F FATE 11
The corpse of Yggdrasil rests deep within Thule’s
northern territory. The ancient World Tree splintered
when the Oligarchs battered their way into Heaven
during their war with the old gods. Now, the tree’s
remains poison the north with discordant Od. Dying
Yggdrasil calls to its ancestral caretakers, slowly
obliterating their minds and gathering them to its
cracked stump, where they climb like cicada nymphs
until they find a place among the splinters and sap to
impale themselves on the holy ash. There, their
terrible transformation begins.
Unfettered by the World Tree’s demise, the
north’s seasons spin dangerously out of control.
Spring’s torrential rains batter Thule for months,
only to break into summer droughts that tear the
moisture from every shred of greenery, turning great
forests into deadly tinderboxes. In the fall, a putrid
rot grips life as if to drag it into the jaws of hell itself,
whereas winter’s cold bites past the bone to the very
marrow, and endless snow blankets everything in a
sea of silent, sparkling death. In addition, with each
passing day, more things relegated to dusty tomes
and old legends slouch outward from the unforgiving
wilderness to harry the north’s besieged people.
Druids of the Elden Tree fled south with the
cuttings of Yggdrasil when it was shattered by the
Oligarchs. Those four cuttings alone can restore the
rightful balance of the seasons. But what they are
exactly, and what form they might take, remains
unclear. Yet, with a foreign ruler upon the throne of
Highsalt, its neighbors engulfed in open warfare,
and armies of chittering nightmares descending
from the far north, Thule can do little but wait out
the violence to come.
THE EXTINGUISHING
T
here was once a fated order to things,
dictated by the gods—who largely
ignored humanity, yet did not spite its
existence. Their concepts of justice were, for the
most part, unknowable, and thus, cultures created
religion in an attempt to decipher and appease the
gods’ predilections. Cults and temples have been
constructed to honor their majesty, and while
spiritual philosophies vary significantly from tribe
to tribe, there is one understood constant: the gods
work in mysterious ways, and all mortals can do is
remain faithful when confronted with the almighty.
Most of humanity was content to live under
the spiritual machinations of the divine. Some took
solace in dutiful worship, while others put their
trust in the steel at their side or the coins in their
purse. The gods seemed mostly indifferent. There
was no knowing how to gain their favor. It simply
 T H E T I D E O F FATE 13

was or was not given. To the Oligarchs, this was things once restricted to the
unacceptable. If the gods would not cherish them, darkest turns of campfire
they would instead become gods, and in so doing, tales . . . mere shadows of the
free themselves of the judgment and vulnerabilities gruesome new pantheon yet to
of their lessers. come.
Through rock, through iron, across treacherous
seas and vast continents, the agents of the Oligarchs The Advent of Their
searched for a way their masters might transcend Return “Spiced wine is always
their failing mortal flesh. Perhaps some vile bargain As blood spilled and nations served at room temperature
was struck, or some unspeakable price was paid, but fell throughout the Middle in Cathia, as lust for
in time, they came to learn the secret that would Kingdoms, the ritual that the steaming crimson
tear Fate asunder and send the world careening would elevate the Oligarchs found upon battlefields
toward destruction: gods could be slain. And not to godhood came to pass, but and beneath the corpses
just one god, but all, leaving their irresistible power their transmogrification did of highwaymen has
to be claimed by whosoever struck them down. not occur instantaneously. Each turned far too many to
By sacrificing the Fates of countless mortals, the remains sewn into their womb devilment already.”
Oligarchs armed themselves for a grisly war against of creation, where they feed off — Observations of the
Wandering Squire
the divine. Steel clashed, blood was spilled, and the fortunes of slain gods. Fueled
countless lives were lost in the glittering darkness by the essence of their murdered
between Heaven and the mortal realm, concluding quarry, the Oligarchs’ bodies and
only when the ancient beings who had once quietly souls transform into shapes better suited for their
governed the order of the world lay butchered upon new stations, revealing the horrifying truths of their
the threshold of eternity. And so the Oligarchs took alien desires.
their new, hideous thrones, and draped themselves in The Oligarchs will return, but not immediately.
new, hideous forms, preparing themselves within For now, they take the time necessary to perfect
throbbing celestial wombs for the day they might themselves, while their dark radiance subtly affects
return, seeking worship as the true rulers of creation. the minds of those suitable to carry out their work.
With the gods extinguished and Fate torn from These servants hide behind a veneer of power and
its wheel, humanity is a flock without even the wealth, as their progenitors once did, but they are
semblance of a shepherd. Now, the unfathomable now beholden to horrors greater than their mewling
Outsiders—strange, demonic entities with minds could ever truly comprehend. From tax
inscrutable goals and unknown origins—are left to collectors to ambitious royals, lowly musicians to
play with humankind as they see fit. Sowing chaos the rulers of vast kingdoms, the executors of the
wherever they manifest and offering their strange Oligarchs’ will now seed Erebos for their eventual
powers to willing theurges, Outsiders bend the weft conquest, orchestrating dark plots and ever grander
of global events toward whatever seems to please cruelties before their grinning masters finally reveal
them, with no mortal power to stand in their way. what they have become.
And though the old temples still stand and the These servants number among the greatest
devout attempt to keep the faith, monastic orders threats to the shattered remnants of human
have begun to falter without divine guidance. The civilization.
gods are silent, and in their stead have risen ancient For now, at least.
 C H A P TE R 2

How to Play

“It is best to bring one’s
own set of dice to a game
of chance, for while there
are plenty in the realms of
Erebos who will gladly idle
the hours away casting lots,
there are far more eager
to turn a friendly game
into a lifelong debt . . .”
—Observations of the
Wandering Squire
I n Blackbirds, role-playing drives the story. That’s
what this system is designed to do: if it’s interesting, it
happens. The exception to this is when there are potential
consequences for failure. Then—and only then—are dice called
upon to determine the results.
The Fateweaver will impose challenging situations upon the player
characters (who are all Blackbirds) in various ways. These vary widely,
including courtly intrigue, wilderness exploration, chasing down the
enemy, combat, and more. These are the foundation of Blackbirds, as
any one of them can have serious consequences—or even prove lethal.
Whenever the Fateweaver calls upon players to influence an outcome,
they roll the dice to determine Success or Failure.
Blackbirds uses two different kinds of dice. The dice you usually
see in board games and at casino tables are called Ð6s. The game also
uses ten-sided dice called Ð10s.

Ð10 & Ð100

You will need two Ð10s. Most of the time, these 2Ð10s will be rolled
and read together and read as a number from 1 to 100 (called a
Ð100). One die in the Ð100 roll is the tens die (the die with faces
10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 00) and the other is the units die
(the die with faces 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 0). Alternatively, you can
purchase two units dice in different colors, designating one as the
tens die and the other as the units die. Here are some examples on
how to read Ð100 rolls.
# If you rolled a ‘60’ on the tens die and a ‘7’ on the units die, you
generated a result of 67%.

THE GOLDEN RULE

In all of the rules we’ll cover in Blackbirds, there’s one
that’s the most important of all: keep the game moving!
Whatever the Fateweaver decides for their Tapestry
(what we call a series of connected game sessions, or
Weavings) is correct and supersedes anything we’ve
written in this tome. Feel free to point out a forgotten rule
once the game is over, but knowing where the story goes
next is always more important than knowing where that
Skill modifier is printed.

# If you rolled a ‘60’ on the tens die and a ‘0’ on the
units die, you generated a result of 60%.
# If you rolled a ‘00’ on the tens die and a ‘0’ on the
units die, you generated a result of 100% (not
0%).
# If you rolled a ‘00’ on the tens die and a ‘1’ on the
units die, it’s equal to 1% (or, more accurately,
01%).
# If you rolled a ‘10’ on the tens die and a ‘0’ on the
units die, however, it’s equal to 10% (not 100%).
Đ6
This game also uses six-sided dice. There are several
distinct uses for Ð6s, such as Damage dice, Injury
dice, and Odic dice. There may be times when a
player must roll for two or three of these resources
at one time. Because of this, we recommend players
use three differently colored Ð6s to easily tell these
pools apart while rolling. (You can find more on
Damage and Injury dice in Chapter 6: Conflict &
Rekindling, and Odic dice in Chapter 8: Theurgy.)
Exploding Dice
When situations ask you to roll a Ð6, and a face
value of ‘6’ is shown, that die will explode. An
exploded die is then rerolled, and the value is added
to the previous number. If another face value of ‘6’
is displayed, then the die explodes again, continuing
in this fashion until any number besides a face value
of ‘6’ is displayed. Add up the results of all the
exploded dice to determine the end result.
Occasionally, Ð10s also explode, such as Bane
Dice, a specialized form of Damage die that is
rolled when a character or creature is subjected to
Damage from a source that is inimical to their form
of life. Again, you can learn more in Chapter 6:
Conflict & Rekindling.
H OW TO P L AY 17
S K I L L TE STS : R O L L Ð1 0 0
M
ost rolls you make during a Weaving
will be for Skill tests. Whenever you
want your character to attempt an
action, most of the time they’ll make a Skill test.
Here’s how to make a Skill test in brief, but we’ll go
into more detail later.
The Basics
First, determine the Skill being tested. Skills
encompass specific fields of knowledge and expertise,
distinct from one another, but all equally important.
Your character’s capacity in a Skill is determined by the
number of Skill Ranks—the more Skill Ranks, the
better skilled the character is in that area. Generally,
your Fateweaver will call upon you to test a specific
Skill as you role-play. However, you can request to use
a specific Skill to change events into your or another’s
favor. (You can read more in Chapter 4: Skills.)
Each Skill is related to a Primary Attribute,
representing physical, mental, and social capabilities.
These are Combat, Brawn, Agility, Perception,
Intelligence, Willpower, and Fellowship. Coupled
with Skills, they define your character’s baseline
chances for succeeding at Skill tests. You can read
more on Primary Attributes in Chapter 3:
Character Creation & Progression.
V I RT U A L TA B L E TO P S
Everything in this book is written under the assumption
that the Fateweaver and players are in the same room,
likely seated around a table, and using physical dice, tokens,
cards, and the like. However, many folks use remote tools
such as virtual tabletops and chat apps to play with one
another online, which change the logistics of the game.
There are a wide variety of role-playing tools in the world
that are constantly growing and changing, and we can’t
predict what your setup will be, but phrases such as “give
a die to another player” or “place a token into the pile” are
not dogmatic statements. Adapt them to whatever tools
you’re using. In the end, as long as everyone is playing fair
and trusts each other, it’ll all work out.
 Other outside influences and conditions of the
environment can have an impact on your ability to
succeed or fail. These ambient bonuses or penalties
imposed upon you by the drama of the situation are
called the Difficulty Rating. The Fateweaver will
tell you the final adjustment you must apply to the
Base Chance.
Add all of the modifiers together to determine
the Total Chance for Success. While some modifiers
may negate one another, your Fateweaver will
always clarify these situations. Then grab Ð100, call
out to the table what your Total Chance for Success
is, and roll. If the rolled number is equal to or less
than your Total Chance for Success, you have
succeeded at the Skill test. If the results are greater
than the Total Chance for Success, you have failed.
The dice might generate special results, based
on whether they Match or result in a 01 or 00. Also,
some rules might require you to Flip to Succeed or
Flip to Fail. We’ll explain all these variables below.

A B L A C K B I R D I S trying to convince a guard

Once you identify the Skill to be tested, now
determine the Base Chance to use it:
# First, refer to your Primary Attribute percentage
value related to the Skill you are using.
# Next, add +10 for each Skill Rank your character
has.
# Then, apply any penalties your Peril Condition
Track may confer. This may cause you to ignore
some or all of your Skill Ranks.
# Finally, add modifiers from Talents, Boons, and
Techniques that apply. The highest total modifier
that can be applied to the Primary Attribute
value is +30, while the lowest total modifier is
–30. Should the total modifier add up to greater
than +30 or less than –30, it is treated as +30 or
–30, respectively.
not to arrest her, which requires a Charm
Skill test. Charm is based on Fellowship,
and checking her sheet, the player sees
that her character’s Charm isn’t great: 50%.
However, she has two Skill Ranks in Charm,
which adds +20 (+10 for each rank) for a
total of 70%. At the same time, though, she’s
had a rough day, taking 3 levels of Peril. She
thus has to ignore one of her Skill Ranks,
bringing the Base Chance down to 60%
(as she doesn’t have any Talents, Boons, or
Techniques that apply).
The Fateweaver rules that the guard
is drunk, making him more prone to her
Charm. They rule that the Difficulty Rating
is +10 to the Base Chance, bringing the Total
Chance back up to 70%. The Blackbird’s
player rolls and manages to get a 68, just
enough to succeed! The guard belches and
lets the Blackbird go.
 H OW TO P L AY 19

P E R I L CO N D I T I O N P E N A LT I E S # Routine (+10% to Base Chance)

Your Blackbird’s Peril Condition Track (see
below) may impose penalties to your Total Chance
for Success. If your character has taken up to 2
levels of Peril, they suffer no additional penalties.
However, if their status on the Peril Condition
Track states “Ignore 1 Skill Rank,” “Ignore 2 Skill
Ranks,” or even “Ignore 3 Skill Ranks,” you must
subtract the bonuses their Skill Ranks normally
confer to them. However, if they are Incapacitated!,
they cannot succeed at any Skill test, and thus, you
do not roll dice.
D I FF I C U LT Y R AT I N G
Circumstances directly affect your ability to
succeed or fail with a Skill test. Your Fateweaver
will often assign a Difficulty Rating to a particular
task you wish your character to attempt. These
ratings serve as a guideline for how simple or
difficult a given task is and how hardships and
beneficial situations affect a Blackbird’s efficacy
with their Skills. Depending on the severity of the
task, the ratings are as follows:
# Trivial (+30% to Base Chance)
# Easy (+20% to Base Chance)
# Standard (no change to Base Chance; if no
Difficulty Rating is listed, it is assumed to be
Standard)
# Challenging (–10% to Base Chance)
# Hard (–20% to Base Chance)
# Arduous (–30% to Base Chance)
However, you may individually gain benefits
from, or be penalized by, aspects of your character
(such as Boons, Talents, or the Qualities of the
Trappings you carry). In cases where there are
unique modifiers, apply them to your Total Chance
for Success. Under special circumstances, there may
be situational modifiers in play when making a Skill
test. Your Fateweaver will tally these situational
modifiers on their side and give you the Difficulty
Rating.
Whenever the Fateweaver announces the
Difficulty Rating, the results may not be
encouraging. Once you have announced what your
character intends to do and the Fateweaver calls out
the Difficulty Rating, however, you must commit
to your intended action. Erebos is a cruel place.

S K I LL R A N K S, D I FF I C U LT Y R AT I N G S, A N D M O D I F I E R S
There are three sets of numbers that modify Skill tests
in Blackbirds.
& Skill Ranks are knowledge or training the character
has that makes the roll easier, and always add +10 for
each Skill Rank. In the text, they’re always written
out as a number of Skill Ranks (such as “ignore one
Skill Rank ”), rather than by how much they modify
the roll.
& Difficulty Rating represents circumstances outside
the character’s control, and ranges from –30% to
+30%. In the text, this is always written out with
the rating name and the modifying percentage in
parentheses, such as “(Arduous –30%).”
& Modifiers are additional factors that might influence
a Skill test. Modifiers are ad hoc, but cannot add up
to more than +30 or less than –30 in total. These are
written out as numbers without a percentage sign and
with a + or – in front, such as “+20.”
There are rare exceptions to this. For example,
theurgy modifiers can occasionally go above +30 or
below –30. However, these exceptions will be explicitly
called out in the text.
It is possible for these combinations to get very
large. A character with three Skill Ranks making a
(Trivial +30%) Skill test with +30 in modifiers would
add +90 to their Base Chance. However, such
circumstances are rare. In general, just remember no one
factor can go up or down by more than 30, and everything
works in factors of 10. So the only numbers you have to
remember are +30, +20, +10, 0, –10, –20, and –30.
20 BLACKBIRDS
Y O U R B L A C K B I R D M A Y have a 75%
Base Chance to use Skulduggery, but
because they’re trying to lift someone’s
purse while surrounded by watchful eyes,
the Fateweaver has determined that the
Difficulty Rating is (Arduous –30%). This
reduces your Total Chance for Success
to 45%.
C R I T I C A L A N D S U B LI M E
If you succeed at your Skill test and roll
doubles (e.g., 11, 22, 33, 44, 55, 66, 77, 88, 99),
you’ve rolled a Match and incur a Critical Success.
This can mean you may dole out additional
Damage upon a foe, gain a temporary beneficial
effect, add a bonus to your ally’s next Skill test, or
do a number of other things. These are generally
contextual, and the Fateweaver will announce any
additional benefits or penalties tied to a Match.
Your Talents and Traits may confer other effects
as well.
If you roll 01 (1%), the Skill test is a specific
kind of Degree of Success called a Sublime Success.
Even if your Total Chance for Success calculates to
less than 1%, the roll is successful (meaning even
the most impossible task has a 1% chance of
succeeding). Sublime Successes are contextual,
much like Degrees of Successes, but are even more
beneficial to the character rolling.
Should you roll doubles and fail your Skill test,
you incur a Critical Failure. The effects of Critical
Failures are generally to your detriment. Your
Fateweaver will tell you what the effects of these
sorts of Matches are as you play. Sometimes, they
may not even describe the terrible effect until it
really matters. These negative effects always
dramatically enhance the story—and your trials
and tribulations.
If you roll 00 (100%), the Skill test is a specific
type of Critical Failure called a Sublime Failure. In
rare cases, it is possible to have a Total Chance for
Success in excess of 100%. However, a result of
100% always fails, meaning that even the most
talented individuals can make mistakes. Again,
Sublime Failures are contextual to the situation,
but the Fateweaver may decide that Sublime
Failures are even more detrimental than Critical
Failures.
In general, Sublime Success and Failure is
considered a type of Critical Success or Failure
(respectively), so if the text mentions Critical
Success or Failure and does not separately address
Sublime results, they include such rolls. Examples
of Critical and Sublime Successes and Failures will
be presented throughout the text, but the
Fateweaver is encouraged to replace them with
their own creativity. Remember, your story always
supersedes these rules.
F L I P T H E R E S U LT S
Some situations might grant a special Skill test
modifier called Flip to Succeed or Flip to Fail.
When you perform a Skill test with this modifier,
roll your Ð10s together, but do not designate which
die is the tens die and which is the units die.
Compare both potential outcomes of this roll,
assuming one die is the tens and the other is the
units and then vice versa. If your modifier says Flip
to Succeed, then you take the better of the two
outcomes. If your modifier says Flip to Fail, then
you take the worse of the two outcomes. Critical
Success and Failure cannot be flipped, although
Sublime Success and Failure can.
If you encounter a situation where you must
Flip to Succeed and Flip to Fail on the same roll,
then the two modifiers simply cancel each other
out, and you roll the dice as normal. This rule
applies even to situations that might use these
modifiers multiple times (such as two effects
asking you to Flip to Fail and one effect asking
you to Flip to Succeed). As soon as you have at
least one modifier of both types, every modifier of
this type is canceled, and you simply roll the dice
as normal.

Y O U W E R E A S K E D to Flip to Succeed on
a Coordination test with a Total Chance of
75%. You roll your Ð100, and one die shows a
‘3’ and the other die displays an ‘8.’ Your two
potential results would be 38 or 83. Since you
must Flip to Succeed, you take the result of
38 and pass the Skill test. If, however, your
modifier was Flip to Fail, you would be
forced to take the other result (83) and fail
the Skill test. If for some reason you had two
Flip to Succeed modifiers and one Flip to
Fail, they would cancel out, and you would
have designated one of the dice as the tens
die and one as the units die, as normal.
S K I LL TE ST O P T I O N S
Much of the time in Blackbirds, a Skill test is
straightforward: you calculate the Total Chance,
roll a Ð100, and check to see whether you succeed
or fail. However, things are not always so simple.
Below are a variety of Skill test options you may
encounter during the course of the game.
Assisted Skill Tests
Other characters can Assist your Skill tests. To
Assist someone, the following stipulations apply:
# Only one ally can Assist a Skill test. The
Fateweaver may adjust the Difficulty Rating if
multiple allies try to help, however.
# Assistance requires a Blackbird’s full attention
and effort. The player of the assisting Blackbird
must describe the Actions their character is
taking to illustrate to the Fateweaver how they
intend to help.
H OW TO P L AY 21
# Assistance with a Skill test can be announced by
another player before or after the Difficulty
Rating has been called out by the Fateweaver.
If the character can Assist, the assisting ally
hands one of their Ð100 dice (their tens die) to
you. This is an Assist die, and it can replace the
tens die result of the next Skill test you make. Roll
both your Ð100 and the Assist die together. When
determining results, refer to either the original
tens die or the Assist die for the results you prefer
(typically the lowest result). This means that if you
roll Ð100 that comes up with 45%, and your
Assist die comes up as 30, your new derived result
can be 35%.
Always assume the best result when gaining
assistance with an Assist die, unless one result is a
Critical Failure.
R Y A N A N D J O H N are both playing a game
of Blackbirds. Ryan’s character is trying to
schmooze some tavern patrons and learn
any useful rumors, which is a Rumor Skill
test. John’s character also listens in, seeing if
he can pick up anything from the drunkards
around them.
Ryan rolls an 85%, which fails. Since
John is assisting, Ryan rolls an Assist die
belonging to John, which comes up a ‘3.’ Ryan
changes his tens die for John’s, giving him a
35% instead of his original 85%. Heeding his
friend’s advice about two strange drunkards
in the corner, Ryan’s Blackbird approaches
them and offers to buy them a drink in
exchange for what they know . . .
22 BLACKBIRDS
Opposed Tests and Degrees of Success
In Blackbirds, most Skill tests assess a binary
outcome of Success or Failure; the wall is either
climbed or not. For instance, after your character
strikes a foe with an attack, the foe may elect to
defend themselves. The roll to do so doesn’t need to
beat yours, only succeed. The same can be said
when using the Intimidate Skill to terrify a
character’s enemies. Although the roll may have
succeeded, a Resolve test may be made for the
enemies on their Turn to shake off or ignore its
effects. However, there are certain situations where
both tests are successful and result in a tie.
Should an opposed test be required (such as in a
contest of strength or when gambling), not only do
you need to succeed at the Skill test for your character,
but you also need to determine how well you succeed:
the Degrees of Success. You determine Degrees of
Success by adding two numbers together.
First, subtract the tens die of your roll from the
tens digit of your Total Chance. For example, if
your Total Chance was 60% and you rolled a 41%,
the difference would be 2.
Next, add the relevant Primary Attribute
Bonus from which the Skill is derived, equal to the
tens digit of the Primary Attribute as well as any
Bonus Advances. If the roll was a Critical or
Sublime Success, double this number before adding
it. For example, if your character has a Primary
Attribute Bonus of 4, you would add an 8 on a
Critical Success. (Learn more about Primary
Attribute Bonuses in Chapter 3: Character
Creation & Progression.)
Whoever succeeds at their Skill test and has the
highest Degrees of Success automatically wins the
opposed test. If the Degrees of Success match,
make another opposed test until one side is declared
the winner.
N OTE : An opposed test will sometimes call for the
same Skill to be rolled against, while in some special
cases, it might ask for two separate Skills to be tested
in opposition.
Y O U R B L A C K B I R D I S in an arm-wrestling
contest with a local bandit. You make an
Athletics Skill test against a Total Chance of
60%, while the Fateweaver tests against 45%.
If one succeeds and the other fails, the results
of the contest are obvious. However, both you
(25%) and the Fateweaver (37%) succeed, so
you need to determine Degrees of Success.
Your Total Chance was 60%. Your roll
was 25%, so subtracting the tens die (2)
from the tens place of the Total Chance (6)
results in a 4. Since Athletics is a Brawn Skill,
you add your character’s Brawn Bonus [BB],
which is a 4. You have 8 Degrees of Success.
The bandit isn’t as strong, rolling against
45% and having a [BB] of 1. The 3 in the rolled
37% is subtracted from the 4 in the 45% Total
Chance. Added to the [BB] (4−3+1), the
Fateweaver only has 2 Degrees of Success.
The Blackbird slams his rival’s hand to the
table in triumph.
Retrying Failed Tests
Failed Skill tests may have some kind of setback
as a result. The Fateweaver may rule that a failed
Athletics test results in exhaustion, for instance.
Similarly, critically failing an Athletics test could
result in a nasty fall. Yet, this is not to say every failed
Skill test necessarily precludes trying again.
If you roll a Failure, there may not be a legitimate
reason to reattempt the failed Skill test. For instance, if
you fail a Tradecraft test, the result has already been

determined: your character failed to craft something
effectively, and it is of shoddy quality. However, some
tests can be reattempted. In another example, your
character may desperately want to climb over a wall,
despite the fact that the first Athletics test failed.
Whenever you reattempt a failed Skill test, there’s
typically a penalty that relies on narrative changes or the
imposition of other mitigating factors, as determined by
the Fateweaver. For instance, you may have failed an
Athletics test for your character to climb over a wall.
Your Fateweaver may decide that employing a rope or
other climbing implement would allow you to reattempt
the failed Skill test. Other situations may not allow you
to reattempt the Skill test until time has passed,
particularly if you didn’t know that the initial Skill test
failed. For instance, you may have failed a test for your
Blackbird to cleanse a comrade’s wounds, which you
realize only because the patient’s condition grows worse.
There are some exceptions to these rules,
particularly in combat; see Chapter 6: Conflict &
Rekindling for details.
Skill Tests and Time
Most Skill tests require only moments to
succeed or fail. However, some require a longer
expenditure of time and energy. For Skill tests that
require greater lengths of time, your Fateweaver
will indicate how long it will take to attempt after
they’ve announced the Difficulty Rating.
If you choose to triple the amount of time
required to try a task, your Fateweaver can impose
a more favorable Difficulty Rating based on
narrative circumstances to increase your chances of
Success. Spending additional time beyond that
typically confers no additional bonus, unless the
Fateweaver rules otherwise.
M E N D I N G A P E R S O N ’ S wounds with the
Heal Skill takes 10 minutes. However, if you
instead dedicate 30 minutes to clean and
dress the wound more carefully, the chance
of Success increases.
H OW TO P L AY 23
Conversely, some Skill tests may need to be
made in a hurry or under duress. For instance, your
character may be racing against the clock to pick a
door’s lock while the owner approaches. Anytime
your character is beset by circumstances where you
wish to rush through the Skill test, your Fateweaver
will impose a less favorable Difficulty Rating based
on narrative circumstances.
M E N D I N G A P E R S O N ’ S wounds in the
middle of combat means you can’t take 10
minutes while the fighting rages around
you. Quick battlefield medicine reduces the
chance of Success.
F O RT U N E A N D M I S F O RT U N E
T
he Norns are dead, slain by the Oligarchs,
and Fate’s mysterious influence has run
amok in this world. The ebb and flow of
Fortune and Misfortune struggle constantly to
influence the events of the world and upend the
destinies of its inhabitants. But it is the Fate-touched
Blackbirds who seem to attract their fickle attention
most of all and are able to push their luck in strange
and intriguing ways. They gamble that luck will be
on their side long enough for them to avoid the
consequences of their inevitable comeuppance.
D O I N EE D TO B UY A L L T H I S TO P L AY?
Andrews McMeel Publishing produces many specialized
Fate and Fortune coins, Talent and Technique cards, and
other paraphernalia for purchase. They exist to make your
Blackbirds experience as easy as possible, and we like to
think they look really nice, to boot. However, everything
outside of this book is entirely optional for playing the game.
If you want to use poker chips, index cards, and scraps of
paper to play your game, or share an online document to
track your information while on a virtual tabletop, that’s
all fine. In the end, anything else that’s Blackbirds branded
is something additional you can choose to bring to your
game, not a requirement.
24 BLACKBIRDS
Fortune and Misfortune are very real forces in
Blackbirds, both within the game world and at the
gaming table. They’re represented by Fortune coins
available to the players and (over time) the
Fateweaver. These tokens may be anything—
specially made Fortune coins, beads, coins, poker
chips, etc. Tokens with two different sides are useful,
to indicate the change between Fortune and
Misfortune, but you can also differentiate the two
with separate piles. Whatever tokens you use, they
can be spent at various times to influence the events
occurring in game, either for the benefit of the
protagonists or as additional complications for
them. Players spend Fortune coins to make
situations more beneficial for the Blackbirds,
whereas the Fateweaver spends Misfortune coins to
complicate the Blackbirds’ lives.
Starting Fortune
At the beginning of each Weaving, the Fateweaver
places several coins into a receptacle or a pile. This
group of coins is known as the Fortune Pool. The
number of Fortune coins placed there at the start
of each Weaving depends on the number of player
characters for that Weaving:
Starting Fortune Pool = [number of non-aes
player characters + Fateweaver] × 2
N O TE: If there’s an aes Blackbird in the group, they are
not counted in the number of players, thus resulting in
two less Fortune in the pool.
I F T H E R E A R E four players and a Fateweaver
for the Weaving, the Fortune Pool begins
with 10 Fortune coins (4 + 1 = 5; 5 × 2 = 10).
If one player’s character is an aes, however,
the Fortune Pool is 8 (4 + 1 − 1 = 4; 4 × 2 = 8).

Whenever a player spends a
Fortune coin, it is flipped over,
turning it into a Misfortune coin.
These coins become the
Misfortune Pool. Where the
Fortune Pool is available exclusively
to players, the Misfortune Pool is used
exclusively by the Fateweaver. Once a
Fateweaver spends a Misfortune coin, it is flipped
back and again added to the Fortune Pool.
D U R I N G A D A N G E R O U S fight, the players
have spent six Fortune coins from the
Fortune Pool to keep themselves alive. As
they try to escape a Whispering Chimera,
there are now four coins in the Fortune
Pool and six in the Misfortune Pool. The
Fateweaver spends three on one of the
Chimera’s Misfortune Traits. The Misfortune
coins are flipped, reducing the Misfortune
Pool to three, and the Fortune Pool
increases to seven.
The Fortune Pool is refreshed
at the start of every Weaving,
regardless of how many Fortune
or Misfortune coins are left in
their collective pools. As such,
players should be encouraged to spend
Fortune during each Weaving; if Fortune is not
spent during one Weaving, it does not carry over to
the next.
Spending Fortune
There are numerous ways for players to use Fortune
throughout a Weaving to influence the course of
play. Each of the three most important ones has a
connection to one of the extinguished Norns.
H OW TO P L AY 25
U R D’ S VO I C E
Spend Fortune to channel Urd, the Norn of
“that which has come before.” Heeding Urd’s
Voice allows a player to retroactively turn a
situation in their favor. To do so, the player
announces a small bit of study, preparation, or
other activity they performed in the past that
serves to help them now. The player and the
Fateweaver should engage in a small flashback
Scene (our term for a particular place and time
frame during a game of Blackbirds) and role-play
how the character anticipated the current situation
and prepared to overcome it.
A F L O C K O F Blackbirds must descend into a
large chasm but lack any climbing equipment.
One of the players elects to spend a Fortune
to channel Urd’s Voice and flashes back to the
Scene where their character remembered to
pack a rope and pitons in anticipation of just
this type of situation.
V E R D A N D I’ S E M B R A C E
Spend a Fortune to shelter in the embrace of
Verdandi, the Norn of “that which is happening
now.” When a player spends Fortune in this
way, divine providence smiles upon a
Blackbird or their flock. The Fateweaver
should work with the Fortune-spending
player to determine the best and most
reasonable outcome.
P R I M A R I LY, VE R DAN DI’S EM BRACE
grants for a single Combat Scene the
Enchanted Quality to one weapon in use
by a player’s Blackbird. Other possibilities
include such coincidences as fog rolling in to
hide the flock as it sneaks up on an enemy, a
locked door being opened by a stranger, or
a trap that fails to trigger as the Blackbirds
cross it.
26 BLACKBIRDS
S K U L D’ S V I S I O N
Spend a Fortune to channel the divinatory
powers of Skuld, the Norn of “that which is yet to
come.” When a player spends a Fortune in this way,
they may ask the Fateweaver one open-ended
question about the current Weaving. The Fateweaver
may not lie to the player when answering this
question, but they do not have to give an exact answer.
C O N C E R N E D T H A T T H E corridor ahead
may be trapped, a player spends a point of
Fortune to channel Skuld’s Vision and asks,
“Are there any traps ahead for us?” The
Fateweaver answers honestly: “No, the area
in front is not trapped.” They fail to mention,
however, that at the end of the corridor is a
sleeping guard who might be awakened by
their actions.
T H E M A N Y U S E S O F F O RT U N E
# Players may spend a Fortune to swap out one
Talent or Technique that is currently slotted.
Talents and Techniques are explained in Chapter
5: Talents & Techniques.
# Fortune may also be used to power the effects of
certain abilities. The Talent, Technique, or other
ability designates how much Fortune must be
spent in this fashion.
# Fortune can be spent immediately after the results
of any Skill test not involving a Critical or Sublime
outcome to allow a player to reroll the test. The
player must accept the result of this new roll.
# During combat, a player can spend a Fortune to
gain 1 additional Action Point on their Turn
(discussed later on, and in Chapter 6: Conflict &
Rekindling).
# A player can spend one Fortune per Turn
immediately after rolling a Ð6 to treat the die
result as a face value of ‘6.’ The die explodes as
normal.
# Spend a Fortune for a player to force their way
higher on the Initiative Ladder (covered below,
and in Chapter 6: Conflict & Rekindling).
# Players can spend one Fortune to rise one position
on the Peril Track.
Spending Misfortune
Misfortune is used exclusively by the Fateweaver
as a means of ramping up the dramatic tension for
the Blackbirds and leveling the playing field. Fate is
fickle and capricious, and good luck can often turn
when one least expects it.
Misfortune can be spent immediately after the
results of any Skill test not involving a Critical or
Sublime outcome to allow a Fateweaver to reroll
the test. The Fatewaver must accept the result of
this new roll.
Misfortune may be spent by the Fateweaver to
have a non-player character (NPC) or creature force
their static initiative value one degree higher for the
duration of a Combat Scene.
Misfortune may also be spent to power certain
creature Traits, as detailed in Chapter 10: Bestiary.
FATE
F
ate. It is an implacable force that guides the
lives of all beings, great and small. It was
woven into the world of Blackbirds by the
old gods as they laid claim to the place in its infancy,
setting in motion its natural laws; the growth,
proliferation, and evolution of its inhabitants; and
the gods’ dominion over both. In doing so, the gods
inexorably tied themselves to the world, becoming
incarnate representations of life, death, time, cause
and effect, the lands, the waters, the skies, and even
Fate itself. Doing so afforded the gods tremendous
power over this world and its inhabitants, and it
locked others of their ilk outside of Fate, blunting
their influence over those things. Only one of these
beings was ever given sanctuary within it, and that
small mercy would lead to the eventual downfall of
all they had built.
28 BLACKBIRDS
Such are the fickle ways of Fate.
Upon the demise of the Norns, the forces of Fate
were loosed upon the world. Fate settled upon those
with a latent potential for greatness within them, the
Blackbirds, lending them the ability to realize
that potential and impose their will upon
an increasingly chaotic world, as the
gods once had (though to a lesser
degree).
Whenever a player spends
Fate for their character, the
trajectory of destiny itself bends
for a single moment, allowing
them to avoid imminent
catastrophe or complete impossible
feats of skill. Should a fatal blow
almost land, Fate can be employed to
avoid it. Leaping heroically between
crumbling towers and surviving,
escaping a locked room as it is
engulfed in flames, or springing
safely out of the range of a golden
paladin before it crushes your
head with its blade. All these are
possible with Fate.
But be wary, as the power of
Fate can only be called upon once
per Weaving, and after one’s Fate is
expended, it is not easily restored. Until
then, you are on your own.
Using Fate
Fate is one of the most powerful forces in the game.
Spending Fate trumps nearly everything else, and
you either have it, or you don’t—one may not
stockpile one’s Fate.
Most human characters start with Fate, while
aes and daimn may gain it by completing a Dooming
(see Chapter 3: Character Creation & Progression
for more on Doomings) and jötunnkin’s Fate is
sealed. A character’s Fate is represented physically at
the table by some sort of coin or other two-sided
object with different faces. You can use any coin you
want so long as your Fateweaver agrees. Just ensure it
has clearly designated heads and tails. Unspent Fate
starts play showing “heads.”
Fate is spent reactively. Players can use their
Fate only to react or respond to a situation that is
happening in the present of which they are aware. It
alters reality to make it so that whatever outcome
the Fate amulet is being spent on to prevent never
occurred, and instead, the thing that was agreed
upon by the Fateweaver and the player takes place.
To indicate one’s Fate has been spent, turn the Fate
amulet over, showing “tails.”
In all cases, negotiate with the Fateweaver on
whether you can spend it in any given situation.
There are rare circumstances where manipulating
Fate isn’t enough. In the end, the Fateweaver is
always the final arbiter.
# A character is spotted in an alleyway as
they hide from pursuers, so they spend
their Fate to ensure they aren’t noticed.
The Blackbird wasn’t fated to die like a dog
in this alley.
# A noble is suspicious of a Blackbird, so
their player spends a Fate amulet for their
character to retroactively happen upon
just the right lie to make their actions
palatable. Conversely, the Fateweaver
could have the noble called away on urgent
business that’s highly distracting, before
the Blackbird failed to convince them.
Either way, the Blackbird wasn’t fated to be
caught in this manner.
# If a character is dealt a fatal blow by an
enemy, their player can spend a Fate
amulet to avoid the injury. Perhaps a
clothyard shaft actually struck a coin in the
Blackbird’s pocket and didn’t pierce their
flesh, or possibly a sword thrust punctured
only the fabric of the character’s cloak,
narrowly missing them. The Blackbird
wasn’t fated to be killed in this melee.

It is important to note that Fate is neither all
powerful nor always available to Blackbirds. The
most important thing to understand is that Fate can
be used to directly change only your own character’s
situation. You can’t, for instance, spend Fate to have
your character instantly murder someone. There are
techniques for that. Similarly, you cannot spend
Fate to set up some twelve-dimensional chess
gambit to help someone across town, or to impact
things your character is not witness to.
N OTE : Theurges cannot spend Fate to avoid fulfilling
their reckonings.
An exception to this is that Fate may be shared
with a Fatebound comrade in the same Scene so they
may spend it to change theirs. Once the Fate is spent,
the player who shared the Fate regains the token and
turns it tails-side up, as if they themselves had spent it.
Reclaiming Fate
Fate is ever capricious. Once spent, there is no
guarantee when it may deign to grace a Blackbird
with its power once again. It must be Reclaimed
in order to be used once again. To represent this,
the Fate amulet itself is used to determine when it
replenishes, or a proxy coin if the Fate amulet itself
is too unwieldy to flip. (There are rare instances
where one’s Fate may be Reclaimed by other means,
but the Fateweaver will adjudicate those.)
At the end of a Weaving in which you spent your
character’s Fate, you may pick up the Fate amulet (or
a proxy) and flip it in the air. If it lands showing heads,
the Blackbird’s Fate is Reclaimed, and the Fate amulet
will start the next Weaving showing heads.
If it doesn’t, it remains spent, and the coin
starts the next Weaving showing tails. At the end of
that next Weaving, flip it twice. If either of the flips
come up heads, Fate is Reclaimed. If none of them
do, it remains spent. At the end of the third
Weaving, flip it thrice as per above. Again, if any of
the flips come up heads, it is Reclaimed, while if
none of them do, it remains spent.
H OW TO P L AY 29
Three flips is the maximum a player may make.
For each subsequent Weaving that Fate remains
spent, the player continues to flip their coin three
times.
Certain characters do not naturally earn Fate,
as they exist outside its weave. Neither aes nor
daimn possess Fate, but it may be gifted to them by
a Blackbird ally. Jötunnkin possess Fate, but it is
sealed, and they can never gain it by any means.
Y O U S P E N T Y O U R Blackbird’s Fate in the
middle of the last Weaving. At the end of that
Weaving, you flipped the Fate amulet, but it
came up tails, so Fate has abandoned them
this Weaving. But now that this Weaving is
over, you flip the Fate amulet twice. The first
time, it comes up tails again, but the second
time, it comes up heads. Your Blackbird has
once again Reclaimed their Fate, and it’s
ready to be spent again as needed. You’ll set
your Fate amulet to heads next Weaving.
FATE V E R S U S F O RT U N E A N D M I S F O RT U N E
Fate is far more powerful than Fortune and Misfortune.
The consequences of spending Fate are greater than those
you can spend Fortune to achieve. Fortune serves to give
the Blackbird a lucky break, whereas Fate quite literally
rewrites reality in the Blackbird’s favor. Everyday people
possess some amount of Fortune, but being marked by
Fate is unique to Blackbirds.
Similarly, Misfortune cannot be spent to prevent a
player from spending their character’s Fate. Fate’s power
trumps simple Misfortune.
Finally, the results of a player spending their
character’s Fate always resolves before any effects of
Fortune/Misfortune.
30 BLACKBIRDS
TIERS
A
s Blackbirds struggle with Fortune, Fate,
and the many hazards of the world
around them, they grow and evolve. In
the game, we reflect this through the use of Tiers. A
Tier is a measurement of competence, representing
a group of Blackbirds’ experiences over the course of
their adventures. Each Tier represents choices
you’ve made over the course of the story.
There are three Tiers: Basic, Intermediate, and
Advanced. As Blackbirds progress through Doomings,
they unlock new Tiers as a group. Through their
Tiers they gain the opportunity to acquire new
capabilities, such as Talents and Techniques (see
below).
You can learn more about Tiers and how
Blackbirds use them in Chapter 3: Character
Creation & Progression. One specific way that
characters employ Tiers is in determining Talents
and Techniques.
TA L E NTS, TE C H N I Q U E S & S L OTS
T
wo of the things that set Blackbirds apart
from other characters are their Talents
and Techniques.
A Talent is a refinement of natural aptitudes and
capabilities that amplifies a Skill and allows a character
to employ it in ways to change or “break” the standard
rules of Blackbirds. A Technique, on the other hand,
is a highly specialized discipline tied to one’s profession.
Each Talent and Technique has prerequisites the
player needs to fulfill before they can acquire it.
In Blackbirds, heroes aren’t one-trick ponies.
A warrior may know a bit of wortcunning to ward
off the effects of magic, a theurge may well be a
trained arbalist, and a courtier may have risen to
their high position from the lower classes and know
their way around the seedier side of town.
Both Talents and Techniques are reflected by
cards that are slotted onto your character by physically
placing the active Talent or Technique card onto your
character sheet. Players may choose to switch up their
character builds every Weaving based on what they
think will be most useful. As characters go up in
Tiers, they get both an increasing number of slots and
more Talent and Technique cards to put into their
slots. Players are encouraged to experiment with
combining different Talents and Techniques, or with
switching things up if they want to try playing their
character in a different way or for a different situation.
The number of Talents and Techniques available
to a Blackbird is based on their current Tier:
# Basic: 1 Talent slot, 1 Technique slot
# Intermediate: 2 Talent slots, 2 Technique slots
# Advanced: 3 Talent slots, 3 Technique slots
Thus, the Blackbird gains an additional Talent
slot and Technique slot as they progress to a higher
Tier (for a maximum of three each). At the start of
play, choose your character’s Talents and Techniques
from their available pool, and fill out their slots.
N OTE: Talents can’t go into Technique slots, and vice
versa.
Techniques can be Extinguished to do special
things. To indicate this, turn its card face down to
indicate it cannot be used again. Extinguished
Techniques typically remain Extinguished until the
start of your next Rekindling (see Chapter 6:
Conflict & Rekindling). However, some Talents
and Techniques may let you Rekindle a different
Talent or Technique, turning it face-up during an
adventure and allowing it to be reused.
Some Talents and Techniques may allow you
to reslot between Rekindlings. In addition, by
spending 1 Fortune, you may reslot a single Talent
or Technique between Rekindlings. Slotted Talents
and Techniques will otherwise remain the same
until the start of the next Rekindling.
N O TE: An Extinguished Technique cannot be reslotted
with another active one from the Blackbird’s available
pool of cards, even if the character is the intended
target of a Talent or Technique that would allow you
to reslot between Rekindlings.

Supernatural Afflictions (the curses of the
wolfen, striga, etc.) will take up a Technique slot
until cured. You can find more about Afflictions, as
well as Talents and Techniques, in Chapter 5:
Talents & Techniques.
A P L A Y E R H A S slotted a Talent onto their
Blackbird, who is on the Path of Shadow &
Subterfuge: A Face in the Crowd. As the flock
of Blackbirds makes its way into a corrupt
noble’s castle, though, the player thinks a
different Talent (The Hidden Blade) would
be more useful. They spend one Fortune to
switch A Face in the Crowd for The Hidden
Blade, transforming a Fortune coin into a
Misfortune coin.
H OW TO P L AY 31
CONFLICT & REKINDLING
I
f there is one truth about the world of
Blackbirds, it’s that conflict is always close at
hand. For most of the inhabitants of Erebos,
life is a constant struggle to merely survive. But
your character is special, destined to fight for their
own survival and also for the future of the world.
Over the course of their adventures, Blackbirds will
find themselves fighting for their lives and the lives
of others, traveling the length and breadth of Erebos
and beyond, pursuing and being pursued in turn by
the Oligarchs’ servants, and enduring and recovering
from tremendous suffering. Chapter 6: Conflict &
Rekindling outlines the mechanics of all of these
activities and more in complete detail, but here are
the basics, so your Blackbird can wade into the fight
without having a knife shoved into their gut.
Conflict
Physical conflict between characters occurs during
Combat Scenes. These are very structured Scenes
that allow characters to each take a Turn and
perform Actions in a logical order. Such Scenes may
start with a Surprise Round if the player characters
or their NPC opponents succeed in surprising and
gaining advantage over one another.
This is followed by an Initiative roll, where
each player rolls 1Ð10 and adds their character’s
Initiative Attribute to the result. The Initiative
results of all combatants are then ranked from
highest to lowest and displayed openly on a marker
board or piece of paper for both player and
Fateweaver reference. This Initiative Ladder
determines the order in which each character will
act for this Opening Round. In the Opening
Round, each combatant begins with their full
complement of Action Points, or AP (see below).
From there, each character in the Initiative
Ladder takes their Turn in order. Once every
character in the fight has taken Actions (or is unable
or unwilling to take any Actions), a new Round
begins with a new Initiative roll, establishing that
Round’s Initiative Ladder. In these subsequent
32 BLACKBIRDS
Rounds, each combatant will generate their AP as
normal at the top of their Turn in the Initiative
Ladder.
A Combat Scene may last for one or for many
Rounds. Once a Combat Scene ends, by whatever
means, the Fateweaver will announce it.
The various things a Blackbird may attempt
during combat are divided into categories of Combat
Actions. The cost for these Actions is paid in Action
Points (AP), the currency of the Action economy. A
player is not required to spend all of their character’s
AP on their Turn and can hold onto them so that
their character may defend themselves through Parry,
Dodge, or other rarer Reactions. That said, a character
does not carry AP over into their following Turn.
When a new Turn begins for them, all of the
character’s remaining AP are considered lost, and they
once again start with their normal allotment of AP.
Whether a character is armed with a Melee or a
Ranged weapon, the chance to strike and the
Damage dealt is determined the same way. There
are seven simple steps employed to resolve an Attack
Action that results in Damage:
Step 1: Which Weapon?
Step 2: Total Chance for Success
Step 3: Make the Attack
Step 4: Enemy Defends
Step 5: Roll Damage
Step 6: Determine Damage Level
Step 7: Determine Injury
DAMAGE
A player must always take into account their
character’s Damage Threshold whenever they suffer
Damage. After an attacker strikes their target and
Total Damage is calculated, the defender’s player
compares it to their character’s Damage Threshold.
If the Total Damage is less than the Damage
Threshold, the defender’s armor has provided
sufficient protection, or they have shrugged off the
blow, and no Damage is taken. When Total
Damage is considered, they move down the
Damage Condition Track as follows:
# If Total Damage equals or exceeds base Damage
Threshold, the character moves 1 level down the
Damage Condition Track.
# If Total Damage equals or exceeds 6+Damage
Threshold, the character moves 2 levels down the
Damage Condition Track.

# If Total Damage equals or exceeds 12+Damage
Threshold, the character moves 3 levels down the
Damage Condition Track.
# If Total Damage equals or exceeds 18+Damage
Threshold, the character is instantly Slain!.
Whenever a character suffers Total Damage
that equals or exceeds their Damage Threshold,
their player must announce to the group where the
character is on the Damage Condition Track. The
closer a Blackbird comes to the bottom of the
Damage Condition Track, the riskier combat
becomes. When a Blackbird’s Damage Condition
Track drops to 3 or more Damage levels, they are
at risk of suffering an Injury. If the character
reaches the end of the Damage Condition Track
(Slain!), they are dead.
P E R I L A N D R E S O LV E TE STS
Unlike with Damage, the Peril Condition Track
is a temporary inconvenience born of excessive
physical or mental strain. Peril may be caused by
fatigue, deprivation, stress, horror, or a myriad of
other conditions spelled out in Chapter 13: The
Fateweaver. Where a character is on their Peril
Condition Track will determine what penalties are
suffered on all Skill tests until they have recovered.
Whenever you face a creature or situation that
the Fateweaver feels would provoke stress, fear, or
some other form of Peril, the player makes a Resolve
test. Failure results in the accumulation of 1Ð10+1
Peril. A Critical Failure causes the acquisition of
2Ð10+2 Peril, and a Sublime Failure 3Ð10+3 Peril.
The Wheel: Degradation
Beyond the threats posed by the Oligarchs and their
servants, beyond the dangers of war, disease, and
famine that face the sundered Republic, there is
the very real threat of entropy itself. The slow decay
of equipment is called the Wheel, and how badly
degraded an item is tracked by Degradation.
Three levels of Degradation exist in Blackbirds:
Worn, Frail, and Ruined. Each time a Blackbird
garners a Critical Failure on an attack, the weapon
H OW TO P L AY 33
they’re wielding suffers 1 level of Degradation (2 if
the attack is a Sublime Failure). Similarly, if a foe
garners a Critical Success on an attack against the
Blackbird, the Blackbird’s armor and/or shield
suffers a level of Degradation (two for a Sublime
Success). Each level of Degradation has both
mechanical and monetary effects (explained in
greater detail in Chapter 6: Conflict & Rekindling).
Rekindling
Downtime taken to recover, repair, and relax is
just as important as high adventure. Rekindling
is a Scene that occurs once per day of game time
when characters choose to make camp, take rooms
at an inn, or otherwise shift into a period of respite.
During a Rekindling, Blackbirds may do the
following:
# Sleep and remediate Peril and Damage
# Treat and recuperate from Injuries
# Rekindle and reslot Talents and Techniques
# Repair weapons and armor
# Produce tradecraft items and alchemical
concoctions
More information about Rekindling can be
found in Chapter 6: Conflict & Rekindling.
A M AT TE R O F T I M E
In certain situations, especially where Techniques are
concerned, the span of time “once between Rekindlings”
is used to determine how often a particular effect may be
employed. This means that a Blackbird who uses it may
not do so again until they have completed a full Sleep
during their next Rekindling. So long as something keeps
the Blackbird from the necessary downtime, this effect
remains unusable.
For example, if Grimaldi uses the Baleful Alchemy
ability to Anoint his, Lucius Dower’s, and Shâd Bakht’s
weapons to do battle with a striga noble beneath the
Listing Tower, that effect would be denied him until the
three made it back to their hideout beneath the docks
and he slept a full 6 hours.

T H E U R GY A N D T H E O D
T
hose who seek power seek out those that
grant it. The practice of high magic and
its potent Vitiations, known as theurgy,
typically requires summoning and bargaining with
mysterious and puissant entities. These Outsiders
live in the Od, a realm of existence beyond the
boundaries of our reality. Many theurges form a
rapport or communion with such entities, using
Tithes to encourage them to help. The most
powerful of theurges can form a pact with these
Outsiders, enthralling them to their will for an
indefinite time, but the wisest know that forcing
something into servitude comes with a price.
Despite what Outsiders claim, however, there
are things older and more powerful still—even if
many of these ancient forces are sleeping or dead.
And these beings wove into the world upon its
creation forms of magic that anyone possessing the
proper knowledge might employ to their, and others’,
benefit. Common folk refer to those who practice
these mostly lost and forgotten rites as wise people,
and the magics they cast are known as Wortcunning
Spells. It is true that Wortcunning Spells are more
difficult to perform, are less ostentatious than most
Vitiations, and are sometimes unreliable, but
nevertheless, they can be effective.
The details of these strange magics can be found
in Chapter 8: Theurgy. That said, we recommend
that if you are not playing a character gifted with a
connection to the Od, skip this section and that
chapter, for the mysteries of magic in Blackbirds are
far more entertaining when they are secretive, and
you will gain more enjoyment if you see the travails
of your sorcerous friends and allies from the outside.
That said, here are the basics of using both.
Theurgy Vitiations
The common people might call them spells or
magic, but theurges call the reality-warping abilities
granted to them by Outsiders by their own name:
Vitiations. Vitiations are purely channeled Odic
H OW TO P L AY 35
power gifted by Outsiders that give theurges the
means to pervert the natural order for their own
benefit. Each Vitiation has specific parameters of
possible potency, and these are laid out to great
specificity by the Outsiders themselves.
Vitiations are performed using the following
steps:
# Choose a Vitiation and a Power Level, then
determine the Difficulty Rating.
# Should the theurge choose to focus the Vitiation,
set a Focus Level of 1 to 3 and place that many
dice into the Odic dice pool.
# Add +10 to their Odweft Skill for each level of
focus.
# Accrue the Tithe.
# Make an Odweft Skill test.
# Check for Odic Manifestation.
O D I C M A N I F E STAT I O N
Increasing the power of a Vitiation, along with
accumulating Tithe with an Outsider, generates
Odic dice. Once the Vitiation is attempted, roll all
of the dice in the Odic dice pool. If any of the dice
are a ‘6,’ an Odic Manifestation immediately comes
into effect: a bloom of uncontrollable chaotic effect.
The more ‘6’s rolled, the more serious the nature of
the Manifestation will generally be.
Wortcunning Spells
To learn a Wortcunning Spell, a Blackbird must
spend a significant amount of time practicing the
proper pronunciations and foci of concentration
to bring about its effects. The student then gains
a point of Discordant Resonance (see Chapter 3:
Character Creation & Progression) and makes a
Wortcunning Skill test at –30. If they succeed, they
may learn the spell; if they fail, they may try again
by repeating the process. Learned Wortcunning
Spells are rolled against the Skill of the same
name for Success, like a normal Skill test. Because
wortcunning doesn’t involve deals with Outsiders,
it is not prone to Odic Manifestations.
 C H A P TE R 3

Character Creation
† Progression
THREADING
by Zoë Quinn

W hat of this one?”

The twinkling of a childlike voice pierced
through the comforting haze of Calendonia’s
mind, chasing away the thoughts she hadn’t noticed she was lost
in. Her eyes opened slowly, as if she stirred from a peculiar dream,
but the landscape that greeted her was no less otherworldly. All
around her, a crimson sea stretched endlessly in every direction,
until the shoreless horizon embraced the sunless sky. Stranger
still, she found herself undisturbed. A sense of tranquility
inexplicably washed over her just as gently as the warm, knee-
deep water pooled around her legs.

How did I get here? What is this place?

“Who are you?” rang out the girlish voice, as if echoing her
unspoken questions. Calendonia’s eyes scanned her surroundings for
the source. She saw no one, yet she knew she was not alone. No matter
where she turned, it felt as if someone was standing just behind her
shoulder . . . The space was permeated with a presence that made the
hair on the back of her neck stand up, but not out of fear. It felt as if
her entire being was lightly humming with a tune she couldn’t hear.
She had never felt anything like this before, yet somehow, there was a
sense of comforting familiarity in her heart. There was a strange sense
of rightness to the moment that dispelled any fears or doubts before
they could reach the surface of her somnolent mind . . .
“My name is Calendonia,” the young woman answered in the
placid dark.
The voice chirped a small giggle that seemed to echo around her.
“What else?”
The haze in her mind was disorienting, but regardless, she felt
compelled to answer as best as she could. “I hail from Crisius, where I was
raised by my brother Henrick . . . Our parents died when I was very young.
In their place, he taught me to hunt, read, and recite the holy doctrines.”
Another childlike laugh of delight danced in the air. “But now,
you are grown. Who are you?”
“I am alone.” She spoke thoughtfully, the act of speaking carving
shapes from her clouded memory. “Henrick left home find work as a
sellsword to support us. I’m training to do the same.”

“What else?” the voice replied in the sing-song
tones of an overcurious child.
Calendonia looked up from her reflection in
the clear scarlet water, an expression of hardened
devotion wreathed in her youthful features. “I have
dedicated my life to mastering the art of killing and
the singing of the Eternal Hymn.”
The surface of the water pulsed along to the
clamor of another disembodied laugh, this one
deeper and mature in timbre.
The abrupt change threatened Calendonia’s
pacified trance, startling her typically well-trained
reflexes out of their slumber. As she cast her gaze
skyward to search for her ethereal interrogator, she
found only a full moon directly overhead. Its golden
light seemed to slowly spin clockwise in the sky,
filling her with a hypnotic sense of calm. Once
again, she felt her concerns slip away. All that
mattered was now.
“Silly girl,” the womanly voice sighed, setting
delicate waves in motion across the glassy surface of
the sea. “Life is about more than songs and studies . . .”
“Not mine,” Calendonia answered with a resigned
earnestness. “To be a soldier of fortune worthy of the
Eedahim . . . there can be nothing else.”
“And what of your faith?”
She hesitated. “The Endless Hymn must be
chanted. I feel a duty to share the burden with my
people.”
The voice continued. “As your brother Henrick
taught you. Tell me, little bird: who do you really
sing for? Your faith . . . or your family?”
A flicker of shame crossed the young woman’s
face as she felt her heart cry out the answer without
the slightest hesitation.
Her faith, her skills, her devotion—all were
tethers to her brother, her only true safe haven in an
otherwise hardscrabble life. Henrick told Calendonia
very little about their parents, and even at an early
age, she could read the haunted look in his eyes when
she asked too many prying questions. However, he
would come alive when talking about their faith. To
Henrick, their parents’ faith offered promises of a life
C H A R A C TE R C R E AT I O N & P RO G R E S S I O N 39
less hopeless than the dismal existence of orphaned
children. To Calendonia, it was a straightforward
way to make her brother proud.
Living piously felt like a paltry offering of
gratitude to a young man who had devoted his life
to caring for her, but it was one that a young girl
could make.
Now, she was a woman, and he was off in
dangerous lands, risking his life to send home a real
allowance. Before he left, he made her promise to
stay safe, stay faithful, to live a real life . . . But she
couldn’t tell him that she felt safe with him, that her
devotion was to her family, and that she knew no
other way to live.
Calendonia stood silent amongst the gentle
waves. She knew the answer, but speaking it was a
betrayal of its own kind.
The laugh interjected, reverberating with gentle
mercy. “Do not be ashamed, child. You possess
many strengths, but your devotion is your greatest
one. You’ll have need of it in the days to come. All
of Erebos will.”
“What do you mean?” Calendonia asked the
moon.
The twinkling warmth of the voice’s laughter
bled into a crone’s hearty belly laugh as the moon
sank beyond the horizon. At her feet, the waves
shifted away from her and toward the sky into
threads of ruby red, thinning out as they floated
upward, evaporating into the laughter and the dark.
Once again, she knew she wasn’t alone—but
this time, she could see it.
She had been silently joined by four other
figures, all appearing just as surprised as she: a
young woman her age with fierce eyes peering
through a storm of red hair and with corded muscles
erupting from gaps in her patchwork armor; a tall,
slender figure whose face and body were completely
hidden in a thick purple robe save for a pair of
spindly, gnarled hands covered in markings of a
language she did not recognize; a man, or at least
the shape of a man, outlined in translucent wisps of
something sacred and profane with two green stars
40 BLACKBIRDS
that stared through her; and a familiar young man
she didn’t recognize until their eyes met.
Henrick. Henrick, but with one less arm than
she remembered him having.
Before she could cry out to her brother, the
crone’s voice boomed with a rasp that rattled the
evaporating sea.
“The five of you are bound together by a
common fate. Soon, a great tragedy will tear you
from your homes and bind you together in a
struggle to overcome a petty despot. But in doing
so, you will place the keys to the future of Crisius
in the hands of its next leader. Choose carefully,
for all of Erebos will bear the brunt of the
consequences . . .”
Fear gripped Calendonia’s chest as the last of
the sea dripped away into the lightless sky, and the
scenery began to fade from view with it. She tried to
cry out to Henrick, but the sound was leaving her,
too. Her head spun. She didn’t understand what
any of this meant . . . She wasn’t anyone important.
She wasn’t even a proper sellsword yet. Despite her
training and discipline, she still felt like she was just
a lost little girl looking for her family. What could
she possibly do?
Calendonia’s eyes shot open as she jolted awake.
As she looked around the familiar little hut, she
began to feel silly. What difference was she looking
to find in the place she’d lived in for years? It felt
like she was forgetting something, but she had no
idea what.
Calendonia set about her daily routines as she
typically would, with no memory of the strange sea,
the choir of voices, or her brother’s missing arm.
The only thing that remained was a quiet feeling, as
if she had work to do.

C R E AT I N G A B L A C K B I R D
P layer characters can come from a myriad of
backgrounds, but what sets Blackbirds apart
from other folk in the world is that they
have all been touched by Fate. Aside from this defining
trait, however, there are many others that must be
determined during the character creation process.
The Character Creation Process
C H A R A C TE R C O N C E P T
! Decide the Blackbird’s gender, age, height,
weight, physical appearance, personality, goals,
and backstory.
! These details do not otherwise impact game
systems. They are role-play and story decisions.
A N C E ST RY
! Choose from these options: aes, daimn, human,
jötunnkin, or nephilim.
! Some Boons and Banes are automatically granted
by choosing a particular Ancestry. Record them
on your character sheet.
! Choose the Blackbird’s optional Boons and/or
Banes as directed in the chosen Ancestry’s section.
! Note the Blackbird’s Ancestral Modifiers for
determining the Primary Attributes.
T I E R S O F P L AY
! Each Blackbird begins at Basic Tier.
P R I M A RY AT T R I B UTE S
! Roll 2Ð10 for each of the seven Primary
Attributes, adding 35 to every result.
! Determine the Blackbird’s starting Primary
Attribute Bonuses by noting the tens of each
Primary Attribute score (i.e., an Agility score of
39 would give the Blackbird a base Agility Bonus
[AB] of 3, while a score of 28 would give them a
base [AB] of 2).
! Modify the Blackbird’s Primary Attribute
Bonuses in accordance with the Ancestral
Modifiers noted above.
C H A R A C TE R C R E AT I O N & P RO G R E S S I O N 41
S E C O N D A RY AT T R I B UTE S
! Determine the Blackbird’s base Damage
Threshold by recording their Brawn Bonus [BB].
! Determine the Blackbird’s base Peril Threshold
by adding +3 to their Willpower Bonus [WB].
! Determine the Blackbird’s Initiative by adding
+3 to their Perception Bonus [PB].
! Determine the Blackbird’s Movement by adding
+3 to their Agility Bonus [AB].
! Note the Blackbird’s maximum Skill
improvements per Tier by adding +3 to their
Intelligence Bonus [IB].
! Note the Blackbird’s known languages based on
their Intelligence Bonus [IB].
STA RT I N G PAT H
! Mark which Skills and Bonuses are “unlocked”
for improvement in accordance with the
Blackbird’s starting Path.
! Choose the Blackbird’s starting Trappings.
! If you’ve chosen the Path of Od & Ritual, add the
Odsight Boon to the Blackbird’s sheet.
TA L E NT S A N D TE C H N I Q U E S
! Review available Talents and Techniques.
! Spend Starting Reward Points.
! Spend 9 Reward Points (RP) on Bonus Advances,
Patronage, Skill Ranks, Talents, and Techniques.
! At Basic Tier: Unlocked Bonus Advances and
Skill Ranks cost 1 RP.
! Locked Bonus Advances and Skill Ranks cost 2
RP.
! Patronage costs 3 RP per level (most Blackbirds
start without Patronage).
! Talents cost 1 RP.
! Techniques cost 2 RP.
! In the case of creating a theurge, during character
creation only, a rapport relationship with a single
Outsider imp is freely achieved, while additional
ones may be bought for 2 RP.
42 BLACKBIRDS
F I R ST T H R E A D I N G
! Review the Blackbird with the Fateweaver.
! Determine the Blackbird’s starting Alignment
with the Fateweaver.
! If playing a human Blackbird, receive a Fate
amulet.
! Receive the Blackbird’s Dooming with their
flock.
T H E B L A C K B I R D’ S C O N C E P T
T
he first step in the process is the same as
in any other tabletop role-playing game:
come up with the Blackbird’s concept.
What makes a “good” starting point will vary from
one player to the next. To get a better idea of what
Blackbirds might fit in this world, read Chapter 1:
The Tide of Fate, Chapter 11: Corbel, and Chapter
12: Highsalt.
Traits such as gender, age, height, weight,
physical appearance, and so forth will not bear any
impact on the Blackbird’s game mechanics.
A N C E ST RY
T
he world is currently dominated by
humanity, the favored children of the
gods. While each of the kingdoms has
its own customs, traditions, and histories, the
diaspora of humanity has proliferated these
cultures to every corner of the map. Regardless of
the place or people, there’s only one thing that
truly counts when it comes to the hierarchy of
society: power. The machinations of the Oligarchs
have only made this truer.
That said, humanity itself is not some
monolithic unit with no variation. Although the
jötunnkin dwindled from the proud progeny of
giants and humans into obscurity as the gods
discarded them, a few clans still roam the northlands
looking for a noble end to their people’s tragic tale.
Now, whether the nephilim are still human is a
matter of some debate, with the superstitious
claiming that these Od-blighted heirs of a broken
pact are no less atrocious than the Outsiders their
ancestors forced them to serve.
And though humankind may form the vast
majority, they are not the lone inhabitants of the
world. Among them walk the mercurial aes,
cloaking their ethereal bodies in the illusions of
human forms. The long-lost daimn also begin to
stir from their slumber, awakening in a gasp of
elemental breath to do Fate’s will.
Blackbirds can hail from any one of these
Ancestries. Choosing an Ancestry will impact both
how you role-play in the world and your character
sheet in the following ways:
Ancestry Options
HUMAN
! Ancestral Modifier: +1 to three Primary Attribute
Bonuses and –1 to three Primary Attribute
Bonuses, chosen by the player
! Automatically gains the following Bane: Mortal
! Chooses one human Boon
! Gains Fate amulet
! Impact on role-play: None
AES (ELF )
! Ancestral Modifier: +1 to three Primary Attribute
Bonuses and –1 to three Primary Attribute
Bonuses, as determined by the House the player
chooses
! Automatically gains the following Boons:
Gossamer Glamour, Immortality of the Aes,
Odsight, Undying
! Automatically gains the following Banes:
Devourer of Fortune, Fateless, Ironbane,
Magical Creature, Odic Outcast
! Chooses one additional Boon and one additional
Bane of the Aes
! Impact on role-play: High

D A I M N ( DW A R F )
! Ancestral Modifier: +1 to three Primary Attribute
Bonuses and –1 to three Primary Attribute
Bonuses, determined by the element the player
chooses
! Automatically gains the following Boons:
Odsight, Undying
! Automatically gains the following Banes: Fateless,
Magical Creature, Odic Outcast
! Chooses an Elemental Affinity and gains the
additional Boon: Elemental Affinity (Chosen
Element)
! Chooses one additional Boon and one additional
Bane of the Daimn.
! Impact on role-play: Moderate
JÖ T U N N K I N
! Ancestral Modifier: +1 to [BB], [WB], and one
Primary Attribute Bonus of the player’s choosing;
–1 to [AB], [FB], and one Primary Attribute
Bonus of the player’s choosing
! Automatically gains the following Boons: Long
Limbs, Strength of the Titans, Unflinching
Endurance
! Automatically gains the following Banes:
Massive, Mortal, Sealed Fate
! Chooses one additional jotunnkin Boon
! Impact on role-play: Moderate
NEPHILIM
! Ancestral Modifier: +1 to three Primary Attribute
Bonuses and –1 to three Primary Attribute
Bonuses, chosen by the player
! Automatically gains the following Boon: Odsight
! Automatically gains the following Banes: Mortal,
the Profane Geas
! Chooses a court and gains an additional Boon
based upon the court chosen
! Impact on role-play: Moderate
C H A R A C TE R C R E AT I O N & P RO G R E S S I O N 43
Boons & Banes
Blackbirds hail from all walks of life, and they
bring a little bit of where they’re from with them.
A Blackbird’s Ancestry determines what available
Boons (permanent positive benefits) and Banes
(permanent negative benefits) they’re capable of
choosing, and which they get by default. They are
part of a Blackbird and cannot be lost or obtained
later, aside from very specific circumstances where
the Blackbird is fundamentally and irrevocably
altered, such as when a Blackbird chooses the Path
of Od & Ritual for the first time and is immediately
granted the Odsight Boon.
However, Boons and Banes can never be
purchased with Reward Points (RP), and Boons
and Banes intrinsically tied to a Blackbird’s Ancestry
should never be granted unless they manage to
somehow rewrite their history and very being.
Humans are the most versatile Ancestry,
choosing their Boon at character creation. Being
Mortal, however, serves as their Bane. All of the
other Ancestries come with mandatory Boons and
Banes, as well as a number of Boons and Banes to
choose from unique to that Ancestry.
Human
Created by the gods before recorded history,
humans are a quixotic and somewhat fragmented
people whose civilizations can be found in almost
every corner of the known world. Their apocryphal
beginnings as primordial clay have afforded them
an incredible range of diversity—no two humans
are exactly alike, and they vary almost as much
in physical appearance as they do in hearts and
minds. Yet, their differences—and the numberless
wars waged over them—obscure a fundamental
truth of humankind that they themselves have long
forgotten: humans are inexorably tied to Fate, just
as Fate is tied to them.
In many ways, it is this simple fact that has
allowed humans to forge their own destinies—how
they have come to better themselves, to learn, to
propagate and thrive in an inhospitable, primeval
44 BLACKBIRDS
world brimming with violence and horror. No
matter what calamity befalls them, humans become
stronger and smarter every turn of the season before
ultimately passing that experience down so that
their progeny might build upon what their parents
left behind.
Yet, for all of humanity’s strengths, they
embody a multitude of weaknesses. Their vast
divergences of thought often put entire nations at
odds, while wildly varying upbringings and
experiences can produce a nearly unlimited range of
personalities. Worse still, humans are just as likely
to work against each other as they are to cooperate,
reducing some of the greatest civilizations in history
to dusty ruins because so-and-so squabbled over
whose face was stamped on a coin, or elevating
multiple generations of a family to unquestionable
kingship because 400 years earlier a toothless
ancestor built their house in the right spot.
Still, humans can be brave and wily, and they
often defy the cards they’re dealt. It was humans,
after all, who betrayed the gods—the stewards of
Fate itself—and doomed themselves to drift,
fateless, into oblivion. And perhaps it will be them
again, the cutthroats, the adventurers, the theurges
all, who will learn to save themselves, as they have
always done.
A N C E ST R A L M O D I F I E R S
! +1 to three Primary Attribute
Bonuses of the player’s choosing
! –1 to three Primary Attribute
Bonuses of the player’s
choosing
M A N D ATO RY H U M A N B A N E
All human beings possess the following Bane:
! Mortal: Of finite lifespan, such a being is naturally
vulnerable to all threats of the Blackbirds world,
including Injury.
HUMAN BOONS
Choose an additional Boon for a human
Blackbird from the following:
Cat’s Cradle
Their hands are my hands. In the absence of
the Norns, some Blackbirds have discovered that
they can see the frayed threads of Fate. These
gossamer cords of red hang about the world,
forming intoxicatingly complex patterns denoting
what was once the governance of destiny. To ply
these threads is to know something of influence
once solely possessed by the lost sister-gods.
EFFECT: Once between Rekindlings, when the
Blackbird or member of their flock generates a Failure,
they may reroll the test up to three times, but will
generate an Odic die with each subsequent Failure.
Upon completing the attempts, roll all the dice in
the Odic pool; for each die that shows a face ‘6,’ flip
an equal number of Fortune coins into Misfortune
instead of causing an Odic Manifestation.
Additionally, once between Rekindlings,
the Blackbird may pluck a string of
Fate, causing an Odic reverberance
that exerts force against an enemy
they’ve already caused Damage to
this Turn, causing an extra die of
Bane Damage.

Death Frenzy
A starved fury permeates the fabric of the
person’s being, but instead of being a servant to this
nearly ungovernable rage, they’ve caged it deep
within their entrails. But with each bruise, splintered
bone, and laceration endured, it becomes harder to
hold back the darkness within. The beast rattles at
its cage, howling for blood—and if they’re going to
die anyway, why not let the monster out?
EFFECT: Once between Rekindlings, upon reaching
the last Damage level or Slain! on the Damage
Condition Track, remove all levels from the Peril
Condition Track. In the case of being Slain!, they do
not fall. Instead, they endure long enough to perform
the effects of Death Frenzy before expiring. Resolve
immediately: all Mortal targets currently Engaged
with the person are Slain!, and a critical strike is
executed against targets that are anything else.
THE HUMAN CONDITION
After many fits and starts, the gods at last achieved
their creative aspirations with the formation of
humanity. Though humans lacked the raw might of
their giant predecessors and the innate eldritch power
of the visiting aes, they were designed to adapt and
overcome any threat or obstacle, not as individuals
but as a whole, fueled by their own mortality.
If there is one truth of the human condition, it’s
that it ends. Invariably, and soon, in the grand scheme
of things. However, this does not dissuade human folk
from striving to achieve the impossible. Far from it. It
drives them to succeed and to leave a legacy for which
they will be remembered. A legacy that the next short-
lived generation will build upon, and the next.
Humans lacked claws and fangs, the natural
weapons of the wild, so they made their own. They
lacked thick fur to keep them warm, so they took it
from those beasts that did, and then stole the secrets
of fire from the heavens themselves. There was not
enough food, so they began to raise their own. They
lacked the ability to will dwellings from the earth
and metal as the daimn and aes did, so thousands of
C H A R A C TE R C R E AT I O N & P RO G R E S S I O N 45
The Die Is Cast
Fate indeed goes ungoverned in the absence of
the Norns. Yet, some of their divine influence lives
on in the Blackbirds. Whether the exertion of such
power manifests through an unspoken petition to
the heavens or as a subconscious wish born at the
center of this person’s mind, the truth is that they
can take hold of the threads of Fate and spin them
with curious proficiency.
EFFECT: Once between Rekindlings, this Boon
allows any Critical Failure to be made into a Success.
In the case of a Sublime Failure, it costs 1 Fortune
to do so. Additionally, once between Rekindlings,
this Boon may be employed to block a Fateweaver
use of Misfortune. The Fateweaver expends the
Misfortune coins, converting them into Fortune,
but the intended calamity does not occur.
them crushed and chopped and carved wood and
stone with tools that they made and raised them to
heights that rivaled the mountains. With their
numbers and drive (and more than a little help from
a connection to Fate that was their birthright),
humankind spread to all corners of the world, no
matter how inhospitable, and claimed it all as
undisputed masters.
Pushed too hard, however, the drives at the heart
of humanity’s success can take them to dangerous
extremes. As mortals, the finality of death, and the
fear of it, haunts their brief lives. Their suits of steel,
their healing arts, their walls of stone, their farming
and ranching—at best, these only delay the inevitable.
But driven by their fear of death, convinced they
might overcome anything, and touched by Fate, the
human Oligarchs dared the impossible, and succeeded
in slaying the gods, rising to godhood themselves.
Thus, the gods brought about their own downfall.
And this, in turn, released a torrent of untamed Fate
into the world, where it elevated the Blackbirds to
challenge and perhaps throw down these new gods.
46 BLACKBIRDS
The Dream
What is this life if not an opportunity to
achieve greatness? This person is a rare soul unwilling
to let such potential slip through their fingers. The
drive to take what could be theirs overwhelms all
sense of obligation, desire, and perhaps reason.
Their want is so powerful that, at times, it can
disrupt the outcome of events around them.
EFFECT: Once between Rekindlings, transform a
Critical Success rolled for one of the Blackbird’s
Fatebound companions into a Sublime Success.
Additionally, at the end of the Weaving, the player
may flip an extra coin to reclaim their Blackbird’s
Fate or use this extra coin flip to Assist another
Blackbird in reclaiming theirs.
Godling
There’s something of the old gods in the
Blackbird. When the gods were slain, they left
behind traces of themselves. Some of these
fragments became the fabled numen lots: small,
gem-like stones potent with deific resonance, each
attuned to one of the fallen godheads. A Godling is
a conduit to all of the dead gods. Perhaps this
servant was so dutiful in the observance of their
faith that they were chosen by these beings as they
expired, or maybe it was just a stroke of chance,
unguided and indifferent.
EFFECT: Once between Rekindlings, their player
may prevent a use of Fortune from becoming
Misfortune in the hands of the Fateweaver.
Additionally, once between Rekindlings, the
Blackbird may tap into one fragment of divine
power and perform its associated miracle.
# Corvus: The Blackbird can see the restless dead
and may speak with their shades. Just because the
dead can hear the Blackbird doesn’t mean they
will respond politely, though—or at all.
# Mother Wolf: The Blackbird’s eyes take on a
brilliant amber glow, and the darkness gives way.
Remove all negative modifiers caused by lack of
illumination for 1 hour.
# Ouroboros: The Blackbird’s skin transforms into
the scales of the dragon. Raise their Damage
Threshold by +3 for the duration of one Combat
Scene.
# The Rider: The Blackbird is able to transform
into one of the children of the deep (see Chapter
8: Theurgy for details) for 1 hour.
# Yggdrasil: At the Blackbird’s command, smoldering
roots sprout from a foe’s legs, causing them to lose 1
AP for the duration of one Combat Scene. Enemies
with the No Mortal Skill Trait are unaffected.
Hands of the Maker
The creation of exquisite works takes passion
and willpower in enormous volumes, and this
Blackbird possesses both. Whether they are the
descendant of a renowned craftsperson or hold the
spark of creation within their mind’s eye, their
mastery of the hammer and forge is undeniable. The
finest tradespeople know their work, and influential
patrons will seek out the Blackbird for their skill.
EFFECT: The Blackbird can craft weapons and armor
with the Signet Quality, and they begin the Tapestry
with one such item in their possession. It can be of
any design found in Chapter 7: Trappings. Their
Patronage value in crafting materials is 3 levels
above their current rank, as other craftspeople will
always go out of their way to assist them, if only to
say they once briefly served as their apprentice.
 C H A R A C TE R C R E AT I O N & P RO G R E S S I O N 47

Hyperion’s Progeny EFFECT: All Agility- and Combat-based Skill

The imperial blood of Hyperion runs through
the Blackbird’s veins and, with it, the well-guarded
secret of its divine properties. They travel the roads
with one eye over their shoulder and the other on
the setting sun. For, in their wake, the dead tend to
follow. Whether or not they’re aware of their
distinguished heritage is up to the player and the
Fateweaver to decide.
EFFECT: Any weapon held in the Blackbird’s grasp
is considered Enchanted and can strike creatures
with the No Mortal Blade Trait. Once between
Rekindlings, they can willingly take a level of
Damage to anoint the blades of their flock with
their blood, granting them the same effect for the
duration of one Combat Scene. If this is done
during a Combat Scene, it costs 2 AP. Misfortune:
If the Misfortune Pool is holding 6 Misfortune
coins, the Fateweaver can spend them to summon
1Ð6 children of Anhelios (see Chapter 10: Bestiary)
to pursue Hyperion’s Progeny.
Lone Wolf
The world is a cruel place, and the Blackbird
has grown accustomed to fending for themself
against terrible odds. To survive in such uncertain
times requires a heart of stone, a steady hand, and a
willingness to do the unthinkable.
EFFECT: Should this Blackbird find themself engaged
with multiple foes or when there are more foes than
Fatebound companions, add an additional Damage
die to this Blackbird’s attacks. Additionally, once
between Rekindlings, they may automatically resolve
a Damage roll as if they had rolled a ‘6’ on one of the
dice, thus causing it to Explode.
tests ignore negative modifiers caused by poor
illumination. While attempting to initiate a
Surprise Round, Stealth tests are Flip to Succeed.
Once between Rekindlings, others of the flock may
follow this Blackbird’s lead in initiating a Surprise
Round; those who proceed treat their Stealth test
Difficulty Rating as (Trivial +30%).
Nobility
The Blackbird is a member of a royal family
with a title and responsibilities. The prosperity
of your house, its very existence, may be
bound to this Blackbird’s fate. This Blackbird
may be in hiding or the last of their bloodline.
Perhaps they are the rightful heir to the throne
or a family agent rooting out the Oligarchs’
ruinous servants who endeavor to infiltrate
their line. Work with your Fateweaver to
determine if the Blackbird’s royal lineage
will have a bearing on
the events of your
Tapestry.

Molded by Darkness
When Fate cast this Blackbird out into the
world, it was silence and the dark that sheltered
them. Perhaps they were a child of the streets, or an
orphan of war, or an unwanted burden put out for
Mother Wolf to devour; but now, for better or
worse, they thrive within darkness’s embrace.
48 BLACKBIRDS
EFFECT: You have a special patron at Level 5 that
is not one particular person but is essentially your
family or bloodline. By revealing to any other patron
who you truly are, you will gain the benefits of that
patron up to their highest level, but not more than 5.
Undertakings and Obligations for this unlocked
patron work normally, although they will want to use
your heritage at some point as part of an Undertaking to
further their own ends. You may also go to your family
to gain equipment or assistance for you and your flock
at Patronage Level 5, but they will always require an
Undertaking related to family business.
Rider Upon Seafoam
The open sea has called to this Blackbird all
their life. When they shut their eyes, it’s the sound
of crashing waves that fills their ears, drowning out
the din of life upon the shore. The Blackbird’s name
carries weight as a seafaring captain of some renown,
and as such, they are rarely hard-pressed to crew
their ship. This proclivity for the maritime flows
through the Blackbird as if bestowed by the divine.
EFFECT: The Blackbird begins play with a small
caravel at their disposal. The Difficulty Rating for
Skill tests involving marine vessels are considered
(Trivial +30%) for this Blackbird. In addition,
Fellowship tests involving seafarers who are not
openly hostile are Flip to Succeed. Additionally,
once per Gambler’s lunar cycle, the Blackbird may
cut their palm and bleed into an ocean or sea, taking
1 level of Damage in exchange for summoning 1Ð6
drowned thralls (see Chapter 10: Bestiary) to help
crew their ship; the thralls will stay aboard until the
ship next docks. If called upon to fight, they’ll do so
but will refuse to set foot on dry land.
The Scholar
The capability to raise the peasantry from out
of its low station through illuminated poetry, the
naturalistic texts of the curious, and the gift of
literacy is one of the more significant threats to
those who covet power. Places of learning are targets
for the darkness that blankets the land, for it is all
the easier to oppress those who know little of the
world and its history. But so long as such wisdom
exists within the minds of scholars, the Oligarchs’
victory cannot indeed be complete.
EFFECT: All Intelligence Skill tests are Flip to Succeed
for this Blackbird. Add an extra Assist die when
helping others with Intelligence-based tasks. Once
between Rekindlings, this Blackbird may barter
with the Court of Ignorance to gain a piece
of information that would be otherwise
impossible to acquire, but they will have
to perform a reckoning that involves
destroying a specific book or bit of
knowledge as decided by the court first.
Spiritual Labyrinth
An ethereal spiral of
flowing Od surrounds all the
world. It is a landscape just
beyond most mortals’ perceptions,
and within it dwell entities both horrific and
wondrous. The weave around this Blackbird is
thin, making it possible for them to draw calamitous
magics back into the spiraling landscape of the Od.

EFFECT: Once between Rekindlings, this Blackbird
may ignore an Odic Manifestation. They may also
choose to protect members of their flock at the cost
of 1 Fortune per Fatebound Companion. Note:
This Boon does not nullify the manifestation.
Additionally, once between Rekindlings, they
may step directly into the labyrinth of the Od,
disappearing from the current location for up to
1 hour. While in the Od, the world they left
behind is not clearly perceptible, appearing
as a strange caricature of the real world, and
although the Blackbird may move while
within the Od and come out somewhere
else in the material world, an Odweft test
must be made to exit at the location intended—a
risky proposition for those unfamiliar with such
workings.
The Struggler
In this wretched land governed by corruption,
this Blackbird chose to abandon all sense of
attachment and any hope of belonging, dedicating
themself to the pursuit of some improbable task.
More often than not, such matters involve revenge.
Their dark crusade has robbed them of much of their
humanity, leaving them little more than an extension
of their weapons, a butcher with some singular
purpose. Yet, obsession is not without its benefits.
EFFECT: Once between Rekindlings, for one Combat
Scene, when opponents attempt to Parry or Dodge
the Blackbird’s attacks, the rolls are Flip to Fail, as
the Blackbird’s blows fall with terrifying speed and
accuracy. Additionally, once between Rekindlings,
they can ignore the No Mortal Fate Trait.
Unassailable Will
The Blackbird’s consciousness is an unbreakable
diamond that pierces the surrounding chaos like a
mountain breaching through the clouds.
EFFECT: The Blackbird is immune to Odic
manipulations and cannot be the target of
possessions, mental commands, or illusions. Once
between Rekindlings, spend 1 point of Fortune
C H A R A C TE R C R E AT I O N & P RO G R E S S I O N 49
for the Blackbird to snuff out
a Vitiation. Additionally, at any time, a point of
Fortune may be spent to make this Blackbird’s next
Odweft test Flip to Succeed.
Under My Skin
At some point, this Blackbird was nearly the
victim of a monstrosity, or was close enough to
someone who was, and a bit of that creature’s blood,
spittle, or bone entered their body and took root.
After surviving this encounter and the mysterious
fever that followed, they awoke with their
perceptions irreversibly altered and oddly sharpened.
Now, when horrors approach, a cold sweat runs
down their back, their mouth fills with the tastes of
copper and ash, and their veins pulse as their heart
thunders in their chest—all signals that it’s time to
draw weapons.
EFFECT: Afflicted creatures nearby trigger the
Blackbird’s eerie senses. When such a horror draws
within 99 strides of the Blackbird, the Fateweaver
describes the sensation. After examining some of
its flesh or blood, they can tap into the monstrous
corruption within their flesh, using it to track
the source of their discomfort like a needle to a
lodestone. All Survival and Awareness tests to do so
are Flip to Succeed.
50 BLACKBIRDS
Witch’s Blood
The Blackbird is descended from those who
long ago developed or evolved a natural sense of the
Od and the things that dwell therein. They will
usually be forewarned before any Odic Manifestation
appears or before encountering a supernatural
being. This is differentiated from Odsight by the
fact that it often gives one a prescience before the
event takes place, and is far less specific in what it
reveals. This ability presents only as a sensation, a
sense of goosebumps or “hairs rising on the back of
one’s neck,” and will not allow them to see into the
Od. It also usually does not allow them to pinpoint
the source of this feeling, only that it is imminent or
present. In addition, those who possess this Boon
have also picked up a bit of hedge magic.
EFFECT: The Fateweaver will secretly roll an
Awareness test for the Blackbird and, if this succeeds,
will tell the player that such a manifestation or
presence is about to arrive, appear, or is currently
present. If it is a Critical Success, they will tell the
player more, or they can offer to spend a Fortune
to discover the source of the Blackbird’s unease.
Choose a Wortcunning Spell (see Chapter 8:
Theurgy for details) during character creation
with which the Blackbird
begins the Weaving.
Aes (Elves)
In their true forms, the aes appear as gossamer
humanoids of wispy shadow occasionally
illuminated by glints of starlight. They possess long
limbs, smoldering moonlit motes of light where
eyes should be, and an immobile bronze mask for
facial features. However, most mortals cannot see
an aes’s true form.
Scions of a dead god and beings of pure magic,
the aes once strode the world as shining paragons of
might and majesty—but that was long ago, before
the Great Betrayal and the ascension of humanity.
The surviving aes exist in a tragic mockery of their
brilliant former selves, their society now fragmented
and in decline.
For eons, the aes preyed on worlds at the behest
of their queen and mother, like immortal locusts
swarming in the sky to devour everything in sight
before moving on. But this world was different,
intertwining them in its own dark Fate and hurtling
them toward extinction. However, it also gifted
them with something they’ve never before possessed:
the ability to change and grow.
Though they’ve acted as agents of chaos and
chance on every planet they’ve ravaged, aes society
was fundamentally static. The same aes forged as
nobles by the great Hekaté worlds away and
epochs distant remained nobles here, the same
artisans still plied their trades, and the same
laborers raised their quickbronze monuments to
the immortal queen’s glory. They enthralled,
conquered, or manipulated the natives as
always, but the birth of the daimn, the
death of their god, and the ebbing of
their own power has left the entire race
in flux for millennia.
And with their recent return from
their self-imposed exile, they are learning
that not only can their race change as a
whole, but that individuals within it can
themselves evolve, forging and then
following their own Fates, rather than those
dictated by their lost progenitor.

M A N D ATO RY A E S B O O N S & B A N E S
All aes possess the following Boons:
! Gossamer Glamour: Aes have the ability to hide
their true nature behind a glamour of human
form. Additionally, they require no food, air, or
any other sustenance required by humans, even
while masquerading as one. An aes’s true form is
always evident in their reflection, however.
! Immortality of the Aes: The aes may not be
Slain!, save by magic or from a blow struck with
iron or its alloys. Reaching this condition through
any other violence causes the aes’s glamour to fall,
revealing their true nature. The aes then dissipates,
leaving behind their masklike face. An aes re-
forms the following nightfall in the same location
as their bronze mask. Additionally, an aes
Blackbird benefits from all forms of magical
healing but finds no succor in mundane forms of
treatment. During a Rest, an aes recovers two
levels from their Damage Condition track and
fully recuperates all Damage during a Rekindling.
! Odsight: Aes possess the natural ability to sense
the otherworldly realm and mystical force that is
the Od (see Chapter 8: Theurgy).
! Undying: The aes are immune to aging, disease,
exposure, poison, and suffocation. Traits and
attacks that do Bane Damage to Mortals do
normal Damage to the aes. Aes do not suffer
from Injuries of any kind.
All aes also possess the following Banes:
! Devourer of Fortune: Aes are not considered
when calculating the final Fortune coin count at
the start of a Weaving.
! Fateless: Aes do not start the game with a Fate
amulet and must earn their Fate by surviving
their first Dooming.
! Ironbane: When an aes is struck by iron or its
alloys, roll Bane dice (Ð10s that explode on a ‘9’
or ‘10’) instead of Damage dice when determining
Damage. In addition, the touch of iron may
disrupt the aes’s glamour. Make a (Challenging
–10%) Resolve test for them to Resist, and one
each Turn it remains in contact. If a test fails,
C H A R A C TE R C R E AT I O N & P RO G R E S S I O N 51
their false seeming is disrupted so long as the iron
remains in contact with them and for one Round
thereafter. Aes may neither wear iron-based armor
nor wield iron-based weapons.
! Magical Creature: Anything that affects
magical creatures specifically will be effective
against the aes.
! Odic Outcast: The aes cannot bargain with
Outsiders or walk the Path of Od & Ritual at any
Tier. They are still affected by Vitiations,
Wortcunning Spells, Od & Ritual Techniques,
and Outsider Techniques performed by others,
beneficial or otherwise.
Aes Houses
Choose a House for an aes Blackbird from the
following list:
0
HOUSE OF THE NEW MOON
(THE SANGUINE)
Ancestral Modifiers
! +1 [AB], [FB], and [PB]
! –1 [BB], [CB], and [IB]
MOST COMMON ALIGNMENT: Altruism & Timidity
Sometimes called the Spring Folk or the
Sanguine, the aes of the New Moon possess the
deepest bond with humanity. After the moonbow
bridges to Yolk were sealed after Queen Hekaté’s
murder and the aes archmages wreaked their
vengeance against the daimn, the New Moon aes
found themselves diminished, like their fellows.
Rather than retreating from the world, as most
did, the Spring Folk only strengthened their ties
with their mortal neighbors. In time, their cultures
assimilated into one, and were made stronger for
it. They dwell to this day in the Brazen Woods east
of Corbel, where the people are renowned for their
woodworking, their skills with the bow, and their
quaint custom of wearing elaborately carved masks
when outside of their homes. The Spring Folk
there are honored as wise clan elders and living
52 BLACKBIRDS
repositories of the people’s history, teaching
succeeding generations of woodsmen their crafts,
while those humans take on the responsibility of
maintaining their way of life.
GLAMOUR: The New Moon aes have lived among
mortals for centuries. As a result, they blend in with
more than just their glamour. Their body language,
their modes of dress, their speech, even the way
they think is more in tune with human norms.
EFFECT: Unlike most aes, their glamour doesn’t
possess an uncanny element to them, as they are
completely at ease in mortal company. When
attempting to Charm others, one of the Sanguine
begins with an additional +10 to that Skill test.
D Ancestral Modifiers
H O U S E O F T H E C R E S C E NT M O O N
( T H E M E L A N C H O LY )
Ancestral Modifiers
! +1 [AB], [CB], and [IB]
! –1 [BB], [FB], and [WB]
MOST COMMON ALIGNMENT: Sacrifice & Martyrdom
The so-called Autumn Folk are a people
consumed by grief. They know the time of aes has
passed, and in fact, dwell in the largest necropolis in
Erebos. Each day, funerals are held there for
immortal lives cut short, while each evening,
morose dirges echo through the marbled streets of
the sprawling, city-sized cemetery.
Melancholic and prone to grim humor, the
black-clad aes of the Crescent Moon spend most of
their time dwelling on better days and friends now
gone. They also strive to keep their ancient culture
alive even in this misbegotten age, celebrating what
they once accomplished and faithfully reenacting
the rituals and ceremonies that once bound them
together. Normally reserved and docile, the Autumn
Folk are quick to anger and nearly impossible to
assuage when interlopers disturb the solemnity of
their mourning.
GLAMOUR: No creature wishes to confront their
mortality, and the aes of the Crescent Moon wear
their bereavement like a shroud. It has so infused
their being that it bleeds through their glamour,
casting a pall over those who might see them—
convincing others it would be better not to.
EFFECT: This aes may subtly radiate their internal
anguish through their glamour at will, causing Mortal
folk to subconsciously turn away to avoid being
exposed to such painful grief. When attempting to
evade the eye with Stealth, the Blackbird begins with
an additional +10 to their Skill test.
G
H O U S E O F T H E Q U A RTE R M O O N
( T H E S LY )
! +1 [FB], [IB], and [PB]
! –1 [BB], [CB], and [WB]
MOST COMMON ALIGNMENT: Cunning & Crooked
Deep in the Trackless Desert south of Florent
lies a glorious oasis, its limpid waters shaded by date
palms and its shores patrolled by peafowl the size of
camels. In the placid pool’s reflection of Mount
Anzen sits a resplendent palace the size of a city.
And in this city dwell the Summer Folk, aes of the
Quarter Moon.
The majority of these aes are convinced that
their fallen state can be reversed, and as a people,
they are willing to treat with any being, from
humans to Outsiders, in the quest to regain their
lost stature. Throughout the region, they are
recognized as duplicitous tricksters not to be
trusted: stealers of children, servants of demons,
and worse. Despite this reputation, it is understood
that they are bound by their word, though they
typically honor only the letter of an agreement
rather than the spirit.
GLAMOUR: Aes of the Quarter Moon are renowned
for their charm. It is said one could talk a
kutchnasheen into giving away her horse or sell
water to a drowning man.
EFFECT: The glamour of this aes veils them in an
aura of trustworthiness, making anything they

say seem more plausible. When attempting to lie
to or trick others with Guile, they begin with an
additional +10 to their Skill test.
Q Ancestral Modifiers
HOUSE OF THE GIBBOUS MOON
( T H E W R AT H F U L )
Ancestral Modifiers
! +1 [BB], [CB], and [WB]
! –1 [AB], [FB], and [IB]
MOST COMMON ALIGNMENT: Rebellion & Havoc
In the time of Hyperion, the Winter Folk aes-
controlled northern nation of Farhold ruled a vast
empire of human vassal states. In this brutal
empire, mortal life was cheap, and the aes lived
lives of cruel indolence, their slightest whims
attended to by armies of human thralls. In the
wake of their mother’s deicide and the expenditure
of most of their magic to punish the daimn, their
civilization collapsed. Thulian assaults from
without, a myriad of human uprisings from
within, and the fall of the aes’ network of sorcerous
weather wards erased in months a realm built over
a millennium. Farhold’s aes were put to the sword,
and the world thought them dead. However, some
aes at the northernmost outposts of the empire
survived, joined by the few survivors of Farhold.
Already a cruel people, the harshness of their new
home and their fury over a myriad of perceived
betrayals birthed a vicious and violent clan of
manhunters determined to punish those they feel
have wronged them.
GLAMOUR: To most, these barbarous fey appear to
be clawing at the doors of civilization. But those
who can see through their glamour witness creatures
of shadow and frost, their burning gazes staring out
from masks of human flesh and wielding weapons
of ice, bone, and viscera.
EFFECT: This aes wears their inhuman nature as a
savage mark of superiority. When attempting to
Intimidate others, they begin with an additional
+10 to their Skill test.
C H A R A C TE R C R E AT I O N & P RO G R E S S I O N 53
@
HOUSE OF THE FULL MOON
(THE BELIEVERS)
! +1 [AB], [CB], and [PB]
! –1 [FB], [IB], and [WB]
MOST COMMON ALIGNMENT: Idealism & Illusion
For millennia, ever since the death of their
queen and the laying of the Dolorous Curse, the
Solstice Folk of the Lambent Satellite have shut
their gates to the world of humans. No longer. The
rise of Anhelios has led to the reestablishment of the
moonbow bridges that connect Yolk to the planet
below. Now, come the full moon, these aes march
forth in search of lost Hyperion, burning
settlements, taking human thralls, and slaughtering
those they deem of no use to them. Most then travel
back along the pathways to their distant home. But
some few have instead begun infiltrating humanity’s
nations to learn about this modern world—and to
listen for word of the Great Assassin, still alive after
all these centuries.
GLAMOUR: The aes of the Full Moon appear to most
as shining warriors, gifted artisans, and wise viziers
from a time long past. To those who glimpse the
truth beneath the glamour, they see their true forms
of shadow and mist, and that their once-glittering
bronze raiment is now in disrepair and tarnished
with verdigris.
EFFECT: This aes appears as an exemplar to others
and carries themself like a monarch, pride and
confidence radiating from their visage like the rays
of the noonday sun. Cloaked by their glamour in
an aura of certainty, people snap into action at their
orders. When attempting to command others with
Leadership, they begin with an additional +10 to
their Skill test.
 54 BLACKBIRDS
AES BOONS
Choose a Boon for an aes Blackbird from the
following list:
Contort
Aes do not possess bodies of flesh and bone as
humans do. Rather, they are creatures of shadow
and light, beings of Od given vague humanoid
forms. The aes body is therefore extremely malleable.
Though all aes can make use of this malleability to
pose as a mortal to minor effect, allowing them to
eat, drink, or even make love, they may twist their
form for a variety of other useful effects. Needless to
say, this is an overtly disturbing thing to witness and
clearly marks the aes as inhuman.
EFFECT: The aes may initiate any one of the following
effects once between Rekindlings. To do so during a
Combat Scene costs 1 AP.
# Claws: The aes extend their already long and
slender fingers into rending claws. To those who
can see through glamour, these claws appear as
extensions of their aes digits, but to those still
under glamour’s influence, they may appear as any
number of rending implements, from eagle talons
to bronze shears to obsidian blades. These claws
A E S & A LI G N M E NT
The aes were created as a fairly simplistic near–hive mind
prone to groupthink. Only the greatest of them, their
powerful nobility, possessed individualistic drives imparted
on them upon their creation. It was only after the aes were
fractured after the demise of Hekaté that they truly evolved
into factions, quickly developing Alignments in line with the
aes lords and ladies who now commanded them in their god’s
absence. It is these common Alignments that are presented
in the House entries. However, Fate has freed aes Blackbirds
from their former static roles and mindsets, offering them
a chance to grow into individuals capable of making new
judgments about the world and their place within it. Thus,
Alignment for an aes Blackbird is determined by the player
and the Fateweaver in the final steps of their first Threading,
regardless of those favored by the aes’s House.
remain for an entire Combat Scene (or 10 minutes
out of combat) and possess the following statistics:
Claws attack as a Melee weapon that is +10 to
strike and +1 to Damage and possesses the Fast and
Vicious Qualities. Both hands must be free to use
them. Those without Ranks in the Melee Skill do not
Flip to Fail when attacking with their natural claws.
! Extricate: The aes contorts their body to writhe
out of any fetters, save those where iron directly
touches bare aes “flesh.” They can also slip
between bars or under doors so long as there is a
thumb’s length of clearance and iron need not be
touched directly. Also, add +30 to any Athletics
test made to escape a hold. The Fateweaver may
additionally adjudicate where else this Boon may
allow escape. This effect lasts only as long as
necessary to attempt a single escape.
! Maw: The aes constructs an enormous maw to
bite those who threaten them. Though terrible to
behold even if one sees through aes glamour, the
maw is even more terrifying when viewed through
the lens of aes illusion, as the human jaw seems to
distend, revealing a too-large mouth filled with
shark teeth, wolf fangs, sharp blades, or equally
disturbing implements. The maw remains for an
entire Combat Scene (or 10 minutes out of
combat) and possesses the following statistics:
Maw attacks as a Melee weapon that is +10
to strike and +1 to Damage and possesses the
Slow and Punishing Qualities. Aes may not
speak while their maw is manifested. Those
without the Melee Skill do not Flip to Fail when
attacking with their natural maw.
! Spindling: The aes extends the length of their
limbs but gains no additional mass. These spindly
arms can dart out to uncanny lengths to strike
opponents certain they are out of harm’s way. As
a result, such attacks possess the Reach Quality
and, if wielding a weapon that already possesses
that Quality, that Reach is increased by 1 stride.
The aes is also rendered twice as tall as they
normally are. This effect lasts an entire Combat
Scene (or 10 minutes out of combat).

Fleshcrawl
One of the most feared powers of the aes is
their ability to mold monsters of nightmares from
the still-living flesh of humans. This aes is able to
share the mercuriality of their own shadow flesh
with a touch, enabling them to shape like clay the
meat, bone, and viscera of mortal creatures to
harm . . . or to heal.
EFFECT: This Boon may be employed by the aes once
between Rekindlings and only on a Mortal target.
If used to cause Damage, it requires a successful
unarmed attack. Fleshcrawl deals 1Ð10+[CB] Bane
Damage as the flesh is torn away like wet clay. But,
just as flesh may be ripped asunder by this Boon, it
may also be knitted back together. Used to mend
instead of harm, Fleshcrawl can be used to treat
Damage and Injury. Up to 3 levels of Damage may
be healed for 1 Fortune each; an Injury may be
healed for 3 Fortune.
Lurking Glass
The true form of an aes is a magical construct
of light and shadow. And just as light and shadow
may be captured in a reflection, so might an aes—if
they possess the predilection. And this aes does.
EFFECT: Once between Rekindlings, the aes may
enter into any reflective surface—a mirror, a pool
of still water, even a burnished cuirass—and stay
within the mirror realm for as long as they like,
leaving whenever they choose. They remain visible
in the reflection from certain angles, however, so care
must be taken if they wish to remain hidden (usually
through a Stealth test). If all light is cut off from the
reflective surface (i.e., a mirror is covered or placed in
a darkened room), they are trapped until the surface
is again exposed to light. If the surface is shattered or
the liquid evaporates, they are instantly Slain!.
Nimble
Creatures more spirit than flesh, aes find
directional concepts such as “up” and “down” to be
more like suggestions than hard and fast rules. This aes
can defy gravity to walk up walls, across ceilings, and
C H A R A C TE R C R E AT I O N & P RO G R E S S I O N 55
on the surfaces (or the undersides) of lakes and ponds.
EFFECT: For 1 hour between Rekindlings, the aes
can move across any surface without difficulty
(though rough terrain may impede them as normal),
regardless of orientation. No matter how fragile
the surface, they will not break through it, easily
walking across snowdrifts without sinking and
leaping across a cathedral’s stained-glass windows
without so much as a cracked pane.
Peer of Misrule
Aes are the Od given form. This fact may be
employed to their advantage when the Od’s weave is
stretched thin from an overabundance of sorcerous
effects, twisting Fortune so that such magical chaos
spills over to vex whomever they choose . . . more
or less.
EFFECT: Once between Rekindlings, this aes may
initiate an Odic Manifestation. There must be dice
in the Odic dice pool. When this Boon is used, all
of these dice are removed, and a Ð100 is rolled for
the aes, with +10 added for each die removed from
the pool. The indicated Manifestation may occur,
or any other Manifestation of a lower value on the
table may be chosen. In either case, the chosen
Manifestation occurs immediately.
Spellsoul
As constructs of magical energy, all aes have literal
Vitiations woven into the very fabric of their being.
Most of these Vitiations lie quiescent, but they may
use the one in their heart, as any theurge would.
EFFECT: Once between Rekindlings, this aes may
perform a specific Vitiation effect decided upon
when the Boon is chosen without needing to have
an agreement with an Outsider. This still requires
a successful Odweft test, and the results have the
same effect as when enacted by a theurge, although
ignoring Tithe. A starting Blackbird casts this spell
at the same station as an imp, but as they progress
in power, so does this Vitiation’s effect. At the
Intermediate Tier, it may be cast as a villein, and at
the Advanced Tier, as a lord.
 56 BLACKBIRDS
THE AES CONDITION
Aes are creatures of the Od woven into humanoid
forms by their goddess-queen, and the inherent magic
of their form serves to protect them in various ways,
though they are not the demigods they once were.
The aes do not age. They are vulnerable to neither
extreme heat nor cold, though an open flame or an
icicle to an eye will harm them as it would mortals.
They draw no breath, and therefore may neither drown
nor suffocate. They are not vulnerable to illness or
poison. They do not eat or drink for nourishment, but
rather subsist on the stuff of magic, either absorbed
from places steeped in Od or by harvesting the Fortune
of mortals. They do not suffer Injuries as mortals do,
since they are spells made manifest rather than
creatures of flesh and bone. And they may not be Slain!,
save by magic or a deathblow struck with iron or its
alloys. Aes also possess
limited control of their
physical shape, this malleability allowing them to
approximate mouths, tongues, sex organs, and other
orifices and protrusions as necessary to appropriately
interact with mortals. The aes mutability of form and
fluidity of gender identity means they may shift their
sexual identity from male to female to androgynous—or
even to a gender-neutral form—according to their desires.
In addition, a magical veil serves to shield aes from
unwanted scrutiny. A construct of amber moonlight
and magic, this glamour, as the effect is known, has
allowed the aes to operate among humans with less
conflict than might be expected. However, as night falls
on Yolk’s new-moon phase, the glamour briefly fades
away, revealing an aes’s true form before a new visage

settles upon them—the identity they will reflect for the
following lunar month. Though they have no control
over this magical mien, it is always true to their nature.
An aes knight will always appear as some sort of warrior,
while an aes maker will always project a craftsperson’s
seeming. Reflective surfaces, such as mirrors, still
waters, or even a highly polished piece of armor, will
reveal an aes’s true form. Knowing of glamour’s
limitations, aes sometimes adopt masks, bandanas, or
hooded cloaks to further obscure their features.
Though there are clearly a myriad of advantages
to being an aes, there are also drawbacks inherent to
their nature.
Aes completely lack the senses of smell and taste.
They are incapable of reproduction—though they are
C H A R A C TE R C R E AT I O N & P RO G R E S S I O N 57
quite capable of making love. And despite a tendency
toward mercurial temperament and indulgence of
whims, most aes are bound to the societal expectations
of their Houses (as reflected in their suggested
alignments), as neither individualism nor creativity
were valued by Queen Hekaté or the aes elite. Both
traits fell even further out of favor after the schism
between themselves and the daimn.
Their greatest weakness, however, is their
vulnerability to iron. Wounds inflicted by iron or steel
weapons are easily capable of slaying any aes, and even
the slightest touch of it will burn them and potentially
disrupt their glamour, revealing their true form to a
dangerous and superstitious world that has been taught
to fear the faerie folk.
 58 BLACKBIRDS

AES BANES for the worse. The longer they stay, the greater the
Choose a Bane for an aes Blackbird from the hardship. The area affected is typically no larger
following list: than a small village, a city quarter, or a large glade,
and it is the Fateweaver who decides the actual
Hexmarked effect of the Bane. The following are examples:
The very nature of aes is foreign to this world.
They, and their Fates, are tied to it only because TIME SAMPLE HEXES
their progenitor loosely bound them to it eons ago.
1 week Milk curdles, vermin gather
However, some aes are particularly inimical to
the world’s Od. Their very presence invites Food loses its flavor, bed bug
2 weeks
infestations
catastrophe.
They disrupt the natural weave and flow of the Animals stillborn, rats devour and
1 month
spoil food stores
Od in places where they linger, snarling and tangling
it around them. In the wilderness, such disruptions 1 season Children stillborn, crops fail
may be overlooked for decades, but in human Pestilence ravages the populace,
1 year
communities, where milk sours, crops fail, and unexplained fires destroy homes
children are stillborn, the inhabitants will root out
the cause, however long it takes, and woe betide any
who stand in their way as they seek their righteous Lunatic
revenge. Mother Yolk always exerts a pull on her
EFFECT: If the aes lingers in the same place for more wayward children, the aes. No matter where in the
than a week, local circumstances will take a turn world they find themselves, they can feel its gaze
upon them. However, through some quirk of their
A E S V I T I AT I O N S creation, this aes is affected by it more deeply than
Though the Vitiations available from the Spellsoul Boon others. The very appearance of their glamour is
are mechanically identical to those in Chapter 8: Theurgy, ruled by its phases, leading their inhuman nature to
they often vary a bit in the details, as there are a myriad be harder to mask than for other aes.
of aes and sometimes the differences in their Od matrices EFFECT: This aes’s appearance is tied to the phases
are but slight. Thus, an aes may possess a Spellsoul that of the moon. As its face changes, the age of their
operates exactly as Bough of Wax, save that the limbs glamoured visage shifts as follows:
they create are fashioned from fresh blood rather than
wax, while another may use Shadow Pocket, save that it MOON PHASE APPEARANCE
is accessible via reflective surfaces and the objects stored
New moon Youth
there are visible to all so long as the aes themself is reflected
Waxing crescent Teenager
in them. There are also a number of Vitiations that seem
inappropriate for an aes, as they make use of things the First quarter Young adult
aes lack, such as flesh, a sense of smell, or a soul capable of Waxing gibbous Adult
separating from their physical body. Once again, assume Full moon Prime
they produce a mechanically identical effect that works Waning gibbous Middle aged
with the aes milieu. It is magic, after all, and Hekaté had
Third quarter Elder
long eons to shape children with soul lattices that allowed
Waning crescent Ancient
them to mimic effects outside the elvish norm.

Profane
Faith. Belief. Will. If there is one element
necessary to effect magical change on the world, it
is that. As creatures of magic, aes sometimes find
themselves influenced by the will of others. In
particular, they find the blind zeal of mortal faith to
be abhorrent. The collective faith conspires to
subject them to the beliefs of the devout, so they
become vulnerable to the trappings of human
religion: holy symbols, prayers, and even tolling
church bells.
EFFECT: When subjected to religious iconography,
this aes reacts with fear, and their player must
make a successful (Standard +/–0%) Resolve test
or the Blackbird suffers 1Ð10+1 Peril. This amount
increases to 2Ð10+2 Peril on a Critical Failure and
3Ð10+3 on a Sublime Failure. This test must be
made at the top of each of the aes’s Turns so long as
they are confronted by the religious symbology. In
addition, the touch of holy symbols affects the aes
as if they were made of iron.
Shadow Fettered
All aes are part shadow, but a certain few have
literally merged with their own shadows, so they’re
extensions of their own forms. Though the aes’s
shadow cannot be harmed per se, it can be used to
inconvenience them.
EFFECT: The aes’s shadow acts like a tangible fabric
in some ways. Someone stepping on it will make it
difficult for the aes to pull away, and if a weapon
of iron is stabbed into it, they are pinned to it as if
the shadow were attached to them; they will also be
unable to remove the blade themself.
Tell
Some aes possess a flaw in their glamour. In
their false appearance, there is always a fantastical,
uncanny element or unique physical characteristic
present, which may tip off an observer who knows
what to look for. It might be an overly wide smile, a
shock of white hair, a small pair of horns, or oddly
colored eyes—but it is always present.
C H A R A C TE R C R E AT I O N & P RO G R E S S I O N 59
EFFECT: This aes possesses an
odd physical characteristic while
under glamour that hints at their
supernatural origins. Those who
closely observe an aes with this
Bane may make a (Hard –20%)
Awareness test to catch a glimpse
of their true form. “The Crown of Stone is a
haunted ruin in the south
Truthsayer of Elklund, avoided by any
There are many tales told traveler with more sense
about the aes, who preyed upon, than hubris. To approach
tormented, and warred against it is to enter an uncanny
the people of an earlier age. In stillness, a place devoid of
these legends, one of the birdsong that stings the air
weaknesses of the Folk often with the scent of ozone . . .”
exploited by mortal protagonists — Observations of the
Wandering Squire
was the aes’s inability to lie. Like
many legends, these tales possess
a kernel of truth. Aes are themselves truths, spells
spoken into being by Hekaté, and there are some
who, because of some quirk of their creation, cannot
speak falsehoods.
EFFECT: This aes cannot knowingly tell a lie, no
matter the circumstances.
M I R RO R R E A L M S
Mirror realms exist behind every reflection, forming a
patchworked shard version of the real world. Each one’s
dimensions equal the amount of material reflected within
from every angle. Thus, even a handheld mirror might
actually reflect a great deal, depending on its placement.
Also, as reflective surfaces may sometimes be moved, the
world within moves with it, showing the likeness of what
its iris captures. Aes spies and assassins, called fetches,
have long made use of these realms to infiltrate and
eliminate. If naught but darkness is reflected, however,
those within are imprisoned and unable to move until
light is reintroduced.
60 BLACKBIRDS
Daimn (Dwarves)
The daimn were forged in the fires of Fate itself—
they were aes who chose to remake themselves in
mankind’s image . . . with mixed results. A full third
of the elven race split from the aes, succumbing
to the Lure of Iron to be reborn in base, material
forms. They established a subterranean city-state
and, for centuries, fought a cold war against their
aes brethren, often while trading with and offering
their crafts to burgeoning human settlements.
All that ended with the aes curse known as the
Stilling. In a matter of hours, it ravaged the daimn,
trapping them in a seemingly eternal state of stasis,
their primal forms becoming living prisons. Then,
after millennia of semiconscious torpor, some
daimn began to stir, roused from their sleep at the
behest of Fate itself.
Thus far, the vast majority of daimn remain lost
to history, while those few who have returned find
themselves embroiled in a fight to save a world they
barely recognize. Guided by some unknown instinct,
these daimn seem to show up when and where they’re
needed most. The vast majority of human communities
greet their arrival as an omen of the gods . . . at least,
until the daimns’ working in the interest of Fate is at
odds with mortal interests.
M A N D ATO RY D A I M N B O O N S & B A N E S
All daimn possess the following Boons:
! Odsight: The daimn possess the natural ability to
sense the otherworldly realm and mystical force
that is the Od (see Chapter 8: Theurgy).
! Undying: The daimn are immune to aging,
disease, exposure, poison, and suffocation. Traits
and attacks that do Bane Damage to Mortals do
normal Damage to the daimn. Daimn possess
their own forms of Injury (see Daimn Injury
Charts in Chapter 6: Conflict & Rekindling for
details).
All daimn also possess the following Banes:
! Fateless: They do not start the game with a Fate
amulet and must earn their Fate by achieving a
grand task that should be at the center of their
story arc. How this plays out is entirely story-
driven and decided by the Fateweaver.
! Magical Creature: Anything that affects magical
creatures specifically will be effective against the
daimn.
! Odic Outcast: The daimn cannot bargain with
Outsiders or walk the Path of Od & Ritual at any
Tier. They are still affected by Vitiations,
Wortcunning Spells, Od & Ritual Techniques,
and Outsider Techniques performed by others,
beneficial or otherwise.
Daimn Element
Choose an element and gain a daimn Blackbird’s
Elemental Affinity Boon from the following:
CINDERKIN
Ancestral Modifiers
! +1 [AB], [CB], and [WB]
! –1 [BB], [IB], and [PB]
BOON: Elemental Affinity (Flame): This
daimn is immune to fire and the effects of
exposure to extreme heat.
The ashen-fleshed cinderkin are the
impassioned heart of the daimn people.
Historically, they made up the majority
of the daimns’ warriors, entertainers, and

weaponsmiths, though their manic energy, relentless
passion, and high spirits made them welcome in
any aspect of daimn society. Today, they awaken to
a strange world, seemingly under siege by the forces
of chaos and misrule. Fate spurs them on to expend
their seemingly limitless energy to set the world
right and to kindle the spark of resistance in the
human heart.
F R O STF O LK
Ancestral Modifiers
! +1 [CB], [IB], and [PB]
! –1 [AB], [BB], and [WB]
BOON: Elemental Affinity (Frost): This daimn
is immune to cold and the effects of exposure to
extreme cold.
Frostfolk are the rarest of the daimn folk to
have returned. Originally just a minority of the
waterbrood daimn, these ice-bodied dwarves are
likely their only survivors, the rest having perished
in the Stilling. In the past, the frostfolk were some
of the daimn’s greatest diplomats, their most
accomplished designers, and the heart of Ur’s watch.
Their calm, even demeanors and measured responses
to problems were seen as a boon to any
endeavor. In the modern world, they
often put their cold intellects and
multifaceted skill sets to work
investigating the source of Erebos’s
unrest and the reason behind the
daimns’ return to the living.
G R EE N K I T H
Ancestral Modifiers
! +1 [BB], [FB], and [WB]
! –1 [AB], [CB], and [IB]
BOON: Elemental Affinity
(Flora): This daimn heals
from Damage more quickly
than others. So long as they are not
Slain!, they will heal 1 level up the
Damage Condition Track per day when the
sun rises.
C H A R A C TE R C R E AT I O N & P RO G R E S S I O N 61
Greenkith are the nurturing cultivators of their
people. In times past, these plant folk were most
often farmers, herdsfolk, healers, and alchemists,
though their unwavering support and affable
dispositions made them sought after for any
occupation. In the present, greenkith are some of
the most often encountered dwarves, though they
are by no means common. In a world where people
are suffering and dying by the thousands, the gentle
strength of the greenkith may be what’s necessary to
heal this world and its people—or if that’s
impossible, to grow a new world to replace it.
OREWALKERS
Ancestral Modifiers
! +1 [BB], [IB], and [WB]
! –1 [AB], [FB], and [PB]
BOON: Elemental Affinity (Bedrock): This daimn’s
stony form gives them +1 to their Damage
Threshold Modifier.
The most common of the daimn heritages,
orewalkers are what humans commonly conjure in
their minds’ eyes when they imagine dwarves.
Creatures of rock, crystal, earth,
and metal, such daimn dominate
mortal tales and folklore—
humanity’s allies when
the world was young.
Long ago, the
orewalkers made
up the majority of
the craftspeople,
architects, masons,
and miners of the
daimn, though their sheer
numbers meant they
performed many other tasks as
well, their unflagging endurance
and exacting diligence endearing
them to their fellows. Now, each strives
independently to keep the world from
collapsing further into ruin while endeavoring to
build a better future.
 62 BLACKBIRDS
DAIMN BOONS
Choose an additional Boon for a daimn
Blackbird from the following:
Advocate of Stability
Even more so than humans, daimn are tied to
the Fate of the world and the order it brings.
Though all daimn are recognized as order’s agents,
some may actively intervene to disrupt the
manifestations of chaos. They act as magic sinks,
siphoning off its energy and grounding it into the
earth where it may dissipate harmlessly—a bane to
practitioners of the magical arts, but a boon to the
common folk they so often endanger.
T H E D A I M N CO N D I T I O N
When Father Steel fashioned the Numenforge, he sought
to cure the aes of their iron bane. This, he achieved. But
he also created an entirely new race of beings capable of
individual thought. Where the aes were very alike and
prone to groupthink, the newborn daimn were each
quite different, both physically and mentally, from one
another. And while dangerous whims and cold
detachment were the hallmarks of aes culture, the daimn
were instead informed by the passions of their
predominant elements: those bound to fire tended to be
impulsive and wild, those connected to vegetation were
often nurturing and gentle, those tied to water were
adaptable and reflective, those merged with earth were
on the whole stolid and dependable, and those born of
air were frequently mercurial and pretentious (such that
other daimn found them the least changed by the
Numenforge). Their more human natures and forms
endeared them to the peoples of Erebos, as did their
quarrels with the aes and their sharing of the secrets of
steel. It was, in fact, the mortals who first called them
“dwarves,” recognizing in them a familiarity of form with
some of their own who were born smaller.
These primal forms offered many benefits to the
daimn. Though they can be slain, they are, much like
their aes predecessors, functionally immortal. They also
require no air to breathe and are immune to illness and
EFFECT: Once between Rekindlings, as a 1-AP
Reaction, the Blackbird may cancel a Vitiation
that has been successfully empowered and smother
the Odic energy built up through recent uses of
theurgy. This involves the expenditure of Fortune
based on the Outsider powering the effect:
# Imp: 1 Fortune
# Villein: 2 Fortune
# Lord: 3 Fortune
Thus, roll 1Ð6 and remove that many dice
from the Odic pool.
poisons. They also found themselves unable to wield
magic, like the aes, though for different reasons. Daimn
are bound to the natural world like no other people, and
magic comes from beyond this world. As a result, it is
anathema to them. Unlike the aes, though, they do
require food and drink to survive (though the definition
of what constitutes both expands greatly thanks to their
elemental natures). Their sexes are also fixed, as they
were forged to conform with what they were most
comfortable with—though, like the aes, they are unable
to reproduce. They also possess the same five senses as
humans do.
Since their reawakening, little has changed, save that
the time spent frozen has led to their forms to become
craggier, with new growths, erosion, and other time-
wrought changes robbing them of even more of their
symmetrical features. Another change is that their
connection with Fate has strengthened. Perhaps the Norns
whispered to the daimn while they slept. Or maybe the
magic of the Fate-rending disaster that awakened them
has interacted with their own primal energies. Regardless,
daimn now find themselves drawn to important places
and people, and the common folk greet the arrival of one
with polite reverence, understanding the importance of
their struggle against the chaos but unwilling to confront
the truly dire state the world finds itself in.

Bind & Burrow
Tied as they are to the world’s primal elements,
daimn possess some measure of sway over those
selfsame elements. A few may even use that control to
entangle and fetter their foes, seizing them with roots,
encasing them in ice, grasping them with earthen
digits, or fixing them in place with sticky, hot tar.
EFFECT: Once between Rekindlings, the daimn
may extend their hand toward a foe and instigate an
effect, causing their target to be partially rooted in
place, losing 1 AP for the duration of one Combat
Scene. Enemies with the No Mortal Skill Trait are
unaffected. In addition, once between Rekindlings,
the Blackbird can pass through an obstacle no
thicker than 3 strides by touching it.
The Gifts of Father Steel
When the daimn broke away from their celestial
kin, they took with them the secrets of quickbronze,
the sacrament of Hekaté, their blood, a metal not of
the Dragon. The aes mastered the craft of
transforming this odd, bronze-like material into their
weapons and armor. With their knowledge, the
daimn applied these shaping methods to the elements
found naturally within the depths of the world.
EFFECT: Once between Rekindlings, the Blackbird
may empower a Melee weapon or three missiles,
imbuing them with their elemental essence, by
touching them. If this is done during a Combat
Scene, it costs 2 AP. Doing so causes the Blackbird
to receive 1 level of Damage. The effect lasts until
the next Rekindling and is based on their Elemental
Affinity:
# Ashen: The weapon gains the Weeping Ash
Quality as noted in Chapter 7: Trappings.
# Rime: The weapon does an extra Damage die and
gains the Crushing (2) Quality as noted in
Chapter 7: Trappings.
# Searing: The weapon does an extra Damage die
and gains the Immolate Quality as noted in
Chapter 7: Trappings.
# Sheen: The weapon gains the Quickbronze
Quality as noted in Chapter 7: Trappings.
C H A R A C TE R C R E AT I O N & P RO G R E S S I O N 63
Nothing to See Here
Daimn have little trouble blending into their
surroundings, as their bodies are made of the very
stuff of nature. Some are even more skilled at this,
however, as they contort their forms to better blend
into the world around them, appearing much as
they did during their long centuries under the aes
curse known as the Stilling. A cinderkin may well
appear as the smoldering remains of a bonfire, one
of the frostfolk as a water- and ice-covered
outcropping, a greenkith as a young sapling or
shrub, an orewalker as a small boulder, and so forth.
EFFECT: Once between Rekindlings, this daimn may
stop moving and appear to be a natural terrain feature.
Even their belongings blend in with them. To discern
that they are, in fact, an animated living being, someone
must make an Awareness Skill test that is Flip to Fail.
Once the daimn moves in any way, this effect ends.
Rejuvenation
The daimn are a hardy people, sure to recover
from even the most grievous of injuries. A few,
however, are capable of doing so by dint of an
affinity with their element, rare even among their
primal Ancestry. By packing their wounds with
elemental matter that matches their own, they may
quickly rebuild their injured bodies.
EFFECT: Once between Rekindlings, if this daimn has
access to the proper elemental material, they may heal
themself, moving 2 levels up the Damage Condition
Track. This costs 2 AP if done during a Combat Scene.
Serpent of Rebirth
Rock breaks, wood splinters, but the world
renews. The daimn themselves were once aes, and in
mingling with the dragon Ouroboros’s blood, they
become part of this creation, tied to it, reminiscent
of it, and yet wholly new—reborn. This spark of
rebirth lives within each daimn, but only a few can
harness it with perfect acumen.
EFFECT: Once between Rekindlings, this Blackbird
can create a functional facsimile of a lost limb or
body part for one of their Fatebound companions
64 BLACKBIRDS
or heal one Injury. Their Damage Threshold
drops by an amount based on the Damage healed.
An Injury lowers the daimn’s Damage Threshold
by –1; a replaced body part lowers it by –3. This
reduction lasts until the sun sets and rises again.
The part replaced will retain the aesthetic qualities
of the daimn’s form and appearance. In addition,
during a Rekindling, they can choose a Trapping
and bolster it with their physical essence; the first
Critical Failure made with this weapon or Critical
Success received against this armor will not cause
Degradation.
DAIMN BANES
Choose an additional Bane for a daimn
Blackbird from the following:
Lopsided
Since waking from the Stilling, all daimn
appear, from a human or aes perspective, more
crudely wrought. Their forms may seem a bit
flawed, with odd proportions, a lack of bodily
symmetry, and misshapen features. However, some
are even more flawed than others of their kind now,
their bodies twisted and hard to maneuver.
EFFECT: The Get Up Action costs 3 AP for this
Blackbird.
Hard to Rouse
All daimn were victims of the terrible aes curse
referred to as the Stilling, which locked their
elemental forms into place for centuries, where they
remained vaguely aware as their bodies both
overgrew and eroded, leaving them the malformed
beings they are now. Some daimn still find
themselves drawn to that quiet torpor and struggle
to remain animate.
EFFECT: This daimn has difficulty waking from a
Rekindling. After they first regain consciousness,
whether from natural sleep or being Knocked Out,
they are lethargic and slow to act. For the first hour
after rousing, they lose 1 AP every Turn as they
struggle to stay awake.
An Irritating Presence
The natural world is not always nurturing or
beautiful. In fact, it is full of things that click, buzz,
and brush up against other things. A forest is a
symphony of sound, a frozen lake cracks and moans,
fire roars and pops—it’s amazing anything manages
to find sleep in such environs.
EFFECT: Because of your particularly audible, or
perhaps fragrant, condition, all Stealth and Charm
tests are made at –10.
Resplendent
Daimn bodies are composed of the world’s
natural elements. These could be rare hardwoods,
precious metals, fine gems, fragrant incense, or
anything else one might imagine. Such conspicuous
wealth might well entice unscrupulous types to
harm a daimn to acquire these riches.
EFFECT: The raw materials that make up this daimn’s
body are worth a small fortune. If gathered and sold,
they would net the seller 5 Spoils (see Chapter 7:
Trappings). The Fateweaver may spend 3 Misfortune
to cause 1Ð6 bandits to encounter the daimn with
the goal of acquiring the wealth of their body.
Sink Like Stone
Despite their elemental composition (or in some
cases, because of it), most daimn are as buoyant as
any other creature. Some, however, are not.
EFFECT: This daimn is incapable of swimming or
floating in water. Rather, they plunge immediately
to the bottom and must be hauled up or walk/climb
out of the liquids in which they are submerged.
Vulnerability
Daimn physiology offers tremendous benefits
in terms of hardiness and protection from harm,
but on occasion, it affords specific vulnerabilities
shared with the very materials that make up daimn
bodies. A metallic orewalker might thus be
vulnerable to rust or tarnishing when wet, while a
cinderkin may be similarly harmed
by exposure to water.

Similarly, both icy frostfolk and fungal greenkith
may be vulnerable to bright sunlight.
EFFECT: This daimn is harmed by exposure to a
common, everyday substance chosen when the
Bane is taken. This vulnerability must be agreed
upon by both player and Fateweaver, and it must be
something that will complicate the Blackbird’s life.
Exposure to the substance deals Damage as exposure
to fire, with the Fateweaver gauging its severity.
Jötunnkin
Before the gods drew humanity from the mud,
giants wandered the earth. Each was unique,
singular, and broken, orphaned at their creation
by the indifferent beings that breathed them into
existence. The gods, wishing to populate the world,
could not agree on how to shape their offspring.
They experimented with consciousness and form,
discarding those that displeased them, losing interest
time and time again as fickle artists often do. But
instead of wiping the slate clean, the giants were
allowed to live: immortal, indomitable, wandering
C H A R A C TE R C R E AT I O N & P RO G R E S S I O N 65
creations without a destiny—each a precursor to
the comparative uniformity that would later be
called humanity.
The last of these flawed creations, Anak, was
the closest in form and function to the humankind
that followed, and after millennia of isolation, he
met and loved a mortal woman named Sif. Their
offspring would become the jötunnkin, and these
half giants grew to a large tribe before they were
discovered by Mother Wolf and brought to the
attention of the gods.
There was talk amongst them that the jötunnkin
had no place with the tribes of humanity and,
because they weren’t part of their plan for the world,
they should be culled, but Yggdrasil claimed them
as its own and not another word was spoken on the
matter. The World Tree called the jötunnkin to it
and bade them carve great halls in its heartwood,
which in time became the living city of Kinheimr.
The jötunnkin’s long seclusion was interrupted
when the Druids of the Elden Tree made their
pilgrimage to bask in Yggdrasil’s glory. After their
arduous sojourn across the tundra, these priests of
Yggdrasil were warmly met by the jötunnkin. The
druids settled among the roots of the World Tree
and often shared with the insular jötunnkin tales
of the world beyond the sheltering boughs of
Yggdrasil. Some younger jötunnkin grew
curious about the world of humans
and ventured south to see it for
themselves. Most eventually returned
to rejoin the kin, and in time, it
became a tradition for jötunnkin
youths to sow their wild oats in the
world their cousins had built
before returning home to settle
down, find a spouse, and start a
family of their own.
It was this custom that
helped save the jötunnkin
from annihilation.
 66 BLACKBIRDS

It was only a few years past that the Oligarchs
put the final phase of their decades-long plan into
motion: deicide. The first of the old gods to fall was
Yggdrasil, the threshold to Heaven. They arrived
with overwhelming force of arms and mystical
might to assault the World Tree. Jötunnkin and
druid alike were unprepared for the lightning raid
on Kinheimr and the unthinkable events that
followed. The Oligarchs rent open Yggdrasil itself,
using its Od-piercing growth as a passage to the
realm of the gods before shattering it in their wake
so none might follow. The World Tree was dead,
and its fall was Kinheimr’s. Though a few jötunnkin
managed to flee, most were slain in the collapse.
They and the surviving Druids of the Elden
Tree fled south from the carnage and found those
jötunnkin that had been away as best they could to
let them know what had occurred. Many could not,
would not, believe what they were told, and they
returned to discover the fallen World Tree overrun
by the barkborn and the ancient halls of Kinheimr
shattered. With no home left to them, they, too,
journeyed south to the lands of their human
cousins.
A N C E ST R A L M O D I F I E R S
! +1 to [BB], [WB], and 1 Primary Attribute
Bonus of the player’s choosing
! –1 to [AB], [FB], and 1 Primary Attribute Bonus
of the player’s choosing
M A N D ATO RY JÖ T U N N K I N
BOONS & BANES
All jötunnkin possess the following Boons:
! Long Limbs: All Melee weapons wielded by the
jötunnkin gain the Reach Quality, so they may
strike a foe they’re engaged with or standing 1
stride away from outside of an Engagement.
Additionally, they can make an Opportunity
Attack whenever someone Charges or makes a

T H E JÖT U N N K I N C O N D I T I O N
The jötunnkin’s origin stretches back through the ages
to the serendipitous mingling of human and giant
bloodlines, a people whose place in the tangle of Fate
was always uncertain and now hovers at the brink of
extinction. Each stands twice the size of a Thulian
warrior, with monochromatic skin as thick as an orca’s
hide. One might have tallow-colored skin and pink
eyes, while another might be mossy green with eyes as
white as pearls—the kin are as vibrant and varied as the
northern lights. Sadly, few remain. The jötunnkin,
robbed of their home beneath Yggdrasil’s branches,
must now choose how to meet their inevitable demise.
Like humans, jötunnkin are born, grow old, and die.
Some do not even do that, as they, too, are vulnerable
to all the myriad threats that affect humanity, even if
they are tougher than their small cousins, able to Resist
Damage and Injuries they are dealt with a successful
Toughness test. Unlike the peoples of humankind, the
time of the jötunnkin is done. Their Fate is sealed, so
they have none to spend to save themselves from death
and worse. There shall be no return of their great
people, only a slow slide into inevitable extinction.
And after the Extinguishing, living among the
smaller folk, the jötunnkin find themselves both at
advantage and disadvantage thanks to their great size.
On the one hand, thanks to their height and the
length of their limbs, all of their attacks possess the
Reach Quality and their Movement increases
significantly. Their tremendous might also deals more
Damage to foes they strike. On the other hand, the
jötunnkin struggle to move and maneuver within
most human dwellings, having to crouch or even crawl
to get around. In such circumstances, they suffer –10
to Skill tests made for them that are based on freedom
of motion or manipulating tiny items, and their
Movement is at –3. In addition, Trappings are not
typically constructed with such a large being in mind.
Items scaled to fit them require +2 Patronage to
purchase and will typically have to be specially
constructed, rather than at hand.

Run toward them. Finally, their long strides
increase their Movement by +3.
! Strength of the Titans: Weapons hit harder: roll
an extra Damage die when doing attack Damage.
! Unflinching Endurance: Make a Toughness test
against all Damage and Injuries dealt to the
jötunnkin. With any level of Success, they do not
take the Damage or Injury.
All jötunnkin also possess the following Banes:
! Massive: The jötunnkin’s large size makes it
difficult for them to move and maneuver in spaces
designed for humans. In such circumstances, they
suffer –10 to Skill tests made for them based on
freedom of motion or manipulating small items,
and their Movement is reduced by –3.
! Mortal: Of finite lifespan, such a being is
naturally vulnerable to all threats of
the Blackbirds world, including
Injury.
! Sealed Fate: Fate amulets
cannot be spent by the jötunnkin
or any other Blackbirds to save
their life.
C H A R A C TE R C R E AT I O N & P RO G R E S S I O N 67
JÖT U N N K I N B O O N S
All jötunnkin Blackbirds choose an additional
Boon from the following list:
Accustomed to Mobs
This jötunnkin’s size has made them the target
of violent crowds and warriors chasing fame or
harboring death wishes. As a result, they have
adapted a fighting style to accommodate large packs
of aggressors. Unfortunately, they’ve become
somewhat inept at fighting one-on-one.
EFFECT: While engaged with multiple opponents,
all attack rolls made for this jötunnkin are Flip to
Succeed. When engaged with a single human-sized
target, all of their attacks gain the Slow Quality, no
matter what weapon is used.
 68 BLACKBIRDS
Blessing of Fear
The jötunnkin have had to suffer without the
protection of their god, Yggdrasil, since the War of
Empty Thrones began twelve years ago. An imposing
twilight hangs over each of the kin, but fear can be
harnessed in unlikely ways. For those who accept
their dire circumstance, this terror can be a blessing.
EFFECT: Once between Rekindlings, when this
Blackbird’s Peril falls to Level 3 or lower, they may
regain 1 Damage level. In addition, they are Flip to
Succeed on Resolve tests.
Giant in the Trees
When Yggdrasil claimed the jötunnkin, aspects
of the tree’s arboreal divinity passed to some of its
adopted children. Now, the World Tree lays
sundered, but the great ash honors its promise to
the kin—protecting them by suddenly narrowing a
woodland path, enveloping pursuers in gnarled
roots, or snapping a twig to distract those who
might give chase.
EFFECT: Add +30 to Stealth tests while in forests.
All Survival tests for this jötunnkin are Flip to
Succeed.
Indomitable Recovery
Trees are no strangers to the
axe and, through their recuperative
powers, can regrow lost branches.
The amber sap of Yggdrasil runs
through this jötunnkin’s veins,
allowing them to regrow lost limbs
and organs. The process is a long
“It’s best not to complain one, however, requiring the
about the quality of ale jotunnkin to remain perfectly still
available in roadside . . . and the scent of a god’s
taverns: You could do blood—or sap—can attract those
much worse with the who dwell within the Od.
hefty knuckles of a halfwit EFFECT: Roll 1Ð6 to determine
barman and the trough the number of days it will take
water outside . . .” to regrow a lost limb, then flip a
—Observations of the Fortune coin. If the coin comes
Wandering Squire
up on Fortune, nothing out of
the ordinary occurs. However, if the coin lands on
Misfortune, an imp reveals itself and demands to
taste the amber sap of Yggdrasil in exchange for not
perverting the regrowth of the missing appendage.
The Outsider, not wanting to appear heartless, will
grant the one-time use of a Vitiation; however, to
make use of such power is to invite further scrutiny
from the courts.
Roaring Devourer
There’s no avoiding the truth of the jötunnkin’s
origin. Each is a descendant of Anak, a giant and a
devourer of human flesh. While destiny spared the
father of half giants from a life of senseless violence,
some of his descendants retain his frightening
appetites.
EFFECT: Once between Rekindlings, this jötunnkin
can consume the flesh of a Mortal and immediately
begin to recover from Damage. They must devour no
less than an arm to benefit from this effect, and the
meat must be fresh. Roll 1Ð6 and they recover that
many levels on their Damage Condition Track and
gain twice that amount in Discordant Resonance.
Woad of the God Tree
When the Druids of the Elden Tree joined the
jötunnkin within the halls of Kinheimr, they shared
with the kin one of their most sacred rituals: the inking
of flesh with pigments made from holy herbs. The
druids were covered head to toe in religious calligraphy,
blessings, and wards against evil and violence—each a
work of majestic artistry. The jötunnkin shaman
Angrbora taught the human druids how to draw out
the amber-colored sap of Yggdrasil, not with sharpened
stone, but with whispers. Together, they incorporated
the tree’s divine blood into their flesh.
EFFECT: This jötunnkin’s skin bears calligraphic
markings produced from the sap of Yggdrasil.
They cannot suffer from Bleeding. Once between
Rekindlings, they can shake off any one Injury.
Additionally, once between Rekindlings, they can
ignore the effects of a Vitiation that is targeted
against them specifically.
 C H A R A C TE R C R E AT I O N & P RO G R E S S I O N 69

Nephilim curse; others saw it as a calling. In either case, they

The tale of the nephilim cannot be found in any were seen as dangerous, never knowing why they
respectable libraries, but it’s on the lips of drunks seemed cursed.
in empty taverns or in the half-burned journals of At least, not until the Extinguishing.
hermits. When the old gods perished, the wards between
Ancient theurges walked alongside the the material world and the realms of the Outsiders
Outsiders they pledged themselves to. Enamored shattered. In that moment, nephilim found
with power, but resentful of the sacrifices they had themselves simultaneously erupting in an awareness
to make to keep it, these theurges approached the they could not simply repress. They could see the
Outsiders with a powerful bargain. In exchange for Od around them, and worse, their birthmarks and
the devoted service of the theurge and all of their physical quirks came alive in this realm-within-a-
descendants, the Outsiders would empower the realm. The Outsiders had returned, and they meant
theurges and their bloodlines in perpetuity. The to collect on the debt the nephilim didn’t know
Outsiders agreed, and the theurges quickly sealed they owed. With the knowledge of the arrangement
the Outsiders into the realm of the Od, where they lost to time, the only source of information on the
could not collect the reckonings owed to them. pact each nephilim had unwittingly inherited is the
The ill-gotten gains of the broken pact lived on Outsider their ancestor had betrayed, and an
in the theurges’ progeny. Anyone who looked upon Outsider is unlikely to give this information unless
them could tell they were different, each child it benefits them more than withholding it does.
bearing a small physical indicator of their heritage, Outsiders generally never appear to the nephilim in
usually a mark somewhere on their body. These their debt, instead hijacking the nephilim’s branded
children of humanity and Odic power would come body part to communicate their demands,
to be called the nephilim, and it was well known combined with whispers, dreams, and visions.
that they were destined for greatness. Their ability
to manifest the Od to their advantage made them
highly sought-after advisors, assassins, and
oracles . . . for a time.
However, as humanity came to fear the
supernatural, clever nephilim attempted to conceal
their abilities by writing them off as hedge magic or
the byproduct of natural talent. But they were still
unable to cloak the unnerving aura of Odic energy
with which they were infused, evoking fear in their
fellows. Nephilim found themselves
unwelcome anywhere.
In order to survive, the nephilim
suppressed their gifts, weakened the
connection between themselves and
the Od, and kept their children in
ignorance. Without guidance, their powers were
ill-controlled and fear-inspiring. They saw things
that weren’t there, knew things they shouldn’t know,
and had no answers as to why. Some saw this as a
 70 BLACKBIRDS

However, this relationship doesn’t M A N D ATO RY N E P H I L I M B A N E S

necessarily have to be hostile.
While some Outsiders choose to
convince the nephilim that they
are mad, others convince them
that they’re chosen ones destined
for greatness, being helped by an
“The most valuable unseen benefactor.
metalwork in all of The commands given by
Erebos is shaped by the their ancestral patron are
artisans of Elysium. sometimes as cryptic as flipping
More than one traveler has over a particular rock and
been swindled by roadside sometimes as direct as leaving a
peddlers hawking what door unlocked. Regardless of the
they swear on their fathers’ nature of the demand, the penalty
bones is Elysian iron for failing is the same: death.
capable of warding off evil.”
—Observations of the A N C E ST R A L M O D I F I E R S
Wandering Squire
! +1 to 3 Primary Attribute
Bonuses of the player’s choosing
! –1 to 3 Primary Attribute
Bonuses of the player’s choosing
M A N D ATO RY N E P H I LI M B O O N
All nephilim possess the following Boon:
! Odsight: The nephilim possesses the natural ability
to sense the otherworldly realm and mystical force
that is the Od (see Chapter 8: Theurgy).
All nephilim possess the following Banes:
! Mortal: Of finite lifespan, such a being is naturally
vulnerable to all threats of the Blackbirds world,
including Injury.
! The Profane Geas: As the sun sets every day, a
nephilim automatically acquires 1 Tithe (see
Chapter 8: Theurgy for details). Tithe has a
greater effect on nephilim than on theurges, and
once the Tithe score of a nephilim reaches 10,
they receive a –10 to all Skill tests made for them.
If a nephilim ever reaches a Tithe of 30, they are
immediately Slain! and Fate may not be spent to
prevent death in this case. Nephilim may reduce
Tithe in the same way that theurges do, either by
asking for a reckoning or being given one by their
patron Outsider—ultimately handled by the
Fateweaver. Note that, in either case, the identity
of the Outsider is not revealed, although the
reckoning offered may provide hints. If a nephilim
ever fails to complete a reckoning, their Tithe is
increased by half the amount that the reckoning
would have reduced it, rounded up.

T H E N E P H I LI M CO N D I T I O N
Nephilim may look like any type of human, but all bear a
visible mark on their bodies akin to a brand, birthmark,
or stain that corresponds to the court to which they
belong. Those who can see the Od perceive a much more
extensive Odic influence that binds them to their patron
Outsider, a mark of both possession and inheritance.
Their patron Outsider will know everything the
nephilim does through the “marked” body part.
Removing the body part will not sever their ties. If the
part is removed, so long as the nephilim lives, it will
regrow as their patron Outsider protects its asset.
For obvious reasons, Nephilim tend to keep this
“stained” part of them covered to avoid arousing suspicion.
Coverings will help tip off those who might suspect their
lineage. However, covering the mark will not sever the
nephilim’s link with their patron Outsider. Abilities that
determine Odic influence will reveal the mark.
The nephilim do not have rapport, communion, or
pacts with their patron Outsider, as the deal was struck
with their ancestor, not the nephilim. If the nephilim wishes
to contact their bloodline’s patron, they must first find out
who the Outsider is and then perform the Pythonic Liturgy
as a theurge would. However, given their ancestor’s
propensity for betrayal, this may not be a good idea.

Nephilim Courts
Choose the court the nephilim’s ancestor pacted
with, and they gain its Boon. A nephilim’s court
will also determine the Odic mark they bear.
It’s intentional that no specific Outsiders are
listed as patrons for nephilim. Fateweavers are
encouraged to decide if they want to use one of the
Outsiders in this book, to create a new one, or to
keep the truth a secret.
T H E CO U RT O F I G N O R A N C E
A nephilim bound to the Court of Ignorance
bears a strange birthmark across their forehead.
Those around them always feel as if they are being
watched, even if the nephilim is turned away.
To those who can see the Od, the nephilim
appears to have an ethereal third eye in the center of
their forehead, an eye that will follow the viewer
regardless of their position. If the viewer is behind
the nephilim, they sense that the eye is able to look
through the back of the nephilim’s head to see
them.
Whispers of Stolen Lore
The blood of the Court of Ignorance is tainted
with knowledge stolen from long ago. Those who
possess this heritage are able to tap into that
ancestral knowledge and access the secrets buried
there, sometimes discovering something forgotten
ages ago.
EFFECT: Once between Rekindlings, the nephilim
can immediately know the location and purpose
of an ancient hidden entrance, trap, object, or
being. The target must be over ninety-nine years
old, and the nephilim must be physically near it.
What is revealed is entirely at the discretion of the
Fateweaver.
C H A R A C TE R C R E AT I O N & P RO G R E S S I O N 71
T H E C O U RT O F JOY
Nephilim bound to the Court of Joy possess
facial proportions that cause their smiles to unnerve
people, as they seem both too eager and facetious
simultaneously. People tend to think they’re being
mocked by the nephilim, even when they’re sincere.
Unfortunately, their faces tend to rest in this position.
Under Odsight, the fluorescence of the Od
knits itself across their mouth and cheeks to give the
appearance of an ever-present, mocking grin, even
when at rest.
Already Broken
Madness touches the descendants of the Court
of Joy, but not the madness of one whose mind is
simply broken, strange, or fractured from the world.
This sundering of sanity is one that represents a
mind taken apart and put back together again many
times, leaving a flexibility and resilience in the face
of things that would make others falter.
EFFECT: The nephilim is immune to possession
and any effect that causes madness. In addition,
they Flip to Succeed on any Resolve tests caused
by mental stress, horror, or shock. Once between
Rekindlings, by observing a Mortal for 10 minutes,
this Blackbird will have a vision of who or what that
person serves or follows.
T H E C O U RT O F P E A C E
Nephilim pacted to the Court of Peace have
hands that are longer than proportional and always
appear filthy, as if they have been digging through
grave dirt; their hands can never be cleaned. If
someone were to shake the nephilim’s hand or be
touched by it, they would instinctively tense up and
away from it.
To Odsight, their hands appear more like
sharpened claws. It looks as if bloodstains coat their
hands, traveling up their arm as if they had dipped
their hands in a bottomless pool of blood.
72 BLACKBIRDS
Precise Brutality
The Court of Peace is not merely focused on
dispatching its opponents in battle, but dispatching
them with aplomb, certainty, and art. Nephilim
who are descended from theurges pacted to the
Court of Peace are able to make their attacks dearer
and more devastating, whether they are committing
to violence with a weapon or their bare hands.
EFFECT: All of the nephilim’s attacks gain the
Punishing Quality, no matter what weapon
they are wielding and even if they’re wielding no
weapon at all. During one Combat Scene between
Rekindlings, they can reroll all Damage dice for
their attacks that come up as ‘1.’
T H E CO U RT O F S I L E N C E
Each nephilim bound to the Court of Silence is
born with teeth that are unusually pointed and a
tongue that is blackened. The tone of their voice is
somewhat off-putting. Although they are able to
speak, there are dark marks resembling some kind
of scar tissue around their lips that appear as if their
mouth had been crudely sewn shut at some point in
their life, though this is nothing more than an
anomaly they were born with.
Under Odsight, every time the nephilim opens
their mouth, it appears as if there’s lightning, fire,
and wind clashing inside, giving off a light so bright
it is visible through their cheeks and lips, its
illumination smeared sloppily across the skin of
their face.
Pact of Warding
The Court of Silence is more likely than the
other courts to come into close contact with certain
elements, natural forces, and beasts. Because of this,
those who are descended from this bloodline are
protected in a limited way against these dangers.
EFFECT: When exposed to Vitiations or the attacks
of beasts, the nephilim may never fall more than
1 level on the Damage Condition Track for each
particular exposure or attack unless that Damage is
Bane in nature. In addition, they can never be set
On Fire.
T H E C O U RT O F T R UT H
Nephilim bound to the Court of Truth all have
eyes that are strange. They possess different colored
pupils that seem to draw in people in an
uncomfortable way that causes them to instinctively
avoid making eye contact for too long.
Under Odsight, such a nephilim’s entire eyeball
from pupil to sclera appears to project hypnotic
dancing lights, with craggy Odic vein-shapes jutting
out from beyond their eyes and forming an
unsettling, fluorescent mask.
Artisan of Lies
Those whose ancestors cleft themselves to the
Court of Truth in ages past are known for a
duplicitousness that is remarkable even among liars.
It becomes very difficult for those who are
attempting to Resist the falsehoods and illusions of
this ancestry to do so.
EFFECT: Any attempt to Resist a Guile roll or any
other Fellowship-based test when the nephilim is
lying is Flip to Fail. Attempts to see through any
magical illusion the nephilim is responsible for
creating are also Flip to Fail.
T H E N A M E L E S S CO U RT
Nephilim bound to the Nameless Court possess
birthmarks at the base of their throats, in between
their clavicles, and on their chests. If cut, their
blood is such a deep red it almost appears black.
They are always alarmingly cold.
Under Odsight, their veins pulse with
unnerving light that shines through the skin,
making their entire circulatory system appear visible
except for a conspicuously absent heart.

True Theurgy
Those who are descended from the Nameless
Court have glimpsed the truth of the Outsiders and
what lies within the heart of the Od, unclothed,
unmasked, naked, and inevitable. They have a grasp
of the Pythonic Liturgy that no other theurges can
approach, and this is expressed through a savant-
like talent when casting that great ritual.
EFFECT: Add +10 to Odweft rolls when resolving the
Pythonic Liturgy. If the roll critically fails, 1 Fortune
may be spent for them to critically succeed instead.
T I E R S O F P L AY
A
Tier is a measurement of competence,
representing a group of Blackbirds’
experiences over the course of their
adventures. Each Tier represents choices made over
the course of the story. In Blackbirds, there are
three Tiers: Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced.
Whenever you first create a Blackbird, you begin at
Basic Tier.
Each Tier is gated by a Dooming the flock
must fulfill before moving on to the next Tier.
Character progression and improvement will be
covered later in this chapter.
For now, go to the third page of the character
sheet and make a note of “Basic (1)” in the Current
Tier section.
P R I M A RY AT T R I B UTE S
I
n Blackbirds, there are two kinds of Attributes:
Primary and Secondary. Primary Attributes
are scores that represent a Blackbird’s aptitude
with a generalized activity, broken down into
Combat, Brawn, Agility, Perception, Intelligence,
Willpower, and Fellowship.
To determine a Blackbird’s starting Primary
Attribute values:
! Roll 2Ð10.
! Add +35 to the total.
! Write the total down.
C H A R A C TE R C R E AT I O N & P RO G R E S S I O N 73
! Repeat this process until you have seven numbers.
! Assign each of the numbers to an Attribute until
they’ve all been assigned.
Players may want to devise other ways of
generating and assigning the numbers, such as
assigning them in the order they were rolled to give
chance greater sway during the character creation
process, or to swap out the lowest value number
with a 55 if there’s too many bad rolls. That decision
is ultimately up to the Fateweaver.
Regardless of how the seven Primary Attribute
values are generated, consider the following when
making choices about how to assign them:
! Each score serves as the starting value for the
Skills associated with that Primary Attribute.
! The tens value of each Primary Attribute (i.e., the
‘3’ in 35 or the ‘5’ in 52) will become the
Blackbird’s Primary Attribute Bonus (Combat
Bonus [CB], Brawn Bonus [BB], Agility Bonus
[AB], and so on). These Bonus values are used in
a variety of ways during gameplay, such as adding
the Blackbird’s [CB] to a roll of 1Ð6 to determine
Base Damage for a Melee attack.
N O TE: Ancestry will also modify these Bonuses, as
explained at the beginning of this chapter.
! The Primary Attribute Bonus values additionally
determine a Blackbird’s Secondary Attribute
scores. For example, to calculate the Initiative
Attribute, start with the Perception Bonus [PB]
and add +3.
The bulk of the dice rolls that one will do in a
game of Blackbirds will be determined either
directly or indirectly by Primary Attributes and
Skills. For more information and details on Skills,
refer to Chapter 4: Skills.
Below is a description of each Primary
Attribute, how it’s used, related Bonuses, and the
Skills that share its same starting value.
74 BLACKBIRDS

The Seven Primary Attributes 5. I NTE L L I G E N C E

Intelligence represents the Blackbird’s ability to learn
1 . C O M B AT and memorize. It measures their ability to understand
In Blackbirds, the Combat Attribute accounts for the written word and recall important facts.
more than simple ability when wielding a weapon: Intelligence Bonus [IB] directly affects the
it also includes specialized aptitude and knowledge number of Skills a Blackbird can improve at each
that can be gained only from experience in battle. Tier. (See Tiers of Play earlier in this chapter for
Combat Bonus [CB] impacts Total Damage more information on Tiers.) It also determines how
inflicted with Melee and Ranged weapons. many languages a Blackbird may know in totality.
COMBAT SKILLS: INTELLIGENCE SKILLS:
' Melee ' Warfare ' Education ' Navigation
' Ranged ' Folklore ' Strategy
' Gamble ' Wortcunning
2. B R AW N ' Heal
Brawn represents a Blackbird’s physical prowess,
muscle, durability, and overall endurance. It 6. W I L L P OW E R
represents their ability to overpower others using Willpower represents a Blackbird’s resolve and
might and force, to withstand pain, and to perform fortitude. It controls their ability to act decisively in
physically taxing feats. the face of hardship and to exercise self-control in
Brawn Bonus [BB] directly affects Damage dangerous or frightening situations.
Threshold. Willpower Bonus [WB] directly affects Peril
BRAWN SKILLS: Threshold and several miscellaneous modifiers for
' Athletics ' Toughness Wortcunning Spells and Vitiations.
' Intimidate WILLPOWER SKILLS:
' Odweft
3. A G I LI T Y ' Resolve
Agility represents the Blackbird’s speed and nimble- ' Tradecraft
ness. It encompasses their ability to outmaneuver
others and allows them to duck away from hazards. 7. FE L L OW S H I P
Agility Bonus [AB] directly affects Movement. Fellowship represents the Blackbird’s charisma and
AGILITY SKILLS: social savvy. It governs their ability to persuade
' Coordination ' Skulduggery others, to adapt to social situations, and to project
' Handle Vehicle ' Stealth personal confidence.
Fellowship Bonus [FB] determines how many
4 . P E RC E P T I O N languages a Blackbird starts with.
Perception represents a Blackbird’s mental acuity FELLOWSHIP SKILLS:
and insight. It gauges their ability to observe the ' Bargain ' Handle Animal
world around them. ' Charm ' Leadership
Perception Bonus [PB] directly affects ' Disguise ' Rumor
Initiative and Distances (for Ranged weapons). ' Guile
PERCEPTION SKILLS:
' Awareness ' Scrutinize
' Eavesdrop ' Survival

Primary Attribute Bonuses
Once an Ancestry for the Blackbird has been chosen
and values have been assigned to the seven Primary
Attributes, determine all seven Primary Attribute
Bonuses.
! Take the tens value from each Primary Attribute
(i.e., the ‘3’ in 35 or the ‘1’ in 15).
! Look at your Blackbird’s Ancestry Modifier, and
if applicable, add or subtract the amount listed or
chosen.
S E C O N D A RY AT T R I B UTE S
F inally, calculate Secondary Attributes as
listed below:
Damage Threshold
The ability to withstand pain is paramount in
a fight. A combination of tenacity, grit, mental
fortitude, and a bit of luck make up the Damage
Threshold Attribute. It represents a form of
physical durability, governing the amount of bodily
harm one can withstand before suffering from
debilitating Injuries or even death. The vast majority
of the time, Damage is caused by wounds inflicted
from weapons or nasty environmental effects. All
C H A R A C TE R C R E AT I O N & P RO G R E S S I O N 75
Blackbirds possess a tolerance for punishment,
augmented by the strength of their armor.
Each level of the Damage Condition Track
illustrates how wounded a Blackbird is. Whenever
they suffer Damage that matches or exceeds their
Damage Threshold, they move a number of levels
down the Damage Condition Track. The further
down the track a Blackbird goes, the more likely
they are to incur severe Injuries or become Slain!.
Damage Threshold changes as a Blackbird’s BB
grows through the Tiers.
Determine base Damage Threshold as follows:
Brawn Bonus [BB] + any special modifiers
(from armor, etc.)
While this number serves as the Blackbird’s base
Damage Threshold, it also assumes the Blackbird is
not wearing any armor at all. If a Blackbird has any
armor, add the Damage Threshold Modifier value
listed for it to this base number to get their total
Damage Threshold. Boons, Talents, Vitiations, and
Techniques may also modify a Blackbird’s Damage
Threshold beyond its base value.
Additional steps of Damage Threshold are also
calculated as (Damage Threshold+6); (Damage
Threshold+12); and (Damage Threshold+18). For
example, if Damage Threshold is 5, it is recorded
on a character sheet as follows: 5 (11/17/23).
Record the Damage Threshold values on the
character sheet. Learn more about each step along
the Damage Condition Track in Chapter 6:
Conflict & Rekindling.
Peril Threshold
Mental stress, exhaustion, exposure to the elements,
terror invoked by terrible creatures, intimidation,
and all other manner of temporary physical or mental
fatigue is called Peril. A Blackbird’s Peril Threshold
represents how much anxiety and weariness they can
withstand before suffering penalties to their Skill
tests. Fortunately, the more willful and resolute a
Blackbird is, the better their resistance to Peril.
76 BLACKBIRDS
Each level of the Peril Condition Track
illustrates how distracted a Blackbird is. Whenever
they suffer Peril that matches or exceeds their Peril
Threshold, they fall a number of levels on the Peril
Condition Track. The further down the track a
Blackbird goes, the more likely they are to be so
shaken they’re unable to benefit from their Skills
training under pressure. Peril Threshold changes as
a Blackbird’s Willpower grows through the Tiers.
Determine base Peril Threshold as follows:
Willpower Bonus [WB] + 3
+ any special modifiers
Additional steps of Peril Threshold are also
noted as (Peril Threshold+6); (Peril Threshold+12);
and (Peril Threshold+18). For example, if Peril
Threshold is 10, it is recorded on a character sheet
as such: 10 (16/22/28). Learn more about each level
of the Peril Condition Track in Chapter 6: Conflict
& Rekindling.
Initiative
Initiative determines when a Blackbird takes their
Turn on the Initiative Ladder, indicating how
quickly they can act in combat (see Chapter 6:
Conflict & Rekindling for more information).
Determine Initiative as follows:
Perception Bonus [PB] + 3
+ any special modifiers
Movement
During a fight, the Blackbird’s ability to move about
is wholly governed by Movement. It represents
their ability to quickly traverse the battlefield on
foot, reflecting the number of strides they can
move during combat. (For more information, see
Chapter 6: Conflict & Rekindling.)
Determine Movement as follows:
Agility Bonus [AB] + 3 + any special modifiers
Skill Improvements Per Tier
In each Tier of play, it’s possible to improve a
Blackbird’s Skills as they learn and grow with
experience. However, there is a hard limit to how
quickly they can improve at different Skills before
progressing into the next Tier.
Determine the maximum number of Skills
that may be improved per Tier as follows:
Intelligence Bonus [IB] + 3 + any special modifiers
Languages
A Blackbird automatically begins play with the local
tongue spoken in the region from which they hail.
This may be anything from a cultural language to a
regional “trade” language. Blackbirds are people of
the world, however, often venturing from one end
of Erebos to another—and beyond. As such, they
may well possess a fluency in multiple tongues. It
is best to work with the Fateweaver to determine
additional languages that fit with the theme
of the Blackbird’s backstory and the Tapestry.
Mechanically, a Blackbird’s [IB] indicates how
many languages they know, as follows:
! [IB] 1, 2, or 3: One language
! [IB] 4, 5, or 6: Two languages
! [IB] 7, 8, or 9: Three languages
After speaking with the Fateweaver about a
Blackbird’s languages, record them under
“Languages” on the first page of the character sheet.
(For more information, see Chapter 13: The
Fateweaver.)
 C H A R A C TE R C R E AT I O N & P RO G R E S S I O N 77

STA RT I N G PAT H The Path of Bow & Blade

I
n each Tier of play, the Blackbird chooses to Mercenaries. Knights. Soldiers. Blackbirds who walk
walk a certain Path. Each Path represents a this Path hone their martial prowess and mastery of
different focus on the adventuring life and the specialized weaponry. They come to excel at all forms
various tricks of the trade that may be picked up of warfare, from plunging a blade into an enemy’s
while traveling it. For one who walks the Path of heart to coordinating a siege on a garrison. Such
Bow & Blade, mastering combat and weapon Skills Blackbirds form the steely backbone of any flock,
will come as easily as confidence games and carousing making short work of those who would threaten it.
do to a Blackbird on the Path of Charm &
Manipulation. Unlocked Bonuses:
Each Path unlocks associated Skills and ! [CB]
Bonuses that become cheaper to improve with ! [BB]
Reward Points (RP). Additionally, the number of
Tiers spent on a Path determines which Talents Unlocked Skills:
and Techniques can be acquired for a Blackbird ! Athletics
(for more information, see Chapter 5: Talents & ! Melee
Techniques). Finally, a Path provides a Blackbird ! Ranged
with starting Trappings appropriate to its focus. ! Toughness
(For more information, see Chapter 7: Trappings.) ! Warfare
Throughout all three Tiers of play, a Blackbird
may walk one Path or many. If they walk many Starting Trappings:
Paths, it will open a larger variety of Skills and ! One weapon at Patronage Level
Bonuses that can be improved for less 3 and one armor at Patronage
RP, as well as a larger number of Level 3.
Talents and Techniques that may be
purchased, allowing a player to find
interesting combinations possible only
because of their Blackbird’s extensive
experiences. However, doing so will sacrifice
access to any Talents and Techniques that
require the dedicated study of one particular
Path.
There are no prerequisites
for choosing a Path; however,
aes and daimn cannot choose
the Path of Od & Ritual.
Paths are always chosen at
the start of a Tier of play. Choose
a Path for the Blackbird’s Basic
Tier from those that follow.
78 BLACKBIRDS

The Path of Charm

& Manipulation
Politicians. Bards. Instigators. This Path winds
around all forms of social interaction, from romantic
assignations to diplomacy between nations. Masters
of the mind, Blackbirds on this Path leverage the
power of personality to bolster allies and defeat
foes, often without firing a single arrow. They often
serve as the face of the flock in their dealings with
patrons and enemies alike, turning any negotiation
to their advantage.

Unlocked Bonuses:
! [FB]
! [WB]

Unlocked Skills:
! Bargain
! Charm
! Guile
! Leadership
! Rumor

Starting Trappings:
! A dagger or rapier, fashionable clothing or garish
attire, and three alchemical concoctions.
 C H A R A C TE R C R E AT I O N & P RO G R E S S I O N 79

The Path of Craft

& Expertise
Healers. Sages. Artisans. Those who walk this
Path hone a wide variety of practical skills and
knowledge ranging from mending broken bones
to repairing weapons and armor. Master craftsfolk,
they offer the reliable aid that keeps their Fatebound
companions going in times of trouble. It’s these
Blackbirds who pick the flock up after a fight, put
well-made swords in their companions’ hands, and
chart the way to the next challenge.

Unlocked Bonuses:
! [IB]
! [PB]

Unlocked Skills:
! Education
! Handle Animal
! Heal
! Navigation
! Scrutinize
! Strategy
! Tradecraft
! Handle Vehicle

Starting Trappings:
! A bottle of rotgut, three clean
bandages, one dose of salmiac and
one of theriac, one Melee weapon at
Patronage 1 or 2, and simple
attire.

O F S P E C I A L N O TE: This Path

grants access to a variety of
Techniques and Talents that can
stave off the more grueling wear and
tear that a flock will face. It is wise not to
underestimate how helpful a healer or smith can
be in times where one can’t simply rush back
to a safe haven.
80 BLACKBIRDS
The Path of Od
& Ritual
Theurges. Arcanists. Magi. They are masters of
manipulating the Od and bargaining for the
potent magics of the mysterious Outsiders. Armed
with uncanny proficiency at the mystic arts and
unmatched knowledge of the eldritch horrors
that dwell beyond the ken of the common folk,
those who travel this dark Path are indispensable
additions to any flock. Whenever it encounters
the supernatural, these Blackbirds are the ones
equipped to help their companions transcend the
mundane to achieve the impossible.
N OTE : Aes and daimn are unable to
choose this Path at any Tier.
Choosing this Path for the first time grants a
Blackbird the Odsight Boon:
! Odsight: This Blackbird possesses the natural
ability to sense the otherworldly realm and mystical
force that is the Od (see Chapter 8: Theurgy).
When creating a Basic-Tier Blackbird and
choosing this as their starting Path, the player receives
a starting relationship with an imp-station Outsider
at the rapport level (see Chapter 8: Theurgy for
options). It will be assumed that the Blackbird has
successfully performed the Pythonic Liturgy before
the start of the game, and any Vitiations and the
rapport-level Outsider Technique associated with
that Outsider are made available to this Blackbird.
The Pythonic Liturgy must be employed
in-game to contact any other Outsiders.
Unlocked Bonuses:
! [IB]
! [WB]
Unlocked Skills:
! Bargain
! Folklore
! Odweft
! Resolve
! Wortcunning
Starting Trappings:
! A dagger, loose robes, one dose of quickbronze
elixir, and a fragment of the Whispering
Grimoire describing how to perform the
Pythonic Liturgy.
 C H A R A C TE R C R E AT I O N & P RO G R E S S I O N 81

The Path of Shadow

& Subterfuge
Assassins. Cutpurses. Outlaws. In the nations
of Erebos, where power is often wielded by the
corrupt, there are many reasons to bend the rules,
both virtuous and less so. Those who walk this Path
focus on skirting, evading, and sometimes even
revolting against the laws of the land, becoming
master criminals, cunning spies, and fomenters of
rebellion. If the flock ever encounters a situation
where the best solution is an underhanded one,
these Blackbirds are the clever schemers and shadow
warriors ready to enact it.

Unlocked Bonuses:
! [AB]
! [PB]

Unlocked Skills:
! Awareness
! Coordination
! Disguise
! Eavesdrop
! Gamble
! Skulduggery
! Stealth
! Survival

Starting Trappings:
! A dose of a venom or a toxin, a pair of dice or a
deck of playing cards, two Patronage 1 or 2
weapons, and dark clothing.
82 BLACKBIRDS
TA L E NTS A N D TE C H N I Q U E S
W
hereas Boons and Banes are permanently
written onto your character sheet,
Talents and Techniques are much more
flexible. Players can choose between all the Talents
and Techniques acquired by that Blackbird at the
start of each Weaving and after every Rekindling,
experimenting with builds and changing up their
playstyles on the fly.
Talents are mostly passive abilities and bonuses
that can be equipped onto a Blackbird. Techniques
have three effects that scale upward in impact. They
consist of Passive Bonuses, Actions, and Extinguish
Actions. The Extinguish Action of any Technique
is a climactic narrative game-changer that can do
anything from ending a social conflict in your favor
to slaying an enemy without needing to roll dice.
The pool of Talents and Techniques to choose
from each Weaving grows as RP is spent, and options
will increase as a Blackbird advances through the
Tiers. Some require multiple Tiers spent on the same
Path. However, there are some special Talents and
Techniques that cannot be purchased or require
certain prerequisites apart from Tier requirements,
such as possessing a certain weapon or having a
relationship with a specific Outsider. For more
information on Talents and Techniques, refer to
Chapter 5: Talents & Techniques.
Once the Blackbird’s Path has been chosen,
their player can consider the Talents and Techniques
they would like them to start the game with. The
players will have a chance to purchase them once
they choose a Path.
Slotting
Obtaining Talents and Techniques builds the pool
of available options for a Blackbird, but they must
be slotted to be used during a Weaving.
Slotting refers to “equipping” a Blackbird’s
Talents and Techniques into their appropriate slot.
Blackbirds at Basic Tier start with one Talent slot
and one Technique slot. With every advancement
to a new Tier, they gain an additional slot.
Intermediate-Tier Blackbirds will have a total of
two Talent slots and two Technique slots, while
Advanced-Tier Blackbirds will have three of each.
Talent and Technique slots can be occupied
only by their corresponding type of ability—
meaning, Talents cannot be slotted into Technique
slots, and vice versa. Spending a Fortune,
performing a Rekindling, or using a special ability
can allow for changing what Talents and Techniques
are slotted mid-Weaving.
Players should feel encouraged to experiment by
combining Talents and Techniques on their Blackbird
in a different way or for a different situation.
Once you’ve reviewed your character sheet,
spend your initial 9 RP to purchase your first
character Advances.
S P E N D STA RT I N G R E W A R D
P O I NTS
E
ach player gets 9 Reward Points (RP) at the
end of the character creation process to
spend in order to flesh out their Blackbird.
Most of these costs are outlined below under Spending
Reward Points, as they are available to purchase at any
time. However, there are a few things that may be
bought only during character creation.
OUTSIDER RELATIONSHIP: A starting rapport with
their first imp is free for a theurge during character
creation, but any additional such relationships must
be purchased.
! 2 RP per imp rapport
PATRONAGE LEVELS: Each level of Patronage
purchased represents a relationship with a non-
player-character patron agreed upon by the
Fateweaver. See Chapter 7: Trappings.
! 2 RP per Patronage level
WORTCUNNING SPELL: A Blackbird may start the
game by purchasing Wortcunning Spells, though
afterward these must be learned in-game at a cost of
time, if one can find a teacher or formula to learn
from. See Chapter 8: Theurgy.
! 1 RP per spell

F I R ST T H R E A D I N G
A
t the final stage of character creation, the
Blackbirds will play out a Scene referred
to as the Threading. The Threading is
meant to take place out of space and time, wherein
the Blackbirds will converse individually with a
mysterious entity or entities serving as the voice of
Fate. In character, the Blackbirds may not remember
the details of what takes place there, only that they
have a vague sense of purpose. Out of character, this
Scene will help players define their Blackbirds,
identify ways to loop them into the story of the
Tapestry, determine their Alignment, and preview
their next Tier of play through their Dooming,
which, when fulfilled, will open the gate to the next
Tier for the flock.
It is highly suggested that players play this
Scene in character and use it as an opportunity to
get used to both their Blackbirds and their group.
Additional Threadings will take place between
Tiers, but the first one always occurs at the end of
character creation.
A Threading consists of three parts:
! That Which Has Passed: The player and Fateweaver
discuss the Blackbird’s basic details to both get on
the same page and so the Fateweaver can
surreptitiously prepare story hooks for each player.
! That Which Is: The Fateweaver asks the player
some questions related to their Blackbird’s
ambitions, goals, and ways that they intend to, or
are interested in, moving through the world. Based
upon these questions, the Fateweaver assists the
player in determining their Blackbird’s Alignment.
! That Which Is Yet to Come: The Fateweaver
recites the Dooming for the flock.
That Which Has Passed
The first step of the Threading is essentially a review
of a Blackbird’s concept, backstory, and personality.
It’s suggested that players have enough of these details
to provide a Fateweaver with plot hooks or ways to
tie their Blackbird’s history into the larger story of the
Tapestry, but it doesn’t need to be granularly sorted.
C H A R A C TE R C R E AT I O N & P RO G R E S S I O N 83
This is a good time for Fateweavers to take
notes on Blackbirds’ backstories, considering
potential patrons, NPCs, and other opportunities
to spotlight the players. Additionally, the tone of
the game and the expectations of the scenario can
be set. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and figure it
out in person.
It is critical for the Fateweaver to retain some
idea of what the Blackbird and their player might
be motivated by at this stage, to make the next step
easier.
That Which Is
Once the Fateweaver has a grasp on the Blackbird’s
basic information, they will ask the player a couple
of questions based on their approach to solving
problems to suss out what use the Fates have for
them, and thus what special role they might have
in the story.
The Fateweaver should identify what this
player character aims to bring to the table—how
they approach dilemmas, what they’re likely to care
about, and so forth—and attempt to choose an
aspect of the Blackbird that can be mined for plot
hooks, drama, and anything else that looks like an
interesting opportunity for storytelling.
A L I G N M E NT
During this process, the Fateweaver will work
with the player to determine their Blackbird’s
starting Alignment. Alignments are meant to
represent an aspect of the Blackbird that will be
pushed, employed, questioned, or otherwise tested
in situations (planned or improvised) by the
Fateweaver during this Tier of play. Alignments in
Blackbirds do not serve as the typical good/evil
dividing line one might have seen in tabletop games,
but are used as opportunities to encourage and
reward role-play, drive the story, and develop
characters.
All Alignments are two sides of the same coin,
or more specifically, two ways in which a Blackbird
can interact with the world around them for the
 84 BLACKBIRDS
same core motivation, one of which is considered
Harmonious, the other Discordant. How often a
player employs one or the other is displayed on the
Alignment track on the character sheet.
For more on Harmony and Discord, see the
eponymous section later in this chapter.
D E TE R M I N I N G A LI G N M E NT
The Fateweaver should ask each player questions
that focus upon a specific element of their Blackbird:
what motivates them and how they solve problems.
! If there’s a goal they strive for, ask them what
they’re willing to do (or not do) to achieve it.
Why do they feel strongly about that goal?
! If there’s a strongly held belief that the Blackbird
has, ask them about how they engage with that
belief. Do they conduct themself a certain way?
Choose their enemies based on who challenges it?
Try to spread that belief?
! If there’s a person, place, or thing that the
Blackbird is anchored by, ask about their
relationship with it. Are they trying to protect it?
Destroy it? Hoard it?
Whatever questions are asked and answered, a
Blackbird’s Alignment is meant
to help the Fateweaver
understand how to tailor their
scenarios to each player and what
their players as a whole are
interested in, and to give players a
tool to develop their Blackbirds
and to role-play.
“The scholars of the Players should be able to
Shining Cities have placed confidently role-play both sides of
a taboo on studying the their Alignment, and Fateweavers
dead, but there is coin to should ensure that they can
be made supplying fresh confidently challenge them to do
corpses to those hoping so while weighing their options in
to dissect the secrets of terms of which side of the coin
life outside the gaze of the they employ.
ivory towers above . . .” Please note that Alignments
—Observations of the are not permanent and will be
Wandering Squire
assigned at the start of each of the
three Tiers of play. Try to choose one that represents
an important character conflict where they currently
are in the story.
LI ST O F A LI G N M E NT S
Altruism & Timidity
QUINTESSENTIAL EXAMPLES: A champion of the
people. Those who always consider and prioritize
the needs of others before acting.
HARMONY: The Blackbird carries those around them
on their shoulders, even in difficult times when
being selfish would be easier. Their benevolence
has touched many lives for the better. However,
this tendency toward mercy may make them an
easy mark, leaving them too easily swayed by
demonstrations of false suffering performed in bad
faith.
DISCORD: The Blackbird’s loathing of causing others
pain is absolute, but the road to hell is paved with
good intentions. They may keep their hands clean
and spare the most detestable adversary, only to see
their mercy repaid with cruelty of a much higher
magnitude. They may reveal deception in the name
of truth so they can feel clean, only to find that it
was holding together a delicate peace that protected
others.
CHALLENGES: Any and all trolley problems you can
think of. Those to whom they’ve shown mercy go
on to torment others. A trusted ally tests if their
benevolence is actually self-righteousness or simply
weakness in disguise. Being a good person in a hard
world shouldn’t be easy.
Ambition & Hubris
QUINTESSENTIAL EXAMPLES: The unstoppable force
to throw at immovable objects. This person has
big goals and big dreams, and is willing to take big
actions to realize them.
HARMONY: The Blackbird is driven to do great
things that leave a legacy larger than themselves.
They can inspire, lead, or endure in dire situations
others would not attempt, stopping just short of
what they deem truly impossible.

DISCORD: To hell with the naysayers! In a world of
Outsiders and Oligarchs, who can truly say what’s
impossible? Unburdened by the concerns of reality,
the Blackbird chases miracles, long shots, and fables.
However, they possess a tendency to bite off more
than they can chew, and they won’t be the only one
to suffer the consequences.
CHALLENGES: Anything high risk, high reward. If
they threaten to actually achieve their lofty goals,
it’s likely that dangerous parties have taken notice.
Those stepped on as they climbed their ladder may
have their knives out. Pride comes before a fall.
Cunning & Crookedness
QUINTESSENTIAL EXAMPLES: The political savant,
the strategist thinking twelve steps ahead, the
tactician optimizing their approach to everything.
These are the people who know the game of power
is rigged and will try to rewrite the rules as they
play it.
HARMONY: The Blackbird’s craftiness and wit is
employed with razor precision, allowing them to
pull off clever schemes and strategies while keeping
their integrity intact. If that limitation keeps them
from truly disrupting things, one can only speculate.
DISCORD: If you know a fight isn’t fair, why should
you be? The Blackbird has their hands in many
affairs and doesn’t mind getting them dirty if it
means pushing their agenda along—which they
do quite effectively. While they might believe
they’re sacrificing their innocence in the service
of pragmatism, it can be difficult to find co-
conspirators if no one can trust the Blackbird.
CHALLENGES: A spider weaving a web of lies often
loses track of each fiction they’ve spun. Assuming
someone can be bought can burn what would
otherwise be a truly stalwart ally. Overthinking
is the enemy of a clear and focused mind. When
one moves in a world of secrets, it’s all too easy to
become paranoid.
C H A R A C TE R C R E AT I O N & P RO G R E S S I O N 85
Curiosity & Intrusiveness
QUINTESSENTIAL EXAMPLES: Explorers, inventors,
busybodies, and investigators. These Blackbirds
want to know absolutely everything, especially
when the things in question are mysterious. Their
thirst for knowledge can lead them to experiment,
snoop, trespass, and generally ask a lot of questions
(for better or worse).
HARMONY: The Blackbird’s inquiries have turned
up new perspectives, opportunities, or answers that
would’ve otherwise been lost. Their experimentation
yields fruitful results that further their or their allies’
aims. They’ve asked the right questions.
DISCORD: Some stones are best left unturned. The
Blackbird’s inquisitiveness has caught the attention
of someone asking the wrong questions of them.
They’ve ignored the warning signs and boldly gone
where no one in their right mind should’ve; who
knows if they’ll make it back.
CHALLENGES: A little knowledge is a dangerous
thing. The clues might lead them away from the
real truth. Sometimes, it’s best if one doesn’t find
what one was looking for. The wrong people tend
to take notice of those who ask too many questions.
Someone who may be eager to give them what they
want may not have their best intentions at heart.
Devotion & Flexibility
QUINTESSENTIAL EXAMPLES: The stalwart knight,
the cleric, the master craftsperson, the oath keeper,
the lover who pines to reunite with their lost
love someday. Those with a singular calling who
allow their total devotion to guide their actions
throughout the world.
HARMONY: This Blackbird’s word is their bond,
and they never waver from the object of their
devotion. It helps them hold fast to who they are
when everything else around them is chaos. They
are known for keeping their word despite all
challenges—a dangerous trait to possess around
those with less honorable goals.
DISCORD: The Blackbird reserves a healthy degree of
flexibility when it comes to sworn oaths. Following
86 BLACKBIRDS
the spirit (rather than the letter) of a promise can
avoid blind zealotry and keep one alive long enough
to make good on their promises. But it can also
lead to redefining what their word meant as soon
as it becomes too inconvenient to keep it. Building
one’s life around keeping their word tends to alarm
others when they see them break it.
CHALLENGES: There are many roadblocks along the
straight and narrow path: reasons to break one’s
word, following it to a fault, even questioning one’s
own motivations for following it in the first place.
All the focus in the world won’t help in situations
where a person becomes painfully aware of what
parts of their life they’ve underdeveloped in the
pursuit of a singular thing. Crises of faith should be
everywhere. What would those to whom the oath
was sworn think?
Idealism & Illusion
QUINTESSENTIAL EXAMPLES: The idealists, the
dreamers, the perfectionists and paragons. They
see a better version of the world so clearly that
they can’t help but try to rebuild it in their mind’s
image—regardless of how hard the world tries to
resist their optimism.
HARMONY: The Blackbird has a gift for invention.
When presented with a series of bad options, they
have a knack for finding a better way or refusing
the choice altogether. The severity of the world
doesn’t crush the hope that drives them, but they
can be prone to ineffectiveness by trying too hard to
reinvent the wheel when it’s clear that change won’t
come easy.
DISCORD: The Blackbird loves the version of the
world that they see in their mind so dearly that
they can lose sight of the needs of the world right in
front of them. Purity of heart in a grim & perilous
world is a rare and beautiful thing that can motivate
one to do great things, but perfect is the enemy of
good. While searching for hypothetical ways to fix
the biggest problems, they lose sight of the small,
solvable ones that surround them.
CHALLENGES: Those who want to make the world
a better place may unite before realizing that their
definitions of “better” differ drastically. Or maybe
they differ slightly—nothing breeds contempt like
familiarity. Idealism can be easily turned to zealotry.
The cognitive dissonance caused by the callousness
of the world may be enough to grind down even the
biggest dreams.
Influence & Manipulation
QUINTESSENTIAL EXAMPLES: Beloved entertainers,
dilettantes, counselors, and cult leaders. These
people know everyone, from the movers and shakers
to their local fishmonger, but more importantly,
they are known. The real power is in the friends
they’ve made along the way—because they trade in
favors, not coin.
HARMONY: The Blackbird understands the power of
people and wields it well, knowing just the right
compliment to whisper in just the right ear that will
get things done. They can be a social chameleon,
telling people exactly what they need to hear to
get them feeling good about doing the right thing.
However, all this people-pleasing has eroded any
sense of identity underneath what people want
them to be.
DISCORD: Flattery will get one only so far. When
all else fails, this Blackbird knows there’s no greater
motivator than fear. Secrets, veiled threats, gossip:
all of these become motivational tactics to those
who won’t be easily charmed. However, this erosion
of trust cuts both ways—when a person plays
everyone, it’s easy to become paranoid that someone
is playing them.
CHALLENGES: Trying to make everyone feel special
may only succeed in making no one feel special.
Trust is a hard commodity to come by if your
marks find themselves comparing notes. If one
rallies soldiers to die for one, one should prepare to
inform their widows. Sometimes what people really
want to hear is honesty.

Rebellion & Havoc
QUINTESSENTIAL EXAMPLES: Rabble-rousers. Rioters.
Revolutionaries. These are the people that shake loose
the status quo through the sheer force of their actions,
unable to abide by what they perceive as injustice.
HARMONY: The Blackbird punches up at power and
aims their ire at the targets they find most deserving
while practicing enough self-restraint to avoid a
chaotic descent into reckless self-destruction. If this
moderation is beneficial to their cause, or is a means
to clip their wings, remains to be seen.
DISCORD: The Blackbird has embraced their
inner fire and won’t hesitate to shake things up,
prioritizing swift change over waiting to have a plan
for what happens once the dust settles—or who
has to clean it up. Polite resistance seldom tears
entrenched tyrants from their thrones.
CHALLENGES: Dilemmas that ask them to speak
truth to power when doing so is far from simple or
consequence free. Conflicts that don’t make it clear
who is truly in power, when the best time to act is,
or even if acting is the right decision at all. Change
for change’s sake isn’t always good, especially when
made without thinking through the consequences.
Resourcefulness & Greed
QUINTESSENTIAL EXAMPLES: Benefactors, brokers,
hoarders. These people excel at amassing resources,
regardless of whether it’s equipment, gold, or secrets.
They have a drive for stockpiling valuable things to
further their goals, ensuring that no opportunity for
growing their wealth is wasted.
HARMONY: The Blackbird has successfully gathered
the materials or information needed to succeed
at an impressive undertaking. They’re prepared to
face anything and know how to wield what they’ve
gathered. In a supporting role, they’re the one
who makes sure everyone is fed and armed before
charging into the field of war.
DISCORD: Nothing is ever enough, and they’ve
a tendency to hoard, doing absolutely nothing
with the resources they’ve gathered. They’ve taken
more than needed, depriving those who would be
C H A R A C TE R C R E AT I O N & P RO G R E S S I O N 87
allies and making them into enemies. They’ve kept
information out of others’ hands out of paranoia,
inadvertently sabotaging their own plans. They
deploy their gathered resources with little wisdom
and find themselves empty-handed, questioning
what happened.
CHALLENGES: Sometimes it’s necessary to share the
wealth, even at times and with people one doesn’t
want to. A downfall of a generous person with much
to share is attracting ill-intended people who seek
aid. Having too much information might make it
harder to know what the right information is. What
has come into one’s possession might be spoken for
by someone else.
Sacrifice & Martyrdom
QUINTESSENTIAL EXAMPLES: Outcast, betrayer, guilty
survivor, or criminal. They have a dark and tormented
past, and regardless of if they’re nihilistic or simply
penitent, they are headed for a dark and tormented
future. Something has broken this Blackbird and
they’re trying to make it count for something.
HARMONY: Their penance is meaningful or
appropriate and benefits a cause larger than
themselves. Amends are made. They’ve used their
“sullied” nature to open doors or spare others the
pain that they’ve endured.
DISCORD: Their masochism is self-indulgent, and
those whom they supposedly sacrificed for gain
nothing from it.
CHALLENGES: The nature of the punishment they
feel they deserve may not be up to them. Someone
else may end up paying off their karmic debt.
Suffering is not inherently meaningful. The person
needs more than melodramatics to grow beyond
their past and make amends. Some things only the
gods can forgive.
R E S O N A N C E & U S I N G A L I G N M E NT
Any time a Blackbird’s actions significantly tap
into either side of their Alignment, they gain
Resonance. All new Blackbirds start at 0 on the
tracker.
88 BLACKBIRDS
There are two types of Resonance: Harmonious
and Discordant. They are tracked separately and
resolved at the end of every Weaving. Which side of
Alignment is being employed will take into
consideration only the ultimate impact of the
Blackbird’s actions, not their intention or goals at
the time they took that action. This is about their
role in the world and whether it’s one of Harmony
or Discord, and sometimes, Hell is full of good
meanings, but Heaven is full of good works.
At the end of every Weaving, resolve Resonance
using the following steps:
Step 1: Resolve Resonance values for Blackbirds
that have gained both types of Resonances. (If a
Blackbird gained only one type of Resonance this
Weaving, skip this step and start at Step 2.)
Note which Resonance the Blackbird has more
of. That will be the Resonance that will be calculated
this Weaving.
Subtract the lower Resonance value from the
higher Resonance value. For example, if a Blackbird
has 6 Harmonious Resonance and 5 Discordant
Resonance, subtract 5 from the Harmonious
Resonance value, resulting in 1 remaining
Harmonious Resonance.
Step 2: Resolve Resonance values greater than
or equal to 10. (If the Blackbird has 9 or less
Resonance, skip this step and go to Step 3.)
If the Blackbird has a Resonance value greater
than 10, move the Harmony and Discord Track a
number of spaces equal to the tens value immediately.
For example, if they had 25 Discordant Resonance,
their player would move them 2 spaces toward
Discord on the Harmony and Discord Track.
Record the remaining units value and resolve it
in Step 3. In the prior example of 25, the Blackbird’s
player would record the remaining Discordant
Resonance as 5.
If the Blackbird has 10 Resonance exactly,
move them 1 step in the direction of their
Resonance.
Step 3: Roll against Resonance.
Roll 1Ð10. If the roll is less than the Blackbird’s
current Resonance, reset their Resonance to 0
without adjusting the Harmony and Discord Track.
If the roll is equal to or greater than the Blackbird’s
Resonance, adjust their Harmony and Discord
Track by 1 step in the appropriate direction. Then
reset their Resonance to 0.
If the Blackbird has not reached a value marked
as a Revelation for the first time in this Tier of play,
skip Step 4. If they have, continue.
Step 4: Resolve Revelations.
If the Blackbird has reached a value marked as
a Revelation on either side of the Harmony and
Discord Track for the first time in this Tier of play,
inform the Fateweaver and play out the Revelation
as either a “post-credits scene” or allow the
Fateweaver to prepare one for the start of the next
Weaving.
Mark the value of the Revelation for this Tier
of play on your character sheet.
For more on Revelations, see the next section
in this chapter.
H A R M O NY A N D D I S C O R D
Harmony represents a Blackbird’s inclination
toward idealism. This can manifest in negative
ways, such as foolish naïvety, or in positive ways
when it’s needed to bring out the best in people.
Discord represents a Blackbird’s inclination
toward cynicism, exemplifying that the ends justify
the means. This can manifest in negative ways such as
paranoia or needless hostility, or in positive ways when
a situation calls for a healthy amount of caution.
Neither of these things should be a strictly
moral judgment but more a question of what kinds
of sacrifices, trade-offs, and tactics the Blackbird is
willing to take, and what kind of effect this has on
their psyche. The truth is, sometimes Fate needs
bastards. Sometimes, heroes fight valiantly for ugly
causes. Sometimes “nice” and “kind” find themselves
on opposite ends of a conflict.

Revelations
When a Blackbird reaches the values of 3, 5, 7,
or 10 on either side of the Harmony and Discord
Track for the first time in a Tier of play, their
attunement to Fate grants them a Revelation.
Revelations are uncanny insights into fulfilling
the Dooming granted to the Blackbirds by the
sleeping Fates, a fleeting communication with the
divine made possible by the Blackbird’s alignment
with their calling. The form this information takes
is up to the Fateweaver and should be delivered in
character, but the meaning should be conveyed just
clearly enough to still be beneficial. The weakened
Fates can only communicate indirectly, through
suspicious coincidences, subconscious minds, and
mystical portents. Omens, dreams, natural
phenomena, mysterious messengers, gut feelings—
all of these are good ways to deliver Revelations.
At 3, 5, 7, and 10 Harmony, the Blackbird
receives Revelations about forces that can aid their
cause. The Revelation will point them to, for
example, clues they may have missed, hidden caches
of resources, a sympathetic ally, or a well-hidden
safe haven.
At 3, 5, 7, and 10 Discord, the Blackbird
receives Revelations about the forces that are
opposing their cause. Revelations will point them
toward, for example, enemy battle plans, a
clandestine meeting of those conspiring against
them, a weakness in a foe’s defenses, or tomes about
the secret ritual they’re trying to stop.
The number on the Harmony and Discord
Track that the Blackbird reaches should impact
both the usefulness and the theatricality of the
Revelation sent. The higher the number, the more
valuable and clear the clue, and the more spectacular
the manner in which it arrives.
For example, if the Fateweaver wanted to give
a Revelation related to a powerful artifact that
would be an asset in the Blackbird’s hands, but a
dangerous obstacle in the hands of the enemies
searching for it, it might manifest like the following
at various levels:
C H A R A C TE R C R E AT I O N & P RO G R E S S I O N 89
! At 3 Harmony, a Blackbird might daydream
about looking through a book they saw in the
past but didn’t examine too closely, only to find
an entry on the artifact in the daydream.
! At 5 Harmony, they might have a dream where
they see the artifact in its current location—but
not recognize where that location is—and feel it
calling them.
! At 7 Harmony, they might find that the prisoner
in the cell next to them knows who last held the
artifact and wants to help them find the person.
! At 10 Harmony, a mysterious stag may appear to
them on an otherwise empty town road at night,
beckoning them to follow it to the general
location of the artifact.
! At 3 Discord, a Blackbird might have a powerful,
inexplicable sense of dread at the mention of the
name of an enemy currently looking for the artifact.
! At 5 Discord, they might see an unnatural
formation of mushrooms in the shape of the evil
eye on a forest road accompanied by a strong urge
to hide. As they do, they spot a confused spy that
had been trailing them.
! At 7 Discord, they might clearly hear an
impossibly loud voice cut through the din of a
tavern bar, allowing them to trace it to a back
room where their drunken mountain guide brags
to a sellsword about his bargain to betray the
flock and deliver the artifact to their enemies.
! At 10 Discord, a sudden storm may flash across
the sky as the flock nears the artifact, the arc of
the lightning revealing the glint of swords lying in
wait to ambush them.
Not all Revelations must, or even should, be
about a singular object, enemy, or event in a
Tapestry, but they should pertain to important
aspects of the main plot. Get creative, and vary the
ways that the Fates nudge the Blackbirds toward
fulfilling their Dooming.
Any time a Blackbird achieves a Revelation for
the first time in a Tier of play, mark the value on the
Harmony and Discord Track. A Revelation may be
granted only once at each value for each Tier.
90 BLACKBIRDS
That Which Is Yet to Come
The final stage of the first Threading is known as the
Dooming: a prophecy delivered to the Blackbirds
that serves as a teaser for what’s in store for them in
this Tier of play, and a goalpost for advancing into
the next Tier.
THE DOOMING
The Dooming is the thread that ties the flock
together: part prophecy, part plea. However
different they might be, the mysterious Fates have
bound these Blackbirds toward a shared destiny.
Though their importance might not be readily
apparent, the sleeping Norns, in their arcane and
ancient wisdom, have seen fit to entrust a critical
part of the world’s future to these individuals.
The language of the Dooming should feel like
a back-of-the-box thematic synopsis of the ultimate
point and end goals of this Tier of play. Alluding
cryptically to a climactic Scene, the stakes of the
flock’s success or failure, or the messiness of a choice
they will be asked to make, the Dooming should be
open-ended enough that the Fateweaver can
maintain flexibility without railroading the players,
but still serve as the magnetic north that this Tier of
play’s story compass will point toward. Completing
it should feel like the end of a play’s act has been
reached, some closure has been achieved, and—if
the Tapestry is going to run for more Tiers—that
there’s a compelling story hook for the next one.
Mechanically, fulfilling a Dooming acts as a
gateway to the next Tier. Players will still
individually gain RP to spend on upgrades to their
Blackbird after every Weaving (see Progressing Down
Fate’s Path, below), but they progress to the next
major step in power and challenges as a group.
In character, a Blackbird will not have a clear
recollection of any part of the Threading, including
the Dooming. However, they will feel instinctively
drawn toward the other Blackbirds and the plot
hinted at in the Dooming. Use this as a way to
introduce the Blackbirds to each other if there’s no
natural on-ramp.
P R O G R E S S I N G D OW N
FATE’ S PAT H
Reward Points
W
hile Blackbirds progress through the
Tiers of play only by fulfilling their
Dooming as a group, they each still
grow and evolve along the way. RP are used to
empower a player’s Blackbird. RP can be saved up
or spent on improvements to Primary Attribute
Bonuses, Skill Ranks, Talents, and Techniques.
At the end of each Weaving, the Fateweaver
will reward players with RP. The amount to be
distributed is ultimately at the discretion of the
Fateweaver, but the following guidelines should be
considered standard.
! Award 1 RP to all players at the end of each
Weaving automatically.
! Award a special bonus of 1 RP to a player if their
Blackbird made significant progress toward
fulfilling the flock’s Dooming, especially if done
in a dramatic or creative way.
! Purely at the Fateweaver’s discretion, award 1 RP
individually to any players who went above and
beyond during the Weaving, either by displaying
impressively creative problem-solving skills or
extraordinary role-playing—but reserve this for
truly exceptional cases where it would feel unfair
not to reward them.
As Tiers of play govern the types and amounts
of improvements players can purchase with RP,
Fateweavers are strongly encouraged to keep an eye
out for situations where their players might be
sitting on RP and unable to use it for long stretches
of time. If your players are feeling like their
Blackbirds are stagnant, consider adjusting the
amount of RP awarded at the end of each Weaving,
finding new ways for them to spend it or accelerating
the fulfillment of the Dooming. However, keep in
mind that RP not spent carries over to the next Tier
of play, so it’s never fully wasted.

S P E N D I N G R E W A R D P O I NTS
The cost of expanding a Blackbird’s statistics and
abilities will depend largely on a Blackbird’s current
Tier and what Paths they have chosen to walk on.
Each Path “unlocks” associated Bonus Advances and
Skills related to the tools of their trade, allowing
them to be purchased for lower RP. The experience
also gives them access to new kinds of Talents and
Techniques they pick up along the way.
BONUS ADVANCES: Each Bonus Advance purchased
adds a cumulative +1 to a Primary Attribute Bonus.
! 1 RP times the Tier level of the Blackbird (if
unlocked)
' 1 RP at Basic
' 2 RP at Intermediate
' 3 RP at Advanced
! 2 RP times the Tier level of the Blackbird (if
locked)
' 2 RP at Basic
' 4 RP at Intermediate
' 6 RP at Advanced
When purchasing a Bonus Advance, fill in the
bubble labeled “Bonus Adv.” under “Primary
Attributes” on the first page of the character sheet.
A Blackbird’s Bonus Advances in any one
Primary Attribute can never exceed double the Tier
level of the Blackbird.
! In Basic Tier, a maximum of 2 Bonus Advances
can be purchased in each Attribute.
! In Intermediate Tier, a maximum of 4 Bonus
Advances can be purchased in each Attribute.
! In Advanced Tier, a maximum of 6 Bonus
Advances can be purchased in each Attribute.
SKILL RANKS: Each Skill Rank purchased adds a
cumulative +10 to its associated Skill.
! 1 RP times the Tier level of the Blackbird (if
unlocked)
' 1 RP at Basic
' 2 RP at Intermediate
' 3 RP at Advanced
! 2 RP times the Tier level of the Blackbird (if
locked)
' 2 RP at Basic
C H A R A C TE R C R E AT I O N & P RO G R E S S I O N 91
' 4 RP at Intermediate
' 6 RP at Advanced
When purchasing a Skill Rank, fill in the
bubble next to that Skill on the first page of the
character sheet.
A Blackbird’s Skill Ranks in any Skill can never
exceed the number of Tiers that Blackbird has
advanced through.
! In Basic Tier, a maximum of 1 Skill Rank can be
purchased in a Skill.
! In Intermediate Tier, a maximum of 2 Skill
Ranks can be purchased in a Skill.
! In Advanced Tier, a maximum of 3 Skill Ranks
can be purchased in a Skill.
Additionally, only a number of Skills in each
Tier of play equal to the Skill improvements per
Tier listed in Secondary Attributes may be
improved, so choose wisely.
TALENTS: Each Talent purchased adds another
option to the Blackbird’s Talent deck, granting
access to more possibilities and types of character
builds when slotting Talents and Techniques each
Weaving or Rekindling. A Blackbird’s Talent hand
in Basic Tier consists of a maximum of up to three
Talents. In Intermediate Tier, they can acquire
two more Talents to add to their hand, raising
their maximum to five. And at Advanced Tier, a
Blackbird may purchase their final, sixth Talent.
In addition to these limits, a Blackbird may never
have more than three Basic-Tier Talents, two
Intermediate-Tier Talents, or one Advanced-Tier
Talent from a particular Path.
If the prerequisites listed on the Talent are met,
it may be purchased for a cost of 1 RP times the
number of icons listed in the prerequisite.
! A Talent with a prerequisite of [1 B&B] would
cost 1 RP.
! A Talent with a prerequisite of [2 C&M] would
cost 2 RP.
! A Talent with a prerequisite of [3 S&S] would
cost 3 RP.
Talents whose prerequisites are lacking may
not be purchased.
92 BLACKBIRDS
TECHNIQUES: Each Technique purchased adds
another option to the Blackbird’s Technique
deck, granting access to more possibilities and
types of character builds when slotting Talents
and Techniques each Weaving or Rekindling. A
Blackbird’s Technique hand in Basic Tier consists
of a maximum of up to three Techniques. In
Intermediate Tier, they can acquire two more
Techniques to add to their hand, raising their
maximum to five. At Advanced Tier, a Blackbird
may purchase their final, sixth Technique. Outsider
and Story Techniques do not count against this
maximum. Weapon Techniques have their own
maximum, based on the number of Ranks the
Blackbird has in the Skill to which the Technique is
tied, either Melee or Ranged.
If the prerequisites listed on the Technique are
met, it may be purchased for a cost of 2 RP times
the number of icons listed in the prerequisite,
regardless of what Path(s) are present in the
prerequisite.
! A Technique with a prerequisite of [1 B&B]
would cost 2 RP.
! A Technique with a prerequisite of [2 O&R]
would cost 4 RP.
! A Technique with a prerequisite of [3 S&S]
would cost 6 RP.
Weapon Techniques are purchased at a cost of 1
RP. Techniques whose prerequisites are lacking may
not be purchased. Additionally, special Techniques
such as Outsider Techniques or Story Techniques
may never be purchased with RP.
Afflictions, Banes, Boons, and slots cannot be
purchased with RP.

A DV A N C I N G T I E R S
O
nce a Dooming has been fulfilled and
the story given some resolution, some
housekeeping occurs before moving
from one Tier of play to the next.
! The Harmony and Discord Track resets to 0.
! Players gain one new Talent slot and one new
Technique slot.
! Each player chooses a Path for their next Tier of
play.
! A new Threading takes place.
Another Threading
Threadings will occur at the start of every Tier of
play. The way the surreal Scene plays out remains
the same, but there are some small differences from
what occurs during the Threading at the end of
character creation.
T H AT W H I C H H A S PA S S E D
Rather than defining the Blackbird’s character
and history, this part of the Threading serves as a
moment to reflect on what the Blackbirds have
done as a group. This can range from recapping the
story to addressing any events that the Blackbirds
may have undertaken between the end of the last
Tier and the beginning of the new one.
The most important difference is that the
otherworldly edge of forever, where the Threading
occurs, offers a unique chance to say goodbye to those
forever left in the past. If any Blackbirds were Slain!
during the previous Tier of play, those still remaining
may commune with their dead. Each player of a fallen
Blackbird will role-play if they desire, and an
in-character Scene between them and their still-living
compatriots will begin. The Fateweaver may choose
to have these fallen allies give their friends one special
piece of information from beyond the grave that
might help them in the conflicts to come.
C H A R A C TE R C R E AT I O N & P RO G R E S S I O N 93
T H AT W H I C H I S
The Fateweaver role-plays the same type of
Scene to assist players who would like to determine
a new Alignment for their Blackbird. Weavers are
encouraged to use what they’ve seen of the Blackbird
thus far as a basis for their questioning, and players
are encouraged to devise interesting ways they’d like
to see their Blackbirds grow.
T H AT W H I C H I S YE T TO C O M E
A new Dooming is given to the flock to hint at
its goals and segue into the next Tier of play.
A D E AT H I N T H E F L O C K
Blackbirds may be special, but the world can be
deadly. If a Blackbird dies (or if a new player joins),
they can be added to the flock however the Weaver
seems fit, but when creating a new Blackbird mid-
Tapestry, here are some guidelines:
! Run the Threading for them as usual, but at the
end of the Dooming, explicitly point them to the
current flock.
! If in Basic Tier, consider starting them with more
RP based on the amount the rest have earned to
spend on improving their Blackbird to match the
flock. If in Intermediate Tier, start them with 22
RP, and in Advanced, 45 RP.
W H E N TO M OV E TO T H E N E X T T I E R
Knowing when to start preparing to move a Blackbird to
the next Tier is based on a combination of several factors,
including narrative arc and character achievements. You
can use the following numbers based on the amount
of RP that has so far been accumulated and spent on a
particular Blackbird as a guideline:
22 RP or more – move to Intermediate Tier
45 RP or more – move to Advanced Tier
C H A P TE R 4

Skills
 W hether breaking a wild horse, forging
a warrant from the local magistrate,
threatening those intending to try an old
beggar woman for witchcraft, haggling over the price of a vial
of salmiac, firing a crossbow accurately, or steeling their mind
“Surviving the cities and
to withstand the mind-melting terror of an Oligarch’s herald,
wilds of Erebos both
require a similar skillset, each Blackbird comes armed with the ability to overcome such
be it foraging for food,
challenges. Skills encompass specific fields of knowledge and
reading the intentions
of a stranger, or quickly expertise, distinct from one another, but all equally important.
determining the nature of
an approaching shape  . . .”
—Observations of the Skill tests represent the core mechanic of the Blackbirds system
Wandering Squire
in action. The Fateweaver will call upon you to make Skill tests in
response to decisions you make for your character, and their use, and
the outcomes of that use, can vary wildly, far above and beyond simple
Success or Failure. The Skill descriptions that follow describe in general
terms how they may be employed. Every Skill is directly associated
with a Primary Attribute. For example, the Charm Skill is based on
the Fellowship Primary Attribute, as it relies on the Blackbird’s allure
to set others at ease in their presence. Likewise, each Primary Attribute
is associated with a particular Skill and indicates a Blackbird’s natural
fluency with that Skill type. Thus, Blackbirds who possess high Brawn
will naturally be better with physical Skills, whereas those with a high
Intelligence will be better with more cerebral ones.

SKILL RANKS

RANKS IN THE WIDER WORLD

Beyond their mechanical modifiers, Skill Ranks also
inform the level of mastery a Blackbird is understood
to possess. For instance, it is sometimes helpful to be
able to distinguish between a Blackbird who’s merely an
Apprentice of Tradecraft versus one who is a Master.
When considering your Blackbird’s capabilities and how
to refer to them in character, these provide a keyword to
frame your Blackbird’s level of expertise.
S kill Ranks represent one’s intense devotion
to a Skill, providing additional bonuses
beyond simple raw ability. The three Ranks
are Apprentice, Journeyman, and Master, and each
Skill Rank provides a cumulative bonus, added
together whenever a Skill test is made. The Apprentice
Skill Rank confers a +10 Base Chance, the Journeyman
Skill Rank grants an additional +10 to Base Chance,
and finally, the Master Skill Rank grants a final +10 to
Base Chance. Therefore, the most prodigious of
Blackbirds will gain a potential +30 to Base Chance
from their Skill Ranks by Advanced Tier.
S K I LL D E S C R I P T I O N S
T
his section details all the Skills your
Blackbird may possess, listed in
alphabetical order. Each includes a few
examples of how they can be put to use. However,
your Blackbird may use them in ways other than
those outlined here. Though the descriptions
provide a good guideline, be creative when
explaining how you wish to employ them, or work
with your Fateweaver to better understand how
they can be employed.
Common & Special Skills: Skills come in two
types, Common or Special, which are indicated in
the Skills table later in this chapter, under the
“Type” header. Common Skills represent shared
knowledge every Blackbird may attempt to employ
without having practiced them. Thus, their use may
be attempted by anyone at no penalty. Special
Skills, however, require a greater level of study and
proficiency to use. While Special Skills can be used
by a Blackbird without Skill Ranks in them, you
must Flip to Fail the results when testing them (see
Flip to Fail in Chapter 2: How to Play).
98 BLACKBIRDS

Primary Attribute: Each Skill is governed by a PRIMARY

SKILL TYPE
ATTRIBUTE
Primary Attribute, which is indicated in parentheses
following each Skill name and in the eponymous Scrutinize Perception Common
column of the Skills table. This Attribute provides
Skulduggery Agility Special
the raw value to which you add to determine a
Blackbird’s Base Chance. Stealth Agility Common

Strategy Intelligence Special

PRIMARY
SKILL TYPE
ATTRIBUTE
Survival Perception Common
Athletics Brawn Common
Toughness Brawn Common
Awareness Perception Common
Tradecraft Willpower Special
Bargain Fellowship Common
Warfare Combat Special
Charm Fellowship Common
Wortcunning Intelligence Special
Coordination Agility Common

Disguise Fellowship Special

SAMPLE DIFFICULTY RATINGS: Each Skill features
Eavesdrop Perception Common examples of how that Skill can be used, along with
the suggested Difficulty Rating for those various
Education Intelligence Special
circumstances. As always, these Difficulty Ratings
Folklore Intelligence Common may be changed by the Fateweaver, but they should
provide you a good guideline on how hardships and
Gamble Intelligence Common
beneficial situations affect a Blackbird’s efficacy with
Guile Fellowship Common Skills. Difficulty Ratings may be improved if the
Blackbird possesses Skill Ranks in other Skills that
Handle Animal Fellowship Special
may be relevant to what they are attempting. The
Handle Vehicle Agility Special Fateweaver will always let the player know when there
may be an existing synergy between two such Skills.
Heal Intelligence Special

Intimidate Brawn Common Athletics (Brawn)

Athletics measures a Blackbird’s physical prowess. It
Leadership Fellowship Special
reflects one’s ability to scale walls and climb ropes,
Melee Combat Special to swim and to tread water without tiring, to propel
vessels while rowing, to overpower others in feats of
Navigation Intelligence Special
strength, and to push heavy objects. It also aids one
Odweft Willpower Special when hefting great weights or performing fantastic
feats of stamina, such as running from a battle with
Ranged Combat Special
a warning to a distant town.
Resolve Willpower Common # (Trivial +30%): Scamper up a tree with many
branches
Rumor Fellowship Common
# (Routine +10%): Swim while wearing a
gambeson

# (Easy +20%): Jump over a pit while wearing
leather armor
# (Standard +/–0%): Row a boat through choppy
water
# (Challenging –10%): Push an object three times
the Blackbird’s weight
# (Hard –20%): Haul a stuck haywain out of the
mud with the aid of a draft animal
# (Arduous –30%): Climb the sheer face of a castle
wall
Awareness (Perception)
Awareness represents a Blackbird’s ability to
notice details, sounds, and/or scents that are out
of place, to spot ambushes, to discover hidden
objects, to notice mechanical contrivances
designed to entrap or kill, and to estimate
numbers and distances. This Skill doesn’t allow
a Blackbird to see through lies, to sense motives,
or to read innuendo, as those are the purview of
the Scrutinize Skill. Similarly, if you wish your
Blackbird to listen in on a conversation or to
make out distinctly something they’ve heard,
refer instead to the Eavesdrop Skill.
# (Trivial +30%): Listen for sounds through a thin
door
# (Easy +20%): Smell a distinct spice in a dish
# (Routine +10%): Spot an obvious snare
# (Standard +/–0%): Stand watch at a campfire on
a clear evening
# (Challenging –10%): Pinpoint someone obscured
by mist or darkness
# (Hard –20%): Count a mound of coins in under
a minute
# (Arduous –30%): Spot a pressure trap melded
almost perfectly into some flagstones
Bargain (Fellowship)
Bargain represents a Blackbird’s ability to interpret
the underlying factors of a commercial transaction.
It may also be used to haggle over prices, find
common ground with another group, bribe
someone to get what one wants, appraise the worth
S K I LL S 99
of objets d’art, and even procure illegal contraband.
# (Trivial +30%): Evaluate the worth of a gem or of
finery that’s been “procured”
# (Easy +20%): Broker a trade deal between two
guilds
# (Routine +10%): Interpret the profit and loss of
a major financial deal
# (Standard +/–0%): Buy stolen goods from a
pawnbroker
# (Challenging –10%): Find common ground
between two people of different social classes
# (Hard –20%): Convince an innkeeper not to
report a Blackbird’s criminal conduct
# (Arduous –30%): Bribe a member of the night
watch to walk away from the scene of a crime
Charm (Fellowship)
Charm is employed to captivate others with flattery
and honeyed words. At the proper time, a kind
word, a wry smile, a hearty handshake, or a hug
may each be used to illustrate a Blackbird’s personal
charisma and enchant others. Charm can modify
the mood of others, persuading them toward your
favor or causing them to change their opinions
about things they may not necessarily support. It can
also be used to impress others with your Blackbird’s
affable nature or to seduce those who may find the
Blackbird attractive. To lie, fabricate false accounts,
or run confidence games, refer instead to Guile.
# (Trivial +30%): Whistle or sing a popular song in
tune
# (Easy +20%): Remember and retell a funny
anecdote
# (Routine +10%): Regale an audience with a
famous legend
# (Standard +/–0%): Recite poetry with all
sincerity to a lover
# (Challenging –10%): Seduce someone above
your social class
# (Hard –20%): Pick up an instrument you’ve
never played and learn a song
# (Arduous –30%): Seduce someone who does not
share your beliefs

Coordination (Agility)
Coordination represents manual dexterity,
flexibility, balance, and grace in movement. A
Blackbird may use this Skill to perform feats of
acrobatics, to avoid falling debris, or to manipulate
objects with delicacy. Its most common applications
are to sidestep incoming attacks, to evade traps, to
avoid being pushed off one’s feet, and to slip out of
bonds and shackles.
# (Trivial +30%): Catch a small object as it falls
# (Easy +20%): Walk across a wet log over a stream
# (Routine +10%): Juggle everyday objects
# (Standard +/–0%): Leap across a campfire
# (Challenging –10%): Perform an intricate dance
at court
# (Hard –20%): Twist one’s body to fit into a tight
space
# (Arduous –30%): Contort one’s wrists to escape
bonds or manacles
Disguise (Fellowship)
The Disguise Skill represents the ability to
masquerade as someone else, to hide one’s own
identity in public, or to conceal one’s true feelings
from others. Theatrics and imitation are the
foundation of any good disguise. Also, the more
the Blackbird knows about the person (or type of
person) they’re trying to mimic, the more effective
the disguise.
# (Trivial +30%): Convincingly act as another in a
cheap play
# (Easy +20%): Pretend to be someone of a higher
or lower social class
# (Routine +10%): Create a false identity, and live
behind it
# (Standard +/–0%): Impersonate someone from a
foreign land
# (Challenging –10%): Convincingly act as a
character in a well-known theatrical production
# (Hard –20%): Impersonate another’s physical
appearance
# (Arduous –30%): Perfectly impersonate another
person in looks, mannerisms, and voice
S K I LL S 101
Eavesdrop (Perception)
Eavesdrop allows a Blackbird to listen to and
perceive low sounds, usually conversations between
two or more people. By listening to them or
watching the movement of their lips, the Blackbird
can make out distinct sounds and determine the
differences between mumbling and actual words.
With a clear view of the people speaking, they can
even pick up slight intonations and body language,
giving further indication as to what is being said.
It may also be employed to hide the movement of
one’s own lips to prevent Eavesdrop attempts on
one’s conversations.
# (Trivial +30%): Listen in on an adjacent
conversation
# (Easy +20%): Keep one’s lips from being read by
others
# (Routine +10%): Use hand signals to indicate
simple ideas
# (Standard +/–0%): Read a person’s lips from
across a well-lit room
# (Challenging –10%): Listen to a conversation
through a wooden door
# (Hard –20%): Read a person’s lips in dim light
# (Arduous –30%): Listen in on a conversation
through a metal door
Education (Intelligence)
Education represents both literacy and schooling,
but it extends far beyond merely being able to
read and write. This Skill lends significant insight
into the histories and practices of the world the
Blackbirds inhabit. Education encompasses many
different fields of study, each representing the study
of a body of lore, possible academic research, or
even “rogue” scholarly pursuits.
# (Trivial +30%): Understand local laws and how
they may impact your own criminal enterprise
# (Easy +20%): Identify specific constellations in
the night sky
# (Routine +10%): Know a particular prince,
count, earl, or duke and the name of their
territory
102 BLACKBIRDS
# (Standard +/–0%): Understand the hierarchical
relationships among the old gods
# (Challenging –10%): Identify the heraldry or
livery of an opponent
# (Hard –20%): Translate ancient writings into
one’s own tongue
# (Arduous –30%): Understand the difference
between an aes and an Outsider
LI TE R A C Y I N BLACKBIRDS
A Blackbird with at least one Skill Rank in
Education is assumed to be literate in any language
they possess. Otherwise, though they may speak the
tongue, they do not understand its writing.
Folklore (Intelligence)
Folklore represents a Blackbird’s secondhand and
firsthand knowledge of the histories, traditions,
faiths, and notable figures of a particular region.
Drawn from the stories, oral traditions, and rumors
they’ve heard from family, merchants, and travelers,
it also confers a deeper understanding of various
cultures, food, religion, and daily practices.
# (Trivial +30%): Interpret the funerary practices
of locals
# (Easy +20%): Use the proper courtesies of a
different social class
# (Routine +10%): Identify a local landmark and
its importance
# (Standard +/–0%): Recount legends from history
# (Challenging –10%): Know about local flora and
fauna
# (Hard –20%): Identify a famous person from
their burial marker or tomb
# (Arduous –30%): Forecast the weather based on
historic patterns
Gamble (Intelligence)
Gamble represents a Blackbird’s ability at games
of chance, such as those played with cards, tiles,
and dice. Although anyone can make wagers and
play games, some are more skillful or adept when
it comes to spotting common mistakes and preying
upon their opponents’ weaknesses. This Skill also
allows one to cheat.
# (Trivial +30%): Play and win a game of cards
against the uninitiated
# (Easy +20%): Fix a cockfight in your favor
# (Routine +10%): Play and win a standard game
of chess
# (Standard +/–0%): Guess the number of stones
in a large jar
# (Challenging –10%): Fix a fistfight in your favor
# (Hard –20%): Play and win a game of dice
against a professional gambler
# (Arduous –30%): Know the next card to be dealt
Guile (Fellowship)
Guile represents a Blackbird’s ability to use
underhandedness, lies, and bluster to get what they
want. It is also used to subtly manipulate others’
feelings and emotions by sowing the seeds of doubt
within their minds. The Skill may also be employed
to play word games or use irony to confuse others,
or even to engage in political machinations.
# (Trivial +30%): Bluster one’s way out of
responsibility
# (Easy +20%): Use innuendo to imply one thing
while saying another
# (Routine +10%): Engage in wordplay with
another to appear smarter
# (Standard +/–0%): Blend into a crowd by looking
innocuous and inconspicuous
# (Challenging –10%): Bluff one’s way into a
Sigilist stronghold
# (Hard –20%): Understand the gist of Thieves’
Cant without it being a known language
# (Arduous –30%): Appear innocent of a crime
one has committed
Handle Animal (Fellowship)
Handle Animal represents a Blackbird’s ability to
subdue, train, command, and even ride creatures
classified as animals. Although this Skill doesn’t
allow one who uses it to domesticate animals that
are not meant to be domesticated, it does allow one

to tame them. With an appropriate animal, this
Skill enables one to gallop and race, to leap over
hedges and fences, to ride across rugged terrain,
to leap atop one’s mount while jumping from a
window, and to calm one’s mount when it is under
duress. This Skill also teaches the proper way to care
for and groom an animal, establishing a bond of
trust and acceptance.
# (Trivial +30%): Shoe a horse or groom a domestic
animal
# (Easy +20%): Break from a gallop into a charge
on horseback
# (Routine +10%): Rustle up a flock of sheep
without a sheepdog
# (Standard +/–0%): Perform simple tricks on
horseback, such as leaping over hurdles
# (Challenging –10%): Break a young horse for
riding
# (Hard –20%): Calm a frightened stampede of
wild cattle
# (Arduous –30%): Take control and ride a creature
that’s classified as a beast
Handle Vehicle (Agility)
Handle Vehicle represents the ability to control
vehicles, such as carts, overland carriages, rowboats,
hulks, and even war wagons. The Skill is also used
to maneuver vehicles around tight corners, race
down river rapids, plow through hedgerows, and
ram vessels that stand in one’s way.
# (Trivial +30%): Travel overland by cart during
fair weather
# (Easy +20%): Pilot a ship in a calm sea
# (Routine +10%): Trek overland by wagon during
inclement weather
# (Standard +/–0%): Right a boat that’s being spun
out of control by a river eddy
# (Challenging –10%): Pilot a ship through stormy
seas
# (Hard –20%): Safely bring a six-team carriage to
a sudden stop
# (Arduous –30%): Ford a deep river with a
haywain
S K I LL S 103
Heal (Intelligence)
With the Heal Skill, a Blackbird
can treat the ill and the healthy
alike, tending to their aches
and pains, acting as midwife,
rendering antivenins, and even
performing chirurgy on the
injured. You may adhere to a “The healers of Erebos are
classical school of thought, using so valued in times of plague
emetics and bloodletting to cure that it is not uncommon
illness through humoralism. Or to see them escorted under
you may subscribe to a more lock and key by the city
mechanical school of thought, wardens, lest they be
seeing the body as a complex stolen away to squeeze the
machine that can be “fixed” with boils and let the blood of
the right techniques. Regardless a rival ruler’s subjects.”
of the school to which one — Observations of the
Wandering Squire
adheres, those who practice the
healing arts always pay some sort
of lip service to the gods.
# (Trivial +30%): Rouse someone who has been
Knocked Out for 1 minute by suffocation
# (Easy +20%): Bleed a patient suffering from one
Wound to alleviate an infection
# (Routine +10%): Treat one Injury for a patient
to begin recuperation
# (Standard +/–0%): Diagnose a common ailment
based on the patient’s symptoms
# (Challenging –10%): Bind the wounds of someone
at Level 4 on the Damage Condition Track
# (Hard –20%): Bind the wounds of someone at
Level 5 on the Damage Condition Track
# (Arduous –30%): Rouse someone who has been
Knocked Out for more than 7 minutes by
suffocation
Intimidate (Brawn)
Intimidate represents a Blackbird’s ability to terrify
others with their words and actions, suggesting
that they’ll do violence upon them should they
not back down. Through a combination of menace
and threats, the Blackbird may try to cow others,
posturing aggressively like a dog ready to pounce.
104 BLACKBIRDS
# (Trivial +30%): Muscle your way to the front of
a line
# (Easy +20%): Insinuate violence through force of
presence and strong words
# (Routine +10%): Cause innocent people to
cower
# (Standard +/–0%): Shove or push someone out
of the way
# (Challenging –10%): Cow foes into giving up
# (Hard –20%): Make a threatening gesture to
coerce a guard to abandon their post
# (Arduous –30%): Force an undefeated rival to
kiss one’s boots
Leadership (Fellowship)
Leadership is the ability to enlist the support
of allies and followers, unifying them under the
Blackbird’s guidance against a common foe or
cause. One can use this Skill to give orders to forces
under one’s command, much like a general does on
the battlefield, whether it’s to defend a kingdom or
to foment rebellion.
# (Trivial +30%): Lift the spirits of a close friend in
the wake of harm
# (Easy +20%): Spread rumors or news among a
crowd of people
# (Routine +10%): Convince one’s flock of a new
interpretation of established scripture
# (Standard +/–0%): Quiet an agitated mob
# (Challenging –10%): Command a military unit
to besiege a stronghold
# (Hard –20%): Uplift a congregation that has lost
faith in its god
# (Arduous –30%): Convince those who were once
your enemies to fight alongside you
Melee (Combat)
Melee represents a Blackbird’s ability to wield
weapons in hand-to-hand combat. This Skill is
gained by training with weapons either formally—
maybe as a squire, night watchperson, or a member
of a militia—or informally, perhaps as a bandit,
woodcutter, or thug.
# (Trivial +30%): Strike a foe who’s Prone on the
ground
# (Easy +20%): Strike a foe who is sitting in their
chair with their back turned toward you
# (Routine +10%): Strike a flanked foe in an
Engagement
# (Standard +/–0%): Fight toe-to-toe with an
evenly matched opponent
# (Challenging –10%): Strike someone in fog,
mist, or smoke
# (Hard –20%): Parry a two-handed weapon with
a dagger
# (Arduous –30%): Strike someone in the dark
Navigation (Intelligence)
Navigation represents a Blackbird’s ability to accurately
determine direction, distance, and routes from one
place to another. It relies on landmarks and maps to
find one’s way overland, along with charts and the
movement and alignment of the stars and constellations
as the seasons pass to find one’s way across the sea.
# (Trivial +30%): Determine true north while
outside
# (Easy +20%): Discern the constellations to guide
a journey by sea
# (Routine +10%): Chart an overland route lasting
several days
# (Standard +/–0%): Identify foreign landmarks to
make one’s way without a map
# (Challenging –10%): Chart an overland route
lasting several weeks
# (Hard –20%): Realign one’s course after getting
lost for days
# (Arduous –30%): Determine true north below
ground
Odweft (Willpower)
Odweft is the Skill used to tap into the Od to master
the secrets of magic. It can be used to identify occult
symbols, to understand Oligarch cult activities,
to participate in rituals, to research Outsiders, to
interpret omens, and even to gain understanding of
superstitions made real.
 S K I LL S 105

Expressly, this Skill is used to practice theurgy
and cast Vitiations. You can learn more about
Blackbirds magic systems in Chapter 8: Theurgy.
# (Trivial +30%): Cast a Vitiation in a place where
the veil between worlds is thin
# (Easy +20%): Sense the presence of a powerful
Outsider in one’s vicinity
# (Routine +10%): Cast a Vitiation upon an
unsuspecting target
# (Standard +/–0%): Sense the presence of an
Outsider of limited power in one’s vicinity
# (Challenging –10%): Cast a Vitiation while
being harassed in a crowd
# (Hard –20%): Sense a Vitiation being cast in
one’s vicinity
# (Arduous –30%): Cast a Vitiation while in
excruciating pain
situations, this Skill is employed to let the fear wash
over, but not overwhelm.
# (Trivial +30%): Maintain one’s cool when
handling a vehicle in a tense situation
# (Easy +20%): Withstand the effects of stress
# (Routine +10%): Ignore the impact of imp-level
Vitiations meant to cause anxiety
# (Standard +/–0%): Withstand the effects of fear
# (Challenging –10%): Withstand being
intimidated by those of a higher social class
# (Hard –20%): Withstand the effects of terror
# (Arduous –30%): Steel oneself before a fantastic
beast

Ranged (Combat)
The Ranged Skill is employed by Blackbirds when
wielding weapons designed to fight with at a
distance. The Skill is often used by hunters, peasant
militia, or regular military forces, and the Blackbird
likely gained training from one of these groups.
# (Trivial +30%): Fire a shot at a person climbing a
tree
# (Easy +20%): Fire a shot at someone running
away
# (Routine +10%): Fire a shot from higher ground
# (Standard +/–0%): Fire a warning shot at
someone’s feet
# (Challenging –10%): Fire a shot at someone
standing in fog, mist, or smoke
# (Hard –20%): Fire into an Engagement where
you may potentially harm one’s allies
# (Arduous –30%): Fire at a foe in the dark

Resolve (Willpower)
Resolve represents a Blackbird’s ability to keep calm
under pressure. It allows one to steel one’s mind,
focusing on one’s inner strength to maintain resolve
when thrust into situations that test one’s mettle.
When confronted with supernatural or horrifying
 106 BLACKBIRDS
Rumor (Fellowship)
Rumor represents a Blackbird’s
ability to gather information
from their social interactions by
being gregarious and talkative.
The Skill can be used to interact
with strangers and friends alike,
“The gallows of Asterbörg appealing to them with one’s
are said to be cursed, charm or just chewing the fat. It is
though this belief stems also employed to appeal to larger
from practicality. groups in order to gather the latest
Rumors of hexes on the news, to dissect the most recent
gibbets were spread by gossip, and to propagate scandal.
the beadles when the # (Trivial +30%): Ply the local
beams were nearly picked gossipmongers with alcohol to
clean by those looking for learn rumors
splinters to ward off evil.” # (Easy +20%): Hobnob with
—Observations of the locals while participating in
Wandering Squire
tavern games
# (Routine +10%): Play language
games with friends, gabbing in
an incomprehensible argot
# (Standard +/–0%): Spread gossip of an impending
attack
# (Challenging –10%): Speak fluently before a
court of your betters
# (Hard –20%): Befriend foreigners who don’t
particularly care for “your kind”
# (Arduous –30%): Stimulate casual conversation
in a foreign tongue
Scrutinize (Perception)
Scrutinize represents a Blackbird’s ability to sense
motives and underlying intentions in others. It relies
on hearing and vision to assess each participant’s part
in a conversation. A literate person can also deduce
tone and intent from the written word. Finally, the
Skill can be used to recall things from memory, to
describe something one saw, or to quickly perform
arithmetic or other feats of estimation.
# (Trivial +30%): Remember what one ate the
previous day
# (Easy +20%): Read body language to uncover
another’s social class
# (Routine +10%): Decode a secret message in
one’s own tongue
# (Standard +/–0%): Remember an important task
one forgot to attend to
# (Challenging –10%): Decode a secret message in
a foreign language
# (Hard –20%): Memorize the order of events after
a deadly fight
# (Arduous –30%): Determine if someone with
whom one is unfamiliar is lying
Skulduggery (Agility)
The Skulduggery Skill encapsulates practically
every larcenous or illegal activity that a Blackbird
might undertake using their hands. One may use
this Skill to bypass locked doors and chests without
a proper key, to disable security contrivances and
complex traps, to employ simple sleight of hand to
palm small objects and hide cards, and to conduct
simple thievery, such as cutting coin purses, picking
pockets, and snatching bracelets.
# (Trivial +30%): Use a simple card trick to distract
others
# (Easy +20%): Fish a pie off a windowsill
# (Routine +10%): Disable a tripwire intended to
set off an alarm
# (Standard +/–0%): Pick the pocket of a passerby
in a crowded street
# (Challenging –10%): Pick the lock of a strongbox
or fortified trunk
# (Hard –20%): Cut the purse of a passerby in a
nearly empty street
# (Arduous –30%): Palm an object in front of a
merchant’s stall
Stealth (Agility)
Stealth represents the ability of a Blackbird to
use concealment and distractions to move about
without being seen or heard. One can also lie in
wait to ambush others using this Skill. It can also
be employed to stalk a mark while moving among

crowds of people, and even to conceal large objects
such as encampments, horses, and wagons from
prying eyes.
# (Trivial +30%): Move quietly, so as to not awaken
one’s enemies
# (Easy +20%): Stalk someone through a crowded
street
# (Routine +10%): Hide from the watch when
being pursued
# (Standard +/–0%): Silently cross uneven
floorboards
# (Challenging –10%): Shadow an animal through
the woods
# (Hard –20%): Lay an ambush along an open
road
# (Arduous –30%): Hide in plain sight
Strategy (Intelligence)
The Strategy Skill is employed by Blackbirds to plan
operations of all sorts to achieve the best results with
the least resistance. It lets one understand the tactics
utilized in battle (both by mobile forces and those
safely ensconced within a fortification) in order to
strategically deploy armies and to array siege engines
against mobile or static enemies, as well as erect
appropriate defenses against the same. Identifying
weakness in defenses before a battle is also another
common use of this Skill. Although the strategist may
not be a stoneworker, they can identify where the
strongest and weakest points are in a fortification. One
may also use the Skill to commit military investment
and to properly provision for the war effort, and to
conduct psychological warfare upon the enemy.
# (Trivial +30%): Take account of supplies and
provisions for a military campaign
# (Easy +20%): Determine all means of ingress to a
structure
# (Routine +10%): Determine weaknesses in
enemy lines
# (Standard +/–0%): Deploy one’s cavalry to make
greatest effect of a charge
# (Challenging –10%): Find soft spots in
fortifications
S K I LL S 107
# (Hard –20%): Find provisions to maintain an
army in unknown land
# (Arduous –30%): Count the number of troops
remaining on a battlefield
Survival (Perception)
Survival represents a Blackbird’s ability to thrive
in the wilderness and live off the land. It can be
used to forage for berries and roots, to recognize
which plants and animals are safe to consume,
to hunt for food, to follow trails left behind by
animals or people, and to find suitable shelter.
In addition, it allows one to prepare simple meals,
to construct rudimentary weapons, and to fashion
simple snares with which to hunt.
# (Trivial +30%): Go fishing with adequate
supplies
# (Easy +20%): Forage for roots and berries in the
wild
# (Routine +10%): Build a shelter out of limbs and
grass
# (Standard +/–0%): Construct an improvised
weapon
# (Challenging –10%): Follow a small animal’s
tracks
# (Hard –20%): Track the passing of a single person
through the wilderness
# (Arduous –30%): Find a source of water deep in
the desert
Toughness (Brawn)
This Skill represents a Blackbird’s ability to exhibit
remarkable stamina and endurance. It reflects
their ability to withstand pain and exposure to
the elements, to withstand the effects of powerful
Vitiations, to endure a forced march, to run for
extended periods of time, and to hold one’s breath.
# (Trivial +30%): Resist the effects of the flux after
a bad meal
# (Easy +20%): Resist the effects of scale rot after
hiding among the afflicted
# (Routine +10%): Withstand one dose of a toxin
108 BLACKBIRDS
# (Standard +/–0%): Resist the effects of
consumption after being coughed on
# (Challenging –10%): Withstand the effects of
snake venom
# (Hard –20%): Withstand intoxication after
drinking Yolkshine
# (Arduous –30%): Get back on one’s feet after
falling a long distance
Tradecraft (Willpower)
Tradecraft is used by Blackbirds to construct and
create a wide variety of things. Anyone with a Skill
Rank in Tradecraft has the potential to practice any
trade, though it takes time and dedication to learn
and master such training.
# (Trivial +30%): Melt down or repurpose materials
from destroyed objects
# (Easy +20%): Make minor repairs and restore an
item to like-new condition
# (Routine +10%): Conduct the repairs to restore a
Worn item
# (Standard +/–0%): Create an object with
minimal materials
# (Challenging –10%): Mimic someone else’s work
# (Hard –20%): Invent a new Trapping
# (Arduous –30%): Begin repairs on a Ruined set
of armor, shield, or weapon
Warfare (Combat)
The Warfare Skill is a measure of a Blackbird’s
combat experience and training that allows for
them to adapt to changing circumstances in the
heat of battle. With this knowledge, one can rapidly
change the mode of conflict as necessary, adapting
very quickly to an opponent’s tactics. This Skill may
also be employed to identify weak or wounded foes
in large groups, to better isolate and strike the same
target over and over amid an Engagement. Finally,
this Skill is used to arm and fire siege weapons
intended to break down walls, smash gates, crash
through an army’s defenses, and wreak havoc upon
an enemy’s supply lines.
# (Trivial +30%): Conduct a parade of trained
soldiers
# (Easy +20%): Load a war machine with assistance
# (Routine +10%): Determine which of your
opponents is the most injured
# (Standard +/–0%): Conduct a redeployment of
troops in the midst of battle
# (Challenging –10%): Conduct a retreat to lull
one’s opponents into an ambush
# (Hard –20%): Prognosticate the tactics an
unknown enemy is employing
# (Arduous –30%): Spot the weak point in a line of
infantry to break through to safety

Strategy Versus Warfare
Though they serve similar purposes, the Strategy
and Warfare Skills possess different focuses.
Strategy is the more cerebral and theoretical
pursuit. It is used to craft plans of action: What’s
the scheme to break into the Sigilist money vault?
What’s the best method of laying siege to the city of
Sheb? Warfare is employed in the midst of the fight,
after things have gone wrong, in an effort to adapt
to the circumstances at hand. It is used to improvise
in the heat of the moment: How can we escape the
burning tower? Who is the opponent most likely to
break in a fight? There is a fair amount of crossover
between the two, however, and it is possible to
employ one in the other’s stead. This comes at a cost
of –20 to tests made with the less appropriate Skill.
Wortcunning (Intelligence)
Whether they gain their education in the
marbled halls of the Republic’s universities or
in the ramshackle hut of a village wise woman,
wortcunning’s practitioners plumb the secrets of
natural magic—magic not drawn from the Od, but
available to anyone with the discipline and knowhow
to draw forth power from the physical world. It
encompasses herbalism, alchemy, astrology, and
other such esoteric studies. Through centuries of
S K I LL S 109
trial and error, cunning folk have gleaned a myriad
of secrets about the world and have passed that
knowledge down either in writing or through word
of mouth. Medicines, poisons, and other substances
useful to adventurers can be crafted using this Skill,
and it is also used to cast Wortcunning Spells.
A practitioner’s laboratory tends to be a strange
amalgam of scientific instruments, astrological
symbols, physic garden, and menagerie. Rules for
using wortcunning and casting Wortcunning Spells
are covered in Chapter 8: Theurgy, and example
concoctions can be found in Chapter 6: Conflict
& Rekindling.
# (Trivial +30%): Identify a known alchemical
substance
# (Easy +20%): Assemble a wortcunning laboratory
# (Routine +10%): Create one dose of a deliriant,
one flask of salmiac, or one bandage
# (Standard +/–0%): Create two doses of a daimn
poultice or deliriant, two flasks of salmiac, or two
bandages
# (Challenging –10%): Create three doses of a
deliriants, three flasks of salmiac, or three
bandages
# (Hard –20%): Produce a jar of Corbellian fire
# (Arduous –30%): Reverse verdigris’s effect on
quickbronze
 C H A P TE R 5

Talents † Techniques
 I n Blackbirds, Talents and Techniques represent the
unique, learned abilities that Blackbirds have acquired
in their time adventuring down the path of Fate. While
they may have many to choose from, it’s up to them to decide
which one to use at what time, and to combine these gifts in
unique ways.

Talents have a single focus, providing a specific benefit to the character

when slotted. By contrast, Techniques each have three abilities,
comprising various bonuses and actions that apply to a myriad of
situations. However, the third of these abilities is a powerful representation
of that area of the Blackbird’s training. These Extinguish Abilities are
incredibly powerful, requiring no rolls of the dice or element of chance.
That power comes at the cost of making all three of the abilities tied to
the Technique unavailable until after another Rekindling.
Prerequisites: Each Talent and Technique will list any
prerequisites, including a number of icons. Each icon represents one of
the Paths. A Blackbird must have the appropriate Tiers in the required
Path before they can acquire the Talent or Technique.
Purchasing Talents: Each Talent purchased adds another option to
your Blackbird’s Talent deck, granting you access to more possibilities
and types of character builds when slotting their Talents and Techniques
each Weaving. If the Blackbird meets the prerequisites listed on the

TE C H N I Q U E TE R M I N O L O GY
" Combat Action: An Action used only in Combat
Scenes. Costs AP. Same as the Combat Actions
outlined in Chapter 6: Conflict & Rekindling.
" Extinguish Action: A powerful ability a Blackbird
can employ that extinguishes the Technique slot and
makes all of the benefits of that Technique unavailable
until the next Rekindling. If any circumstances or rules
prevent this Action from being used, this Technique is
not Extinguished.
" Non-Combat Action: An ability that can be used only
outside of combat.
" Passive Bonus: Provides a boost to the Blackbird and
does not require activation.
" Reaction: A reactive ability the Blackbird uses to
respond to actions targeting them. Costs AP. Same
as the Reactions in Chapter 6: Conflict & Rekindling.
" Rekindling Action: An ability that can be performed
only during a Rekindling. A Blackbird may use only one
Rekindling Action from a Technique during any particular
Rekindling. See Chapter 6: Conflict & Rekindling.
" Special Action: An ability a Blackbird can use inside and
outside of combat. If attempting to use in combat, it
operates as Special Actions do in Chapter 6: Conflict
& Rekindling and uses the AP cost listed in the Action.
" Surprise Action: An Action that can be performed
only during a Surprise Round.

Talent, you may purchase it for a cost of 1 RP times
the number of icons listed in the prerequisite. You
may not purchase any Talents that a Blackbird lacks
the prerequisites for, at any cost.
# A Talent with a prerequisite of would
cost 1 RP.
# A Talent with a prerequisite of
would cost 2 RP.
# A Talent with a prerequisite of
would cost 3 RP.
A Blackbird’s Talent hand in Basic Tier consists
of a maximum of up to three Talents. In
Intermediate Tier, they can acquire two more
Talents to add to their hand, raising their maximum
to five. And at Advanced Tier, a Blackbird may
purchase their final, sixth Talent. In addition to
these limits, a Blackbird may never have more than
three Basic-Tier Talents, two Intermediate-Tier
Talents, or one Advanced-Tier Talent from a
particular Path.
Purchasing Techniques: Each Technique
purchased adds another option to your Blackbird’s
Technique deck, granting you access to more
possibilities and types of character builds when
slotting their Talents and Techniques each
Weaving. If the Blackbird meets the prerequisites
listed on the Technique, you may purchase it for a
cost of 2 RP times the number of icons listed in
the prerequisite. You may not purchase any
Techniques that a Blackbird lacks the prerequisites
for, at any cost.
# A Technique with a prerequisite of
would cost 2 RP.
# A Technique with a prerequisite of
would cost 4 RP.
# A Technique with a prerequisite of
would cost 6 RP.
A Blackbird’s Technique hand in Basic Tier
consists of a maximum of up to three Techniques.
TA L E NT S & TE C H N I Q U E S 113
In Intermediate Tier, they can acquire two more
Techniques to add to their hand, raising their
maximum to five. At Advanced Tier, a Blackbird
may purchase their final, sixth Technique. Outsider
and Story Techniques do not count against this
maximum. Weapon Techniques have their own
maximum, based on the number of Ranks the
Blackbird has in the Skill to which the Technique is
tied, either Melee or Ranged.
Outsider Techniques, Story Techniques, and
Weapon Techniques have different costs and
requirements:
# Outsider Techniques are acquired automatically
once a theurge gains a particular agreement with a
specific Outsider. They are added to that Blackbird’s
Technique deck at no extra cost and can be slotted
as normal. Techniques for lesser agreements are
also available, so if a theurge has access to the
Technique for the pact agreement, the communion
and rapport Outsider Techniques are also
available. If, at any time, a Blackbird loses contact
with an Outsider or the relationship with an
Outsider degrades, the corresponding Technique
or Techniques are removed from their deck
immediately, even if one is slotted.
# Story Techniques work in much the same way as
Outsider Techniques. They cost nothing and are
added to a Blackbird’s deck when certain narrative
events occur or when the Blackbird has access to
certain items, locations, resources, or contacts.
An example of this would be gaining possession
of one of the Meeds of the Od that has a
corresponding Technique, such as the sword
Necropolis or one of the numen lots.
# Weapon Techniques represent specialized
training with a weapon. Before a Weapon
Technique may be purchased, the Blackbird must
first meet its prerequisite, a Skill Rank in either
Melee or Ranged. All Weapon Techniques cost 1
RP, and if one is bought during character
creation, the Blackbird immediately gains the
most basic version of the weapon itself at no
additional cost.
114 BLACKBIRDS

Bow & Blade CO N D I T I O N E D K N U C K L E S

Talents PREREQUISITES:
EFFECT: Add Damage and the Punishing
DUEL Quality to any successful unarmed strike the
PREREQUISITES: Blackbird performs.
EFFECT: When the Blackbird is Engaged with only a
single enemy, gain +10 per to all Skill tests for GRIT
Combat Actions. PREREQUISITES:
EFFECT: The Blackbird automatically succeeds at
F O RT I T U D E their first Resolve test in any given encounter or
PREREQUISITES: Combat Scene.
EFFECT: The Blackbird ignores the Heavy Quality
on armor and the Slow Quality on weapons. (See M O RTA L P R E Y
Chapter 7: Trappings for more on Qualities.) PREREQUISITES:
EFFECT: The Blackbird specializes in striking down
T H E G R A C EF U L B L A D E humans and their kin. Add +10 per to Melee and
PREREQUISITES: Ranged Skill tests made for them to hit a Mortal target.
EFFECT: You can use the Blackbird’s [CB] or [AB]
when determining Damage for any weapon with T I G HTE N T H E ST R A P S
the Finesse Quality. PREREQUISITES:
EFFECT: The Blackbird knows their protective gear
A N I M P R E S S I V E P HYS I Q U E inside and out. They gain an additional +1 Damage
PREREQUISITES: Threshold Modifier from their armor.
EFFECT: You can use your Blackbird’s Toughness
in place of Intimidate or Charm for Skill tests. V E TE R A N O F A H U N D R E D W A R S
Any bonuses and penalties that would apply to PREREQUISITES:
Toughness would be applicable for this Skill test. EFFECT: The Blackbird’s seen enough combat that
nothing catches them off guard. They can never be
QUICKLOAD targeted by an enemy during a Surprise Round.
PREREQUISITES:
EFFECT: During combat, the AP cost to Load a E L D E N J U G G E R N A UT
Ranged weapon is reduced by 1, to a minimum of 1. PREREQUISITES:
EFFECT: The Blackbird has been hardened in the
S U RV I VO R fires of the battlefield, and it takes much more to
PREREQUISITES: actually harm them as a result. All Toughness tests
EFFECT: If this Blackbird is the target of a Surprise made for them are Flip to Succeed.
Round, they generate 3 AP that can be spent on
Dodge and Parry attempts. R E V E R B E R AT I N G D EF L E C T I O N
PREREQUISITES:
SW I F T D I S E N G A G E EFFECT: When the Blackbird shrugs off a blow,
PREREQUISITES: their opponents shake with fear. Any time they
EFFECT: Add strides to the Blackbird’s Movement successfully Parry or Dodge an enemy’s attack, that
when using the Maneuver Movement Action. enemy loses 1 AP.

TOW E R O F W I LL
PREREQUISITES:
EFFECT: The Blackbird’s mind is as well conditioned
as their body. All Resolve tests made for them are
Flip to Succeed.
Bow & Blade
Techniques
A G I T T I TE SW O R D M A STE R
Before the wars, a lucky few would be selected
to train with the Agittite swordmasters, secretive
scholars of steel, whose esoteric techniques are
renowned and revered.
PREREQUISITES:
# Borivoi’s Guard (1 AP, Combat Action)
EFFECT: Spend 1 AP during the Blackbird’s Turn,
and until their next Turn, Parry and Dodge Actions
with a sword cost 0 AP.
# Mstislav’s Open (0 AP, Combat Action)
EFFECT: The Blackbird springs into action, launching
an all-out offense. They cannot use Reactions until
their next Turn, but they lose any penalties for making
attacks beyond the first when wielding a sword.
# Alianor’s Spite (3 AP, Extinguish Combat Action)
EFFECT: The Blackbird circles their enemies in a slow
and threatening posture with sword in hand. Until
the end of this Combat Scene, any enemy entering
or crossing within strides of the Blackbird’s
position is struck down in a flash and instantly
Slain!. If the Blackbird takes any Actions other than
Maneuver, it will end this effect.
B LU R R I N G A CC U R A C Y
The Blackbird strikes and moves with
disturbing martial acumen.
PREREQUISITES:
# I’m Better Than This (Passive Bonus)
EFFECT: After the Blackbird makes a successful
attack with a Melee or Ranged weapon, you may
roll again. If the second roll is a Critical Success,
you may replace the first roll with the second.
TA L E NT S & TE C H N I Q U E S 115
# Rending Blow (Passive Bonus)
EFFECT: After the Blackbird lands a successful Melee
or Ranged Attack, make a Warfare Skill test. If it
succeeds, you may choose to forego Damage for
them to inflict a Moderate Injury on their target.
# Uncanny Lure (1 AP, Extinguish Reaction)
EFFECT: After a successful attack is made against
the Blackbird, apply the Damage and effects from
that attack to another enemy who is adjacent to the
Blackbird.
CRACKING OF KNUCKLES
The only weapon the Blackbird needs is their
own hands. When fighting unarmed, they reap the
benefits of control, discipline, and mobility.
PREREQUISITES:
# Back Alley Brawler (Passive Bonus)
EFFECT: The Blackbird’s unarmed attack loses the
Slow Quality, and Targeted Attacks are made at a
+10 per . While unarmed, using the Maneuver
Action costs only 1 AP.
# Again! (Passive Bonus)
EFFECT: The Blackbird may make multiple unarmed
Melee Attacks without the usual penalty.
# Pugilistic Whirlwind (3 AP, Extinguish Special
Action)
EFFECT: While unarmed, all foes the Blackbird is
currently Engaged with are immediately Knocked
Out or Slain!, your choice.
H A U NTE D V I S A G E
The Blackbird’s seen too much and cares too little.
PREREQUISITES:
# Unimpressed (Passive Bonus)
EFFECT: If no Parry or Dodge rolls have been made
for the Blackbird since their last Turn, add an extra
Damage die to their attacks for this Turn.
# More to Kill (Passive Bonus)
EFFECT: When there are more enemies in a Combat
Scene than there are allies, the Blackbird gains +1
AP at the start of their Turn.
# Too Miserable to Die (0 AP, Extinguish
Reaction)
116 BLACKBIRDS
EFFECT: Some people are just too stubborn to die.
When the Blackbird would normally be Slain!,
they are instead moved to Level 4 on the Damage
Condition Track, and they add +1 to their Damage
Threshold for the remainder of this Combat Scene.
MY R EF L E C T I O N I N I RO N
This Blackbird knows that a sword’s chipped edge
or a poorly fletched arrow could lead to a sudden
downfall.
PREREQUISITES:
# Linseed & Whetstone (Passive Bonus)
EFFECT: Weapons in this Blackbird’s possession are
always considered to be well maintained and do an
extra +1 damage.
# Ritual of Care (Rekindling Action)
EFFECT: During a Rekindling Scene, this Blackbird
may fully repair one piece of their equipment.
# Calm Before the Storm (Extinguish Non-Combat
Action)
EFFECT: The Blackbird chooses a weapon and makes
some temporary adjustments to it; it does an extra
Damage die during the next Combat Scene.
T H E O L D W AYS
This Blackbird employs odd bits of hedge
magic to help even the battlefield.
PREREQUISITES:
# Bag of Teeth (Passive Bonus)
EFFECT: When they’re being specifically targeted
by an Outsider Technique, a Vitiation, or a
Wortcunning Spell, make a Toughness test for the
Blackbird. If it succeeds, they are unaffected.
# Addle the Mind (2 AP, Combat Action)
EFFECT: The Blackbird strikes at an enemy. If they
succeed, make a Warfare test. If that succeeds, their
enemy cannot use Outsider Techniques, Vitiations,
or Wortcunning Spells for the next Rounds.
# Seal of Power (1 AP, Extinguish Reaction)
EFFECT: When a foe uses a Misfortune Trait against
this Blackbird, their Fate-touched nature deflects
the Misfortune back unto their opponent, rendering
them Defenseless until the start of their next Turn.
T H E TA UT ST R I N G
The Blackbird wields Ranged weapons with
precision, grace, and uncommon accuracy.
PREREQUISITES:
# Needle Threader (Passive Bonus)
EFFECT: Gain +10 per to all Ranged Attacks.
Additionally, there is no penalty for making a
second Ranged Attack on the same Turn.
# Always at Hand (Passive Bonus)
EFFECT: If at the beginning of their Turn, the
Blackbird has a Ranged weapon in their hands that
is not loaded, it is automatically loaded without
spending any AP.
# Feathers of the Erl-King (3 AP, Extinguish
Special Action)
EFFECT: Choose targets within range of the
Blackbird’s Ranged weapon. They are instantly
Slain!; the Blackbird’s missiles do their bloody work
as if guided by some unseen force.

THE GUARDIAN
They’ll have to go through you first.
PREREQUISITES:
# Not Today (1 AP, Reaction)
EFFECT: Whenever an ally who is adjacent to the
Blackbird is targeted by an attack, they may Parry or
Dodge the attack on the ally’s behalf. If the Parry or
Dodge fails, the Blackbird suffers the consequences
as if they had been the original target.
# Defensive Form (Passive Bonus)
EFFECT: Gain +10 per to all Skill tests made for
the Blackbird to Parry, Dodge, or otherwise resist
Damage.
# Behind Me! (3 AP, Extinguish Combat Action)
EFFECT: Until the beginning of their next Turn,
the Blackbird does not suffer Conditional Effects,
and their Damage Threshold gains a bonus of +3.
Additionally, their allies can choose to Take Cover
behind the Blackbird as low cover.
M A N H U NTE R
Whether a mercenary or a murderer, the
Blackbird is adept at hunting people.
PREREQUISITES:
# A Name on My List (Passive Bonus)
EFFECT: When making any Skill tests to track or
locate a target you believe to be Mortal, inform
your Fateweaver and have them roll for you
secretly. If the Blackbird’s target is indeed Mortal,
the roll is Flip to Succeed; otherwise, it’s a normal
roll. They will tell you only whether it succeeded
or failed.
# Bane of Flesh & Blood (1 AP, Combat Action)
EFFECT: Make a Warfare test, and if it succeeds, the
Blackbird’s next attack against a Mortal target does
Bane Damage (a Ð10 that explodes on a ‘9’ or ‘10’).
# Nothing Personal (3 AP, Extinguish Special
Action)
EFFECT: The Blackbird may target any Mortal enemy
in range of their weapon. Choose to either render
that foe Helpless or Slain!.
TA L E NT S & TE C H N I Q U E S 117
S H O U L D E R TO S H O U L D E R
After the charge comes the press and hungering
blades darting in from all directions. Be ready.
PREREQUISITES:
# Palette of Blood (Passive Bonus)
EFFECT: When the Blackbird wields a shield, gain
+10 per to Skill tests made to Parry. Additionally,
treat the shield as if it has the Off-Hand Quality. If
it already does, gain an additional + to Damage.
# Staggering Thrust (1 AP, Reaction)
EFFECT: After successfully parrying an attacker, the
Blackbird may make an immediate attack as a Reaction
against that enemy. If successful, the foe is pushed out
of Engagement range in a direction of your choosing.
# Veteran’s Defense (3 AP, Extinguish Combat
Action)
EFFECT: Until the end of this Combat Scene,
any enemy attacking within strides of the
Blackbird’s position has their attack parried. If the
Blackbird takes any Actions other than Maneuver,
it will end this effect.
T RO P H I E S O F T H E H U NT
It takes more than sharp steel and bravery to
stalk the horrors that prey upon the weak.
PREREQUISITES:
# Hunter’s Patience (Passive Bonus)
EFFECT: When striking an enemy that is not Mortal,
the Blackbird gains +10 per to their chance to hit.
# Assail the Beast (1 AP, Combat Action)
EFFECT: Choose a non-Mortal foe and make a
Warfare test. If it succeeds, the Blackbird’s next
attack does an extra Damage die against that foe.
# I Know Your Tricks (0 AP, Extinguish Reaction)
EFFECT: By using their knowledge of hunting all
manner of aberrations, the Blackbird is able to
completely evade the use of 1 Misfortune Power.
WALL OF MUSCLE
The Blackbird’s excellent physical conditioning
has put them above and beyond other fighters.
PREREQUISITES:
# Pulsing Sinew (Passive Bonus)
118 BLACKBIRDS
EFFECT: Gain a +10 per to Toughness and
Athletics tests and a +1 bonus to Damage when
using Melee weapons.
# Hastened Recovery (Rekindling Action)
EFFECT: Once during each Rekindling, they can
draw upon their natural vitality to move 1 level up
the Damage Condition Track or recover from one
ongoing toxin effect.
# My Body, My Temple (0 AP, Extinguish Reaction)
EFFECT: The Blackbird is so in tune with their body,
they can make the micro adjustments that mean
the difference between a bruise and a break. When
they receive an Injury, you may use this Extinguish
Reaction to prevent not only the Injury, but any
accompanying Damage.
H U NTE R O F T H E A CC U R S E D
Hunting down afflicted souls is nearly a
kindness.
PREREQUISITES:
# Some Call It Mercy (Passive Bonus)
EFFECT: Gain +30 to all Skill tests employed to hunt
down or fight Accursed enemies.
# Delay Curse (1 AP, Combat Action)
EFFECT: After the Blackbird’s done Damage to an
Accursed enemy on their Turn, use this ability
immediately following the Blackbird’s attack to
prevent their enemy from using any Misfortune
Traits on their next Turn.
# Take You with Me (3 AP, Extinguish Combat
Action)
EFFECT: An Accursed foe that the Blackbird is
Engaged with that has No Mortal Skill becomes
Defenseless until its next Turn. The Blackbird also
starts their next Turn with 0 AP.
PA R A G O N O F CO M M A N D
The weight of leadership rests heavily on this
Blackbird’s shoulders.
PREREQUISITES:
# Unwavering Resolve (Passive Bonus)
EFFECT: Resolve tests are Flip to Succeed for this
Blackbird and their flock during Combat Scenes.
# We Hold the Line (2 AP, Combat Action)
EFFECT: Until the start of their next Turn, the
Blackbird’s Fatebound companions gain a +30 on
all Parry and Dodge tests made for them.
# No Fear, No Quarter! (3 AP, Extinguish Combat
Action)
EFFECT: For the remainder of this Combat Scene, the
Blackbird and their Fatebound companions gain +3
to their [CB] and an additional 1 AP each Turn.
T I TA N O F T H E B AT T L EF I E L D
The Blackbird fights with delight, abandon,
fury, and a complete disregard for their safety.
PREREQUISITES:
# Blood in Your Teeth (Passive Bonus)
EFFECT: Every time the Blackbird drops a level on
the Damage Condition Track, they temporarily
gain +1 [CB] for the remainder of that Combat
Scene.
# Challenging Howl (1 AP, Combat Action)
EFFECT: Until the start of the Blackbird’s next Turn,
any enemies attempting to target one of their allies
must pass a Resolve test at –30, or they are forced
to attack the Blackbird, if possible.
# Onslaught (3 AP, Extinguish Special Action)
EFFECT: All enemies in a radius of 3 strides are
immediately Slain!.
Charm & Manipulation
Talents
AV E N G E M E
PREREQUISITES:
EFFECT: Whenever you spend the Blackbird’s Fate
amulet for them to avoid being Slain!, any Skill tests
made by their flock against the source of their near-
demise gain +10 for the remainder of the Scene.
D E V I L I S H A DV O CATE
PREREQUISITES:
EFFECT: Gain +10 per to all Bargain rolls made
for the Blackbird. Add an additional +10 when

the Blackbird acts as an advocate bargaining with
Outsiders for a theurge.
F O RT U N E’ S D A R LI N G
PREREQUISITES:
EFFECT: Add an extra Fortune coin into the pool
at the start of the Weaving that only the Blackbird
with this Talent slotted can spend.
H O N E YE D W O R D S
PREREQUISITES:
EFFECT: The Blackbird knows exactly what people
want to hear. While this Talent is slotted, gain +10
per to Charm tests made in attempts to make
hostile characters like or trust the Blackbird.
L O ST I N YO U R E YE S
PREREQUISITES:
EFFECT: Gain +10 per while making Skill tests
for the Blackbird to hold someone’s attention or to
distract them.
A M O ST W E L CO M E R EF L E C T I O N
PREREQUISITES:
EFFECT: No matter what the Blackbird is wearing
or what Trappings they have on their person,
when entering any social situation or milieu, this
Blackbird may make a (Standard +/–0%) Guile
test with an additional +10 per . If successful,
those present will assume the Blackbird is the same
status they are, based solely on their speech and
demeanor.
YO U R R E P UTAT I O N P R E C E D E S YO U
PREREQUISITES:
EFFECT: When the Blackbird gains a new patron,
their Patronage level begins at +1 per [1 C&M]
with that individual.
FRIENDS IN HIGH PLACES
PREREQUISITES:
EFFECT: The Blackbird may use Charm or Guile in
place of Intimidate for appropriate Skill tests. If the
TA L E NT S & TE C H N I Q U E S 119
Blackbird mentions one of their patrons, add the
corresponding Patronage score to the Skill test.
R I G HT O F I NT RO D U C T I O N
PREREQUISITES:
EFFECT: Whenever interacting with a new faction,
family, or government, the Blackbird always has a
contact who is willing to make an introduction.
TE N D E R O F T H E G R A P E V I N E
PREREQUISITES:
EFFECT: Any failed Rumor test may be rerolled in an
attempt to generate better results.
THEY’RE WITH ME
PREREQUISITES:
EFFECT: All Fatebound companions in the
Blackbird’s presence gain +10 to Charm tests made
for them to make a positive impression.
W E A L L W A NT W H AT ’ S B E ST
PREREQUISITES:
EFFECT: The Blackbird can read people well enough
to sense exactly what they’re afraid of. While this
Talent is slotted, gain +10 per to Scrutinize
tests made for the Blackbird, and that Skill may be
used in place of Intimidate.
FECKLESS RUSE
PREREQUISITES:
EFFECT: The Blackbird manipulates foes into
underestimating them, keeping them from being
a priority target. If a foe is Engaged with this
Blackbird and at least one other potential target,
they will always prioritize a target other than the
Blackbird unless they have a reason not to.
P L AY I N G T H E F O O L
PREREQUISITES:
EFFECT: The Blackbird’s charisma allows them to
shrug off suspicion, even when they’ve botched an
attempt at manipulation. The first time in a Scene
that a Skill test to manipulate another character
120 BLACKBIRDS
fails, that character doesn’t notice the attempt was
made, even if it’s a Critical Failure.
SY M PAT H E T I C V I G O R
PREREQUISITES:
EFFECT: Whenever a Fatebound companion slays a
foe in combat, the Blackbird gains +1 AP until the
start of their next Turn.
Charm & Manipulation
Techniques
B E N EF A C T I O N
The Blackbird has earned the distinction of
being a favored asset of their patrons.
PREREQUISITES:
# Golden Child (Passive Bonus)
EFFECT: When the Blackbird completes any
Undertaking that was not tasked for the purpose
of increasing Patronage, make a Charm test. If
successful, increase the Blackbird’s Patronage with
that patron by 1. This can’t be used to obtain a
Patronage higher than 5 or to gain Stewardship.
# Within Their Domain (Non-Combat Action)
EFFECT: For all Fellowship tests made in areas where
the Blackbird’s patron has influence, add +10 per
if they mention that patron’s name.
# Family Heirloom (Extinguish Non-Combat
Action)
EFFECT: When tasked with an Undertaking, the
Blackbird may request something to aid in that
Undertaking that is 5 Patronage levels higher
than what they would normally be allowed, and it
will be granted to them until the Undertaking is
completed. The Blackbird may not use this ability
again until that Undertaking is completed.
T H E C O I L E D A S P, S E D U C T I O N
Desire is the key to the heart, and the heart can
fog the mind. This Blackbird is exceptional at
becoming what others want in order to achieve
their ends.
PREREQUISITES:
# Look into My Eyes (Non-Combat Action)
EFFECT: Any Skulduggery or Stealth tests made for
this Blackbird’s flock against a target the Blackbird
flirts with are Flip to Succeed. The Blackbird must
be close enough to the target to talk to them, and
a successful Charm test is required. This effect lasts
so long as the Blackbird is willing to talk to them.
# Post-Coitus (Non-Combat Action)
EFFECT: After the Blackbird spends an evening
entertaining a paramour, said paramour tends to
spill their secrets. The Blackbird learns secrets
their lover shouldn’t be telling anyone.
# Want Me (3 AP, Extinguish Non-Combat
Action)
EFFECT: Choose someone the Blackbird has used
either of the above abilities on. They fall madly in
love with the Blackbird and will do anything to be
with them. The lovestruck person will bend the law
to the full extent they are able. The Blackbird may
have only one person bewitched in this way at one
time, and former targets of this ability cannot be
affected again.
CO N ST R U C T O F MY I M A G I N AT I O N
The Blackbird is adept at fabricating a persona
made from notions, wit, and artistry.
PREREQUISITES:
# The Alchemy of Being (Rekindling Action)
EFFECT: During a Rekindling, the Blackbird creates
a plausible identity that is nearly foolproof. Make a
Guile test and record the result. This roll is opposed
by rolls made for anyone who might discover or
challenge the Blackbird’s ruse.
# A Mask of Lies (Passive Bonus)
EFFECT: Bargain, Charm, Guile, Intimidate, or
Leadership tests made for the identity the Blackbird
has created gain +10 per .
# You’ve Been Made (3 AP, Extinguish
Non-Combat Action)
EFFECT: If it becomes clear to the Blackbird that
they are about to be discovered, they may give
themself one final opportunity to play their hand
 TA L E NT S & TE C H N I Q U E S 121

perfectly, defusing the situation, avoiding combat,

and creating the opportunity to leave the area. After
this Technique has been used on someone, it may
not be used on them again.

S I LV E R-TO N G U E D D E V I L
There’s a curiously familiar cypher to the
language of Odic contracts and the shrewd wording
of legal agreements.
PREREQUISITES:
# You Missed a Spot (Passive Bonus)
EFFECT: Add +10 per to the Odweft roll made
during a Pythonic Liturgy for a theurge for whom
the Blackbird is advocating, and if contacting an
Outsider for the first time, the Fateweaver will
subtract another –1 from the initial Spite score.
# Whom Do I Have the Pleasure of Addressing?
(Passive Bonus)
EFFECT: Add +10 per to Bargain, Charm,
or Guile tests made when directly acting as an
advocate, and if any advocacy test fails, the result
may be rerolled. The new roll must be taken.
# We Have a Deal (Extinguish Non-Combat Action)
EFFECT: The Blackbird is able to make a temporary
deal for a Vitiation offered by an Outsider they
have met using advocacy without performing a
reckoning. They may do this only once for any EFFECT: When the Blackbird initiates a Revelry, all
particular Outsider. those who participate rise an extra level on the Peril
Condition Track, even if the Charm test is failed. In
TO S S A CO I N addition, 1 point of Misfortune may be transferred
Whether this Blackbird chooses to perform the back into Fortune.
rolling melody of a tavern song or to recite a stanza # Bewitching Minstrel (Extinguish Non-Combat
of Ulaboan poetry, the results are the same—slack- Action)
jawed wonder. EFFECT: The Blackbird performs in a public place and
PREREQUISITES: learns all the rumors about their current location
# Gather Round (Non-Combat Action) that are available. They also gain one Spoils. The
EFFECT: The Blackbird begins a performance in Blackbird may use this ability only once per week
a public place, and all who are present are so in any particular village, town, or city.
enchanted by the beguiling display that they notice
little else. Stealth and Skulduggery tests made for V E N O M- CO ATE D P L E A S A NT R I E S
the Blackbird’s flock gain +10 per against the You could insult a princeling to their face while
performance’s audience. surrounded by their dainty retinue without
# Interlude of Verse (Non-Combat Action) incurring repercussions.
122 BLACKBIRDS
PREREQUISITES:
# Doublespeak (Special Action)
EFFECT: The Blackbird may hide secret meanings
in their words that only their flock understands.
The coded message may be delivered within a brief
sentence only.
# Cloak of Threats (Non-Combat Action)
EFFECT: The Blackbird speaks a few short sentences
of clever metaphor that only their intended target
will understand as a threat against them. Make a
Charm test, adding +10 per . If successful, treat
this effect as an Intimidation test on the target.
# A Black Promise (Extinguish Special Action)
EFFECT: All enemies who can hear the Blackbird are
at –10 per to Skill tests made for them until
the end of their next Turn if in a Combat Scene.
Outside of combat, this affects only their next roll.
YE O M A N O F M E A N S
This Blackbird has their own resources to draw
upon and perhaps has even invested in a charming
title for themself.
PREREQUISITES:
# Be My Guest (Passive Bonus)
EFFECT: The Blackbird has access to all of the benefits
that would be accrued by having a Patronage score of
2+ without needing to perform any Undertakings
and does not affect Obligation. They may use this
to equip only themself and their flock. This special
level of Patronage is not increased by any Talents,
Techniques, or Boons that increase Patronage.
# The Privileges of Coin (Non-Combat Action)
EFFECT: Once between Rekindlings, the Blackbird
can send a lackey, footman, or other menial to
perform a small task that can be completed in 1
day. Examples: Deliver a message up to 1 day’s ride
away, keep watch on a person or location for the
next day and report back, perform a tedious and
repetitive task, etc.
# A Heavy Purse (3 AP, Extinguish Non-Combat
Action)
EFFECT: The Blackbird accumulates Spoils worth 3+
. They may use this ability only once per month,
and they must be in a city to do so.
I NT R I G U E S O F T H E CO U RT
How this Blackbird has survived so long among
the plots of the high court is perhaps even a mystery
to themself.
PREREQUISITES:
# Retired Food Taster (Passive Bonus)
EFFECT: The Blackbird is immune to all poisons,
and if they ingest a poison, the Fateweaver will tell
you. Make a successful Awareness test for them to
discover exactly what kind of toxin or venom it
is and, possibly, how it ended up in their food or
drink.
# A Maze of Twisty Passages (Non-Combat Action)
EFFECT: When navigating or traveling through
capital cities and castles, Rumor may be substituted
for Navigation and Awareness for the Blackbird
to find their way or to discover secret passages and
hidden secrets, respectively.
# Triplecross (0 AP, Extinguish Combat Action)
EFFECT: The Blackbird may prevent a Surprise
Round from happening and move combat forward
to an Opening Round. They and Fatebound
companions may choose their position on the
Initiative Ladder for that Round.
MENAGERIE OF ADEPTS
The Blackbird always has a connection to
someone who can get things done.
PREREQUISITES:
# Particular Set of Skills (Non-Combat Action)
EFFECT: Once between Rekindlings, the Blackbird
may gain the assistance of someone from the Support
or Assistance section in Chapter 7: Trappings
based on a Patronage level of 3+ . This person
is willingly helping to fulfill a favor and will not
render unreasonable assistance.
# A Job in Every Port (Non-Combat Action)
EFFECT: When the Blackbird shows up in a location
where they do not have a patron, they are able to

immediately find one looking for someone to fulfill
an Undertaking.
# No One Said YOU Have to Die (3 AP, Extinguish
Combat Action)
EFFECT: Why defeat one’s enemies when one can
employ them? The Blackbird convinces up to
Mortal foes to defect to their side for the remainder
of this combat.
O F D I P L O M A C Y & T R E A C H E RY
The meandering path of diplomatic relations
ends in one of two places.
PREREQUISITES:
# An Ounce of Prevention (Passive Bonus)
EFFECT: All Skill tests made for the Blackbird
using the Bargain, Charm, Guile, or Intimidate
Skills for the purposes of forestalling an imminent
violent conflict are given a +10 per bonus to
succeed.
# Parlay (Non-Combat Action)
EFFECT: Make a Charm test just before a Combat
Scene is about to begin. If successful, intelligent
foes will always be willing to have at least a brief
discussion first.
# The End of Colloquy (Extinguish Non-Combat
Action)
EFFECT: The Blackbird begins a Combat Scene and
triggers a Surprise Round. All of their allies are
activated, and their foes are Surprised. This ability
may not be used if anyone present has been a target
of it before.
O T H E RW O R L D LY CO NV I C T I O N
The Blackbird’s uncanny ability to lead those
around them borders on the supernatural.
PREREQUISITES:
# Muster (2 AP, Combat Action)
EFFECT: Make a Leadership test. If it succeeds,
restore AP to an ally.
# The Best-Laid Plans (2 AP, Special Action)
EFFECT: Make a Leadership test. If it succeeds, up to
Fatebound companions may swap out any one
Talent or Technique for another one they possess.
TA L E NT S & TE C H N I Q U E S 123
# With Me! (3 AP, Extinguish Combat Action)
EFFECT: Restore AP to all Fatebound companions
in this Scene.
W ATC H F U L E YE S O F T H E G U I L D
This Blackbird has caught the attention of a
powerful and secretive organization.
PREREQUISITES:
# Red Messengers (2 AP, Special Action)
EFFECT: Once between Rekindlings, choose a target
in sight. They are hit with arbalest crossbow
bolts. Resolve Damage using the Blackbird’s [FB]
as the Bonus and with the Fast, Piercing (3), and
Punishing Qualities applied.
# Velvet Bag (Non-Combat Action)
EFFECT: Once between Rekindlings, a chosen
Mortal target is abducted and taken to a nearby
secure location where they are bound hand and
foot with a bag over their head. The Blackbird
knows the location.
# Courier Service (Extinguish Non-Combat
Action)
EFFECT: Once per month, the Blackbird can have
themself and their flock secretly transported to or
from any city with no one noticing their arrival or
departure. Whether or not the guild has the resources
to do this, and the parameters of the journey, are up
to the Fateweaver.
AURA OF GRANDEUR
The Blackbird’s very presence is formidable
enough that their allies draw strength from it.
PREREQUISITES:
# Inspiring Presence (Passive Bonus)
EFFECT: Once between Rekindlings, a free reroll
may be made for each member of the Blackbird’s
flock.
# Magnificence (2 AP, Combat Action)
EFFECT: The Blackbird’s enthusiasm bolsters
their allies’ spirits. Once per Combat Scene, all
Fatebound companions present gain an additional
AP on the start of their next Turn.
124 BLACKBIRDS
# Words of Rekindling (3 AP, Extinguish Special
Action)
EFFECT: All Fatebound companions may instantly
Rekindle one Technique of their choice.
B A LM O F W O R D S
A voice so powerful it can call back Fatebound
companions from the brink of annihilation.
PREREQUISITES:
# Through the Din (Passive Bonus)
EFFECT: Gain a +10 per to Resolve tests made
for the Blackbird’s flock to Resist the effects of
Traits used against them.
# Snap Out of It! (2 AP, Combat Action)
EFFECT: Cure an ally within earshot of the Defenseless,
Helpless, Knocked Out, or Stunned Conditional
Effects. If the target is under supernatural control,
a Resolve test may be made for them to shake free.
The Blackbird may use this ability on any target only
once per Combat Scene.
# A Light in the Dark (Extinguish Rekindling Action)
EFFECT: Everyone taking part in a Rekindling where
this action is used gains a +30 to any rolls made
during that Rekindling. This ability may be used
only once per week.
A H U M B L E R E Q U E ST
This Blackbird’s skills of negotiation are second
to none.
PREREQUISITES:
# Spoiled for Choice (Passive Bonus)
EFFECT: Once between Rekindlings, the Blackbird
can find a unique patron of any specific type, if one
exists in their location.
# Defining Our Terms (Non-Combat Action)
EFFECT: Make a Bargain test when acquiring
something from a patron to add to the
Blackbird’s Patronage level for that transaction.
# Carte Blanche (Extinguish Non-Combat Action)
EFFECT: The Blackbird is able to act with almost
complete legal power and will be backed by
authorities who respect one of their patrons.
Examples of things the Blackbird could do with this
ability are: have themself and their flock released
from prison, create a stay of execution for someone,
demand an audience with any noble or person of
importance, gain a letter of passage to or through a
forbidden area or country, etc.
Craft & Expertise
Talents
CA RTO G R A P H E R
PREREQUISITES:
EFFECT: The Blackbird has an excellent sense
of direction and can navigate through any
environment and under any circumstances. As a
result, Navigation tests are Flip to Succeed.
E YE S O F T H E M A K E R
PREREQUISITES:
EFFECT: The first few items the Blackbird repairs
during a Rekindling, equal to their , are
automatically repaired by 1 level. Tradecraft may
still be rolled to see if they get a Critical or Sublime
Success. Ignore all other outcomes.
F L E TC H E R
PREREQUISITES:
EFFECT: So long as there’s flint, tree branches,
moistened twine, and a bird’s nest nearby, the
Blackbird can craft missiles. Each Rekindling, they
can make 5× arrows, bolts, or other Ranged
ammo, even with limited resources.
T H E H A M M E R’ S S O N G
PREREQUISITES:
EFFECT: The Blackbird drifts into a dreamlike
state, drummed into meditative emptiness with
each hammer strike, quenching their mind’s fire.
During each Rekindling, each time the Blackbird
successfully creates or repairs a Trapping, they rise 1
level on the Peril Condition Track.

I N K- STA I N E D F I N G E R S
PREREQUISITES:
EFFECT: While this Talent is slotted, gain +10 per
to Skill tests using the Education or Folklore
Skills. Additionally, the Blackbird’s memory is
nearly eidetic, and they may learn twice as many
languages.
M O R E I RO N S I N T H E F I R E
PREREQUISITES:
EFFECT: While this Talent is slotted, the Blackbird
may attempt an additional crafting endeavor per
during a single Rekindling.
SEALEGS
PREREQUISITES:
EFFECT: The Blackbird has specialized knowledge
when it comes to all matters aquatic. Gain +10 per
whenever making Skill tests that involve using
Handle Vehicle to guide marine craft. Additionally,
gain +10 per to Skill tests made during Combat
Scenes on or in the water.
APPRAISER
PREREQUISITES:
EFFECT: The Blackbird knows the value of treasure
and is able to get the maximum amount for it in
trade. All Spoils are treated as if they are levels
higher.
C U R I O U S H A B I TS
PREREQUISITES:
EFFECT: The Blackbird’s travels have exposed them
to strange concepts such as hygiene and sanitation.
They are immune to diseases. Add +10 per to
Heal tests made for them to treat diseases.
H E R B A LI ST
PREREQUISITES:
EFFECT: The Blackbird is particularly talented when it
comes to sourcing rare and hard-to-find materials for
wortcunnings and alchemical concoctions. All Skill
tests to obtain them are made at +10 per and
TA L E NT S & TE C H N I Q U E S 125
require ‒ less Patronage. In addition, the Blackbird
may fashion these items in the old way, with a cauldron
and an open flame instead of an alchemy lab.
P E R F E C T I S T H E E N E MY O F T H E G O O D
PREREQUISITES:
EFFECT: While this Talent is slotted, any results of
Tradecraft and Wortcunning tests made in order
to craft or repair something can be rerolled once.
Additionally, those Skill tests are made at a +10 per
bonus.
T H E U NTA R N I S H E D B L A D E
PREREQUISITES:
EFFECT: All of the Blackbird’s Trappings are immune
to the effects of the Wheel’s Degradation.
DO NO HARM
PREREQUISITES:
EFFECT: Healing Injuries has given the Blackbird
an inverse knowledge of how to cause them. Their
Injury dice cause Injury on a roll of ‘4,’ ‘5,’ or ‘6.’
KISS OF THE MUSE
PREREQUISITES:
EFFECT: Any weapons or armor the Blackbird repairs
during a Rekindling gain a +1 bonus to Damage
or +1 to Damage Threshold Modifier, respectively.
This lasts until the end of their next Combat Scene.
M A STE R C H I R U R G E O N
PREREQUISITES:
EFFECT: Once per Rekindling, the Blackbird
may automatically succeed at binding wounds or
treating injuries.
Craft & Expertise
Techniques
A R R OW W I T H N O E Q U A L
Projectiles sing in the Blackbird’s talented
hands.
126 BLACKBIRDS
PREREQUISITES:
# Master Fletcher (Rekindling Action)
EFFECT: During each Rekindling, the Blackbird
may create arrows or bolts that are +10 to attack
and do + Damage. They lose this endowment
once fired.
# Bowman’s Teeth (Rekindling Action)
EFFECT: During each Rekindling, the Blackbird
may create arrows or bolts that produce one
of the following effects: explode with a loud bang
creating a distraction, make a loud whistling sound
as they fly to signal anyone nearby, deal Biting (2)
Damage, or deal Piercing (2) Damage.
# Gambler’s Arrow (Extinguish Non-Combat
Action)
EFFECT: Once each month when Gambler is full,
the Blackbird produces a perfect arrow or bolt that
is Flip to Succeed when fired, and can hit creatures
with the No Mortal Blade Trait. The missile does
Bane Damage. It loses these endowments once fired.
B A L EF U L A L C H E MY
The Blackbird is no stranger to alchemical
wonders and the secrets hidden within folklore.
PREREQUISITES:
# The Old Lore (Rekindling Action)
EFFECT: The Blackbird can temporarily modify all
of their flock’s weapons to have the Enchanted
Quality, but only against a specific creature (i.e., a
striga lord, a woe mantis, etc.). This effect lasts
Combat Scenes.
# Anoint (2 AP, Special Action)
EFFECT: Once between Rekindlings, the Blackbird
may prepare adjacent Fatebound companions’
weapons with the Enchanted Quality. This effect
lasts until the end of the next Combat Scene or 1
hour, whichever comes sooner.
# Immortal Blade (3 AP, Extinguish Combat
Action)
EFFECT: All of the Enchanted weapons of the
Blackbird and their flock do Bane Damage for the
next Turns to any creature with the No Mortal
Blade Trait.
THE GRAND MASQUERADE
Appearances may be deceiving and, in some
cases, deadly.
PREREQUISITES:
# Fashion Souls (Rekindling Action)
EFFECT: Once during a Rekindling, the Blackbird may
either create clothing or modify armor for up to
people that will give a +10 per to all Fellowship
tests for that person or those people within a certain
milieu, court, or social event. New outfits must be
created or modified for each new event.
# The Hidden Blade (Rekindling Action)
EFFECT: Once during a Rekindling, the Blackbird
may modify up to one-handed weapons such
that they can be secreted within someone’s clothing
without being discovered. Once a weapon is drawn,
the compartment or device must be reconstructed
during a new Rekindling.
# Cloak & Dagger (3 AP, Extinguish Special
Action)
EFFECT: By flourishing their cape, cloak, the hem of
their dress, skirt, kilt, or the fancy flowing sleeves
of their tunic, the Blackbird disarms all Engaged
foes, and one may be Slain!, if they so choose. The
Blackbird’s hidden blade is thrust deep into their
foe’s flesh.
H A L L S O F R E CO L L E C T I O N
This Blackbird’s scholarly pursuits are broad
enough that they’ve forgotten how much they
know.
PREREQUISITES:
# Sagacity (Passive Bonus)
EFFECT: After an Education test fails, the Blackbird
can proceed as if that test was successful. This can
be done a number of times between Rekindlings
equal to .
# Font of Wisdom (Passive Bonus)
EFFECT: When assisting a Fatebound companion,
add the Blackbird’s Skill Ranks in the Skill being
tested to their companion’s, in addition to giving an
Assist die. The total Skill Ranks modifying the roll
may not be more than 3.
 TA L E NT S & TE C H N I Q U E S 127

# Forbidden Knowledge (Extinguish Action) EFFECT: Make a Heal test. If successful, remove the
EFFECT: When seeking information in a book, Bleeding condition from an adjacent ally.
library, or place of learning that would normally # Triage (Extinguish Non-Combat Action)
be hidden or extremely difficult to discover, the EFFECT: Once between Rekindlings, the Blackbird
Blackbird discovers it after only a day of research. can heal Damage levels and one Injury on one
This could be the True Name of an Outsider; adjacent ally. This takes 1 hour.
the lost location of an ancient tomb, temple, or
artifact; or anything else that the Fateweaver would T H A N ATO L O GY
normally require more than just a Skill test to learn. The Blackbird has studied the processes and
effects of death and decay on the human body.
T H E N O U R I S H I N G A RT PREREQUISITES:
Home is where the hearth is, and everything # Death in Many Shapes (Passive Bonus)
seems less daunting on a full stomach. EFFECT: By examining a dead body and the location
PREREQUISITES: where it was killed, the Blackbird can intuit and
# Comforting the Humors (Rekindling Action) recreate the details of the death in their mind—
EFFECT: The soothing fragrance of the Blackbird’s especially details that would not be obvious to most.
cooking fills the air. They must spend 1 hour of Additionally, Education tests used in the deduction
the Rekindling preparing food. Heal tests made by of crimes are at +10 per .
anyone during that Rekindling gain +10 per . # Anatomical Precision (2 AP, Combat Action)
# A Taste of Home (Non-Combat Action)
EFFECT: times between Rekindlings, the
Blackbird may give a prepared treat to a companion.
They rise levels on the Peril Condition Track.
# Ply Them with Delights (Extinguish
Non-Combat Action)
EFFECT: The Blackbird prepares a meal for up to
twenty people. During the feast, all Fellowship tests
made for their flock are at +10 per . By inviting
a patron, noble, or person of import to partake
in the meal, the Blackbird will be able to open a
dialogue or broach a subject that might otherwise
be impossible.

S AW B O N E S
Battlefield medicine is dirty and thankless, but
luckily, the Blackbird doesn’t mind.
PREREQUISITES:
# Catgut & Bone Needles (2 AP, Combat Action)
EFFECT: Make a Heal test. If successful, an adjacent
ally can ignore an Injury for the rest of the Combat
Scene.
# Stanch the Flow (2 AP, Special Action)
128 BLACKBIRDS
EFFECT: Make a Heal test at –20 for the Blackbird
to attack a Mortal. If it hits, it always causes a
Moderate Injury. This will kill a Mortal with the
Unfated Trait.
# Bestiary (Extinguish Non-Combat Action)
EFFECT: By spending an hour vivisecting and
examining the deceased body of a creature, the
Blackbird can discover one bane of that creature they
didn’t know before and possibly other information,
at the Fateweaver’s discretion.
BLACKSMITH
With callused hands and sweat-beaded brow,
the Blackbird cares for weapons and armor like a
parent would a beloved child.
PREREQUISITES:
# Hammer & Anvil (Rekindling Action)
EFFECT: During each Rekindling, the Blackbird
repairs 1 extra level of Degradation whenever the
Tradecraft roll made for them to repair weapons or
armor succeeds.
# Tapestry of Steel (Rekindling Action)
EFFECT: During each Rekindling, the Blackbird may
add one of the Qualities listed here to weapons:
Biting (at ), Piercing (at ), or Punishing.
The Quality lasts through the next Combat Scene.
# Miniature Bomb (3 AP, Extinguish Special Action)
EFFECT: The Blackbird has a very limited supply of
the rare alchemical concoction black powder, and
they have been experimenting with its uses. They
can produce, ignite, and throw a small bomb into
any space within [PB] strides. Anyone in that space
or adjacent to it takes 3Ð6+ Damage. This
ability can affect creatures with No Mortal Skill.
T H E F O O L’ S STO N E
The Blackbird knows a wide variety of potions
and elixirs that can be applied to Melee and Ranged
weapons, and has a small supply on hand most of
the time.
PREREQUISITES:
# Augmentation: Immolation (1 AP, Special
Action)
EFFECT: times between Rekindlings, choose an
adjacent ally. By touching their Melee weapon or up
to missiles if the weapon is Ranged, the Blackbird
may grant it or them the Immolate Quality.
# Augmentation: Envenoming (1 AP, Special
Action)
EFFECT: times between Rekindlings, choose an
adjacent ally. By touching their Melee weapon or up
to missiles if the weapon is Ranged, the Blackbird
may grant it or them Envenomed (1Ð10) Damage.
# Gold to Lead (3 AP, Extinguish Special Action)
EFFECT: Choose an enemy up to [PB] strides away. Any
armor and weapons they’re wearing become Ruined.
M I M I C RY
The Blackbird has a sharp eye for detail.
PREREQUISITES:
# Sharp Study (Special)
EFFECT: When this Technique is slotted, choose a
slotted Technique belonging to one allied Blackbird
that is not higher than the Blackbird’s own Tier and
is not an Outsider Technique, Affliction, or any
other Special Technique. For the duration of this
Weaving, this Technique behaves as if it were a copy
of the Technique chosen from the allied Blackbird,
with all associated functions.
S A N C T I O N E D T R A N S M UTAT I O N S
The Blackbird’s potables skirt the edge of
heresy.
PREREQUISITES:
# Bonded Guild Member (Rekindling Action)
EFFECT: Tradecraft may be used instead of
Wortcunning when the Blackbird mixes alchemical
concoctions. Also add +10 per to such rolls.
# A Vial of Courage (1 AP, Special Action)
EFFECT: Once between Rekindlings, choose
adjacent allies. They gain to their [CB] until
the end of the Combat Scene.
# In Short Supply (3 AP, Extinguish Special Action)
EFFECT: The Blackbird produces one dose of an
alchemical concoction from their gear. The concoction
can’t be higher in Patronage level than 5+ .

T H E ST R ATA G E M O F T R E A C H E RY
Preparing for a battle is no small task, but it’s
one this Blackbird is adept at.
PREREQUISITES:
# Chessboard (Non-Combat Action)
EFFECT: If the Blackbird can spend at least 1 hour
examining a potential location where a battle may
take place, or is already familiar with it, then they
may give themself and Fatebound companions a
bonus of +10 to all Combat Actions performed
there for one Combat Scene.
# Knight Takes Queen (2 AP, Combat Action)
EFFECT: By signaling up to Fatebound
companions, the Blackbird can cause one of the
following effects to occur: all may move 1 stride
without triggering Opportunity Attacks, all
immediately reload the weapons they have in hand,
or one of them is given a +20 to attack a foe if at
least one other Fatebound companion is Engaged
with that same foe.
# Checkmate (Extinguish Non-Combat Action)
EFFECT: If the Blackbird has at least 1 hour to prepare
for an enemy in a location before they arrive, they
automatically gain a Surprise Round at the start of
the Combat Scene, and allies are activated while all
opponents are Surprised.
G I F TS O F T H E S A L A M A N D E R
The alchemical arts are advancing with
tremendous speed, and the Blackbird is on the
forefront of such discoveries.
PREREQUISITES:
# Sulphurosus Powder (2 AP, Combat Action)
EFFECT: Once per Combat Scene, the Blackbird
may toss an incendiary device at a foe. The foe takes
3Ð6+3 Damage, and a successful Flip to Succeed
Coordination test must be made for them, or
they’re set On Fire (see Set On Fire in Chapter 6:
Conflict & Rekindling for details).
# Corbellian Fire (1 AP, Combat Action)
EFFECT: The Blackbird covers an arrow or bolt with
a special substance that bursts into flame on contact
with the air. They may use it or hand it to an ally,
TA L E NT S & TE C H N I Q U E S 129
but it must be fired before the end of the Blackbird’s
next Turn, or the effect is lost. If it hits, make a
successful Coordination test at –30 for the target,
or they are set On Fire (see Set On Fire in Chapter
6: Conflict & Rekindling for details).
# Handgonne (3 AP, Extinguish Special Action)
EFFECT: The Blackbird produces and fires a small
handheld cannon of their own design, with
devastating effect. Choose up to three foes that are
adjacent to one another. They are Slain!. And blown
to pieces. Alternately, the Blackbird can employ this
device to destroy a door, cart, or other up-to-horse-
sized object made primarily of wood.
G U I L D A RT I F I C E R
The Blackbird remembers everyone they’ve ever
stood with in combat, and their names grant a
measure of strength.
PREREQUISITES:
# Make Ready (Rekindling Action)
EFFECT: The Blackbird fully repairs all of the weapons
and armor of all their Fatebound companions. This
takes 1 hour for each companion. The Blackbird is
unable to rest during the repairs.
# The Coming Storm (Rekindling Action)
EFFECT: Choose a Skill. For all the Blackbird’s flock,
that Skill is Flip to Succeed when attempting to
Resist a foe’s Trait used against them. The effect
lasts until the end of their next Combat Scene.
# Epilogue (3 AP, Extinguish Special Action)
EFFECT: After the death of one of their Fatebound
companions, the Blackbird captures a fleck of their
soul in one of their weapons, performing a small
chant and giving the weapon a name. It gains the
Enchanted Quality permanently.
P HYS I C K E R I N A N I M AT U S
This Blackbird is capable of rendering a limb
from metal, wood, and leather straps. Some move
with eerie locomotion.
PREREQUISITES:
# Tarnished Appendage (Non-Combat Action)
130 BLACKBIRDS
EFFECT: With access to a workshop, the Blackbird
can create a prosthetic limb for someone who
has a need for one. Their knowledge of anatomy,
kinesthetics, and crafting results in a limb that
is more functional than would be made by most
artisans.
# Pinions (Rekindling Action)
EFFECT: During a Rekindling, the Blackbird can
add a device or mechanism to a prosthetic limb that
emulates two of the following things: a retractable
dagger, a garrote, a single-use light crossbow, an
alchemical light source that provides dim light for 3
hours, or a hidden compartment.
# Reanimus (0 AP, Extinguish Reaction)
EFFECT: Once between Rekindlings, after a foe
makes an attack and deals Damage, the Blackbird
may choose to ignore all Damage. However, doing
so reveals the extensive augmentations they’ve made
to themself.
Od & Ritual
Talents
BENEDICTION OF IGNORANCE
PREREQUISITES:
EFFECT: While this Talent is slotted, add +10 per
to Odweft rolls to use Vitiations given to the
Blackbird by Outsiders of the Court of Ignorance.
B E N E D I C T I O N O F JOY
PREREQUISITES:
EFFECT: While this Talent is slotted, add +10 per
to Odweft rolls to use Vitiations given to the
Blackbird by Outsiders of the Court of Joy.
BENEDICTION OF PEACE
PREREQUISITES:
EFFECT: While this Talent is slotted, add +10 per
to Odweft rolls to use Vitiations given to the
Blackbird by Outsiders of the Court of Peace.
BENEDICTION OF SILENCE
PREREQUISITES:
EFFECT: While this Talent is slotted, add +10 per
to Odweft rolls to use Vitiations given to the
Blackbird by Outsiders of the Court of Silence.
BENEDICTION OF THE NAMELESS
PREREQUISITES:
EFFECT: While this Talent is slotted, add +10 per
to Odweft rolls to use Vitiations given to the
Blackbird by Outsiders of the Nameless Court.
B E N E D I C T I O N O F T R UT H
PREREQUISITES:
EFFECT: While this Talent is slotted, add +10 per
to Odweft rolls to use Vitiations given to the
Blackbird by Outsiders of the Court of Truth.
ODIC WARRIOR
PREREQUISITES:
EFFECT: You can use [WB] instead of [CB] when
the Blackbird deals Damage with Melee or Ranged
Attacks.
ARMOR OF THE OD
PREREQUISITES:
EFFECT: The Blackbird is able to shape the Od around
their body, granting them protection from physical
harm. While this Talent is slotted, they gain + to
their base Damage Threshold Modifier. This bonus
disappears in locations where the Od is weak.
DOOR OF FLESH
PREREQUISITES:
EFFECT: The Blackbird knows how to manipulate
the flow of Od through their body. When this
Talent is initially slotted, choose between [AB],
[BB], or [CB]. While this Talent remains slotted,
you may use the Blackbird’s [WB] in place of the
chosen Attribute Bonus.

F AV O R O F T H E D E A D G O D S
PREREQUISITES:
EFFECT: When casting a Wortcunning Spell, you
may increase the Base Chance of Success in exchange
for disfavor from the Outsiders in the form of Tithe.
For each the Blackbird has, you may add +10 to
the Base Chance of Success of a Wortcunning test.
Gain 1 Tithe for each +10 bonus used.
N OT W I T H MY OW N TO O L S
PREREQUISITES:
EFFECT: Their experiences with the supernatural have
weathered the Blackbird, allowing them natural
resistances to uninvited visitations. Any Skill tests made
to use Wortcunning Spells or Vitiations against the
Blackbird are made at –10 per . This penalty does
not apply if they want the ability to work on them.
P R E C I O U S TO T H E M
PREREQUISITES:
EFFECT: Outsiders regard the Blackbird more
favorably than their usual Mortals. Gain +10 per
to any Skill tests that involve an Outsider
when making temporary deals or negotiating for
special reckonings. This bonus also applies to the
Blackbird’s advocate.
M O N OT H E I ST
PREREQUISITES:
EFFECT: If the Blackbird has a relationship with only
one Outsider, gain +30 to any Skill tests made to use
their Vitiations or Outsider Techniques, or made
while using their Vitiations or Outsider Techniques.
R E T U R N E D W I T H I NTE R E ST
PREREQUISITES:
EFFECT: When the Blackbird completes a reckoning,
any remaining Tithe is reduced by 3.
TO L E R A N C E F O R T H E E L D R I TC H
PREREQUISITES:
EFFECT: All Resolve tests made for the Blackbird are
Flip to Succeed.
TA L E NT S & TE C H N I Q U E S 131
Od & Ritual
Techniques
B A R R I STE R O F T H E O D
The Blackbird is able to reduce the buildup of
reality-warping forces, as well as point out
metaphysical loopholes in the moment.
PREREQUISITES:
# Strangeness Mitigation (+1 Tithe, 1 AP, Special
Action)
EFFECT: Employ this ability right before a Vitiation
is used. No dice are added to the Odic dice pool,
and Odic Manifestations are not rolled for this
Vitiation.
# Quid pro Quo (1 AP, Special Action)
EFFECT: Employ this ability right after the Blackbird
fails a Vitiation. The failed Vitiation does not incur
Tithe.
# Negotiated Resplendence (+3 Tithe, 3 AP,
Extinguish Special Action)
EFFECT: For the next Vitiation the Blackbird
empowers between Rekindlings, a Sublime Failure
is treated as a Critical Failure, a Critical Failure is
treated as a Failure, a Failure is treated as a Success,
a Success is treated as a Critical Success, and a
Critical Success is treated as a Sublime Success.
B R E A C H E S U P O N C R E AT I O N
There is always a cost when reworking the warp
and weft of the Od.
PREREQUISITES:
# Dark Gambler (+1 Tithe, 0 AP, Reaction)
EFFECT: You may reroll the result after rolling on
the Odic Manifestations table. You must accept the
results of this new roll.
# Seal the Wound (+3 Tithe, 2 AP, Reaction)
EFFECT: When an Odic Manifestation is about to
occur, the Blackbird may prevent it from manifesting.
# Damnation (3 AP, Extinguish Special Action)
EFFECT: Remove all the Odic dice from the pool
of Od and choose a target or targets. You may roll
these dice as if they were Damage dice against the
Blackbird’s foes. You may not assign more than
132 BLACKBIRDS

three dice to a particular enemy. This ability can LINGERING PRESENCE

affect creatures with No Mortal Skill. Some theurges claim to feel more than just the
eyes of the Outsiders upon them. The shades of
K N OTS O F YG G D R A S I L their peers can offer insights into that realm and its
Oh, Great Ash of the Threshold, arbiter of time inhabitants.
and seasons, hear this prayer. PREREQUISITES:
PREREQUISITES: # The Gossip of Forked Tongues (Passive Bonus)
# Sap of Spring (+2 Tithe, 1 AP, Combat Action) EFFECT: The Blackbird knows how much Spite each
EFFECT: Choose up to allies who have not taken of their Outsiders has toward them.
a Turn yet this Round, and change their position # Others of My Kind (+1 Tithe, 2 AP, Special
on the Initiative Ladder. Action)
# Resin of Winter (+3 Tithe, 2 AP, Combat EFFECT: Make an Odweft test. If successful, the
Action) Blackbird learns if there are any other theurges or
EFFECT: Choose up to opponents who have not Odic creatures within 99 strides of their location
taken a Turn yet this Round, and decrease the amount and what specific Outsiders are operating in that
of AP they would generate on their Turn by one. same area.
# Roots of the Godtree (+3 Tithe, 3 AP, Extinguish # Cast a Net of Names (+3 Tithe, Extinguish
Special Action) Non-Combat Action)
EFFECT: Choose up to enemies in this Scene. EFFECT: The Blackbird learns the name and basic
They are rendered Helpless for the next Rounds. information about a particular Outsider, and
perhaps some details that may lead to where or how
their True Name can be discovered. The station of
the Outsider they can discover is based on their
Blackbird’s tier. Imp: , Villein: , Lord:
. Using this ability causes the Blackbird
to fall into a deep slumber for 1Ð6 days, during
which they cannot be roused.

M Y A RT I S A W E A P O N
The Blackbird calls upon theurgy in mercurial
ways perverting the flow of battle.
PREREQUISITES:
# You Have My Attention (0 AP, Reaction)
EFFECT: Once per Round, after a successful attack
is made against the Blackbird, use this ability as
a Reaction to force another attack roll, and the
opponent must take the worse result.
# Cosmic Authority (+1 Tithe, 1 AP, Reaction)
EFFECT: When someone empowered by one of the
Blackbird’s Vitiations makes an attack, you may
choose to make that attack Flip to Succeed before
the roll is made.

# Sacrifice (–1 Tithe, 3 AP, Extinguish Special
Action)
EFFECT: One of the Blackbird’s Outsiders takes an
opponent as a sacrifice, devouring them completely
in the way that Outsider would prefer. That target
is instantly Slain!.
S H A D E S O F H E R E SY
The Blackbird’s relationship to the Od has
enveloped their personage in diabolical ways.
PREREQUISITES:
# Eyes of the Witch (Passive Bonus)
EFFECT: The Blackbird is unaffected by the negative
effects of a lack of illumination.
# Shadow Twin (+2 Tithe, 2 AP, Special Action)
EFFECT: The Blackbird separates their shadow from
their body and sends it to scout ahead. The shadow
has no form, can climb walls, moves at the same
speed the Blackbird does, and can be commanded
mentally, as the Blackbird can see and hear from the
shadow’s location. In anything less than daylight,
rolls made to notice it are at –30. The shadow twin
lasts for [WB] minutes.
# Umbral Feast (+3 Tithe, 3 AP, Extinguish Special
Action)
EFFECT: Shadows emerge from the darkness and
drag enemies away into the Od. Up to enemy
combatants are taken into the dark forever.
W E B O F T H O U G HT
The Blackbird knows how to reach someone’s
mind across the Od.
PREREQUISITES:
# Whispers (+1 Tithe, 1 AP, Special Action)
EFFECT: The Blackbird mentally sends a one-
sentence message to an ally.
# Phrenic Gestalt (+2 Tithe, Non-Combat Action)
EFFECT: Make an Odweft test. If successful, the
Blackbird may link up to [WB] willing individuals
together, allowing them to choose to send messages
to one another just by thinking about them, and
to experience the senses of the other linked people.
This connection lasts for [WB] minutes. If combat
TA L E NT S & TE C H N I Q U E S 133
begins for any of the connected individuals, they
are dropped from the link.
# Dominate (+3 Tithe, 3 AP, Extinguish Special
Action)
EFFECT: The Blackbird can reach into the mind of a
Mortal they can see and take control of them. The
Blackbird’s body is Helpless during this subjugation.
Once the effect ends, or when they choose to end it,
they are Knocked Out for [WB] minutes.
B A N I S H M E NT
The biggest threats to someone with the
Blackbird’s mastery of the Od are their fellow
practitioners.
PREREQUISITES:
# Hush (Passive Bonus)
EFFECT: Any time the Blackbird knowingly or
unknowingly might come under the influence of a
magical effect of any kind, make an Odweft test. If
it succeeds, you may spend 1 point of Fortune to
cause the magic to fail to affect them.
# Rival Savvy (1 AP, Special Action)
EFFECT: The Blackbird may scan someone with their
Odsight in an inconspicuous manner to see if they
are a theurge, requiring only a glance. In addition,
if the Blackbird encounters an Odic effect, you can
make an Awareness test for them to determine who
the originator is.
# Unfurl the Od (+3 Tithe, 3 AP, Extinguish
Action)
EFFECT: The Blackbird unleashes the endless storm
of the Od around themself and up to [WB] allies.
Any Wortcunning Spells, Outsider Techniques,
Vitiations, or magical effects caused by Traits have
no effect on those within this maelstrom. The storm
lasts for Rounds.
D E V I L’ S B A R G A I N
The Blackbird doesn’t mind owing a bit more
to the Outsiders, so long as they can get a bit more
in return.
PREREQUISITES:
# A Bit of Indemnity (+1 Tithe, 0 AP, Reaction)
134 BLACKBIRDS
EFFECT: When an Odweft test for anything other
than the Pythonic Liturgy fails, the Blackbird may
accumulate 1 Tithe to turn it into a normal Success.
This can’t be used on a Critical or Sublime Failure.
# What Is Fortune, if Not Tithe? (+2 Tithe, 0 AP,
Reaction)
EFFECT: Once per Round, you may accrue 2 Tithe
to manifest one of the following effects: reduce the
level of Damage the Blackbird is about to take from
an incoming source by , reroll a Skill test you
just made (you must take the new roll), or make the
Fateweaver reroll a roll they just made (they must
take the new roll).
# Burgeoning Arrears (3 AP, Extinguish Special
Action)
EFFECT: Choose a foe the Blackbird can see. For every
10 Tithe the Blackbird has accumulated, they do 1
Bane die of Damage to that foe. If the foe is Slain!
after this assault, remove 1Ð10 Tithe from that total.
If the foe survives, gain 1 Tithe. This Damage can be
applied to creatures with the No Mortal Blade Trait.
FAUNA OF THE OD
Hidden from our sight by the gods, whose
influence grows ever weaker, only the mad would
beckon them to serve.
PREREQUISITES:
# They’re Everywhere (+1 Tithe, 2 AP, Combat
Action)
EFFECT: Choose a target within [WB] strides and make
an Odweft roll. If successful, the target is held in place
by a manifestation of grinning Odic slugs and can’t
take any Movement Actions on their next Turn.
# Scourge of Tiny Hands (2 AP, Combat Action)
EFFECT: The Blackbird manifests hundreds of
disembodied hands from the Od. Make an Odweft
roll as a Ranged Attack with a range of 2×[WB]. If
successful, this deals Damage dice +[WB] of
Damage to the target.
# What Is This Place? (+3 Tithe, 3 AP, Extinguish
Special Action)
EFFECT: Entities from beyond pull a foe the
Blackbird can see into the Od, where their pets
will keep them. The Blackbird may have up to
creatures trapped in this way. At any time, they can
choose to cause one of these captives to be Slain!
or choose to bring them back to this side of the
caul, dripping with cold slime. They will likely be
experiencing a deep and debilitating trauma.
NUMINOUS MOLLUSK
The Blackbird’s body is coterminous with an
Odic parasite and shares some of its physical
qualities.
PREREQUISITES:
# Visceral Mobility (Passive Bonus)
EFFECT: The Blackbird’s flesh is somewhat
amorphous, although it maintains its same basic
shape. They can slide through any opening that
is at least a thumb’s length in diameter, climb
sheer surfaces at a Movement speed of 3 while
leaving a slime trail behind them, turn their head
completely around, or bend their limbs in any
direction.
# Thrusting Gastropod (2 AP, Combat Action)
EFFECT: Choose a target within strides, and
move them strides in any direction. If they are
unwilling or resisting, a Coordination test may be
made for them to ignore this effect.
# Desiccation (3 AP, Extinguish Special Action)
EFFECT: The Blackbird envelopes adjacent
targets and drains their vital moisture. They are
Slain!. For each Mortal target killed in this manner,
the Blackbird may heal 1 level of Damage.
PSALM OF CHANGE
The Blackbird has become so practiced with
the Od that they can tap into it to alter small
elements of their reality.
PREREQUISITES:
# Transmogrify (+1 Tithe, 1 AP, Special Action)
EFFECT: The Blackbird can slightly change the shape
of an object no bigger than a house cat by touching
it. This may include fusing the tumblers of a lock,
reassembling a broken object, sharpening a blade,

or repairing a hole in a piece of armor. The target
may not be in a foe’s physical possession.
# Metamorphosis (+2 Tithe, 2 AP, Special Action)
EFFECT: The Blackbird can increase one of a
few specific Attributes of an ally by touching
them, adding +10 per to Agility, Brawn, or
Fellowship. This will also increase its associated
Attribute Bonus. This effect lasts for Rounds.
# Extinguish (+3 Tithe, 3 AP, Extinguish Special
Action)
EFFECT: The Blackbird may prevent the use of a Trait
by an enemy they can see that is not a Misfortune
Trait. The Trait is restored after Rounds.
F R A G M E NT O F T H E TA B L E TS O F T H E
U N B E G OT TE N
The Blackbird has come to possess a legible
chapter of the Tablets of the Unbegotten. These
mangled pages contain all there is to know of one
remnant of magic.
PREREQUISITES: (When you buy this
Technique, choose a remnant of Vitiations.)
# A Bit of Slack in the Chain (Passive Bonus)
EFFECT: The Blackbird receives no negative effects
from having a Tithe score of 10 to 19. Once the score
reaches 20, Odweft and Wortcunning rolls are at
–20 and you add two Odic dice to the pool, as usual.
# Imps! (+1 Tithe, 2 AP, Special Action)
EFFECT: The Blackbird empowers any imp-level
Vitiation from the chosen remnant as part of this action,
following all the steps covered in Chapter 8: Theurgy.
# Audience with the High Court (+5 Tithe, 3 AP,
Extinguish Special Action)
EFFECT: Choose any Vitiation from the chosen remnant
and access it at the lord level. The Blackbird will later
be contacted by the Outsider lord that empowered it
to perform a special reckoning. If the Blackbird does
not perform this reckoning, add 10 Tithe.
T H E F R AY I N G T H R E A D S
The Blackbird tugs upon the threads of a great
tapestry, only to discover another hidden behind.
PREREQUISITES:
TA L E NT S & TE C H N I Q U E S 135
# What Could Be (Rekindling Action)
EFFECT: Roll 1Ð100 and record the result. You may
substitute this number for any one Skill test roll
made for a creature in the Blackbird’s presence. This
Action may be used only once between Rekindlings.
# Bifurcate Reality (1 AP, Special Action)
EFFECT: When you next make an Odweft test, you
may roll twice and choose the result.
# Rewrite History (+2 Tithe, 0 AP, Extinguish
Special Action)
EFFECT: After taking an Action and experiencing the
results, the Blackbird may shift back to a time just
before they took that Action, as if the Action was
never taken at all. However, this Technique will still
be Extinguished.
OVER THE THRESHOLD
The Blackbird is adept at magics that connect
disparate locations.
PREREQUISITES:
# Improvised Door (+1 Tithe, 1 AP, Special
Action)
EFFECT: The Blackbird can conjure one small, stable
portal at a time to traverse an obstacle no thicker
than 3 strides by touching it. The portal lasts until
they dismiss it. If there are creatures in the portal
when they do so, these are shunted to a random side
of the portal.
# The Empty Stride (+2 Tithe, 2 AP, Special Action)
EFFECT: The Blackbird steps through the Od to
a location they can see that is up to twice their
Movement from where they are. This does not
trigger Opportunity Attacks.
# Maw of the Beyond (+3 Tithe, 3 AP, Extinguish
Special Action)
EFFECT: The Blackbird creates an Odic rift 1
stride away from them that connects their current
location and another that they have been to before.
The rift is large enough for a person on horseback
to pass through. This rift lasts until the end of
their next Turn.
136 BLACKBIRDS

Shadow & Subterfuge O V E R YO U R S H O U L D E R

Talents PREREQUISITES:
EFFECT: Paranoia is not without its benefits. Any
T H E B E T TE R PA RT O F V A L O R Skill tests made to see if someone is pursuing or
PREREQUISITES: surveilling the Blackbird are Flip to Succeed.
EFFECT: You can’t win a war if you’re dead. Gain +10
per to any Skill tests made for the Blackbird to A CQ U I R E D F O RT I T U D E
avoid or escape combat. PREREQUISITES:
EFFECT: The Blackbird knows their various tonics
B O U NT Y H U NTE R and poisons and has built up their tolerance of
PREREQUISITES: them. They are unaffected by venoms, toxins, and
EFFECT: When making Survival tests, gain +10 intoxicants.
per .
F L EE T- F O O TE D
E YE S W I D E PREREQUISITES:
PREREQUISITES: EFFECT: All Movement Actions taken during
EFFECT: Gain +10 per to Awareness rolls when combat cost 1 fewer AP, to a minimum of 1.
the Blackbird is targeted during a Surprise Round.
L I G HT N I N G R EF L E XE S
A FA C E I N T H E C ROW D PREREQUISITES:
PREREQUISITES: EFFECT: When determining the Blackbird’s place on
EFFECT: The Blackbird can hide in plain sight while the Initiative Ladder, roll the Initiative die twice
in a crowded area. Flip to Succeed on any Stealth or and choose the best result.
Disguise tests made for the Blackbird to disappear
into large crowds of people. The Fateweaver should M A L EF A C TO R
determine whether or not a particular space is PREREQUISITES:
considered crowded enough for this Talent to EFFECT: Bargain, Disguise, and Stealth tests made
qualify. to escape pursuit from bounty hunters, guards, and
others empowered to enforce laws gain a bonus of
FINESSE +10 per .
PREREQUISITES:
EFFECT: You can use the Blackbird’s Skulduggery in A T W I ST O F T H E D A G G E R
place of Intimidate and Charm in Skill tests. PREREQUISITES:
EFFECT: When the Blackbird attacks a target that is
HIDDEN BLADE Surprised, your Damage dice explode on both a ‘5’
PREREQUISITES: and a ‘6.’
EFFECT: If the Blackbird successfully performs a
Melee Attack against a foe who is Surprised by CAT ’ S E YE
them, the attack deals extra Damage dice equal to PREREQUISITES:
their . EFFECT: The Blackbird’s eyes have adjusted to the
dark. While this Talent is slotted, they do not suffer
any penalties from a lack of illumination.

M A K E YO U R OW N LU C K
PREREQUISITES:
EFFECT: Once between Rekindlings, during a
Combat Scene of your choosing, you gain +30 to
all Skill tests made for the Blackbird.
N I M B L E S CO U N D R E L
PREREQUISITES:
EFFECT: When generating AP on their Turn in a
Combat Scene, gain an additional 1 AP.
Shadow & Subterfuge
Techniques
F L O U R I S H O F T H E SY LP H
This Blackbird’s movements are an expression
of physical poetry.
PREREQUISITES:
# Fleet-Footed (Passive Bonus)
EFFECT: Every time the Blackbird takes the
Hustle Movement Action, they may ignore
Opportunity Attacks.
# Reflexive Guard (0 AP, Reaction)
EFFECT: The first Parry or Dodge test made for the
Blackbird between the end of their Turn and the
next costs 0 AP.
# Mercurial Defense (0 AP, Extinguish Reaction)
EFFECT: After a foe within [AB]×2 strides has
successfully attacked an ally, the Blackbird may
take this Reaction to leap adjacent to their location
to automatically block that attack. This does not
trigger Opportunity Attacks. The Blackbird may
also choose to render the foe Slain! or Helpless
until the end of the Combat Scene.
K N I FE & B A G W O R K
The Blackbird has endured the claustrophobic
back alleys of some of the most dangerous cities.
What they’ve learned might not be honorable, but
it keeps them drawing breath.
PREREQUISITES:
# Pocket Sand (2 AP, Combat Action)
TA L E NT S & TE C H N I Q U E S 137
EFFECT: Choose a target in strides that uses eyes
to see. Make a Skulduggery test. If successful, the
Blackbird’s target is Defenseless until their next
Turn.
# Backstab (2 AP, Combat Action)
EFFECT: Perform a Melee Attack on a Flanked foe.
If the attack succeeds, deal extra Damage dice.
# The Knockout (3 AP, Extinguish Special Action)
EFFECT: The Blackbird lures an Engaged foe into a
position where they’re able to land a solid blow on
a vulnerable area. That foe is Knocked Out. If a foe
cannot be Knocked Out, they are Slain! instead.
LEGERDEMAIN
Cards, coins, perhaps the weapon from an
enemy’s hand: they can all be made to disappear
and reappear as if by magic. But it ain’t.
PREREQUISITES:
# The Pledge (Passive Bonus)
EFFECT: Add +10 per to Gambling and Guile
tests specifically when using them to bluff.
# The Turn (1 AP, Special Action)
EFFECT: The Blackbird may create one of the
following effects: extinguish [AB] candles or one
torch within [PB] strides by throwing cards, cause
[AB] viewers to look briefly in a particular direction
by deftly tossing a small object the size of a coin,
or cause [AB] viewers to look directly at them or
a specific place on their person by performing a
dexterous trick.
# The Prestige (2 AP, Extinguish Special Action)
EFFECT: The Blackbird takes possession of
weapons from Engaged foes.
P ROW L E R
The Blackbird specializes in sneaking in and
out of locations without being seen.
PREREQUISITES:
# Discretion (Passive Bonus)
EFFECT: Gain +10 per to Stealth tests.
# Never Saw It Coming (2 AP, Surprise Action)
EFFECT: Target one Surprised enemy who’s Engaged
with the Blackbird. With a successful Stealth test,
138 BLACKBIRDS
they are able to silently subdue the enemy without
causing Damage, rendering them Helpless.
# Adieu (3 AP, Extinguish Combat Action)
EFFECT: If the Blackbird’s fighting alone, immediately
end this combat and describe how they get to safety.
If they’re fighting with allies, choose up to of
them. The Blackbird and their chosen allies are
taken out of combat and make it to safety.
R E C K L E S S F O RT U N E
Sometimes, it is just dumb luck.
PREREQUISITES:
# Never Tell Me the Odds (Passive Bonus)
EFFECT: Whenever the Blackbird attempts a Skill
test that has a 30% chance of Success or less after
applying modifiers, any Success is counted as a
Critical Success.
# Silver Lining (Passive Bonus)
EFFECT: Any time the Blackbird or a Fatebound
companion gets a Sublime Failure, transfer a point
of Misfortune into Fortune.
# Flirting with Disaster (3 AP, Extinguish Special
Action)
EFFECT: Transfer all Misfortune back into Fortune.
This can’t be used to prevent an expenditure of
Misfortune that has already been declared.
S L E I G HT O F H A N D
The Blackbird can channel their manual
dexterity to relieve people of their possessions.
PREREQUISITES:
# Sticky Fingers (Passive Bonus)
EFFECT: Any Skulduggery tests made for the
Blackbird to steal something gain +10 per . can take 10 minutes to don a very effective,
# Lighten the Pockets (1 AP, Special Action)
EFFECT: The Blackbird can perform an act of
pickpocketing that is beyond what might be
considered reasonable for a normal Skulduggery
test, such as: remove or place an item on someone’s
person even under several layers of clothing or
inside of a closed purse, steal a ring or other piece of
jewelry off of someone, or slip the dentures out of
an old codger’s mouth.
# Addendum (0 AP, Extinguish Combat Action)
EFFECT: This may be employed at any point during a
Combat Scene to instantly gain AP.
T H E U N B L I N K I N G E YE
Often the best way to win a battle is to remain
out of sight and out of mind.
PREREQUISITES:
# Stalker (Passive Bonus)
EFFECT: Gain +10 per to Ranged tests and
Targeted Attacks, so long as their intended target is
unaware of the Blackbird’s location.
# Lookout! (1 AP, Reaction)
EFFECT: Once per Round after an ally is successfully
targeted with an attack, but before any Reactions
are declared, the Blackbird may choose to call out to
them. If the Blackbird does so, the ally immediately
gains temporary AP to spend on parrying or
dodging attacks that Turn.
# Skewering Shot (3 AP, Extinguish Combat
Action)
EFFECT: Choose a target the Blackbird can hit with
their Ranged weapon. That target is Slain!. If the
weapon fires a piercing missile, the Blackbird can
choose to pin a Mortal target to the floor or an
object, rendering them Helpless.
CO TE R I E O F V I S A G E S
The Blackbird has mastered the art of
impersonation.
PREREQUISITES:
# No Face (Non-Combat Action)
EFFECT: Once between Rekindlings, the Blackbird
nondescript disguise for 1 hour. While so disguised,
all Skill tests to pick them out of a crowd or describe
them are Flip to Fail.
# A Gallery of Me (Non-Combat Action)
EFFECT: The Blackbird has up to preserved
faces made from bespoke alchemical and waxen
materials. By taking 10 minutes, they can don
a face and assume its appearance. It takes 1 week
to prepare a new face. If the mask is of an actual

person, make a Disguise test the first time it is used
to see if it is accurate.
# The Sincerest Form of Flattery (* AP, Extinguish
* Action)
EFFECT: Choose a Technique slotted by a
Fatebound companion. So long as it is not higher
than the Blackbird’s own Tier nor an Outsider
or Story Technique, they may use its Extinguish
Ability. The AP cost and details of the Technique
are duplicated as well.
DANCE OF ALACRITY
. . . a flash across a rooftop, a retreating shadow
down a torchlit alley, more of a memory than a person.
PREREQUISITES:
# Artful Dodger (Passive Bonus)
EFFECT: After making a successful Dodge or Parry in
combat, make a successful Coordination test to gain
back the AP spent to perform that Dodge or Parry.
TA L E NT S & TE C H N I Q U E S 139
# Hard to Follow (0 AP, Combat Action)
EFFECT: Once per Combat Scene spend 1 Fortune
to make a 0 AP Movement Action.
# Now It’s My Turn (3 AP, Extinguish Special
Action)
EFFECT: The Blackbird moves up to twice their
Movement, which does not provoke Opportunity
Attacks. enemies of their choosing that pass
within their Engagement range are Slain!.
F A L S E TO O T H
The Blackbird is deftly able to move poison
from a false tooth into or onto objects through the
fluid medium of spittle.
PREREQUISITES:
# Dose (Passive Bonus)
EFFECT: Out of combat, gain a +10 per to
Skulduggery tests made for the Blackbird’s attempts
to dose their target with a poison of their choice.
# Lick the Blade (2 AP, Combat Action)
EFFECT: If the Blackbird’s next attack successfully
Damages their target, make a successful Toughness
test at –10 per for the target, or they take an
additional 1Ð6 Damage per from poison.
# The Poison Tooth (3 AP, Extinguish Special
Action)
EFFECT: The Blackbird exhales a breath of toxic
vapor that attacks their opponent’s nervous system.
enemies that are Engaged with the Blackbird
and are susceptible to poison are instantly Slain!.
F U G I T I V E’ S F O RT U N E
With only an ear, the palm of a hand, and a
thin piece of metal, there are few places or things
into which this Blackbird can’t gain entry.
PREREQUISITES:
# Tumble into Fortune (Passive Bonus)
EFFECT: When making a Skulduggery test to pick a
lock, the results are Flip to Succeed.
# Everything’s Got a Weak Spot (Non-Combat
Action)
EFFECT: Choose a secure location and spend an
amount of time decided by the Fateweaver to
140 BLACKBIRDS
examine it, then make an Awareness test adding
+10 per . If it succeeds, the Blackbird gains
all reasonable information about patrol routes,
entrances, and exits, as well as whether or not the
building has an obvious weak point.
# No Bonds Can Hold Me (1 AP, Extinguish
Special Action)
EFFECT: Immediately escape any restraint, cell, or
imprisonment. Unfortunately, this doesn’t get the
Blackbird out of the prison itself.
GUILD ASSASSIN
As the continent of Erebos crumbles into ruin,
the skills of assassins are in great demand.
PREREQUISITES:
# Premeditated (Passive Bonus)
EFFECT: During a Rekindling, choose a Mortal
target the Blackbird has observed or interacted with
for at least 1 hour. Gain +10 per to any Combat
Actions or Stealth tests made for them against that
person. If the Blackbird’s first attack in a Combat
Scene hits, the strike causes Bane Damage.
# Vials of Ruin (2 AP, Combat Action)
EFFECT: If the Blackbird’s attack following this
Combat Action succeeds, make a successful
Toughness test at –10 per for the target or
they suffer one of the following poison effects: an
extra 1Ð10 of Damage, –10 per to their Parry
and Dodge until their next Turn, inability to move
more than 1 stride during their next Turn, or lose 1
AP if they are reserving any.
# Now It’s Just the Two of Us (Extinguish
Non-Combat Action)
EFFECT: After using the above Premeditated ability
on a target, the Blackbird will have a sense of when
that target is next alone. Using this Extinguish
Action will allow the Blackbird to gain access
to the target’s location in the most narratively
conceivable way. However, bodyguards may be
within earshot.
DODGING THE NOOSE
This Blackbird has seen the inside of many
prisons.
PREREQUISITES:
# One More Trick (Non-Combat Action)
EFFECT: Whenever the Blackbird or a Fatebound
companion is about to be executed, make a
Skulduggery test at the moment of execution. If
successful, the prisoner is completely freed and a
Surprise Round begins. The Blackbird and their
flock are activated and all foes are Surprised.
# Keys to the Kingdom (Non-Combat Action)
EFFECT: Add +10 per to all Skill tests made
inside or on the grounds of a place of imprisonment.
In addition, after spending 1 day in such a place, the
Blackbird learns any secrets or rumors known to be
true about it, including the social power structures of
the criminals and the guards, any escapes that have
been successful, and any hidden features or passages.
# In Here with Us (3 AP, Extinguish Special
Action)
EFFECT: The Blackbird starts a prison riot with
intent and purpose. When it starts, up to
guards, wardens, or prisoners of their choosing that
are on the prison grounds are Slain!. The ensuing
riot provides cover for the Blackbird’s escape.
G O S P E L O F T H E H A N G E D M A RT Y R
The pantheon of the gods is a complex tapestry
that illustrates many entities, some of whom were
once mortals themselves.
PREREQUISITES:
# Bloodletter (Passive Bonus)
EFFECT: Once per Turn, when wielding a second
weapon with the Off-Hand Quality, the Blackbird
may make a free attack with that weapon
immediately after dealing damage with their
primary weapon.
# The Weight of Death (Passive Bonus)
EFFECT: Every time the Blackbird kills a foe with a
Melee Attack, they gain 1 AP.
# Mask of the Hanged Martyr (3 AP, Extinguish
Special Action)

EFFECT: The Blackbird dons a mask depicting
the smirking likeness of the Hanged Martyr,
Princeling of Thieves and Criminals, a lesser deity
in the hallowed retinue of Corvus. Three illusionary
replicas of the Blackbird’s masked form appear
within [AB] strides of their current location and
endure until the end of this Combat Scene. Each
of the replicas can take a 1 AP Movement Action
during the Blackbird’s Turn. At the start of the
Blackbird’s Turn, the character may instantly switch
places with any of the replicas.
M A STE R O F W H I S P E R S
There’s power in secrets, and the more salacious,
the better.
PREREQUISITES:
# Thieves’ Cant (Passive Bonus)
EFFECT: Skulduggery may be used in place of
Rumor, Bargain, or Charm when the Blackbird
interacts with members of the underworld.
# Leverage (Non-Combat Action)
EFFECT: While the Blackbird possesses a secret about
one of their patrons, they may temporarily act as
if they have + additional rank(s) of Patronage,
and ‒ levels less of Obligation when rolling
Undertakings for that patron, so long as the
information remains secret.
# Little Birds (Extinguish Non-Combat Action)
EFFECT: Immediately gain one secret that can aid the
Blackbird’s efforts to undermine or defend against
an important person, faction, or other local power.
The scope of this secret is at the discretion of the
Fateweaver, but the information gained should be
actionable and clear.
Servitor Techniques: Theater of
the Mind & Recommendations for
Miniature Usage
O N T H E ATE R O F T H E M I N D
When playing with servitors, it’s best to
remember that the Blackbirds are the leads in our
stories. Those servants who follow them matter only
TA L E NT S & TE C H N I Q U E S 141
inasmuch as it pertains to the larger narrative. Each
entity, be it human or otherwise, is the Fatebound
companion of a Blackbird, and their arc is what
these servitors are swept up in, and not the other
way around.
If a Blackbird wishes to use a Servitor
Technique in a Scene, the Fateweaver’s task is to
find a way to best support this action. There may be
times where it seems unlikely the Blackbird would
have access to their hound or bodyguard. For
example, if the story places the flock within the
confines of Corbel’s Listing Tower, a prison of
infamous repute, it’s unlikely that a Blackbird will
have access to their servitor(s). One solution is to
allow the flock to freely un-slot such Techniques
and replace them with something more appropriate.
An alternative would be to find an inspired way
to take advantage of the servitor that works with the
current development. A falcon might be able to
deliver a small weapon or bits of food to the
Blackbird through the bars of their cell’s window. A
dog might start to bark when there’s a changing of
the guard at an exterior portcullis. A bodyguard
may find a way to pass a note to their Blackbird,
suggesting some possible means of escape. Servitors
are, after all, entities within the world. Fateweavers
should avoid using them as some deus ex machina.
The last thing a Fateweaver should want is to run
the risk of trivializing the story.
When Using Miniatures
If there is a need to know the location of a
servitor when using a Technique that summons or
controls one, such as Master of the Hounds or
Bodyguard, because of the use of a mat and
miniatures or online tabletop simulator, employ the
following rules:
# The servitor starts play adjacent to the Blackbird
who has the Technique slotted whenever a
Combat Scene begins; subsequently, the servitor
moves to a space that’s adjacent to either the
Blackbird or an appropriate foe, should the
Blackbird use one of the abilities of the Technique.
 142 BLACKBIRDS
# The servitor can’t block a space, and if any foes
move through the servitor’s space, it gets pushed
aside.
# The servitor can’t be used to Flank a foe.
# The servitor can’t be directly attacked by foes, but
if the Blackbird the servitor is attached to is
Knocked Out, Incapacitated!, or Slain!, the
Servitor Technique is Extinguished.
# Once the Servitor Technique is Extinguished,
the servitor is assumed to have left the area or the
field of battle.
B O DYG U A R D
The Blackbird has a trusted servant willing to
follow them into battle.
PREREQUISITES: 1 Skill Rank in Leadership
# A Reasonable Course of Action (1 AP, Combat
Action)
EFFECT: Choose one of the following effects: +2 to
the Damage of all of the Blackbird’s attacks, +1 to
their Damage Threshold Modifier, or they benefit
from the Maneuver Movement Action. The effect
activates immediately or lasts until the beginning of
the Blackbird’s next Turn.
# Have at Thee (2 AP, Combat
Action)
EFFECT: Make a successful
Leadership test, and an adjacent
Mortal or beast that has at least 2
levels of Damage is Slain!.
# The Risks of Stewardship (2
AP, Extinguish Reaction)
“The animals of Erebos EFFECT: After the Damage for an
are often aware of the attack against the Blackbird has
creatures that stalk the already been rolled, that attack
wilds before they’re detected is negated by their bodyguard
by human eyes and ears. taking the brunt of the hit.
Dogs, birds, and even
caged rats have been
employed by travelers as
makeshift alarms . . .”
—Observations of the
Wandering Squire
F A L CO N E R
Darting shadow across the sky, fleet predator,
thy wings need only instinct to take flight.
PREREQUISITES: 1 Skill Rank in Handle Animal
# Seek & Return (1 AP, Special Action)
EFFECT: The bird of prey retrieves a visible item
of less than five pounds in weight within 2×[PB]
strides. The item may not be in the grip of anyone.
# A Flash of Talons (2 AP, Combat Action)
EFFECT: Make a successful Handle Animal test, and
the bird rakes the weapon hand of an enemy within
2×[PB] strides. The weapon is hurtled at least 3
strides away in a random direction. In addition,
the enemy cannot hold anything in their wounded
hand for the rest of the Combat Scene.
# Hooded Weapon (3 AP, Extinguish Special Action)
EFFECT: The raptor claws at the eyes of the
Blackbird’s opponent, knocking them Prone. The
target is rendered Helpless for this Combat Scene
and may be permanently Blinded, at the Blackbird’s
choosing.
M A STE R O F T H E H O U N D S
Every road feels shorter with a trusted hound at
your side.
PREREQUISITES: 1 Skill Rank in Handle Animal
# Release the Hound! (1 AP, Combat Action)
EFFECT: Make a Handle Animal test and the dog
knocks a human-sized adversary within [PB] strides
Prone. The roll to Get Up is made at –20 as the dog
continues to harry them.
# The Hand That Bleeds (2 AP, Combat Action)
EFFECT: Make a Handle Animal test. If successful, the
dog Grapples the wrist of a foe within [PB] strides.
Until they can break free, the Grappled foe takes
1Ð6+[FB] Damage at the beginning of their Turns.
# Bring Them to Heel (3 AP, Extinguish Special
Action)
EFFECT: The hound renders a Mortal enemy
Helpless or Slain!, Blackbird’s choice.

Weapon Techniques
Although most Blackbirds can lift a sword and
swing it with some accuracy to protect themselves
or others when violence becomes necessary, this
does not mean they have mastered the use of the
weapon. Those who have mastered a particular
weapon find that they can use it to greater effect,
especially when employing it. This is represented
by Weapon Techniques, and the rules for these
Techniques have some specific differences:
# Although these Techniques can be slotted if a
Blackbird is not currently wielding the associated
weapon, none of the abilities of the Technique
may be used unless they are wielding it and
actually have it in their hands.
# These Techniques may not be bought unless the
Blackbird has at least 1 Rank in the associated
Skill, either Melee or Ranged.
# Attacks listed in these Techniques must be made
with the weapon associated with the Technique.
# These Techniques each cost 1 RP to acquire.
# If one of these Techniques is bought during
character creation, the Blackbird automatically
gains a standard version of that weapon as one of
their possessions to start. If they lose this initial
weapon, they must obtain another one through
standard means, such as Patronage or Spoils.
# The Blackbird may employ the Weapon
Technique with any version of the specific
weapon they find, even if it is made from special
materials or is Enchanted, for example.
A R B A L E ST C RO S S B OW
This device of oiled machinery and sturdy
wood is the Blackbird’s truest companion.
PREREQUISITES: 1 Skill Rank in Ranged
# Buried Deep (Passive Bonus)
EFFECT: All Damage dice that come up less than
2+Skill Rank in Ranged are considered to be rolls
of 2+Skill Rank in Ranged.
# Step & Crank (2 AP, Maneuver Action)
EFFECT: Perform the Maneuver Action and Load
Action simultaneously.
TA L E NT S & TE C H N I Q U E S 143
# Devastating Force (3 AP, Extinguish Action)
EFFECT: The Blackbird fires a bolt unerringly through
practically anything. A horse. A wagon wheel. The
brittle slats of a dilapidated house. Maybe even a
decayed stone wall. The Blackbird’s target is Slain!.
A XE
The forester’s tool is also the warrior’s weapon.
PREREQUISITES: 1 Skill Rank in Melee
# Hewing the Boughs (Passive Bonus)
EFFECT: The penalty for making attacks in the same
Turn beyond the first is 10 less, and the axe loses the
Slow Quality.
# Grip the Helve (2 AP, Combat Action)
EFFECT: Deal an extra Damage die for each Skill
Rank in Melee if this attack lands.
# Felling the Oak (3 AP, Extinguish Action)
EFFECT: Chop something off or in twain, such as an
arm, a head, a tentacle, or a wagon hitch. Halving
leaves a target instantly Slain!.
B AT T L E A XE
One of the most ancient tools of humankind,
honed into an expression of war.
PREREQUISITES: 1 Skill Rank in Melee
# Fell-Handed (0 AP, Attack Action)
EFFECT: After a foe is Slain!, the Blackbird may
immediately make a free attack against another
opponent in range.
# Swift Onslaught (2 AP, Combat Action)
EFFECT: Take the Maneuver Action and then
perform a Melee Attack against a foe in range. This
may be used up to [Skill Rank in Melee] times
during a Combat Scene.
# Rent Asunder (3 AP, Extinguish Action)
EFFECT: The Blackbird is able to cut a person in two
at the waist, killing them, or bisect any other object
of similar girth.
BILLHOOK
The workers of the fields have always
outnumbered their rulers.
PREREQUISITES: 1 Skill Rank in Melee
144 BLACKBIRDS
# The Low Ground (Passive Bonus)
EFFECT: When the Blackbird performs a successful
Parry, a successful Coordination test must be made
for their attacker, or they’re knocked Prone. If they
were on horseback, they are dismounted and take
full Damage as if the Blackbird had successfully
attacked them.
# Raked Hand (2 AP, Combat Action)
EFFECT: The Blackbird makes an attack with the
billhook. If it’s successful, it deals Damage as
normal, and a Coordination test for the target must
be made at –10 per [Skill Rank in Melee], or they
are Disarmed.
# Plowshares into Swords (3 AP, Extinguish
Action)
EFFECT: Target a foe in range. They are Disarmed or
Slain!, Blackbird’s choice.
B U LLW H I P
A woven length of leather is the Blackbird’s
weapon of choice and a sign of their knack for
control.
PREREQUISITES: 1 Skill Rank in Melee
# Authority (1 AP, Reaction)
EFFECT: Spend 1 AP as a Reaction when an
opponent in range declares a Combat Action, and
then make a Flip to Fail Melee roll. If successful,
the opponent’s Action fails, and any AP spent on
it is lost.
# Control (2 AP, Combat Action)
EFFECT: The Blackbird makes a Melee Attack
to move their target 1 stride in a direction they
choose, and the Grapple or Takedown offered by
the weapon’s Entangling Quality is resisted at a –10
per Skill Rank in Melee the Blackbird possesses.
# Dominance (3 AP, Extinguish Action)
EFFECT: The Blackbird may automatically do
any one thing that a whip is reasonably capable
of doing: break a neck, snatch something from
someone’s hands and catch it themself, trip a beast,
swing across a chasm, etc.
CHAKRAM
Brought to the shores of Erebos from far across
the Sea of Opal.
PREREQUISITES: 1 Skill Rank in Ranged
# Whirling Rings (Passive Bonus)
EFFECT: Once per Turn, the Blackbird may start
with a chakram already loaded and ready to throw
if they performed an attack with one during their
last Turn.
# A Fine Edge (Passive Bonus)
EFFECT: This weapon gains the Off-Hand Quality
but adds the Blackbird’s Skill Ranks in Melee to
Damage instead of the standard +1 for Off-Hand.
# Wax & Wane (3 AP, Extinguish Special Action)
EFFECT: By throwing one or more chakram for each
target, the Blackbird kills [Skill Ranks in Ranged]
foes that are 2×[PB] strides away, and the weapons
return to their hand and are ready at the beginning
of their next Turn.
CUDGEL
A simpler weapon for a more complicated time.
PREREQUISITES: 1 Skill Rank in Melee
# Shillelagh (1 AP, Combat Action)
EFFECT: Spend 1 AP after successively attacking
a Mortal target whose Turn has ended. That
opponent loses one of their remaining AP, should
they have any..
# A Proper Thumping (2 AP, Combat Action)
EFFECT: If the attack is successful, add the Blackbird’s
[BB] to the Damage in addition to [CB].
# Raise Some Knots (3 AP, Extinguish Special
Action)
EFFECT: [Skill Ranks in Melee] foes Engaged
with the Blackbird are Knocked Out or Slain!,
Blackbird’s choice.
DAGGER
Some say you can never have enough knives.
PREREQUISITES: 1 Skill Rank in Melee
# Reverse Grip (Passive Bonus)
EFFECT: When the Blackbird uses the dagger as an
offhand weapon, add [Skill Ranks in Melee] to the

usual +1 Damage bonus offered by this weapon.
Attacks with the dagger in the primary hand add
[Skill Ranks in Melee] to the Piercing Quality.
# To the Hilt (2 AP, Combat Action)
EFFECT: The Blackbird automatically hits a target up
to [PB] strides away by throwing their dagger.
# Who’s Next? (3 AP, Extinguish Special Action)
EFFECT: When an Engaged foe is Slain!, the
Blackbird may immediately make a free attack with
their dagger on another Engaged foe.
FIRE-HARDENED SPEAR
The weapon of commoners and those without
means.
PREREQUISITES: 1 Skill Rank in Melee
# Stay Back! (1 AP, Reaction)
EFFECT: The Blackbird may make an attack as a
Reaction when someone moves into their weapon’s
range from a place outside it.
# Panicked Thrusts (2 AP, Reaction)
EFFECT: Spend 2 AP instead of 1 when parrying. If
the Parry succeeds, the Blackbird also immediately
succeeds at [Skill Ranks in Melee] attacks against
their foe.
# Moment of Triumph (3 AP, Extinguish Special
Action)
EFFECT: The Blackbird stabs their spear into a foe
within 2 strides and breaks it off in them, creating
a fountain of gore. Their foe is rendered Helpless
and will die on their next Turn unless given healing.
FLANGED MACE
A weapon designed to be hard to ignore by
those who encase themselves in steel.
PREREQUISITES: 1 Skill Rank in Melee
# Bellringer (Passive Bonus)
EFFECT: When battling a foe wearing armor with
the Heavy Quality, any attack that hits and does
at least 1 level of Damage also causes the foe to
become Disoriented.
# Catastrophic Blow (2 AP, Combat Action)
EFFECT: The Blackbird may use this ability against
foes wearing metal armor. If their attack succeeds, it
TA L E NT S & TE C H N I Q U E S 145
does normal Damage, and the Damage Threshold
Modifier of their foe’s armor is reduced by ‒[Skill
Ranks in Melee].
# A Satisfying Crunch (3 AP, Extinguish Special
Action)
EFFECT: The Blackbird breaks something, smashing it
to bits. This could be a skull, a wagon wheel, a chain,
or anything else the Fateweaver thinks one could
reasonably break with this weapon. A foe Engaged
with the Blackbird may be Knocked Out or Slain!.
G A R R O TE
Catgut and murder.
PREREQUISITES: 1 Skill Rank in Melee
# Gift for Murder (Passive Bonus)
EFFECT: When the Blackbird successfully implements a
Grapple on a humanoid sized target with their garrote:
" They are unable to cry out.
" Rolls to escape made for them are at –10 per
[Melee Skill Rank].
" Spend 2 AP on each of the Blackbird’s Turns to
deal 2Ð6+[CB] Damage to them automatically.
# Unseen Serpent (2 AP, Combat or Surprise Action)
EFFECT: The Blackbird may employ this ability only
during a Surprise Round or when their target is fully
unaware of them. Move the Blackbird up to their full
Movement and make a Stealth or Melee test for them.
If successful, their target is Grappled by the garrote.
# One Last Shudder (3 AP, Extinguish Special Action)
EFFECT: The Blackbird is able to sneak up on someone
and choke them to death without being seen or
heard, immediately causing the foe to be Slain!.
G R E AT SW O R D
“ I T W A S M U C H TO O B I G TO
B E CA L L E D A SW O R D.”
—Kentaro Miura, Berserk
PREREQUISITES: 1 Skill Rank in Melee
# My Own Shade (1 AP, Reaction)
EFFECT: The Blackbird may use their massive sword
as an impromptu shield to intercept an enemy
missile, automatically blocking one Ranged Attack.
146 BLACKBIRDS
# Sunder Armor (2 AP, Combat Action)
EFFECT: A blow from the Blackbird’s greatsword
destroys one piece of their opponent’s armor. Their
armor’s Damage Threshold Modifier is reduced by
‒[Skill Ranks in Melee].
# Butchery (3 AP, Extinguish Special Action)
EFFECT: The Blackbird cleaves through [Skill Ranks
in Melee] opponents currently Engaged with them,
causing them to be Slain!.
HALBERD
There was a time when the heavy cavalry of
chivalric orders thought themselves immortal.
PREREQUISITES: 1 Skill Rank in Melee
# Horseman’s Folly (1 AP, Reaction)
EFFECT: Spend 1 AP for the Blackbird to make an
attack as a Reaction whenever an opponent moves
into their range from a place outside of it. If the
target is employing the Charge or Run Movement
Actions, add two Damage dice—three if they are
on horseback.
# By Hook or By Crook (2 AP, Combat Action)
EFFECT: If an attack with the halberd is successful,
do normal Damage, but also, move the Blackbird’s
target up to [Skill Ranks in Melee] strides in any
direction. This does not cause them to become the
target of Opportunity Attacks.
# Cleave (3 AP, Extinguish Action)
EFFECT: A foe in range is Slain!. No other Mortal
foes will come within range of the Blackbird until
after the end of their next Turn.
H O R S E B OW
A smaller bow when compared to its Erebosian
cousins, but far more versatile in use.
PREREQUISITES: 1 Skill Rank in Ranged
# Ever Vigilant (1 AP, Reaction)
EFFECT: The Blackbird loads and fires their bow,
automatically intercepting an arrow or bolt fired
(or an object thrown) at them or another character
within [PB] strides.
# Twin Volley (3 AP, Combat Action)
EFFECT: The Blackbird may load and fire two arrows at
one target without suffering a multiple-attack penalty.
Each shot is dealt with as with any Ranged Attack.
# Bullseye (3 AP, Extinguish Special Action)
EFFECT: The Blackbird sends a clothyard shaft
through up to [Skill Ranks in Melee] enemies
within Long Distance, slaying them instantly.
I M P RO V I S E D H A N D W E A P O N
Opponents are invariably startled whenever the
Blackbird grabs a new weapon.
PREREQUISITES: 1 Skill Rank in Melee
# Work with What You’ve Got (Passive Bonus)
EFFECT: The Blackbird chooses a nearby item to use
as a weapon. The Fateweaver will give it one of the
following Qualities based on the choice of item:
Defensive, Fast, Punishing, Reach, Throwing, or
Vicious.
# Surprise! I’m Hitting You (2 AP, Combat Action)
EFFECT: The Blackbird may use this in the same Turn
they used Work with What You’ve Got to make an
attack that cannot be dodged or parried and deals
extra Damage dice equal to [Skill Ranks in Melee].
# Tool for the Job (3 AP, Extinguish Special Action)
EFFECT: The Blackbird may choose to do one of the
following: three foes in range are rendered Prone,
two foes in range are Knocked Out, or one foe in
range is Slain!.
L I G HT C R O S S B OW
The Blackbird is always ready to squeeze the
trigger.
PREREQUISITES: 1 Skill Rank in Ranged
# Twitch Thunk (1 AP, Reaction)
EFFECT: The Blackbird performs an attack as a
Reaction on an opponent who just moved anywhere
within [PB] strides. The Blackbird’s crossbow must
be loaded and in hand for them to do so.
# Close Quarters (2 AP, Combat Action)
EFFECT: The Blackbird reloads their crossbow and
fires it at a foe Engaged with them; if it hits, it does
[Skill Ranks in Ranged] additional Damage dice.
# Trick Shot (3 AP, Extinguish Special Action)
 TA L E NT S & TE C H N I Q U E S 147

EFFECT: The Blackbird can do one of the following: M O R N I N G STA R

shoot something out of someone’s hand up to [PB] A loathsome weapon frowned
strides of distance, ricochet a shot to hit something up upon by all but the most callous.
to 2×[PB] strides of distance, or hit an object the size of PREREQUISITES: 1 Skill Rank in
a coin or kill a foe at up to 3×[PB] strides of distance. Melee
# Brutality Is the Point (Passive
L O N G B OW Bonus)
The Blackbird has trained themself to fire at EFFECT: If the Blackbird inflicts “The archers of the southern
opponents at the very edge of their range. an Injury with an attack, make coast fletch their arrows
PREREQUISITES: 1 Skill Rank in Ranged a successful Resolve test for all with the stiff flight feathers
# Eyes of the Hawk (Passive Bonus) folk witnessing it who possess the of seabirds, making them
EFFECT: The Blackbird fires their bow up to Long Unfated Trait, or they flee. ideal for short-range
Distance with no penalty. # Submit, Knave! (2 AP, Combat engagements, hunting, and
# Fell Shaft (2 AP, Combat Action) Action) a particularly impressive
EFFECT: This attack gains Piercing ([Skill Ranks in EFFECT: Add Injury dice to the form of shallows fishing . . .”
Ranged]) and adds an extra Damage die. Blackbird’s attack equal to their — Observations of the
Wandering Squire
# Bend of Yew (3 AP, Extinguish Special Action) Skill Ranks in Melee.
EFFECT: The Blackbird’s arrow passes through its # Horrific Intent (3 AP,
target and hits the person or thing behind it as well. Extinguish Special Action)
Both are Slain!. EFFECT: Choose a foe Engaged with the Blackbird.
They either are Slain! or select any one Injury for
L O N G SW O R D them to receive.
The reverberation of the Blackbird’s blade
hums eerily. P E A S A NT F L A I L
PREREQUISITES: 1 Skill Rank in Melee A bit of wood with another bit of wood bolted
# Feint (1 AP, Combat Action) to the end of it.
EFFECT: While the Blackbird is Engaged with an PREREQUISITES: 1 Skill Rank in Melee
enemy, spend 1 AP to force the foe to overextend, # Mighty Fulcrum (Passive Bonus)
dropping their guard to take advantage of the EFFECT: Damage dice do a minimum of 2+[Skill
Blackbird’s “mistake.” This leaves them Defenseless Ranks in Melee] points of Damage.
to the Blackbird’s next attack, unable to Parry or # Over the Top (2 AP, Combat Action)
Dodge. EFFECT: If successful, this attack can’t be parried.
# Half-Sword (2 AP, Combat Action) # Smug Reprisal (3 AP, Extinguish Special Action)
EFFECT: The Blackbird grips their sword on the EFFECT: A target in range of the weapon is Knocked
hilt and blade, finding a gap in their opponent’s Out or Slain!, or a number of Engaged foes equal to
defense to exploit. This lowers their opponent’s the Blackbird’s [Skill Ranks in Melee] are rendered
Damage Threshold by the Blackbird’s [Skill Ranks Prone, Blackbird’s choice.
in Melee]. If the target is wearing armor with the
Heavy Quality, reduce it by an additional –1. PIKE
# Song of Steel (3 AP, Extinguish Special Action) The Blackbird uses their attack to pierce armor
EFFECT: Finding a weakness in their opponent’s or to inflict harm at a greater distance.
stance and armor, the Blackbird runs them through. PREREQUISITES: 1 Skill Rank in Melee
The target is Slain!. # Extra Reach (Passive Bonus)
148 BLACKBIRDS
EFFECT: The Blackbird may make Melee and
Opportunity Attacks at foes up to 3 strides away.
# Joint Piercer (2 AP, Combat Action)
EFFECT: If successful, this attack bypasses any armor
with the Heavy Quality.
# Push of Pike (3 AP, Extinguish Special Action)
EFFECT: Up to [Skill Ranks in Melee] foes within
range of this weapon are Slain!.
RAPIER
The flash of slender steel is often followed by a
spray of blood.
PREREQUISITES: 1 Skill Rank in Melee
# Desperate Swordplay (0 AP, Reaction, 1 Peril
Level)
EFFECT: The Blackbird may Parry an attack even if
they have no AP, but they fall 1 level on the Peril
Condition Track to do so. They may do this only
once per Round.
# Erudite Blade (2 AP, Combat Action)
EFFECT: Make three attacks against one enemy
without penalties. The Blackbird may not make any
more attacks until their next Turn.
# Sword of the Robe (3 AP, Extinguish Special
Action)
EFFECT: The Blackbird may Disarm or slay up to
[Skill Ranks in Melee] foes, and then may choose
to end with their blade against one of their foe’s
necks. Such a foe can be killed instantly or rendered
Helpless.
SABRE
“ D E AT H O N T H E B AT T L EF I E L D
CO M E S R E G A R D L E S S O F C L A S S,
ROYA L , O R CO M M O N.”
—Kentaro Miura, Berserk
PREREQUISITES: 1 Skill Rank in Melee
# Riposte (0 AP, Reaction)
EFFECT: Once per Turn after successfully parrying
an attack, the Blackbird may follow up with an
attack at no additional cost.
# Flurry of Parries (2 AP, Combat Action)
EFFECT: The Blackbird commits to a powerful
defensive stance, granting automatic Success on
[Skill Ranks in Melee] Parries made before the
beginning of their next Turn. These Parries cost 0
AP.
# Scarlet Slash (3 AP, Extinguish Special Action)
EFFECT: Arterial spray erupts from the Blackbird’s
opponent as they stagger one step before falling
dead.
SAP
The preferred weapon of abductors and more
empathetic scoundrels.
PREREQUISITES: 1 Skill Rank in Melee
# Where Were You Keeping That? (1 AP, Special
Action)
EFFECT: The Blackbird has access to a sap even if
they don’t have one in their inventory. This might
represent improvising a version of the weapon.
They may use this only once between Rekindlings.
# Goodnight (2 AP, Combat Action)
EFFECT: If this attack hits, a Toughness test modified
by –10 per [Skill Rank in Melee] must be made for
the target. If it fails, they are Knocked Out.
# Unseen Assailant (3 AP, Extinguish Special
Action)
EFFECT: The Blackbird is able to sneak up on
someone and silently render them Knocked Out.
Unless someone is watching the target directly, no
one will notice this has happened.
SHIV
Six inches of metal shoved through the eye will
kill you just the same.
PREREQUISITES: 1 Skill Rank in Melee
# Of Course I’m Unarmed (Passive Bonus)
EFFECT: When the Blackbird has this weapon
hidden on their person, tests made to discover or
notice it are Flip to Fail.
# A Chink in Their Armor (2 AP, Combat Action)
EFFECT: If successful, ignore [Skill Ranks in Melee]
of the Blackbird’s target’s Damage Threshold
Modifier.

# Revenge Is Best Served Preemptively (0 AP,
Extinguish Reaction)
EFFECT: After a foe successfully attacks the Blackbird
but before Damage is resolved, Extinguish this card.
Instead of the attack resolving, the foe is killed, and
the Blackbird’s shiv is Ruined.
S LI N G
A weapon that never wants for ammunition.
PREREQUISITES: 1 Skill Rank in Ranged
# Always at Hand (1 AP, Combat Action)
EFFECT: The Blackbird loads and then attacks with
their sling in one Action.
# Cracked Pate (2 AP, Combat Action)
EFFECT: The Blackbird attacks an opponent, and if
they cause at least 1 level of Damage, the opponent
is Disoriented for their next [Skill Ranks in
Ranged] Turns.
# I’ll Put Yer Eye Out (3 AP, Extinguish Special
Action)
EFFECT: Choose a target within up to twice the
Blackbird’s [PB] strides of distance. They are Slain!.
SPEAR
The spear is as ancient as war itself.
PREREQUISITES: 1 Skill Rank in Melee
# A Wide Wound (Passive Bonus)
EFFECT: Add Biting ([Skill Ranks in Melee]) Quality
to this weapon when the Blackbird wields it.
# Chain Eater (2 AP, Combat Action)
EFFECT: If successful, this attack ignores the Damage
Threshold Modifier of chainmail.
# Impale (3 AP, Extinguish Special Action)
EFFECT: The Blackbird impales their target, pinning
them to whatever is behind them. They are Slain! or
Helpless, Blackbird’s choice.
STA FF
A most trusted, and easy to acquire, companion
on the roads of Erebos.
PREREQUISITES: 1 Skill Rank in Melee
# Clever Rebuttal (Passive Bonus)
TA L E NT S & TE C H N I Q U E S 149
EFFECT: Once the Blackbird has successfully parried
a foe, all further Parries against that opponent cost
0 AP until the start of the Blackbird’s next Turn.
# Pressing Argument (2 AP, Reaction)
EFFECT: Parry an attack, and if it succeeds, the
Blackbird automatically hits with a Melee Attack or
Takedown against that foe.
# Closing Statement (3 AP, Extinguish Action)
EFFECT: The Blackbird may Parry all attacks against
them or anyone adjacent to them for 0 AP until a
number of Turns pass equal to their [Skill Ranks
in Melee]. This includes Ranged Attacks and those
that might otherwise be very difficult to Parry.
T H ROW I N G D A G G E R
A pointed blur of weighted metal.
PREREQUISITES: 1 Skill Rank in Ranged
# Push Dagger (Passive Bonus)
EFFECT: The Blackbird may use this weapon as a
Melee weapon and add Piercing ([Skill Ranks in
Melee]) when doing so.
# Not on My Watch (2 AP, Reaction)
EFFECT: The Blackbird tosses a dagger to ward off
a blow directed at an ally within
[PB] strides, automatically
parrying that blow.
# Meaty Thunks (3 AP,
Extinguish Special Action)
EFFECT: Up to [Skill Ranks in
Melee] Mortal foes who are up to
twice [PB] strides away are Slain!.
“One rarely forgets their
WAR HAMMER first time seeing an
Feared for good reason, the accused thief stumble
war hammer devastates both through the square as
armor and flesh. they struggle to carry a
PREREQUISITES: 1 Skill Rank in great iron bell chained and
Melee bolted to their shoulders,
# Bonecracker (Passive Bonus) or the sound as each
EFFECT: Add [Skill Ranks in gasping lurch produces
Melee] Injury dice to the attack. a deafening clang . . .”
If the Blackbird’s opponent is — Observations of the
Wandering Squire
injured, instead of rolling on the
 150 BLACKBIRDS
Injury table, the Blackbird either causes Shattered
Hand or Hobbled from the Grievous Injury chart.
# Ruination (2 AP, Combat Action)
EFFECT: If the Blackbird’s attack succeeds, deal [Skill
Ranks in Melee] additional Damage dice.
# Nothing Left but Red (3 AP, Extinguish Special
Action)
EFFECT: One foe Engaged with the Blackbird is
brutally Slain!.
A FF L I C T I O N S
Overview
T
alents and Techniques aren’t the only
abilities a Blackbird might come to
possess. There are, in fact, dark gifts the
world may bestow upon them that they’d rather not
have at all. These accursed powers are known as
Afflictions.
If a Blackbird is stricken with an Affliction, their
slotted Techniques will be replaced with the
associated Afflictions, whether the slot is
Extinguished or not. If a Blackbird
already has an Affliction, they may
not be stricken by another. A
Basic-Tier Blackbird will pull the
Basic Tier of their Affliction,
whereas an Intermediate-Tier
Blackbird will draw both the
Basic- and Intermediate-Tier
“The burial mounds cards. Finally, an Advanced-Tier
that dot the landscape Blackbird will pick all three Tiers
are prized for the white of a given Affliction and slot them
lichen that grows only in place of any Techniques they
at their entrances. might have. If you are not playing
Retrieving this ‘grave’s with Affliction or Technique
breath’ is perilous, but the cards, just document the change
pale threads that stretch on the Blackbird’s character sheet.
out from the darkness Afflictions always take up a
are said to cure fever.” Technique slot and must remain
—Observations of the slotted. But all is not lost. Should
Wandering Squire
your Blackbird become Afflicted,
these curses come with their own sets of distinct
powers. Like Techniques, each has three abilities
comprising various bonuses and Actions. In
addition, and unlike Techniques, Afflictions never
Extinguish. It’s as if these calamitous powers wish
to be used, tempting the Blackbird to spiral ever
further into the depths of their malediction.
When the Blackbird taps into the power of an
Affliction, you might be required to make a Resolve
test for them as part of the cost. Basic-Tier
Afflictions are a (Standard +/–0%) test,
Intermediate-Tier Afflictions require a
(Challenging –10%) test, and Advanced-Tier
Afflictions call for a (Hard –20%) test. As a
reminder, in a Resolve test, Failure results in taking
1Ð10+1 Peril. A Critical Failure garners 2Ð10+2
Peril instead, and a Sublime Failure 3Ð10+3 Peril.
When a Blackbird becomes Incapacitated! by
Peril caused by an Affliction, the character is lost.
Your Blackbird has, in effect, been narratively Slain!
by their Affliction—overtaken by their curse. Only
by spending Fate can one prevent this outcome.
C U R I N G A FF L I C T I O N S
Curing an Affliction should be a narrative-driven
event. Some players will enjoy the risk and power
afforded by such dark gifts, while others will want
to be free of them as fast as possible. Work with your
Fateweaver to determine the best course of action.
For example, cleansing a Blackbird of their Wolfen
Affliction might require traveling to the Temple of
Anemoi deep within the foundations of Corbel and
waiting for a shaft of Yolk’s moonbeams to wash
over their body. Similarly, expunging the curse
of Anhelios could entail bathing in quickbronze,
whereas treating the Plague of Beauty may involve
extorting a rose witch.
Child of Anhelios
B A S I C-T I E R A FF LI C T I O N
It starts as a troublesome itch, but once the
maggots appear, there’s no denying what the
Blackbird’s become.
# Whims of the Moonchild (Passive Bonus)
EFFECT: The Blackbird can see through the glamour
of the aes and sense the offspring of the wandering
despot. They are immediately aware of any elves and
those who have the Hyperion’s Progeny Boon when
they are within [PB] strides.
# Flesh of the Undead (Passive Bonus, +/–0
Resolve Test)
EFFECT: The Blackbird feels no pain, ignores all
Injuries, and cannot Bleed. Whenever they benefit
from the ability to avoid these effects, make a
Resolve test for them. They gain +1 Discordant
Resonance whatever the outcome.
# Rictus Grin (2 AP, Combat Action, +/–0 Resolve
Test)
EFFECT: Once per Combat Scene when the Blackbird
reveals their curse, either by pulling back their hood
or drawing attention to their rotting flesh in some
other way, a (Challenging –10%) Resolve test must
be made for all Mortal foes for them to remain in
combat with the Blackbird.
I NTE R M E D I ATE-T I E R A FF L I C T I O N
Oh, monstrous countenance, how you tax the
soul.
# Pale Rider (Non-Combat Action)
EFFECT: The Blackbird summons the carcass of
a horse covered in the tack and heraldry of some
kingdom currently at war in Erebos, and it will
serve as their steed until the next dawn. The horse
can’t Bleed or suffer an Injury. Use the statistics for
horses found in Chapter 6: Conflict & Rekindling.
# Smoldering Verdigris (1 AP, Special Action, –10
Resolve Test)
EFFECT: Choose one of the following: the
Blackbird’s Melee weapon does an extra Damage
die from poison until the end of this Combat
Scene; they create a greenish fog surrounding
152 BLACKBIRDS
P E R I L V E R S U S A FF LI C T I O N- B A S E D P E R I L
A player should carefully track Peril while their Blackbird
is suffering from an Affliction, as it could be a matter of life
or death for their beloved Blackbird. The Peril Condition
Track terminates in the Incapacitated! condition.
Should a Blackbird suffer Peril from a source other than
that generated by their Affliction powers and they are
rendered Incapacitated!, the effect resolves as described
in Chapter 6: Conflict & Rekindling. If that Peril comes
from their Affliction, however, they are instead Slain!.
While this expression of the Slain! condition might not
actually mean dead, this result signifies that the player
has lost control of their Blackbird. Perhaps they stagger
off to join the other children of Anhelios on their hunt for
Hyperion or vanish into the woods, never to be seen again.
For the purposes of this narrative, they have adjourned
from our tale.
them that gives the Blackbird and any adjacent
companions a +20 to Stealth tests for 1 hour; or
they spray verdigrised blood onto their foe’s metal
weapon, and a successful Coordination test must be
made or it is destroyed.
# The Burden of Restlessness (2 AP, Special Action,
–10 Resolve Test)
EFFECT: When the Blackbird takes this Action, they
suffer a level of Peril to heal 2 levels of Damage. At
this stage of the Affliction, they may recover from
Peril only through Revelry or Reflection, as found
in Chapter 6: Conflict & Rekindling.
A DV A N C E D-T I E R A F F L I C T I O N
The Blackbird has become a grim shadow,
unwelcomed, feared, a herald of troubling times.
# Echo of a Waning Moon (Passive Bonus)
EFFECT: The Blackbird and their Fatebound
companions within [WB] strides will not be
attacked or hindered by any children of Anhelios so
long as they do not attack them as well. Liches and
their minions are immune to this power.
# And the Dead Followed (3 AP, Special Action,
–20 Resolve Test)
EFFECT: The Blackbird may summon 1Ð6 ghouls to
follow their mental commands. They will serve the
Blackbird until they are destroyed or the sun rises.
Spend a corresponding amount of Fortune to have
them activate their Misfortune Traits.
# Exalted Crow (2 AP, Special Action, –20 Resolve
Test)
EFFECT: The Blackbird transforms into a large,
birdlike form bearing their face with tattered
wings and sickle-like talons. They take 1 level
of Peril and regenerate 1 level of Damage at the
beginning of each Turn. They may not wield
weapons, but their talons strike as Enchanted
Melee weapons that do 2 dice of Damage+[WB]
and possess the Piercing (3) Quality. These cause
Bane Damage to magical creatures. They can fly
at their Movement speed.

Plague of Beauty
B A S I C-T I E R A FF LI C T I O N
The Blackbird has been overtaken by an
otherworldly loveliness, and though it consumes
them, they radiate beauty.
# A Complex Bouquet (Passive Bonus)
EFFECT: The Blackbird cannot Bleed, instead
gushing only flower petals. Additionally, they
can detect pheromones with disturbing accuracy.
Awareness and Scrutinize tests that involve scent
are (Trivial +30%) for this Blackbird.
# Intoxicating Thorns (2 AP, Combat Action, +/–0
Resolve Test)
EFFECT: Hundreds of cruel barbs sprout from an
object or weapon grasped in the Blackbird’s hands
TA L E NT S & TE C H N I Q U E S 153
as they attack. If it hits, make a (Challenging
–10%) Toughness test for the target. On a Failure,
they start the Turn with 1 less AP—2 on a Critical
Failure, and 3 on a Sublime Failure. At the end of
each of the target’s Turns, make a (Challenging
–10%) Toughness test for them to end this effect.
# Come Hither (Non-Combat Action, +/–0
Resolve Test)
EFFECT: The Blackbird can attempt to summon
someone they’ve met before from up to 99 strides
away. If a (Challenging –10%) Resolve test made
for them fails, they will come to the Blackbird’s
location. They may try this on a particular target
only once between Rekindlings.
154 BLACKBIRDS
I NTE R M E D I ATE-T I E R A FF LI C T I O N
A poison flower blooms in the Plague’s garden.
# Regenerative Splendor (Passive Bonus)
EFFECT: The Blackbird is immune to poison, and
the first Damage they receive in any Combat Scene
is instantly healed as if it were never taken, as petals
and soil fill in the wound.
# A Lovely Vine (1 AP, Special Action, –10 Resolve
Test)
EFFECT: The Blackbird is able to successfully climb
any surface for 3 Turns at their full Movement.
Also, whenever they are within any form of
concealing foliage, Stealth tests made for them Flip
to Succeed as their body transforms to mimic the
flora encompassing them.
# Fragrant Tempest (1 AP, Combat Action, –20
Resolve Test)
EFFECT: A blizzard of flower petals erupts from the
Blackbird’s person. Until the end of their next Turn,
their attacks may not be parried or dodged.
A DV A N C E D-T I E R A FF LI C T I O N
The Blackbird’s mind is but one petal among
an endlessly blooming rose.
# Sight without Sight (Passive Bonus)
EFFECT: The Blackbird’s eyes have been replaced by
supple roses. By sensing the Od directly, they can
see in complete darkness. They cannot see things
that are hidden from the Od, however.
# My Thirsting Garden (1 AP, Special Action, –20
Resolve Test)
EFFECT: A thicket of thorn-filled brambles sprouts
around the Blackbird’s current location, filling a
circle with a radius of [FB] strides. Make a successful
Coordination test for any foes that end their Turn within
the boundaries, or they take 1 Damage die +[FB]. Those
with the Mortal Bane or Trait take Bane Damage.
# Lover’s Repose (2 AP, Special Action, –20
Resolve Test)
EFFECT: Once between Rekindlings, the Blackbird
can kiss someone possessing the Mortal Trait to
transform them into a lovely grave under their
mental command. Spend a corresponding amount
of Fortune to activate their Misfortune powers.
Wolfen
B A S I C-T I E R A FF L I C T I O N
The Blackbird thinks only of the woods, the
rain, and soft ground under their bare feet.
# Nose to the Wind (Passive Bonus)
EFFECT: The Blackbird can hear, see, and smell
with incredible acuity. They no longer suffer
negative modifiers caused by a lack of illumination.
Awareness and Survival tests are (Trivial +30%) for
this Blackbird.
# Crescent Moons (2 AP, Special Action, +/–0
Resolve Test)
EFFECT: The Blackbird’s hands split apart, revealing
crescent-shaped claws at the ends of fur-covered
fingers. They may strike an Engaged foe, making a
Melee Attack at +10 and doing 1Ð6+[CB] Damage
if they hit, or Bane Damage if the foe possesses the
Mortal Bane or Trait. This effect lasts for one Scene.
# Not Really My Skin (2 AP, Special Action, +/–0
Resolve Test)
EFFECT: Once per Turn, remove one Injury or move
1 level up the Damage Condition Track as the
Blackbird’s flesh knits back together.
I NTE R M E D I ATE-T I E R A FF L I C T I O N
A wolf ’s eyes betray its demeanor. Be it friend
or prey, there’s no mistaking their expression.
# Right Behind You (Passive Bonus)
EFFECT: At the start of an Opening Round, the
Blackbird may choose to position themself behind
a foe within reach of twice their Movement.
# Pounce (2 AP, Special Action, –10 Resolve Test)
EFFECT: The Blackbird’s hindquarters bend and
snap, taking on the characteristics of a monstrous
wolf. The Blackbird pounces on a human-sized foe
within reach of their Movement+[BB], knocking
them Prone and rendering them Defenseless until
they can Get Up.
# Feast of Blood (2 AP, Special Action, –10 Resolve
Test)
EFFECT: A wolf ’s maw ruptures the Blackbird’s
mouth, temporarily making a ruin of their face. Its
bite may strike an Engaged foe, making a Melee
Attack at +20 and doing 2Ð6+[CB] Damage. If
their foe possesses the Mortal Bane or Trait, the
attack resolves with Bane dice instead of Damage
dice. This effect lasts for one Scene.
A DV A N C E D-T I E R A FF LI C T I O N
My flesh is but another cloak. When it’s hung
high in the branches of a tree, I can see myself for
the first time.
# Face of the Howling Mother (2 AP, Special
Action, –30 Resolve Test)
EFFECT: The Blackbird transforms into the ultimate
expression of the wolfen, sloughing off their
human skin and manifesting as an enormous wolf.
The Blackbird must retrieve and devour their own
skin to return to human form, and if it is lost, they
may not reverse this transformation. The Damage
Threshold of the Blackbird while in this form is
18 (24/30/36). Make an (Arduous –30%) Resolve
test for them at the end of each of their Turns in a
Combat Scene.
# Blood-Starved (Passive Bonus, Must Be in Face
of the Howling Mother Form)
EFFECT: The Blackbird may make multiple attacks
per Turn without penalty. These may strike an
Engaged foe, making a Melee Attack at +30 doing
3Ð6+[CB] Damage, or Bane Damage against those
with the Mortal Bane or Trait.
# Therianthropic Hybrid (Passive Bonus)
EFFECT: The Blackbird is immune to Injuries and
Damage from weapons that are not Enchanted.
 C H A P TE R 6

Conflict † Rekindling
C R O WFE E D E R S
by Graham McNeill

T oo damn early to be about killing work,”

grumbled Seamus, stamping his raggedy
boots on the cold earth to get the blood
flowing and keep his feet warm.

“Likes to get his bloody business done early, this one does,” said Torge,
nodding toward the dirty canvas pavilion at the top of the slope. Their
new captain’s faded-yellow raven banner snapped in the icy wind
blowing across the misty valley next to the banner of King Adalwolf.
“Ach, whatever,” said Seamus with a shrug. “S’all well and good by
me, I suppose. Never did like all the hanging around before the hurly-
burly. I shit more blood from ulcers I got waiting for battle than I ever
did taking that dirk in the gut.”
“I hear he’s got a pox on his cock that not none of the leeches can
cure,” said Rosine through a lewd grin. “He wakes up all irritable in his
nethers and spills other folks’ blood to make his own self feel better.”
“T’ain’t that, Ros,” said Isalda, the one they called the Spinster on
account of her once being a whet woman who’d grown tired of
watching the men make war and took up the blade herself after a
border skirmish near the Pale Horse.
“And how d’you know that?” grunted Torge. “Got the captain’s ear
‘ave ya? Didn’t know you was privy to his grand stratagems.”

The Spinster shook her head. “He ain’t got no
stratagems, that one. Got the havoc in his blood, he
has. Crowfeeder they call him up in Rottvengar,
Corpsemaker an’ all.”
“That’s all stuff and nonsense,” said Seamus. “I
hear tell t’was him that broke the Grand Duke’s
riders at Hook Town, didn’t lose a single soul.”
“Nah,” said Torge. “That were Garlyn of
Wahlham done them in.”
Finn listened to the gnarled veterans bicker
over who had killed whom like they were grumbling
in a roadside tavern over frothed pints of gritty ale.
It seemed incredible they were having this
conversation when an army was on the march
toward them.
His teeth were chattering, and the pressure on
his bladder was excruciating.
The Spinster saw him shuffle from foot to foot
and grinned.
“Go on, lad, get it out. You ain’t got nothing I
‘aven’t seen before, and if ’n you don’t get it out now,
your bladder’ll gush at the first enemy charge.”
“I don’t need to piss,” said Finn. “I emptied
meself before we formed the King’s line.”
“It’s the waiting, lad,” said the Spinster. “Fear
tightens the muscles and squeezes the bladder. Trust
me, you don’t want yellow britches to be what folks
remember about you on your first battle.”
Finn did not want that, so he loosened his
britches and let out a warm stream on the ground
before him. The relief was instant, and when he
looked down, he saw he was pissing in the eye
socket of a half-buried skull.
The Spinster saw it, too, and said, “We ain’t the
first to fight here. Don’t figure we’ll be the last.”
Once he’d finished, she kicked a mound of
earth over the skull with her boot. “Don’t go looking
in the eyes of no dead man before the hurly-burly,
Like as not his shade’ll try and drag you down into
the mud to join him.”
Finn’s mouth was dry as he looked back at the
enemy soldiers marching toward them, so close
now he could make out their individual faces.
CO N F L I C T & R E K I N D LI N G 159
A hundred strides away, a thousands-strong
army of levies and mercenaries trudged uphill
through the mud toward them. They marched
under a dozen flags hanging dull and limp in the
sodden air, flying beneath the great banner of Grand
Duke Elias Noielles.
Finn stood on his tiptoes, craning his neck to
get a better look at their own forces.
He couldn’t see much of the King’s line, just
hundreds of helmeted heads running in uneven
ranks from left to right. One soldier, a boy about
Finn’s age, went down to his knees to vomit.
Someone dragged him upright with a curse and a
slap.
Finn felt the need to piss again, but that
couldn’t be right.
Does the enemy have more soldiers than us?
Are they unbloodied boys like me or seasoned
veterans?
Have they scouted this land, and do they know its
secret paths?
Finn had no answers to any of those questions.
His fear grew at how stupid that made him feel.
“Easy lad,” said Torge. “Just remember to keep
your shield up. It’s a weapon, too. Use it to break
faces. Push the other bastard’s shield down then ram
that spear of yours through their neck or go up
through their oxters.”
Finn nodded, though he’d barely heard half of
what Torge had said.
He was a farm boy, his ma and pa dead from
plague and famine, but he was big for his age and
strong. The few copper coins he got for a straw bed
behind high stone walls seemed like grand payment
for wearing the royal colors. He hadn’t really
expected to stand in the King’s line with men who’d
met the gaze of Corvus the Night-Watcher and
lived to tell of it.
A droning chant drifted up the hillside, an
endlessly repeating mantra that managed to be
terrifying and irritating all at once. It seemed to roll
through the enemy ranks, as though taken up by
different singers at random.
160 BLACKBIRDS
“Damn it all, won’t they shut up?” said Seamus,
spitting a wad of wirewort.
Some soldiers liked to chew the bitter root
before battle to heighten their senses, but Finn
hadn’t been offered any when Torge had opened his
pouch. Finn wasn’t blooded, and you didn’t waste
good wort on a beardless boy.
“What are they singing?” asked Finn. “I can’t
make out the words.”
“Fuck knows,” said Seamus. “Ain’t nowt but a
hymn to gods that don’t listen none.”
Torge hefted his greataxe and said, “Aye, lad.
We’ll soon have them singing a different song.”
Finn hoped Torge was right. The men and
women advancing toward them looked fierce,
armed with a mix of broad-bladed swords and short
spears. Each wore a pot helm stamped with a copper
sigil, and a goodly number wore mail shirts or
boiled-leather breastplates.
They halted four spear lengths away, breathing
heavily, shouting and yelling curses at them.
Finn could smell the sweat and fear, the leather
and the cold iron.
Unwashed bodies, the reek of beer and vomit.
His grip on the spear haft was slick with sweat.
His right eyelid wouldn’t stop twitching.
The King’s line shouted back insults and curses
upon these traitors’s heads. Finn didn’t understand.
Weren’t they all sons and daughters of Elklund?
Why were they here in this stupid, muddy valley,
ready to kill each other for a noble none of them
had ever seen?
He’d heard stories of arranged betrothals,
broken oaths, and ancient grudges, but the lives of
his betters never did make much sense to him.
A heavy clout around the back of the head
broke him from his reverie.
“Eyes up, lad,” said Seamus. “The hurly-burly’s
upon us.”
Let slip from their leash, the enemy soldiers
came at them in a tide of screams and song.
“Into the bastards!” shouted Torge, and the
King’s line drove in.
Finn was carried forward as the soldiers behind
pushed off.
The King’s line smashed into the enemy ranks,
a furious mass of pushing, straining bodies.
A chopping axe bit into the rim of Finn’s shield
and split the board. The shock of impact drove Finn
to his knees and numbed his arm. The man’s blade
lodged in the wood and Finn jerked it back.
The ax-bearer stumbled forward to keep hold
of his weapon.
Finn stabbed out and up with his spear.
The point sliced across the man’s thigh before
plunging into his groin.
He rolled his wrist like he’d been taught and
pulled the spear back. Warm liquid gushed from the
catastrophic wound, soaking his spear shaft in
blood.
“Good strike, lad!” shouted the Spinster.
“Again!”
Finn pushed upright, his fear smothered by the
frenzied need to stay alive. Axes rose and fell; spears
stabbed. The dull thud of blades on wood and flesh
echoed across the valley, punctuated by heaving
breaths, screams of pain, and that damned
dirge-song.
The ground became a sopping quagmire.
Fallen warriors were trampled, grunting as
stamping boots ground them into the choking
mud. Finn slipped and was kept from falling only
by the confining press of shoving bodies.
The enemy line gave a little, soldiers sliding
back in the crush. The muddy hillside gave no
purchase, and the warriors around Finn cheered as
the King’s line pushed harder.
Finn bludgeoned faces with his shield, its
protection now reduced to the iron boss and a few
splintered boards. His spear was wet with blood, its
tip bent from repeated impacts.
An axe bit the leather at his shoulder, but he
barely felt it.
A spear plunged into the meat of his thigh, and
he sank to the ground, smashing the edge of his
shield through the haft. Finn pulled out the speartip,

but the swirling ebb of the melee dragged his
attacker away before he could strike back.
Torge waded into the enemy with his greataxe,
a lone figure amid the enemy, his swings too wide
and too wild for any of his fellows to draw near.
Rosine ducked and wove like a dancer, laughing
maniacally as she used her twin axes to pull shields
aside for the Spinster to plunge her long-bladed
sword into an unprotected collar or through the
open face of a helmet.
Seamus used his sword like a club, its heavy
edge dulled and its tip broken off. The big man’s
face was pale and sweat-streaked. He bled from a
score of cuts, and the left leg of his britches was red
from the thigh down. Everywhere, soldiers were
shouting and cursing, stabbing and falling.
A green banner was torn from its flagpole and
trampled in the mud.
One of ours or one of theirs?
Finn used his spear to push himself upright,
the pain in his shoulder and leg burning like hot
coals on his skin. He couldn’t see much past a
spear length to either side, hemmed in by a ring of
twisted faces, all cursing and spitting, all as terrified
as him.
He heard a cry of alarm and looked up in time
to see a blur of pale iron sweep past him.
Something warm splashed Finn, like someone
had thrown a basin of bathwater in his face. He felt
the salty tang of blood in his mouth and tried to
make sense of what he was seeing.
A pair of legs with no upper body attached.
Torrents of blood squirted from the gory pelvis,
and only the red left leg told Finn it was Seamus
who was dead. A cry went out, going up and down
the line, carried back to the soldiers behind them.
“Jötunnkin!”
A shadow engulfed Finn, and he looked up in
terror.
A giant figure, twice as tall as the largest man
he’d ever seen, the jötunnkin’s flesh had the color
and texture of muddied milk, its eyes bloodshot
pink. Limbs as thick as oaken tree branches were
CO N F L I C T & R E K I N D LI N G 161
bound in fur and leather, and its
bloody axe hewed men and
women like wheat before the
scythe.
Torge ran in and hammered
his own axe against the side of its
knee.
Against any normal “There is no such
opponent, it would have been a thing as ‘free ale.’”
killing blow, but the notched edge — Observations of the
Wandering Squire
bit in only a finger’s breadth before
sticking fast like a logger’s blade in
young heartwood.
Before Torge could free his axe, the jötunnkin
reached down and yanked him from the ground.
Torge drew twin daggers and stabbed them
over and over into the monster’s arms, drawing
slicks of amber blood. But his struggles were in vain
as the jötunnkin’s jaw stretched wide and tore off
the veteran’s head in a bone-splintering bite.
“No!” screamed Finn, hurling himself at the
jötunnkin.
He rammed his spear into the creature’s belly,
putting all his strength and terror behind it.
The tip plunged deep into its belly before the
spear haft snapped.
The jötunnkin reached down for Finn, but a
figure tackled him out of its reach. He tasted wet
earth churned by hundreds of booted feet and the
tang of dead men’s blood.
Pain and terror made Finn want to curl up in
the mud, to close his eyes and wish he’d never taken
the King’s coin, never dreamed of glory, and never
marched to this dismal valley that didn’t even have
a fucking name.
Hands wedged under his armpits and dragged
him away.
“Up!” shouted Rosine.
“Torge! Seamus!” wept Finn.
“They’re dead,” snapped Rosine. “We’re
wormfood, too, if we don’t run! The battle’s lost, boy.”
The notched tip of a spear burst from the space
between her neck and collarbone.
162 BLACKBIRDS
Blood frothed from Rosine’s stretched mouth
before she fell forward as her killer planted a boot in
her back to wrench out his spear.
Finn scrambled away as the spearman loomed
over him.
A sword swung over Finn’s head, splitting the
man’s skull and wedging itself in the bone.
“Come on!” yelled the Spinster, abandoning
her trapped sword.
Finn wiped the gummed mess of clotted blood
from his eyes and reached up to take her hand.
He found his feet and followed the Spinster as
she stumbled after the soldiers fleeing the battle.
The warriors of the King’s line saw them run, and
that breath of panic blew the embers of fear into a
roaring inferno.
The line broke like a bow stave bent too far.
Soldiers cast down their spears and shields and
ran for their lives.
Dizzy and winded, Finn limped up the hill,
back to where they’d begun this day.
The Grand Duke’s men came after them,
stabbing and hacking at unprotected backs. The
scent of victory made them mad with bloodlust,
and no quarter was given to the wounded or
fleeing.
Finn lost his footing and fell to the churned
earth of the hillside, grabbing thick clods of mud as
he tried to pull himself away from the slaughter.
An iron-shod boot hammered into his back,
driving him facedown into the bloody ground.
He tried to rise, but a nail-studded cudgel
smashed down and broke the back of his head open.
Gasping like a landed fish, Finn struggled to
draw breath.
The sounds of battle began to fade as the light
in his eyes dimmed.
He heard the stark caw of ravens overhead,
circling in anticipation of the banquet to come.
“Crowfeeder,” that’s what they call him . . .
Finn’s vision was graying, but lying in the mud
next to him, he saw the grinning skull whose eye
socket he’d pissed into.
Its black gaze was utterly empty.
Its toothed grin seemed somehow wider.
A smile of welcome into the ranks of the dead.

If there is one truth about the
world of Blackbirds, it’s that
conflict is always close at hand.
After the Oligarchs conspired
to achieve godhood, the first
thing they did was set in motion
a continent-wide series of wars
“There are many in that have raged for more than
Erebos who claim to see a decade. Later, they slew the
through the tangled web gods and sundered Fate itself,
of Fate with visions and disrupting the seasons and
prophecies—casters of unleashing devastating weather
bones and dice, crystal across Erebos. Crops failed,
gazers, and readers of cards. thousands were displaced by war,
For most, the future elves and dwarves returned to
sees hopeful fools being meddle in humanity’s affairs and
parted with their gold.” outside the largest cities, law and
—Observations of the order meant whatever strength
Wandering Squire
of arms one could apply. And
the plans of the Oligarchs aren’t
winding down—they’re just starting.
It is into this chaos that your Blackbird has
been thrust. For most of the inhabitants of Erebos,
life is a constant struggle merely to survive. But
your Blackbird is special, marked by Fate. They are
destined to fight for their own survival and also for
the future of the world. But it won’t be easy. The
world of Blackbirds is a grim & perilous place
where a broken bottle to the neck in a back alley is
as likely to end one’s life as the dread conjurings of
a lunatic sorcerer. Mistakes in combat have lasting
consequences, and knowing when not to fight is
just as important, if not more so, as knowing how.
Over the course of their adventures, Blackbirds
will find themselves fighting for their lives and the
lives of others, traveling the length and breadth of
Erebos and beyond, pursuing and being pursued in
turn by the Oligarchs’ Servants, and enduring and
recovering from tremendous suffering. This chapter
outlines the mechanics of all of these activities and
more, revealing the beating, high-action heart of
the game and the cost paid by those who lead lives
of violence and derring-do.
CO N F L I C T & R E K I N D LI N G 163
C O M B AT
M
arked as they are by Fate, Blackbirds
invite conflict. Their very nature sets
them at odds with the Oligarchs and
their servants, their wanderings and “interference”
in local affairs lead to tensions with established
power structures, and the enigmatic whims of Fate
and the Outsiders draw uncanny menaces to
Blackbirds like moths to a flame. Thus, combat is
always in the offing—with mortals, with monsters,
and with things beyond human ken.
This section explains the basic components of
combat in the game, then how those fit together to
deliver an exciting and brutal system for resolving
bloodshed. Other chapters will introduce Fate-born
Talents, supernatural Boons, battle-honed
Techniques, and battle-oriented Vitiations, which
all add their own twists to combat.
The Combat Scene
! Step 1: Surprise Round
! Step 2: Opening Round & Initiative Ladder
! Step 3: Combat Rounds & Taking Turns
STE P 1 : S U R P R I S E R O U N D
A Surprise Round can occur at the beginning
of combat, barring the use of certain Techniques or
Traits or the entry of new combatants into the fray,
and only if the flock or its foe succeeds in gaining
advantage over its opponents. This requires an
opposed test be made, with those attempting to
surprise declaring their targets and then a Stealth
test being made for them, which is then opposed by
Awareness tests rolled for those targets. Any
surprisers whose Degrees of Success surpass those
of their targets are Activated, generate their AP for
the Surprise Round, and may attack their target.
Activated attackers may proceed in any order they
choose. Ties always go to the Blackbirds.
Surprised combatants are left temporarily
Defenseless to all attacks. While Defenseless, they
cannot use any Reactions whatsoever. In addition,
Combat Actions made with Melee or Ranged
164 BLACKBIRDS
weapons add an additional Damage die to their
Total Damage results against Surprised opponents.
Defenders who are unsurprised do not undergo a
Surprise Round, as their assailant(s) did not Activate.
Once the Surprise Round has ended, combat
proceeds to the Opening Round, and all benefits of
the Surprise Round are lost.
E BB A N D F L OW O F S U R P R I S E
Edouard the Ingrate slips from his lover’s bedroom by
way of an alley-side window. Unbeknownst to Edouard,
the father of that happy princeling disapproves of
their coupling and has hired three ruffians to teach the
Blackbird a painful lesson. When Edouard drops into the
alley, the Fateweaver informs his player to make three
Awareness tests. After comparing the Degrees of Success
between the player’s rolls and the Stealth tests made for
Edouard’s attackers, the Fateweaver determines that only
one of the assailants benefits from a Surprise Round.
Edouard was perceptive enough to spot two of the three
ruffians before they could act.
STE P 2: O P E N I N G R O U N D
& I N I T I AT I V E L A D D E R
When the Fateweaver announces combat has
begun, each player with a Blackbird engaged in it
must generate their Blackbird’s Initiative by rolling
1Ð10 and adding the Blackbird’s Initiative
Attribute to the result. The Initiative results of all
combatants are then ranked from highest to lowest
and displayed openly on a marker board or piece of
paper for everyone’s reference. This Initiative
Ladder determines the order in which each
Blackbird will act for this Round.
In the Opening Round, each combatant begins
with their full complement of AP. In subsequent
Combat Rounds, each combatant will generate
their AP at the top of their Turn in the Initiative
Ladder.
Matching Initiative Results
Should two or more players generate the same
Initiative result, compare their Blackbirds’ [PB].
The higher one trumps the other, provided a
Technique or Talent does not contradict this rule.
The Blackbird with the lower [PB] goes directly
below them on the Initiative Ladder. Should the
Blackbirds’ [PB] match, the players should roll
again to determine which Blackbird goes first.
Seize Initiative
Sometimes it is imperative that a Blackbird go
earlier in the Initiative Ladder than the outcome of
their Initiative roll allows. At such times, you may
spend 1 Fortune to have your Blackbird force
themself higher up the Initiative Ladder to wherever
you need them to begin their Turn.
Environmental Events
The environment itself can play a role in combat.
A waterspout spinning toward a foundering hulk at
sea, a herd of aurochs stampeding down village
streets, a group of bloody flagellants winding their
way toward a deconsecrated chapel—these hazards,
among others, can influence the tide of battle.
In such a case, the Fateweaver rolls 2Ð10+2 to
establish an event’s Initiative. If the players have no
way of knowing the event is about to occur, it is
suggested that the Fateweaver not disclose the name
of the environmental event in the Initiative Ladder,
instead tracking it with some symbol: an asterisk, a
question mark, some other sigil that they understand
but the players won’t.
STE P 3 : CO M B AT R O U N D S
& TA K I N G T U R N S
In each subsequent Combat Round, generate
each Blackbird’s Initiative by rolling 1Ð10 and adding
the Blackbird’s Initiative Attribute to the result. This
again fills out the Initiative Ladder, determining the
order in which each Blackbird will act for this Round.
Each Blackbird now generates their AP at the top of
their Turn in the Initiative Ladder.

The various things a Blackbird may attempt
during combat are divided into categories of Combat
Actions. The cost for these Actions is paid in Action
Points (AP), the currency of the Action economy.
Most Blackbirds begin their Turn with 3 AP.
These are then spent to complete Actions when their
Turn comes up on the Initiative Ladder within the
Round. Again, the Opening Round is a special case
during which all Blackbirds begin combat with their
full AP. A player is not required to spend all of their
AP on their Turn and can hold onto them so that
their Blackbird may defend themself through Parry,
Dodge, or other, rarer Reactions.
That said, a Blackbird cannot choose to carry
AP over into their following Turn. When a new
Turn begins for them, all of the Blackbird’s
remaining AP is lost, and they once again start with
their normal allotment of AP. To reiterate, AP is
generated not at the top of each Round, but rather
when a Blackbird’s next Turn begins. The only
exception to this is the Opening Round.
The Cycle Continues . . .
A Combat Scene may last for one or for many
Rounds. Once combat ends, by whatever means,
the Fateweaver will announce it.
Conditional Effects in Combat
Throughout this and subsequent chapters, there are
references to conditions that may impact Blackbirds
in combat. The following is a summary of the most
common:
! Bleeding: Will be Knocked Out or Slain! in a
specified number of Turns unless someone
stanches the flow of blood with a bandage or
some other form of medical treatment.
! Blinded: Cannot use Dodge or Parry, and Flip to
Fail on any Skill test involving sight.
! Deafened: When Initiative rolls are made, make
a successful Awareness test or else do not add the
Blackbird’s [PB] to that roll.
! Defenseless: Cannot use any Reactions
whatsoever.
CO N F L I C T & R E K I N D LI N G 165
! Disarmed: Loses their weapon 3 strides away in a
random direction, and is unable to use their
weapon hand until the following Turn.
! Disoriented: Must add +1 additional AP to the
cost of Reactions.
! Engaged: Cannot leave the Engagement without
triggering Opportunity Attacks from Engaged foes,
save through the Maneuver Movement Action.
! Flanked: Attacks against the Blackbird are made
at +10.
! Grappled: Cannot use Combat Actions, save to
Resist at the beginning of their Turn to escape
the Grapple.
! Helpless: Cannot use any Actions or Reactions,
and may be Slain! with a successful attack.
! Knocked Out: Unconscious and Helpless until
awakened.
! Prone: On the ground; add 1Ð6 Damage dealt to
a Prone foe.
! Stunned: Begin Turn with 1 less AP.
! Surprised: Suffers an additional 1Ð6 Damage
and cannot use Reactions.
! Wounded: Must add +1 additional AP to the cost
of Movement Actions.
Combat Actions
Actions possess a relative cost. Players may elect to spend
all 3 AP on a single Combat Action for their Blackbird,
such as fleeing a rampaging chimera or having a hound
tear out an enemy’s throat. They may also choose to
break up their AP to take multiple Combat Actions,
such as moving to confront an enemy, bowling them
over, and running them through. Other Actions—
parrying a sword blow, for example—can usually be
used only outside of the Blackbird’s Initiative. And a
few, such as talking and dropping items, typically have
no cost in AP whatsoever.
EXCESS AP: It is often advisable for a Blackbird to
hang onto AP to use Reactions such as Dodge
and Parry to defend themself from attacks, or use
Talents or Techniques to defend others. However,
when their next Turn begins, their AP refreshes to
3, and any AP from the prior Turn is lost.
166 BLACKBIRDS
TYPES OF ACTIONS
There exist four main categories of Combat
Actions in Blackbirds, and within each of these
categories, there exist a number of specific actions a
Blackbird can spend AP on to execute:
! Attack Actions: A Blackbird fights against and
inflicts Damage on an opponent.
! Movement Actions: A Blackbird positions
themself on the field of battle.
! Special Actions: A Blackbird can attempt
miscellaneous actions that fall outside of
movement, attacks, combat maneuvers, and
defense.
! Reactions: A Blackbird may duck out of the way,
deflect blows, or take an opportune moment to
attack an enemy. (Reactions possess limits on
how often they may be used: this is clarified in
their entries later in the chapter.)
AT TA C K A C T I O N S
Attack Actions are employed whenever a
Blackbird means to slay their enemies using Melee
or Ranged weapons.
Cast Magic (Varies)
The Blackbird wields the arcane energies of the
Od and wills them into shape.
EFFECT: Make an Odweft or Wortcunning test,
as appropriate for the type of magic. Specific
Vitiations and Wortcunning Spells are covered in
Chapter 8: Theurgy. Casting Wortcunning Spells
or imp-level Vitiations requires 1 AP, villein-level
Vitiations 2 AP, and lord-level Vitiations 3 AP.
Every Wortcunning Spell or Vitiation cast after the
first in a Blackbird’s Turn is made at a penalty: ‒10
for the first, ‒20 for the second, and so on.
Disarm (2 AP)
With a weapon in hand, the Blackbird tries to
deprive their enemy of their primary means of attack.
EFFECT: While your Blackbird is Engaged with a
foe, make a Coordination test. If the Blackbird is
successful, the opponent must also make a successful
Coordination test to Resist, or they are Disarmed.
Every Disarm after the first in a Blackbird’s Turn is
made at a penalty: ‒10 for the second, ‒20 for the
third, and so on.
While Disarmed, the foe loses the weapon with
which they were fighting, as it is thrown 3 strides
away. In addition, they cannot use their primary
hand to strike until the beginning of their next
Turn.
Extinguish Ability ('–3 AP)
The Blackbird employs a fantastic maneuver,
representing the pinnacle of that Technique.
EFFECT: Extinguish Abilities do not require a test
to accomplish. After the ability is employed, it
temporarily Extinguishes the associated Technique
until a Rekindling is achieved or other such power
is used to return the Technique into play. (see
Rekindling later in this chapter for details).
Flank (1 AP)
The Blackbird attacks a foe from a position that
makes it harder to defend against.
EFFECT: While a single foe is already Engaged
with another combatant, the Blackbird attacks
from the side or behind, making it harder to
defend against the combined assault. Attacks by
those so Engaged are made at +10 until the foe is
no longer Flanked.
Grapple (1 AP)
The Blackbird tries to wrestle a foe into a hold
from which they cannot escape.
EFFECT: When your Blackbird is Engaged with a
foe, make an Athletics test. If successful, their target
may attempt to Resist, which requires a successful
Athletics test, or they are Grappled. Every Grapple
attempt after the first in a Blackbird’s Turn is made
at a penalty: ‒10 for the second, ‒20 for the third,
and so on.
While Grappled, a target can use no Combat
Actions, save to Resist again at the beginning of
their Turn to escape.

A Blackbird cannot use Attack Actions while
maintaining a Grapple, but they may release a
Grapple at any time. If the Blackbird’s Damage or
Peril Condition Track drops 1 or more levels while
having a foe in a Grapple, they immediately
relinquish the hold.
Melee Attack (1 AP)
The Blackbird attempts to strike their opponent
in close combat.
EFFECT: When your Blackbird is Engaged with a
foe, make a Melee test. After successfully striking,
determine Total Damage as normal. Every Melee
Attack after the first in a Blackbird’s Turn is made
at a penalty: ‒10 for the second, ‒20 for the third,
and so on.
A foe may attempt to Parry or Dodge your
Blackbird’s Melee Attack. A Blackbird cannot make
a Melee Attack outside of an Engagement unless
using a weapon with the Reach Quality.
Ranged Attack (1 AP)
The Blackbird targets an enemy with a Ranged
shot.
EFFECT: When your Blackbird is at a distance from
an opponent, make a Ranged test. After successfully
striking, determine Total Damage as normal. Every
Ranged Attack after the first in a Blackbird’s Turn
is made at a penalty: ‒10 for the second, ‒20 for the
third, and so on.
A target can attempt to Dodge a Ranged
Attack or Parry it with an appropriate shield. A
Blackbird cannot make a Ranged Attack while in
an Engagement with foes, except with a crossbow.
Finally, to make a Ranged Attack, the weapon must
be loaded with ammunition—which may preclude
multiple attacks, depending on the weapon.
Takedown (1 AP)
A Blackbird may use this Attack Action to
knock an opponent off their feet.
EFFECT: When your Blackbird is Engaged with a
foe, spend 1 AP for them to attempt a Takedown.
CO N F L I C T & R E K I N D LI N G 167
Make a Coordination test. Wielding a weapon with
the Entangling Quality offers a +20 to this test.
(If your Blackbird uses Takedown at the end of a
Charge, you may substitute Athletics for the test.)
If successful, your Blackbird’s foe is knocked Prone
unless they successfully Resist with a Coordination
test. Every Takedown attempt after the first in a
Blackbird’s Turn is made at a penalty: ‒10 for the
second, ‒20 for the third, and so on.
The opponent remains on the ground until
they can Get Up. Attackers add a 1Ð6 Damage die
to Total Damage results they deal to a Prone foe.
Targeted Attack (2 AP)
The Blackbird attempts to strike their enemy
with a Melee weapon or a carefully placed missile in
a location they’ve chosen.
EFFECT: When your Blackbird is Engaged or at
Distance with a foe, declare that you want them
to hit the arm, body, head, or leg of that foe, then
make the appropriate Combat-based Skill test. If
successful, and the foe cannot, or fails to, Dodge or
Parry, they take 1Ð6+[CB] Damage added to Total
Damage and suffer the appropriate Conditional
Effect:
! Arm: Disarmed
! Body: Wounded
! Head: Disoriented
! Leg: Prone
On a Critical Success, the foe is left Defenseless,
and another 1Ð6 Damage die is added to Total
Damage. On a Sublime Success, the foe is still
rendered Defenseless, but the Total Damage is
increased by 2Ð6. A Critical Failure, meanwhile, has
the Blackbird’s weapon suffer 1 level of Degradation,
while a Sublime Failure raises that to 2 levels.
Mounted Combat
When your Blackbird is riding an animal or
operating a vehicle, refer to its movement subtype.
When making a mounted strike with a Melee
weapon against a foe who’s on foot, add an
additional 1Ð6 Damage die to the Total Damage.
 168 BLACKBIRDS

AT TA C K A C T I O N C O M P LI CAT I O N S
There are times when Blackbirds must fight in less-than-
ideal conditions. The following rules help adjudicate such
situations.
ATTACKING LARGER FOES
Attempting to throttle a giant of Thule may prove
incredibly difficult. Shooting at the same giant might be
much easier. In such situations, the Fateweaver adjusts the
Difficulty Rating, based on the size of the foe and the
attempted attack.
HELPLESS FOES
Any time a Blackbird is asleep, unconscious, pinned,
shackled, or unable to move of their own accord, they are
rendered Helpless. When a foe is Helpless, they are also
Defenseless. You do not have to roll for your Blackbird to
strike a Helpless foe. Instead, if you wish, they are
immediately Slain! with any blow.
& Total Darkness (cannot give or gain the benefits of
Assist dice, cannot be targeted unless Engaged, line of
sight is broken, vision-related Skill tests are made at
‒30): blinding light, moonless night, underground
These conditions may be replicated through artificial
light sources available via Patronage. These are outlined
in the chart in Chapter 7: Trappings. Every light source
has an intensity level, ranging from dim rushlights to
blazing bonfire. However, for every three light sources at
the same level of intensity and within one another’s
Fleeting Shadows, they bump the light intensity up by
another level. So, three candles burning within 3 strides
of one another emit the same light as a torch. Note that
bearing a light source occupies one of

LIGHTING
There are three lighting conditions in Blackbirds:
& Bright Light (no ambient penalties): daytime, in a
direct source of light
& Fleeting Shadows (vision-related Skill tests are made at
‒20): dawn, dusk, clear night skies, or nighttime interior
with windows

LIGHT TOTAL
LIGHT SOURCE DURATION BRIGHT LIGHT FLEETING SHADOWS
INTENSITY DARKNESS

Bonfire 4 3 hours 30 strides 31 to 59 strides 60+ strides

Campfire 3 9 hours 15 strides 16 to 39 strides 40+ strides

Candle 1 1 hour 5 strides 6 to 9 strides 10+ strides

Lamp 2 6 hours 10 strides 11 to 29 strides 30+ strides

Lantern/Storm
3 6 hours 15 strides 16 to 39 strides 40+ strides
Lantern

Rushlight 1 15 minutes 5 strides 6 to 9 strides 10+ strides

Torch 2 1 hour 10 strides 11 to 29 strides 30+ strides


the Blackbird’s hands, which may make the
use of certain weapons and/or shields
impossible.
& Light Source: This column outlines the type
of artificial light source.
& Patronage: This column reveals the level of
Patronage required to have access to said
light source. If “None,” it means the source
may readily be gathered in the wild in most
environments. The Fateweaver is the final
arbiter of availability.
& Light Intensity: This is the default intensity
emitted by a single such light source.
& Duration: This is how long the light source
lasts before it must be replaced or refueled.
& Bright Light: This is the radius around which
the source emits light as intense as Bright
Light.
& Fleeting Shadows: This is the radius around
which the source emits light as intense as
Fleeting Shadows.
& Total Darkness: This is the radius beyond
which the source fails, plunging the world
into Total Darkness.
B E A R I N M I N D that wind can play
havoc with small flames. Any light
intensity 1 source not shielded
from the wind will be extinguished
by anything more than a slight
breeze. (See the light intensity chart
following this section for examples.)
More intense light sources are
unaffected. Similarly, heavy rain or
snow will have the same effect on
light intensity 1 and 2 sources not
sheltered from it. The Fateweaver
has the final call on whether either of
these conditions exist.
CO N F L I C T & R E K I N D LI N G 169
! Controlling the Mount: Any time an animal your
Blackbird is riding or driving begins Bleeding or
suffers an Injury, you must succeed a Handle
Animal test for them to control it. If the roll fails,
the animal will not use Movement Actions on
the Blackbird’s next Turn. If it critically fails,
however, the Blackbird is bucked off or loses the
reins and the animal flees, and they will be unable
to calm it for 1 hour. A thrown Blackbird suffers
1Ð10+1 Damage from falling and is rendered
temporarily Prone. On a Sublime Failure, the
thrown Blackbird suffers 2Ð10+2 Damage.
! Trample: If your Blackbird chooses to trample an
opponent with their mount, it counts as a Melee
Attack. However, a Ride test is performed in lieu
of a Combat-based Skill test. If the roll is
successful, the foe suffers 1Ð10+your mount’s
[BB] in Damage. If it is a Critical Success, the
foe suffers 2Ð10+the mount’s [BB] and is
rendered Prone. On a Sublime Success, the foe
suffers 3Ð10+the mount’s [BB] in Damage and is
rendered Prone. A Blackbird can only Dodge
while being trampled and cannot Parry.
Obscurement
Obscurement stems from atmospheric
conditions that shroud distant objects.
Obscurement has three levels:
! Light Obscurement (cannot use Extreme
Distances): mist, light rain, or light snow
! Medium Obscurement (cannot use Extreme or
Long Distances): fog, heavy rain, or heavy snow
! Heavy Obscurement (cannot use Extreme, Long,
or Medium Distances): sleet, smoke, or blizzard
These cannot be ameliorated through normal
means, though certain magic may make it possible
to ignore such effects.
Swapping Weapons
A Blackbird may draw any weapon from their
side, pick up a weapon at their feet, swap weapons
at their side, or give a weapon to an ally for 1 AP.
 170 BLACKBIRDS

M O V E M E NT A C T I O N S EFFECT: The Blackbird moves up to 1 stride to

Movement Actions are employed whenever a
Blackbird needs to relocate to a more tactically
advantageous position, close the distance between
foes, or carefully retreat from an opponent to evade
their attacks of opportunity.
Charge (2 AP)
A Blackbird employing this action builds speed
to gain momentum and punch through an enemy’s
defenses.
EFFECT: The Blackbird may rush forward up to
two times their Movement. If they move at least
3 strides and successfully strike with a Melee
weapon on the same Turn, add an additional 1Ð6
to the Total Damage result. This action provokes
an Opportunity Attack if the charging Blackbird
leaves an Engagement.
Get Up (2 AP)
The Blackbird may climb into a saddle, step
into a vehicle, stand from Prone, or help a Prone
ally stand up.
stand from Prone or a crouched position, to get
into a vehicle, or to mount a steed. If they possess
at least one Skill Rank in Coordination, they can
Get Up for 1 AP instead. This action provokes
an Opportunity Attack if the Blackbird leaves an
Engagement.
Hustle (1 AP)
The Blackbird strides purposely forward
without fatiguing themself.
EFFECT: The Blackbird may Hustle a distance equal
to their Movement in strides. This action provokes
an Opportunity Attack if the Blackbird leaves an
Engagement.
Maneuver (2 AP)
The Blackbird retreats from combat,
disengaging from their enemies while avoiding
their blows.
EFFECT: The Blackbird may maneuver a distance of
1 stride to leave an Engagement, allowing them to
avoid Opportunity Attacks.

HORSE
The common horse was domesticated by ancient
peoples even before the aes arrived, it is said. Although
these animals are commonly used for manual labor,
transportation, and as tools of war, horses can still be
found in the wild. Since horses’ domestication, several
breeds have been singled out for endurance and
temperament, and in the case of the warhorse, for size
and strength.
SENSITIVE SOUL: Make a Perception test when this
creature might sense unnatural, Odic, or magical
creatures—or even natural predators. If it’s domesticated
and succeeds on this test, a successful Animal Handling
roll must be made for its owner or trainer to notice. This
will not reveal the cause of the disturbance, just that the
animal is troubled. Make a further Animal Handling roll to
keep the creature under control if the source of the
disturbance becomes obvious or arrives.

COMBAT BRAWN AGILITY PERCEPTION INTELLIGENCE WILLPOWER FELLOWSHIP

35 [3] 50 [6] 45 [4] 45 [5] 40 [4] 40 [4] 40 [4]

Athletics +10 Coordination

Melee +10 Awareness +10
Toughness +10 +10

Damage
Peril Threshold: For 1 Basic-Tier
Dodge: 55% Threshold: 11 Movement: 10 Initiative: 12 Size: Large
7 (13/19/25) Blackbird
(17/23/29)

Kick: 45% - Distance (Melee Engaged or 1 stride) - Damage [2Ð6+6] - Pummeling, Slow

Run (3 AP)
The Blackbird sprints quickly, making it more
difficult for enemies to target them.
EFFECT: The Blackbird may run a distance up to
three times their Movement. As a result, add +3 to
their Damage Threshold until the beginning of their
next Turn. This Action provokes an Opportunity
Attack if the Blackbird leaves an Engagement.
Take Cover (1 AP)
The Blackbird takes cover, placing a barrier
between them and their enemies. This grants them
some safety and shelter from which to attack.
EFFECT: The Blackbird may move a distance of up to 1
stride to crouch and seek cover. That cover must rise at
least knee-high and be made of wood, stone, or metal
to grant protection. A stout oak, a toppled carriage, or
a stone parapet would work, but shrubs or tall grass
would not. If the Blackbird is behind low cover (such
as a crate), add +3 to their Damage Threshold when
hit by Ranged weapons. If behind medium cover (such
as a stone fence), add +6. If behind high cover (such as
a marble column), add +9. If behind cover that breaks
the line of visibility, a Blackbird cannot be targeted by
Ranged weapons at all. The Fateweaver determines
how high or low cover is for these purposes.
SPECIAL ACTIONS
Special Actions are those that take place during
combat but do not hinge on maneuvering across
the battlefield or striking the enemy. Interacting
with the environment, shaking off the effects of
combat conditions, boosting the power of magic,
using items on one’s person, and loading Ranged
weapons all constitute Special Actions.
Focus (' AP)
Wrenching open the Od, the Blackbird creates
a temporary tear through the weave of reality to
boost their arcane might.
EFFECT: Either before or after the Difficulty Rating
to cast magic is declared by the Fateweaver, your
Blackbird attempts to draw more raw power from
CO N F L I C T & R E K I N D LI N G 171
the Od to positively modify the
rating. See Chapter 8: Theurgy.
Load (Varies)
The Blackbird readies
another shot.
EFFECT: Before a Ranged weapon
may be fired or thrown, one must “Horseshoe nails are
either load it with ammunition considered good luck
or ready it. To do so, a Blackbird and are often given as
must have both hands free to load parting gifts to those
a missile weapon or one hand setting out on the road.
free for a thrown one. Spend the It may be the symbolism
amount of AP required for your of the road itself that
Blackbird to load the Ranged brings comfort, or
weapon as indicated in its listing perhaps the warding
in Chapter 7: Trappings. Once a properties of iron . . .”
Blackbird begins to load a weapon, — Observations of the
Wandering Squire
they must finish before taking any
other Action. If a Blackbird spends
more than one Turn loading a single weapon, they
are left Defenseless until they complete the Action.
Take Aim (1 OR 2 AP)
The Blackbird takes careful aim and waits for
just the right moment to let fly.
EFFECT: Either before or after the Difficulty Rating
of your Attack Action is declared by the Fateweaver,
you may spend 1 AP to gain a +10 Base Chance
to your Blackbird’s next Attack Action, including
those from Techniques. If you spend 2 AP, your
Blackbird instead gains +20.
Use Item (1 AP)
The Blackbird takes a moment to employ an
item they’re carrying on their person.
EFFECT: Spend 1 AP to use salmiac; apply poison to
a weapon; quaff a draught of theriac or quickbronze
elixir; etc. The Fateweaver is the ultimate arbiter of
what is or isn’t possible using this broad Action in
the thick of combat.
172 BLACKBIRDS
Wait (' AP)
The Blackbird bides their time, waiting for the
most advantageous moment to strike.
EFFECT: With Wait, you opt for your Blackbird to
not act during their Turn, instead holding their AP
in reserve to act later in the Round. Thus, they may
choose to drop to any spot lower in the Initiative
Ladder. However, if your Blackbird is attempting
to interrupt an opponent’s Turn, you must make a
successful Scrutinize or Warfare test for them to do
so. Otherwise, though your Blackbird acts on the
same Initiative, they must act after their opponent’s
Turn is done.
In addition, a Blackbird cannot use Wait to
take two Turns back-to-back. Your Blackbird must
act before the end of the current Round.
REACTIONS
Reactions are employed by Blackbirds in
response to enemy attacks and movement, or to
defend themselves against enemy blows.
Dodge (1 AP)
With catlike reflexes or adrenaline-fueled
panic, the Blackbird eludes an attack.
EFFECT: When facing a successful attack but
before Damage is determined, you may attempt a
Coordination test for your Blackbird. If it succeeds,
they avoid all Damage. If the roll critically succeeds,
they avoid all Damage and no AP is spent to Dodge.
A Sublime Success does the same, but the Blackbird
also gains a +3 to their Damage Threshold for the
remainder of the Round. (More details can be
found later in this chapter.)
A Blackbird may not Dodge when Defenseless
or Helpless.
Opportunity Attack (' AP)
The Blackbird lashes out with a sudden,
instinctive attack against a retreating foe.
EFFECT: In certain situations (such as when an
opponent exits an Engagement with them), a
Blackbird may make a free Melee Attack against
their opponent without AP being spent. A foe
cannot Dodge or Parry this attack.
A Blackbird cannot make an Opportunity Attack
when Defenseless, Helpless, Prone, or concentrating
on maintaining a magical effect, nor can one be made
with a Ranged weapon. Note that if your Blackbird is
not already armed with a weapon, they cannot draw
one to make an Opportunity Attack, though they
may elect to attack barehanded. A Blackbird may
make only one Opportunity Attack a Round.
Parry (1 AP)
The Blackbird uses a weapon or shield to deflect
a strike.
EFFECT: When facing a successful attack with a
Melee weapon, but before Damage is determined,
you may make a Melee test for your Blackbird. If the
roll succeeds, they avoid all Damage. If it critically
succeeds, they avoid all Damage, they spend no AP
to Parry, and they make an Opportunity Attack
against the engaged foe. On a Sublime Success,
the effect is the same, but they may make two
Opportunity Attacks against their engaged attacker.
(More details can be found later in this chapter.)
A Blackbird may not Parry when Defenseless or
Helpless. However, if they’re armed with a shield or
weapon possessing the Protective Quality, they may
Parry Ranged Attacks. When critically parrying with
a shield or a weapon that has the Protective Quality,
no AP is spent, but as there is no engaged foe to
strike, no Opportunity Attacks are conferred. Note
that unless they are already armed with a weapon, a
Blackbird cannot draw one to Parry an attack.
Resist (' AP)
The Blackbird attempts to withstand the effects
of a special condition being imposed upon them.
EFFECT: Whenever your Blackbird falls victim to
certain special conditions, you may be asked to
make a relevant Skill test, referring to the Skill
indicated to withstand the condition’s effects. If the
roll succeeds, the results are entirely nullified. If it
fails, the Blackbird suffers the effects as described. If

the roll critically succeeds, the results are nullified
and the Blackbird moves 1 level up the Peril
Condition Track. A Sublime Success confers an
immunity to the effect for the current Scene.
In cases where your Blackbird’s Turn begins
and they are currently suffering from the effects of
an ongoing Attack Action such as Grapple, you can
attempt to Resist for them once their Turn begins.
If the roll succeeds, they recover from the negative
effects. If it fails, you may attempt to Resist again at
the start of your Blackbird’s next Turn.
A Blackbird may not Resist while Defenseless
or Helpless. In certain instances, effects may require
an opposed test to Resist. These are conducted as
with any other such test, where whoever succeeds at
their Skill test and has the highest Degrees of
Success wins the opposed test, and if the Degrees of
Success match, opposed tests continue to be made
until one side is declared the winner.
Combat Overview
Whether a Blackbird is armed with a Melee or
Ranged weapon, the chance to strike and the
Damage dealt is determined the same way. There
are seven simple principles used to resolve an Attack
Action that results in Damage:
! Step 1: Which Weapon?
! Step 2: Total Chance for Success
! Step 3: Make the Attack
! Step 4: Enemy Defends
! Step 5: Roll Damage
! Step 6: Determine Damage Condition
! Step 7: Determine Injury
STE P 1 : W H I C H W E A P O N?
Whenever a Blackbird joins a fight, they must
decide what kind of weapon to use and determine
whether their foe is at a favorable distance to strike
with it. Melee weapons are favored by those who
prefer things up close and personal, while Ranged
are often the choice for more cautious combatants.
No matter the choice, benefits and drawbacks apply
to wielding any weapon.
CO N F L I C T & R E K I N D LI N G 173
Melee Weapons
Whether the simple farmer’s sickle or
woodsman’s axe, the assassin’s garrote or knight’s
longsword, Melee weapons are the most common
type of hand weapons.
While a Blackbird is armed with a Melee
weapon, make a Melee test for them to strike with
it. For most Melee weapons, an attacker must be
Engaged with an opponent to strike them. Melee
weapons possessing the Reach Quality may be used
to attack foes outside of an Engagement up to 1
stride away.
“Unarmed” Attacks: Not every fight is meant to
kill. For-profit underworld boxing rings, ubiquitous
tavern brawls, and street fights between rival gangs
are everyday occurrences in the world of Blackbirds.
There are also times when teaching someone a lesson
with a punch to the face is preferable to running
them through with a sword. The threat of murder,
while very real in the game’s milieu, should not
overshadow the more mundane ways of settling
scores. That said, barehanded attacks are quite
capable of dealing terrible punishment when
employed with vigor, so a back-alley dustup may well
end in death, either accidentally or on purpose, even
if steel is never drawn.
Punches, kicks, elbow and knee strikes, and
headbutts all function as barehanded weapons, as
described in Chapter 7: Trappings.
Ranged Weapons
Hunting bows of Elklund’s gamekeepers,
thrown bottles of a Highsalt drunk, the longbows of
Paladine’s archers, the crossbows of the Gharzan
arbalists: Ranged weapons can change the course of
combat, raining death upon one’s enemies. Any
fighting force that lacks such weapons is at a distinct
disadvantage when facing one that does.
Make a Ranged test for a Blackbird armed with
a distance weapon to strike with it. As with Melee
weapons, the Blackbird must consider the range to
their intended target when attacking. However,
Ranged weapons possess further ranges to strike,
 174 BLACKBIRDS
called Distance. Distance is
typically measured by the
attacker’s [PB] and modified by
the Ranged weapon employed. It
represents the number of strides
an attacker can accurately target a
foe with their weapon.
“The hunters of the ! Short Distance is the minimum
eastern wilds know never range an attacker can stand away
to approach a kill until from a target without suffering a
carrion birds surround penalty to attack. It requires a
it; a corpse left alone by minimum of 1 stride between the
scavengers should be attacker and an intended target.
hastily avoided . . .” Each Ranged weapon has a set
—Observations of the Short Distance as described in
Wandering Squire
Chapter 7: Trappings. Within
Short Distance, a Ranged Attack
suffers no penalties to hit.
! Medium Distance is double the Short Distance.
Thus, an attacker can stand even farther from an
intended target and fire effectively. While at
Medium Distance, a Ranged Attack suffers ‒10
to hit.
! Long Distance is triple the Short Distance.
Firing a Ranged weapon and hitting one’s
intended target at this distance is considerably
more difficult. While at Long Distance, a Ranged
Attack suffers ‒20 to hit.
EXTREME DISTANCES: Distances for Ranged weapons
outside of Long Distance serve little point. At such
ranges, a weapon suffers ‒30 to hit and Damage
dice no longer explode. The maximum strides a
missile may travel in such cases is, at most, four
times the weapon’s Short Distance range value.
Although distance is always a factor in firing
Ranged weapons, there may be other reasons a
Fateweaver rules a Ranged weapon’s Difficulty
Rating to be worse, such as wind conditions,
darkness, precipitation, and myriad other factors.
THROWN WEAPONS: Certain Ranged weapons
possess the Throwing Quality, which means these
weapons can never be thrown farther than the
distance listed. They possess only a Short Distance
value and do not possess values for Medium or
Long Distance.
RANGED WHILE ENGAGED: With the exception of
crossbows, Ranged weapons cannot be fired during
an Engagement.
STE P 2 : TO TA L C H A N C E F O R S U CC E S S
Numerous factors can influence a Blackbird’s
ability to strike a foe with an attack or evade their
riposte. Positioning, abilities, and types of Combat
Actions can all alter the Difficulty Rating when
attacking enemies. All modifiers depend on the
Actions a Blackbird uses and the conditions from
which they may be suffering.
Base Chance
To determine Base Chance, refer to the Combat
Primary Attribute first, then add together the total
Skill Ranks for the relevant Combat-related Skill,
either Melee or Ranged. The weapon used may also
influence the Base Chance. For example, an attacker
cannot use the Melee Skill when wielding a hunting
bow. In addition, certain Talents, Techniques, or
Traits add bonuses to one’s Base Chance. Finally, an
attacker may be suffering from an Injury or is perhaps
lower on the Peril Condition Track, which further
penalizes their chances of success.
Peril Adjustments
When your Blackbird is suffering from Peril,
you must take this into consideration when the
Difficulty Ratings for Skill tests are called out. For
instance, your Blackbird may have a total of three
Skill Ranks in Ranged, but their Peril Condition
Track forces you to ignore two of these Skill Ranks.
Thus, you can add only one Skill Rank to your Base
Chance when rolling.
Fateweaver Adjusts Difficulty Rating
Attack Actions have a fixed Difficulty Rating
of (Standard +/‒0%), but the Fateweaver may
adjust this when the situation dictates. These
adjustments are always the result of outside

influences to which the Fateweaver assigns a
numerical value to negatively or positively influence
an attempt’s outcome. For example, should one side
outnumber the other within an Engagement, it
plays into the larger force’s favor. The Fateweaver
decides the final bonuses or penalties, and the result
adds to or subtracts from the Total Chance for
Success the Blackbird has. When your Blackbird is
attempting an attack, your Fateweaver will tell you
the Difficulty Rating. The Fateweaver will always
announce the Difficulty Rating of the defender as
well, also adjudicated according to the circumstances.
Final Tally
Once all of these modifiers have been tallied,
the result determines the Total Chance for Success.
STE P 3: M A K E T H E AT TA C K
While Rounds in combat adhere to a strict
structure, your Blackbird is actually fighting
throughout the Initiative Ladder—raising their
shield to intercept a crossbow bolt, barking out
orders, and keeping an eye on the combatants to
line up the perfect axe throw. It all leads to that one
throw, for a savage attack where you finally roll the
dice. That is where the joy and excitement of
tabletop role-playing game combat comes from, as
a successful roll may turn the tide of battle, but a
failed one may result in a terrible rout. As with
other Skill tests, an attack is resolved using the same
rules outlined in Chapter 2: How to Play.
Roll to Strike
Once an attacker decides what weapon to use
and the Total Chance is calculated, it is time to roll
a Ð100. If the result equals or is less than the Total
Chance for Success, the attack succeeds. If the
result exceeds the Total Chance for Success, the
attack fails.
A best practice is for players to announce their
Total Chance for Success before rolling the dice, as
the chaos of combat and its myriad modifiers can
confuse even the most focused player at times.
CO N F L I C T & R E K I N D LI N G 175
However, the Fateweaver usually won’t announce the
Total Chance for Success for NPCs, as this keeps
players guessing about their foes’ true capabilities.
Match—Critical and Sublime Success
When a Critical Success is rolled for the
Blackbird to strike with an Attack Action or
Technique, the target is left Defenseless to it. This
means that they can neither Parry nor Dodge Melee
or Ranged Attacks, nor Resist the effects of cast
Wortcunning Spells or Vitiations. A Critical
Success also adds an additional 1Ð6 Damage die
(or a 1Ð10 Bane die, if applicable); a Sublime
Success adds 2Ð6 Damage dice (or 2Ð10 Bane
dice, if applicable).
Some attacks allow a Blackbird to trigger a
special effect when a Critical or Sublime Success is
rolled with an Attack Action. In such cases,
Techniques and Traits allow an attacker to incur a
mechanical bonus or new effect, as outlined in its
description.
Match—Critical or Sublime Failure?
Rolling a simple Failure for an attack has no
adverse effect beyond the obvious. However, should
a Critical Failure be rolled with any Attack Action,
it causes the Blackbird’s weapon to suffer a level of
Degradation. Sublime Failure raises this to 2 levels
of Degradation.
TA RG E T Z O N E S
Some Vitiations, Traits, Techniques, and weapons
may affect multiple targets at once, so long they are all
located within the target zones of the attack. Common
zone shapes include cone, burst, and explosion, but there
are other possible types, and they are always defined in
the description of the attack’s effects. Whatever their
dimensions, physical barriers typically serve to constrain
and redirect most attacks such that most medium or high
cover will alter a target zone by completely blocking an
attack’s effects beyond it. In cases where this is not true,
that will be noted in the attack’s description as well.
176 BLACKBIRDS
STE P 4 : E N E MY D EFE N D S
Defenders in combat are in constant motion—
ducking, juking, sidestepping—all to gain a more
advantageous position. So long as a defender is
aware of an incoming attack and prepared, they can
attempt to turn it away or avoid it entirely.
Parry or Dodge
Provided they are neither Defenseless nor
Helpless, a defender has two options to avoid an
attack. They may try deflecting it with their weapon
or shield through a Parry or try ducking out of the
way through a Dodge.
PARRY: When facing a successful attack with a
Melee weapon, a Melee Skill test may be made for
them to use the weapon they are wielding to Parry.
The Difficulty Rating for the test is based on the
Difficulty Rating of their opponent’s Attack Action,
translating its bonus or penalty into its opposite.
Therefore, if their enemy’s Attack Action has a
Difficulty Rating of (Routine +10%), the Difficulty
Rating to Parry is (Challenging ‒10%). If the roll
is successful, the character avoids all Damage. If the
roll is a Critical Success, they spend no AP to Parry,
and they make an Opportunity Attack against
the engaged foe. If the roll is a Sublime Success,
they may make two Opportunity Attacks against
their engaged attacker. In addition, if the character
is armed with a shield or weapon possessing the
Protective Quality, they may also Parry Ranged
Attacks. When critically parrying with a shield or
a weapon that has the Protective Quality, no AP
is spent, but as there is no engaged foe to strike,
no Opportunity Attacks are conferred. A character
cannot attempt to Parry the same attack twice.
DODGE: When facing a successful attack with a
Melee or Ranged weapon, a Coordination test may
be made for them to attempt to Dodge the attack.
The Difficulty Rating for the test is based on the
Difficulty Rating of their opponent’s Attack Action,
translating its bonus or penalty into its opposite.
Thus, if an enemy’s Attack Action has a Difficulty
Rating of (Routine +10%), the Difficulty Rating to
Dodge is (Challenging ‒10%). If the roll succeeds,
the character avoids all Damage. If the roll is a
Critical Success, the character avoids all Damage
and does not have to spend AP to Dodge. If the roll
is a Sublime Success, the character also gains a +3
to their Damage Threshold for the remainder of the
Round. A character cannot attempt to Dodge the
same attack twice.
The size of the weapons involved and the form
of the attack may be considered by the Fateweaver
whenever a Blackbird attempts to Parry. The
Fateweaver may rule that trying to Parry a pike
with a shiv would warrant an (Arduous ‒30%)
Difficulty Rating. Conversely, they may rule that
the defender gets a better chance to parry a sabre
with a longsword and change the Difficulty Rating
to (Routine +10%). In the case of Dodge, it may be
significantly more difficult to dive out of the way of
a volley of crossbow bolts than to simply duck away
from a thrown bottle. The Fateweaver makes these
determinations on a case-by-case basis, changing
the Difficulty Rating where they see fit.
STE P 5: RO L L D A M A G E
After your Blackbird successfully strikes and
their opponent fails to Parry or Dodge (or chooses
not to defend), it is time to determine Damage
dealt. There are typically two considerations to be
made when determining how much Total Damage
the Blackbird deals:
! A Blackbird normally deals out 1Ð6+[CB] Total
Damage on a successful strike, and this may then
be modified by specific Techniques, Talents,
Boons, Weapon Qualities, and/or Vitiations.
Bane Damage
A Blackbird may wield a weapon composed of a
substance to which their foe has a supernatural
aversion. One common example is the effect iron
and steel weapons have on the aes. In such
circumstances, these weapons deal the Blackbird’s
[CB] plus 1Ð10 in Total Damage. Bane dice explode
on a ‘9’ or ‘10.’

Calculate Damage Threshold
Always take into account the Blackbird’s
Damage Threshold when they suffer Damage.
Damage Threshold equals a Blackbird’s [BB] plus
their armor’s Damage Threshold Modifier.
After an attacker strikes their target and Total
Damage is calculated, the defender compares it to
their Damage Threshold.
Below Damage Threshold
If the Total Damage is less than the Damage
Threshold, the defender’s armor has provided
sufficient protection, or they have shrugged off the
blow, and no Damage is taken.
Equal to or Exceeds Damage Threshold
When Total Damage is considered, treat it as
such for purposes of determining Damage Threshold:
! If Total Damage equals or exceeds base Damage
Threshold, the Blackbird moves 1 level down the
Damage Condition Track.
! If Total Damage equals or exceeds 6+Damage
Threshold, the Blackbird moves 2 levels down
the Damage Condition Track.
! If Total Damage equals or exceeds 12+Damage
Threshold, the Blackbird moves 3 levels down
the Damage Condition Track.
! If Total Damage equals or exceeds 18+Damage
Threshold, the Blackbird is instantly Slain!.
Each level of Damage Threshold should be
noted as base Damage Threshold (Damage
Threshold+6 / Damage Threshold+12 / Damage
Threshold+18). For example, if Damage Threshold
is 10, it is recorded as: 10 (16/22/28).
STE P 6: D E TE R M I N E D A M A G E
CONDITION
Whenever a Blackbird suffers Total Damage
that equals or exceeds their Damage Threshold,
their player must announce to the group where the
Blackbird is on the Damage Condition Track:
! Level 1 ! Level 3 ! Level 5
! Level 2 ! Level 4 ! Slain!
CO N F L I C T & R E K I N D LI N G 177
The closer a Blackbird comes to the bottom of
the Damage Condition Track, the riskier combat
becomes. If the Blackbird reaches the end of the
Damage Condition Track (Slain!), their race is run.
STE P 7 : D E TE R M I N E I N J U RY
When a Blackbird’s Damage Condition Track
drops to Level 3, Level 4, or Level 5, they are at risk
of suffering an Injury. In some cases, particular
Talents or other abilities may make Injuries less (or
more) severe.
When a Blackbird’s Damage Condition Track
drops to Level 2, there is no risk of Injury. However,
once their Damage Condition Track drops to Level
3, a 1Ð6 Injury die must immediately be rolled. If
the result is face ‘6,’ the Blackbird suffers a Moderate
Injury. Repeat this process when their Damage
Condition Track drops to Level 4. If the results
show a face ‘6,’ the Blackbird suffers a Serious
Injury. Repeat this process once their Damage
Condition Track drops to Level 5. If the results
show a face ‘6,’ the Blackbird suffers a Grievous
Injury. Once they reach Slain! on the track, the
Blackbird is dead. Note that if a Blackbird drops
several levels from one blow, only the most severe
Damage Level that they have dropped to must be
rolled for.
When Injury Occurs
Every Injury has a specific penalty your
Blackbird incurs and suffers from until they’ve
recuperated. The Fateweaver assigns or randomly
determines the Injury the defender suffers
(referencing the tables later in the chapter). The sort
of Injury inflicted is solely based on where the
Blackbird is on the Damage Condition Track.
Treatment of Injuries are covered later in this chapter.
Sacrificing Fate Points
Blackbirds possess something common folk
don’t. As Fate’s chosen champions, they may call
upon that force to intervene during moments of
crisis. Anytime you feel it’s appropriate during a
178 BLACKBIRDS
Weaving—even outside of combat—you may
sacrifice your Fate amulet to save your Blackbird
from being Slain! or to ignore any one Injury.
Peril, Damage & Injury
Life as a Blackbird is fraught with danger. They are
all tied to Fate as its champions in a ruined world.
In a time of continent-spanning war, with the
gods slain, the Outsiders free, and servants of the
Oligarchs on the move, conflict is a given, and its
outcome often bloody.
PERIL CONDITION TRACK
Unlike with Damage, the Peril Condition
Track is a temporary inconvenience born of
excessive physical or mental strain. Peril may be
caused by fatigue, deprivation, stress, horror, or
myriad other conditions spelled out in Chapter 13:
The Fateweaver. Where a Blackbird is on their Peril
Condition Track determines what penalties are
suffered on all Skill tests until they recover. Six
distinct levels constitute the Peril Condition Track:
! Level 1: The Blackbird has endured very little
adversity. They evince neither weariness, anxiety,
nor other strain . . . thus far.
! Level 2: Although the Blackbird is operating
under a small amount of stress or is merely
winded, they should likely be more careful.
! Level 3: The pressure is on, and the Blackbird is
feeling it. Their brow beads with sweat, and they
are tired and slow to act. While they’re in this
state, ignore one of the Blackbird’s Skill Ranks.
! Level 4: The Blackbird is in mental and physical
turmoil, as their mind is swimming with anxiety
and their body is weary from exhaustion. They’re
likely suffering from intense doubt, are worn to a
frazzle, or both. While they’re in this state, ignore
two of the Blackbird’s Skill Ranks.
! Level 5: The Blackbird can barely keep it together.
They face a significantly reduced chance to
succeed at any task but try to hope that help is on
the way. While they’re in this state, ignore all
three of the Blackbird’s Skill Ranks.
! Incapacitated!: The Blackbird’s body betrays
them. When they’re in this state, no Skill test
made for them can succeed.
DAMAGE CONDITION TRACK
The healing process in Blackbirds is quite
often a lengthy proposition, as Blackbirds carry
their wounds over from Weaving to Weaving. A
Blackbird’s Damage Condition Track describes
how wounded a Blackbird is while apprising all the
players of how the flock is holding up, which serves
to inform the injured Blackbird’s allies where best
to focus their efforts. Knowledge of how the group
as a whole is doing can make all the difference in an
adventure, resulting in a greater chance of
success . . . and a higher survival rate.
It is a good idea either at the top of combat or
at the beginning of a Weaving for everyone around
the table to announce where their Blackbirds are on
the Damage Condition Track. The important thing
is that if your Blackbird is hurt, everyone knows
about it, so they’ll know better than to position
them in the thick of battle.
There are six distinct Levels that make up the
Damage Condition Track:
! Level 1: The Blackbird has the most minor of
Damage: bruises, scratches, bumps, welts, old
wounds scarring or scabbed over, stitches or sutures
that no longer reopen, bandages over lacerations.
! Level 2: The Blackbird wears a few small cuts,
some light bruising, maybe a stitch or two. Their
pain is mild, probably not constant, and may be
noticeable only during activity.
! Level 3: The Blackbird suffers significant bruising,
cuts that require stitches, and/or lesions that
invite infection. Their pain is regular, perhaps
constant. They may require the aid of a physician
or leech.
! Level 4: The Blackbird’s blood stains their
clothing. They suffer a black eye (or two), a
flattened nose, an irregular gait, and have
difficulty speaking. Their world gently spins,
vision blurs. Ignoring the pain is nigh impossible.

! Level 5: Broken bones, torn muscles, deep cuts,
and massive contusions constitute the Blackbird’s
body. Their blood soaks their clothing, and pain
gnaws at the very fiber of their being.
! Slain!: The grave yawns wide and the wings of
Corvus echo in the Blackbird’s ears. Death has
come for them, but to survive it takes only the
sacrifice a Fate amulet . . .
INJURIES
The horrors of combat don’t end when the
swinging stops. Many times, the violence results in
horrific Injuries that may take weeks to heal—if one’s
lucky. Some may disable a Blackbird for a lifetime;
others may bring that life to a sudden, messy end.
There are as many types of Injuries as there are
sources of trauma. Some may temporarily inhibit a
Blackbird’s ability to function at their best, whereas
others result in broken bones, and a grave few may
cause blindness, limb loss, punctured lungs, or
worse. Injuries serve as a constant reminder of the
brutal and violent nature of this broken world. It is
rare to walk away from a battle unscathed for those
daring (or foolish) enough to draw steel.
Because of their physiologies, aes and daimn do
not experience Injuries as others do. Elves cannot
be Injured at all, as their ephemeral forms suffer
harm differently. Dwarves may suffer Injury, but
their forms are so rugged and their recuperative
powers so great that they may even fully regenerate
lost body parts at the end of the recuperation period
for those Injuries they do suffer. Their elemental
nature also differs enough that they possess unique
Injury charts (see below).
Slain!
All good tales must eventually come to an end.
Whenever a character descends beyond the Level 5
Damage Threshold, they are Slain!. Let the player
describe the grim demise of their opponent . . . or
themself. See Chapter 3: Character Creation &
Progression for more details about what happens
when a Blackbird dies.
CO N F L I C T & R E K I N D LI N G 179
INFECTION
Infection causes a Blackbird’s
Injuries to become pink and
swollen, oozing pus and
throbbing with pain as flies gather
around the stinking wound.
Infection can result from
tumbling into a cesspool, being “The rat-catchers of the
thrown into a prison while western cities advertise
suffering from untreated Grievous their prowess with great
Injuries, being dealt an Injury by capes made from the
an unclean monstrosity, being skins of the quarry, a
treated by a leech’s soiled testament to their ability
instruments, or any number of to battle the vermin
other unsanitary conditions that without suffering their
lead to further contamination of infection-laden bites. . .”
one’s wounds. — Observations of the
Wandering Squire
Any critically failed Heal test
to treat an Injury causes an
infection, but many other situations may lead to
infection, as dictated by the Fateweaver. Once
suffering from infection, a Blackbird cannot recover
steps on the Damage or Peril Condition Tracks,
nor can recuperation from their Injuries occur until
the infection has been dealt with appropriately.
Infection lasts until it has been successfully treated
through bloodletting.
If an infection is not properly treated within a
day, the Blackbird temporarily loses ‒1 Brawn and
continues to suffer ‒1 Brawn every full day
thereafter until it has been successfully treated.
T H E U S E O F infection in a Blackbirds
game adds a level of gritty realism that some
groups may find overly harsh even for a game
as dark as this one. Some may enjoy that
verisimilitude and wish to use these rules as
written. Others may want to use them only
in very specific circumstances. Fateweavers
should feel free to disregard this complication
if it doesn’t match their play style—which is
ultimately true for every rule in the game.
 180 BLACKBIRDS
Injury Charts
MODERATE INJURY CHART: Roll 1Ð6 for results.
Pretty Face
1. W H ATE V E R I T W A S, it just hit the victim in the face.
People tend to respond poorly to individuals who look like they
have recently engaged in violence. Until recuperated, suffer Flip
to Fail on Fellowship-based tests made for the victim to positively
influence others.
Strained Ligament
3. S O M E T H I N G T W I STE D W RO N G in the victim’s hand. Until
recuperated, whenever a Critical or Sublime Failure is rolled for
them on an attack, the victim’s grip on their weapon slips, letting it
skitter at least 3 strides away in a random direction.
Funny on the Inside
2. T H AT L A ST B L OW knocked, sliced, or poked a hole such
that the victim feels more than pain. Something is wrong, and it’s
slowing them down. Until the victim heals, roll 1Ð6 for them at the
start of each Turn. A ‘6’ means they generate 1 less AP.
Swollen Shut
4. B E I T A fragment from an arrow’s shaft, a swollen contusion,
or a flap of lacerated flesh, something from that last strike is
interfering with the victim’s vision. Until recuperated, Flip to Fail
Perception-based tests made for the victim.

Dropped
5. T H AT L A ST H I T knocked the victim off their feet. They
immediately fall Prone. All attacks made against them while they’re
down gain an additional 1Ð6 Damage. Until recuperated, apply ‒3
to the victim’s Movement.
SERIOUS INJURY CHART: Roll 1Ð6 and see what happens
Fractured Skull
1. T H E V I C T I M’ S W O R L D spins. Until recuperated, their place
on the Initiative Ladder is always last.
CO N F L I C T & R E K I N D LI N G 181
A Trickle of Red
6. B L O O D F L OW S STE A D I LY from where the victim was struck.
They are Knocked Out in [BB] Turns unless someone stanches the
flow with a bandage or some other medical treatment. Until they
heal, the Injury reopens each time a Critical or Sublime Failure is
rolled for them on a Combat-, Brawn-, or Agility-based Skill test,
requiring the Bleeding be restanched.
A Bit of Ear
2. B L O O D R U N S I NTO the victim’s eardrum, making hearing
difficult and balance even harder. Until recuperated, Flip to
Fail Perception-based Skill tests made for the victim that
require hearing and Agility-based Skill tests made that require
equilibrium.
 182 BLACKBIRDS

Snapped Finger Fractured Ribs

3. O N E O F T H E victim’s digits cracks like a twig. Use of two- 4. A B L OW TO the side sunders the victim’s ribcage. Until
hander weapons or parrying with shields incurs a Flip to Fail recuperated, all rolls made for them to Parry or Dodge suffer ‒20.
penalty, and no benefit comes from the Off-Hand Quality until
healed.

Scarlet Torrent Shattered Eye Socket

5. T H AT I S A lot of blood. The victim bleeds to death in half 6. A N O R B I TA L F R A C T U R E has robbed the victim of half their
their [BB] Turns unless someone stanches the flow with a bandage vision. Until recuperated, all Combat-based Skill tests made for the
or other medical treatment. Until they’ve recuperated, the Injury victim suffer ‒20.
reopens each time a Critical or Sublime Failure is rolled for them
on a Combat-, Brawn-, or Agility-based Skill test, requiring the
Bleeding be restanched.

GRIEVOUS INJURY CHART: Roll 1Ð6 and see what happens
Compound Fracture
1. S EE I N G O N E ’ S B O N E poking through one’s skin is a
troubling thing to experience, causing the victim to immediately
receive 3Ð10+3 Peril. Their Movement is halved.
Shattered Hand
3. T H E V I C T I M’ S P R I M A RY hand is crushed. Until they heal,
holding a bit of bread is challenging. That hand can’t use weapons;
any Skill test involving it are Flip to Fail.
CO N F L I C T & R E K I N D LI N G 183
Ruined Jaw
2. I D E A LLY, TA LK I N G I S N’ T key for the victim,whose jaw is
broken. While healing, they can almost speak, suffering Flip to Fail
on Fellowship-based tests involving speech.
Arterial Spray
4. T H E V I C T I M B L EE D S bleeds out at the end of their next
Turn unless someone stanches the flow with a bandage or like
treatment. Until healed, the Injury reopens each time a Critical or
Sublime Failure is rolled for them on a Combat-, Brawn-, or Agility-
based Skill test, requiring the Bleeding be restanched.
 184 BLACKBIRDS

Hobbled Impaled

5. A ST R I K E TO the knee lets the victim put weight on one leg
only. Until healed, they can’t stand or walk without aid of another, a
crutch, or a cane. Even if aided, quarter their Movement.
6. T H E V I C T I M’ S B EE N run through. While impaled on a foe’s
weapon, they cannot Dodge, and all Combat-based Skill and Parry
tests made for them are Flip to Fail. On their Turn, the victim may
attempt to remove their foe’s weapon from their body, which costs
3 AP. However, they immediately suffer from the Scarlet Torrent
Serious Injury Bleeding effects. If the victim cannot be impaled by
their foe’s weapon, they are instead Hobbled.

STA N C H B L EE D I N G
If a Blackbird has a bandage to expend, it doesn’t require a
Skill test to stanch blood loss, though it takes a full 3 AP to
do so. Barring that, the Bleeding Blackbird or an ally may
instead cauterize the wound with a hot poker, torch, etc. for
1 AP. If someone cauterizes the Bleeding, the recipient falls
3 levels on the Peril Condition Track. If this takes them to
Incapacitated!, they are also Knocked Out for an hour.
Death by Blood Loss: So long as a Blackbird is Bleeding,
they cannot restore steps on their Damage or Peril Condition
tracks. Should they continue to suffer from blood loss for the
number of Turns dictated by their Injury, they bleed out and
are either Knocked Out or Slain!, as explained in the Injury
description.

Daimn Injury Charts
DAIMN MODERATE INJURY CHART: Roll 1Ð6 and see what happens
Planted
1. T H E D A I M N I S dropped, and as the elemental essence
leaking from them mingles with their surroundings, it binds them
in place until they can pull themself free. They may melt into the
ground, freeze themself to it, have various shoots and roots take
hold, or merge their stony form with the surrounding earth. The
daimn becomes Prone and needs a full 3 AP to extricate themself
before they can attempt to Get Up.
The Grind
3. S O M E PA RT O F the daimn’s anatomy is sliding unnaturally
over some other part. In addition to the pain and distraction it causes
the daimn, it also makes a gods-awful scraping noise so that Stealth
tests made for them are ‒10. This lasts until recuperation is done.
BB_int_ch06.indd 185
CO N F L I C T & R E K I N D LI N G 185
Fractured Mold
2. A B L OW TO the daimn’s face cracks their visage so that
hairline fractures expose the wild torrent of elemental forces
roiling beneath. This disturbing sight prompts a Resolve test for
any Mortal witnessing it for the first time.
Overgrown
4. R E S P O N D I N G TO A head wound, the daimn’s element has
partly overgrown their eyes, making it difficult for them to see.
This might be plant overgrowth, icicles, stalactites/stalagmites, or
glowing embers whose light is partially blinding. Until they heal,
Perception-based tests for the daimn are made at ‒10.
9/18/22 7:05 PM
 186 BLACKBIRDS
Bent, Not Broken
5. T H E D A I M N’ S PRIMARY arm becomes disfigured. Until
recuperated, they are unable to use that arm to wield weapons, and
any Skill tests that require the use of the damaged arm are made
at –10.
DAIMN SERIOUS INJURY CHART: Roll 1Ð6 and see what happens
Severed Digits
1. A F E W F I N G E R S snap off of the daimn. Until they regrow, the
use of two-handed weapons incurs a penalty of Flip to Fail.
BB_int_ch06.indd 186
Essence Cascade
6. E L E M E NTA L E S S E N C E L E A K S from the Injury. In addition
to the daimn potentially falling unconscious from the loss of this
essence, the leak deals 1Ð10+1 Peril at the beginning of their Turns
to those within 1 stride of them as heat or cinders, freezing mist,
irritating spores or pollen, or choking dust or sand rises from the
injured daimn. They are Knocked Out in [BB] Turns unless someone
stanches the flow with a daimn poultice, cauterization, or other
treatment. Until healed, the Injury reopens each time a Critical or
Sublime Failure is rolled for them on a Combat-, Brawn-, or Agility-
based Skill test, requiring the essence flow be stanched again.
Missing Ear
2. ONE OF THE daimn’s ears is torn free. Until this heals, Perception-
based Skill tests made for the Blackbird that require hearing and
Agility-based Skill tests made that require equilibrium suffer a ‒20.
9/18/22 7:05 PM

Cyclops
3. O N E O F T H E daimn’s eyes is destroyed. Until they have
recuperated, Combat-related tests made for them are at ‒20.
Overgrowth
5. T H E P O TE NT DW A RV E N healing factor overreacts, creating
a growth of elemental substance on their flesh—a burl, an
outcropping, or a berg. This nodule impedes fluid movement for
the affected limb until healing is complete and it drops away. Until
healed, the daimn generates 1 less AP at the start of a Turn.
BB_int_ch06.indd 187
CO N F L I C T & R E K I N D LI N G 187
Split Skull
4. T H E D A I M N’ S H E A D is cleaved open. Until they have
recuperated, Intelligence-based tests made for them are Flip to Fail.
Elemental Deluge
6. D A N G E RO U S E L E M E NTA L E S S E N C E jets from the
wound—gouts of flame, poisonous sap, freezing liquid, and the
like. Creatures starting their Turn within 3 strides are blasted by
this deluge for 1Ð10+1 elemental Damage. The daimn “bleeds”
out in half their [BB] Turns unless someone stanches the flow with
a daimn poultice, cauterization, or some other form of medical
treatment. Until healed, the Injury reopens each time a Critical
or Sublime Failure is rolled for them on a Combat-, Brawn-, or
Agility-based Skill test, requiring the essence flow be restanched.
9/18/22 7:05 PM
 188 BLACKBIRDS
DAIMN GRIEVOUS INJURY CHART: Roll 1Ð6 and see what happens
Dangling Lower Jaw
1. A ST R I K E TO the jaw has severed it on one side. While
recuperating, the daimn finds it nearly impossible to communicate
verbally, causing associated tests to be Flip to Fail.
Stilled Arm
3. CO N D U I T S O F E L E M E NTA L essence are severed, and until
this is healed, the daimn’s primary arm is rendered as still as stone.
This also causes an immediate fall of 3Ð10+3 levels on the Peril
Condition Track for the daimn as it recalls the onset of the aes-
inflicted Stilling centuries ago.
BB_int_ch06.indd 188
Leg Severed
2. O N E O F T H E daimn’s legs is severed. Until it heals, the daimn
can’t stand or walk without aid of another, or of a crutch or peg leg.
Even so aided, their Movement is halved.
Spitted
4. T H E D A I M N I S skewered on a foe’s weapon so that the flow
of elemental energy through their form is interrupted. They suffer
the effects of Essence Cascade; until until the weapon is removed—
which requires a successful (Standard +/‒0%) Athletics test—all
within 3 strides suffer 1Ð10+1 Damage as it gets heated, frozen,
poisoned, or crystalized by its proximity to the daimn’s core. If the
victim cannot be spitted by their foe’s weapon, they instead suffer
Chest Cavity Collapsed.
9/18/22 7:05 PM

Chest Cavity Collapsed
5. O N E S I D E O F the daimn’s chest is stove in. Until they
recuperate, exertion of any sort is harder. Until recuperated, all rolls
made for them to Parry or Dodge suffer ‒30, and their Movement
is halved.
BB_int_ch06.indd 189
CO N F L I C T & R E K I N D LI N G 189
Elemental Storm
6. T H E E L E M E NTA L H E A RT of the daimn is exposed. Within 9
strides, it’s like being in a blizzard, a firestorm, an eruption of sharp
crystal spikes, or furious strangling vines, dealing 2Ð10+2 Damage
for creatures that start their Turn in that radius. The daimn “bleeds”
out at the end of their next Turn unless someone stanches the flow
with a daimn poultice, cauterization, or other treatment. Until
they’ve healed, the Injury reopens each time a Critical or Sublime
Failure is rolled for them on a Combat-, Brawn-, or Agility-based
Skill test, requiring the storm be recontained.
9/18/22 7:06 PM
190 BLACKBIRDS
T H E W H EE L
B eyond the threats posed by the Oligarchs
and their servants, beyond the dangers
of war, disease, and famine that face the
sundered Republic, is the very real threat of
entropy itself. Youth fades, nations fall, even
mountains crumble to dust given enough time.
The Wheel represents the relentless wear and tear
Blackbirdss’ arms and armor are subjected to, day
after day. With each combat, one’s panoply is
subjected to myriad blows, perhaps dulling a
sword’s edge, denting a helmet, or sundering some
mail links. Even beyond the back and forth of
blows, the violent movements that make up the
dance of battle do their own damage—
overextending a bow’s string, loosening a
pauldron’s straps, scuffing one’s sabatons.
Regardless, if left unchecked, this deterioration of
a Blackbird’s martial Trappings will render them,
initially, less effective and, finally, broken.
Three levels of Degradation exist in
Blackbirds: Worn, Frail, and Ruined. Each time a
Blackbird is in combat and they suffer a Critical
Failure on their attack, their weapon suffers 1 level
of Degradation. Similarly, if a Blackbird is struck
with a Critical Success, their armor suffers 1 level
of Degradation. On a Sublime Failure with an
attack they make or a Sublime Success on an
attack made against them, the value increases to 2
levels of Degradation.
N OTE : Trappings possessing the Signet Quality are
immune to Degradation.
Thankfully, during a Rekindling, routine
maintenance may be performed to keep one’s
Trappings in good shape. Of course, occasionally
one lacks time to perform this upkeep; some lack
the Tradecraft to do so. There are also times when
one must grab whatever weapon is at hand to
defend oneself, no matter its condition.
Each level of Degradation has both mechanical
and monetary effects as outlined below:
Worn
WEAPONS: Suffer a ‒1 penalty to Total Damage and
a ‒10 Base Chance to hit.
ARMOR: Subtract ‒1 from the Damage Threshold
to a minimum of 1.
WORTH: ‒1 Patronage to gain a Worn weapon,
shield, or suit of armor.
If a Trapping with the Worn Quality degrades
again, it will become Frail.
Frail
WEAPONS: Suffer a ‒2 penalty to Total Damage and
a ‒20 Base Chance to hit.
ARMOR: Half the Damage Threshold to a minimum
of 0.
WORTH: ‒2 Patronage to gain a Frail weapon,
shield, or suit of armor.
If a Trapping with the Frail Quality degrades
again, it becomes Ruined.
Ruined
WEAPONS: Suffer a ‒3 penalty to Total Damage and
a ‒30 Base Chance to hit.
ARMOR: Doesn’t add to Damage Threshold at all.
WORTH: ‒4 Patronage to gain a Ruined weapon,
shield, or suit of armor.
If a Trapping with the Ruined Quality degrades
again, it is permanently destroyed.
Rules for maintaining and repairing one’s
weapons and armor are outlined under Rekindling.

REKINDLING
J
ust as adventure is central to the play of
Blackbirds, so is its opposite: the downtime
taken to recover, repair, and relax after that
adventure. A Rekindling is a Scene that occurs once
per day when Blackbirds make camp, take rooms at
an inn, or otherwise shift into respite. Doing so
requires relative safety and a dedicated period of at
least 8 hours. Some recuperative activities may be
performed outside of Rekindling by taking a Rest,
an hourlong respite free from violence, such as
Revelry and Reflection, but such activities are more
effective when the Blackbirds are safe, as the
Fateweaver may choose to increase applicable
Difficulty Ratings.
During a Rekindling, Blackbirds may sleep,
carouse, pray, sing songs, tell stories, and build
camaraderie with one another. They may also bind
their wounds; down medicine; and even perform,
or undergo, chirurgy. In addition, they may repair
worn armor and weapons, or even craft new items
or concoctions. Finally, Rekindlings are when the
Blackbirds’ Extinguished Techniques Rekindle and
when their Techniques and Talents may be
reslotted.
Sleep & Recovery
One of the most important activities a Blackbird
may undertake during a Rekindling is to try to
recover from Peril, Damage, and Injuries they’ve
endured over the course of their adventures. Many
recovery methods appear below.
R E CO V E R I N G F R O M P E R I L
The anxiety and fatigue a life of adventure
brings with it cannot be understated. Blackbirds
constantly face dangers, whether mundane or
supernatural, and often must carry on even when
their bodies are exhausted. This takes a toll on them
in the form of Peril. However, there are wayss they
may rid themselves of it.
CO N F L I C T & R E K I N D LI N G 191
Sleep to Recover from Peril
A Blackbird can improve their condition on the
Peril Condition Track by sleeping. To recover, they
must find a warm and secure place to sleep. This
place may be next to a campfire, in a Sigilist sanctuary,
or on the floor of a caravanserai’s common room; but
wherever it is, there must be little to no danger to the
Blackbird’s person, and they must get at least 6 hours
of uninterrupted sleep. After doing so, a Blackbird
rises all levels on the Peril Condition Track.
SLEEPING IN UNSAFE PLACES: If a Blackbird is
sleeping in a filthy oubliette, a wet storm drain,
a back alleyway, or anywhere there may be a risk
to their safety, they still need to be left to do so
uninterrupted for 6 hours. After sleeping in an
unsafe place, however, their Peril Condition Track
can recover only 1 Level.
Use Salmiac
After inhaling the fumes of a vial of salmiac, a
Blackbird rises 1 level on the Peril Condition Track.
For instance, if they were at Level 2, they would be
at Level 1. A Blackbird can recover from their
current status on the Peril Condition Track in this
manner only once a day. Neither
daimn nor aes derive any benefit
from salmiac.
Revelry & Reflection
A more time‒consuming but
safer method available to alleviate
Peril for those lacking a secure
place or the time necessary to sleep “Sleep is a rare indulgence
is Revelry. By actively lifting the on the road, even
spirits of those suffering from when taking shifts.
trauma, a Blackbird may attempt For many who travel the
to ameliorate their distress. byways of the continent, the
Blackbirds have numerous ways to dreams found in a snatched
do so: singing rousing songs around moment of rest are more
a campfire, carousing at the local than enough to startle
tavern, coaxing a person to open up them back awake . . .”
about their trauma, recounting —Observations of the
Wandering Squire
tales of ancient heroes, and so on.
192 BLACKBIRDS
Whatever the method, the mechanics remain
the same. The Blackbird initiates their Revelry
(which lasts at least 1 hour), and a Charm test is
made. Upon a Success, the revelers rise 1 level on
the Peril Condition Track, including the Blackbird
who entertains. A Critical Success moves the
revelers up 2 levels, and a Sublime Success, 3. On a
failed roll, nothing changes; a Critical Failure
actually moves the revelers 1 level down the Peril
Condition Track. On a Sublime Failure, it’s 2
levels.
The Blackbird can choose to aid one or multiple
people with their Revelry, as appropriate for what
they are doing to raise the spirits of themself and
others.
Whereas Revelry is a boisterous, outgoing
affair involving multiple people, Reflection is
deeply personal and introspective. Through either
intense meditation or prayer, a Blackbird soothes
their troubled soul and makes peace with the
trauma they’ve experienced. Whichever method is
employed, its mechanics are identical. The Blackbird
reflects on what has occurred (which lasts at least 1
hour) and attempts to find meaning via their own
philosophy or religious teachings, and an Education
test is made. On a Success, the reflector rises 1 level
on the Peril Condition Track. A Critical Success
moves the reflector up 2 levels, and a Sublime
Success, 3. On a failed roll, nothing changes, while
a Critical Failure actually moves the reflector 1 level
down the Peril Condition Track. On a Sublime
Failure, it’s 2 levels.
A Blackbird can recover from their current
status on the Peril Condition Track through either
Revelry or Reflection only once within a day.
R E C OV E R I N G F R O M D A M A G E &
INJURIES
As many lives are lost after a battle as during,
thanks to people’s limited understanding of the
human body and how it functions. Survival often
hinges on finding a competent healer with the skill
to treat wounds, illnesses, and exposure. But quacks,
charlatans, and snake-oil peddlers exist to
complicate the search, such that finding a legitimate
physician is a trial unto itself. The Heal Skill
represents not only the knowledge of physiology,
but of its interconnection to the spiritual world.
Sleep to Recover from Damage
As with Peril, a Blackbird may improve their
condition on the Damage Condition Track by
sleeping, with the same requirements for security.
After successfully sleeping, a Blackbird recovers
two levels on their Damage Condition Track.
SLEEPING IN UNSAFE PLACES: After sleeping in an
unsafe place, however, a Blackbird recovers only 1
level on their Damage Condition Track.
Binding Wounds
A successful Heal test to Bind Wounds may be
made on a Blackbird’s behalf outside of a Rekindling.
However, those Talents and Techniques native to a
Rekindling scene do not come into play. A Blackbird
may have Bind Wounds performed on them only
once per day. Depending on where a Blackbird is on
the Damage Condition Track, the Difficulty
Rating of the Heal test becomes more challenging
! Level 1: Automatically succeed
! Level 2: (Routine +10%) Heal test
! Level 3: (Standard +/‒0%) Heal test
! Level 4: (Challenging ‒10%) Heal test
! Level 5: (Hard ‒20%) Heal test
In order to treat a wounded patient, a caregiver
must have a bandage (which is expended as part of
the treatment) and must work uninterrupted for at
least 10 minutes of time.
With a successful Heal test, a Blackbird
typically moves 1 level up the Damage Condition
Track. Thus, if the Blackbird was at Level 5, they
would be at Level 4 after a Success. A Critical
Success allows a Blackbird to move 2 levels up the
Damage Condition Track instead of 1, while a
Sublime Success allows that Blackbird to move up
3 levels. Failure, Critical Failure, and Sublime
Failure on the test means the Blackbird cannot

begin recuperating until they undergo successful
treatment. Critical Failure also indicates that their
wounds now suffer from infection. Sublime Failure
additionally drops the Blackbird 1 level down the
Damage Condition Track, potentially slaying the
patient in the worst-case scenario.
A Blackbird cannot recover on their Damage
Condition Track if they are suffering from Injuries
that have yet to be successfully treated.
O N R E ST & T H E A E S
The aes do not benefit from mundane forms of healing
such as Binding Wounds or Chirurgy (having no use for
the latter). However, once per day, outside of Rekindling,
they may Rest. A Rest requires an hour of undisturbed
time when the aes meditates in silence to recuperate
two levels on the Damage Condition Track. An aes may
benefit from one Rest and one Rekindling per day. During
a Rekindling an aes Blackbird recovers all of their Damage
Condition Levels.
Treating Injuries & Performing Chirurgy
Any Moderate and Serious Injuries must be
treated successfully before recuperation can start. A
Blackbird may be treated in this manner only once
per day during a Rekindling, whether the treatment
is successful or not. If a Blackbird suffers from
multiple Injuries, each must be treated individually.
The more Injuries a Blackbird currently suffers from,
the worse the Difficulty Rating of the Heal test:
! One Injury: (Routine +10%) Heal test
! Two Injuries: (Standard +/‒0%) Heal test
! Three Injuries: (Challenging ‒10%) Heal test
In order to treat a patient with Moderate or
Serious Injuries, a physician must have a Skill
Rank in Heal, must possess a bottle of hard spirits
(which is expended as part of the treatment), and
must be left uninterrupted with the patient for at
least 1 hour.
If a Blackbird is treated with a successful Heal
test, they begin the process of recuperation. A
Critical Success on the test reduces recuperation
CO N F L I C T & R E K I N D LI N G 193
time by 3 days, whereas a Sublime Success on the
test reduces recuperation time by 6 days. A Failure,
a Critical Failure, or a Sublime Failure means the
Blackbird cannot begin recuperation until they
undergo successful treatment. Critical Failure also
indicates that their wounds undergo infection. A
Sublime Failure additionally moves them 1 level
lower on the Damage Condition Track, potentially
slaying the patient.
Recuperation Time
While undergoing recuperation, the Blackbird
still suffers from any penalties an Injury confers
upon them. Recuperation requires a specified
number of days before the Injury heals. Total
recuperation time is based on the Injury’s severity:
! Moderate Injury: 1Ð10+1 days recuperation
! Serious Injury: 2Ð10+2 days recuperation
! Grievous Injury: 3Ð10+3 days recuperatio
If a Blackbird chooses to remain bedridden
during their recuperation, they reduce the time
necessary by 1 day per day they remain in bed (to a
minimum of a 1-day recuperation). This means that
if they require 6 days to recuperate and they spend
the first 3 days in bed, their recuperation is
complete. In addition, the healer’s [IB] also lowers
their patient’s recuperation time as follows:
! [IB] 1 to 3: ‒1Ð10 days
! [IB] 4 to 6: ‒2Ð10 days
! [IB] 7 to 9: ‒3Ð10 days
Bloodletting
Infection can be treated by a physician with a
successful Heal test. A Blackbird may be treated in this
manner only once per day during a Rekindling, no
matter if the treatment is successful or not. The more
severe the Blackbird’s Damage Condition Track, the
worse the Difficulty Rating of the Heal test:
! Level 1: (Easy +20%) Heal test
! Level 2: (Routine +10%) Heal test
! Level 3: (Standard +/‒0%) Heal test
! Level 4: (Challenging ‒10%) Heal test
! Level 5: (Hard ‒20%) Heal test
194 BLACKBIRDS
To heal a patient, a physician must have a Skill
Rank in Heal, must have access to surgical tools, must
have a bandage and a jug of leeches (both are expended
as part of the treatment), and must be left
uninterrupted to treat their patient for at least 1 hour.
If a Blackbird is treated with a successful Heal
test, their infection subsides. A Critical Success rids
the Blackbird of their infection, and they move 1
level up the Damage Condition Track. A Sublime
Success rids the Blackbird of their infection, and
they move 2 levels up the Damage Condition
Track. A Failure, a Critical Failure, or a Sublime
Failure on the test means no recovery has occurred
yet, whereas a Critical Failure also results in the
permanent loss of ‒6% Brawn, and a Sublime
Failure doubles the Brawn loss to ‒12%.
I F I T ’ S D E C I D E D infection shouldn’t be
present in one’s Blackbirds game, bloodletting
needn’t appear, either. However, if infection is
used, even in a more limited fashion, this system
is the one suggested to simulate its remedy.
Rekindling & Reslotting
At the close of any Rekindling, all of the Blackbirds’
Techniques that were Extinguished are Rekindled,
becoming available for use once more. In addition,
players may take this time to reslot different Talents
and Techniques that they suspect will prove more
useful for their Blackbirds.
Crafting Endeavors
Rekindlings provide Blackbirds an opportune
time to repair arms and armor, to craft simple
items, and to formulate alchemical concoctions.
Together, these activities are referred to as Crafting
Endeavors. A Blackbird has the time to undertake
one Crafting Endeavor per Rekindling, successful
or not, though the More Irons in the Fire [C&E]
Talent doubles this number. Each sort of Crafting
Endeavor is explained in greater detail below.
R E PA I R W E A P O N S & A R M O R
The Wheel forever turns, wearing down the
works of humanity. As mentioned earlier, each day
in which a Blackbird employs their arms and armor
in battle serves to drop them 1 level lower on their
Damage Condition Track. In order to keep their
martial panoply functioning properly, it’s important
that Blackbirds perform routine maintenance on
their equipment before it fails them when they need
it most.
A single chosen Blackbird may attempt repairs
on any number of pieces of armor and weapons
belonging to their Fatebound companions as a
Crafting Endeavor during a Rekindling, no matter
if the repairs are successful or not. The worse the
wear on the items, the worse the Difficulty Rating
of the Tradecraft test (the item in the worst
condition decides the Difficulty Rating for the
entire batch being worked upon):
! Worn: (Routine +10%) Tradecraft test
! Frail: (Standard +/‒0%) Tradecraft test
! Ruined: (Challenging ‒10%) Tradecraft test
In order to affect repairs, a Blackbird must have
a Skill Rank in Tradecraft, must have access to the
appropriate tools for repairing the equipment, and
must possess the raw materials necessary to make
those repairs (which vary based upon what is being
worked on and what is expended in the process).
Pieces treated with a successful Tradecraft test
move 1 level up the Damage Condition Track.
Thus, if a piece was Frail, it would be Worn after a
Success. A Critical Success lets items move 2 levels
up the Damage Condition Track instead of 1; a
Sublime Success lets them move up 3 levels.
A Failure on the Tradecraft test simply means
the Blackbird fails to repair the pieces, while Critical
Failure also wastes the raw materials being used in
the attempt. A Sublime Failure moves the items 1
level down the Damage Condition Track
(potentially ruining pieces in the worst-case
scenario) in addition to a failure to effect the repairs
and wasting the raw materials.

T R A D E C R A F T I TE M S
The downtime afforded by a Rekindling offers
craftsfolk an ideal time to work to produce their
wares. What follows is an example of how a
Blackbird may go about crafting simple items and
equipment from materials at hand. These could be
arrows, baskets, 10-stride lengths of rope, etc. Items
that require many hours, days, or even months to
craft lay outside of what is possible during a
Rekindling.
Simple Items & Equipment
Up to three items can be created in this
manner through a single test and a single Crafting
Endeavor. The items created cannot be anything
that would be higher than Patronage Level 1 to
acquire. The more items a Blackbird wishes to
prepare simultaneously, the worse the Difficulty
Rating of the Tradecraft test:
! One item: (Routine +10%) Tradecraft test
! Two items: (Standard +/‒0%) Tradecraft test
! Three items: (Challenging ‒10%) Tradecraft test
In order to construct a simple item, a preparer
must possess a Skill Rank in Tradecraft and must
have the appropriate raw materials (which are
expended as part of the preparation).
With a successful Tradecraft test, the Blackbird
prepares the number of items they intend to make.
A Critical Success means one additional item is
prepared, while a Sublime Success produces two (a
Blackbird must have the appropriate ingredients on
hand). A Failure, a Critical Failure, or a Sublime
Failure result in the ingredients being expended
without benefit; a Critical Failure also causes the
preparer to suffer 2Ð10+2 Peril. A Sublime Failure
raises that Peril to 3Ð10+3.
A L C H E M I CA L CO N CO C T I O N S
For wise persons and alchemists, the preparation
of various medicines, poisons, and other such
common compounds require extensive knowledge of
the intrinsic properties of plants and minerals.
Meticulously recorded into voluminous tomes of the
CO N F L I C T & R E K I N D LI N G 195
natural sciences or passed down orally from master to
apprentice, these formulae detail how one may
prepare these fantastic elixirs and tinctures. Outlined
below are a few of the most common forms of
preparations these learned folk often make to treat
the sick and dying. (Also included are how these
materials can be rendered into deadlier tools.) Only
one alchemical concoction may be made per
Rekindling as a Crafting Endeavor, though the
ingredients typically allow up to three doses to be
made. Each dose after the first adds to the concoction’s
Difficulty Rating, however, and the entirety of the
ingredients are expended regardless of the targeted
number of doses. See Alchemical Ingredients in
Chapter 7: Trappings for more details.
A L C H E M I CA L L A B O R ATO RY
A standard workspace is assumed to have the alchemical
ingredients, glassware, and herbs required to create any
alchemical substance. Should any of the concoctions
below require other nonstandard substances, they will
also be listed. The Herbalist [C&E] Talent allows alchemical
concoctions to be fashioned in the old ways, with only fire
and cauldron, and without the benefit of a laboratory (see
Chapter 5: Talents & Techniques for details).
Clean Bandages
M A K I N G C L E A N B A N D A G E S requires a
honey pot and appropriate strips of linen.
Alternatively, these ingredients can be
acquired at Patronage Level 1.
Linen can be crafted into strips of bandages,
with up to three strips prepared at a time. The more
strips prepared simultaneously, the worse the
Difficulty Rating of the Wortcunning test:
! One strip: (Trivial +30%) Wortcunning test
! Two strips: (Easy +20%) Wortcunning test
! Three strips: (Routine +10%) Wortcunning test
In order to prepare bandages, a Blackbird must
have a Skill Rank in Wortcunning and must possess
196 BLACKBIRDS
a honey pot and a strip, or strips, of ragged linen
cloth (which are expended as part of the
preparation—see Alchemical Ingredients in Chapter
7: Trappings for details). As it is a straightforward
undertaking, the preparation of clean bandages
does not require an alchemical laboratory.
With a successful Wortcunning test, the
Blackbird prepares the number of bandages they
intend to make. A Critical Success prepares one
additional strip, and a Sublime Success prepares
two additional strips. A Failure, a Critical Failure,
or a Sublime Failure results in the ingredients being
expended without benefit.
IMPROVISED BANDAGES: Bandages can be made
without use of a honey pot. However, when they
are used, a 1Ð6 Injury die must be rolled for the
patient. If it lands on face ‘6,’ the bandages cause
infection.
Deliriants
M A K I N G A D E L I R I A N T requires the plant
from which the deliriant is derived and
an alchemical laboratory. Alternatively,
these ingredients can be acquired at the
appropriate level of Patronage: 3 for devil
grass, 6 for tears of the poppy, 7 for woad, 9
for indigo prophet, and 10 for mute.
Deliriants can be prepared into doses and may
be inhaled, ingested, or smoked by a user based on
the deliriant in question. Up to three doses of
deliriants may be prepared at a time. The more doses
one wishes to prepare simultaneously, the worse the
Difficulty Rating of the Wortcunning test:
! One dose: (Routine +10%) Wortcunning test
! Two doses: (Standard +/z0%) Wortcunning test
! Three doses: (Challenging ‒10%) Wortcunning
test
To prepare deliriants, a Blackbird must have a
Skill Rank in Wortcunning, must have access to a
laboratory, must possess the plant (which is
expended as part of the preparation—see Alchemical
Ingredients in Chapter 7: Trappings for details) the
deliriant is derived from, and must use a Crafting
Endeavor.
With a successful Wortcunning test, a
Blackbird prepares the number of doses they
intend to make. A Critical Success allows them to
prepare one additional dose; a Sublime Success
allows them to create two additional doses. A
Failure, a Critical Failure, or a Sublime Failure
results in the ingredients being expended without
benefit.
EXPOSURE TO DELIRIANTS: When a Blackbird is
under the influence of a deliriant, treat all failed
Perception-based Skill tests as Critical Failures
instead. If they imbibe two doses between
Rekindlings, they suffer the same effect and treat
all failed Willpower tests as Critical Failures as
well. If they imbibe three or more doses between
Rekindlings, the Blackbird suffers the same effects
as for two does and treats all failed Brawn-based
Skill tests as Critical Failures instead. If a Blackbird
is rendered Incapacitated! for some reason while
exposed to a deliriant, they are Knocked Out for
6 hours. Afterward, their Peril Condition Track is
not restored, as if they had not slept.
If a Blackbird is under the influence of multiple
sorts of deliriants simultaneously, a Resolve test for
Peril must be made for them at ‒10 per deliriant
they have in their system.
No antidote known can break the hold of a
deliriant. It must simply run its course. Note that
deliriants affect only Mortal victims. Undead or
supernatural creatures, such as the rooted dead or
aes, are unaffected.
Devil Grass
Devil grass grows wild as a weed in Crisius, but
it has been cultivated in Erebos since Hyperion’s
time. The plant has a calming effect on those who
smoke or snort it, and it also increases mental focus,
aiding with repetitive rote tasks. For this reason,
and its association with the working classes, devil
grass has something of a stigma among the nobility.
 CO N F L I C T & R E K I N D LI N G 197

EFFECT: When affected by one dose, add +1 to Woad

Peril Threshold for 3 hours. A user also gains +20 Leaves of the woad plant are
to Tradecraft tests made while under devil grass’s highly prized by the reavers and
influence. berserks of Thule, human and
jötunnkin alike. Painting one’s
Indigo Prophet skin with the blue pigment
This deliriant also acts as a powerful stimulant. It pressed from the plant’s leaves
is derived from the blue-green leaves of the sanjveer arouses frenzy, rendering the user “Barley grows throughout
bush, which have been chewed since time immemorial immune to pain as they transform Erebos, but is more
by the folk of the Rider’s Spine island chain, where the into a raging lunatic. difficult to come by in
bush grows. Crisian sailors brought the leaves back EFFECT: When affected by one the far-reaching border
with them from their voyages, and the renowned dose (typically with just the face villages where a cup of
alchemists of Florent derived the more potent indigo painted), add +1 to Damage ale may be a luxury.
prophet from them. The drug heightens users’ reflexes Threshold for 3 hours, and These hamlets produce
but at the cost of distracting illusions that dance in the Intelligence-based Skill tests are their own strange draughts
corner of their visual periphery. made at ‒10 while under the from the roots and herbs
EFFECT: When affected by one dose, add +1 AP to pigment’s effects. of the deep woods . . .”
the Blackbird’s Turns for 1 hour, but Perception- — Observations of the
Wandering Squire
based Skill tests are made at ‒30, and a successful Quickbronze Elixir
Awareness test is required for the Blackbird to
distinguish friend from foe in combat. M A K I N G Q U I C K B R O N Z E E L I X I R requires
a deadbronze crystal and an alchemical
Mute laboratory. Alternatively, the crystal can be
Derived from moly, human blood, and acquired at Patronage Level 8.
mandrake root, this bitter-tasting liquid is employed
to cut users off from the Od. It is extremely Quickbronze can be rendered into an elixir
expensive thanks to the rarity of its plant ingredients, that is imbibed by the user. Up to three doses of
so historically, Sigilists and the nobility were the quickbronze elixir can be prepared at a time. The
only folk able to afford it. more doses a Blackbird wishes to prepare
EFFECT: When affected by one dose, the imbiber simultaneously, the worse the Difficulty Rating of
is unable to perceive or work the Od for 3 hours. the Wortcunning test:
When affected by two doses, that increases to 6 ! One dose: (Routine +10%) Wortcunning test
hours. When affected by three doses, it is 9 hours. ! Two doses: (Standard +/‒0%) Wortcunning test
! Three doses: (Challenging ‒10%) Wortcunning
Tears of the Poppy test
Found in the jungles and forests of Ulabos, this To prepare quickbronze elixir, a Blackbird must
deliriant is a powerful narcotic,. Users either smoke have a Skill Rank in Wortcunning, must have access
or ingest it, causing moderate hallucinations. It to a laboratory, must possess a crystal of deadbronze
opens the mind to visions. If taken in large enough (expended as part of the preparation—see Alchemical
doses, it can prove fatal. Ingredients in Chapter 7: Trappings for details), and
EFFECT: When affected by one dose, add +10 to must use a Crafting Endeavor.
Willpower for 3 hours. With a successful Wortcunning test, the
Blackbird prepares the number of doses they intend
198 BLACKBIRDS
to make. A Critical Success allows them to prepare
one additional dose, while a Sublime Success allows
them to prepare two additional doses. A Failure, a
Critical Failure, or a Sublime Failure result in the
ingredients being expended without benefit. A
Sublime Failure also accidentally reanimates a child
of Anhelios nearby.
EFFECT: Made from the blood of the slain Hekaté,
quickbronze elixir remains imbued with their
power. When quaffed, a dose of it heals 3 levels
of Damage or an Injury, if one exists. The elixir
always heals an Injury before it heals Damage,
though it cannot regrow missing body parts.
Each dose after the first taken in the same day
deals 1Ð10+1 Peril to its imbiber, as its potency
overwhelms their system.
Salmiac
M A K I N G S A L M I A C R E Q U I R E S hartshorn,
flax tow, and an alchemical laboratory.
Alternatively, these ingredients can be
acquired at Patronage Level 4.
Salmiac, a colorless but incredibly acrid-
smelling liquid, can be rendered into a small flask.
Up to three flasks of salmiac may be prepared at a
time. The more flasks a Blackbird wishes to prepare
simultaneously, the worse the Difficulty Rating of
the Wortcunning test:
! One flask: (Routine +10%) Wortcunning test
! Two flasks: (Standard +/‒0%) Wortcunning test
! Three flasks: (Challenging ‒10%) Wortcunning
test
To prepare salmiac, a Blackbird must have a
Skill Rank in Wortcunning, must have access to a
laboratory, must possess vials of hartshorn and flax
tow (expended as part of the preparation—see
Alchemical Ingredients in Chapter 7: Trappings for
details), and must use a Crafting Endeavor.
With a successful Wortcunning test, the
Blackbird prepares the number of flasks they intend
to make. A Critical Success allows them to prepare
one additional flask, whereas a Sublime Success
garners them two extra. A Failure, a Critical Failure,
or a Sublime Failure results in the ingredients being
expended without benefit.
EFFECT: After inhaling the fumes of a vial of salmiac,
a Blackbird moves 1 level up the Peril Condition
Track. For instance, if they were at Level 2, they
would now be at Level 1. A Blackbird can recover
from their current status on the Peril Condition
Track in this manner only once a day.
Theriac
M A K I N G T H E R I A C R E Q U I R E S a poppy
seed pod and an alchemical laboratory.
Alternatively, the pod can be acquired at
Patronage Level 6.
A tincture with anesthetic properties can be
rendered that possesses a characteristically bitter
taste. Up to three draughts of this tincture can be
prepared at a time. The more draughts a Blackbird
wishes to prepare simultaneously, the worse the
Difficulty Rating of the Wortcunning test:
! One draught: (Routine +10%) Wortcunning test
! Two draughts: (Standard +/‒0%) Wortcunning test
! Three draughts: (Challenging ‒10%)
Wortcunning test
To prepare theriac, a Blackbird must have a
Skill Rank in Wortcunning, must have access to a
laboratory, must possess a poppy seed pod
(expended as part of the preparation—see Alchemical
Ingredients in Chapter 7: Trappings for details),
and must use a Crafting Endeavor.
With a successful Wortcunning test, the
Blackbird prepares the number of draughts they
intend to make. A Critical Success allows them to
prepare one additional draught, while a Sublime
Success allows them to prepare two. A Failure,
Critical Failure, or Sublime Failure results in the
ingredients being expended without benefit.
EFFECT: After imbibing a draught of theriac and
Rekindling, a Blackbird moves 1 level up the

Damage Condition Track. A Blackbird can recover
levels on the Damage Condition Track in this
manner only once a day. Neither daimn nor aes can
benefit from theriac.
POISON USE
The two main families of poisons are toxin and venoms,
with many examples in each category. Unless otherwise
noted, all poisons can be placed into food in liquid form or
applied to a weapon when rendered into a paste. Poisons
evaporate within 3 hours of being exposed to open air.
Toxins
M A K I N G T O X I N S R E Q U I R E S an extract of
the plant or mineral from which the toxin
is derived and an alchemical laboratory.
Alternatively, the ingredients can be acquired
with the appropriate level of Patronage: 5 for
nightshade and 6 for arsenic.
Natural toxins can be rendered into a dose of
resin-like paste that may be applied directly to a
bladed weapon. Up to three doses can be prepared
at a time. The more doses a Blackbird wishes to
prepare simultaneously, the worse the Difficulty
Rating of the Wortcunning test:
! One dose: (Routine +10%) Wortcunning test
! Two doses: (Standard +/‒0%) Wortcunning test
! Three doses: (Challenging ‒10%) Wortcunning
test
In order to prepare a dose of a toxin, a Blackbird
must have a Skill Rank in Wortcunning, must have
access to a laboratory, must possess an extract of the
plant or mineral from which the toxin originates
(which is expended as part of the preparation—see
Alchemical Ingredients in Chapter 7: Trappings for
details), and must use a Crafting Endeavor.
With a successful Wortcunning test, a
Blackbird prepares the number of doses they intend
to make. A Critical Success allows them to prepare
one additional dose, while a Sublime Success
CO N F L I C T & R E K I N D LI N G 199
garners them two extra. A Failure, a Critical Failure,
or a Sublime Failure results in the ingredients being
expended without benefit. A Sublime Failure also
exposes them to the full effects of the toxin.
EXPOSURE TO TOXINS: When a Blackbird comes
into contact with a toxin, make a Toughness test
for them to withstand being poisoned, with the
Difficulty Rating determined by the number of
doses affecting the Blackbird. If they came into
contact with one dose, make a (Routine +10%)
Toughness test. If they came into contact with two
doses, make a (Standard +/‒0%) Toughness test.
If they came into contact with three doses, make
a (Challenging ‒10%) Toughness test. Upon
Failure, they suffer the effects as outlined. Should
a victim’s player ever critically fail the Toughness
test for their Blackbird to withstand a toxin, the
Blackbird is Slain! once it runs its course. With a
Sublime Failure, they are Slain! immediately.
There are few antidotes available to break the
hold of a toxin. Its effects must usually run their
course.
Arsenic
This toxin’s popularity amongst the nobility
cannot be overstated. Arsenic is often given in single
doses over a long period of time, as its effects mimic
blue death almost perfectly (see Blue Death later in
the chapter). Many a courtier, unhappy wife, and
second son have used this poison to improve their
life or station. Arsenic affects animals, beasts,
elfwrought, mortals, and recondites.
EFFECT: If subjected to one dose, it causes the victim
to immediately suffer 1Ð10+1 Peril. If subjected to
two doses, it causes the victim to immediately suffer
2Ð10+2 Peril. If subjected to three doses, the victim
immediately suffers 3Ð10+3 Peril.
Nightshade
This particular toxin is a favorite of subtle
assassins. Quickly numbing limbs and nerves, it can
almost instantly debilitate and kills with the right
dosage by arresting a victim’s breathing and heartbeat.
200 BLACKBIRDS
Nightshade affects animals, beasts, elfwrought,
mortals, and recondites.
EFFECT: If subjected to one dose, the victim is left
unable to use Techniques, Movement Actions, or
Reactions for 10 minutes. If subjected to two doses,
the victim is Knocked Out for 1 hour. If subjected
to three doses, the victim is Slain!.
Venoms & Antivenins
P R E P A R I N G V E N O M O R its antivenin
requires a sample milked from the
appropriate animal and an alchemical
laboratory. Alternatively, the ingredients can
be acquired with the appropriate level of
Patronage: 6 for snake venom, 7 for spider
venom, 8 for scorpion venom, or 9 for night
spider venom.
Venom can be rendered into a dose of resin-like
paste that may be applied directly to a bladed
weapon. Up to three doses can be prepared at the
same time. In addition, a Blackbird can prepare a
dose of antivenin in the same fashion. The more
doses the Blackbird wishes to prepare simultaneously,
the worse the Difficulty Rating of the Wortcunning
test:
! One dose: (Routine +10%) Wortcunning test
! Two doses: (Standard +/‒0%) Wortcunning test
! Three doses: (Challenging ‒10%) Wortcunning
test
To prepare venom or antivenin, a Blackbird must
have a Skill Rank in Wortcunning, must have access
to a laboratory, must possess a sample of the original
animal venom (expended as part of the preparation—
see Alchemical Ingredients in Chapter 7: Trappings for
details), and must use a Crafting Endeavor.
With a successful Wortcunning test, a
Blackbird prepares the number of doses they intend
to make. A Critical Success allows them to prepare
one additional dose, while a Sublime Success
garners them two extra. A Failure, a Critical Failure,
or a Sublime Failure result in the ingredients being
expended without benefit, but a Critical Failure
also leads the Blackbird to suffer 2Ð10+2 Peril.
Sublime Failure raises this to 3Ð10+3.
EXPOSURE TO VENOMS: As soon as a Blackbird comes
into contact with a venom and the Resist test made
for them fails, the effects immediately take hold, no
matter the dose a victim is exposed to. On a Critical or
Sublime Failure, the Blackbird is immediately Slain!.
The effects of venom on a victim can be treated
by any Blackbird with a Skill Rank in Heal if the
action is taken within the first 10 minutes after
poisoning. If ingested, the healer needs an anemic
and charcoal (which are both consumed by the
treatment). If injected, they require a blade and
must suck out the venom. Failure in both cases
leaves the venom to run its course. Critical Failure
halves the time until death in the first case and leads
to the physician poisoning themself in the latter.
Sublime Failure quarters the time until death in the
first case and leads to the physician being instantly
Slain! by the venom in the second. The Difficulty
Rating for a Heal test equals that of the venom’s
Resist test. Ingesting the appropriate antivenin will
neutralize venom in a victim in 1Ð6−[TB] Rounds.
Night Spider Venom
Only larger night spiders can be milked for
venom, and the revulsion and fear that all people
feel toward these creatures make them exceptionally
difficult to keep in captivity. Those found doing so
are legally put to death in most civilized lands.
Night spider venom affects animals, beasts,
elfwrought, mortals, and recondites.
RESIST: (Hard ‒20%) Toughness test
EFFECT: When successfully poisoned by night spider
venom, the victim is left Helpless from paralysis.
The venom is not lethal, but the paralysis lasts for
1 hour.
Scorpion Venom
This venom is milked from the stingers of
scorpions native to deserts in Crisius. Handlers of
these animals take great care not to be stung, lest

they suffer the poison’s effects. This venom quickly
paralyzes its victims, which usually leads to death in
short order. Scorpion venom affects animals, beasts,
elfwrought, mortals, and recondites.
RESIST: (Standard +/‒0%) Toughness test
EFFECT: When successfully poisoned by scorpion
venom, the victim must Flip to Fail the results for
any Skill test that relies on sight. If not successfully
healed, the victim perishes in a number of hours
equal to their [BB].
Snake Venom
Snake venom is easy to come by, given the
number of poisonous snakes native to Erebos.
Vipers and adders are the most common species of
snakes captured for their venom. Such venom leaves
its victims writhing in a fever dream until they
expire. Snake venom affects animals, beasts,
elfwrought, mortals, and recondites.
RESIST: (Challenging ‒10%) Toughness test
EFFECT: If successfully poisoned by snake venom,
the victim is left Incapacitated! and cannot recover
on their Peril Condition Track by any means. If not
successfully healed, the victim perishes in a number
of hours equal to their [BB].
Spider Venom
Only the deadliest of spiders can yield this
venom: the white widow, the luteback, or the
huntsman, for example. Taken from their glands,
the venom of at least nine spiders must be harvested
to create one usable dose. Spider venom leaves its
victims delirious and unable to defend themselves.
Eventually, it can lead to death as the heart and
breathing first slow, then stop altogether.
RESIST: (Routine +10%) Toughness test
EFFECT: When successfully poisoned by spider
venom, the victim is left Helpless by paralysis. If
not successfully healed, the victim perishes in a
number of hours equal to their [BB].
CO N F L I C T & R E K I N D LI N G 201
E NV I R O N M E NTA L H A Z A R D S
I
n Blackbirds, characters frequently find
themselves in situations fraught with peril.
From the mundane threats of a Corbellian
assassin’s poisoned dagger thrusts or a Thulian
berserk’s brutal axe hacks to the preternatural
menace of a manticore’s rancid bite or a salamander’s
burning coils, Blackbirds are fated to lead interesting
lives. However, the grim & perilous world in which
they dwell can easily slay them and is indifferent to
their hopes and dreams. Raging wildfires, tainted
water, exposure, plummeting from on high, and the
omnipresent threat of infection can bring a swift
end to any adventurer. Were it not for enterprising
physicians and leeches, the cemeteries would be
overflowing with the bones of the dead.
Categorized below are several types of natural
hazards characters will face in a Blackbirds game.
Pestilence
Death by pestilence is a given in the world of
Blackbirds. A plague can sweep across the land like
a scythe at any time. Many common folk believe
that illness is born from impiety, a cruel punishment
levied against the people by malevolent demons or
angry gods. The teeming masses beseech Sigilist
priests for benedictions or offer petty sacrifices
to appease the old gods. Guildsfolk swear by their
apothecaries, leeches, and barber chirurgeons,
surrendering whatever meager wealth they have
amassed to alleviate their misery. The nobility look to
university-educated court physicians for deliverance
from suffering. On the whole, physicians are no
more effective than leeches when it comes to treating
disease. The only differences are the leech’s lack of
funds and the fancy university certificate assuring
would-be patients that a physician may be trusted.
Hardline Sigilists believe both camps are apostates,
for chirurgy is considered heresy in church doctrine.
N OTE: Neither aes nor daimn are vulnerable to Mortal
ailments such as these.
202 BLACKBIRDS
SPREAD OF DISEASE
Diseases spread in many ways. Each disease
described has an understood method of transmission
to its potential victims. While not wholly scientific,
these help give the Blackbird a frame of reference on
how they perceive the idea of disease in a
superstitious, irrational world:
CONTACT: Diseases can spread by physical contact.
Most require intimate exchange of bodily fluids
with an infected individual, but some are so virulent
that the merest touch may pass them to others.
INGESTION: Eating foods or drinking water
contaminated by filth is a sure way to become ill.
Even though adventurers quickly learn to take great
pains to keep their provisions untainted, they can
still on occasion consume spoiled victuals.
MIASMA: Disease may also spread on the wind.
Exposure to the bad air in a city quarter overflowing
with plague victims or the stench wafting off a
battlefield littered with rotting bodies is a risky
proposition, as merely passing through an area
where a miasma is present may expose Blackbirds
to disease.
WOUNDING: The fetid maw of a manticore or a
rusty spike smeared with animal waste can pass
infection through cuts and punctures. Should any
wound prove serious enough to injure a Blackbird,
it has a chance of passing on a disease.
D I S E A S E F O R M AT
Every disease in Blackbirds is represented
using the following format:
RESIST: After a Blackbird is exposed to a disease,
make a successful Toughness test for them at the
Difficulty Rating indicated in its description, or
else the Blackbird succumbs to its effect. This effect
kicks in immediately and lasts over the course of the
disease’s duration. However, if the Toughness test is
a Critical Failure, the Blackbird immediately suffers
the effects of the disease twofold. A Sublime Failure
raises that to thrice the effects.
DURATION: Most diseases have a set span during
which their effects run. Once this time has
passed, the effects cease. However, a rare few last
“until cured,” each requiring special treatment
or circumstances to overcome. As always, the
expenditure of Fate trumps any illness.
EFFECTS: Over the course of the disease’s duration,
a Blackbird must endure its effects. The entry will
also explicitly say when to refer to its effects.
TREATMENT: The effects of diseases may be lessened
in some cases through treatment, and instructions
on how to treat a patient are covered in this section.
While some diseases respond to treatment, very
few can be cured. Furthermore, if a Blackbird is
suffering from multiple diseases, each must be
treated individually.
Blue Death
An ugly wasting disease, causing a near-
constant stream of vomiting and diarrhea, it quickly
debilitates those exposed to it through extreme
dehydration. Wading through a midden or traipsing
through bogs and sewers can all expose Blackbirds
to the blue death. It inhibits the body’s ability to
recover appropriately and causes mental fortitude
to grow weaker and weaker. Those who die from it
may be recognized by the bluish cast their skin takes
on in their final hours.
RESIST: (Routine +10%) Toughness test
DURATION: 1Ð10+1 days
EFFECTS: Over the course of its duration, an
infected Blackbird awakens each day suffering
2Ð10+2 Peril and cannot rise on their Peril
Condition Track at all.
TREATMENT: To treat a patient suffering from the
Blue Death, a caregiver must have a Skill Rank in
Heal, must possess a dose of mandrake root and a
bandage (both are expended as part of the treatment),
and must be left to work uninterrupted for at least
1 hour. If a successful (Routine +10%) Heal test is
made to treat the infected, the patient does not suffer
the disease’s effects for the following day. A Critical
Success increases that to 2 days, whereas a Sublime
Success increases it to 3. On a Critical Failure, the
patient suffers an additional 1Ð10+1 Peril that day.
204 BLACKBIRDS
On a Sublime Failure, the patient suffers an additional
2Ð10+2 Peril that day. A patient may be treated in
this manner only once every day during a Rekindling,
whether the treatment is successful or not.
Falling
Scaling the rain-slicked walls of a forest stronghold,
swinging across an icy crevasse, stumbling into
a tiger trap . . . The life of a Blackbird frequently
leads to situations where one wrong move will leave
them plummeting to their doom.
FA LLI N G O NTO S O LI D S U R F A C E S
A Blackbird suffers Damage equal to 1Ð10+the
number of strides fallen. This Damage ignores any
Damage Threshold modifier that armor confers. A
Blackbird does not suffer Injuries from falling.
Instead, roll Injury dice as you normally would, but
if any land on face ‘6,’ the Blackbird is rendered
Incapacitated! until their Damage and Peril
Condition Tracks are fully restored.
FA LLI N G I NTO LI Q U I D S
If a Blackbird falls into water (or some other
liquid) that is at least half as deep as the distance
they fell, reduce the strides fallen by 9 (to a
minimum of 1 stride) for the purpose of lessening
the Total Damage suffered.
Burns
Fire: beautiful but deadly. Humankind’s relationship
to this element is defined by its duality. In service
to humans, it cooks their food, warms their homes,
and forges their tools and weapons. But when out
of humanity’s control, it can burn down fields, raze
whole cities, and mortify living flesh.
AVOIDING BURNS: Whenever a Blackbird is first
exposed to fire or a source of intense heat, and
every minute thereafter, a Coordination test must
be made for them. The intensity of the blaze sets
the Difficulty Rating to Resist its effects. If the
roll succeeds, the Blackbird avoids being burned
and moves on. If the roll is a Critical Success, the
next Coordination test made to avoid burning
automatically succeeds. If the roll is a Sublime
Success, the next two Coordination tests made to
avoid burning automatically succeed. If the test
fails, the Blackbird is exposed to flames or intense
heat and suffers Damage. If it is critically failed,
the Blackbird is both exposed to burning and set
On Fire. A Sublime Failure leads to the Blackbird
being Knocked Out by smoke inhalation, leaving
them unable to escape or Resist the blaze. Damage
caused by fire doesn’t inflict Injuries.
Mildly Dangerous
Examples of Mildly Dangerous sources of heat
include lit torches, cooking fat, hot coals, and
heated torture implements.
RESIST: (Routine +10%) Coordination test
EFFECT: The Blackbird immediately suffers 1Ð10+1
Damage from burns.
Moderately Dangerous
Examples of Moderately Dangerous sources of
heat include campfires, improvised alcohol bombs,
fireplaces, and burning brands.
RESIST: (Standard +/‒0%) Coordination test
EFFECT: The Blackbird immediately suffers 2Ð10+2
Damage from burns.
Seriously Dangerous
Examples of Seriously Dangerous sources of
heat include seething oil, burning buildings, forest
fires, and massive conflagrations.
RESIST: (Challenging ‒10%) Coordination test
EFFECT: The Blackbird immediately suffers 3Ð10+3
Damage from burns.
SET ON FIRE
Unlike Damage in combat, a Blackbird does not
suffer Injuries from fire, but still faces the chance
of a fiery death.
If a Blackbird is exposed to fire and they drop to
Levels 1 or 2 on the Damage Condition Track, there
is zero risk of being set On Fire. Once they drop to
Level 3 on the Damage Condition Track, however, a
1Ð6 Injury die must be rolled for them. Similarly,
when the Blackbird drops to Level 4 on the Damage
Condition Track, 2Ð6 Injury dice must be rolled,
and when their condition on the Damage Condition
Track drops to Level 5, 3Ð6 Injury dice must be
rolled. If the result is one or more face ‘6’ on any of the
Injury dice, they are set On Fire.
Whenever a Blackbird is On Fire, they
immediately suffer 3Ð10+3 Damage, and again for
every Turn thereafter. Immersing themself in water,
rolling on unburned ground, or smothering the fire
with a blanket immediately ends this effect.

Sleep Deprivation
All daimn, humans, jötunnkin, and nephilim must
sleep. It is the primary requirement for recovery on
the Peril Condition Track.
If awake for more than a day, a Blackbird
requiring sleep cannot recover from Damage or Peril
until they’ve slept for 6 hours. For every additional
day that passes without sleep, they suffer 2Ð10+2
Peril. If they reach Incapacitated!, they are Knocked
Out, waking a day later. After sleeping, a Blackbird’s
Peril Condition Track recovers completely.
Suffocation
Choking in a smoky forest fire, drowning at sea, or
even inhaling poisonous fumes—these are all ways
suffocation can take hold.
A Blackbird can hold their breath a number of
minutes equal to their [BB]. For every minute
without breath thereafter, they suffer 2Ð10+2 Peril.
Upon reaching Incapacitated!, they are Knocked
Out, and if not rescued within a number of minutes
thereafter equal to their [BB], they are Slain!.
If a Blackbird has been Knocked Out by
suffocation but is not yet Slain!, they can potentially
be revived. However, the longer they have been
Knocked Out, the worse the Difficulty Rating of
the Heal test to revive them:
! 1 minute: (Trivial +30%) Heal test
! 2 minutes: (Easy +20%) Heal test
! 3 minutes: (Routine +10%) Heal test
! 4 minutes: (Standard +/‒0%) Heal test
! 5 minutes: (Challenging ‒10%) Heal test
! 6 minutes: (Hard ‒20%) Heal test
! 7 minutes or more: (Arduous ‒30%) Heal test
To have a chance of being revived, a healer
must be left uninterrupted for at least 1 minute.
With a successful Heal test, the patient
awakens, but remains Incapacitated!. A Critical
Success brings them back to Level 5 on the Peril
Condition Track, while a Sublime Success brings
them back to Level 4. Failure results in their
remaining Knocked Out. A Critical Failure drops
them 1 level down the Damage Condition Track,
while a Sublime Failure drops them 2 levels.
 C H A P TE R 7

Trappings
 T he continent of Erebos has a robust, fast-paced
economy. In it, people from many cultures and
lands trade with one another, despite recent
wars aplenty and rumors of supernatural events. Coin from
Corbel still spends just as well in Highsalt, and the growing
danger of travel has only elevated the value of trade, ensuring
those who would trek the oceans and roads to deliver goods can
make a fortune . . .

if they survive.

PAT R O N A G E

B lackbirds constitute a special case, and those making a life

around adventure and opportunity—either because they
have been called by Fate or are exploiting their connection
to it—know that there is a more valuable coin, far more stable in these
volatile times, that spends freer and with less restraint than lucre. By
attaching themselves to the riches of the privileged and helping further
the agenda of those who claim a status ordained by the gods, they gain
more than just dross capital; they gain an elevation in status themselves
as the rightful ministers and stewards of the gods.
This is the value of Patronage.
In Blackbirds, you do not need to keep track of how much
treasure your characters own because Blackbirds are usually seeking a
greater goal than material wealth. The world is in chaos, and the
powerful are responsible. Now is the time for those who have the gift
of Fate-blessed agency to ascend the ladder themselves, either by
supporting a person of power more ideally aligned than the monsters
who tore the gods from their thrones, or with someone whose strength
Red Iron Longsword
will bolster their own. The potential rewards are great, but so, too, is
the cost, for every patron one encounters will ask one for service—and
the tasks will never be easy. If a Blackbird is lucky and clever, and wish
it, they might sit upon a throne themself at the end of their journey.
Patronage is an abstract concept that represents a Blackbird’s value to
a specific member of the nobility or a person of power—and, alternately,
the Blackbird’s promise to be available to perform tasks, quests, and duties

needful to their patron when called upon. Thus, it
represents a two-way transaction, advantageous to
both parties and commonly understood as part of the
very fabric of civilization and essential to its continued
existence. The higher a Blackbird’s Patronage score is
with a particular patron, the more they can ask for—
and the more likely that they’ll be given a task by that
patron during a Weaving. In concrete terms, for every
point of Patronage a Blackbird has, they have
performed a task or favor or have a relationship with
one patron or noble of high status. The higher the
number, the more valuable the services or items the
Blackbird is able to request from that patron.
Patronage scores above 5 represent a special
relationship to a particular patron.
A Patronage score allows the Blackbird to:
! Acquire an item of the appropriate value
commonly available without hassle in a populated
area associated with one of their patrons.
! Gain access to materials, expert assistance, and
tools to make item crafting possible.
! Be put up in lodgings either belonging to a patron
or a patron’s vassal, or in an inn or lodging house
suited to the Patronage score.
! Ask for a favor or support in a journey or quest,
especially if the quest is something one of their
patrons is interested in.
The Patronage score also determines how likely
a Blackbird is to be called upon to perform an
Undertaking for one of their patrons each time they
use the score associated with that patron.
The Fruits of Patronage
Myriad benefits stem from the relationship between
Blackbirds and their patrons. Many appear below,
listed by Patronage level. Some interpretation by
the Fateweaver on these matters is normal. Even
someone with a high Patronage level will be unable
to get a full set of plate and palatial lodging from a
village struggling to survive; and if the Blackbirds are
in a territory where they are sought as criminals or
invaders, use of the leverage brought by Patronage
should be more complicated.
TRAPPINGS 209
A CQ U I R E A N I TE M
A Blackbird can acquire any item or items at
their listed Patronage level or below, so long as each
item represents a reasonable amount of equipment
for one person and they are in a location where the
item exists without scarcity. A suit of armor, a quiver
of twenty arrows, a weapon, or a week of trail
rations are all reasonable items to requisition. A
number of Blackbirds can be so equipped equal to
the Patronage level of the one asking. So, a
Blackbird with a Level 4 Patronage could equip
four Blackbirds with a reasonable amount of
equipment. Assume that these items are acquired
from the skilled subjects of a Blackbird’s patron or
from a talented smith, cobbler, leatherworker, or
other artisan who deals with their patron. Items
acquired this way are owned by the Blackbird in
question and do not need to be returned.
R E Q U E ST L O D G I N G S
A Blackbird has the right to request lodgings
within the domain of a patron or neighboring
territories allied with a patron. These lodgings
assume a week of time staying in the area, although
the Fateweaver can adjudicate more or less
depending on the circumstances or if the Blackbird
assumes a place to stay at a lower level than the
Patronage score would indicate. These lodgings are
commensurate with the level of Patronage:
! Level 1: A place to sleep outside in a (hopefully)
safe area.
! Level 2: A place to sleep outside in a safe area.
Tents, firewood, and unprepared food provided.
! Level 3: A roof overhead, usually lodging in a
barn, an abandoned building, or a communal
dwelling with peasants. Simple fare and stabling
for mounts (often in the same building) provided.
! Level 4: An inn or household with communal
quarters for the group of Blackbirds that includes
some privacy. Basic stabling for mounts and
warm food provided.
! Level 5: An inn or household with a private room
for the Blackbird and one servant or companion
210 BLACKBIRDS
(any others must share a communal room as in
Levels 2 or 3, depending on what is available).
Mounts are fed and watered, somewhat nicer
food provided.
! Level 6: An inn or household with a private room
for the Blackbird and up to four servants or
companions (any others must share a communal
room as in Levels 2 or 3, depending on what is
available). This level of lodging includes a nicer
meal. Mounts are fed, watered, and groomed.
! Level 7: A suite of rooms in a manor house or
fancy inn. These lodgings include ample meals
and house all of the Blackbird’s companions, so
long as the group is small (others get lesser
accommodations). Mounts are well taken care of.
! Level 8: An entire manor, small keep, or group of
houses. This level of lodging is enough to
accommodate up to twenty servants, mercenaries,
soldiers, or traveling companions. Food is
prepared by staff on hand at the request of the
Blackbird. Local guides and transportation (i.e., a
carriage and horses) are freely available for use
while the Blackbird is in residence.
! Level 9: Lodgings only slightly lesser in quality
than ones nobles themselves use, and with all the
accoutrements of the previous levels. Nearby
lodging holds an army of up to fifty, if needed.
Also includes any clothing or finery that would
be suitable attire for several
people at courtly events
or locales.
! Level 10: The very
best of what is
available, but never
greater than what the
Blackbird’s patron has
access to.
Red Iron Helmet
G A I N C R A F T I N G M ATE R I A L S
Use of crafting facilities is based on the
Blackbird’s level of Patronage and is allowed for 1
day, or whatever length of time a crafting Blackbird
needs to make one test to repair or create an item.
Note that this does not include theurgy materials,
and theurges generally may not use Patronage if the
truth about their abilities are known, as no noble
will openly harbor or assist a theurge.
! Level 1: A place to work outside. No tools are
provided. Tradecraft rolls are made at –20.
! Level 2: A place to work inside. A single simple
tool is provided, but no materials. Tradecraft
rolls are made at –10.
! Level 3: An interior space with the most basic
tools—basic carpentry, smithing, cobbling, and
the like. Possibly a simple forge. No adjustment
to the Tradecraft roll.
! Level 4: As above but a more complete set of
tools. Some basic materials provided. A forge is
available. Add +10 to Tradecraft rolls.
! Level 5: A complete set of tools and materials,
with the potential to have small amounts of at
least one rare material available. Add +10 to
Tradecraft rolls.
! Level 6: A well-outfitted set of tools and materials,
with several rare materials available in limited
amounts. Add +10 to Tradecraft rolls.
! Level 7: Same as Level 6 above, and also includes
an assistant of a lower Skill Rank than the
Blackbird’s. Add +20 to Tradecraft rolls.
! Level 8: A superbly outfitted studio,
business, or workshop. Rare materials
are easier to acquire. Several assistants
available, at least one at a high level of
Skill. Add +20 to Tradecraft rolls.
! Level 9: An entire guild or society and
its accumulated tools and talents are
opened to the Blackbird. Several items
of a specific nature can be constructed
simultaneously, so long as each is
something the group already has
knowledge in making or can be

instructed in the process. Rare materials are readily
available, and even exotic or exceedingly rare items
can be procured. Add +20 to Tradecraft rolls.
! Level 10: Same as Level 9 above. In addition,
master crafters renowned in their field are at the
disposal of the Blackbird. Add Flip to Succeed to
Tradecraft rolls.
P R O C U R E S U P P O RT
Support can be procured at 1 level higher than
the Blackbird’s Patronage level if they petition a
patron they are currently on an Undertaking for.
This assistance is usually available for a finite,
reasonable amount of time and involves a specific
goal or objective (i.e., until you get to Corbel, until
you retrieve the red stone from the ruins, etc.). If
this timing is unclear, assume 1 week.
! Level 1: A peasant with no Skills who will run at
the first sign of danger.
! Level 2: A guide or helper who knows the local
customs and language; or a draft mule, guard
dog, or other unrideable animal.
! Level 3: A novice sage somewhat knowledgeable
about a local subject, or a soldier of basic challenge
level.
! Level 4: A sage or expert knowledgeable about a
local subject, or a soldier or mercenary of
intermediate challenge level.
! Level 5: A sage or expert with deep lore on a
reasonable subject, or three soldiers or mercenaries
of basic challenge level.
! Level 6: A sage or expert with deep lore on several
subjects or one specific rare subject, or three
soldiers or mercenaries of basic challenge level
and a captain of intermediate challenge level.
! Level 7: A sage renowned in their field for
knowledge of the topic that interests the
Blackbird; or ten soldiers of basic challenge level,
a captain of advanced challenge level, and the
support of three porters, including an expert
guide with deep knowledge of the particular
locale, environs, or goals pertinent to the
Blackbird’s quest.
TRAPPINGS 211
! Level 8: A sage renowned in their field for
knowledge of the topic that interests the Blackbird,
plus their guild of sages that also studies the topic;
or fifteen soldiers of basic challenge level, a captain
of advanced challenge level, and their support of
five porters, including an expert guide with deep
knowledge of the particular locale, environs, or
goals pertinent to the Blackbird’s quest.
! Level 9: Access to a sage who is the top expert in
the field that interests the Blackbird, plus their
guild of sages that also studies the topic; or twenty
soldiers of basic challenge level, a captain of
advanced challenge level, five lieutenants of
intermediate challenge level, and a support of ten
porters, including an expert guide with deep
knowledge of the particular locale, environs, or
goals pertinent to the Blackbird’s quest.
! Level 10: The best local minds available for
research on any topic, or fifty soldiers of basic
challenge level, or thirty of intermediate challenge
level and their support staff and supply chain. At
this level, a Blackbird might be allowed to
command an entire army, if need be.
A R R A N G E F O R T R AV E L
Travel requested by a Blackbird is always
granted by the patron, either assisting one way or
both ways of the trip. If the trip is to a particularly
distant location, the Fateweaver may decide that
the patron can help them through only part of the
way, and the character will have to fend for themself
from that point on. Blackbirds requesting this travel
assistance will have to ask again for the next leg of
their journey. If the travel is part of an Undertaking,
it will continue as long as needed until the goal of
the Undertaking is completed.
! Level 1: An unskilled servant to help carry
things; this servant flees at most signs of danger.
The Blackbird is given a crude map.
! Level 2: As above, with the addition of a pack
animal. Basic travel rations for 1 week.
! Level 3: The servant is a guide with basic
knowledge of the Survival Skill and of the area to
212 BLACKBIRDS
be traversed. The Blackbird gets a better-quality
map. This could also be passage for one or two
people in steerage on a merchant vessel heading
to the destination; more can accompany the
Blackbird if they are willing to work during the
journey. Basic travel rations for 2 weeks.
! Level 4: A horse for the requesting Blackbird;
others must make their own arrangements. A
guide of intermediate level with knowledge of the
route. Passage for up to ten on a merchant vessel
in steerage. Basic travel rations for 3 weeks. A
higher quality map given to the Blackbird.
! Level 5: Horses for up to ten people (but only
one per person making the trip). A guide of
advanced level with knowledge of the route.
Travel rations for 1 month. Passage on a ship with
better accommodations for up to ten people. A
small ship in poor quality is available, but the
Blackbirds must pilot it themselves.
! Level 6: A carriage and horses for up to ten people
and three support staff to assist with the journey,
including an expert guide. Access to an expert in
the destination who will help with planning the
trip before it embarks. A small ship and sailors to
pilot it conscripted solely for the journey.
! Level 7: A carriage, horses, and pack animals for
up to twenty people and five support staff to assist
with the journey, including an expert guide.
Access to a guild of experts in geography who
help with planning the trip before it embarks. A
medium ship conscripted solely for the journey
and the sailors to pilot it to the destination.
! Level 8: Carriages, horses, and pack animals for
up to twenty people and five support staff to assist
with the journey, including an expert guide and
mercenaries to protect those on the journey.
Access to a guild of experts in geography who
help plan the trip before it embarks, or access to
someone with intimate, perhaps secret, knowledge
of the route or its destination. A warship
conscripted for the journey, sailors to pilot it to
the destination, and marines to protect it.
! Level 9: Carriages, horses, and pack animals for
up to thirty people and ten support staff to assist
with the journey, including expert guides and
mercenaries to protect those on the journey.
Access to a guild of experts in geography who
help with planning the trip before it embarks, or
access to someone who has intimate and perhaps
secret knowledge of the route or its destination. A
small fleet of three ships conscripted solely for the
journey, the sailors to pilot them to the
destination, and marines to protect them.
! Level 10: The best that’s available: The fleetest
horses, fastest ships, and canniest guides.
P U S H I N G PAT RO N A G E
Gaining something 1 level higher than what
would normally be allowed, or gaining more than
one valuable item (e.g., brigandine armor), requires
a successful Bargain, Charm, or Guile Skill test be
made, depending on the way this extra item is asked
for. Failing this roll means the request will still be
granted, but the Blackbird will be immediately
asked to perform an Undertaking by their patron.
Critical or Sublime Failure means the Blackbird
will no longer gain anything from this patron until
a difficult Undertaking is completed.
SHIFTING ALLIANCES
This system supposes that all of a Blackbird’s
patrons are on the same side—or at least have a
mutual respect for one another. Things get a bit
tricky if Patronage is stretched by outright war or
conflict, all too common in Erebos nowadays.
When this happens, the Blackbird in question can
choose to openly declare their allegiance to one side
or attempt to keep their alliances with both sides
secret.
If they declare allegiance with one side,
accessing Patronage for the opposing side is
suspended. When the conflict is resolved, the
Fateweaver adjudicates the new Patronage levels for
their previous patrons—or their heirs. There should
always be a penalty to Patronage of at least 1 level

drop in Patronage, and perhaps more, for returning
to patrons the Blackbird has sided against.
A Blackbird faces no penalty for playing each
side against the other—unless they get caught.
Depending on the betrayal, they are probably
forced to choose a side and lose at least 2 levels of
Patronage for every party that discovers the betrayal
(including the side they choose to align with). The
discovery of betraying a patron that a Blackbird has
achieved Stewardship with causes that status to
immediately come to an end.
Patronage can still be used in the territories of
a previous patron they have sided against during a
conflict, but it will be 3 levels lower than it was
before siding against the patron: the Blackbird is
assumed to be contacting clandestine operatives or
lesser people of importance who still support the
Blackbird, even though they are on the opposite
side of the conflict. If any of those involved are
caught, they will be punished accordingly. If the
loss of levels brings that Patronage to 0 or less,
however, no help is available for them.
Obligation
The largess of peerage comes with a price. An
implicit quid pro quo exists whenever Blackbirds
use Patronage to gain lodging, access to retainers,
material goods, transportation, or anything
else needed by those who have chosen a life of
adventure. The Obligation score represents how
likely a patron is to call upon Blackbirds who have
been given succor to perform an Undertaking. For
new characters, Obligation starts at 0.
Every time a Blackbird uses Patronage to
acquire items or aid their Obligation score by +1,
and there is a chance that they’ll be charged with an
Undertaking—a quest or task that must be
completed to retain Patronage.
To determine if an Undertaking will be
requested, take the Blackbird’s Patronage score
associated with the patron, add it to their Obligation
score, multiply this total by 5, then roll 1Ð100
against the result. If the roll succeeds, the Blackbird
TRAPPINGS 213
will be given an Undertaking they
must fulfill by the patron, and
their Obligation score resets to 0.
If the roll fails, they will not be
asked for anything.
Example: Grimaldi arrives in
Ipswald after being smuggled away
from previous difficulties inside a “The dates of births and
barrel in a ship’s hold. He arrives deaths are recorded by
with no weapons or equipment officials, but celebrations
and seeks out a local patron named of the day one came into
Amalu Hatar, Prince of the the unforgiving jaws of
Faceless, with whom Grimaldi has the world are reserved
a Patronage score of 3. Amalu only for the wealthy
resupplies Grimaldi and gives him and comfortable . . .”
a place to stay. Grimaldi’s current — Observations of the
Wandering Squire
Obligation score is 4, raised to 5
after using Amalu’s Patronage. The
Fateweaver takes the Patronage score of 3, adding 5
Obligation to get 8, and then multiplies by 5 to get
40%. Rolling a 32, the Fateweaver determines that
Amalu is going to ask Grimaldi to complete an
Undertaking to continue to receive Patronage.
Grimaldi’s Obligation score drops to 0 again once the
Undertaking is completed.
U N D E RTA K I N G S
An Undertaking is a task or quest required by a
patron for a Blackbird to continue to receive help
from that patron or to increase their Patronage
score with that patron. The Undertaking might
dovetail with their current plans, or it might take
them a bit out of their way. It can be used by the
Fateweaver to guide the Blackbirds toward a
particular narrative path but should not be used in
a heavy-handed way. Usually, it should be just a task
that the patron wants done that also reveals a bit
more of the world and what is happening within it.
The table here is a guideline; the Fateweaver can be
flexible with it. If the players are invested in a
particular course of action, it’s generally not
advisable to force them to veer off wildly, into a
distant land in search of a lost artifact, for example.
214 BLACKBIRDS
U N D E RTA K I N G S C H A LL E N G E C H A RT
! Level 1: Escort someone important to or from
somewhere in the same area, town, or city.
Discover the whereabouts of someone hiding
locally. Hunt and kill a wild animal plaguing the
populace. Deliver a small sum of money or a
valuable object within the same area, town, or
city. Deliver a message to or from someone in the
same area, town, or city.
! Level 2: Escort someone important to or from a
neighboring county. Seek out and bring to justice
a local criminal in hiding. Hunt and kill a minor
beast plaguing the populace. Deliver a small
sum of money or valuable object to or from a
neighboring county. Convince someone in a
neighboring country to make a particular
choice in your patron’s favor.
! Level 3: Wipe out a local group of bandits
or highwaymen. Escort someone
important, a valuable object, or valuable
property to or from a bordering nation.
No messages have arrived for a week from
a local outpost or small village; find out
why. Perform a minor diplomatic action,
or deliver a message in person to a noble
in a neighboring county.
! Level 4: Wipe out a local group of
bandits or highwaymen and their leader,
who’s reported to have magical
assistance. Escort someone important, a
valuable object, or valuable property through a
dangerous area to or from a bordering nation.
Explore a mysterious location where people
have been disappearing or that has been the
subject of dark rumors. Perform a diplomatic
action or deliver a message in person to a noble
in a neighboring nation.
! Level 5: Delve rumors of a supernatural creature
attacking villagers. Find the source of a
mysterious curse. Recover someone forced into
marriage with a minor noble. Escort an
important person or object on a perilous journey
to another land. Perform an act of espionage.
! Level 6: Stop a supernatural creature from
attacking villagers. End a mysterious curse.
Recover someone who has been forced into
marriage with a powerful noble. Escort an
important person or object on a lengthy and
likely perilous journey to a distant land. Perform
a major act of espionage.
! Level 7: Discover the source of a powerful
supernatural threat or threats. Spy on the
movements of an army. Explore a dangerous ruin
or cursed ancient site to discover information
about a specific artifact, relic, or object. Secretly
enter a castle under siege and sneak someone out.
Assist with a major diplomatic action in a
neighboring country of great import, personally
negotiating the details.
! Level 8: Stop a powerful supernatural
threat or threats. Help stop the advances of,
or sabotage, an army. Explore a dangerous
ruin or cursed ancient site to recover a
specific artifact, relic, or object. Secretly
enter a castle under siege and weaken its
defenses. Perform major diplomacy in a
neighboring country of great import when
the monarch in question is known to kill
messengers and diplomats.
! Level 9: Discover the weakness of a
particular servant of one of the Oligarchs.
Discover intelligence on a dangerous, and
possibly magically powerful, target. Escort
someone or something to a distant land—
probably a lengthy overseas journey through
dangerous territory.
! Level 10: Capture or kill a servant of one of
the Oligarchs, or discover secret information
about one of the Oligarchs’ high-ranking
servants or an Oligarch itself. Assassinate a
dangerous, and possibly magically powerful,
target. Escort a dangerous magical criminal
or artifact to a distant land—probably a
lengthy overseas journey through dangerous
territory.
Quickbronze Spear

UNDERTAKINGS: TIME LIMITS & RESOURCES
Once an Undertaking is imposed upon a
Blackbird, they may not use Patronage from that
source until the Undertaking is completed—the
only exception being tasks and efforts directly
related to completing the Undertaking. How long
the Blackbird has to finish the Undertaking, and
what sort of things they will be offered to help
complete an Undertaking, are at the discretion of
the Fateweaver. It would be reasonable for a
Blackbird and their companions to be equipped
with weapons and armor and some rations, and to
perhaps receive travel assistance, if they plan to
immediately embark upon an Undertaking. This
assistance and equipment is never more than what
the Patronage level would normally allow, and
might be less. Most Undertakings should be
completed in a few days’ time, but others must be
completed immediately or over an extended period;
the Fateweaver adjudicates this.
A Blackbird can use Patronage from one patron
while tasked with an Undertaking by another; their
Obligation increases, and the Fateweaver makes
Undertaking rolls to see if another Undertaking is
assigned. Nothing prevents a Blackbird from being
assigned multiple Undertakings at once, although
this is generally not advisable, as it will likely lead to
failing at one or more of the assigned tasks.
FA I LI N G U N D E RTA K I N G S
Sometimes, an Undertaking will result in
Failure, either because the Blackbird in question
took too long to complete the task or because an
honest attempt was made but the Undertaking was
not completed successfully. The Blackbird who
failed will need to report back to their patron
(perhaps with the assistance of a more charismatic
companion if that is not their forte) and explain
what happened if their Patronage is to resume. This
explanation should be played out, and then the
player of that Blackbird should make a roll against
the appropriate Skill—Bargain, Charm, or Guile
most likely, but others might be allowed if the
TRAPPINGS 215
Fateweaver agrees—with a Difficulty Rating based
on how the reporting went. If the roll is a Success,
then they are allowed to preserve their Patronage,
but it is lowered a level; however, the patron might
offer a new Undertaking to prevent this, at the
Fateweaver’s discretion. If the roll is a Failure,
Patronage is lowered by 2 levels. A Critical Success
means that the Patronage level does not change,
and a Critical Failure means that patron rejects that
Blackbird and their companions—they all lose 1
level of Patronage and can’t access that patron until
they perform an Undertaking at a challenge level of
their previous score. A Sublime Success increases
the Patronage level by 1, and a Sublime Failure
causes the Blackbird and all their Fatebound
companions to lose all Patronage with this patron,
who will form an animosity toward them.
G O I N G A B O V E & B E YO N D
Sometimes, an Undertaking succeeds wildly
beyond its initial task. Perhaps the Undertaking was
to gain information about a bandit who was preying
on a local village, but the flock defeated the bandit
in combat and brought him back to face justice. In
such an instance, the Fateweaver should reward the
Blackbird, either with an increase in Patronage level
through that patron or with Spoils (discussed later
in this chapter) if they are already at the maximum
level of Patronage for that patron.
Increasing Patronage
Patronage can be increased or created only when a
patron allows it. It never happens at the behest of
Blackbirds, and an opportunity must present itself.
A Blackbird seeking to increase their Patronage
level can ask their current patron if they have
any Undertakings available or ask for a letter of
recommendation for another patron if they seek
Patronage with a new noble. Either way, to increase
Patronage or gain a new patron, they must perform
one of the Undertakings from the difficulty chart in
this chapter based on the level of Patronage they will
gain, not on what they currently have.
216 BLACKBIRDS
Weeping Ash Hand Axe
PAT RO N A G E
A S STE W A R D S H I P
Patronage levels of 6 or
above represent a special relationship between a
Blackbird and a particular person of importance.
Moving to Level 6 means the Blackbird has gained
the equivalent of a minor knighthood, title, or
mark of importance that represents a formal pledge
of services, is less ambiguous than their previous
mercenary work, and is an important decision for
both parties. This opportunity comes only through
serving a specific patron, either in a way that goes
above and beyond the norm or after performing
several Undertakings for that patron. Obviously,
the Blackbird must already have a Patronage level
of 5 with the patron in question. Blackbirds can
hint that they would like to achieve this status with
one of their patrons, and if they follow through on
Undertakings for that patron, the Fateweaver
should offer them a difficult Undertaking to gain
this level of Patronage. This type of relationship is
known as a Stewardship.
Stewardships can be achieved with only one
noble at a time. A Blackbird who achieves it is
accepted as the agent of that patron and can use this
status anywhere to gain the fruits of Patronage
from any member of the peerage, as that web of
relationships and alliances serves them even in
times of war. In game, Stewardship represents a
Patronage level that is 2 levels lower than the
Blackbird’s current level in any territory that is a
fiefdom or ally with the noble the Blackbird is
steward to.
The steward may be called on by other patrons
at any time to perform tasks, and Obligation still
increases and works as it normally would. If, at any
time, the relationship with a patron and steward
breaks down, or the patron is killed, the Blackbird
loses that Patronage score and all the benefits of
Stewardship until they can regain that status with a
new noble.
Unique Patrons
Not all patrons are the same. A queen is more
powerful than a duke or a countess, and some
patrons will be able to assist in ways that others
cannot. Every patron has a maximum level of
Patronage that they can offer. Also, every patron
has territory in which their Patronage is available.
The following are some Traits that patrons might
possess, and any given patron would usually have
no more than one:
! Diplomatic Patron: This patron has a web of
alliances and connections over a wide area, even
outside the patron’s domain of influence.
Blackbirds may use their Patronage score for this
patron at 2 levels lower than their base level for
any sources outside the patron’s diplomatic
sphere. Undertakings can still be assigned and
will be based on the actual level of Patronage, not
the adjusted amount.
! Guildmaster: This patron has access to excellent
tools, workshops, and crafting materials. Such
items and services can be used at 1 level higher
than the Blackbird’s Patronage score.
! High Noble: Add 1 level to Patronage when
acquiring anything from this patron, and 2 levels
when the Blackbird and their group are gearing
up specifically for an Undertaking requested by
this patron. Results are expected; if an
Undertaking is failed for any reason, the Blackbird
in question loses an extra level of Patronage.
Becoming a steward of this patron is a great boon
as many territories declare fealty to them.

! Military Patron: This patron has access to soldiers
and weaponry. Any request for weapons and
armor is made at 1 level higher than the
Blackbird’s level, as is any need for military
personnel to accompany or assist the Blackbird.
! Mystic Patron: This patron assists with Odic
knowledge and trappings for Wortcunning Spells
or the Pythonic Liturgy (most patrons do not). In
addition, all assistance related to such things is
granted at 1 level higher than the Blackbird’s
Patronage score.
! Naval Power: Add 2 levels of Patronage when
using this patron for anything related to naval
travel or acquiring accommodations on ships.
! Religious Patron: This patron has access to the
resources of a church, religion, or cult that is
ingrained openly into the culture of the area they
have dominion over. They provide Patronage at 1
level higher than the Blackbird’s level for all
things, but must follow some sort of religious
rules, observances, or codes. Openly, or being
discovered, breaking the rules of the local religion
can lead to very serious consequences.
! Underworld Power: This patron is also either the
head of or in league with the local thieves’ guild
or assassins’ guild, or simply has their finger on
the pulse of all activities associated with
skulduggery. They will be able to turn illegally
acquired goods into Spoils, help gain access to
places that are normally guarded or warded, offer
items that are locally illegal to the Blackbirds in
their employ, and will often send them on
Undertakings that involve breaking the law.
! Wealthy Patron: Add 1 level to Patronage when
used for equipping and acquiring items.
Blackbirds may give this patron Spoils instead of
performing an Undertaking. The Spoils must be
equal to the level of Patronage in order to make
this exchange.
TRAPPINGS 217
Restrictions on Patronage
There are limits to what can be asked of a patron,
and some common sense should be applied by the
Fateweaver. Below are some guidelines that may
assist with adjudicating what is possible; having
access to a unique patron, however, may help skirt
these restrictions.
! No patron will ever openly harbor or assist a
theurge or anyone who practices that art. Some
wise patrons may be aware that those who do
business with them have access to these abilities,
but flaunting these abilities in a place or situation
where the patron’s allies or followers are made
aware of them is a good way to damage one’s
relationship with that patron.
! Patrons do not openly condone the breaking of
laws and generally do not assist the Blackbirds to
acquire illegal or illicit substances (e.g., poison or
tools designed to pick locks). If the Blackbirds
must avail themselves of these items or tools to
fulfill an Undertaking, it’s best that the patron
not be made aware how the sausage is made.
! In most cases, a patron will open their armory or
storage to aid the Blackbird working for them
and their flock. They will not, under most
circumstances, help others who are merely allies
of the Blackbird.
! The relationship between patrons and their
servants is a personal matter. Fellowship tests for
the patron must be made by the player whose
Blackbird is actually maintaining the relationship.
Spoils
Sometimes, it is prudent to have some handy coin or
lucre on one’s person to gain something in a pinch,
for it is difficult to bribe officials with Patronage.
Physical items of value are known as Spoils, and
they are represented by a value from 1 to 6, which
determines how valuable they are. Theoretically,
there might be Spoils above 6, but they would be
very difficult to transport or exchange for goods:
something like a bejeweled crown stolen from a
noble or a manor house.
218 BLACKBIRDS
Spoils may be directly turned in for something
of the equivalent value in Patronage, after which
they are gone. This can only be done at a place where
the items or services are available. Things listed here
cannot be exchanged for Spoils in the same way. In
the event that a merchant, craftsperson, or
gentleperson of means has something that is easily
portable and of enough value to be considered Spoils,
it’s safe to assume that they will only offer half of the
list value of the item, rounded down.
EXAMPLE SPOILS:
1 A handful of copper coins.
A small pouch of more valuable coins or a cheap
2 Example: Grimaldi and his companions have
gemstone.
A pouch of valuable silver coins, a more valuable
3 They come upon a solitary inn and would like to
gem, or a cheap piece of jewelry.
A cumbersome sack of cheap coins, a sack or
4 small coffer of gold, a small pouch of gems, or a
somewhat valuable piece of jewelry.
Several chests of cheap coins, a large chest of gold, a
5
large pouch of gems, or a valuable piece of jewelry.
A couple chests of gold, a valuable work of art, a
6 singular and valuable piece of jewelry, a small chest
of gems, and assorted jewelry.
Barter
This system was designed to be an abstraction of the
life of mercenary adventurers traveling from place
to place, blown by the winds of Fate and serving
those who can occasionally help them survive
another day in a chaotic world. It is not meant to be
a template for trading, making deals, or extracting
the best possible margins of profit from exchanges.
It doesn’t completely make sense for a Blackbird
to trade, let’s say, a suit of plate for a fancy manor
house. When a situation arises where a Blackbird
has need of something and would like to trade what
they have for it, the Fateweaver must assume the
person they are trading with will take full advantage
of the situation, keeping in mind that Blackbirds are
generally far from home, are usually in obvious dire
need, and that almost anything needed will be scarce
due to the ongoing wars and troubles. A loaf of bread
might truly be more valuable than a sword. If they
are not trading Spoils but are attempting to trade one
item on these charts for another, the traded item can
be considered Spoils that are 5 levels lower on the
Patronage scale. So, a Level 6 Patronage item can be
traded as if it is Level 1 Spoils.
If a successful Bargain test is made for the
Blackbird, this difference can be adjusted by 1 level
for every 3 points of [FB], rounded up. If a Critical
Success is achieved, the item may be traded as a
one-for-one exchange, and a Sublime Success
means the level of Patronage for the item acquired
is 1 greater than what is traded for it.
been wandering in the wilderness and are starving.
trade a suit of chainmail for a night of rest and food.
A Bargain test is made for Grimaldi, and the
innkeeper accepts. The chainmail normally would be
a Level 6 Patronage acquisition, which is reduced 5
levels lower to Level 1 Patronage, as explained above.
Grimaldi has a [FB] of 7, which, divided by 3 and
rounded up, equals 3. Grimaldi and his companions
are offered some communal quarters in the inn and a
warm meal for the chainmail—amenities offered at
Level 4 on the lodgings list for Patronage. If
a Critical Success had been rolled, the
chainmail would have been worth
Level 6 lodgings, and the flock
would have been given private
rooms and a nice hearty meal; and
if a Sublime Success had been
achieved, the chainmail would
have been worth Level 7, and
they would have spent the
night in a fancy house
all to themselves.
Weeping Ash Dagger

A R M S & E Q U I P M E NT
T
he world is full of dangerous people,
monsters, and perils uncounted. It is
wise for those who have chosen or have
been forced into a life of adventure to outfit
themselves with weapons and armor to help balance
the scales. Even the most bookish theurge would be
wise to clad herself in gambeson and have a dagger
close at hand, for Fate is fickle.
Qualities
Weapons and armor have Qualities that differentiate
one from another beyond a simple list of numbers.
A wise warrior considers these supplies before
arming themself or going into battle, because the
difference between a morning star or a flanged mace
can change the outcome of a battle. Some of the
Qualities below might apply to armor, weapons, or
shields; if they are applied differently, the description
will clarify. Some of these Qualities won’t be found
on standard armor or weapons from the charts and
apply only to bestial attacks, weapons that have
been enchanted by theurgy or wortcunning, or in
the rarest of circumstances. The vaults and forges
of great monarchs have a different standard of arms
than those in the hands of the common folk.
Adaptable: Whenever weapons of this Quality are
held in two hands instead of one for Attack Actions,
add +1 to Damage.
Biting (x): A Critical or Sublime Success with this
weapon causes the Bleed condition based on the
number in parentheses. This condition with (1) or
no value is A Trickle of Red, (2) is Scarlet Torrent,
and (3) is Arterial Spray. These function identically
to the Injuries of the same name.
Breaker: Whenever a wielder of a weapon with this
Quality succeeds in a Parry against or is parried
by a Melee weapon with the Finesse Quality, its
wielder can spend 1 AP to break that weapon.
TRAPPINGS 219
Brittle: If a Critical or Sublime Failure is rolled
for the wielder of a weapon with this Quality, the
weapon breaks. If a Critical or Sublime Success
is rolled against someone wearing armor with this
Quality, the armor breaks.
Crushing (x): When using this weapon, Damage or
Bane dice that roll ‘1’ or ‘2’ are instead changed
to ‘3’s. This weapon removes 1 AP or the number
of AP in parentheses, if indicated, from the target
when the player wielding it gets a Critical Success.
On a Sublime Success, all AP are lost.
Cumbersome (x): Lose Skill Ranks in Coordination-,
Stealth-, and Combat-related Skills while wielding
Finesse weapons equal to the number in parentheses,
or 1 Skill Rank if no number is indicated.
Defensive (x): When using this weapon to Parry
against Melee weapons, add +10 Base Chance, or
the number in parentheses if one is indicated.
Disarming (x): Whenever a foe is threatened with
Disarm using a weapon of this Quality, they suffer
a –10 Base Chance to Resist its effects, or the value
in parentheses if none is indicated.
Enchanted: This weapon can cause Damage to
creatures that can only be harmed by magic or
enchanted weapons.
Entangling (x): Immediately after striking a foe,
weapons of this Quality force them to Resist either
a Grapple or Takedown—the Blackbird’s player
chooses which. Additionally, the foe must adjust
the chance to Resist by the number in parentheses,
or none if no value is indicated.
Envenomed (x): Make a successful Toughness test
for anyone struck by this weapon, or they take the
Damage listed in parentheses from poison. If this
is a weapon smeared with venom and not a natural
attack, this Quality is lost after the first hit.
220 BLACKBIRDS
Fast (x): Whenever a foe is struck by a weapon with
this Quality, they suffer a –10 Base Chance to
Dodge or Parry, or the value in parentheses if one
is indicated.
Finesse: Weapons of this Quality always reference
[AB] when inflicting Damage.
Fitted: This item—usually armor—can only be used
by the person it was made for unless it is specifically
refitted for someone else.
Formation (x): Shields with this Quality provide extra
protection to Blackbirds in formation with other
shield units and add +10 to Parry, or the number
in parentheses, if one is indicated, when they are
adjacent to an ally who also has a shield currently in
use. This Quality can only be applied to shields.
Heavy: When combat begins, the Blackbird may
move freely in this armor for their [BB] in Turns
before fatigue becomes an issue. At the end of
the last Turn and every Turn thereafter, make a
successful Toughness test for the wearer, or they
gain 1 level of Peril from exhaustion. If a Blackbird
chooses to travel in Heavy armor, they accumulate
1 level of Peril every hour.
Immolate: After a foe is struck with a weapon of this
Quality, a successful Flip to Succeed Coordination
test must be made for them, or they’re set On
Fire (see Set On Fire in Chapter 6: Conflict &
Rekindling for details).
Intricate (x): This item is difficult to repair. Subtract
–10 or the number in parentheses from Tradecraft
rolls made to repair or craft it, and you must have
access to a forge to do so. In addition, crafting takes
twice as long.
Lesser Metals: Armor or weapons made from copper,
bronze, or other lesser metals can be obtained, but
they are rarer. The Patronage to access such items
is increased by 1. They are also less effective; armor
has a Damage Threshold modifier of –1 less, and
weapons incur –1 Damage. These items do not
interfere with empowering Vitiations.
Off-Hand: Whenever a weapon or shield with this
Quality is held in the Blackbird’s off hand while
they attack with a Melee weapon in their primary
hand, add +1 to the Damage from that Melee
weapon.
Piercing (x): This weapon ignores Damage
Threshold provided by armor up to the number in
parentheses. If no number is indicated, it ignores 1
Damage Threshold.
Protective (x): Shields with this Quality can be used
to Parry attacks made with Ranged weapons. If a
number in parentheses is indicated, adjust the Parry
for Ranged weapons by this amount.
Pummeling: Weapons of this Quality always refer to
[BB] when inflicting Damage.
Punishing: Weapons with this Quality add a 1Ð6
Damage die to Total Damage in exchange for 1
additional AP.
Quickbronze: This weapon or armor is made from
the liquid magical bronze of the aes, hardened
into its current form by artisans and smiths of that
eldritch species. It gains the Enchanted Quality
and may strike opponents that can only be hit
with magical weapons and may cause them Bane
Damage. Quickbronze weapons do not have a
penalty for making a second attack during the
same Turn, the third attack is made at –10, and
so on. Quickbronze armor ignores the Heavy or
Cumbersome Qualities if they have been assigned,
and if they have not been assigned, the wearer adds
+10 to all Dodge tests. Such weapons and armor are
extremely rare and valuable; add 5 to the Patronage
level required to obtain such weapons, if they are
 TRAPPINGS 221

even available. In addition, they do not suffer
Degradation from the Wheel unless it comes into
contact with the children of Anhelios.
Reach: Weapons with this Quality may strike a foe
with which the Blackbird is Engaged or standing
1 stride away from outside of an Engagement.
Additionally, foes armed with a Reach weapon can
make an Opportunity Attack whenever someone
makes a Charge or Run at them.
Red Iron: This weapon or armor is made from the
deep iron that can only be found in mines far below
the surface of the world and is thought to be the
congealed blood of Ouroboros itself. For this reason,
it is sometimes called Dragon’s Blood. Such weapons
gain the Enchanted Quality, may strike opponents
that can only be hit with magical weapons, and
may cause Bane Damage, particularly to Outsiders
or other beings that exist or originate partially or
wholly from within the Od. They also offer a +10 to
hit when used to attack magical creatures, theurges,
or those with the Witches Blood Boon. Armor or
shields made from this substance give their bearers
a +10 to tests made to Resist Vitiations or other
sources of magic. Such weapons and armor are
extremely rare and valuable; add 5 to the Patronage
level required to obtain such Trappings, if they
are even available. In addition, they do not suffer
Degradation from the Wheel.
Shoddy (x): Weapons and armor of this Quality are
badly made and, therefore, less effective. Reduce
Damage Threshold bonus for armor by –1 or the
number in parentheses, if one is indicated. Reduce
the Damage done by weapons by ‒1 or the number
in parentheses, if one is indicated.
Signet: This Quality is conferred by the handiwork
of guildmasters. Weapons of this Quality gain
a +10 Base Chance to strike and a +2 Damage
adjustment. Armor and shields with this Quality
add a passive +2 to the Damage Threshold Modifier.
Add 3 to the Patronage level
required to obtain such items,
if they are even available. In
addition, they do not suffer
Degradation from the Wheel.
Slow: Opponents gain a +10
Base Chance to Parry and “Greasing the palms
Dodge against attacks the of the city guard is a
Blackbird makes with this preferable option when
weapon. apprehended, as few
factions will turn up their
Staggering: Weapons with nose at the shine of gold.
this Quality force foes to The state of a guard’s
Resist with a successful armor is generally a good
Toughness test immediately indicator to how an offer
after being struck or shoved will be received . . .”
out of the Engagement. Their — Observations of the
Wandering Squire
Movement does not provoke
Opportunity Attacks.
Throwing: This weapon cannot take advantage of
Medium, Long, or Extreme Distances.
Vicious: Weapons with this Quality grant an
additional 1Ð6 Injury die to determine whether an
Injury is inflicted upon a foe.
Weeping Ash: This weapon is made from what remains
of the wood of Yggdrasil. It gains the Enchanted
Quality and may strike opponents that can only be
hit with magical weapons, possibly causing them
Bane Damage. Such weapons are extremely rare and
valuable; add 5 to the Patronage level required to
obtain such items, if they are even available. Once
per Rekindling, the wielder of a weeping ash Melee
weapon may spend 2 AP and 1 Fortune to change
its form to a different Melee weapon, so long as it
requires the same number of hands to wield (a one-
handed weapon could change to any other one-
handed weapon, a one-to-two-handed weapon could
change to any other one-to-two-handed weapon,
and a two-handed weapon could only change to
222 BLACKBIRDS
another two-handed weapon). In addition, weeping
ash weapons may not be Disarmed and do not suffer
Degradation from the Wheel.
Workable (x): This item is easy to repair. Add +10 or
the number in parentheses to Tradecraft rolls made
to repair or craft it.
Armor & Weapons
Armor and weapons are presented in the following
format:
NAME: The official name of the weapon or armor for
game purposes, as well as the most common name
for the weapon in Erebos. Some weapons may go by
other names, but the one listed here is what should
be recorded on the character sheet.
QUALITIES: All weapons or armor possess a
combination of Qualities, as outlined above. For
weapons, these Qualities are conferred only when
the Blackbird is wielding a weapon—meaning, they
cannot take advantage of a sabre’s Defensive Quality
if it’s sheathed, while they wield a dagger.
DAMAGE: The Attribute that governs Damage
for the weapon. A horse bow, for example, uses
[AB]+1Ð6 Damage to determine Damage.
DAMAGE THRESHOLD: For armor and shields, this is
the amount added to the base Damage Threshold.
A Blackbird both wearing armor and actively using
a shield combines these two numbers.
BASE RANGE: Most Melee weapons require a
Blackbird be standing toe-to-toe, or Engaged, with
an opponent.
Ranged weapons are able to be used at distinct
ranges between the wielder and their target.
Distances are always expressed in strides and derive
from [PB]. As an example, an arbalest crossbow has
a Distance of 9+[PB]. This means that if one has a
[PB] of 4, one can fire this weapon at a Short
Distance of 1 to 13 strides away (9+4). Medium
Distance is equal to Short Distance ×2, and Long
Distance is equal to Short Distance ×3.
So, if the aforementioned Short Distance is 1
to 13 strides, the Medium Distance is 14 to 26
strides (13×2), and Long Distance is 27 to 39
strides (13×3).
Attacks made with Ranged weapons fired outside
of Short Distance are penalized by a Difficulty Rating,
which the Fateweaver determines, covered in Chapter
6: Conflict & Rekindling.
RELOAD: A Ranged weapon requires its wielder to
load it with ammunition before firing. Loading a
weapon requires a certain number of AP. Loading can
be a time-consuming process, taking longer than the
Blackbird’s allotted Turn during a Round. One must
complete the Load Action before using the weapon
again, and the Action cannot be interrupted: meaning,
a person cannot halfway load a bolt onto a crossbow.
If they are interrupted, they will need to take the Load
Action again, even if it carries between Turns.
HANDS: Weapons are always used in either one or
both hands. Two-handed weapons can usually be
kept strapped to the Blackbird’s back, although
some must be carried. One-handed weapons may
be sheathed or stowed away. Two-handed weapons
become unusable by a wielder who loses the use of
one of one hand or one arm.
PATRONAGE: The following Patronage levels are
required to gain access to a weapon or armor
made with standard and dependable craft. Shoddy
versions of the same item can be gained at 1 level
lower than this number, but they might not be
available at the Fateweaver’s discretion.
T H E A E S & I RO N
Iron and steel are potently inimical to the aes. Roll Bane dice
(Ð10s that Explode on ‘9’ or ‘10’) instead of Damage dice
when Damage from this source is applied to aes. If an aes’s
Damage Condition Track is reduced by this Damage, make
a successful (Challenging –10%) Resolve test for them, or
their glamour flickers, and those observing will know what
they truly are. If iron is placed against the skin of an aes for
more than 3 seconds, they immediately fall 1 level on both
Damage and Peril Condition tracks. Additionally, their true
form is revealed briefly unless a successful (Challenging
–10%) Resolve test is made.
 TRAPPINGS 223

MELEE QUALITIES DAMAGE BASE RANGE RELOAD HANDS PATRONAGE

Axe Adaptable, Slow [CB] N/A N/A 1–2 3
Battle axe Adaptable, Breaker, Slow [CB] N/A N/A 1–2 4
Billhook Disarming, Reach, Slow [CB] N/A N/A 2 3
Bullwhip Entangling, Reach [CB] N/A N/A 1 2
Cudgel Off-hand Staggering [CB] N/A N/A 1 1
Dagger Fast, Finesse, Off-Hand, Piercing [AB] N/A N/A 1 4
Fire-hardened spear Adaptable, Brittle, Reach [CB] N/A N/A 1–2 1
Flanged mace Crushing, Staggering [CB] N/A N/A 1 3
Garrote Entangling, Fast [CB] N/A N/A 2 2
Greatsword Punishing, Reach, Slow [CB] N/A N/A 2 6
Halberd Intricate, Piercing (2), Reach, Slow [CB] N/A N/A 2 5
Improvised hand
Pummeling [BB] N/A N/A 1 0
weapon
Longsword Adaptable, Biting (2), Defensive [CB] N/A N/A 1–2 5
Morning Star Staggering, Vicious [CB] N/A N/A 1 3
Peasant flail Crushing, Fast, Pummeling [BB] N/A N/A 2 2
Pike Finesse, Piercing, Reach [AB] N/A N/A 2 3
Rapier Disarming, Fast, Finesse [AB] N/A N/A 1 4
Sabre Defensive [CB] N/A N/A 1 3
Sap Pummeling [BB] N/A N/A 1 1
Shiv Fast, Finesse, Off-Hand [CB] N/A N/A 1 1
Spear Adaptable, Piercing (2), Reach [CB] N/A N/A 1–2 3
Staff Adaptable, Defensive, Pummeling [BB] N/A N/A 1–2 1
Torch Immolate, Pummeling, Slow [BB] N/A N/A 1 1
Unarmed Pummeling, Slow [BB] N/A N/A N/A N/A
War hammer Breaker, Crushing (2), Slow, Staggering [CB] N/A N/A 2 5

RANGED QUALITIES DAMAGE BASE RANGE RELOAD HANDS PATRONAGE

Arbalest crossbow Fast, Piercing (3), Punishing [CB] 9+[PB] strides 2 AP 2 6
Chakram Fast, Finesse, Off-Hand, Throwing [AB] 4+[PB] strides 1 AP 1 3
Horse bow Fast, Finesse [AB] 9+[PB] strides 1 AP 2 4
Light crossbow Fast, Piercing, Punishing [CB] 6+[PB] strides 2 AP 1 5
Longbow Finesse [AB] 12+[PB] strides 1 AP 2 5
Sling Fast, Finesse, Throwing [AB] 3+[PB] strides 1 AP 1 1
Throwing dagger Fast, Finesse, Throwing, Piercing [AB] 1+[PB] strides 1 AP 1 2
 224 BLACKBIRDS

DAMAGE
ARMOR QUALITIES PATRONAGE
THRESHOLD
Boiled leather Heavy 5 5
Brigandine N/A 4 4
Brigandine w/pauldrons Cumbersome 5 4
Chainmail Heavy, Intricate (–20) 6 6
Clothing Workable 0 Varies
Fur or hide Workable 1 1
Gambeson Workable (+10) 3 3
Light leather Workable 2 2
Plate Cumbersome (2), Fitted, Heavy, Intricate (–20) 7 7

DAMAGE
SHIELDS QUALITIES PATRONAGE
THRESHOLD
Buckler Defensive, Off-Hand N/A 3
Florentian shield Defensive, Formation, Protective +1 4
Hyperitan (kite or teardrop) shield Defensive, Protective (+10) +1 5
Thulian (round) shield Defensive, Protective (–10) +1 2

CRAFTING WEAPONS AND ARMOR

A Blackbird may craft a weapon or piece of armor
if they have access to a Patronage level of at least 3
and a forge is available. Weapons and shields take
1 week to craft, whereas armor takes 1 month.
Double this time if the item has the Intricate
Quality or if it is being made for a jötunnkin. This
time must be uninterrupted, save to sleep and
eat, with all of the crafter’s focus on the work. At
the end of the time, make a Tradecraft test for
the Blackbird. With a Success, the item is crafted
and functions as expected of a weapon, shield, or
suit of armor of its type. On a Critical Success,
the weapon created does an extra +1 Damage,
whereas a shield or suit of armor gains an extra +1
to its Damage Threshold Modifier. On
a Sublime Success, the weapon, shield,
or armor gains the Signet Quality. A
standard Failure results in the crafting
Blackbird choosing to craft a weapon,
shield, or armor with the Shoddy Quality or
abandon the endeavor, their crafting time
wasted; the resources may be reused for
another attempt. A Critical Failure means
the weapon, shield, or armor gains the
Shoddy (3) Quality. A Sublime Failure
causes the time and resources to be
wasted, and no item is created.
 TRAPPINGS 225

Melee Weapon Descriptions

The following entries give general descriptions of
all Melee weapons. These weapons are categories
that are roughly based on historical equivalents,
but each type might encompass a broader range of
weapon type.

Axe: A smaller, more common weapon than the

battle axe. Can also be used for chopping woods. fig. 1
(fig. 1)

Battle axe: This edged weapon is brutal and hefty,

often favored by those who want to cause terrible
Damage as quickly and powerfully as possible. fig. 2
Overly cumbersome, but undeniably effective in
the right hands. (fig. 2)

Billhook: A polearm that evolved from a farmer’s

weapon. Quite effective at removing mounted
soldiers from their horses, it is basically a long shaft
with an edged hook on the end. It also has a simpler fig. 3
construction than other polearm.

Bullwhip: A common tool for those who deal with

livestock or animal handling. It is most useful for
grappling or entangling foes before finishing them
off or subduing them. (fig. 3)

Dagger: A two-edged blade often wielded

in an off hand to deflect blows, or by persons of
means who want easily hidden protection. (fig. 4)

Fire-hardened spear: Often fashioned from a large,

sharpened branch and heated to make it more fig. 4
robust. Frequently found in the hands of peasants
and the desperat
fig. 5
Flanged mace: A metal version of the cudgel, it
comes in myriad designs. Used against armored foes
whom blades will have a hard time injuring. (fig. 5)

Garrote: Often made from leather, corded animal

guts, or steel wire attached between two spools,
this assassin’s weapon is best used for strangling the
unwary. (fig. 6)
fig. 6
226 BLACKBIRDS

Greatsword: The largest sword a person can possibly

wield, and always with both hands. It has an
excellent range and strikes hard, but it doesn’t help
much with defense. (fig. 7)

Halberd: A very long stick with an axe on the end.

It’s far more intimidating than a pike and is useful
against those on horseback or in armor. The most
expensive and well crafted of the polearms. (fig. 8)
fig. 10
Improvised hand weapon: An item that shouldn’t
really be a weapon. It could be an ale stein, a stool,
a pot or pan, a fire poker, a salted leg of pork—the
list goes on; generally useful in tavern scuffles and
emergencies. Any might have Qualities attached, at
Fateweaver discretion.

Longsword: The weapon of a warrior, tested in battle

and versatile in usage. Slender enough to pierce
armor, yet strong enough to parry blows. Can be
used one- or two-handed. (fig. 9)

Morning star: A brutal mace with spikes adorning

its metal head. Favored by the cruel, and useful for
beating down rebellions or ringing the bell of an
fig. 7 opponent in mail. (fig. 10)

Peasant flail: Another weapon developed from

fig. 8 the tool of a farmer; consists of a long pole with a
hinged and rounded striking end, used for threshing
wheat. Weaponized versions have metal spikes on
the striking end.

Pike: A very long, hard stick, making it the weapon

of choice for any imperial army with great phalanxes
of pikemen. Its conical iron spearhead is reinforced
with “cheeks” along the flange of the shaft.

Rapier: Known by some as the “sword of the robe,”

this narrow-bladed weapon was made for those who
use agility to greater advantage. (fig. 11)

fig. 9 fig. 11
 TRAPPINGS 227

Sabre: The weapon of choice for those skilled in

defensive fighting. The curved blade is excellent at
redirecting attacks aimed at the wielder. (fig. 12)

Sap: Taking the form of a leather sack full of lead

shot or a small baton, this braining weapon is best
fig. 12
used against foes facing away from the wielder and
fig. 13
caught off guard. (fig. 13)

Shiv: Slender and sharp, this weapon is favored by

thieves, cutthroats, and ne’er-do-wells for its ease to
keep hidden on one’s person and for its thin blade
that can bypass armor. Of lower quality than the fig. 14
dagger. (fig. 14)

Spear: The ubiquitous weapon of infantry no matter

what part of the world you come from. Excellent
for preventing charges and piercing armor. (fig. 15)

Staff: Longer than the standard walking stick, but

it can be used as such. A weapon for the penuried,
the austere, and those who want to appear to be
unarmed. Its greatest value is defense. (fig. 16)

Torch: A bit of pitch and a rag wrapped around

the end of a stick and set ablaze. Barely a club,
but possibly useful for keeping away animals or
creatures with a fire Bane. Burns for 20 minutes.
fig. 15
Unarmed: For most, having a length of steel to
extend their range and ability to Damage is most
advantageous, but some are trained to move quicker
and hit hard with their fists and feet.

War hammer: More like a pickaxe than a hammer,

this weapon was designed to pierce armor with
leverage and force. Not a weapon for the subtle.
(fig. 17) fig. 16

fig. 17
228 BLACKBIRDS

Ranged Weapon Descriptions

The following entries give general descriptions of
all Ranged weapons. These are the most common
fig. 1 names used, although names may vary depending
on the region:

Arbalest crossbow: Wound by cranequin, this

weapon fires bolts that can penetrate most armors.
They’ve even been known to decapitate foes with
their incredible force. (fig. 1)

Chakram: This metal ring with an extremely sharp

outer edge can be used fighting hand to hand or as
a thrown weapon. (fig. 2)

Horse bow: A composite bow of recurved

fig. 4
construction that is lighter and easier to use than
a longbow but less forceful; so named because it is
fig. 2 easier to fire from horseback. (fig. 3)

Light crossbow: This is a lighter version of the

arbalest, its strings hand-drawn by a crank or pulled
with a hook and leveraged with a stirrup at the end.
Typically used as weaponry by peasant militias or
as playthings by nobles too clumsy or impatient to
learn to draw a bowstring. (fig. 4)

Longbow: Favored by scouts and raiders, these

greatbows, taller than most, cause many deaths at
the hands of archers. The tides of numerous battles
have been turned by the deployment of warriors
adept in their use. (fig. 5)
fig. 3
Sling: Commonly used to deter wolves from flocks
of sheep, its stones can fell the largest of men if
slung correctly. (fig. 6)

Throwing dagger: This small blade is a staple of

vagabonds, cutthroats, and assassins. It is not as
effective in melee as a regular dagger, however, since
fig. 5 it is smaller and balanced for throwing.

fig. 6
 TRAPPINGS 229

Armor Descriptions
The following entries give general descriptions fig. 1
of each type of armor. Keep in mind that Erebos
has many variations and names for these armor
types and that this list is a generalization and a
simplification.

Boiled leather: A more expensive version of leather,

similar to plate. The leather must come from the
thickest skin of a young animal and be tanned by an
expert tanner. It also requires constant maintenance
to prevent its deterioration. (fig. 1)

Brigandine: Cloth on the outside, metal plates on

the inside. Easier to repair than chainmail, plate, or
even boiled leather, it’s an excellent compromise for
those who have some means but can’t afford plate.
Without pauldrons, it provides less protection but
is quieter and offers more range of arm movement. fig. 2
(fig. 2)

Chainmail: This version of chainmail generally

represents a full tunic and coif made with
interlocking rings of steel that are riveted closed.
This armor provides excellent stopping power
against most weapons. (fig. 3)

Clothing: Not really armor at all, but it might keep

a Blackbird warm. (fig. 4)

fig. 4

fig. 3
230 BLACKBIRDS

Fur or hide: Made of pelts, often from bears or

wolves, this armor is common in colder climes.
Most of its protection comes from the sheer amount
of fur and the layering of pelts, though the skin
beneath is tanned. (fig. 5)
fig. 5
Gambeson: A heavy tunic made from roughly woven
flax linen, this armor has surprisingly good stopping
power due to the waxy nature of the flax, and it is
easy to repair and move in. The armor of choice for
those who lack access to gold coins. (fig. 6)

Light leather: Not the boiled leather armor of those

with more means, but simply a crafted suit of the
flexible material. It must be maintained, or it will
deteriorate. (fig. 7)

Plate: Expensive and fitted exclusively to the wearer,

fig. 6 this armor covers the entire body from toe to crown
in sheets of steel. It generally requires help to don
and doff and, unfortunately, can be worn for short
periods of time only, because it is so uncomfortable.
It does not hinder movement much, but its weight
causes fatigue. (fig. 8)

fig. 8

fig. 7
 TRAPPINGS 231

Shield Descriptions
Shields have been in existence for as long as there
have been weapons. Some varieties have been
associated with particular geographical areas or
ancient empires, but the development of these basic
protective armaments is as universal as conflict, and fig. 1
any of these can be found throughout Erebos.

Buckler: A small and wieldy shield used by those

who prefer dexterity and ease of movement to raw
defense. Favored by duelists, it can be as much a
blunt off-hand weapon as it is a shield. (fig. 1)

Hyperitan shield: Tall and shaped like a teardrop—

wider at the top and tapering toward the bottom— fig. 2
this shield is favored by most experienced warriors
in the present day and was made popular by knights
and soldiers from Hyperitus. It has a variety of
straps on the back, letting it be held in different
positions, thus ensuring versatility. (fig. 2)

Florentian shield: A curved, round shield usually

made of metal and strapped to the forearm rather
than held in the hand, it was used by the soldiers of
ancient Crisius. It is designed to be used in concert
with a phalanx of other warriors and works best
when all members of a group are equipped with
one. (fig. 3)

Thulian shield: Round, wooden, and reinforced with

metal, this shield was made popular in times past
by raiders from Thule. It is a bit cheaper than other
forms of protection but is still effective. (fig. 4)

fig. 3

fig. 4
 TRAPPINGS 233

Ammunition
Assume that any Patronage level will provide
ammunition for any weapon that could be gained at
least 2 levels higher. So, arrows could be acquired 2
levels below where bows are available. The amount
of ammunition is always a reasonable amount that
one person could carry: usually sixty arrows or bolts
in a quiver. “The sailors of the Azule
Sea can be spotted by the
small bags worn round
Animals & Vehicles their necks, each containing
In domesticating animals and beasts of burden, humanity has eased numerous tasks the bones of a rat.
that would otherwise take a dubious amount of time or simply prove impossible. The bones are said to rattle
Beasts of burden and vehicles work farms and carry heavy loads, while others travel should a ship truly be lost as
great distances at speed, such as carriages, coaches, carts, and boats. Many animals are the spirit of the animal tries
raised for their produce or used for hunting, while others are ridden for sport or kept to escape the sinking vessel.”
for decoration and prestige. Here is listed a great range of things and the Patronage — Observations of the
Wandering Squire
level required to acquire the item.

ANIMALS AND VEHICLES PATRONAGE ANIMALS AND VEHICLES PATRONAGE

Axle replacement 4 Kitten 0
Barrow cart 5 Lamb 3
Calf 5 Large covered wagon or stagecoach 7
Chariot 5 Longship 8
Chicken 2 Merchant coaster or knarr 7
Cow 5 Oxen 6
Dog sled 4 Palanquin 5
Drakkar or galley warship 10 Pig 3
Duck 2 Raft 5
Falcon 4 River barge 6
Fancy coach 6 Rowboat 5
Fishing boat or skiff 5 Sheep 3
Goose 2 Small but vicious dog 3
Horse (courser) 5 Snow sled 2
Horse (destrier) 6 Three-masted cog 10
Horse (dray) 4 Two-wheeled cart 5
Horse (palfrey) 5 Two-masted cog 9
Horse (rouncy) 3 Wheel replacement 4
Hunting dog 5 Wheel with iron rims replacement 5
234 BLACKBIRDS

Alchemical Ingredients ALCHEMICAL INGREDIENTS

PATRONAGE
(ENOUGH TO CRAFT THREE DOSES)
Alchemy is a fancy term the learned use when
performing wortcunning. Many of the things Henbane 5

that can be made from the materials below follow Honey pot and strips of linen 1
recipes that can be learned as easily from an ancient, Human blood (may also be acquired by
4
wise villager as they can from a scholar or monk at bleeding a Mortal for 1 Damage level)
some city guild—and with less haughtiness. Mandrake root 6 ' Mystic

10 '
' Indicates a rare ingredient that might not be Moly Religious,
High Noble
available even if the Blackbird seeking it has the
resources to acquire it, although it will be slightly 9'
Night spider venom
Underworld
easier to find if they are dealing with the listed
Poppy seed pod 4
patron types. Contacts may need to be exploited
and Skill tests succeeded to find a source. 6'
Ruby sulphur
Underworld

ALCHEMICAL INGREDIENTS Sanjveer bush leaves 9'

PATRONAGE
(ENOUGH TO CRAFT THREE DOSES)
8'
Scorpion venom (Crisius scorpions)
Anemic and charcoal (for treating Underworld
3
poison by venom)
6'
Snake venom (adders, asps, vipers)
7' Underworld
Belladonna berries
Underworld
Spider venom (the white widow, the 7'
Deadbronze crystal 5 ' Mystic luteback, the huntsman) Underworld

Devil grass 3 Woad 7 ' Mystic

Hartshorn 4

Black-Market Goods BLACK-MARKET GOODS PATRONAGE

These goods are not usually accessible to most Quickbronze ingot 10
merchants or through normal means. Such goods A theurgy book describing how to
7 Mystic
can be gained only if one has Spoils to pay for perform the Pythonic Liturgy
them and the proper contacts; the buyer should A theurgy book describing specific
trappings and rituals that will help with
also beware of possible double-crosses or ambushes. 6 Mystic
contacting a specific Outsider with the
These goods are available if one has a patron Pythonic Liturgy
with Underworld Power or a Mystic Patron, A theurgy scroll describing and naming
5 Mystic
if so indicated. Regardless of the Blackbird’s an unknown Outsider
Patronage level or Spoils, the Fateweaver may A theurgy scroll with hints to a location
decide that certain items on this list are not where the name of an unknown 3 Mystic
Outsider might be discovered
available at a location, or they must be
Toxin 5
sought out and a special Undertaking
performed to acquire them. Lockpicks 6
Red Iron Mace
Venom 5
 TRAPPINGS 235

Alchemical Concoctions
Provided one has access to an alchemical laboratory
and the ingredients above, three doses of one of the
alchemical concoctions listed below can be produced.
Seeking a dose from a patron is also possible, though
in most cases obtaining these substances is extremely
difficult because of their rarity and the control of
their uses. See Chapter 6: Conflict & Rekindling for
more information on the concoctions.

CONCOCTION EFFECTS PATRONAGE

6'
Arsenic 1Ð10+1 Peril if Toughness test is failed.
Underworld
Clean bandage Needed for binding wounds during Rekindling. Usable once per day. 2
Devil grass When affected by one dose, add +1 to Peril Threshold for 3 hours. 4
When affected by one dose, add 1 AP to the Blackbird’s Turns for 1 hour, but Perception-based
Indigo prophet 9'
Skill tests are made at –10.

When affected by one dose, the imbiber is unable to perceive or work the Od for 3 hours. When 10 ' Religious,
Mute
affected by two doses, that increases to 6 hours. When affected by three doses, it is 9 hours. High Noble
Night spider
One dose cures night spider venom poisoning. 8
antivenin

When successfully poisoned by night spider venom, the victim cannot move whatsoever, left 9'
Night spider venom
Helpless from paralysis. The venom is not lethal, but the paralysis lasts for 1 hour. Underworld
If subjected to one dose, the victim is left unable to use Techniques, Movement Actions, or
8'
Nightshade Reactions for 10 minutes. If subjected to two doses, the victim is Knocked Out for 1 hour. If
Underworld
subjected to three doses, the victim is Slain!.

Quickbronze elixir Heals 3 levels of Damage or 1 Injury, once per day. 6 ' Mystic
Salmiac Heal 1 level of Peril once per day. 5
Scorpion antivenin One dose cures scorpion venom poisoning. 7
When successfully poisoned by scorpion venom, the victim must Flip to Fail the results for any
8'
Scorpion venom Skill test that relies on sight. If not successfully healed, the victim perishes in a number of hours
Underworld
equal to their [BB].
Snake antivenin One dose cures snake venom poisoning. 6
When successfully poisoned by spider venom and left Helpless by paralysis, the victim cannot
7'
Snake venom move at all. If not successfully healed, the victim perishes in a number of hours equal to their
Underworld
[BB].
Spider antivenin One dose cures spider venom poisoning. 6
When successfully poisoned by spider venom, the victim cannot move whatsoever, left Helpless
7'
Spider venom from paralysis. If not successfully healed, the victim perishes in a number of hours equal to their
Underworld
[BB].

7 ' Mystic,
Tears of the poppy When affected, add +10 to Willpower for 3 hours.
Underworld
After imbibing theriac and Rekindling, a Blackbird moves 1 level up the Damage Condition
Theriac 5
Track. A Blackbird can only recover levels in this manner once a day.

Woad When affected, add +1 to Damage Threshold for 3 hours. 8 ' Mystic

' Indicates a rare ingredient that might not be available even if the Blackbird seeking it has the resources to acquire it, although
it will be slightly easier to find if they are dealing with the listed patron types. Contacts may need to be exploited and Skill tests
succeeded to find a source.
236 BLACKBIRDS

Medicine MEDICINE PATRONAGE

Medicaments, cloth, and suture: the three most Antivenin, one dose 6
important pieces of equipment an adventurer can Chirurgical tools 6
have. In addition to them, there are various rarer
Clean bandages 2
and instantly useful unguents, salves, tinctures,
Eye patch 2
and potions that are good to have at hand. Check
Chapter 6: Conflict & Rekindling for more specific Holy water, one vial 3

details of the items listed here. It is usually more Hook (fitted) 4

economical to acquire ingredients and make the Improvised bandages 0
items yourself if you have the skills to do so. Peg leg (fitted) 4
Plague mask 3
' Indicates a rare ingredient that might not be
Quickbronze elixir, one dose 6
available even if the Blackbird seeking it has the
resources to acquire it, although it will be slightly Rotgut, one bottle 2
easier to find if they are dealing with the listed Salmiac, one dose 4
patron types. Contacts may need to be exploited 7 ' Mystic,
Tears of the poppy, one dose
and Skill tests succeeded to find a source. Underworld
Theriac 5
Wolfsbane, one sprig 2

L I ST O F I N G R E D I E NTS N EE D E D TO M A K E S P E C I F I C I TE M S U S I N G W O RTC U N N I N G

PLAGUE MEDICINAL CONCOCTIONS POISONS AND TOXINS

! Bandages = honey pot and strips of linen
! Quickbronze elixir = deadbronze crystal
! Salmiac = hartshorn and flax tow
! Theriac = poppy seed pod
DELIRIANTS
! Devil grass = devil grass
! Indigo prophet = sanjveer bush leaves
! Mute = moly, human blood, mandrake root
! Tears of the poppy = poppy seed pod
! Woad = woad leaves
! Arsenic = ruby sulphur
! Nightshade = belladonna berries
VENOMS AND ANTIVENINS
Some people do raise these animals specifically for their
venom or for producing an antivenin, but usually only
an Underworld or High Noble patron would have
access to them.
! Night spider = night spiders
! Scorpion = Crisius scorpions
! Snake = adders, vipers
! Spider = the white widow, the luteback, the huntsman
(requires nine spiders for one dose)

Each of these assumes that the Blackbird has access

to an alchemical laboratory. Some Talents and
Techniques may bypass this requirement.
 TRAPPINGS 237

Bureaucratic Tools Housing & Property

Every decent scholar understands that without The values below are abstractions, and the land or
their official seals, contracts, badges of office, and property still belongs to the patron who grants it
writing kits, nothing would ever be recorded, and in most cases. A patron expects a cut of any wealth
lawlessness would reign. Maps in the parlor, books generated by the property if it is one that does so.
on the shelves, quills for writing, scales to verify that
a coin is unshaved: every merchant’s tools. HOUSING AND PROPERTY PATRONAGE
An acre of arid land 2
BUREAUCRATIC TOOLS PATRONAGE
An acre of fertile land 3
Abacus 2
An acre of workable land 4
Academic book 4
Ancestral manor 8
Atlas of the known world 6
Barn 6
Bailiff’s lockbox 4
Caravanserai 7
Chalkboard 2
Deed to a mine 6
Cheap map 2
City map 3 Deed to a worthless mine 4

Hand mirror 4 Dilapidated manse 7

Homing pigeon 3 Dockside shanty 5

Hourglass 3 Dusty storefront 7
Ink pot 2 Farmstead 6
Key and padlock 4 Filthy shack in a city 6
Looking glass 3
Filthy shack in the wilderness 5
Magnet 3
Fortified castle 10
Paper, by the sheet 2
Guild hall 8
Pilot’s chart 4
Laboratory and alchemical workshop 7
Provincial map 3
Market stall in a city 7
Quills or brush 2
Religious scripture 4 Market stall in a village 5

Rune stones 2 Stable 6

Scales and weights 5 Watchtower 7

Scroll case 2 Way temple 7
Signet ring 3 Wayside shrine 6
Torture device 4 Workshop 7
Trade tools 5
Wanted poster 2
War medal 3
Writing kit 4
238 BLACKBIRDS

Commodities COMMODITIES PATRONAGE

Commerce is often a catalyst of betrayal, petty or Crate of tools and utensils 2
large. Monopolies on specific commodities, such Crate of vellum 3
as fur, leather, and iron, often lead to poisoned
Hide of a devourer 3
words and poisoned wounds. Much commodity
Hide of a large animal 2
trade occurs between friendly peasants, but the
sponsoring of expeditions to source and sell raw Hide of a large insect 3

stuff takes money, acumen, and underhandedness. Hide of a small animal 2

Not many lack ethics and love lucre enough to get Jar of caviar 3
rich quick. Meanwhile, many a fledgling dies trying. Jar of chocolate 2
Jar of coffee 2
COMMODITIES PATRONAGE
Jar of exotic meats 2
Barrel of cod 3
Jar of jam 2
Barrel of eels 2
Jar of oysters 2
Barrel of flatfish 2
Jar of rare spices 3
Barrel of nut oil 4
Jar of smoked meats 2
Barrel of salt 3
Jar of sugar 2
Barrel of seed oil 2
Jar of tea leaves 4
Barrel of shellfish 2
Keg of common dye 5
Barrel of whale oil 4
Keg of rare dye 6
Bolt of canvas 2
Sack of amber 2
Bolt of hemp 2
Sack of ambergris 3
Bolt of lace 3
Sack of barley 2
Bolt of linen 2
Sack of barley flour 2
Bolt of silk 5
Sack of buckwheat 2
Bolt of velvet 3
Sack of buckwheat flour 2
Bolt of wool 2
Sack of ivory 6
Crate of assorted fruits 3
Sack of lentils 2
Crate of assorted vegetables 2
Sack of nuts 2
Crate of ceramics 3
Sack of oats 2
Crate of charcoal 2
Sack of rice 2
Crate of leather 4
Sack of rye 2
Crate of lumber 3
Sack of wheat flour 2
Crate of metal ingots 4
Vial of incense 4
Crate of parchment 4
Vial of myrrh 4
Crate of religious icons 3
Wheel of cheese 2
Crate of rugs 4
Crate of sheepskin 4
 TRAPPINGS 239

Fashion CLOTHING PATRONAGE

If a Blackbird’s going to a party, they’ll wear their Smallclothes 1
finest. If working in the fields, a sturdy pair of boots Snuffbox 3
and loose clothing will do. When on the road, a thick
Soft shoes 2
mantle and fur-trimmed boots are necessities. But
Spectacles 5
clothing is worn not only out of need. Sometimes
it’s used to catch the fancy of a love interest. Other Pungent perfume, one bottle 3

times it’s to signal one’s loyalties or station. Sturdy traveling clothes 2

Tattered rags 1
CLOTHING PATRONAGE
Walking stick 2
Cheap necklace 3
Warm doublet 2
Cheap ring 2
Wilderness cloak 3
Coin purse 2
Dark clothing 2
Entertainer’s mask 2 Illumination
Expensive necklace 3 The oppressive darkness can stoke anxieties and
Expensive ring 4 evoke fear within even the stoutest of adventurers’
Fancy shoes 3 hearts. Only the light—a twinkling bastion of
hope—can drive away the shadows and the creatures
Fashionable clothing 3
that stir along its edges. Within, you’ll find light
Fine clothing 6
sources meant to illuminate the darkest hours.
Fine perfume, one bottle 5
Foppish hat 3 ILLUMINATION PATRONAGE

Garish attire 3 Candle 1

Heavy boots 4 Charcoal, one bag 2

Holy symbol 3 Firewood, for one fire 1

Leather sandals 1 Flint and steel striker 2

Loose robes 2 Lamp 3

Military attire 4 Lantern 3

Priest’s miter 2 Rushlight 0

Razor 2 Storm lantern 4

Secondhand attire 1 Torch 1

Simple attire 1
 C H A P TE R 8

Theurgy
T H E A D VO C ATE
by Joseph Limbaugh

N ear the end of their lifespan, the ebony candles

sputtered as their wicks swam in melted wax. On
the floor, the cooling tallow formed a gestalt with
the now long-dried blood of the albino calf, spilled many hours
ago with precise and ritualistic cuts. Its dead eyes turned toward
the sky, imploring no one. In the center of the circle of symbols
painstakingly drawn with greenish sand, Eponine’s body kneeled,
left hand raised and twisted into the Sign of Silence, the other
tightly gripping the hilt of a ceremonial athame, knuckles white.
Through dried lips, her voice croaked the rote she had repeated
since first light on the previous day. Her body ached, joints stiff and
inflamed, muscles fatigued, but she felt none of this—her spirit
was removed from her flesh and engulfed within the Od. In this
world, her eyes were closed. But in the other, they were open wide,
observing its impossible vistas and the things that existed there.

“Fallen houses of worship In the corner where he had been told to wait, Handpenny sucked on
dedicated to forgotten salted meat and tried not to fall into slumber. He pinched the skin
deities dot the landscape between his thumb and forefinger again, blinked at the pain that
of the eastern countries pushed away sleep, and cursed himself for agreeing to this enterprise.
and have been known He should have turned down the sorceress as she recited, with utmost
to shelter remnants of solemnity, the rules he had to follow: “You must not sleep. You must
their cults beneath their not interfere. If something goes wrong, step into the circle, but do not
sagging beams and disturb it.” Such simple instructions, but no mention of what to expect
crumbling stones . . .” or what his role in all of this would be, or even what “something going
—Observations of the wrong” might look like.
Wandering Squire
He took a small bite of the jerky in his mouth but did not swallow
it. Something was happening. A cold wind skittered through the ruins
Eponine had prepared for her ceremony, blowing out the candles that
were still lit and filling Handpenny with a dreadful chill. Something
felt very different, as if an invisible giant’s hand had pulled the area
they occupied and it deposited it on an alien world. The hairs on the
back of his head tickled, and goosebumps ran down his arms, but not
from the cold. Eponine opened her eyes.

“Did it wo—” Handpenny said, but Eponine
put a finger to her lips. She slowly lowered it, until
she pointed at a dark patch near what was once
perhaps a throne carved from the bones of the earth
long ago, now lying in ruin. Two bright red eyes
glared at them from the darkness, and as Handpenny
watched, another pair joined the first, and then he
heard the whine of a wolf or dog—but the sound
was somehow wrong, as if the apparatus that shaped
it was malformed.
Eponine carefully stood, slowly stretching her
cramped muscles and stiff tendons, and gingerly
stepped out of the circle. She snatched the dried
meat from Handpenny’s grasp, squatted, held forth
the jerky, and let out a long, low whistle at the thing
in the shadows.
What at first appeared to be a large mongrel
hound scuttled forward, but where its tail should
have been, another head sprouted instead. The
creature seemed to have some difficulty moving
toward them, as if both ends of the beast were in a
struggle for control. The mouth of each head was
larger than a normal canine’s and filled with far too
many teeth. The smell of a soiled kennel almost
overwhelmed Handpenny, and he swallowed the bit
of meat in his throat with difficulty, wondering if he
could outrun the thing if he were to flee now.
Serious misgivings about Eponine offering it meat
as an enticement crossed his mind.
But then it was upon her, and one of its mouths
snapped shut on the meat. Before it could swallow
the jerky, the jaws of another head clamped down on
the scrap, and the two began to fight over the morsel.
In the end, Eponine sternly reprimanded the beast,
and all four eyes fell upon her, filled with malevolence
and fury. Handpenny tensed as she reached toward
T heurgy 243
the thing, but as she scratched it between the ears of
one of its monstrous heads, its demeanor changed,
and its maw seemed to split in a doglike grin as its
crimson tongue lapped at her forearm.
“This is Trammus, Imp of Silence,” said
Eponine, “and he accepts me as a petitioner and you
as my advocate. Let a deal be struck.”
Handpenny rubbed a hand over his face and
knitted his brow. “How am I to—I don’t—I don’t
understand what, um . . . Trammus . . . is saying.
How am I supposed to . . . ?” His words trailed off
as the thing’s eyes began to bulge and its face
distorted most alarmingly. Handpenny took a step
back as the creature ambled rapidly toward him, all
four sets of eyes locked upon him. A small shriek
escaped Handpenny’s mouth as the closer end of
Trammus opened its mouth terribly wide . . . and
vomited something onto his boots.
There, in a puddle of otherworldly bile, lay an
ornate scroll. Trammus seemed to wag both ends of
itself, the expression on each face like that of a
proud pet dog, albeit one with a hint of disturbing
madness.
Handpenny carefully gathered the scroll and
broke the seal. Unrolling it, he narrowed his eyes at
the contents. Yes, he thought, this seems very clear.
Yet, there are some potential loopholes, and perhaps
some terms need to be altered. Businesslike, he sat
upon a broken pillar and procured a quill and
inkpot from his satchel. This was something he
could understand.
On the ground nearby, Eponine sat cross-
legged, Trammus resting one head upon her lap
while the other sniffed the night for prey. The
scritch of the quill on parchment was somehow
both a disturbing and comforting sound.

THE BEGINNING, END &
B E G I N N I N G O F T H E U R GY
T
hose who seek power seek out those that
grant it. Long ago, before history was
scrawled on the scraped skins of beasts or
carved into the ancient bones of the earth, the
Outsiders served the few humans who could peer
into the Od and command their obeisance. Their
masters were shamans in times of old, and as
humankind built towns and villages, they were
sorcerer-kings. The first wizards ruled from thrones
of bone carved with the blasphemous runes of
demons—they whispered to reality and shaped it to
their desires, commanded armies of supernatural
monsters that none could withstand, and brought
the wisest of the dead back to give them council. It
is said that the Outsiders, creatures that live within
the Od itself and nowadays rarely walk on this side,
were once as numerous as people—they even ruled
kingdoms and embraced mortals in physical union,
spawning damned and chaos-tainted children.
None now live who saw the world then, and few
written texts exist, as time has worn away words and
truth. Some Outsiders talk of long ago and how they
helped raise humanity to the heights of gods and
how such a fellowship may come again, but even a
child knows that, although Outsiders can speak every
tongue—dead or living—every word spoken is more
likely lie than truth. If this golden age of magic ever
existed, then it must have also come to an end. Some
say the gods sealed the Outsiders behind walls grown
from the roots of Yggdrasil to protect the natural
order from their pervasive corruption; some say
Hekaté sang the Outsiders to slumber because of
their interferences in the aes’ schemes; and some say
that the first and greatest theurges, after seeing what
the price of their bargains and deals laid bare at the
end, sacrificed themselves to weave their spirits into a
hedge of wards the Outsiders could not pass. No
mortal knows how the Outsiders were shorn from
the world long ago, and the Outsiders would rather
speak of the glory of old and its return than dwell on
what happened at its end.
T heurgy 245
In the centuries that followed, Outsiders were
pulled to this world by only the most puissant of
sorcerers, using the ancient Pythonic Liturgy and its
many variations and methods—and sacrificing
greatly of their own lives or the lives of others. The
power offered was but a flicker compared to the
magics of old—and yet still worth the price for
those who had the gift to see that trapped within
the Od were allies that long ago made men into
kings, wizards, and warriors through gifts of
unnatural power.
Now, the wards have fallen. What some call
the Extinguishing, theurges and Outsiders call the
Night of the Great Unfettering—a fanciful name
that brushes aside what was a time of horror for
the practitioners of magic. When the gates failed,
a great and terrible peal reverberated through the
Od—some say it was like a mighty bell ringing
and shattering on the other side, others say it was
like a giant curtain made from embryonic caul
that tore asunder, but most say nothing. Very few
who practiced theurgy lived through the event,
and most who did survive were driven mad. Worse
still were sorcerers whose eyes were on the Od or
who had some part of themselves connected to the
other side during that moment, for these
unfortunates vanished from the world entirely or
were transformed into magical horrors that should
not be.
So would have been the end of magic, but
canny apprentices who survived their masters’
demise, hardy warlocks and witches who found
their minds and tongues again, and those drawn to
abandoned books and scrolls of arcane lore
discovered that Outsiders were once again able to
heed the summons of mortal sorcerers. The
Unfettering of their bonds meant that, at long last,
the time had returned when Outsiders could again
be bound by theurges—allied with, enthralled by,
and used for the empowerment of humanity.
Wizards would rule the world again with Outsiders
as their servants, advisors, and benefactors.
246 BLACKBIRDS
M U LT I P L E EFFE C TS AT O N C E
No being may come under the simultaneous influence
of the same Vitiation more than once, i.e., Vitiations
may not be “doubled up.” In addition, if a recipient is
required to be willing when the Vitiation is enacted on
them, they may not be the recipient of another Vitiation,
Outsider Technique, or Wortcunning Spell that has this
requirement until the first has run its course or the magic
has ended, unless the additional Vitiation, Technique, or
Wortcunning Spell has “instantaneous” as a duration.
The Two Grimoires
The magic section of Blackbirds is divided into two
grimoires. The first is the Whispering Grimoire, and
it is for theurge player characters. We recommend
that if you are not playing a character connected to
the Od that you read no further, for the mysteries
of magic in Blackbirds are more entertaining when
secretive, and you will gain more enjoyment if you
see the travails of your sorcerous friends and allies
from the outside.
The second section is the Tablets of the
Unbegotten. This section is for Fateweavers only. If
you are playing any sort of character, even a theurge,
we advise you not to peruse its pages, lest the
knowledge of the true motivations of the Outsiders
drive you mad—or, at the least, make your game
experience less enjoyable.
248 BLACKBIRDS
O D S I G HT
O
dsight is the natural ability some people
have to sense the otherworldly realm and
mystical force that is the Od. For those
trained in theurgy, this sense is more accurate, more
focused, and gives information that is easier to
interpret. Odsight is not sight, and some have this
ability even though they lack physical eyes.
Although it is simpler to call it “sight” and to speak
of what is sensed within its purview as visual images,
the truth is, of course, very much stranger. In
practical terms, Odsight allows a Blackbird to do
the following and applies the following rules:
% Sense illusory or glamoured objects and creatures,
which are usually perceived as both what they are
and what they seem. Make an Awareness test for
a theurge to notice this effect if it has been created
by a supernatural entity of more power than the
theurge (i.e., at a higher Tier).
% Notice the presence of Outsiders or those who
have relationships with them. This always requires
a Scrutinize test for the theurge looking and
involves staring at (or facing) someone for several
seconds in a conspicuous manner. This costs 2 AP
if done during a Combat Scene. The test is made
secretly by the Fateweaver.
% Determine the truth about those who are
controlled or possessed by Outsiders. This
generally requires being able to observe the
suspected host uninterrupted for at least 1 hour
and then that a Scrutinize test be made, which is
at –20 if the effect was created by a more powerful
entity or theurge than the one making the test.
% Limited insight into the emotional state or nature of
people. This always requires a Scrutinize test be
rolled for the theurge and involves staring at (or
facing) someone for several seconds in a conspicuous
way. This costs 2 AP if done during a Combat
Scene. The test is made secretly by the Fateweaver.
The theurge gains a rudimentary understanding of
the target’s emotional state or general nature.
% With the exceptions above, or unless something
is deliberately trying to—or is designed to—hide
its nature, a theurge always recognizes a magical
creature or object as such.
% Odsight does not allow one to see in darkness or
if they are blinded. However, they do have a
somewhat greater sense of their surroundings,
especially amongst living things, than those
without this ability. Those who are permanently
blind have been known to, over time, learn to
sense with Odsight to the degree that others
mistakenly believe they are able to see, but there
are differences in the information those with
Odsight perceive. They can’t see colors or read
text, for example, but sometimes they can notice
the presence of someone who is hidden.
% Odsight opens those who have this gift to see
things they may not want to see, but closing their
eyes cannot stop such awareness. Those with
Odsight may face Resolve tests simply for being
in the presence of certain entities, places, or
effects.
% A person with Odsight gains a +10 to rolls to use
Witch’s Blood if they also have that Boon.
O UTS I D E R S
T
he practice of theurgy requires
summoning and bargaining with
mysterious and puissant entities from
beyond the boundaries of our reality. Their names
and ways must be known, and they must be given
something in return for the Vitiations they endow.
The most powerful of theurges can form a pact with
them, enthralling them to their will for an indefinite
period of time, but the wisest know that forcing a
being into servitude invariably comes with a price.
The common people call these creatures demons or
fae, and shun and fear anyone who has any sort of
congress with them, but theurges know them by the
more accurate and general term: Outsiders.

What Are Outsiders?
The only true answer is: no one knows for certain.
They are definitely sentient beings, and they seem
obsessed with bargaining and dealing with humanity
to achieve goals only they ultimately know. Fate
ignores them, either blind to their influence or
because acknowledging them might give them
greater power to weave it to their own ends. They
seem to have a consistent physical form in most
cases, but this condition may be just an illusion or a
mere interface with our reality: a puppet that allows
them to talk and bargain with the “children” on
this side. For the theurge and those aware of these
entities, some facts are known or surmised:
% They are singular entities. A particular Outsider
can’t (in most circumstances) be in two places at
once or bound to two masters at the same time.
% The laws of nature do not apply to them—or at
least apply to them differently. They can share
these gifts with those who give them something
in return. These abilities are what are called
Vitiations.
% There is a great hierarchy and political system of
Outsiders too byzantine and strange for humanity
to comprehend, but knowing even a bit can help
in dealing with them.
% Outsiders come in many shapes and forms:
horrible, sublime, strange, impossible, familiar,
or incredible. No two Outsiders are the same.
% They (mostly) seem to desire to be brought forth
from the Od (where they dwell?) so that they might
achieve their own esoteric, strange, and dark goals.
% Ancient tomes and knowledge from long ago can
reveal the names and habits of specific Outsiders
lost to human memory. A quest for this knowledge
can be as important and destiny-changing as one
for a lost artifact of magical power.
% The True Name of an Outsider is perilous
knowledge. The more powerful the Outsider, the
more hidden this knowledge will be and the more
dangerous it is to have or use.
T HEU RGY: T he W hi speri n g Gri moire 249
% They always make a pact or deal. None of the
power they offer comes without a reckoning.
% Outsiders can manifest into a physical form but
do so rarely. They offer powers, but never
physically enter combat for their masters. They
may summon lesser servants for this purpose,
however.
% Those who have Rapport with an Outsider can
attempt to summon or communicate with them
by reaching out into the Od. They might not
always respond, though a Pacted Outsider almost
always does, unless its physical manifestation has
been temporarily banished or destroyed, or
circumstances prevent or discourage it from
communicating.
% At their discretion, Outsiders can visibly manifest
to whomever they wish. They may be visible only
to the theurge with whom they are dealing, or to
someone else—or everyone else—present. They
tend to prefer secrecy, however, and generally do
not show themselves to others without good
reason or some sort of compulsion.
% In their most basic manifestation, they can’t be
harmed by Mortal weapons, but neither can they
harm others. They can appear and disappear at
will. They will not use this ability to (for example)
startle foes in combat or distract opponents,
though, unless they are under a pact or deal
compelling them to do so.
% Common people and the authorities typically react
with fear and anger when confronted by an Outsider
or anyone who is clearly associating with these
beings. There is no sanctioned guild or organization
allowed to practice theurgy in most places.
Stations of the Damned
Within each of their six courts, Outsiders vary in
their degrees of power and authority. As always,
these labels represent human simplifications of
something more complex and beyond our grasp.
Their hierarchy has three stations.
250 BLACKBIRDS
& Imp: Messengers, servants, thralls, and spies for
their betters. Imps are numerous, and if one is
lost, another can easily be found among the ranks
of the Outsiders. Any character on the Path of
Od & Ritual begins the game by having Rapport
with an imp. Although they are the lowest of the
courts’ aristocracy, they are aristocracy and
command numerous lesser Outsiders.
& Villein: These creatures rank higher than imps and
offer more power. Of course, they expect more in
return for that power. They are also more difficult
to access, and if a known villein becomes Pacted
to a particular theurge, they can no longer be
accessed by other theurges. Wars have been
fought over this.
& Lord: Lords have a dizzying array of titles, names,
and shapes. These beings are not gods, but they
may seem so to lesser creatures. The Vitiations
they offer are very powerful. Only the most
prepared and experienced theurge should attempt
to contact them, and pacting one of these
potentates could be the quest or goal of a lifetime.
Tithe & Reckonings
Tithe represents the amount a Blackbird owes to
the Outsiders they have access to as a whole; a
character does not have a separate Tithe score for
each Outsider. Using Vitiations and Outsider
Techniques usually increases a character’s Tithe,
whereas performing Reckonings (tasks suggested
by specific Outsiders either at their impetus or at
the theurge’s request) lowers the Tithe and may
improve the relationship with the Outsider for
whom they perform the Reckonings. If a character’s
Tithe score becomes 10 or greater, it negatively
affects their ability to perform magic, as well as their
relationship with all of their Outsiders.
At any point, a theurge can offer to perform a
Reckoning by choosing a specific Outsider and
suggesting how much Tithe they would like to
reduce. The Outsider then tells the character what
they would like them to do. If the theurge doesn’t
perform the task before the sun sets and rises again,
their relationship with that Outsider may deteriorate
(see Spite & Rebuke for more information).
At times, because an Outsider sees an
opportunity to get something they want or to further
their goal, they offer a theurge an unrequested
Reckoning. Generally, Reckonings instigated by an
Outsider lower the character’s Tithe more for doing
less and should be acted upon, if possible. Performing
a Reckoning for a particular Outsider might improve
that relationship, too, so it’s worth doing things for
Outsiders who become unruly or whom the theurge
suspects are unhappy with their summoner.
Rapport, Communion & Pacts
An Outsider is summoned via a properly performed
Pythonic Liturgy, which requires a private space,
complicated and often expensive trappings, and some
form of sacrifice. Once summoned, negotiations
with the entity can begin. “Negotiations” is a broad
expression, as the interaction can be friendly and
open or involve threats and the application of
pain to force better terms. Ideally, the sorcerer has
prepared in advance to get the Agreement they
want. These negotiations ideally end in one of three
possible Agreements with the summoned Outsider.
H AV I N G A N A DVO CATE
Theurges are allowed to have one other
Blackbird aid them in a negotiation that occurs
with an Outsider, especially in the case of
establishing Communion or a Pact. The formal
name of this position is advocate, and having one
present allows the following benefits:
% The advocate’s Bargain, Charm, or Guile may be
substituted for any test that would be made for the
theurge to bargain with the Outsider in question.
These tests may not substitute for Odweft tests.
% Spite is reduced by 1 when the Pythonic Ritual is
performed and an advocate is present.

% The advocate gains Rapport with that particular
Outsider, but if they are not a theurge can call
upon them only to seek a temporary deal (see
Temporary Deals).
R A P P O RT
By having Rapport with an Outsider, the theurge
enters into the very loosest of agreements—really more
a tenuous relationship than any sort of formal deal.
Each use of a Vitiation from this Outsider increases the
character’s Tithe by the following amount:
& Imps: +2
& Villeins: +4
& Lords: +6
COMMUNION
Communion is a more formal and secure
Agreement between an Outsider and a theurge. A
theurge who has entered into Communion with an
Outsider has pre-negotiated the terms of power and
the Vitiations accessible by this Agreement. Each
use of a Vitiation from this Outsider increases the
character’s Tithe as follows:
& Imps: +1
& Villeins: +2
& Lords: +3
In addition, the theurge gains access to the
Communion level of Outsider Technique offered
by this Outsider. The character must perform a
special Reckoning for the Outsider as negotiated
during the Pythonic Liturgy before this level of
Agreement takes effect.
PA C T
Pacts are more formal servitude Agreements.
The Outsider agrees to serve the theurge in
perpetuity, putting all of its Vitiations at its master’s
disposal until the master dies or the pact is broken.
Pacts can be formed only under specific
circumstances. Pacts are difficult to form and should
be attempted only by powerful and prepared
T HEU RGY: T he W hi speri n g Gri moire 251
theurges, ideally with some leverage over the Outsider
(knowledge of their True Name, for example).
Pacts can sour and can be broken, and there are
still limits on a theurge’s access to the Outsider’s
abilities. A theurge Pacted to an Outsider who has
allowed the relationship to tarnish, diminish, or
become discordant may find that their servant is
twisting their words or being overly pedantic, which
may ultimately cause harm to their master or the
master’s goals. An Outsider can be Pacted to only
one theurge. However, a theurge can be Pacted to
more than one Outsider. Having more than one
magical servant can lead to dangerous complications,
however, especially if the theurge’s underlings are
from rival courts or their goals are at odds with one
another. Also, having multiple Pacted Outsiders
tends to rapidly increase one’s Tithe.
Once a Pact is formed, the theurge accrues an
ongoing Tithe each sunset, as follows:
& Imps: +1
& Villeins: +2
& Lords: +3
Once Pacted with an Outsider, a theurge can
call upon its Vitiations with greater ease and at will,
without accumulating Tithe. Note that Outsider
Techniques which accumulate Tithe still do so.
In addition, the theurge gains access to the
Communion level of Outsider Techniques offered
by this Outsider. The character must perform a
special Reckoning for the Outsider as negotiated
during the Pythonic Liturgy before this level of
relationship takes effect.
Accumulation of Tithe Chart
AGREEMENT IMP VILLEIN LORD
2 Tithe per 4 Tithe per 6 Tithe per
Rapport
Vitiation Vitiation Vitiation
1 Tithe per 2 Tithe per 3 Tithe per
Communion
Vitiation Vitiation Vitiation
1 Tithe each 2 Tithe each 3 Tithe each
Pact
time the sun sets time the sun sets time the sun sets
254 BLACKBIRDS
The Six Courts
Outsiders appear to be gathered into political or
social groupings based upon traits they have in
common, much like human societies. Alliances,
animosities, and opinions exist among them, and
some say that wars have been fought between
them. Together, these groupings are known as the
Six Courts, as they comprise the aristocracy of the
Outsiders, or at least what the Outsiders would
have folk believe to be their aristocracy. Each court
has access to Vitiations that support their view of
reality. Rumor has it that Outsiders change courts
on rare occasions, and regardless of the seemingly
monolithic nature of the esoteric circles within
which they choose to identify, plenty of conflict
occurs among members of the same court, as do
exceptions to the “rules” of a particular court. Thus,
little of what folk know of them may be trusted.
The Court
of Ignorance
That the Court of Ignorance is a proponent
of ignorance is as clear as the name of the court
itself. However, as is often the case with Outsiders,
the full reality of its true purpose is concealed
behind the name and is more nuanced than what
first impressions would indicate. The Court of
Ignorance certainly takes great pleasure in—and has
as a high priority—the destruction of accumulated
knowledge. Dead sages and burned libraries are
delightful ends for the Outsiders ironically known
to theurges as Scholars. The real story is that the
Court of Ignorance doesn’t want to destroy or
pervert knowledge; these Outsiders want to hoard
it. Theurges who gain favor with this court earn
access to hidden intelligence and lost lore, can see
and hear things far away, and know things that
have remained unknown for centuries—so long as
they are willing to destroy the truth humanity has
carefully acquired for itself.
APPEARANCE: Outsiders in the Court of Ignorance
often appear as perversions of the human form
and garbed in the trappings of those professions
that accumulate or trade in knowledge. One can
find sages, librarians, scribes, bureaucrats, and
magistrates among their number, albeit in darkly
twisted shapes offensive to reasonable sensibilities.
They take great stock in language and the proper
expression of exactly what they mean, and their
contracts and deals are always very clearly worded.
When they speak, their voices usually echo the high
and precise verbiage of lawyers and the learned.
They seem to take great pride in using the most
words possible, and at using words that are lengthy
and prodigious. The typical Outsider of this court
has a voice that sounds like the rasping of a
thousand quills against ancient papyrus.
SYMBOL: A burning book.
NAMES: Scholars, Scribes

The Court
of Joy
Madness. Madness is the realm of the Court of
Joy. Not simply dysfunction of the mind, but a
world where madness is proper and correct, and
those who follow the narrow path of rationality are
the fools. The Court of Joy lives in the place most
terrifying and dear to humanity: in the mind of
the person perceiving members of this court. They
use this stance from within the very thoughts of
those encountering them to express their mastery
of manipulation. Those who study the esoterica of
the so-called Jesters come to realize that the human
mind is a poor instrument for understanding the
reality that lies beyond this one, a reality more real
and powerful than what we choose to perceive. To
grasp this hidden but imminent world, a person
must break that instrument, shatter their own mind,
to comprehend the swirling vortex theurges call the
Od. Of course, others observing from the outside
would say that, once the mind breaks, doesn’t the
theurge perceive whatever they choose, real or not?
APPEARANCE: The Outsiders of the Court of Joy
might look like any mundane thing—but always
a version twisted and disturbing. Many of them
favor motley or bright colors and visages, as their
nickname, “the Jesters,” would imply, but one might
also present as some dark and ill-formed nightmare.
Frequently, they look like something made by or
for a child, and many appear as toys, puppets, or
dolls. When they speak, their voices might sound
like anything or anyone, but frequently, the words
are nonsense to those with whom they are not in
rapport. If they speak in normal language, their
tone is overwhelmingly patronizing, as if they are
speaking to a child.
SYMBOL: A marionette puppeteering another
marionette.
NAMES: Jesters, Those Who Smile
T HEU RGY: T he W hi speri n g Gri moire 255
The Court
of Peace
To call the Court of Peace the “Court of
Death” is a horrid oversimplification, though that
is the facade its Outsiders presume to wear for
those who merely dabble in the arcane. They are
happy to tell someone they will aid in the bringing
of peace to one’s enemies—an eternal peace. The
truth, for those who have exposed the deeper secrets
of the Court of Peace, is that these Outsiders are
committed to far more than efficient and successful
slaughter; they are obsessed with the act of inciting
bloodshed and committing violence as works
of art. Each member of this court has an endless
competitive drive to create a magnum opus of
brutality that will eclipse their previous efforts and
those of their peers. The Court of Peace is the Court
of Murder—murder as art.
APPEARANCE: The Outsiders of the Court of
Peace have both human and inhuman forms in
immeasurable variety, though they almost always
appear armed with something that can bring
death, or adorned with the trappings of death or
the dead. One might have fangs or a scorpion’s tail,
or be made from skulls, or appear bedecked with
cleavers. Whatever the physical manifestation of the
Outsiders from this court, their voices and manners
are even more disturbing to those who entreat
them. They seem to have an almost lascivious lilt
when describing or anticipating violence, or they
appear to be actively restraining themselves from
performing acts of brutality as they struggle to spit
out words. Humans have a primordial aversion to
members of this court, just as they would for any
clearly dangerous beast—unless a particular human
has developed a taste for bloodshed themself.
SYMBOL: A twisted sword; whether it was crafted in
this shape or became mangled through repeated use
is hard to say.
NAMES: Messengers, Murderers
256 BLACKBIRDS
The Court
of Silence
The Court of Silence is the court of raw, boundless,
primal fury. The voice of Silence is the howl of the
winds, the roar of the beast, the rage of the volcano,
the rumble of thunder, and the screams of inchoate
ferocity of wild things beyond the circle of humanity,
but it is always without words. The Court of Silence
expresses itself only with the absence of words, and
those who seek to plumb the mysteries of this court
would be wise to do so without speaking, for the
Court of Silence hates any form of higher locution.
Its Outsiders disdain the abstract building blocks
of higher language and prefer to speak what is, to
them, the only true language: unbounded emotion
and unfettered animal instincts. The true being
deeply (or not so deeply) hidden in every civilized
person is the beast, and the urbane exterior that
culture forces upon humanity is merely a fragile
patina that quickly crumbles when exposed to real
experience.
APPEARANCE: The Outsiders of the Court of Silence
are animals and elementals in form and speech.
The shapes they wear are varied, but never
very human, if they have
human semblance at all. One
may appear as a living flame,
another as a swarm of flies. They
communicate to the theurges who
court them with the sounds of wild
creatures and untrammeled nature.
Many are unable to speak at all. Yet,
somehow, they are understood by
those who seek their powerful, and
often uncontrollable, gifts.
SYMBOL: A beast with boar and lion
elements, but made of flames and
lightning.
NAMES: Beasts, Elementals
The Court
of Truth
Most people who know of the Outsiders know that
they are liars, whereas theurges know that Outsiders
spout falsehoods as easily as humans breathe or blink,
and those sorcerers who study the Court of Truth
know what it knows—or, at least, what it believes: that
all of human reality is a lie, and only by truly grasping
this fact can one begin to see what is really true. The
Court of Truth deals in deception, and those who
seek deals with its denizens are charlatans, assassins,
thieves, courtesans, and illusionists. Outsiders of the
Court of Truth have an open disdain for the senses of
mortals and the weaknesses of human perception, for
they know that this shallow and flawed awareness is
easily manipulated. In fact, the boons granted by this
court allow its followers to do just that.
APPEARANCE: The Outsiders of the Court of Truth
are as varied as humanity is, but their forms are often
more flamboyant, majestic, strange, or horrible than
those of the other courts. Members of the Court of
Truth always have one specific feature
that appears different every time they
manifest. Their eyes may always
be a different color, or one
leg always assumes the
shape of a different animal,
or perhaps they always
appear wearing a different
motley costume. Other
than this vicissitude,
they are as consistent
in appearance as
the Outsiders of the
other courts.
SYMBOL: A strangely
lifelike mask.
NAMES: The Army
Invisible, Masquers

The Nameless
Court
The denizens of every other court wear disguises to
facilitate their congress with those mortals who seek
deals and pacts with them—and to soften the blow
of the impossibility they represent. The Nameless
Court is cloaked in no such way. Its members
present themselves as pure manifestations of the
chaos at the heart of the Od because they wear
no mask. Their ultimate goals and purposes are
unknowable, as are their True Names (or so it is told
among the dusty enclaves of the wisest theurges).
They present no human motivation or emotion that
mortals can decipher, and yet they still make deals
as other Outsiders do, they still follow the rules that
were laid down or discovered by the sorcerers of
old, they still may be bargained with or pacted, and
they still may betray those theurges who drink too
deeply and too long from their well of potency.
APPEARANCE: The Outsiders of the Nameless
Court are most bizarre and disturbing. No two are
the same, and they look like nothing the human
mind can sanely comprehend. Many of them
appear as abstract shapes or the embodiment of
concepts. Others are simply alien monstrosities or
twisted things that should not be. Those that have
voices speak in tongues of disturbing gibberish or
incomprehensible drones or screeches. Yet others
communicate with their theurges through changing
hues of light or by reaching within and pressing
on the internal parts of the one to whom they
are speaking.
SYMBOL: An ominous character in an unknown
language that looks simultaneously like a mouth, an
eye, and a spiral. If someone hasn’t seen the symbol
in a while, it will look different when next they
lay eyes upon it, though, somehow, they will still
be able to recognize it. Copies in close proximity
always look the same.
NAMES: Nameless, Nameless Ones
T HEU RGY: T he W hi speri n g Gri moire 257
T H E P Y T H O N I C L I T U R GY
T
he Pythonic Liturgy is the grand and
singular ritual used to summon
Outsiders, as well as to negotiate and
form Communions and Pacts with them. Not
really one simple ritual, it is instead a series of
complicated and difficult practices, knowledges,
and intuitions. Some innate sense must either be
inherent to the theurge or nurtured in one who
attempts to enact the rite. Lacking this ability or
having imperfect knowledge or preparation will
likely lead to failure at best and metaphysical
catastrophe at worst. Blackbirds on the Path of Od
& Ritual have both the training and the innate
ability needed to perform the Pythonic Liturgy.
Others do not.
Preparation
To perform the Liturgy, a supplicating theurge
must have a private place to prepare and cast it.
They must remove all armor, paint their body with
mystic symbols, lay out a magic circle inscribed
with protective sigils and the name of the Outsider
to bring forth, prepare the proper reagents and
trappings congruent with their intended summons,
and meditate as they recite the rotes and chants that
bring the proper mental and spiritual state to cast
their presence into the infinite Od and connect with
a being by nature incomprehensible to the mind of
a mortal. Ideally, the summoner knows the True
Name of their intended Outsider, but knowing one
of its many other names can suffice. They must not
be interrupted, or the time spent, the reagents, and
the trappings are wasted.
The player then makes an Odweft test for their
theurge, modifying the test based on the list of
modifiers shown in the boxed text. If the test fails,
the theurge has made some mistake in their work and
the Outsider does not appear. The process must
begin again. A Critical or Sublime Failure manifests
something horrible, often an unwanted Outsider
258 BLACKBIRDS
inimical to this world or a vicissitude of the Od
spilling into the surrounding area. The Pythonic
Liturgy is a very dangerous ritual, and using it risks
bringing about effects more extreme and destructive
than other magics can.
If the theurge succeeds, the Outsider manifests,
usually in some appropriately theatrical way (all
Outsiders love a certain degree of spectacle). An
Outsider from the Court of Peace might appear
inside the body of a sacrifice and then tear its way
out, one from the Court of Silence might arrive
surrounded by dangerous animals, one from the
Nameless Court might transform nearby abstract
shapes into its likeness, and so on. The Fateweaver
P Y T H O N I C LI T U RGY M O D I F I E R S
–60 Attempting the Pythonic Liturgy without training
(see the Untrained Liturgy sidebar for more).
–10 For each person present who has no connection with
the Od (an advocate does not incur this penalty)
+10 Having an extremely private place to perform the
ritual (e.g., a hidden cellar beneath a deserted ruin)
+10 The theurge is skyclad (completely naked)
+10 The advocate is also skyclad
–10 Contacting an imp
–20 Contacting a villein
–30 Contacting a lord
–10 Attempting to enter into a communion
–30 Attempting to enter into a pact
–30 The Outsider to be summoned is pacted to another
theurge
–10 Spending an hour performing the ritual
+10 Spending 10 hours performing the ritual
+20 Spending 100 hours performing the ritual
–10 Spending an hour preparing before the ritual
+10 Spending 10 hours preparing before the ritual
+20 Spending 100 hours preparing before the ritual
+30 Knowing the Outsider’s True Name
+10 Owning a physical vestige the Outsider has left behind
secretly rolls for how much Spite the theurge and
the Outsider have with each other (see Spite &
Rebuke for more details).
Traditionally, an Outsider answers one question
of its summoner truthfully when summoned for the
first time by a particular magus. Generally, Outsiders
have supernatural knowledge of things related to
themselves and things pertinent to their goals or
court, and they usually answer this question in a
way that the information benefits the theurge. If the
summoner asks a question outside their purview or
one that is too esoteric for even a beast of the Od,
they may say that they don’t know the answer.
+10 Learning and acquiring the special trappings particular
to the Outsider to be summoned
+10 Being introduced or assisted by an Outsider of the
same court
+10 Having rapport with the Outsider one is attempting
to perform the ritual on
+20 Having communion with the Outsider one is
attempting to perform the ritual on
+10 Sacrifice an animal as large as or larger than a calf
+20 Sacrifice a human
–20 Using makeshift or at-hand reagents and trappings
–10 Being unable to get a patron to provide reagents and
trappings
+10 to +30 Having a patron willing to provide reagents
and Trappings (Patronage levels 1 to 3: +10, 4 to 6:
+20, 7 and above: +30)
–10 Having another Outsider pacted that has an enmity
with target Outsider’s court
+10 Having another Outsider pacted that is an ally of the
target Outsider’s court
+10 to +30 Performing the ritual at a location where the
barrier between the physical world and the Od is
weak or where there is a bloom of Od
–10 to –30 Performing the ritual at a location that is
walled off from the Od

% If the goal of the Liturgy is merely to introduce
oneself to a particular Outsider and gain Rapport,
then, if the ritual succeeds, the Outsider returns
whence it came and may be brought forth in the
future by the summoner to empower Vitiations.
% If the goal is to seek Communion, then
negotiation must take place, as the Outsider and
summoner bargain over a special Reckoning that
must be performed to confirm this level of
Agreement. If an advocate is present, they may
assist with the negotiation.
% If a Pact is the desired result, then even more
negotiation must take place, as the Outsider and
summoner bargain over a special Reckoning that
must be performed to confirm this level of
Agreement. If an advocate is present, they may
assist with the negotiation.
U NT R A I N E D LI T U RGY
It is possible for someone not on the Path of Od & Ritual
to perform the Pythonic Liturgy. They must have a tome,
scroll, incunabulum, or written document that describes
the ritual and the specific rites and trappings for the
Outsider they are seeking. However, doing so is extremely
dangerous and should not be attempted except in times
of dire need or absolute lost cause. All such attempts are
at –60 and are Flip to Fail. Furthermore, if the Odweft
test fails, the Fateweaver rules it a Critical Failure in all
cases. A Success under such circumstances can never do
more than gain Rapport with the targeted entity. As such,
it behooves the untrained theurge to stack up as many
beneficial modifiers as possible to offset the penalty in
order even to attempt a successful ritual.
T HEU RGY: T he W hi speri n g Gri moire 259
U S I N G V I T I AT I O N S
V
itiations are purely channeled Odic power
bestowed by Outsiders that can let theurges
pervert the natural order for their own
benefit. Each Vitiation has specific parameters of
potency, which are laid out in great detail by ancient
concord. All of this specificity leads to the
understanding that Vitiations have various levels of
power, depending upon the potency of the Outsider
that granted the magic, and they are classed into
broad categories that govern their realms of
influence. Often, they also are unreliable, dangerous,
extremely disturbing to common people, and have
unforeseen consequences.
Vitiation Use Overview
& Step 1: Choose Vitiation & Power Level
& Step 2: Determine the Difficulty Rating
& Step 3: Focus the Vitiation (Optional)
& Step 4: Pay the Tithe
& Step 5: Make the Odweft Test
& Step 6: Roll for Odic Manifestation
STE P 1 : C H O O S E V I T I AT I O N &
P OW E R L E V E L
The theurge chooses a Vitiation they have previously
been granted access to by an Outsider. If none of the
Outsiders they have an Agreement with has access
to the Vitiation they want, or if they are seeking to
create an effect that isn’t listed among the Vitiations
in this book, see Temporary Deals below.
They must also choose a Power Level at which
they want to enact the Vitiation in question. The
Power Level is based upon the station of the
Outsider granting it, so imps are allowed to
empower Vitiations at the imp level, villeins at the
villein level, and lords at the lord level. These levels
of power are outlined in the descriptions of the
Vitiations.
Outsiders empower a Vitiation higher or lower
than the level they offer only under very specific
260 BLACKBIRDS
circumstances, and only extremely rarely. When
applying the description of Power Levels from
Vitiations, note that each level gains everything
listed in the previous levels as well as the current
level, unless the description clearly states otherwise.
Power Level also determines the AP cost
necessary to enact the Vitiation if used in combat:
% Imp-level Vitiations cost 1 AP
% Villein-level Vitiations cost 2 AP
% Lord-level Vitiations cost 3 AP
STE P 2 : D E TE R M I N E T H E D I FF I C U LT Y
R AT I N G
The Fateweaver sets the Difficulty Rating for
the Vitiation and tells the theurge’s player what that
is in most cases.
The theurge appears to be mumbling during
this time as they talk to the Outsider and
communicate their request. Apply –10 to the Base
Chance if the theurge is gagged or otherwise unable
to vocalize properly.
STE P 3: F O C U S T H E V I T I AT I O N
(OPTIONAL)
The theurge may choose to open themself to
the power of the Od, deciding how much of this
raw, chaotic potential they want to expose themself
and the world around them to.
The theurge’s player may choose a Focus Level
of 1 to 3, but they must place that many dice into the
Odic dice pool. The theurge adds +10 to their Base
Chance for each level of focus. So, by adding 2Ð6 to
the Odic dice pool, they get +20 to their Odweft test.
Focusing a Vitiation happens at the speed of
thought and, therefore, costs 0 AP in combat.
If the Vitiation has specific targets that must be
picked or requires the theurge to make decisions
about the way it appears or what effects it has, those
decisions must be made during this step and
described out loud before the roll to enact the
Vitiation is attempted.
STE P 4: A CC R U E T H E T I T H E
Tithe is increased depending upon the power
level of the Vitiation enacted and the agreement that
the theurge has with the pertinent Outsider.
Vitiations enacted by pacted Outsiders generate no
Tithe.
IMP VILLEIN LORD
Rapport 2 Tithe 4 Tithe 6 Tithe
Communion 1 Tithe 2 Tithe 3 Tithe
Pact 0 Tithe 0 Tithe 0 Tithe
STE P 5: M A K E T H E O DW EF T TE ST
Spend AP and make an Odweft test for the
theurge. A Success means the Vitiation works as
intended; a Failure means it does not. The effects of
Critical and Sublime Failures and similarly extreme
Successes are detailed for each particular Vitiation.
Fate is the only thing that can prevent the
application of effects caused by Critical or Sublime
Failure. If an effect encompasses multiple targets, it
is only prevented for the spender or a Fatebound
companion they designate to receive the benefit at
the time of expenditure. In lieu of spending Fate,
indefinite effects of Critical or Sublime Failure can
be ended by asking an Outsider of the same station
as the one that empowered the failed Vitiation to
do so. A reckoning that will be decided entirely by
that Outsider must be performed by the theurge
before the effect ends.
This Odweft test is modified based upon the
amount of Tithe the theurge has acquired. For each 10
Tithe accumulated, the roll is modified by –10. So a
theurge with a Tithe of 9 would have no modification,
but one with 10 Tithe would gain –10.
In addition, if the roll to enact a Vitiation is a
Critical or Sublime Failure, the theurge loses the
ability to use that Vitiation until the sun sets and
rises again. This penalty is in addition to any other
effects listed in the Vitiation description.

Note that Tithe is accrued even if this test fails.
The Failure is the theurge’s, not the Outsider’s, for
the Outsider merely grants otherworldly power by
connecting the theurge with the Od and can’t be
blamed if their master fails to fully comprehend or
manifest the Vitiation properly. An Outsider may,
in rare circumstances, waive the Tithe cost if the
Vitiation fails, but it is at the Outsider’s discretion
and is considered quite unwise and rude to ask for
such a boon.
STE P 6 : R O LL F O R O D I C M A N I FE STAT I O N
Take all the dice in the Odic dice pool,
including those added by the theurge if they focused
the Vitiation. In addition, add one die for each 10
points of Tithe the theurge has accumulated.
Roll the Odic dice. If any of the dice are a face
‘6,’ an Odic Manifestation immediately comes into
effect. The more ‘6’s rolled, the more serious the
nature of the Manifestation.
MAGICAL MODIFIERS
Unlike other parts of Blackbirds, modifiers on Skill
tests for the Pythonic Liturgy can go lower than –30 or
higher than +30. This is an exception to the limits on
modifiers mentioned in Chapter 2: How to Play. Magic is
a dangerous and powerful force that frequently breaks the
rules of reality.
In addition, if a Special Skill gains a positive modifier
from a Vitiation or Outsider Technique, that Skill is not
Flip to Fail even if the recipient has no Skill Ranks in the
Skill that the bonus was gained for.
Ending a Vitiation
Unless the description of the particular Vitiation
notes otherwise, a theurge may end any Vitiation
they have enacted by willing it during the Blackbird’s
Turn; this takes no AP. If the Vitiation has multiple
targets, the theurge may end it for any one of
them, all of them, or some of them. Recipients of
T HEU RGY: T he W hi speri n g Gri moire 261
a Vitiation may not choose to end the Vitiation
themselves, however, unless it is mentioned in the
Vitiation’s description.
If any Vitiation has a duration that is longer
than instantaneous, that specific Vitiation may not
be used again by that theurge until the previous one
has run its course or been ended by them.
Temporary Deals
When a theurge has a request for an Outsider that
does not have access to a Vitiation the theurge
needs, or the request is unique and doesn’t fit within
the purview of a specific Vitiation, the theurge must
seek a temporary deal to empower the Vitiation or
request they desire.
Spend 3 AP for the petitioning theurge to
mentally command the Outsider to bend the laws
of reality, being as specific as possible. Relying on a
Vitiation described in this book is the best route, as
the terms and results are already very clear, but
modifications of existing Vitiations also fit under
these rules, and seeking to do things a bit differently
or to produce a greater effect also uses this system.
The request must be commensurate with the Power
Level of the Outsider petitioned: one shouldn’t ask
imps to destroy armies if one wants to succeed.
Once the request is made, the Fateweaver tells
the player how much Tithe will increase, based upon
this request. The player must decide at that moment
to agree with this offer or reject it, but they may not
make any counteroffers. Rejecting a temporary deal
may negatively impact the relationship between the
theurge and the Outsider. Once a temporary deal is
requested, another may not be requested from that
Outsider (even if rejected) until after the sun next
sets and rises again, and that Outsider and its
Vitiations may possibly become unavailable to the
petitioner during that time.
If the theurge is not in combat or immediate
danger, they may take a bit more time negotiating a
temporary deal. If they have an advocate, they may
262 BLACKBIRDS
make one counteroffer to the petitioned Outsider,
who may agree to it, reject it, make a final offer, or
take offense that it was even suggested. As before,
the theurge must choose either to agree with this
offer or deny it, with the same results as those above.
LEVERAGE
S ometimes, the supernatural servants of a
theurge are recalcitrant, willful, or
unmanageable. In such situations the
theurge may apply leverage, which means giving
the Outsider something it wants or threatening it
with something it fears. Leverage can be applied in
many different ways, depending upon the particular
Outsider and the current situation, but the most
common means are invoking the True Name of the
Outsider, performing a reckoning that the Outsider
wants done, or engaging an advocate who can parse
the complicated legalese that constitute agreements
with Outsiders. Leverage can lead to a change in the
relationship between the Outsider and their master,
and it should be used sparingly and with this caveat
in mind. Fateweavers may find out more about
leverage in the Tablets of the Unbegotten.
I F O N E I S N OT O N T H E PAT H O F O D & R I T U A L
Temporary deals are the only way a character not on the
Path of Od & Ritual can gain access to the powers offered by
Outsiders, and to do so, they must be aware of the Outsider
in question and have met it. This type of temporary deal
does not accumulate Tithe, but a specific reckoning will be
asked of the recipient of the Vitiation. After this is agreed
upon (and the Reckoning performed), the system works
like any other Vitiation and follows the steps listed, with
the exception of not accumulating Tithe. A temporary
deal need not be used immediately but can be held only
until the next sunrise. Neither aes nor daimn may make
temporary deals with Outsiders.
O UTS I D E R TE C H N I Q U E S
O
utsider Techniques are
abilities that theurges have
access to that are slotted
during Rekindlings. They work like
other Techniques, with a few rules specific
to them:
% If a recipient must be willing when an
Outsider Technique is enacted on them,
they may not be the recipient of another Vitiation,
Outsider Technique, or Wortcunning Spell that
also has this requirement until the first has run its
course or the magic has ended, unless the
additional Vitiation, Outsider Technique, or
Wortcunning Spell has an instantaneous
duration.
% Outsiders bestow their theurges with access to
Outsider Techniques particular to their area of
power. The techniques available are related to the
level of the Agreement the theurge has with a
particular Outsider. A theurge who has
Communion with a particular Outsider has
access to either the Rapport or Communion
Technique, but not the Pact Technique.
% You may slot only one Outsider Technique from a
particular Outsider, but may (for example) slot two
different Techniques from two different Outsiders.
% If a theurge loses access to an Outsider or it
becomes displeased enough with them to remove
its patronage, all the Outsider Techniques it has
bestowed are no longer available, and any ongoing
abilities from those Techniques immediately end.
V I T I AT I O N S
H
ere are listed the Vitiations that Outsiders
offer theurges for the bending of reality
and the acquisition of power.
Vitiation Description Format
Each entry is delineated in the following manner:
 T HEU RGY: T he W hi speri n g Gri moire 263

Title of the Vitiation

Rough description of the Vitiation.

REMNANT: The remnant that this Vitiation falls under and, therefore, the courts that are most likely to have
access to it.

DISTANCE: The physical range of the Vitiation, usually outlined by the Outsider’s station:
& Imp: The distance of the Vitiation when enacted by an imp
& Villein: The distance of the Vitiation when enacted by a villein
& Lord: The distance of the Vitiation when enacted by a lord

DURATION: How long the Vitiation lasts, usually outlined by the Outsider’s station. Instantaneous Vitiations
take effect immediately, although their effects may last longer.
& Imp: The duration of the Vitiation when enacted by an imp
& Villein: The duration of the Vitiation when enacted by a villein
& Lord: The duration of the Vitiation when enacted by a lord

EFFECT: The effect of the Vitiation, which is invariably different based upon the station of the Outsider
granting it.
& Imp: The effect of the Vitiation when
enacted by an imp
& Villein: The effect of the Vitiation when enacted
by a villein, which includes any benefits from
the imp effect
& Lord: The effect of the Vitiation when enacted
by a lord, which includes any benefits from the
imp and villein effects
CRITICAL SUCCESS: The results of a Critical Success
on the Odweft test made for the theurge to enact or
empower the Vitiation.
CRITICAL FAILURE: The results of a Critical Failure
on the Odweft test made for the theurge to enact or
empower the Vitiation.
SUBLIME SUCCESS: The results of a Sublime Success
on the Odweft test made for the theurge to enact or
empower the Vitiation. This supersedes a Critical
Success unless the description notes otherwise.

SUBLIME FAILURE: The results of a Sublime Failure

on the Odweft test made for the theurge to enact or
empower the Vitiation. This supersedes a Critical
Failure unless the description notes otherwise.
Vitiations by Remnant
COMMON: DECEIT: IMPOSSIBILITY: QUINTESSENCE:
1. Language of the Od 1.Here Is No Crime 1.Do What Thou Wilt 1.People of Flame
2. Unweave the Od 2. Here Is No Lie 2. Reaching Through 2.Primal Brand
3.Here Is No Truth 3. Shadow Pocket 3.Realm of Od
BESTIAL POWER: 4. Person of Import 4. The Long Trod 4.Witchlight
1. Aegis of Chitin 5. Tale of Calumny 5. Walking Between
2. None Shall Be Tamed PHRENIC:
3. Ophidian Renewal ESOTARIA: MARTIALITY: 1.Conviction
4. Prince of a Thousand 1. Anamnesis 1. Armory 2.Nightmare Purlieu
Enemies 2. Feast of Words 2. Banesword 3.Plague of Laughter
5. Tooth & Claw, Fin & 3. Gnosis 3. Berserk 4. Sleep No More
Wing 4. It Is Known 4. Brand-Cunning 5. Widening Gyre
6. Vicious Sagacity 5. Quarto Lacuna 5. Missiles of Imbuement

CHIMERA: HELOTRY: NECROMANCY:

1. Aegis of Flesh 1.Caress of the Puppeteer 1.Bough of Wax
2. Children of the Deep 2. Eidolon 2. Homunculus
3. Hands of Trenchant 3. Legions of the Od 3.Mort-Cunning
Will 4. Marionette 4. Mort Drudge
4. Sanguine Renewal 5. Tenancy 5. Mort Soldiers
5. Tree of Many Branches
ILLUSION:
CLAIRVOYANCE: 1. Mask of No Mask
1. Astral Schism 2. Mask of Shadows
2. Martial Augury 3. Mask of the Mundane
3. Oculus 4. Mask of the Other
4. Thief of Thoughts 5. Mask of the World
5. What Has Passed
 T HEU RGY: T he W hi speri n g Gri moire 265

Aegis of Chitin
The theurge, or one person they touch, has their skin transformed into
insectile, chitinous black plates that protect them from harm.

REMNANT: Bestial Power

DISTANCE:
& Imp: The theurge or one other willing person they touch
& Villein: Up to three willing people the theurge touches (including themself )
& Lord: Up to [WB] willing people the theurge touches (including themself )

DURATION:
& Imp: 1+[WB] Rounds
& Villein: 6+[WB] minutes
& Lord: 1+[WB] hours

EFFECT:
& Imp: Add +1 to the recipient’s Damage Threshold. CRITICAL SUCCESS: The recipients also become
They are incapable of Bleeding, and if they were immune to toxins, venoms, and fire.
Bleeding when the magic was invoked, they
CRITICAL FAILURE: All who were to be altered by the
immediately stop. If this magic has never been
Vitiation are changed both body and mind so their
used on them before, they suffer 1Ð10+1 Peril
thoughts become those of an insect. They will likely
as they realize what they have become. The
cause havoc and then flee into the nearest wilderness
transformation lasts until the Vitiation ends.
area to hunt, controlled by the Fateweaver for the
Make a Resolve test for anyone seeing someone
duration of the magic. When the Vitiation ends,
so transformed for the first time.
they suffer 2Ð10+2 Peril from the realization of
& Villein: Add +2 to the Damage Threshold.
what they have done.
Recipients may never have more than one Injury
die rolled against them per attack while under SUBLIME SUCCESS: The recipients can’t be Injured or
the protection of this Vitiation. take more than 2 Damage levels from any attack.
& Lord: Add +4 to the Damage Threshold. Once
SUBLIME FAILURE: All the recipients are transformed
per Round, a recipient may jump or leap instead
into lemures. This change is permanent unless the
of moving normally in that Round. They may
recipients spend Fate or broker a temporary deal
jump 1 stride horizontally for every point of
with an Outsider to end the effect.
[BB] they possess or leap 1 stride vertically for
every 2 points of [BB]. The leaper does not
suffer any Opportunity Attacks when making
this jump, but a successful Athletics test must be
made for them or they fall Prone when they
land. The leap costs 1 AP to perform.
266 BLACKBIRDS

Aegis of Flesh
The theurge or one person they touch has their off
hand grow into a monstrous magical shield.

REMNANT: Chimera

DISTANCE:
& Imp: The theurge or one other willing person they touch
& Villein: Up to three willing people the theurge touches (including themself )
& Lord: Up to [WB] willing people the theurge touches (including themself )

DURATION:
& Imp: 1+[WB] Rounds
& Villein: 6+[WB] minutes
& Lord: 1+[WB] hours

EFFECT:
& Imp: The recipient’s empty off hand transforms CRITICAL SUCCESS: Ranged Attacks automatically
into a monstrous spiny shield that is prescient of miss the recipients, and the duration is doubled.
incoming attacks. Add +2 to the recipient’s
CRITICAL FAILURE: All who were to be altered by
Damage Threshold. The recipient is now
the Vitiation have their off hand transformed into
wielding a shield in their off hand that can’t be
a monstrous appendage with a face and teeth that
Disarmed and has the Qualities Off-Hand and
has its own will. All Skill tests made for them for
Protective. They may choose to use their Odweft
the duration are Flip to Fail, as this is extremely
Skill instead of Melee to Parry. If this magic has
distracting. In addition, make a Resolve test
never been used on them before, they suffer
for them.
1Ð10+1 Peril as they realize their body has
drastically changed. The transformation lasts SUBLIME SUCCESS: As Critical Success, and the
until the Vitiation ends. recipients can’t be Injured or take more than 2 levels
& Villein: Add +3 to the Damage Threshold. All of Damage from any attack.
Ranged Attacks made against the recipient are
SUBLIME FAILURE: All recipients are transformed
Flip to Fail. Odweft may be used for both
into chattel imps. This change is permanent unless
attacking and parrying, which are both
the recipients spend Fate or broker a temporary
made at +10.
deal with an Outsider to end the effect.
& Lord: Add +4 to the Damage Threshold. Any
attacks made by the recipient add 1Ð6 Damage.
Melee Attacks and Parry are made at +20.
 T HEU RGY: T he W hi speri n g Gri moire 267

Anamnesis
The theurge or the recipient gains access to the
memories of one of their ancestors.

REMNANT: Esotaria

DISTANCE: The theurge or one willing person they touch.

DURATION:
& Imp: 10+[WB] minutes
& Villein: 1+[WB] hours
& Lord: 1+[WB] days

EFFECT:
& Imp: The target gains access to the memories of CRITICAL SUCCESS: The ancestor is very helpful and
a dead ancestor, going back as far as their great- may contact the target in the future with helpful
grandparents. They must have a specific ancestor advice even after the Vitiation ends.
in mind when the Vitiation is cast and must
CRITICAL FAILURE: The ancestor possesses the target’s
know the ancestor’s name. They can have a
body for the duration of the magic.
mental conversation with the ancestor (who
may or may not be helpful) or look through the SUBLIME SUCCESS: As Critical Success, and the
person’s memories like flipping through a book target can access any deceased being who might
for a specific detail. reasonably be related to them.
& Villein: The target’s ancestor can go back five
SUBLIME FAILURE: The ancestor the theurge is
generations.
attempting to contact is a lich. It is now aware of
& Lord: The target’s ancestor can go back ten
them and is coming for them.
generations and doesn’t have to be in their direct
bloodline—they can access siblings and cousins
of their direct ancestors, as well.
268 BLACKBIRDS

Armory
The theurge creates weapons for a limited time.

REMNANT: Martiality

DISTANCE:
& Imp: Up to three people theurge can see
& Villein: Up to [WB] willing people the theurge can see
& Lord: Up to 3×[WB] willing people the theurge can see

DURATION:
& Imp: [WB] Rounds
& Villein: 10+[WB] Rounds
& Lord: [WB] minutes

EFFECT:
& Imp: The theurge brings a Melee weapon into CRITICAL SUCCESS: Double the duration.
existence in their hands or in the hands of
CRITICAL FAILURE: Some other valuable weapon or
someone they can see who is willing. The
armor in the target’s possession is destroyed.
weapon can be up to Level 4 in Patronage. If the
weapon is ever not in someone’s possession (i.e., SUBLIME SUCCESS: The duration is indefinite,
it is Disarmed or the wielder puts it down), it although the weapons will still disappear when not
disappears from existence. The weapon itself will in someone’s possession or if the theurge uses this
look unnatural and disturbing and possesses the Vitiation again.
Enchanted Quality, but no further
SUBLIME FAILURE: All mundane weapons and armor
enchantments may be put on it.
in the possession of those who would be the targets
& Villein: The weapons may be Ranged or Melee
of this Vitiation disappear.
weapons and up to Level 5 in Patronage.
Ranged weapons magically have ammunition
available throughout the course of the Vitiation.
Attacks with the weapons are made at +10.
& Lord: The weapons may be up to Level 6 in
Patronage and have +20 to hit.
 T HEU RGY: T he W hi speri n g Gri moire 269

Astral Schism
The theurge separates their soul from their body so
they may scout or peer into nearby places.

REMNANT: Clairvoyance

DISTANCE: The theurge

DURATION:
& Imp: 1+[WB] minutes
& Villein: 10+[WB] minutes
& Lord: 30+[WB] minutes

EFFECT:
& Imp: The theurge’s body becomes comatose and CRITICAL SUCCESS: Their soul is perfectly invisible,
Helpless as their soul exits and is able to move even to those with Odsight.
independently. Their soul is invisible and can
CRITICAL FAILURE: Their soul is separated from
pass through any physical barriers or
their body for 1Ð6 days. During this time, their
obstructions. It can see but not hear. An entity
body is completely Helpless and vulnerable. If
or person with Odsight or the ability to sense
a casual inspection of the body is performed, the
the Od will be aware of the soul as an indistinct
theurge appears to be dead. Their body may easily
shape if it comes into view. Locations that are
be entered and possessed by any Outsider that
warded against the Od may not be entered.
happens upon it.
Locations that have a low connection with the
Od will cause the theurge to suffer 1 level of SUBLIME SUCCESS: They may use Vitiations while in
Peril for every Round spent in that location. If their soul form.
they reach Incapacitated!, the Vitiation ends as
SUBLIME FAILURE: As Critical Failure, but when
described below. The soul can’t be harmed by
they awaken, the theurge’s body is possessed by an
physical attacks, but magical or psychic attacks
eidolon at the 2nd degree of possession.
may harm it. When the Vitiation ends, the
theurge’s soul snaps back to their body. This soul
form may not use Vitiations.
& Villein: Their soul can fly at three times their
natural speed. It may also hear as well as see.
& Lord: Their soul can travel instantly to any
location they have previously been.
270 BLACKBIRDS

Banesword
The theurge imbues weapons with the essence of the Od, increasing their power.

REMNANT: Martiality

DISTANCE:
& Imp: One Melee weapon the theurge must touch, owned by someone who consents to the Vitiation
& Villein: Three Melee weapons the theurge must touch, owned by someone who consents to the Vitiation
& Lord: [WB] Melee weapons the theurge must touch, owned by someone who consents to the Vitiation

DURATION:
& Imp: 1+[WB] hours
& Villein: 3+[WB] hours
& Lord: 10+[WB] hours

EFFECT:
& Imp: The weapon imbued becomes noticeably
unnatural and disturbing, and it gains the
Enchanted Quality. In addition, the theurge
must choose one enhancement to give the
weapon from the list below when the Vitiation
is activated (there may be other enhancements
possible, at the Fateweaver’s discretion). Note
that Qualities do not stack: if the weapon has,
for example, the Vicious Quality, there is no
benefit to gain from conferring the Bloodthirsty
enchantment.
• Bloodthirsty: The weapon gains the Vicious
Quality, adding one Injury die to its strikes.
Villeins add 2 dice, and lords, 3.
• Dancing: The weapon now has a special
version of the Reach Quality. It can attack
opponents up to 2 strides away and can never
be Disarmed. If the weapon already possesses
the Off-Hand Quality, it adds +3 to Damage
instead of +1 if used in conjunction with
another weapon. The bonus is +4 for villeins,
and +5 for lords.
• Flaming: The weapon provides light and heat
as a torch and is considered to be a Mildly
Dangerous fire. It may not be sheathed or
stowed without ending the Vitiation. On a
successful hit, the wielder may choose to do
1Ð10+[WB] fire Damage instead of the
weapon’s normal Damage, and a successful
(Routine +10%) Coordination test must
immediately be made for the foe or they’re set
On Fire (see Set On Fire in Chapter 6: Conflict
& Rekindling for details).
• Quickbronze: The weapon strikes at foes as if
it were made of quickbronze and gains the
Quickbronze Quality.
• Phantom: The weapon gains the Fast Quality,
granting –10 to attempts made to Parry or
Dodge it. Villeins grant –20, and lords, –30.
• Singing: The weapon sings at all times in a
strange and quite disturbing high-pitched
voice. All Stealth tests made for the wielder
are (Challenging –10%). Foes struck with
this weapon gain a –10 to all Skill tests made
for them thereafter (–20 for villeins, and –30
for lords). This penalty persists until the foes
can no longer hear the weapon.

& Villein: Add +10 to hit or an extra 1Ð6 Damage
to all the weapons, chosen when the enchantment
is put in place.
& Lord: Add +20 to hit, 2Ð6 Damage, or +10 and
1Ð6 Damage, chosen when the enchantment is
put in place.
T HEU RGY: T he W hi speri n g Gri moire 271
CRITICAL SUCCESS: Every weapon empowered gains
+10 to strike for the duration of the Vitiation or
double the duration of the effect.
CRITICAL FAILURE: The weapons chosen for
empowerment are destroyed as they writhe, scream,
and transform into malformed living shapes that
expire in horrible pain.
SUBLIME SUCCESS: The effect is permanent so
long as the weapon remains in the possession of
the character who was wielding it when it was
enchanted. If the weapon is lost or stolen, the
effect ends.
SUBLIME FAILURE: All mundane weapons and armor
within 20 strides are destroyed, as are clothes.
272 BLACKBIRDS

Berserk
The theurge sends themself or others into a berserk battle frenzy.

REMNANT: Martiality

DISTANCE:
& Imp: The theurge or one other willing person they can see
& Villein: Three willing people the theurge can see
& Lord: [WB] consenting people the theurge can see

DURATION:
& Imp: [WB] Rounds
& Villein: [WB]+1Ð10 Rounds
& Lord: [WB]+2Ð10 Rounds

EFFECT:
& Imp: The recipients of this Vitiation are
overcome with battle frenzy. All Melee Attacks
gain a +10 to hit, a second attack made by them
during the same Turn garners no penalty, they
treat every attack made with their current
weapon as if it had the Punishing Quality, and
they may ignore the effects of Injuries during
the duration of the Vitiation (but they remain
Injured, and the effects will return once the
Vitiation ends). If the recipients have defeated
all their foes or they wish to end the Vitiation
early, a successful Resolve test must be made for
each one, or they assail the nearest person
available with a Melee Attack and the Vitiation
continues. This test may be made for them at the
beginning of each of their Turns thereafter.
Those under the influence of this Vitiation may
not use Ranged Attacks.
& Villein: The attack bonus is +20, the recipients
may make any number of attacks during their
Turn without penalty so long as they have AP,
they may add the Vicious Quality to all of their
attacks, and they may never take more than 3
Damage levels from any single attack made
against them.
& Lord: The attack bonus is +30, they do an extra
1Ð6 Damage for all their attacks, and they may
never take more than 2 Damage levels from any
single attack made against them. The test to end
the Vitiation for those under its influence is
made at +10.
CRITICAL SUCCESS: The recipients gain 1 additional
AP at the beginning of each of their Turns.
CRITICAL FAILURE: The recipients fly into a battle
frenzy but without any of the bonuses, and it
continues for the full duration with no way
to stop it.
SUBLIME SUCCESS: As Critical Success, and all
Injuries are completely ignored for the duration.
SUBLIME FAILURE: The recipients fly into a battle
frenzy but without any of the bonuses, and it
continues until they are subdued or the sun sets and
rises again.
 T HEU RGY: T he W hi speri n g Gri moire 273

Bough of Wax
The theurge replaces a lost body part with a replica
made of wax and touched by the Od.

REMNANT: Necromancy

DISTANCE: The theurge or one other person they can see who has lost a limb or body part.

DURATION: Permanent

EFFECT:
& Imp: Prepare a receptacle of boiling wax CRITICAL SUCCESS: The appendage or organ is better
appropriate in size to the part to be replaced. than the previous one. Skill tests made using it
Dip the boundary of the lost part into the are at +10.
receptacle until flesh touches the wax. In great
CRITICAL FAILURE: The attempt fails, and the
pain, the recipient of the Vitiation pulls themself
recipient takes 3Ð6 Damage. This magic may not
away from the scalding container, with a wax
be attempted on that recipient again for 3Ð10 days.
replacement of what they had formerly lost. The
part is functional but weaker than it was. Skill SUBLIME SUCCESS: As Critical Success, and the
tests involving it are made at –20. The replica is replica adds +1 to an appropriate Bonus Advance
clearly monstrous and strange, as it appears to be when using it.
made from wax and will be shaped like a similar
SUBLIME FAILURE: The replacement has a mind of its
part from an animal. If the recipient is ever set
own and will attempt to kill the person to whom it
On Fire, it immediately melts. Only body parts
is attached. If cut off or out, it attempts to scuttle
that have been lost in the last week may
off and will try again later. Treat it as a chattel imp.
be replaced.
& Villein: The body part is at –10 for Skill tests and
is more human shaped, although it still appears
unnatural and waxy to someone examining it. It
will not melt if the recipient is set On Fire. The
part that is to be replaced must have been lost
within the last month.
& Lord: The body part appears almost natural, and
there is no penalty to Skill tests made using it.
Parts replaced must have been lost within the
last year.
274 BLACKBIRDS

Brand-Cunning
The theurge or someone they touch is given
temporary access to a Weapon Technique.

REMNANT: Martiality

DISTANCE: The theurge or one other willing person they touch

DURATION:
& Imp: 1+[WB] minutes
& Villein: 30+[WB] minutes
& Lord: 1+[WB] hours

EFFECT:
& Imp: The target gains access to a Weapon CRITICAL SUCCESS: The duration is doubled, or
Technique associated with a Melee weapon that gain +10 to all tests made for the target to use the
the theurge must touch. If the target has no Skill Technique.
Ranks in Melee, they gain 1 for the duration of
CRITICAL FAILURE: The target forgets how to make
the Vitiation. They may not use the Extinguish
any physical attacks and loses all Ranks in any type
Ability of the given Technique. Note that the
of Combat-related Skills for twice the duration of
weapon must be available; this magic does not
the Vitiation.
create the weapon.
& Villein: The target gains access to a Weapon SUBLIME SUCCESS: The target may use the Extinguish
Technique associated with a Melee or Ranged Ability of the Technique without Extinguishing
weapon that the theurge must touch. If the another Technique, and the duration is indefinite
target has no Skill Ranks in the Skill associated until the Technique is Extinguished.
with the weapon, they gain 1 Skill Rank for the
SUBLIME FAILURE: As Critical Failure, and the target
duration of the Vitiation. The target may use an
must Extinguish a Technique without using it. If
Extinguish Ability of the Technique, but they
they can’t do so, they instead take 3Ð6 Damage.
must also Extinguish another Technique they
have slotted.
& Lord: A version of the weapon appears that has
the Enchanted Quality for the duration of the
Vitiation and has +10 to hit. The target may use
an Extinguish Ability of the Technique, and
this does not Extinguish another Technique but
does immediately end the Vitiation.
 T HEU RGY: T he W hi speri n g Gri moire 275

Caress of the
Puppeteer
The theurge’s target is attacked and possibly
torn apart by invisible hands.

REMNANT: Helotry

DISTANCE:
& Imp: One person the theurge can see
& Villein: Three people the theurge can see
& Lord: 3+[WB] people the theurge can see

DURATION:
& Imp: 1+[WB] Rounds
& Villein: 3+[WB] Rounds
& Lord: 5+[WB] Rounds

EFFECT:
& Imp: The target is assaulted by invisible hands.
All Agility-, Brawn-, and Combat-based Skill
tests are made for them at –10 for the duration
of the Vitiation. At the beginning of each of the
target’s Turns, 1 AP must be spent for them or
an Athletics or Coordination test at –10 must
be made. If the AP isn’t spent and the test fails,
the target suffers 1Ð6+[WB] Damage.
& Villein: Agility-, Brawn-, and Combat-based
Skills are at –20. If the AP isn’t spent and the
test fails, the target suffers 2Ð6+[WB] Damage.
The test to avoid the Damage is at –20.
& Lord: Agility-, Brawn-, and Combat-based
Skills are at –30. If the AP isn’t spent and the
test fails, the target suffers 3Ð6+[WB] Damage.
The test to avoid the Damage is at –30.
CRITICAL SUCCESS: Agility-, Brawn-, and Combat-
based Skills are also Flip to Fail in addition to the
prior modification.
CRITICAL FAILURE: The theurge is rendered Helpless
for the duration of the magic as invisible hands
strangle them.
SUBLIME SUCCESS: The Damage occurs at the
beginning of each of the target’s Turns for the
magic’s duration, and there is no way to mitigate
or prevent it.
SUBLIME FAILURE: The theurge is randomly
controlled by an Outsider until the sun sets and
rises again. There is no way to Resist this effect,
and the Fateweaver will tell the player what the
Blackbird does during these times.
276 BLACKBIRDS

Children
of the Deep
The theurge transforms themself and their companions into ichthyic
monstrosities to travel beneath the waves for an extended time.

REMNANT: Chimera

DISTANCE:
& Imp: The theurge and one other willing person they touch
& Villein: Up to 1+[WB] willing people the theurge touches (including themself )
& Lord: Up to 3+[WB] willing people the theurge touches (including themself )

DURATION:
& Imp: 30+[WB] minutes
& Villein: 1+[WB] hours
& Lord: 3+[WB] hours

EFFECT:
& Imp: The targets transform into terrifying half- & Villein: The recipients gain +2 to their Damage
fish monstrosities with claws for hands. This Threshold, and their claws are Melee weapons
new shape is unable to speak any language, but with the Vicious Quality.
its hissing and clicking sounds can be understood & Lord: Those altered may end the transformation
by others who are in this same form, even when earlier by willing it. Also, their tough, scaly skin
fully submerged. Those changed by this magic now provides natural armor with a Damage
can breathe underwater and swim at twice their Threshold modifier of +4, and they may wield
normal land Movement. However, their human weapons with their claws.
Movement on land is half their normal speed.
They may not wear human clothing or armor
while transformed nor wield human weapons
with their webbed claws. The first time anyone
assumes this shape, they suffer 1Ð10+1 Peril.
This Vitiation may not voluntarily end before
the time runs out, but those transformed will
instinctively know when they are within 10
minutes of the magic’s cessation. Make a Resolve
test for anyone seeing these shapes for the
first time.

CRITICAL SUCCESS: The duration of the Vitiation
lasts as long as those who are changed want it to, up
to a full day. In addition, they may change back and
forth between this and their original form during
that time for a cost of 3 AP as a Special Action.
CRITICAL FAILURE: Everyone who was intended to
be the target of the Vitiation suffers 2Ð10+2 Peril.
Make a Resolve test for each. Anyone whose test
fails is partially transformed into a monstrosity
similar to what was intended, but unable to breathe
water or swim. All Agility tests made for them are
at –10, and Fellowship tests are Flip to Fail. This
transformation lasts for 1Ð6 days.
T HEU RGY: T he W hi speri n g Gri moire 277
SUBLIME SUCCESS: The duration of the Vitiation lasts
as long as those who are changed want it to, up to 1
week. In addition, they may change back and forth
between this form and their original form during
this time for a cost of 3 AP as a Special Action.
SUBLIME FAILURE: Everyone intended to be the
target of the Vitiation, except for the theurge,
is transformed into an amphibious monster as in
Critical Failure above. They forget who they were
before, but an (Arduous –30%) Resolve test can be
made for them each day to attempt to remember
who they are and return to their true forms. Fortune
cannot be spent to augment this test.
278 BLACKBIRDS

Conviction
The theurge tells someone something that is believed.

REMNANT: Phrenic

DISTANCE:
& Imp: One person the theurge can see
& Villein: 1+[WB] people the theurge can see
& Lord: All who can hear the theurge

DURATION: Indefinite

EFFECT:
& Imp: The theurge tells someone something by CRITICAL SUCCESS: The theurge may continue to
speaking a short sentence to them. What the add information and nuance to their first statement,
theurge tells them to do must not go against and after each embellishment the target may make
their fundamental moral principles or beliefs, the same test as above, and once it succeeds, the
and it must be something reasonable to them. Vitiation ends.
The theurge could tell them lies such as “We are
CRITICAL FAILURE: The theurge’s voice is replaced by
your allies” but not “You are surrounded by
the braying of a donkey. Make a Resolve test for
giants.” The sentence must correspond to the
any who must hear it. All whose tests fail become
situation at hand as much as possible. This leads
enraged by the theurge. This effect lasts until the
to an (Challenging –10%) Awareness, Resolve,
sun sets and rises again.
or Scrutinize test to Resist, based upon what the
Fateweaver deems most appropriate. If it fails, SUBLIME SUCCESS: The theurge may continue to add
the target believes what was said until given new information and nuance to their first statement,
information that would make them doubt it. and the magic’s targets believe them and everything
& Villein: If they have a leader and their leader’s they say, indefinitely.
test fails, all those under the leader’s command
SUBLIME FAILURE: The theurge becomes unable to
also fail the test. The test is made at –20. What
discern what is real until the sun sets and rises again.
is said need only be barely plausible to be
They are essentially Helpless during this time.
believed. Examples: “The Queen is possessed by
an eidolon,” or “The hordes of Hyperion are at
the city gates!”
& Lord: The test is made at –30. What is said can
be utterly absurd and might even contradict
someone’s moral principles or beliefs if worded
properly. Examples: “Your fellow soldiers are
undead monsters!” or “I am Admiral of
this fleet.”
 T HEU RGY: T he W hi speri n g Gri moire 279

Do What Thou Wilt

The theurge is able to bend or break the natural
laws of the universe for a brief time.

REMNANT: Impossibility

DISTANCE:
& Imp: The theurge
& Villein: The theurge and one other consenting recipient they can see
& Lord: [WB] consenting recipients the theurge can see, which can include themself

DURATION: • Sight without Sight: The recipient is able to

& Imp: [WB] Rounds see in complete darkness or even see things
& Villein: 10+[WB] Rounds completely obscured by fog or mist.
& Lord: 1 hour • Tiny: The recipient shrinks to the size of a rat.
Their Movement is now half normal (round
EFFECT:
down), but add +30 to Stealth tests made for
& Imp: The theurge may bend one natural law in
them. Any successful attacks against the recipient
regard to the recipient of this Vitiation. The
add 2Ð6 Damage.
effects encompass the recipient’s possessions as
• Tougher: Add +2 to the Damage Threshold
well, if applicable. This Vitiation is physically
for the recipient.
stressful for those enchanted, and when the
• Walk Through Flames: The recipient is
Vitiation ends, each recipient suffers 2Ð10+2
completely immune to flames and heat.
Peril. Choose one of the effects below:
& Villein: Others who agree to the Vitiation can
• Faster: The recipient gains +10 to all Combat-
choose to end it for themselves by willing it. The
related and Coordination tests. Double their
resulting Peril can be mitigated by a successful
Movement.
Toughness test.
• Flight: The recipient gains the ability to fly at
& Lord: No Peril results from using this Vitiation.
their normal Movement.
The theurge may choose two effects from the
• Health: The recipient is immune to poisons,
list, so long as they are not in direct conflict. All
toxins, venoms, and diseases.
recipients must gain the same benefits.
• Huge: The recipient is now twice as tall. All
attacks are made against them at +10. All of CRITICAL SUCCESS: The duration is doubled.
their Melee Attacks gain the Reach Quality
CRITICAL FAILURE: All recipients suffer 3Ð10+3 Peril.
and do an extra 1Ð6 Damage. Athletics tests
made for them that reflect the use of raw SUBLIME SUCCESS: As Critical Success, but once the
strength, or that can benefit from their new duration is reached, the magic persists until the theurge
size, are Flip to Succeed. uses another Vitiation or Outsider Technique.
• Inner Heat: The recipient is immune to cold
SUBLIME FAILURE: The theurge loses their connection
and can withstand any low temperature.
to the Od. All Odweft tests made for them are Flip
• No Breath: The recipient doesn’t need to breathe.
to Fail until the sun sets and rises again.
280 BLACKBIRDS

Eidolon
The theurge places an eidolon into a container so
that it may possess someone for them.

REMNANT: Helotry

DISTANCE: One container that can be broken or opened, which the theurge must touch

DURATION: Instantaneous

EFFECT:
& Imp: The theurge summons an eidolon (see CRITICAL SUCCESS: The victim automatically fails to
Eidolon in Chapter 10: Bestiary for details) and Resist possession.
places it into a container that can be opened.
CRITICAL FAILURE: The theurge is immediately
This involves a ritual lasting from dusk ‘til dawn.
attacked by the eidolon.
Thereafter, the person closest to the container
when it is opened or broken will be attacked by SUBLIME SUCCESS: The eidolon likes the theurge and
the eidolon as it attempts to possess them. Once will stay in this world and continue to act favorably
it does so, the theurge will have no control over toward them.
it, although it will generally cause chaos in a
SUBLIME FAILURE: The theurge is immediately
destructive way. The theurge may not use this
possessed by the eidolon with no chance to Resist.
Vitiation again until the eidolon is released or
has been destroyed.
& Villein: The ritual now takes 1 hour and can be
performed at any time. The theurge may give
the eidolon a command that it will follow once
possessing someone, and the target will be
immediately possessed at the 2nd degree if they
fail to Resist. The command must be something
simple that can be completed within a day.
“Unlock the main gate” would be an acceptable
command, but “Build a house under the bridge”
would not. Once the eidolon completes the
task, it is free to do what it wishes with the body
it commands, and the theurge may use this
Vitiation again.
& Lord: The ritual is now instant. The eidolon can
be given complicated and lengthy commands,
and once it has completed them, it is dismissed
from this world. The target is possessed at the
3rd degree if they fail to Resist.
 T HEU RGY: T he W hi speri n g Gri moire 281

Feast of Words
The theurge devours a book or scroll, and all of the
information in it becomes part of their memory.

REMNANT: Esotaria

DISTANCE:
& Imp: The theurge
& Villein: The theurge or one other willing recipient they touch
& Lord: The theurge or one other willing recipient they touch

DURATION:
& Imp: 1+[WB] hours
& Villein: 10+[WB] hours
& Lord: 1+[WB] days

EFFECT:
& Imp: The theurge must burn a book or scroll
written by a dead author and make a pastry of
the ashes. This takes 1 hour, and they’ll need
access to flour and a fire. After eating this pastry,
all the knowledge contained therein can be
perfectly recalled at any time. This does not give
the theurge comprehension of the words, only
rote learning of what was written. If this
knowledge would give them a Skill bonus, that
bonus is +10. If appropriate to the work, it will
allow them to use one Special Skill they didn’t
possess before without rolling Flip to Fail. Once
the Vitiation has ended, the theurge may recall
the knowledge again by using this Vitiation
once more, so long as they still have access to the
same Outsider that gave them the original
Vitiation. In these instances, the Outsider
provides the pastry to the theurge immediately,
without spending time to bake it. The theurge
may use this magic to learn a language, but
comprehension and speech are clumsy, and an
Odweft test must be made for each translation.
& Villein: Comprehension is greater. Add +20 to
pertinent Skill tests. Language learned this way
is comprehensive, but not fluent.
& Lord: The theurge need not make a pastry, but
merely touch the book or scroll and it will
immediately become a delicious pastry of their
choosing. Recipients understand what the
author’s intent was behind the writing. They
may even gain knowledge of secrets the author
knew but did not write into the work. Add +30
to associated Skill tests. Language learned this
way is fluent, as if from a native speaker.
CRITICAL SUCCESS: Double the duration or share the
magic with one other person. The theurge chooses.
CRITICAL FAILURE: The theurge is struck with
amnesia and does not remember who they are or
what they are doing. This effect lasts for twice the
duration that the magic would have. The theurge
may never access the knowledge of that book, even
if they use this Vitiation again.
SUBLIME SUCCESS: The effects are permanent.
SUBLIME FAILURE: The theurge loses a Skill Rank of
their choosing.
282 BLACKBIRDS

Gnosis
The theurge asks a question of the Outsider that
must be answered truthfully, if possible.

REMNANT: Esotaria

DISTANCE: The theurge

DURATION: Instantaneous

EFFECT:
& Imp: If the Odweft test succeeds, the theurge
may ask the Outsider who granted this Vitiation
a question as if they had first summoned them
with the Pythonic Liturgy. The question is more
likely to be answered if it is within that
Outsider’s purview.
& Villein: The question can be outside the
particular Outsider’s purview.
& Lord: The question can be about anything, even
things that would be impossible to know.
CRITICAL SUCCESS: The theurge may ask an
additional follow-up question.
CRITICAL FAILURE: The theurge forgets everything
that happened in the last day.
SUBLIME SUCCESS: As Critical Success, but the
theurge gets two follow-up questions, and the
questions will be answered with full candor and
with additional valuable information, if possible.
SUBLIME FAILURE: The theurge forgets everything
they know about the topic related to the question
and do not believe people who tell them otherwise.
They may make an (Arduous –30%) Education
test each time the sun sets to try to remember this
information.
 T HEU RGY: T he W hi speri n g Gri moire 283

Hands of
Trenchant Will
The theurge’s hands gain the ability to cut through flesh and parry blades.

REMNANT: Chimera

DISTANCE:
& Imp: The theurge
& Villein: The theurge and one other consenting recipient
& Lord: [WB] consenting recipients, which can include the theurge

DURATION:
& Imp: 1+[WB] Rounds
& Villein: 1+[WB] minutes
& Lord: 20+[WB] minutes

EFFECT:
& Imp: The recipient’s hands show no overt change, CRITICAL SUCCESS: Add +10 to all tests to attack and
but for the duration of this Vitiation, they can Parry using the hands.
cut through flesh and Parry blades as if they
CRITICAL FAILURE: All recipients’ hands become
were made of steel. The effect is as if they had
boneless sacks of skin on the ends of their arms for
two Melee weapons with the Fast Quality and
the duration of the Vitiation. The appendages are
the Off-Hand Quality. They may also use their
completely useless.
[WB] to determine the Damage bonus instead
of another Attribute. Finally, whenever the SUBLIME SUCCESS: Add +20 to all tests to attack and
recipient strikes or parries with their hands, Parry using the hands, and the Vitiation lasts until
their Odweft Skill may be used instead of a the sun sets and rises again.
Combat-based Skill to do so.
SUBLIME FAILURE: All recipients’ hands become
& Villein: Their hands gain the Defensive,
charred and twisted, and they gain 3 levels of
Enchanted, and Punishing Qualities.
Damage. Any Skill tests relying on the damaged
& Lord: Their hands gain the Vicious and Piercing
members are at –20. Their appendages will be
Qualities.
restored when the sun sets and rises again, but the
Damage must be healed normally.
284 BLACKBIRDS

Here Is No Crime
Those who seek the theurge are unable to find or see them, and searchers
knit their own memories and awareness around the theurge’s passing.

REMNANT: Deceit

DISTANCE:
& Imp: The theurge
& Villein: The theurge and [WB] willing targets they can see
& Lord: The theurge and 2×[WB] willing targets they can see

DURATION:
& Imp: 10+[WB] minutes
& Villein: 1+[WB] hours
& Lord: 24+[WB] hours

EFFECT:
& Imp: If they stand amid a crowd of people, the CRITICAL SUCCESS: Even if the recipients are
theurge appears to be a wholly unremarkable standing in front of authorities who are actively
person. If someone hasn’t met them face to face looking for them and talk to them, the searchers
but is seeking someone of their description, they will not recognize the recipients. Any act of violence
won’t notice the theurge in the crowd. If the or openly committed crime ends the magic.
theurge is more than 20 strides away from
CRITICAL FAILURE: For 1 day, anyone seeking the
anyone searching for them, they will not be seen
recipients to punish or harm them immediately finds
at all, so long as they are moving away from
them if any recipient is within their line of sight.
them. While this magic lasts, any tracks the
theurge leaves are also hidden. Any attempt to SUBLIME SUCCESS: Recipients may pass through
interact with another person who is not locked doors, which unlock for them. Violence
ensorcelled ends the magic. ends the magic, but other crimes are not noted or
& Villein: Even those who have met the recipients remembered, even if they are performed in full view.
face to face will not recognize them in a crowd.
SUBLIME FAILURE: For 1 week, anyone seeking the
All recipients must remain in sight of the
recipients to punish or harm them knows where
theurge, or the effect ends for them.
they are, even if they can’t see them and regardless
& Lord: A recipient may pass any guard posts,
of the distance between them.
checkpoints, or restricted areas without showing
any documentation, as the guardians assume
they have already seen the recipient. The theurge
and those with them will still be unrecognizable
even outside of a crowd. Any attempt to interact
with someone who is actively in pursuit of the
recipients ends the magic, but the recipients can
interact with anyone else.
 T HEU RGY: T he W hi speri n g Gri moire 285

Here Is No Lie
The theurge’s lies become very easy to believe.

REMNANT: Deceit

DISTANCE: The theurge

DURATION:
& Imp: 30+[WB] minutes
& Villein: 1+[WB] hours
& Lord: 24+[WB] hours

EFFECT:
& Imp: Anything the theurge says is likely to be CRITICAL SUCCESS: The duration is doubled.
believed, so long as it is plausible. If the listener
CRITICAL FAILURE: The theurge may not lie and
is specifically expecting a lie or deception, then a
must answer any questions asked of them for twice
successful (Challenging –10%) Scrutinize test
the duration of the Vitiation.
means they are unaffected. The theurge gains
+10 to Guile tests. Examples: “I had no idea this SUBLIME SUCCESS: The duration is indefinite, lasting
was your privy,” or “I’m the captain of the until the theurge uses another Vitiation on themself.
guard’s cousin.”
SUBLIME FAILURE: The theurge may not lie and must
& Villein: The Scrutinize test is (Hard –20%), and
answer any questions asked of them for twice the
Guile is at +20. Even somewhat implausible lies
duration of the Vitiation. They may not use any
will be believed. “The captain of the guard just
Vitiations during this time.
stole my purse,” or “I am here to inspect
the vault.”
& Lord: The Scrutinize test is (Arduous –30%),
and Guile is at +30. Even an utterly ridiculous
lie will be believed. “I AM the captain of the
guard; this is a disguise, you idiot,” or “These
weapons have been in my family for a thousand
years, each a bespoke and magical work of art.”
286 BLACKBIRDS

Here Is No Truth
The theurge creates a forgery of an object or document.

REMNANT: Deceit

DISTANCE: Any one object the theurge touches

DURATION:
& Imp: 30+[WB] minutes
& Villein: 1+[WB] hours
& Lord: 24+[WB] hours

EFFECT:
& Imp: The theurge must touch an object that is CRITICAL SUCCESS: The duration is doubled, or
similar to the object forged (e.g., a blank the forgery is impossible to detect, at the theurge’s
parchment for a document, a ring for a ring, discretion.
etc.). The object forged may not be a unique
CRITICAL FAILURE: The object to be forged is
item: for example, the theurge may cause
destroyed.
something to look like a valuable piece of
jewelry, but not a specific valuable piece of SUBLIME SUCCESS: The duration is indefinite
jewelry. Anyone examining the object closely until someone suspects a forgery and a successful
and expecting duplicitousness can determine Awareness test is made at –30.
that something is wrong with a successful
SUBLIME FAILURE: The object to be forged is
(Challenging –10%) Awareness test. The
destroyed along with all mundane possessions the
illusion does not actually change the object, so a
theurge has on their person.
forged signet ring will not give a proper imprint,
for example. The value of the forgery cannot be
more than three times the value of the
source object.
& Villein: The value of the forgery can be up to five
times the value of the source object, and the
theurge may duplicate specific items. The
Awareness test at this level is (Hard –20%).
& Lord: The value of the forgery can be up to ten
times the value of the source object, and the
object is physically changed to be like the forged
object (so a signet ring would now give the
proper imprint). The Awareness test is
(Arduous –30%).

Homunculus
The theurge creates a homunculus, an artificial human made from
Od that appears normal, usually to act as a servant or spy.
REMNANT: Necromancy
DISTANCE: Touch
DURATION: Indefinite
EFFECT:
& Imp: A homunculus takes time to create, and the
theurge must be in a location where they will
not be interrupted by anyone until the sun sets
and rises again. This homunculus must be
formed from the body of a human who has died
within the past month. The homunculus will
remember that person’s name as their own and
have vague knowledge of their previous life,
although this memory can be guided by the
theurge during their first day of “life” to fill in or
change details. The homunculus will appear to
be the same age as the body from which they
were created. Note that, although the
homunculus is made from a dead body and has
the name and some of the memories of that
person, it is not that person. It may possess one
Skill at +10 as long as the theurge also possesses
that Skill or the person who served as their
template had it when they lived. Each day the
homunculus exists, there is a cumulative 1%
chance that it will notice something about its
existence that seems off. If the theurge is present
when this happens, a Guile, Leadership, or
Intimidate test may be made for them to
convince the homunculus that it is real. If this
test fails, the construct will soon spiral into
madness and must be dissolved. Even beyond
this random roll, if something happens that
would cause it to question itself (e.g.,
encountering those who know the homunculus
T HEU RGY: T he W hi speri n g Gri moire 287
to be dead), the same roll as above must be made
for the theurge, if present, to prevent it
descending into madness. If the theurge is not
present when one of these crises occurs, the
homunculus becomes a rogue creature controlled
by the Fateweaver and goes on to seek its own
goals and destiny. Because a theurge can have
only one homunculus at a time, they must seek
out this wayward construct and eliminate it if
they want to use this Vitiation again. A
homunculus can be dissolved by hearing its
creator utter six words chosen by the theurge
when it was made.
& Villein: The homunculus takes only 1 hour to
create and can have three Skills that are as high
a level as those of the theurge or the deceased
person upon whom it is based, though none can
be higher than +20. The crisis chance
accumulates weekly instead of daily. The
homunculus can be formed from any part of a
dead body, and the created being can be of any
age and will look the way the corpse they were
made from did at that age. They will not
remember their name or anything of their
previous life, and these details must be supplied
by the theurge during the first day after the
homunculus is created.
& Lord: The homunculus is created instantly and
can have up to five Skills based on the levels of
those present who consent to the process, but
288 BLACKBIRDS
each Skill can be no higher than +30. The
homunculus’s Primary Attributes are assigned
by the theurge when they are created and have
these values: 55, 45, 40, 40, 35, 30. The
homunculus requires no source and is created
entirely from the theurge’s imagination, but it
must be in appearance and form a human being
who could actually exist. Crisis chances now
occur monthly.
CRITICAL SUCCESS: The homunculus requires crisis
rolls only if confronted with evidence that they
are not a real person, and it does not accumulate
instability over time.
CRITICAL FAILURE: The thing the theurge brings up
is a lemure that immediately attacks anyone present.
SUBLIME SUCCESS: The homunculus gains a
Technique of the theurge’s choice but can’t use the
Extinguish Ability of that Technique.
SUBLIME FAILURE: The thing the theurge brings up
is a fomor that immediately attacks anyone present.
 T HEU RGY: T he W hi speri n g Gri moire 289

It Is Known
The theurge gains knowledge in a particular Skill.

REMNANT: Esotaria

DISTANCE:
& Imp: The theurge
& Villein: The theurge or one other willing recipient they touch
& Lord: The theurge or one other willing recipient they touch

DURATION:
& Imp: 1+[WB] minutes
& Villein: 10+[WB] minutes
& Lord: 1+[WB] hours

EFFECT:
& Imp: Choose one Intelligence- or Perception- CRITICAL SUCCESS: The Skill gain lasts until the sun
based Skill. The theurge gains +10 to use the sets and rises again before fading.
Skill for the Vitiation’s duration. If it is a Special
CRITICAL FAILURE: The theurge is struck with
Skill, it may be employed without Flip to Fail.
amnesia and forgets a Skill Rank of the Fateweaver’s
& Villein: The theurge can choose a Fellowship- or
choosing. This lasts for 1 week. They may not use
Willpower-based Skill or one of the options
this Vitiation again during that time.
above. The recipient gains +20 to use the Skill.
& Lord: The theurge can choose any Skill. The SUBLIME SUCCESS: After the magic ends, the
recipient gains +30 to use the Skill. recipient keeps one Rank in the Skill.

SUBLIME FAILURE: The recipient loses one Skill Rank

of their choosing permanently.
290 BLACKBIRDS

Language of the Od
The theurge is given the ability to speak the language
of magic, the gods, and Outsiders.

REMNANT: Common (accessible to all Outsiders)

DISTANCE: The theurge

DURATION:
& Imp: 1+[WB] minutes & Lord: Fellowship-based Skill tests for Outsiders
& Villein: 30+[WB] minutes and magical creatures are increased by +30, and
& Lord: 1+[WB] hours Resolve tests are at –30.
• Using the Language to influence Mortals adds
EFFECT:
+20 to Fellowship-based Skill tests and is at
& Imp: The theurge gains the ability to speak the
–20 for them to Resist with Resolve.
Language of the Od. This vocalization sounds like
a language, but it is terrifying and horrible to hear, CRITICAL SUCCESS: The duration is doubled and the
reminiscent of the buzzing of insects, the snapping theurge may hide the language or make it sound
of bones, and the sounds that unknown creatures pleasant, as at the villein level of the Vitiation, even
make in the dark of night. Supernatural entities or if cast at the imp level.
creatures from the Od are generally impressed by
CRITICAL FAILURE: The theurge’s voice sounds
this ability, however. Anyone who is not a theurge
disturbing and obviously supernatural, penalizing
or Odtouched finds the sound disturbing, and a
all Fellowship-based Skill tests by –10 and revealing
Resolve test must be made for them the first time
the theurge’s true nature. This effect lasts until the
they hear it. They will also know the speaker is
sun sets and rises again.
manifesting magic of some sort. Speaking this
language grants the speaker +10 to all Fellowship- SUBLIME SUCCESS: The theurge attracts the attention
based Skill tests made to influence Outsiders. The of an Outsider chosen by the Fateweaver who
Language of the Od has no written form. will introduce itself and begin a relationship at
& Villein: Fellowship-based Skill tests for Outsiders the rapport level. All Odweft tests to perform the
are increased by +20, and Resolve tests are at Pythonic Liturgy with this Outsider are at +10.
–20. The theurge may choose to speak the
SUBLIME FAILURE: The theurge’s mouth becomes a
Language of the Od so that only those able to
source of stinging insects for the duration of the
understand it can hear it. Alternatively, they
Vitiation. Anyone within 2 strides of the theurge
may speak it so that it still sounds strange and
when they speak has all Skill tests reduced by –20
magical, but pleasant.
from the distraction for one Round as a swarm of
• When interwoven with normal speech,
creatures spews forth and stings them. Skill tests
Mortals who do not understand it will react
made for the theurge are at –30 for the duration,
positively toward the speaker, though they
whether their mouth is open or not, as the insects
won’t know why. Make a Resolve test for
sting them and the inside of their mouth.
them. If it fails, all Fellowship-based Skills
used on them by the speaker are at +10.
 T HEU RGY: T he W hi speri n g Gri moire 291

Legions of the Od
The theurge summons lesser Outsiders to assist them.

REMNANT: Helotry

DISTANCE: A location the theurge can see

DURATION:
& Imp: [WB] Rounds
& Villein: [WB] minutes
& Lord: [WB] hours

EFFECT:
& Imp: The theurge summons a chattel imp to aid CRITICAL SUCCESS: Double the duration, or twice as
them (see Chattel Imp in Chapter 10: Bestiary many of the summoned creatures appear.
for details). The imp follows any verbal
CRITICAL FAILURE: The beings the theurge summons
instructions given it to the best of its ability. The
immediately attack them.
theurge may choose the court the chattel imp is
associated with when it is summoned, but the SUBLIME SUCCESS: The summoning lasts indefinitely,
theurge must have an agreement with an until the summoned being is killed or until the
Outsider from that court. theurge uses this Vitiation again.
& Villein: The theurge may summon a lemure (see
SUBLIME FAILURE: A whispering chimera appears
Lemure in Chapter 10: Bestiary for details) in
(see Whispering Chimera in Chapter 10: Bestiary
the same manner as the imp level of this
for details) and requests a reckoning that must be
Vitiation, or they may summon two chattel
immediately endeavored upon, or it will attack.
imps for three times the duration.
& Lord: The theurge has three options. They can
summon a fomor (see Fomor in Chapter 10:
Bestiary for details), they can summon [WB]
lemures, or they can summon a chattel imp that
will remain past the end of the duration until
they use this Vitiation again. If they summon
the imp, the theurge may communicate with it
using only thoughts.
292 BLACKBIRDS

Marionette
The theurge takes control of another person and
can give them mental commands.

REMNANT: Helotry

DISTANCE: One other person the theurge can see

DURATION:
& Imp: 1 Action
& Villein: 5+[WB] minutes
& Lord: 1 hour

EFFECT:
& Imp: The theurge gains control over another CRITICAL SUCCESS: No Resolve test can be made for
person for one Action or one Turn in combat. the target to Resist.
They may have the person attack someone,
CRITICAL FAILURE: The theurge is controlled by an
throw themself over a cliff, pull a lever, or yell
Outsider for the same duration as the Vitiation
out a command. If this Vitiation is used during
would last by the same Outsider who empowered it.
combat, the theurge takes control of the target’s
next Turn when it comes up and chooses how to SUBLIME SUCCESS: The effect is permanent, but
spend their AP. While the target is being the target is essentially mentally erased and cannot
commanded, make Skill tests for them at their function when out of sight of the theurge. If separated
full Skill Rank. If the Action is something from the theurge, the target eventually dies.
offensive to the target’s morality or would make
SUBLIME FAILURE: The theurge is possessed by an
them harm themself or their allies, Resist for
eidolon at the 3rd degree (see Eidolon in Chapter
them with a (Challenging –10%) Resolve test.
10: Bestiary for details).
If it succeeds, the Vitiation immediately ends; if
it fails, no further tests may be made.
& Villein: The theurge must maintain concentration
and keep the target in sight during the entire
duration, or the magic ends. A successful
Scrutinize test made for anyone closely observing
the target allows them to notice that something
is wrong with the target and that they are
straining against something. The Resolve test to
Resist is (Hard –20%).
& Lord: The Resolve test to Resist and the
Scrutinize test to notice the control are both
(Arduous –30%).
 T HEU RGY: T he W hi speri n g Gri moire 293

Martial Augury
The theurge grants an ally supernatural prescience about
the current combat, giving them an advantage.

REMNANT: Clairvoyance

DISTANCE: One willing creature the theurge can see

DURATION:
& Imp: [WB] minutes
& Villein: [WB] hours
& Lord: [WB] days

EFFECT:
& Imp: The ensorcelled creature is impossible to
Surprise, as they sense beforehand that such an
attack is coming. They get +10 to all Skill tests
for Attack Actions, Dodge, and Parry. Whenever
the ensorcelled creature makes a successful
Dodge or Parry test, roll 1Ð6. If it is a ‘6,’ the
Reaction costs 0 AP.
& Villein: The modifier becomes +20. Whenever
the ensorcelled creature makes a successful
Dodge or Parry test, roll 1Ð6. If it is a ‘4’ or
higher, the Reaction costs 0 AP.
& Lord: The modifier becomes +30. If they
successfully Dodge or Parry, the Reaction
costs 0 AP.
CRITICAL SUCCESS: Add 1Ð6 Damage to all attacks
made by the ensorcelled creature if no other magical
effect is adding Damage dice.
CRITICAL FAILURE: The ensorcelled creature is
rendered Defenseless until the sun sets and rises
again, as they are lost in repeated nightmare visions
of themself being killed violently. They suffer
1Ð10+1 Peril from these visions from an imp,
2Ð10+2 from a villein, and 3Ð10+3 from a lord.
SUBLIME SUCCESS: Opponents are considered to be
Defenseless against the ensorcelled creature’s attacks.
SUBLIME FAILURE: The recipient loses their
connection to reality, becoming Helpless, as they
witness hallucinations of themself killing one
another, over and over. Make an (Arduous –30%)
Bargain test each sunrise for them to convince their
phantasmal duplicates to end the cycle of violence.
294 BLACKBIRDS

Mask of No Mask
The theurge becomes invisible.

REMNANT: Illusion

DISTANCE:
& Imp: The theurge
& Villein: The theurge and [WB] willing targets they can see
& Lord: The theurge and 3+[WB] willing targets they can see

DURATION:
& Imp: 1+[WB] Rounds
& Villein: 1+[WB] minutes
& Lord: 10+[WB] minutes

EFFECT:
& Imp: The theurge is mostly invisible, though CRITICAL SUCCESS: The duration is doubled, and
there is a distinctive shimmer where they stand. the magic is not ended by attacking or interacting
Attacking or otherwise interacting with another with anyone.
person in a way that would be against their will
CRITICAL FAILURE: Recipients are Blinded for the
immediately ends the magic. Stealth tests by the
duration of the magic.
theurge are Flip to Succeed, and opponents have
–20 to Perception-based tests to note the SUBLIME SUCCESS: The magic lasts until the sun sets
theurge’s location. and rises again, and it is not ended by attacking or
& Villein: If one person in the group becomes interacting with anyone.
visible by attacking someone, the effect will
SUBLIME FAILURE: The recipients are trapped in
continue for all others until they do something
a barely material, invisible state. They may not
to end the magic for themselves or the time runs
touch or interact with anything in the real world
out. Opponents have –30 to Perception-based
and make no sound. They can only be seen in
tests to note the location of those under the
mirrors or other reflective surfaces. Once per day,
effect of the Vitiation.
a successful (Arduous –30%) Folklore test may be
& Lord: The recipients are all completely invisible,
made for the recipients to recall the details of an
with no telltale shimmer. Opponents cannot see
obscure fairy tale that holds the secret to escaping
them without magical assistance, though they
this realm of reflections through a large mirror at
may see signs of their passing if they are walking
the break of dawn.
on snow or leaves or through mist. The magic is
not ended by attacking or interacting with
others. Perception-based tests to see the
recipients are Flip to Fail.
 T HEU RGY: T he W hi speri n g Gri moire 295

Mask of Shadows
The theurge sends a target or targets into a waking dream where
reality is rewoven to spin a deception of the senses.

REMNANT: Illusion

DISTANCE:
& Imp: One target the theurge can see
& Villein: Three targets the theurge can see
& Lord: [WB] targets the theurge can see

DURATION:
& Imp: 1Ð6 Rounds
& Villein: [WB] Rounds
& Lord: 1 hour

EFFECT:
& Imp: The target is thrown into a waking dream CRITICAL SUCCESS: Awareness tests to Resist are
where discerning what is real from what is false Flip to Fail.
is uncertain. A successful (Challenging –10%)
CRITICAL FAILURE: The theurge loses access to a
Awareness test must be made for them at the
random sense for the duration of the magic. Roll
start of each of their Turns while they are under
1Ð6: 1 - Sight, 2 - Hearing, 3 - Smell, 4 - Touch,
the effects of this Vitiation, or the theurge may
5 - Taste, 6 - Odsight.
alter one of the target’s senses. The theurge must
be in view of their target to maintain the magic. SUBLIME SUCCESS: The effect is indefinite so long as
Examples: The theurge could make the target the theurge remains in sight of the targets.
smell fire or hear someone screaming for help on
SUBLIME FAILURE: The theurge loses access to all of
the other side of a door, or make them see
their senses for the duration. They are completely
monsters in place of their allies.
Helpless during this time and will likely injure
& Villein: A successful (Hard –20%) Awareness
themself if not assisted. Make a successful Resolve
test must be made for those targeted when the
test or they suffer 3Ð10+3 Peril.
magic is enacted, or they remain under its effects
for the entire duration. The theurge may alter
two senses.
& Lord: The Awareness test is (Arduous –30%).
The theurge controls everything those under the
effect of this Vitiation perceive.
296 BLACKBIRDS

Mask of the Mundane

The theurge makes the Od difficult to perceive and interpret in a particular area
or near a particular person or persons, hiding any magical aspects of the targets.

REMNANT: Illusion

DISTANCE:
& Imp: Any one place the size of a modest room, or one willing person the theurge can see
& Villein: Any one place the size of a small inn or building, or three willing people the theurge can see
& Lord: Any one place the size of a small village or a district in a city, or [WB] willing people the theurge can see

DURATION:
& Imp: 30+[WB] minutes for a person, 1+[WB] hours for a place
& Villein: 1+[WB] hours for a person, 10+[WB] hours for a place
& Lord: 12+[WB] hours for a person, 7+[WB] days for a place

EFFECT:
& Imp: A cursory observation of the location or CRITICAL SUCCESS: The duration is doubled, and
person via Odsight or any ability that senses Od tests to sense magic are Flip to Fail.
turns up nothing unusual, and any magical
CRITICAL FAILURE: All tests made for the theurge to
details or items will not be noticed. Make a
empower Vitiations are Flip to Fail for twice the
(Challenging –10%) Odweft test for anyone
duration the magic would last.
specifically seeking magic for them to see what is
happening. If this is a location, it must be SUBLIME SUCCESS: The duration is doubled, and
stationary and no larger than a room. If it is a there is no chance of detecting magic in the area or
person, the effect moves with them, but applies associated with any of the recipients.
only to them, the possessions they are holding/
SUBLIME FAILURE: The theurge is unable to use any
wearing, and Outsiders manifesting for them.
Vitiations until the sun sets and rises again.
& Villein: The difficulty is (Hard –20%) for an
attempt to sense magic obscured by this
Vitiation.
& Lord: The difficulty is (Arduous –30%) for an
attempt to sense magic obscured by this
Vitiation.
 T HEU RGY: T he W hi speri n g Gri moire 297

Mask of the Other

The theurge’s appearance changes to that of someone else.

REMNANT: Illusion

DISTANCE:
& Imp: The theurge
& Villein: The theurge and one willing recipient they can see
& Lord: The theurge and two willing recipients they can see

DURATION:
& Imp: 20+[WB] minutes
& Villein: 1+[WB] hours
& Lord: 10+[WB] hours

EFFECT:
& Imp: The theurge’s appearance and clothing
change so they look like another person. The
person can be any gender and have any features,
can be wearing any clothes that exist, and can be
carrying any items that one person could
reasonably carry. Although the theurge does not
appear as themself, they also do not look like any
other person who exists in the world, so they
cannot use this ability to impersonate someone
specific. This magic changes the theurge’s visual
appearance only, not their voice or the actual
shape or size of their body. No part of the illusion
can become separate from the target’s body, nor
may it defy any of the other four senses, especially
in a way that would startle the mind (e.g.,
touching what appears to be a fur cloak and
feeling plate mail in its stead). If it ever does so, or
if the theurge attacks someone, the magic ends.
& Villein: The illusion also changes a recipient’s
voice, their smell, and any tactile sensations for
anyone interacting with them. They may attack
other people and use any objects on their person
(which seem to materialize in their hands if the
object in question isn’t part of the illusion)
without ending the magic. The theurge may
make any recipient of the magic into a duplicate
of someone who exists, but the recipient and the
target must simultaneously perceive one another
for the effect to work.
& Lord: The theurge may make any recipient of the
magic into a duplicate of someone who exists so
long as they or one of the recipients has seen that
person and been in their presence.
CRITICAL SUCCESS: The duration is doubled, and
one other willing person can be changed.
CRITICAL FAILURE: All of the potential recipients
appear as blank and featureless human shapes for
the duration of the magic. Make a successful (Hard
–20%) Resolve test for the recipients or they suffer
2Ð10+2 Peril.
SUBLIME SUCCESS: The duration is doubled, and one
other willing person can be changed. Also, all are
particularly believable. Add +30 to all Fellowship-
based tests made for them while ensorcelled.
SUBLIME FAILURE: Anyone who would have been
altered by this Vitiation becomes a horrid, inhuman
monster until the sun sets and rises again. They all
suffer 3Ð10+3 Peril.
298 BLACKBIRDS

Mask of the World

The theurge creates an illusion of an object in the world.

REMNANT: Illusion

DISTANCE: Any one place the theurge can see

DURATION:
& Imp: 30+[WB] minutes
& Villein: 2+[WB] hours
& Lord: 1+[WB] days

EFFECT:
& Imp: The theurge causes a single illusory object CRITICAL SUCCESS: The duration is doubled.
to appear somewhere in their line of sight. No
CRITICAL FAILURE: Throughout the duration, the
other sentient being may be looking at the
theurge has intermittent hallucinations that omit
location when the object appears. The object
random objects in their vicinity, and they are
must be a real object that can be found in the
penalized –10 on all Skill tests during this time.
world, and one that the theurge has personally
seen. The illusion is immobile and has no SUBLIME SUCCESS: The duration is indefinite, lasting
auditory or olfactory component. It can be no until the theurge uses this Vitiation again.
larger than the size of a person. If anyone touches
SUBLIME FAILURE: Until the sun sets and rises again,
the object, it disappears.
the theurge believes themself to be the object they
& Villein: The object may move slightly. For
attempted to create via illusion and will do nothing
example, a tree may sway in the breeze, but it
that would disrupt that belief.
may not move from its location. The magic may
have either an auditory or olfactory component,
but not both. The object can be twice the size of
a large person. If anyone touches the object, it
disappears for them, but others still behold it.
The object may be something made up of other
objects that fit together (e.g., a bookshelf full of
books, a pile of gold coins, a patch of flowers).
& Lord: The object may have both auditory and
olfactory components, can be the size of a small
house and, if touched or attacked, will seem to
have a solid physical presence. The illusion can
both be climbed upon and interacted with. For
all intents and purposes, it is the thing it appears
to be until the magic ends, and then it disappears.
 T HEU RGY: T he W hi speri n g Gri moire 299

Missiles of Imbuement
The theurge imbues arrows, bolts, or other missiles with
the essence of the Od, increasing their power.

REMNANT: Martiality

DISTANCE:
& Imp: 10 missiles, which the theurge must touch
& Villein: 60 missiles, which the theurge must touch
& Lord: 20×[WB] missiles, which the theurge must touch

DURATION: and –30 for lords). This penalty continues until

& Imp: 1+[WB] hours they can no longer hear the missile.
& Villein: 3+[WB] hours & Villein: Increased effects are noted above, based
& Lord: 10+[WB] hours upon the specific imbuement. Add half of the
theurge’s [WB] to the total Damage done by the
EFFECT:
missiles, rounded down.
& Imp: The imbued missiles become noticeably
& Lord: Add the theurge’s [WB] to the total
unnatural and disturbing, gaining the Enchanted
Damage done by the missiles. The following
Quality. In addition, the theurge must choose
additional effect is possible:
one enhancement to give the missiles from the
• Bane: The missiles are made to be the Bane of
list below when the Vitiation is empowered.
a specific creature (not a class of creatures) that
Add a quarter of the theurge’s [WB] to the total
might not otherwise have a bane, and they do
Damage done by the missiles, rounded down.
Bane Damage to that creature. The theurge can
• Bloodthirsty: The missiles gain the Piercing
only make [WB] missiles with this imbuement.
Quality, or increase it by 1 if the weapon they
are fired from already has it. CRITICAL SUCCESS: Every missile empowered gains
• Dark Blessed: The missiles double their range +10 to strike for the duration of the Vitiation, or if
and gain +10 to hit. the empowering Outsider is a lord, the theurge may
• Flaming: On a successful hit, the missiles do choose to make this Vitiation permanent for the
fire Damage, and a successful (Routine missiles until they strike a target.
+10%) Coordination test must immediately
CRITICAL FAILURE: The missiles chosen for
be made for the target, or they’re set On Fire
empowerment are destroyed as they writhe, scream,
(see Set On Fire in Chapter 6: Conflict &
and transform into malformed living shapes that
Rekindling for details).
expire in horrible pain.
• Phantom: The missiles gain the Fast Quality,
granting –10 on attempts made to Parry or SUBLIME SUCCESS: Every missile empowered is Flip
Dodge them. Villeins grant –20, and lords, –30. to Succeed to hit, and this Vitiation is permanent
• Singing: The missiles sing at all times in a strange for each missile until it strikes a target.
and disturbing high-pitched voice. All Stealth
SUBLIME FAILURE: The missiles and any mundane
tests made for anyone with one of these missiles
Ranged weapons within 20 strides are destroyed as
in their possession are (Challenging –10%).
they writhe, scream, and transform into malformed
Foes struck with one of these missiles gain a –10
living shapes that expire in horrible pain.
to all Skill tests going forward (–20 for villeins
300 BLACKBIRDS

Mort-Cunning
The theurge speaks with the dead.

REMNANT: Necromancy

DISTANCE: One corpse the theurge touches

DURATION: Special

EFFECT:
& Imp: The corpse must be mostly intact and may
not have been dead for more than a week. The
theurge places their hands on it and asks it three
yes-or-no questions. It answers truthfully. This
Vitiation may not be used again on this corpse
until the sun has set and risen again.
& Villein: The corpse need not be intact, so long as
the skull and jaw are present. It may have been
dead for up to 1 month. The theurge may ask it
two questions, which are answered in simple,
short sentences.
& Lord: So long as the theurge has any part of the
corpse, they may speak to it. There is no limit to
how long it may have been dead. The theurge
may speak with the spirit for 1 hour.
CRITICAL SUCCESS: The Vitiation is empowered at
one station higher—imp as villein, villein as lord—
and if empowered at the lord station, the theurge
may converse with the spirit until the sun sets and
rises again.
CRITICAL FAILURE: The corpse disintegrates at the
theurge’s touch and places a curse on them. They
immediately suffer 2Ð10+2 Peril.
SUBLIME SUCCESS: The theurge may ask the corpse
as many questions as they would like, indefinitely.
They must keep a part of the corpse with them to
do so, however.
SUBLIME FAILURE: A harpy (see Harpy in Chapter
10: Bestiary for details) arrives, drawn by the
theurge’s necromantic meddling.
 T HEU RGY: T he W hi speri n g Gri moire 301

Mort Drudge
The theurge imbues a corpse with a semblance of life.

REMNANT: Necromancy

DISTANCE:
& Imp: One intact corpse, which the theurge touches, that died no more than 1 day ago
& Villein: Two intact corpses, which the theurge touches, that died no more than 1 week ago
& Lord: Three intact corpses, which the theurge touches, that died no more than 1 month ago

DURATION:
& Imp: Until the sun sets and rises again
& Villein: 3 days
& Lord: 1 week

EFFECT:
& Imp: The corpse rises under the theurge’s CRITICAL SUCCESS: The raised dead are more effective
command as a ghoul (see Ghoul in Chapter 10: and gain +10 to all Skill tests made for them, and
Bestiary for details). If the corpse is fresh and the duration of the magic is doubled.
has not decayed much, it can pass as a living
CRITICAL FAILURE: The raised dead are not under the
being for a brief time and even pretend to be
theurge’s control.
human. It may vaguely remember some things
about its previous life. It proves a poor servant if SUBLIME SUCCESS: The magic is permanent until the
left unsupervised and probably wanders off to corpse decays or the target is released by the theurge.
return to what it did while alive. After the
SUBLIME FAILURE: The raised dead immediately
duration ends, the target is no longer under the
attack those present. If the magic was enacted at
theurge’s control.
villein station, one of them is a revenant; if at the
& Villein: The corpses rise as ghouls. They prove
lord level, one is a lich (see Lich in Chapter 10:
more reliable, can be left unsupervised, and can
Bestiary for details).
be given complicated, specific tasks. They
remember much of their former lives but also
know that the theurge controls them. They tend
to be doleful and sad, but if fresh enough, they
may pass as their former selves.
& Lord: Two of the corpses rise as ghouls, and the
third as a revenant (see Revenant in Chapter 10:
Bestiary for details). They know everything they
knew in life and cheerfully serve the theurge
with excellent understanding and clarity. The
theurge may decide to return them to a state of
death when the Vitiation ends or at any time.
302 BLACKBIRDS

Mort Soldiers
The theurge brings the recently deceased back to life to fight for them
for a limited time by summoning a minor Outsider to possess them.

REMNANT: Necromancy

DISTANCE:
& Imp: One dead body the theurge can see
& Villein: Three dead bodies the theurge can see
& Lord: [WB] dead bodies the theurge can see

DURATION:
& Imp: 1Ð6 Rounds
& Villein: 1Ð6+[WB] Rounds
& Lord: 1 hour

EFFECT:
& Imp: The theurge reanimates a dead human CRITICAL SUCCESS: The duration is indefinite,
body for the duration of the Vitiation. It follows so long as the targets remain within the required
their verbal commands during this time. It has distance or until the theurge decides to use this
all of the Skills it had in life but has access to Vitiation again.
only one Skill Rank for each one. It can’t use any
CRITICAL FAILURE: Those brought back attack
of its special abilities, Boons, Talents,
the theurge.
Techniques, or Traits. It cannot speak and is
obviously dead. The body used can’t be more SUBLIME SUCCESS: As Critical Success, but the
than 1 day old. If it receives an Injury or is ever targets can travel any distance from the theurge
more than 10+[WB] strides from the theurge, it and continue to function, following whatever
is Slain!. At the end of the duration, the Outsider verbal instructions they were given to the best of
tears its way from the corpse, mangling it into a their ability.
useless heap. This Vitiation cannot be performed
SUBLIME FAILURE: The theurge’s control over the
on such detritus.
Vitiation snaps, and all the dead within a 60-stride
& Villein: Those the theurge brings back have
radius animate as ghouls (see Ghoul in Chapter 10:
access to two Skill Ranks.
Bestiary for details).
& Lord: Those the theurge brings back have access
to three Skill Ranks. Injuries do not immediately
slay them.
 T HEU RGY: T he W hi speri n g Gri moire 303

Nightmare Purlieu
The theurge sends their foe into a nightmare that
threatens to tear their mind apart.

REMNANT: Phrenic

DISTANCE:
& Imp: One other person the theurge can see
& Villein: Three other people the theurge can see
& Lord: [WB] other people the theurge can see

DURATION:
& Imp: 1+[WB] Rounds
& Villein: 1+[WB] minutes
& Lord: 1+[WB] hours

EFFECT:
& Imp: The target of this Vitiation is thrown into a CRITICAL SUCCESS: Double the duration.
nightmare world. All other living things they
CRITICAL FAILURE: The theurge suffers the full effects
can see become monsters, and the ground and
of this Vitiation for twice the duration.
sky are filled with horrors or made from
impossible, monstrous phantasms. To behave SUBLIME SUCCESS: The effect is indefinite as long as
normally requires a successful (Challenging the theurge is in the target’s presence.
–10%) Resolve test. Otherwise, they strike out
SUBLIME FAILURE: The theurge is thrown into a
at the closest living thing. On a Critical Failure,
nightmare world of their own creation until the sun
they flee for the duration.
sets and rises again. They suffer 3Ð10+3 Peril and
& Villein: Those affected take 1Ð10+[WB]
are Defenseless for the duration.
Damage the first Round, and all Resolve tests
made are (Hard –20%).
& Lord: The Damage is now 2Ð10+[WB], and all
Resolve tests are (Arduous –30%).
304 BLACKBIRDS

None Shall Be
Tamed
The theurge establishes a supernatural bond with an animal.

REMNANT: Bestial Power

DISTANCE:
& Imp: One animal the theurge can see
& Villein: Three animals the theurge can see
& Lord: [WB] animals the theurge can see, or twice as many if they are Small

DURATION:
& Imp: 10+[WB] minutes
& Villein: 30+[WB] minutes
& Lord: 1+[WB] hours

EFFECT:
& Imp: The theurge chooses a beast they can see. It CRITICAL SUCCESS: The theurge may communicate
must be wild and untrained. The two develop an with the animal(s) telepathically.
immediate affinity: the animal knows to some
CRITICAL FAILURE: The animal(s) attack the theurge.
extent what the theurge desires of it, and it feels
kinship and affection toward them. The animal SUBLIME SUCCESS: One animal remains permanently
fights to protect the theurge if they are attacked under the theurge’s command.
but will not go out of its way to endanger itself.
SUBLIME FAILURE: The theurge becomes
It will also perform other simple tasks for the
overwhelmed by the essence of the animal they
theurge, such as fetching an item they want,
attempt to commune with and loses the ability to
keeping watch, or destroying an object. The
speak. The supernatural bond is inverted—the beast
theurge may speak with the animal and
is in charge, and the theurge does what it wants. This
understand it, but its grasp of abstract concepts
lasts ‘til the sun sets and rises again.
is very limited. If the theurge attacks the animal
or commands it to do something that is sure to
cause its death, the magic immediately ends.
& Villein: The theurge may command the animals
to attack someone, even if they aren’t in danger.
& Lord: The animals do whatever the theurge asks
of them, even if commanded to do something
that will lead to their immediate demise.
 T HEU RGY: T he W hi speri n g Gri moire 305

Oculus
The theurge creates an eye on an object they touch. They can
see through this eye by closing their own and concentrating.
The eye on the object opens when this is done.

REMNANT: Clairvoyance

DISTANCE: One object the theurge must touch

DURATION:
& Imp: 1 day
& Villein: 1 week
& Lord: 1 month

EFFECT:
& Imp: An eye sprouts on the object where the CRITICAL SUCCESS: The duration is doubled, and
theurge touches it. At any time, they can close apply an extra –10 to the Base Chance of Awareness
their eyes and the created eye opens, allowing tests made to notice the eye.
them to see what it sees. It can’t hear, only see. If
CRITICAL FAILURE: The theurge’s eyes disappear.
anyone notices the eye while it is open and
They are attached to something in the Od, and for
functional, they may easily stab or injure it,
the next hour, they see what is happening in the Od
causing the magic to end immediately and
and nothing in this world. Make a Resolve test for
inflicting 2Ð10+2 Peril upon the theurge. The
the theurge. They might also learn something useful.
chance of noticing the eye is remote if no one is
explicitly searching for it. If someone is looking SUBLIME SUCCESS: The effect is permanent. Tests
for it and isn’t sure where it might be, Awareness made to notice the eye are Flip to Fail.
tests made to find it are (Challenging –10%).
SUBLIME FAILURE: One of the theurge’s eyes
The theurge may not empower other Vitiations
disappears into the Od. Make a Resolve test after
while looking through the eye.
every Rekindling for the theurge. They suffer
& Villein: The chance for others to notice the eye is
the Eye Gouged Moderate Dire Injury found in
(Hard –20%). The theurge may hear as well as
Chapter 6: Conflict & Rekindling. The theurge
see through it.
may negotiate with an Outsider and perform a
& Lord: The chance for others to notice the eye is
challenging reckoning to get the eye back.
(Arduous –30%). The theurge may empower
one Vitiation at the place where the eye is
located but has to pay 6 Tithe to do so. This
immediately ends the Oculus Vitiation.
306 BLACKBIRDS

Ophidian Renewal
The theurge heals someone by giving their flesh
the regenerative qualities of a reptile.

REMNANT: Bestial Power

DISTANCE: One person the theurge touches

DURATION: Instantaneous

EFFECT:
& Imp: The theurge touches one willing person CRITICAL SUCCESS: Either the Toughness test may
and immediately moves them up 1 level on the be forgone, or the recipient may heal twice as many
Damage Condition Track. A successful levels of Damage or twice as many Injuries.
Toughness test must be made for the target, or
CRITICAL FAILURE: The recipient is not healed, but
they gain some permanent reptilian physical
the Toughness test must still be made for them.
quality—e.g., a patch of flesh that’s now scaly
and discolored, nictitating membranes covering SUBLIME SUCCESS: The recipient is fully healed of
the eyes that are visible when the subject blinks, all Damage and Injuries, and no Toughness test
teeth that are slightly pointed. Once used on need be made.
someone, this Vitiation may not be used on
SUBLIME FAILURE: The recipient is not healed,
them again for 3 days.
but gains a prominent and permanent reptilian
& Villein: The theurge can either move someone
feature—e.g., the subject’s eyes become like those
up 2 levels on the Damage Condition Track or
of a crocodile, their flesh is covered in thick scales,
heal them of one Injury. Once used on someone,
their tongue is now forked. All Fellowship-based
this Vitiation may not be used on them again
Skill tests where this would be in issue going
until after their next Rekindling.
forward are made at –10.
& Lord: The theurge can move someone up 3 levels
on the Damage Condition Track, heal them of
two Injuries. Once used on someone, this
Vitiation may not be used on them again
for 3 hours.
 T HEU RGY: T he W hi speri n g Gri moire 307

People of Flame
The theurge sends tiny, human-shaped flaming
elementals to attack their enemies.

REMNANT: Quintessence

DISTANCE:
& Imp: One target the theurge can see
& Villein: Three targets the theurge can see
& Lord: [WB] targets the theurge can see

DURATION:
& Imp: ¼[WB] Turns rounded down.
& Villein: ½[WB] Turns rounded down.
& Lord: [WB] Turns

EFFECT:
& Imp: A tiny, flaming person bursts from the CRITICAL SUCCESS: All targets take 1Ð10+1 fire
ground and throws itself at the theurge’s enemy, Damage on the first Turn they are targeted in
climbs up their body, and screams all the while. addition to the normal effects of the Vitiation.
At the beginning of each of their turns, the
CRITICAL FAILURE: The theurge immediately takes
target is exposed to Mildly Dangerous flames
1Ð10+1 fire Damage. If this would cause an Injury,
that do 1Ð10+1 Damage unless a successful
they are set On Fire instead.
(Challenging –10%) Coordination test is made
for them (see Burns in Chapter 6: Conflict & SUBLIME SUCCESS: All targets take 1Ð10+1 fire
Rekindling for details). This successful Damage at the beginning of every Turn in addition
Coordination test to Resist the flames does not to the normal effects of the Vitiation.
extinguish them, but a Critical or Sublime
SUBLIME FAILURE: The theurge immediately takes
Success does. A large quantity of water can also
1Ð10+1 fire Damage and is On Fire.
extinguish the flames.
& Villein: Each target may be attacked by only one
flaming person. The flames remain Mildly
Dangerous. The Difficulty Rating for tests
made to avoid the flames is (Hard –20%). The
flames can’t be doused with water unless the
target is completely submerged.
& Lord: The flames are Seriously Dangerous and
do 2Ð10+2 Damage. The Difficulty Rating for
tests made to extinguish the flames is (Arduous
–30%). Water will not extinguish the flames.
308 BLACKBIRDS

Plague of Laughter
The theurge’s enemies begin to laugh uncontrollably, rendering them vulnerable.

REMNANT: Phrenic

DISTANCE: One person the theurge can see

DURATION:
& Imp: ½[WB] Turns, rounded down
& Villein: [WB] Turns
& Lord: [WB] minutes

EFFECT:
& Imp: The theurge’s opponent is filled with a
sense of uncontrollable hilarity. Until the end of
their next Turn, they can use AP only for
Reactions. After that, at the beginning of each
subsequent Turn, make a (Challenging –10%)
Resolve test for them to act normally. If it fails,
they laugh loudly the entire Turn and may not
perform Attack Actions. While laughing, they
may neither speak nor give commands, and any
Actions they do take will be at –10.
& Villein: Anyone who hears the laughter of
someone under the influence of this Vitiation
will have it spread to them and suffer the full
effects, unless a successful Resolve test is made
for them at the beginning of each of their Turns
while they hear the laughter. Once they begin
laughing, the Difficulty Rating for Resolve tests
made to act normally is (Hard –20%). Any
Actions they take while laughing are made at
–20. Once the theurge is out of earshot of the
laughter, the Vitiation ends for all affected. The
theurge can will anyone they see to be exempt
from the effects of the Vitiation.
& Lord: The Vitiation spreads to anyone who sees
someone who is afflicted, even if they can’t hear
them. Those affected are unable to use
Movement or Combat Actions and may only
perform Reactions at –30. The Difficulty Rating
for Resolve tests made to act normally is
(Arduous –30%). All laugh, regardless of the
theurge’s presence, until the Vitiation ends.
CRITICAL SUCCESS: All targets start their Turns with
1 less AP.
CRITICAL FAILURE: The theurge cries uncontrollably
for twice the duration of the Vitiation, suffering the
rule effects as if subjected to the same magic. The
dolorous weeping is not supernaturally contagious.
SUBLIME SUCCESS: Those targeted by this Vitiation
are completely Helpless.
SUBLIME FAILURE: The theurge cries as in Critical
Failure, and their allies can become targets and pass
on the effect.
 T HEU RGY: T he W hi speri n g Gri moire 309

Person of Import
Others will assume the theurge is an authority or a person
of importance based on whatever setting they are in.

REMNANT: Deceit

DISTANCE:
& Imp: The theurge
& Villein: The theurge and one other consenting recipient
& Lord: Three consenting recipients, which can include the theurge

DURATION:
& Imp: 1 hour
& Villein: 3 hours
& Lord: [WB] hours

EFFECT:
& Imp: Those who meet the theurge immediately & Lord: The Difficulty Rating for the Scrutinize
assume them to be someone of authority and test is (Arduous –30%). Observers perceive the
importance, based upon the current milieu. If recipients’ Trappings to be appropriate to the
they are at an inn in a city, those within assume individuals they claim to be.
the theurge is an inspector or local government
CRITICAL SUCCESS: Add +20 to all Fellowship-based
official; if they are in a village, others assume the
Skill tests for any recipient.
theurge is a tax collector or minor noble; if they
are at a royal ball, others assume the theurge is a CRITICAL FAILURE: All Fellowship-based Skill
prominent noble, etc. If the theurge’s Trappings tests are at –20 for the duration, as every stranger
do not support their station or if they or their the recipients encounter believes them to be
companions behave in a way that is unfit for ne’er-do-wells.
someone of their purported station to behave, a
SUBLIME SUCCESS: Those whom the recipient meets
(Challenging –10%) Scrutinize test may be
while under this Vitiation believe them to be the
made for observers to realize they have been
person they think they are, even after the magic
ensorcelled. Regardless of the recipients’
ends. Convincing targets that the recipient is not
behavior or Trappings, this test is made when
who they think them to be proves very difficult.
the magic ends.
& Villein: The Difficulty Rating for the Scrutinize SUBLIME FAILURE: As Critical Failure, but it lasts
test is (Hard –20%), and those whose rolls until the sun sets and rises again. Every stranger in
succeeded do not realize they have been the recipients’ presence becomes more and more
ensorcelled unless they are Odtouched, though enraged by them.
they do realize the theurge is not who they claim
to be. The theurge may tell those they meet that
they are specific people.
310 BLACKBIRDS
Primal Brand
The theurge imbues weapons with Odic strangeness.
REMNANT: Quintessence
DISTANCE:
& Imp: One weapon the theurge must touch
& Villein: Three weapons the theurge must touch
& Lord: Five weapons the theurge must touch
DURATION:
& Imp: 1+[WB] hours
& Villein: 3+[WB] hours
& Lord: 10+[WB] hours
EFFECT:
& Imp: The imbued weapon becomes noticeably
unnatural and disturbing, and it gains the
Enchanted Quality. In addition, the theurge
must choose one enhancement to give the
weapon from the list below when the Vitiation
is activated. If a Resist test is called for, that test
is (Challenging –10%) for villeins and (Hard
–20%) for lords:
• Aether: The weapon becomes a dark void,
completely absent of light, and seems to
darken the area nearby when drawn. It gains
the Piercing Quality (1 for imp, 2 for villein,
and 3 for lord).
• Beast: The weapon becomes a monstrous
living thing, its new, larger size allowing it to
strike foes up to 3 strides away than it normally
would and giving it the Punishing Quality.
• Fire: The weapon is wreathed in furious
elemental flames. It provides light as a torch
and is considered a Mildly Dangerous fire. It
is doused when sheathed and reignites when
drawn, until the Vitiation ends. On a
successful hit, the weapon does 1Ð6+[WB]
fire Damage. Make a Coordination test for
anyone who drops a level on the Damage
Condition Track after being hit with this
weapon. Those whose tests fail are set On Fire
(see Set On Fire in Chapter 6: Conflict &
Rekindling for details).
• Ice: The weapon becomes a glistening,
transparent, and deadly shard of ice. After
being struck, a successful Athletics test must
be made for the target, or they lose 1 AP from
their maximum until they can find a warm
place to rest. Each hit is cumulative, though a
target can never be reduced to less than 1 AP
from this effect.
 T HEU RGY: T he W hi speri n g Gri moire 311

• Stone: The weapon becomes imbued with the CRITICAL SUCCESS: Every weapon empowered gains
fell power of stone and appears to be carved +10 to strike for the duration of the Vitiation.
from ancient rock akin to a combination of
CRITICAL FAILURE: The weapons chosen for
quartz and marble. The weapon gains the
empowerment explode, dealing 2Ð6+1 Damage to
Crushing Quality (1 for imp, 2 for villein,
anyone bearing those weapons.
and 3 for lord) and may not be parried.
• Water: The weapon becomes like blue-green SUBLIME SUCCESS: The effect is indefinite, so long as
ocean water and appears to waver and shift. It the weapons stay within 99 strides of the theurge or
gains the Defensive Quality and may not be until they use this Vitiation again.
dodged by opponents.
SUBLIME FAILURE: All mundane weapons within
• Wind: The weapon is imbued with the
10 strides of the theurge explode, dealing 3Ð6+2
sylphan power of the wind and becomes
Damage to anyone bearing those weapons
translucent and ephemeral in appearance. It
gains the Fast Quality, so foes suffer –10 on
attempts to Parry or Dodge it. Villeins grant
–20, and lords, –30.
& Villein: Add 1Ð6 Damage to all attacks made
with these weapons.
& Lord: Add 2Ð6 Damage to all attacks made with
these weapons.
312 BLACKBIRDS

Prince of a
Thousand Enemies
The theurge takes on aspects of a lagomorphic creature.

REMNANT: Bestial Power

DISTANCE:
& Imp: The theurge or one other willing person they touch
& Villein: Up to three willing people the theurge touches (including themself )
& Lord: Up to [WB] willing people the theurge touches (including themself )

DURATION:
& Imp: 1+[WB] Rounds
& Villein: 6+[WB] minutes
& Lord: 1+[WB] hours

EFFECT:
& Imp: The recipient becomes a distorted amalgam CRITICAL SUCCESS: Double the duration for all
of human and rabbit or hare. Their legs become recipients.
much more powerful and strong, doubling their
CRITICAL FAILURE: All who were to be altered by the
current Movement until the Vitiation ends. If
Vitiation are changed in body and mind, as their
this magic has never been used on them before,
thoughts become those of an animal. They likely
they suffer 1Ð10+1 Peril for realizing what they
cause havoc and then flee to the nearest wilderness
have become. Make a Resolve test for those who
area to forage, controlled by the Fateweaver for the
see someone so ensorcelled for the first time.
duration of the magic. When the Vitiation ends,
& Villein: The recipients gain 1 extra AP at the
they suffer 2Ð10+2 Peril from the realization of
start of their Turn, and once per Round,
what they have done.
recipients may jump or leap as a Movement
Action costing 1 AP, jumping horizontally 1 SUBLIME SUCCESS: At the start of their Turn, all
stride for every 2 points of [BB] or leaping recipients gain 1 extra AP above what is normally
vertically 1 stride for every 4 points of [BB]. provided by this Vitiation.
This leap does not trigger Opportunity Attacks.
SUBLIME FAILURE: As Critical Failure, but the
& Lord: The recipient’s Movement is tripled, and
effect is indefinite until a successful (Hard –20%)
all Dodge Reactions they perform are at +20 to
Resolve test is made for those affected to return to
succeed. Also, their jump or leap Movement is
normal. An attempt may be made each day when
now 1 stride horizontally for every point of
the sun rises.
[BB], and 1 stride vertically for every 2
points of [BB].
 T HEU RGY: T he W hi speri n g Gri moire 313

Quarto Lacuna
The theurge finds the location of lost knowledge or wisdom, if it exists.

REMNANT: Esotaria

DISTANCE: The theurge

DURATION: Instantaneous

EFFECT:
& Imp: The theurge must name a book, scroll, or CRITICAL SUCCESS: The theurge’s sense of distance
type of written document that the character and direction is very specific, and they have a vision
believes to exist and whose title they know. The of the book’s contents and the space it occupies.
target must be a specific document, so they can’t
CRITICAL FAILURE: The target is cloaked from ever
try to find a library or a piece of architecture
being found by the theurge through magical means.
with writing on its walls. The theurge receives a
Neither they nor anyone within sight of them can
vision of the target’s location, a feeling as to its
use this Vitiation or any other magic to help find
direction, and a sense of how far away it is. The
the document.
information could be as vague as “miles to
the east.” SUBLIME SUCCESS: The theurge knows exactly where
& Villein: The theurge’s target may be something the target is, how it is guarded, and what traps and
that they aren’t sure exists, but they must still precautions lie between them and its location. They
specify the author, topic, or description of the continue to be able to sense its location until they
document’s physical properties (e.g., “it is bound arrive there, even if they are the target of another
in red leather,” “it is a book describing how to Vitiation, including this one.
summon a specific Outsider,” or “the writings of
SUBLIME FAILURE: The theurge forgets everything
Grimaldi”). The Vitiation finds the closest such
they knew about what they were seeking with this
document that fits the description, if it exists.
Vitiation. It becomes very hard to convince them
& Lord: The Vitiation is indefinite and the theurge
that they ever knew this information. Once per day,
continues to have a sense of the direction and
they can make an (Arduous –30%) Education test
distance of the target until they end this
to reassemble their shattered memories.
Vitiation or reach the target’s location. The
limitations on what can be sought are far more
flexible—anything with writing on it that the
theurge can describe can be a target.
314 BLACKBIRDS

Reaching Through
The theurge reaches through the walls of reality, into the raw stuff
of the Od, and pulls through it what is needful to them.

REMNANT: Impossibility

DISTANCE: The theurge

DURATION:
& Imp: 10+[WB] minutes
& Villein: 20+[WB] minutes
& Lord: 1+[WB] hours

EFFECT:
& Imp: The theurge pulls an object into this world’s CRITICAL SUCCESS: The object lasts until the sun sets
existence by reaching into the Od. The object and rises again.
must be a singular one (i.e., not a quiverful of
CRITICAL FAILURE: The theurge touches, sees, hears,
arrows, but a single arrow). The object may not
or becomes psychically aware of something on the
weigh more than something they could hold
other side that they would rather not be aware of,
above their head in one hand. It must be a type
and it notices them as well. The theurge suffers
of object of which they are aware (i.e., not a
2Ð10+2 Peril. There may be further consequences
weapon they have never seen). It can’t be a living
at the Fateweaver’s discretion, as the thing they
thing. It can’t be magical. Nevertheless, the
have been stealing from in previous castings has
object has some sort of disturbing property and
taken notice of them.
is obviously unnatural in some way. When the
time expires, the matter that makes up the object SUBLIME SUCCESS: The object lasts indefinitely.
writhes and shifts into horrible, formless things
SUBLIME FAILURE: The theurge is drawn into the
that seep and/or fly away while screeching,
Od. Each sunrise, an Odweft test may be made for
howling, or giggling.
the exile to attempt to return to the world. If this
& Villein: The object can be heavy enough to hold
test is failed, they suffer 2Ð10+2 Peril. They may
in two hands and can be a living thing, although
not recover from Peril or Rekindle while trapped
its behavior will be somewhat disturbing
in the Od, and if they become Incapacitated!, they
or strange.
fall into a slumber from which they cannot be easily
& Lord: The object may weigh up to twice as much
roused. At this point, whether they can be saved is
as the theurge weighs.
up to the Fateweaver, but such a quest should be
exceedingly difficult; and when found, the victim
might be quite different from the person who was
originally taken.
 T HEU RGY: T he W hi speri n g Gri moire 315

Realm of Od
The theurge alters a nearby area by pulling some of the Od into this
world, creating effects that are beneficial to those allied with them.

REMNANT: Quintessence

DISTANCE:
& Imp: The immediate area, a clearing, or a location where one skirmish might occur
& Villein: The distance from where the theurge is standing to where they could move in 1 hour in any
direction: a town or village or small copse
& Lord: The distance from where the theurge is standing to where they could move in 1 day in any direction:
a city or entire geographic area, such as a mountain, forest, valley, or the area between two rivers

DURATION:
& Imp: 1+[WB] minutes
& Villein: [WB] hours
& Lord: Until the sun sets and rises again

EFFECT:
& Imp: The area affected becomes noticeably
unnatural and disturbing. The theurge may
choose one effect from the list below, and the
effects apply to the theurge and their chosen allies:
• Bleak Hollow: The world becomes dark, cold,
and filled with the barely perceptible moans
and voices of the dead. The theurge’s allies
gain +10 to Resolve tests, and all others gain
–10. Undead in the area gain +10 to attacks
when they are targeting anyone but the
theurge’s allies.
• Crimson Heavens: The sky shines with a
roiling crimson thunderstorm covered in what
appears to be hints of faces contorted in rage
and pain. The theurge’s allies gain +10 when
making Melee Attacks, and these attacks gain
the Punishing Quality, if they didn’t have it
before.
• Gibbering Whispers: The air is filled with
chaotic and neurosis-inducing whispers that
all can hear, even if they are deaf or cover their
ears. All Fellowship-based Skills are made at
+10 for the theurge’s allies and –10 for all
others. The theurge’s allies can force a Mortal
to suffer a –20 on their next Skill test by
repeating the whispers about them and
spending 1 AP.
• Realm of Fall: The area is filled with the
pitiless and bright light of autumn, and all
subtle movement is amplified by the crunch
of dead leaves that cover the ground. All
attempts at Stealth tests are made at –10 for
everyone who is not an ally of the theurge. For
those who are allies, Awareness tests are made
at +10.
• Realm of Spring: Filled with vitality and life,
everyone within the area of effect except the
undead gains an extra 1 AP at the start of their
Turn. Undead beings start each Turn with 1
fewer AP.
316 BLACKBIRDS

• Realm of Summer: The area is filled with the CRITICAL SUCCESS: Add an extra –10 to negative
heat of summer, as it seems the sun is closer tests and an extra +10 to bonuses to tests, or move
than it was before, and blood runs freely. the effect’s duration or distance up to the next
When those who are not allies gain the level. For example, the duration listed under imp
Bleeding conditional effect, it is 1 level more becomes that for a villein. At the lord level, this
severe, while those who are allies can never Vitiation lasts 3 days.
gain that condition.
CRITICAL FAILURE: The results are flipped, having
• Realm of Winter: The air is filled with a crisp
a detrimental effect on allies of the theurge and
chill, and snow coats the ground. All bodies of
helping all others for the duration of the Vitiation.
water are frozen over and crossable on foot,
and attempts by you and your allies to make SUBLIME SUCCESS: The Vitiation lasts indefinitely.
Survival tests for tracking are at +10. Tracks of
SUBLIME FAILURE: The Vitiation becomes a curse
you and your allies are covered, and attempts
centered on the theurge and the results are flipped,
to track you are at –10.
causing the detrimental effects to allies and the
• Umbral Fog: The area is filled with a shadowy
positive effects to all others. The curse lasts until the
mist punctuated by twisted shapes that slither
theurge can make an (Arduous –30%) Odweft test
past. The theurge’s allies gain +10 to Stealth
during twilight of each evening.
tests and can choose to disappear into the
mists (becoming invisible until they next
attack) by spending 3 AP.
& Villein: All tests are made at –20, whereas
bonuses are at +20.
& Lord: All tests are made at –30, whereas bonuses
are at +30, or two of the effects can be combined
and the modifier is –20 or +20, respectively.
 T HEU RGY: T he W hi speri n g Gri moire 317

Sanguine Renewal
The theurge causes an injured ally to be able to rise and fight again.

REMNANT: Chimera

DISTANCE:
& Imp: One willing person who is injured, whom the theurge touches
& Villein: Three willing people who are injured, whom the theurge touches
& Lord: [WB] willing people who are injured, whom the theurge sees

DURATION:
& Imp: 1 hour
& Villein: [WB] hours
& Lord: Until the sun sets and rises again

EFFECT:
& Imp: This Vitiation takes 1 hour and a safe place CRITICAL SUCCESS: The amount of time in a coma is
to empower. The recipient of this Vitiation halved, rounded up.
removes all levels of Damage and ignores all
CRITICAL FAILURE: The recipients drop 1 level on
Injuries. When the duration expires, all of the
the Damage Condition Track, and they may not
Injuries return, and the recipient falls into a
be a recipient of this Vitiation again until 3 days
coma, becoming Helpless until days have passed
have passed.
equal to the number of Damage levels and
Injuries that were healed or ignored. SUBLIME SUCCESS: The recipients are fully healed and
& Villein: The Vitiation requires 10 minutes to may choose any one Injury to permanently restore.
empower. Injuries are healed instead of
SUBLIME FAILURE: The recipients are fully healed, but
just ignored.
all of their Damage levels and Injuries are passed on
& Lord: The Vitiation is instant. The coma lasts for
to the theurge, although the Damage passed will go
half the number of days, rounded up.
no further than Level 5.
318 BLACKBIRDS

Shadow Pocket
The theurge gains access to a pocket dimension in the Od, where
they can keep things and bring them forth again later.

REMNANT: Impossibility

DISTANCE: One container light enough to hold in both hands

DURATION: Indefinite

EFFECT:
& Imp: The theurge places one object into the CRITICAL SUCCESS: The space has a valuable feature
container. The object disappears and can be of the theurge’s desire, and if enacted by a lord, it is
withdrawn by them at a later time, ending the the size of the interior of a small castle or keep.
Vitiation. The object must fit through the
CRITICAL FAILURE: The object is destroyed, and all
aperture of the container, and the container will
present suffer 1Ð10+1 Peril as they glimpse a portal
appear to be empty. If the theurge ends the
into the true Od.
Vitiation before the object is removed or if the
container is destroyed, the object inside is lost SUBLIME SUCCESS: The Vitiation is enacted at a level
forever. The object harbors some strange elements higher: imp uses the villein effect, and villein the
when removed: it might be very cold or covered lord. If the Vitiation was enacted by a lord, the
in slime, for instance. Perishable things should space beyond is the size of a village and can produce
not be stored in this way, as they immediately one item up to Patronage Level 3 per day.
spoil. Living things placed in this space die.
SUBLIME FAILURE: All mundane objects within 20
& Villein: Multiple objects may be stored in a space
strides are drawn into the Od; living things are
the size of a cube 1 stride on each edge. Perishable
unaffected, leaving those nearby naked, empty
things may be put into the space and are
handed, and at the bottom of a shallow crater.
perfectly preserved, but living things should not
be put in, as they are rendered mad by their
presence in the space beyond. Upon reaching
into the container, the object the theurge desires
will be immediately at hand.
& Lord: The space is the size of a 3-stride cube
made of whatever construction material the
theurge wishes. There is light in the room but no
light source. Living things may be placed in the
room and, while inside, have no need for air or
food and do not age. Living things inside the
room may not leave and may be brought forth
again only by the will of the theurge. However,
the theurge may freely enter and exit the space
through the opening.
 T HEU RGY: T he W hi speri n g Gri moire 319

Sleep No More
The theurge and those they enchant are able to carry on without sleep.

REMNANT: Phrenic

DISTANCE: [WB] people the theurge touches

DURATION:
& Imp: 3 days
& Villein: 5 days
& Lord: 1+[WB] days

EFFECT:
& Imp: Every sunrise and sunset, anyone under the CRITICAL SUCCESS: When the Vitiation ends, the
influence of this Vitiation recovers from 1 level recipients do not fall to the bottom of the Peril
of Peril. In addition, all of the negative effects Condition Track, nor are they Knocked Out. At
from lack of sleep are ignored, but they will have imp level, the theurge may summon a manifestation
mild hallucinations. At the end of this Vitiation, at Patronage Level 3, and at villein level, they may
all touched by it fall to the bottom of the Peril summon one at Patronage Level 4.
Condition Track and are Knocked Out for
CRITICAL FAILURE: Everyone who was to be under
1Ð10 hours, and this Vitiation may not be used
this Vitiation’s effect is flung into a temporary
on them again until 1 week has passed.
living nightmare. They suffer 2Ð10+2 Peril.
& Villein: A Peril level is remedied every sunrise,
sunset, midnight, and midday. The hallucinations SUBLIME SUCCESS: As Critical Success, but all
will generally be helpful. manifestations are created 1 level higher in
& Lord: At some point during the course of this Patronage and remain even after the Vitiation ends.
Vitiation, one of the recipients chosen by the
SUBLIME FAILURE: Those who would be targets of the
theurge may manifest a creature or object whose
Vitiation are made unable to sleep for the duration,
appearance is composed of the stuff of dreams.
but without gaining any of the benefits.
They must negotiate with the Fateweaver to
determine the exact results. The creation can be
anything that would be acquirable up to
Patronage Level 5. This creation exists only for
the duration of the Vitiation.
320 BLACKBIRDS

Tale of Calumny
The theurge tells a tale of falsehoods that spread
and damage someone’s reputation.

REMNANT: Deceit

DISTANCE:
& Imp: The rumor instantly spreads through a district in a city or an entire village.
& Villein: The rumor instantly spreads through an entire city or region.
& Lord: The rumor instantly spreads everywhere the subject is known.

DURATION:
& Imp: Until the next sunrise
& Villein: [WB] days
& Lord: 1 year

EFFECT:
& Imp: The theurge tells a story about a targeted CRITICAL SUCCESS: The duration is doubled.
individual, whom those hearing the story must
CRITICAL FAILURE: The story backfires and the effects
have seen previously. Add +10 to any Fellowship-
are applied to the theurge. This lasts until the sun
based Skill tests made for the theurge and all
sets and rises again.
Fatebound companions in circumstances where
they may use the story to undermine the subject. SUBLIME SUCCESS: The duration is indefinite. The
When in the presence of the subject, the theurge negative modifier can be used on the target any
or one of their flock can bring up the story and number of times as long as the story is mentioned
cause the target to be at –10 in the use of one in their presence.
Skill for the next Scene. The Skill must be
SUBLIME FAILURE: The subject discovers that the
chosen when the rumor is started and be part of
theurge is the origin of the ineffective rumor, and all
the story itself. Examples: “Captain Valerin’s
persons in the area of effect are negatively inclined
skills in the sword are exaggerated” for Melee, or
toward them and know of their dealings with the
“Inspector Thom is sloppy at her job and misses
unnatural and their rumormongering.
many details” for Scrutinize. Once this Scene
ends, so does the Vitiation.
& Villein: The modifier becomes +20 and –20,
respectively.
& Lord: The modifier becomes +30 and –30,
respectively.
 T HEU RGY: T he W hi speri n g Gri moire 321

Tenancy
The theurge causes an Outsider of lesser power than
even an eidolon to possess a human.

REMNANT: Helotry

DISTANCE: One person the theurge can see

DURATION:
& Imp: 1+[WB] minutes
& Villein: 60+[WB] minutes
& Lord: 1+[WB] hours

EFFECT:
& Imp: Succeed at a (Challenging –10%) Resolve
test for the target, or they immediately become
the host of a possessing Outsider that controls
their every action. The Outsider will not cause
them to attack or bring harm to themself or
their allies, but it can be given a simple goal
when the Vitiation is empowered. Whether the
Outsider understands the goal or how well they
carry it out is up to the Fateweaver. The
possessing Outsider does not have access to the
Skills of the person they are occupying, and the
target clearly behaves in an unusual, and possibly
disturbing, manner.
& Villein: The Difficulty Rating for the Resolve
test to Resist is (Hard –20%). The possessing
Outsider has access to the Skills of its vessel and
can pretend to be the person they are occupying
with some degree of success. A successful
Scrutinize test made for anyone interacting with
the possessed person will allow them to notice
that something is wrong. The possessed person
can attack their allies if the theurge commands
them to do so.
& Lord: The Difficulty Rating for the Resolve test
to Resist is (Arduous –30%). Skill tests made by
the vessel are made at +10, and Scrutinize tests
to notice something is wrong are also made at
–10. The theurge may continue to command
the possessing Outsider and change the
instructions and goals by verbally instructing
them in person during the Vitiation.
CRITICAL SUCCESS: Do not make a Resolve test for
the target to Resist.
CRITICAL FAILURE: An eidolon appears and attempts
to possess the theurge or one of their allies (see
Eidolon in Chapter 10: Bestiary for details).
SUBLIME SUCCESS: Do not make a Resolve test for
the target to Resist. The Outsider has full access
to the Skills and knowledge of the person it is
possessing, and the effect is indefinite, ending only
when the theurge uses this Vitiation again or the
target dies. Add +2 to their Damage Threshold, and
their melee attacks gain +1 Damage die.
SUBLIME FAILURE: The theurge is possessed by an
eidolon at the 3rd degree.
322 BLACKBIRDS

The Long Trod

The theurge and several companions march through the
wilderness and travel much faster than should be possible.

REMNANT: Impossibility

DISTANCE:
& Imp: The theurge and [WB] willing recipients they touch
& Villein: The theurge and 10×[WB] willing recipients they touch
& Lord: The theurge and 20×[WB] willing recipients they touch

DURATION: 1 hour

EFFECT:
& Imp: The theurge and their companions march CRITICAL SUCCESS: The group travels twice as fast as
for one hour. They may not stop marching to the Vitiation dictates.
eat, hunt, initiate an encounter, or pass within
CRITICAL FAILURE: When the Vitiation ends, the
sight of a permanent settlement, or the magic
group isn’t where it expected to be. Its location
immediately ends. During this march, they all
will be randomly determined by the Fateweaver
travel 7 leagues. If another group or person
and could be anywhere the group could’ve traveled
wants to encounter them and they are in the
to using this magic. When they finally drop from
same area, a (Challenging –10%) Awareness
exhaustion, they suffer 2Ð10+2 Peril.
test must be made for the leader of that group. If
it succeeds, the encounter occurs and the magic SUBLIME SUCCESS: The group travels three times as
ends. Note that, while marching, the group may fast as the Vitiation dictates and cannot have an
not scale a cliff or swim across a river; they must encounter forced upon it.
be marching specifically. Animals may come
SUBLIME FAILURE: The Vitiation immediately
with the group as pack animals, but they may
takes effect, and the proposed targets of the magic
not be ridden.
immediately begin marching against their will.
& Villein: During this march, they all travel 21
When they finally drop from exhaustion, they
leagues. The Difficulty Rating for the Awareness
suffer 3Ð10+3 Peril, and they are in a location
test to force an encounter is (Hard –20%).
determined by the Fateweaver—which could be
& Lord: During this march, they all travel 99
literally anywhere.
leagues. The Difficulty Rating for the Awareness
test to force an encounter is (Arduous –30%).
 T HEU RGY: T he W hi speri n g Gri moire 323

Thief of Thoughts
The theurge is able to read the minds of others and
possibly probe for deeper knowledge.

REMNANT: Clairvoyance

DISTANCE: The theurge

DURATION:
& Imp: [WB] Rounds
& Villein: [WB] minutes
& Lord: [WB] hours

EFFECT:
& Imp: During this Vitiation, the theurge is able to
read the surface thoughts of anyone they can see
by spending a moment concentrating on them. If
the theurge does this in combat, it costs 1 AP and
gives them +10 if the theurge is attacking the
target immediately afterward or if they are parrying
or dodging one of the target’s attacks during their
next Turn. The theurge may also try to probe for
deeper thoughts, although this will not reveal
anything that is a secret or something the target
wouldn’t tell a casual acquaintance, but they don’t
have to be currently thinking about it. Examples:
the name of the target’s wife, who a patron of
theirs is, or what type of delicacies they enjoy. If
the theurge does this, make a (Challenging –10%)
Awareness test for the target, and if it succeeds,
they will know what the theurge is doing and the
Vitiation immediately ends.
& Villein: Using the Vitiation in combat gives the
theurge a +20 bonus. They may probe for thoughts
that the target would tell only to a good friend,
but not things that are secrets or things that would
bother them deeply if they were known. Examples:
the target’s hopes and dreams, what they really
think of the Queen, or how much money they
have hidden away. The Difficulty Rating for the
Awareness test in this case is (Hard –20%).
& Lord: Using the ability in combat gives the
theurge a +30 bonus. They may probe for any
thoughts, even deep secrets or things the target
has forgotten themself. Difficulty Rating for the
Awareness test in this case is (Arduous –30%).
CRITICAL SUCCESS: Double the duration, and all
tests to discover what the theurge is doing are
Flip to Fail.
CRITICAL FAILURE: It becomes impossible for the
theurge to concentrate on anything, and they
gain 1 fewer AP each Turn for the duration of the
Vitiation.
SUBLIME SUCCESS: As Critical Success, and the
theurge may implant thoughts and memories using
the same rules for reading deeper thoughts. Each
thought or memory must be simple and brief.
SUBLIME FAILURE: The theurge’s memories are
scattered into their Fatebound companions while the
body becomes Helpless. Each sunset, the theurge can
attempt to make an (Arduous –30%) Odweft test to
return one of these fragments. Roll 1Ð6 to determine
how many must be returned before the theurge’s mind
is restored. While they are in this state, they can speak
to their companions telepathically and even empower
Vitiations through them if the host allows it.
324 BLACKBIRDS

Tooth † Claw, Fin † Wing

The theurge gains characteristics of a particular beast.

REMNANT: Bestial Power

DISTANCE:
& Imp and Villein: The theurge
& Lord: The theurge or one other willing person they touch

DURATION:
& Imp: [WB] Turns
& Villein: [WB] minutes
& Lord: [WB] hours

EFFECT:
& Imp: The theurge’s body takes on some of the
shape and form of a beast. This will be very
obvious and monstrous to anyone seeing them.
The first time this Vitiation is used on someone,
they suffer 1Ð10+1 Peril. Make a Resolve test
for anyone seeing someone under the effects of
this Vitiation for the first time. Choose one of
the changes below.
• Carapace: The theurge’s skin is replaced with
hard plates similar to the shell of a turtle. Add
+3 to their Damage Threshold, and they
cannot suffer from Bleeding. If they are
currently Bleeding when this Vitiation is first
activated, they stop. They lose 1 AP per Turn.
• Claws or Talons: The theurge’s hands no longer
terminate in fingers and thumbs, but in deadly
bestial claws or talons (pick one when the magic
begins). Claws are Melee weapons with the
Vicious Quality. Talons are Melee weapons with
the Fast Quality. Instead of using the theurge’s
[CB], they may refer to their [WB] to determine
Damage. Finally, whenever they strike or Parry
with these claws or talons, the Odweft Skill may
be employed instead of Melee. Add 1Ð6
Damage to attacks made with these. The theurge
may not hold another weapon.
• Echolocation and Wings: The theurge’s ears
become large; their hands stretch into massive,
fanlike wings; and their face becomes that of a
batlike monstrosity. They may not wear gloves
or hold anything in their hands. They may
glide safely from any height to the ground, as
their wings bear them aloft but do not allow
them to gain altitude. They may also “see” in
total darkness, so long as they can hear. While
recipients use this ability, creatures with keen
hearing will perceive the clicks they make.
• Fins and Gills: The theurge’s neck grows gills,
their face becomes piscine in appearance, and
their hands and feet become fins that lose
their prehensile qualities. They may neither
wear shoes, boots, or gloves, nor manipulate
human tools or weapons, though they may
breathe freely underwater for the duration of
the Vitiation. In addition, add +10 to
Athletics tests made to swim. If the theurge is
still underwater when the magic expires, they
begin to suffocate.

& Villein: The theurge gains access to
additional forms:
• Feathers and Wings: The theurge sprouts
wings from their back, they are covered in
feathers, and their face becomes that of a
birdlike creature. The theurge may fly at twice
their Movement speed, may stay aloft, and
may gain altitude. Their bones are more
fragile, however, so all attacks against them
roll an extra Injury die if warranted.
• Poison Tail: The theurge grows a poison tail
like a scorpion’s. This tail acts as a Melee
weapon with the Envenomed (1Ð10), Fast,
and Reach Qualities. The Odweft Skill may
be employed when attacking instead of Melee,
and the theurge’s [WB] may be added as a
Damage bonus instead of [CB].
& Lord: The theurge may choose two changes to
occur at the same time. They may transform
between their human and bestial form, or swap
out one of the changes, by spending 1 AP.
T HEU RGY: T he W hi speri n g Gri moire 325
CRITICAL SUCCESS: Pick an extra change to occur at
the same time.
CRITICAL FAILURE: The theurge becomes a horrible,
twisted version of themself, fully monstrous to look
upon but with no special abilities. This effect lasts
for twice the duration the Vitiation would have. All
Fellowship-based Skill tests are at –30.
SUBLIME SUCCESS: The effects of this Vitiation are
indefinite and last until the theurge decides to use
another on themself. They may transform to and from
their chosen form at any time by spending 3 AP (1 AP
if the Vitiation was enacted at the lord level of power).
SUBLIME FAILURE: The theurge vomits up all of
their insides in a violent display of blood and bile,
evacuating themself until all that remains is a limp
curtain of flesh that lacks mobility and weighs next
to nothing. Their disembodied voice may be heard
faintly if one approaches this new form. The theurge
and all those who witness the event suffer 3Ð10+3
Peril. The theurge is trapped in this form until the
sun sets and rises again.
326 BLACKBIRDS

Tree of
Many Branches
The theurge grows two extra arms.

REMNANT: Chimera

DISTANCE:
& Imp: The theurge
& Villein: The theurge and one other consenting recipient they can see
& Lord: [WB] consenting recipients they can see, which can include the theurge

DURATION:
& Imp: 1Ð6 Rounds
& Villein: [WB] Rounds
& Lord: [WB] minutes

EFFECT:
& Imp: Two magical arms appear upon the CRITICAL SUCCESS: The duration is doubled.
theurge’s torso. They do not damage or change
CRITICAL FAILURE: The recipient’s arms disappear
the recipient’s armor or clothing. Any Combat-
for the duration, and the recipient drops anything
based, Brawn-based, or Agility-based Skill tests
they were holding.
that can benefit from having these extra arms
(e.g., climbing something, grappling someone) SUBLIME SUCCESS: As Critical Success, and add 1
gain a +10 bonus. Their second attack during AP when the recipient gains AP at the beginning of
their Turn has no penalty. The first Parry made each of their Turns.
after the recipient’s Turn costs 0 AP regardless
SUBLIME FAILURE: As Critical Failure, but it lasts
of the roll.
until the sun sets and rises again.
& Villein: The Skill bonus is +20. All additional
attacks have no penalty. If they have a shield,
then add an extra +1 to their Damage Threshold.
The first two Parries made after the recipient’s
Turn costs 0 AP regardless of the roll.
& Lord: The Skill bonus is +30. The first three
Parries made after the recipient’s Turn costs 0
AP regardless of the roll.
 T HEU RGY: T he W hi speri n g Gri moire 327

Unweave the Od
The theurge undoes a Vitiation currently in progress.

REMNANT: Common (accessible to all Outsiders)

DISTANCE: One Vitiation or magical effect currently happening that the theurge can perceive

DURATION: Instantaneous

EFFECT:
& Imp: If the target of this Vitiation was something CRITICAL SUCCESS: The magic ends, and the theurge
manifested by an imp, the Odweft test to end its becomes immune to any Vitiation originating from
effects is unmodified. If the target is from a the same source until the sun sets and rises again.
villein, the Difficulty Rating for the test is
CRITICAL FAILURE: The theurge loses all access to
(Arduous –30%). If the target is from a lord, the
Vitiations until the sun rises and sets again.
Difficulty Rating for the test is –60%, making it
nearly impossible in most cases. If the test is SUBLIME SUCCESS: The magic ends, and the source
successful, the Vitiation or magic immediately of the magic is unable to use any Vitiation until the
ends; either way, the initiator of the magic will sun sets and rises again.
become aware of the theurge and their location.
SUBLIME FAILURE: One of the theurge’s Outsiders is
This Vitiation may not be used on instantaneous
cut off from this world and no longer accessible to
magic, only on magic that has a prolonged effect
any theurge. It must be an Outsider of the same
or duration.
station as the one that empowered this Vitiation.
& Villein: If the target is imp station, the Difficulty
After one month, it is able to reform its connection
Rating for the test is (Routine +10%). If the
to this world and will once again be accessible, but
target is villein station, it is unmodified. If it is
it must be summoned again using the Pythonic
lord station, the Difficulty Rating for the test is
Liturgy if this theurge wants to use it again.
(Arduous –30%). The theurge may use this
Vitiation against instantaneous magic as it is
being enacted by spending 2 AP and casting it as
a Reaction.
& Lord: If the target is imp station, it immediately
succeeds. If the target is villein station, the
Difficulty Rating for the test is (Routine +10%).
If it is lord station, the test is unmodified. The
theurge may use this Vitiation against
instantaneous magic as it is being enacted by
spending 1 AP and casting it as a Reaction.
328 BLACKBIRDS

Vicious Sagacity
The theurge gains the senses of a beast.

REMNANT: Bestial Power

DISTANCE:
& Imp: The theurge or one other willing person they touch
& Villein: Three willing people the theurge touches, which can include themself
& Lord: [WB] willing people the theurge touches, which can include themself

DURATION:
& Imp: [WB] minutes
& Villein: 30+[WB] minutes
& Lord: [WB] hours

EFFECT:
& Imp: The theurge gains +10 to all Skills based on
Perception when applicable, and it becomes
impossible to surprise them. In addition, they
gain one other enhancement when the Vitiation
is enacted, chosen from the list below:
• Ears of the Moth: The theurge’s ears become
insectile, and they can hear even the quietest
sounds across a large city square. Eavesdropping
on conversations becomes very easy. Add +20
to Perception-based Skill tests made for them
that involve hearing.
• Hawk Sight: The theurge’s eyes become like
those of a hawk. They can see things with
great detail at enormous distance. Add +20 to
Perception-based Skill tests made for them
that involve using distance vision. Add +10 to
attacks with Ranged weapons.
• Night Vision: The theurge’s eyes look like those
of a cat for the duration. All forms of lighting are
treated as Bright Light. Add +20 to Perception-
based tests made for them that involve using
vision in Fleeting Shadows and Total Darkness.
• Nose of the Hound: The theurge’s nose
becomes similar to that of a dog or wolf. Their
sense of smell becomes very precise, and they
can detect poisons and unusual compounds in
food and drink before tasting them, as well as
track specific smells over vast distances. Add
+20 to Perception-based Skill tests made for
them that involve scent.
& Villein: When using the chosen sense, add +30
to Skill tests. All other Perception-based Skill
tests relying on other senses are made at +10.
& Lord: All targets of the Vitiation gain two effects.
When using the chosen senses, add +30 to Skill
tests. All other Perception-based Skill tests
relying on other senses are made at +20.
CRITICAL SUCCESS: All Perception-based Skill tests
are Flip to Succeed until the Vitiation ends.
CRITICAL FAILURE: The recipient becomes a horrible,
twisted version of themself, fully monstrous to look
upon but with no special abilities. This effect lasts
for twice the duration the Vitiation would have. All
Fellowship-based Skill tests are at –30.
SUBLIME SUCCESS: The duration is indefinite, lasting
until the theurge uses another Vitiation on themself.
SUBLIME FAILURE: The recipient becomes the animal
that they were going to gain the senses of until the
sun sets and rises again. They suffer 3Ð10+3 Peril
when they return to human form.
 T HEU RGY: T he W hi speri n g Gri moire 329

Walking Between
The theurge steps through the wall of reality into the pure,
swirling chaos of the Od, and appears at another location.

REMNANT: Impossibility

DISTANCE:
& Imp: The theurge
& Villein: The theurge and three willing recipients they touch
& Lord: The theurge and [WB] willing recipients they touch

DURATION: Instantaneous

EFFECT:
& Imp: The theurge instantly disappears and
reappears at any location they can currently see
within range of their natural sight. They are not
subject to Opportunity Attacks.
& Villein: The theurge and those with them can
travel to any location in the world that the
theurge has been to or that they can see, even if
it is not with their natural sight, so locations
seen with clairvoyance or even in paintings of
actual places can be used to determine a
destination.
& Lord: The theurge and his companions may
travel to any location that the theurge can see
(by any means) or that any one of those traveling
with them have personally been to.
CRITICAL SUCCESS: The theurge may determine
precisely where they arrive at the location and has
a good idea of the situation at the destination as
if they spent some time scouting it. They do not
have to arrive precisely at a location they can see
and could, for example, appear near a place they
can see but hidden or inside of something.
CRITICAL FAILURE: The theurge and everyone
traveling with them appear somewhere bad—how
bad is up to the Fateweaver, but it will at least be
within 1 day’s walk of their intended destination.
All travelers suffer 2Ð10+2 Peril, as the Od reveals
much of itself to the theurge and their traveling
companions.
SUBLIME SUCCESS: The theurge and their traveling
companions may appear inside a secret or hidden
location at their destination that they didn’t know
existed, or they immediately start a Surprise Round
when they arrive.

SUBLIME FAILURE: The theurge and their traveling

companions appear somewhere bad—how bad is
up to the Fateweaver, but they will be nowhere
near their intended destination. All travelers suffer
3Ð10+3 Peril, as the Od reveals much of itself to
the theurge and their accompanying travelers.
330 BLACKBIRDS

What Has Passed

The theurge goes into a trance and sends their awareness back in time,
becoming aware of what has transpired in a particular location in the past.

REMNANT: Clairvoyance

DISTANCE: The theurge

DURATION: Until the theurge ends the Vitiation.

EFFECT:
& Imp: The theurge is able to see what happened
up to 1 week in the past at their location. They
may rapidly move forward and backward in
time until they find an event of note, but they
observe said events as they occur in real time. To
completely observe an event that took 2 hours,
the theurge would have to spend 2 hours in the
trance, Helpless and unaware of what is
transpiring in the present.
& Villein: The theurge may see up to 1 year in the
past, and they may hear as well as watch.
& Lord: The theurge may see up to 100 years
in the past.
CRITICAL SUCCESS: Multiply the time frame the
theurge can see into the past by ten.
CRITICAL FAILURE: The theurge becomes out of sync
with time and is rendered Helpless and catatonic
until the sun sets and rises again.
SUBLIME SUCCESS: The theurge immediately finds
what they are looking for or the event they want
to observe without having to search for it. Also, to
a limited degree, they gain insight into what those
who were present were thinking and feeling.
SUBLIME FAILURE: The theurge begins aging in
reverse at the rate of one year per day, running the
risk of vanishing into unbegottenhood. A successful
(Arduous –30%) Odweft test may be made once
per day to halt this regression. At this point, the
theurge will once again age normally.
 T HEU RGY: T he W hi speri n g Gri moire 331

Widening Gyre
This Vitiation allows the theurge to break the connection
between a creature and its source of magical power.

REMNANT: Phrenic

DISTANCE: One creature the theurge can see

DURATION:
& Imp: 1+[WB] Rounds
& Villein: 6+[WB] minutes
& Lord: 1+[WB] hours

EFFECT:
& Imp: If a Resolve test made for the target fails, it CRITICAL SUCCESS: Bump the effect duration up to
loses contact with and access to the abilities of the next highest level. If it is a lord empowering
an imp-level Outsider for the duration. If the the Vitiation, the effects last until the sun sets and
target is a Risk Factor Basic Tier creature rises again.
channeling power from a higher source, such as
CRITICAL FAILURE: The theurge loses access to the
an Oligarch or godling, it loses access to one
Outsider that empowered this Vitiation until the
Trait of the theurge’s choosing for the duration.
sun sets and rises again.
& Villein: Access is cut off to villein-level Outsiders
(and below) and Risk Factor Intermediate Tier SUBLIME SUCCESS: The effect lasts 3 days.
creatures. The Difficulty Rating for the Resolve
SUBLIME FAILURE: One of the theurge’s Outsiders
test is (Hard –20%) for Risk Factor Basic Tier
is cut off from this world and no longer accessible
creatures and Traits.
to any theurge. It must be the Outsider that
& Lord: Access is cut off to lord-level Outsiders
empowered this Vitiation. After one month, it is
(and below) and Risk Factor Advanced Tier
able to reform its connection to this world and will
creatures. The Difficulty Rating for the Resolve
once again be accessible, but it must be summoned
test is (Hard –20%) for Risk Factor Intermediate
again using the Pythonic Liturgy if this theurge
Tier creatures and Traits, and (Arduous –30%)
wants to use it again.
for Risk Factor Basic Tier ones.
332 BLACKBIRDS

Witchlight
The theurge creates a magical light to guide their way through the darkness.

REMNANT: Quintessence

DISTANCE: 10 strides of Perfect Light, 11–29 strides of Fleeting Shadows

DURATION:
& Imp: 1+[WB] days
& Villein: 3+[WB] hours
& Lord: 10+[WB] hours

EFFECT:
& Imp: A glowing object in whatever shape the CRITICAL SUCCESS: The light becomes semi-sentient
theurge chooses (but about the size of a human for the duration and can be moved anywhere the
fist) appears above their head, floating and theurge can see by mental command.
moving with them, providing light equivalent to
CRITICAL FAILURE: The object follows the theurge
a torch, but no heat. They may douse it and
while lowering the lighting in the same area to Total
bring it back without concentrating at any point
Darkness that affects all creatures in the same radius
during the duration of the magic.
for 1 hour.
& Villein: The light cast by the object can’t be seen
outside of the circle of light it projects. The light SUBLIME SUCCESS: The theurge and their allies may
shines brighter on things of interest. Searching not be Surprised while the light shines on them,
for or attempting to notice something during and all tests made for those people to search for or
the duration is at +10. notice something are Flip to Succeed.
& Lord: The light can be seen only by those the
SUBLIME FAILURE: As Critical Failure, but it lasts
theurge selects when the Vitiation is empowered.
until the sun sets and rises again.
Finding objects and noticing things is at +20.

W O RTC U N N I N G
O
utsiders would have everyone believe
that they are the only source of arcane
power in this world, and although they
are unimaginably old and offer great potentiality,
there are things older and more powerful still—
though many of these ancient forces are sleeping or
dead. The common folk call those who practice
these mostly lost and forgotten rites wise people,
and their practice wortcunning. Theurges,
meanwhile, call this art “hedge magic” and look
down upon its practitioners with scorn. It is true
that these magics are more difficult to perform, are
less ostentatious than most Vitiations, and are
sometimes unreliable. Nevertheless, they can be
effective. Outsiders (especially the Court of
Ignorance) denigrate most vociferously anyone
practicing these magics and actively seek to have
this knowledge destroyed or erased.
Wortcunning magics are more in line with
what most people consider when they use the term
“spell.” They involve speaking and repeating chants
and mantras that are petitions to the old gods or to
powers of the natural world that are truly ancient.
In addition, they often have difficult-to-obtain
material components and a lengthy, yet necessary,
time of preparation.
Learning Spells
To learn a Wortcunning Spell, a Blackbird must
spend a significant amount of time practicing the
proper pronunciations and foci of concentration to
bring about its effects. Such Wortcunning Spells
are typically taught by someone else who knows the
Wortcunning Spell. It is exceedingly rare to find
any of these magics in a written form outside of
certain institutes of higher learning. Assume that
one teacher can instruct one student at a time, and
that this instruction takes at least a month, or the
amount of time that passes between Weavings,
depending upon Fateweaver ruling. An (Arduous
–30%) Wortcunning test must be made for them.
T HEU RGY: T he W hi speri n g Gri moire 333
If it succeeds, the character may
learn the Wortcunning Spell; if it fails,
they may try again by repeating the process.
Casting Spells
Unless otherwise outlined in the descriptions below,
once enacted, a Wortcunning test is made for the
caster to successfully perform the Wortcunning
Spell. If the caster is interrupted during the casting
of a Wortcunning Spell, the process must be started
again from the beginning. The Degree of Success is
based on [IB].
The Wortcunning test is modified based on the
amount of Tithe the caster has acquired (if they are
someone who can accumulate Tithe). For each 10
Tithe accumulated, the roll is modified by –10. So a
caster with a Tithe of 9 would have no modification,
but one with 10 Tithe would gain –10.
Remember, as per the Multiple Effects at Once
rule, no individual may be under the influence of
more than one Wortcunning Spell at the same time
that has a duration longer than instantaneous. In
addition, an individual may not be the recipient of
a Wortcunning Spell if they are already under the
influence of a Vitiation or Outsider Technique that
requires them to be a willing recipient, unless that
Wortcunning Spell has an instantaneous duration.
Wortcunning Spell Description
Format
SPELL NAME
Here will be a basic description of
the Wortcunning Spell.
CASTING TIME: The time it takes to cast the
Wortcunning Spell.
MATERIAL COMPONENTS: Material or physical
components needed to cast the Wortcunning
Spell, and possibly other requirements.
DISTANCE: The range at which the Wortcunning
Spell must be cast to take effect.
334 BLACKBIRDS
DURATION: How long the magic lasts.
EFFECT: The effect the Wortcunning Spell has.
CRITICAL SUCCESS: The results of rolling a
Critical Success.
CRITICAL FAILURE: The results of rolling a
Critical Failure.
SUBLIME SUCCESS: The results of rolling a
Sublime Success.
SUBLIME FAILURE: The results of rolling a
Sublime Failure.
C I R C L E O F C A ST
The caster creates a circle with iron filings
while praying to Hyperion; undead may
not cross the boundaries of this ring.
CASTING TIME: 1 hour
MATERIAL COMPONENTS: A handful of iron filings
DISTANCE: A 6-stride-diameter circle that the wise
person must lay out
DURATION: Until the sun sets and rises again
EFFECT: The caster marks a 6-stride-diameter circle
with iron filings while praying to Hyperion. No
undead may willingly pass over the boundaries
of this circle from the outside. Undead inside the
circle take 2Ð10+2 Damage from fire every Round
they are within its boundaries.
CRITICAL SUCCESS: The duration and radius
are doubled.
CRITICAL FAILURE: The caster draws undead toward
them like a beacon until the sun sets and rises again.
SUBLIME SUCCESS: The circle is permanent until the
iron filings are disturbed. Undead forced into the
boundaries of the circle are Slain!.
SUBLIME FAILURE: A lich becomes aware of the
casters (see Lich in Chapter 10: Bestiary for details).
DUSKING
The caster shares bread and passes into slumber near
their companions while thinking of the deeds they
have done together. During the night, all share a
dream that gives them advantages in the trials ahead.
CASTING TIME: One Rekindling that must include
sleep (see Sleep to Recover in Chapter 6: Conflict &
Rekindling)
MATERIAL COMPONENTS: Bread that must be
shared among the Fatebound companions. The
Wortcunning Spell may be performed only among
a group of companions who have been traveling
together for more than a week.
DISTANCE: The caster and up to [IB] other people
Rekindling in the same space together
DURATION: Until the sun sets and rises again after the
Rekindling
EFFECT: The caster and their companions, whose souls
are now magically known to each other, are more
connected the next day. Any tests or effects of Talents
and Techniques used to aid another companion
among their flock becomes more beneficial; add
+10 to all applicable tests in the group’s favor. This
includes tests made to bind someone’s wounds, or to
repair or improve Trappings. If one of the group is
Slain! during the duration of the magic, the beneficial
effects end and all tests are made at –10 to the Base
Chance for the remainder of the Wortcunning Spell’s
duration. In addition, if someone is separated from
the group and alone, all Skill tests made for them are
at –10 until reunited with at least one other member
of the group, where they will once again add +10.
CRITICAL SUCCESS: The bonus is +20.
CRITICAL FAILURE: The ghosts of those the group
has slain haunt them the following day. The entire
group is at –10 to all Skill tests for the duration of
the Wortcunning Spell.
SUBLIME SUCCESS: The bonus is +30.
SUBLIME FAILURE: As a Critical Failure, and none of
those who were to be recipients of this magic can benefit
from Dusking for 1 full cycle of the moon Shield.

HARMONIES OF THE OD
The caster invokes Yggdrasil with a litany
of supplication and then strikes a silver
tuning fork to discover if anything in
their vicinity is connected to the Od.
CASTING TIME: 10 minutes
MATERIAL COMPONENTS: A silver tuning fork that
must be placed over the arch of a door for one
sunset and sunrise. This must be done each time
before this Wortcunning Spell is used.
DISTANCE: Everything within the caster’s eyesight
DURATION: 1 minute
EFFECT: Any person or thing that is Odtouched will
have a subtle halo of distortion around it. Everyone
who is not a theurge or doesn’t have a connection to
the Od suffers 1Ð10+1 Peril from the disturbance
of being made even partially aware of the hidden
world. If a source of the Od is actively trying to hide
its presence, make an opposed test of the target’s
Odweft against the caster’s Wortcunning Skill to
see this distortion. This Wortcunning Spell will
even reveal creatures or things that are hidden from
those who can sense or see the Od.
CRITICAL SUCCESS: Every person in the immediate
area gains Odsight. This will continue for each
person until they close their eyes for 10 seconds.
Note that if someone doesn’t naturally have
Odsight, they suffer 1Ð10+1 Peril every time they
see something they should not be seeing, so this
might not be a good thing for them.
CRITICAL FAILURE: The tuning fork resonates
disturbingly and then disintegrates. No part of it is
left in this world.
SUBLIME SUCCESS: All invisible things are revealed,
and creatures that are hidden from those who can
sense or see the Od are likewise revealed and visible.
SUBLIME FAILURE: The resonance of the fork
increases to a level that causes pain to all who hear it
before exploding. Everyone within 10 strides takes
1Ð10+1 Damage and makes a Toughness test or is
Deafened for 1Ð6 hours.
T HEU RGY: T he W hi speri n g Gri moire 335
HY P E R I O N’ S C U R S E
The caster spends the night awake, chanting
over a weapon and petitioning the ancient hero
Hyperion while marking it with their blood. The
next day, until the sun sets, the weapon is able to
harm creatures that are hurt only by magic.
CASTING TIME: 1 night, from sunset to sunrise
MATERIAL COMPONENTS: Some of the caster’s blood
DISTANCE: One weapon the caster can touch
DURATION: Until sunset
EFFECT: The now-Enchanted weapon has the ability
to strike and wound enemies that are hurt only
by magical weapons. The Wortcunning test to
determine whether this Wortcunning Spell works
should be made the first time the weapon is swung
at a magical foe.
CRITICAL SUCCESS: The weapon gains +10 to
Attack Actions.
CRITICAL FAILURE: The weapon breaks, even if it has
the Signet Quality.
SUBLIME SUCCESS: The weapon gains +10 to Attack
Actions and does Bane Damage.
SUBLIME FAILURE: The weapon breaks, even if it has
the Signet Quality. Further, a revenant becomes
aware of the caster and finds them within the next
few nights (see Revenant in Chapter 10: Bestiary
for details).
336 BLACKBIRDS
I NV O C AT I O N O F C O RV U S
The caster marks the subject’s naked skin with the ancient symbols of the god of death and
offers themself to him, becoming invisible to magic, magical beasts, and effects.
CASTING TIME: 1 hour per person ensorcelled
MATERIAL COMPONENTS: The blood of a human
corpse mixed with powdered gold, silver, or another
valuable substance
DISTANCE: The caster +[IB] other people
DURATION: Until the next sunrise
EFFECT: The caster and those to be ensorcelled
must strip until most of their skin is exposed to
the open air (generally a person can wear shoes
and smallclothes) and have ancient symbols of
supplication to Corvus drawn upon every thumb’s
length of flesh available. The recipients then must
then all hold hands, face outward in a circle, and
chant a prayer to death. After this, the following
effects happen:
% They are rendered invisible to most Outsiders,
the servants of the Oligarchs, aes, daimn, magical
monsters, and creatures that have the Sight
Without Sight Trait.
% They cannot be the target of most Vitiations, but
the effects of Vitiations can still hurt them if
there is no specific target.
% Risk Factor Basic servants of the Oligarchs can’t
see the recipients, and their Vitiations will not
affect the recipients at all.
% Villein-level Vitiations are at –30 to affect them,
and they have +30 to Stealth tests to escape the
notice of Risk Factor Intermediate servants of
the Oligarchs.
% Lord-level Vitiations are at –10 to affect them,
and they have +10 to Stealth tests to escape the
notice of Risk Factor Advanced servants of the
Oligarchs.
A recipient may not wear armor if they want
this ensorcellment to continue to work, for their
skin and what is written upon it must be visible and
exposed. The Wortcunning test to determine
whether this Wortcunning Spell is effective should
not be rolled until the first encounter with a magic
foe occurs. This magic may not be cast on aes and
daimn (as they are magical creatures). Attacking or
physically interacting with a magical creature
immediately ends this Wortcunning Spell for the
person who did so.
CRITICAL SUCCESS: All tests to Resist Vitiations
and the Traits of magical creatures and Oligarch
servants, as well as Stealth tests, are modified by
+10 in favor of the recipients.
CRITICAL FAILURE: Everyone under the purview
of this magic can be sensed by the Odtouched
from a distance of 99 strides, even through walls.
All Vitiations are +10 against those under the
failed magic, and hiding from magical creatures
is impossible. Submerging oneself completely in
water is necessary to remove the symbols and end
this effect.
SUBLIME SUCCESS: The recipients are invisible to
nonmagical creatures and people as well, though
they are not invisible to each other.
SUBLIME FAILURE: As Critical Failure, but the effect
can’t be removed and will last until the sun sets and
rises again.

P E LT- B I N D
The caster binds a comrade’s wounds with
medicinal plants and the blood of a fresh kill
while chanting prayers to Mother Wolf either
to stop the bleeding or to offer healing.
CASTING TIME: 10 minutes, or instantaneous; see below
MATERIAL COMPONENTS: A poultice made from mud,
the blood of fresh-killed game, and various plants.
Any place with prodigious and varied vegetation can
be used by the person who knows this Wortcunning
Spell; makes a Folklore, Survival, Tradecraft, or
Wortcunning test; and spends an hour searching for
the materials, in addition to the casting time.
DISTANCE: One person the caster touches
DURATION: Instantaneous
EFFECT: Make an Odweft or Heal test, and consult
Chapter 6: Conflict & Rekindling. If the caster has
Skill Ranks in Heal, add +10 to the Base Chance and
restore an additional level of Damage. If the caster does
not have Skill Ranks in Heal, they may bind wounds
as if they do, but through a (Challenging –10%)
Wortcunning test instead of a Heal test. In addition,
if the test is successful, the patient recovers from the
same number of levels on the Peril Condition Track
as they do on the Damage Condition Track. Also, no
bandages are required to use this Wortcunning Spell.
The caster may also use this Wortcunning Spell to
immediately stop Bleeding by spending 3 AP during
combat. If the test is successful, the Bleeding stops and
the materials are lost, but none of the other effects listed
here occur. This Wortcunning Spell may be used on a
person only once per full day for either usage.
CRITICAL SUCCESS: An extra level of healing occurs or
an Injury may be healed.
CRITICAL FAILURE: The patient now suffers from
infection.
SUBLIME SUCCESS: All of the recipient’s Damage and
Injuries are healed.
SUBLIME FAILURE: The patient suffers from infection
and drops 1 level on the Damage Condition Track.
This might kill them.
T HEU RGY: T he W hi speri n g Gri moire 337
P R A E N O M E N M O RT D E U S
The caster speaks the ancient names of the dead
gods and invokes their protection and power. Many
old and crumbling ruins have hidden places or
unopenable portals that may be traversed only
by speaking these names. Supernatural creatures
are more inclined toward one who knows these
lost denotations and sounds them properly.
CASTING TIME: Instantaneous or 1 AP if cast during a
Combat Scene
MATERIAL COMPONENTS: None, but the caster must
speak the words aloud and be able to do so
DISTANCE: All within earshot
DURATION: Until the sun sets and rises again
EFFECT: The caster immediately suffers 1Ð10+1 Peril,
regardless of whether they speak the names correctly.
Supernatural creatures who hear someone speak the
names properly are more inclined to listen to the one
who addressed them, and all Fellowship-based Skill
tests made for that person to deal with those creatures
are at +10. Certain ancient ruins open or hidden paths
reveal themselves once the words are spoken. If used
during a Combat Scene, all magical creatures who
hear the utterance lose 1 AP.
Oligarchs and their servants recoil from those
who utter these names in their presence. The +10 still
applies, but it stems here from fear. The hearer marks
the speaker as one to remove from the world.
CRITICAL SUCCESS: The Fellowship-based Skill
tests when dealing with supernatural creatures are
made at +20.
CRITICAL FAILURE: The caster is at –10 to Fellowship-
based Skill tests when dealing with supernatural
beings, and Wortcunning and Odweft tests are made
for them at –10 until the sun sets and rises again.
SUBLIME SUCCESS: As Critical Success. Also, upon
meeting a servant of any dead god, you may make one
request of that being. It is inclined to accede, as long as
the request does not endanger it.
SUBLIME FAILURE: As Critical Failure. Also, the caster
is unable to speak until the sun sets and rises again.
338 BLACKBIRDS
SERE ROSES
The caster plants a rose bush and
enchants it so that its fragrance draws
the risen dead like a moth to flame.
CASTING TIME: 1 week
MATERIAL COMPONENTS: A rose bush and one
pound of bone meal
DISTANCE: A plot of earth that the caster must tend
daily while casting
DURATION: Indefinite until destroyed
EFFECT: The caster plants a rose bush using the bone
meal as fertilizer and tends it every day for a week,
feeding it one drop of their blood and speaking words
of praise to Hekaté. The enchanted bush develops
gray petals laced with verdigris veins as it draws trace
amounts of Hekaté’s blood in the surrounding earth
into itself. Any children of Anhelios in the area are
drawn to it (see Children of Anhelios in Chapter 10:
Bestiary) and consume it before doing anything
else. If they possess intelligence, a successful (Hard
–20%) Resolve test is necessary to have them avoid
prioritizing the consuming of these roses. Once one
of the risen dead is attacked, the Wortcunning Spell
is broken for all of them nearby.
CRITICAL SUCCESS: The Resolve test is
(Arduous –30%).
CRITICAL FAILURE: The bush does not draw the dead
to it, but the nearest dead person will rise as a wight
(see Wight in Chapter 10: Bestiary).
SUBLIME SUCCESS: The Resolve test is (Arduous
–30%), and sere roses will bloom and multiply in
this area unless all are uprooted.
SUBLIME FAILURE: 2Ð10 ghouls arrive in the night
to kill the caster and all living creatures nearby (see
Ghoul in Chapter 10: Bestiary for details).
S I G HT O F T H E N O R N S
The caster tries to divine what the future holds by
seeking the knowledge and wisdom of the Norns.
CASTING TIME: 1 hour
MATERIAL COMPONENTS: The form this divination
usually takes involves the caster cutting open a
young and perfect calf and viewing the pattern
formed by the entrails that spill out. The Fateweaver
can adjudicate and adjust the Wortcunning test,
depending upon the quality of the sacrifice made,
with this as the baseline. The caster must also spend
a Fortune.
DISTANCE: The caster
DURATION: 1 minute
EFFECT: The caster either sees a vision of a possible
future of the Fateweaver’s choosing, or they may
ask a question that the Fateweaver will answer.
The Fateweaver makes the Wortcunning test for
the character in secret, and if it fails, they will still
have a vision or learn an answer that will contain
some truth but will be in some way misleading.
The Fateweaver must tell the truth as when using
Skuld’s Vision, but the answer given should be as
full and detailed as possible. Note that although
what is seen or learned pertains to the future, it is
only a possible future since the point of using this
divination is to hopefully change what is to come.
CRITICAL SUCCESS: The caster may ask a question
after having the vision or ask a second question if
they used the Wortcunning Spell to ask something.
There is no expenditure of Fortune.
CRITICAL FAILURE: The caster loses the ability to
spend Fortune until the sun sets and rises again.
They receive no vision.
SUBLIME SUCCESS: There is no expenditure of
Fortune, and all Misfortune currently in the
Fateweaver’s pool is changed back into Fortune.
SUBLIME FAILURE: The caster draws the attention of a
powerful supernatural foe in the area, perhaps even
an Oligarch or one of its more powerful servants.

THE SEALING OF OUROBOROS
The caster cuts the secret Symbol of Ouroboros
into the back of the recipient’s neck and
speaks its ancient name. Thereafter, the bearer
is protected from possession by magic or
Outsiders until the sun sets and rises again.
CASTING TIME: 1 minute
MATERIAL COMPONENTS: A blade of pure iron
DISTANCE: One person the caster touches
DURATION: Until the sun sets and rises again
EFFECT: The recipient is unable to be possessed or
be the target of Vitiations of Helotry or Phrenic for
the duration of the Wortcunning Spell, but they
immediately fall 1 level on the Peril Condition
Track. They may not remedy their condition on
the Peril Condition Track until this Wortcunning
Spell ends. Do not roll the Wortcunning test to
determine Success until a Vitiation is used against
someone ensorcelled by this Wortcunning Spell or
a possession attempt occurs.
CRITICAL SUCCESS: The Wortcunning Spell has no
effect on the Peril Condition Track, which behaves
normally throughout the duration.
CRITICAL FAILURE: The recipient becomes less
resistant to possession or Vitiations of Helotry or
Phrenic for the duration. They are at –10 to Resist
any of these effects.
SUBLIME SUCCESS: As Critical Success, and add
+10 to any Skill tests made for the recipient to
Resist magic.
SUBLIME FAILURE: The recipient is possessed by
an eidolon or other appropriate creature at the
3rd degree (see Eidolon in Chapter 10: Bestiary
for details).
T HEU RGY: T he W hi speri n g Gri moire 339
PSALMS OF THE OLD GODS
The caster chants together with others to calm
and heal the target’s mind and center them.
CASTING TIME: 1 hour
MATERIAL COMPONENTS: Burned aromatic herbs
or incense
DISTANCE: A group of people sitting together
DURATION: Instantaneous
EFFECT: At least two people must sit together and
chant the psalms of the old gods. Not everyone needs
to know this Wortcunning Spell; one who knows it
can lead others. The Wortcunning Spell must be
performed in a safe place, and the participants must
be completely uninterrupted. Make an Education,
Resolve, or Wortcunning test for each participant
based upon personal choice. On a Failure, they
remedy 1 level of Peril; on a Success, 2 levels. Once
the psalms are performed, they may not be used for
this purpose again by any of those same participants
until the sun sets and rises again.
CRITICAL SUCCESS: The participant remedies 3
levels of Peril.
CRITICAL FAILURE: The participant gains no benefit
from the psalms.
SUBLIME SUCCESS: The participant fully recovers
from Peril and heals 1 level of Damage.
SUBLIME FAILURE: The participant falls 1 level on the
Peril Condition Track.
O D I C M A N I F E S T A T I O N S A LT E R the entire Scene when they
come into effect, and their influence can be felt by friend and
foe alike. Unless otherwise stated below, a manifestation occurs
everywhere within 99 strides of the theurge and lasts 1Ð10 minutes.
If a particular manifestation has a greater or lesser range or scope, it
will be mentioned in the specific entry.
 Tablets of the
Unbegotten
B eyond the boundaries of the world that folk
see flows the Od. An endless stream of creation,
chaos, potential, and possibility, the Od is the
source of all magic, and all life is to some degree imbued with its
essence. The Od is also violent, dangerous, unstable, and—very
likely—aware, conscious, and possibly malevolent. Without it,
there would be no Outsiders, gods, Oligarchs, aes, daimn, or magic.

When a theurge calls upon their diabolical servant to empower a

Vitiation, the compelled Outsider draws upon the Od to push or
bend the rules of reality. This process is not a natural or simple one.
A violent hack of possibility, it perverts the proper order of things. It
is dangerous, not just because tapping into such powers bears with
it a reckoning, but because the weft and warp of the world might be
pulled too far apart, spilling raw chaos through the gap, with truly
unpredictable consequences. The more wizards there are in one’s
vicinity calling upon otherworldly powers, the more likely there is to
be a manifestation of pure chaos.
The weakness of the walls of reality is measured by Odic dice.
Whenever a theurge uses a Vitiation, whether it succeeds or fails, often
Odic dice are added to the Odic dice pool and then all of the dice in
the pool are rolled. If any of these dice come up as a ‘6,’ an Odic
Manifestation occurs. Roll on the Odic Manifestations table using
1Ð100 and adding +10 to the result for each ‘6’ rolled. Then, remove
all of the dice that rolled a ‘6’ from the pool. Like lighting grounding
itself, an Odic Manifestation removes some of the potential chaos
from the vicinity.
If no magic is used for an entire combat Round, remove two dice
from the Odic dice pool as the imbalance dampens on its own.
342 BLACKBIRDS

Odic Manifestations (Odulations)

RESULT ODIC MANIFESTATION
Witch’s Breath: A sudden wind gusts through the Scene, unsettling animals and people alike. All tasks that require
11–19
focus and acumen become harder to perform. Apply an extra –10 to Skill tests.
20–29 Skittering Frost: An unnatural film of ice envelops everything in the Scene, freezing undrawn blades in their scabbards
and requiring 2 AP to draw them. Additionally, all forms of movement are exceedingly tricky. A Coordination test must
be made every time someone moves; if failed, they become Prone.
Whispering Frogs: Misshapen amphibians, babbling and whispering the deepest secrets of those present, fall from the
30–39 sky. Everyone suffers 1Ð10+1 Peril when this effect first manifests. Everyone is Deafened during the duration of this
effect.
Barrow Fog: A thick fog spills over the immediate area, blanketing sounds and disrupting visibility to Fleeting Shadows;
40–49 worse yet, something stalks within the mist. The children of Anhelios are near. The Blackbirds find that 1Ð6 ghouls have
joined the Scene (see Ghoul in Chapter 10: Bestiary for details).
Raining Blood: Blood rains from the sky. All participants currently in combat fight to the death unless they can make an
50–59 (Arduous –30%) Resolve test. If not currently in combat, everyone is filled with shapeless anger and grows more likely
to come to blows. All Fellowship-based tests are –10.
Temporary Bloom of Od: When performing magic, all successful tests are Critical Successes, and all Failures are
60–69
Critical Failures.
Blink Storm: Roll 1Ð6 for each participant at the beginning of their Turn in the current encounter. If the dice come up
a ‘5’ or ‘6,’ they are shunted into the Od momentarily. A Resolve test must be made for them, and they are unseen and
70–79
unavailable to anyone else or any of the effects in the real world until the beginning of their next Turn. This effect lasts
for 1Ð6 Turns.
80–89 Plague of Cowardice: No participant may take any Action that would involve rolling Damage dice.
 T HEU RGY: Ta blets of t he U n b egot ten 343

RESULT ODIC MANIFESTATION

Unexpected Introduction: A random participant is suddenly made aware of the Outsider that caused the
90–99
manifestation to happen. They have rapport with said Outsider from this day forward.
The Unseeable: Everyone suffers 2Ð10+2 Peril once when this manifestation occurs, as the veil is ripped asunder and
100–109
they see the roiling, raw stuff of the Od unclothed.
Faces: A small face appears on every inanimate object in the near vicinity, and they all start talking; each is totally
110–119 self-aware, including the reality that each is an object. For most of them, the revelation is terrifying. Apply an extra –20
to Skill tests as every item in the area struggles against you.
Permanence: Some aspect of the Vitiation that the theurge was empowering becomes permanent and, if possible,
120–129
sentient, and now has its own motivations and goals.
130–139 Temporal Flux: For every second spent in the area, time moves forward by 1 day outside of it.
140–149 Land of Stone: Everything in the area (including living beings) turns permanently to stone, except the Blackbirds and
their opponents.
Hell Frost: Everything liquid freezes, including saltwater. Living things are not frozen, but the chill might kill plants or
150–159
small animals. The cold lasts until the sun sets and rises again.
Bottomless Chasm: A permanent chasm opens in the ground, splitting those present to either side. Roll 1Ð6 for each
160–169
person present: odd results on one side, evens on the other. The fissure is 10 strides wide.
Od-Rift: A sliver-like rift, no bigger than a tree, is torn between this world and a realm of the Od. This rift allows passage
170–179
in both directions and lasts indefinitely. The rift is only 1 stride in diameter.
Infinite Journey: All present are drawn into the Od, and the rift seals behind them. They must find a way back to the
180+
world they knew before.
344 BLACKBIRDS
T H E P Y T H O N I C L I T U R GY
T
he Pythonic Liturgy is the centerpiece of
the theurge’s art. One thing unique to
every theurge is that each has the rare
combination of natural talent, training, and
scholarship that makes casting the Pythonic Liturgy
a relatively less dangerous possibility. Assume that
every character on the Path of Od & Ritual has
performed the Liturgy at least once, but the Liturgy
itself should never be a commonplace event. Every
time it is performed, there should be an air of
danger and possibility, and every performance
should be unique.
Consider what the Trappings might be for
each Outsider brought forth and how they choose
to appear to the theurge the first time they are
summoned. Outsiders love spectacle and drama,
and the first appearance is an opportunity to show
off some of their power. Consider also that one of
the other Outsiders in a theurge’s portfolio might
also make an appearance to voice approval or to
scorn the theurge’s choice to summon the new ally,
but use this option rarely. In general, administration
of the ritual should be solemn and deadly serious.
The theurge should feel that any wrongly spoken
word or misstep can have dire consequences,
because they can. A Critical or Sublime Failure on
the roll to enact the ritual has extreme results. Roll
1Ð100 in such cases and consult the table below.
ROLL RESULT
The theurge loses contact with all Outsiders for 1 week. They
1–10
may not use any Vitiations during this time.
A lesser Outsider appears, attacks the theurge, and goes on a
rampage if it survives. Roll 1Ð10 to determine what appears:
• 1–2: A chattel imp (see Chattel Imp in Chapter 10:
Bestiary)
• 3–4: A lemure (see Lemure in Chapter 10: Bestiary)
11–20
• 5–6: An eidolon (see Eidolon in Chapter 10: Bestiary)
• 7–8: A fomor (see Fomor in Chapter 10: Bestiary)
• 9: An archon (see Archon in Chapter 10: Bestiary)
• 10: A whispering chimera (see Whispering Chimera in
Chapter 10: Bestiary)
The theurge is blasted with the power of the Od. They take
Damage based upon the station of Outsider they were
attempting to summon:
21–30
• Imp: 2Ð6 Damage
• Villein: 3Ð6 Damage
• Lord: 4Ð6 Damage
The Outsider that was being summoned is physically manifested
on an indefinite basis in this world. Their statistics are the same
31–40 as a similar lesser Outsider (see Lesser Outsiders in Chapter
10: Bestiary for details), but they have access to all of their
Vitiations. They may be gleeful or hateful about this.
A rift is formed between this world and a realm of the Od.
41–50
Sooner or later, something will come from the other side.
The theurge draws the attention of the nearest Oligarch. They
51–60 will send minions to find the theurge, who now bears an indelible
mark that can be magically tracked.
The theurge is transformed into an abomination (see
61–70
Abomination in Chapter 10: Bestiary for details).
71–80 The theurge’s mind is disconnected from reality.
The theurge is removed from the world and taken to a realm
81–90
within the Od.
The theurge is immediately possessed by an eidolon, with no
91–00
chance to Resist (see Eidolon in Chapter 10: Bestiary for details).

Answering the Question
The first time an Outsider is summoned by a
particular theurge, that summoner is allowed to ask
the Outsider one question, which they must answer
truthfully. The Fateweaver must arbitrate what the
answer to this question is. Outsiders have knowledge
of this world that would be impossible for mortals
to comprehend, and when answering the question,
they will have in mind that the information they
pass on should be helpful or useful to the summoner
to make a good first impression, so that they are
more likely be summoned or petitioned again.
Outsiders may know anything about the
current world, at the Fateweaver’s discretion, but
they must decide whether the answer the theurge
seeks breaks the power level of the game. Ideally, the
theurge asks for information that will lead them
and their friends on some sort of quest and could be
described as something that the particular Outsider
would know, based upon its court and its interests—
for example, asking an Outsider from the Court of
Peace about a particular incredibly rare weapon and
where it might be found.
Under no circumstances should the Outsider
have knowledge of the future, which is beyond the
compass of this boon. If the Fateweaver deems that
the petitioner is reaching too far or that the
summoned Outsider has no knowledge of the
subject of the question, they are fully within their
right to tell them that the Outsider doesn’t know
the answer to this question.
An Outsider in this situation likely offers the
newly met theurge some other useful information.
This opportunity is beyond the scope of knowledge
offered by merely spending a point of Fortune to
ask the Fateweaver a question, because it can never
be a presage of the future, and Outsiders do their
best to be as specific as possible.
Special Reckoning
To form a Communion or Pact with an Outsider,
a special Reckoning must be performed to seal
the agreement. This is determined after the
T HEU RGY: Ta blets of t he U n b egot ten 345
Pythonic Liturgy is successful and the question
has been answered. For more on Reckonings, see
Reckonings, below.
To determine what this special reckoning will
be, roll 1Ð100 and add modifiers based upon the
following table:
FACTOR MODIFIER
Communion +20
Pact +40
Imp +20
Villein +40
Lord +80
These numbers are cumulative, so to form a
Pact with a villein, +80 would be added to the test.
Find the suggested Reckoning on the
appropriate Reckoning chart for the court of the
Outsider that is being negotiated with. The
Fateweaver doesn’t have to use the specific
Reckoning on the chart but, instead, should feel
free to use it as a guideline for the severity and type
of reckoning that can be asked of the theurge. If an
advocate is present, a counteroffer to, or
modification of, the requested reckoning can be
proposed. This must be adjudicated by the
Fateweaver, as a simple or easy reckoning can’t be
merely substituted for a difficult one, but a
reasonable modification or asking for something a
bit easier is possible. Make a Bargain, Charm, or
Guile test for the advocate; if the roll is successful,
and the Fateweaver thinks the counteroffer is
reasonable, it is accepted. Only one such
counteroffer may ever be proposed. If the advocate’s
test is a Critical Failure, increase the Spite for this
Outsider by 1. If the test is a Sublime Failure, the
Outsider insists on a more difficult reckoning and
the Spite still increases by 1.
Find the suggested Reckoning on the Suggested
Reckoning Chart later in this chapter.
346 BLACKBIRDS
P O RT R AY I N G O UT S I D E R S
L
et’s be clear: Outsiders do not have the best
interest of their “masters” as part of their
agenda in any way, shape, or form. They are
not allies, they are not servants, and they are not friends
of theurges—they are alien and twisted beings that
only appear to have somewhat human affectations
because that is the best way to exercise their malevolent
and manipulative natures, and push their goals forward.
The goals themselves are beyond human
comprehension. The goal descriptions of the various
courts are merely an attempt by human understanding
to encompass something an ultra-dimensional being
that exists for thousands of human lifetimes is trying
to achieve. Outsiders are playing the longest of
games, and if the reckonings they demand from a
theurge seem petty, meaningless, or bizarre, all the
better. Only the Outsider itself knows what the true
results will be as the consequences echo and wax
through times to come.
All this is not to say that Outsiders are dismissive
of Mortals or don’t have uses for them. Outsiders are
forbidden to directly change the circles of this world or
move within them; for that access, they need a theurge
to bring them forth. Mortals who have both the
knowledge and ability to perform the Pythonic Liturgy
are scarce and, thus, are a resource coveted by
Outsiders. So, although an Outsider may think of
human beings as nothing more than insects, some of
them are important tools to accomplish Outsider
goals, at least until the Outsider has rapport with
multiple Mortals and can begin to play them against
one another. Usually, Outsiders serve their own best
interests by keeping their petitioners alive and relatively
healthy—usually.
Outsiders should be engaging and intriguing to
those who summon them. Outsiders’ forms may be
mostly horrible and disturbing, but they made these
shapes for the purpose of interacting with and
manipulating human beings. Remember that an
Outsider always wants a long-term agreement with
their summoner. They would prefer that their
summoner have such a great need for the Vitiations
they offer that anything might be on the table as a
reckoning, and they do all they can to lead a theurge
toward this state of dependency.
During a Pythonic Liturgy, an Outsider should
be especially formal and particular about everything
a theurge says and does, and about their own
responses and wording. Give the theurge the sense
that they are entering into a formal agreement with a
powerful and dangerous entity of great consequence,
because that is exactly what is happening. Even the
first meeting with an Outsider to establish rapport
should be momentous and memorable.
Remember that the final decision on reckonings
is up the Fateweaver playing the Outsider. It is fully
within their right to give a player access to a Vitiation
or two for free or for a trivial price to get the theurge
to rely on this power, and ask for something
substantial only once the theurge really needs it.
Tactics of Manipulation
Outsiders are masters of manipulation, and the
following tactics are at the Fateweaver’s disposal as
Outsiders seek their ultimate goals, whatever those
may be.
% Apologies: The Outsider knows that what they are
asking for is unreasonable, but it is beyond their
control. Those summoned are beholden to even
more powerful Outsiders and their obligations,
which bear down upon them with demands and
fealties they must apply to this situation or they
will be punished. Outsiders lose nothing by being
obsequious and have no care for human pride or
dignity. They know that humans are often swayed
by sympathy, and it is an excellent motivator for
some Mortals wearing chains of guilt.
% Threats: Sometimes it is useful to hint that it
would be dangerous to refuse what the Outsider
is offering, or to suggest that they may deny the
theurge the powers they need and threaten to
leave them forever. Simply being unavailable for a
bit when they need the Outsider most can do
wonders for their appreciation of the Outsider
and their precious Vitiations.

% Flattery: Pepper the Outsider’s speech amply with
versions of “My Lord,” “My Mistress,” “Your
Greatness,” “Oh Potent One,” etc. Commend the
theurge on how wise their choices are. If the
Fateweaver can cleverly make these compliments
contain a camouflaged insult or hidden non-
complimentary assessment of the theurge or their
abilities, all the better.
% Reverse Psychology: It’s generally far too obvious,
it’s a cliche, and it can be childish, but it also works
under certain circumstances. In addition, there are
more subtle ways to employ this tactic than what
the common parlance would suggest. Consider:
when an Outsider wants a theurge to do something,
what would happen if the Outsider warned them
not to do it?
% Misdirection: Sometimes an Outsider seems
obsessed with something or someone, and is always
seeking to get the theurge to help destroy an enemy
or push a very specific agenda it won’t shut up
about. This is almost always a misdirection.
Outsiders have no such petty human emotions or
hang-ups. It might even be that all the animosities
and strange relationships between the Outsider
courts are mere playacting.
% Lies: Never underestimate the value of a good and
believable falsehood. The best lies are not freely
given, but only hinted at; after much cajoling, they
are finally delivered with doleful misgivings when
the one you seek to deceive drags them from your
lips, or better yet, pays you for delivery. A lie will
almost certainly be believed if its gain was dear to
the deceived.
S P I TE & R E B U K E
S pite represents a theurge’s relationship
with an Outsider. It is a secret value rated
from 1 to 9, recorded by the Fateweaver
after the theurge summons a particular Outsider for
the first time. A Spite of 1 means that the Outsider’s
disposition toward this Mortal is equivalent to the
human emotion of extreme fondness—the Outsider
T HEU RGY: Ta blets of t he U n b egot ten 347
thinks of the Mortal as a favored pet, although they
never openly reveal the true amount of respect they
have for this theurge. A Spite of 9 suggests that this
relationship is extremely fraught—the Outsider still
intends to manipulate the Mortal to achieve its
goals, but the manipulation is usually more blunt
and the reckonings asked for tend to be more harsh.
The Outsider is not necessarily forthcoming or
obvious about the level of Spite. An Outsider with
a Spite of 9 might still present itself as utterly
obsequious and friendly to its summoner. A theurge
should have some experience with a particular
Outsider to have an inkling what the Spite score
might be.
To determine the initial Spite score of a
theurge-Outsider agreement:
% Take the tens die from the Odweft test of the
Pythonic Liturgy that successfully summoned the
Outsider
% If the Odweft test for the Pythonic Liturgy is a
normal Success, add that number to 1Ð10 rolled
secretly by you
% If the Odweft test was a Critical Success, add that
number to 1Ð6 instead of Ð10 for the secret roll
% If the Odweft test was a Sublime Success, add 1
to that number
% Divide the total by 2 and round down
This is the starting Spite value of the agreement.
GRIMAL DI SEE K S AN audience with
Tabernacle, an imp of the Court of Joy (see
below). Grimaldi successfully enacts the
Pythonic Liturgy, and Tabernacle emerges
from a robin’s egg in a nearby nest. The
Odweft test for Grimaldi was a 23%.
The Fateweaver rolls a ‘5’ on 1Ð10 in
secret. Taking the ‘2’ from the tens place of
Grimaldi’s roll and adding the 5 results in
a 7. Divided by 2 and rounded down gives
us a 3. The Spite of this new agreement is
a 3, and Tabernacle’s disposition toward
Grimaldi is favorable.
348 BLACKBIRDS
Spite Roll
Spite is merely a crude abstraction of the relationship
between Outsider and theurge, but it is useful if
the Fateweaver thinks an Outsider might balk at
something or be offended. In such circumstances,
make a Spite roll. Roll 1Ð10, and if the result is
equal to or lesser than their Spite, the Outsider will
rule against what the theurge wants or do its best to
circumvent or reinterpret what they are asking for.
If a negotiation for a temporary deal or reckoning is
on the table, the Outsider ups the ante, requesting
a steeper price and not backing down.
If an advocate can negotiate for the theurge or
help with the discussion, has time to do so, and
there is not already a formal system in place for an
advocate, based upon the current situation, the
Fateweaver may use the following general rule:
make a Bargain or Charm test for the advocate, and
if it succeeds, the Fateweaver may roll two dice for
the Spite roll instead of one and take the better
result. Only one advocate can help in this manner,
and only once per negotiation.
Don’t make a Spite roll for every interaction
with an Outsider; do so only when the Outsider
might be offended or resistant to what the theurge
is requesting. Some rules explicitly call for a Spite
roll. In these cases, the rules detail what happens if
the roll fails or succeeds, and how advocacy can be
applied. When these formal rolls are made, if the
die comes up ‘10,’ increase Spite by 1. If Spite is at
A G R EE M E NTS A R E CO NT R A C TS
Although Rapport and Communion appear to be types of
relationships, keep in mind that, from an Outsider’s point
of view, they are formal contracts with very specific rules—
e.g., Rapport is the Agreement that an Outsider will make
their Vitiations available for a specific cost. There is, in
principle, a complicated series of legal words that delineate
exactly what is expected of these Agreements, but we do
not specify these details in the rules. Instead, it is considered
to be an abstraction, and most theurges never read the fine
print—who does? That’s what an advocate is for.
9 when this happens, the Outsider in question
Rebukes the theurge (see below).
The Fateweaver does not need to determine or
record Spite between Outsiders and NPC theurges;
Spite is an abstraction of the relationship between
player character Blackbirds and their Outsiders.
Rebuke
If the Spite between a theurge and an Outsider is
at 9 and a circumstance or test calls for the Spite to
increase, the Outsider will Rebuke the summoner at
the earliest (and most appropriate) opportunity. This
takes the form of an act of extreme disobedience or
rebellion toward the theurge. They may subvert the
power of a Vitiation to the theurge’s harm, summon
lesser Outsiders to attack the theurge, or simply
express their outrage and disappointment verbally.
The Fateweaver decides the level of Rebuke
based upon the situation and the power of the
Outsider, but in all situations, the theurge should
know that the agreement has possibly ended, and
that Outsider is no longer available to them. If the
Outsider was in a pact with the particular theurge,
that pact is broken and the Outsider is now available
to other theurges again.
To reestablish an agreement with this Outsider,
a theurge must perform the Pythonic Liturgy again
and apply some form of leverage, described below.
If the leverage is successful, the Fateweaver
determines a new Spite using the rules for
determining Spite when performing the Pythonic
Liturgy. The leverage used may further alter this
new Spite, as described under Leverage.
R E C KO N I N G S
T
he best reckonings always hit the theurge
in a place they care about, even if
tangentially or superficially. If a character
really likes their daggers, take one for a reckoning; if
they have a beloved pet, have it somehow be part of
a reckoning; if they really love a particular group or
fellowship, make them damage those relationships

for a reckoning. Not every reckoning needs to strike
at something dear to the theurge, but the Fateweaver
should keep in mind that possibility when assigning
one, especially if the theurge is in a bind and really
needs to lower their Tithe. The ultimate goal is fun,
not torturing the players . . . although the goals of
Outsiders might be adjacent to torturing the
Blackbirds they serve.
Example Reckonings:
P U S H I N G T H E O UTS I D E R’ S A G E N D A
Realize that the only way Outsiders are able to
alter anything in this world is through reckonings.
Reckonings are the sole way they can move their
chess pieces toward playing or winning their
mysterious game. If the Fateweaver has an idea of
what this game might be, they can start to see some
of the things the Outsiders might ask for. Maybe an
Outsider has a rival Outsider they are trying to
thwart, which would rapidly bring the player
theurge into conflict with that Outsider’s theurge.
Maybe a rival Outsider also has an agreement with
the player theurge, so the player is trapped between
these two supernatural beings and their enmity.
Maybe the Outsider is creating a cult, and the
theurge ends up writing all of the sacred texts that
the cultists rely upon for their beliefs. Maybe the
Outsider wants to help or hinder a particular
Oligarch. Maybe they are slowly corrupting a
benevolent wealthy noble, and everything they
make the theurge do slowly shifts the noble’s life
into ruin. The point is, if the Fateweaver makes a
decision about what the Outsider has as a long-term
goal, then coming up with reckonings in support of
that goal becomes easier.
STO RY H O O K S
Reckonings can be used to develop narrative
connections for the players. However, this should
be used sparingly so that it happens as organically as
possible. If every time a theurge wants to use a
Vitiation they must confront the progeny of a
T HEU RGY: Ta blets of t he U n b egot ten 349
previous foe, things soon become tedious. Look for
places that story or narrative development can be
added to reckonings. Consider previous reckonings
that were arbitrarily determined or tested for, and
the consequences they may have become a precursor
to. If the theurge was tasked with releasing a rat
inside an inn as a reckoning, perhaps later they
discover that the inn is overrun with rats and the
jovial innkeeper is nearly destitute—and later still,
that the city is overcome with plague. This might
not be detrimental to the theurge. Perhaps as the
price of a reckoning, the theurge was compelled to
deface a gravestone so that none may know who
was buried there. Later, for some reason, it becomes
important to excavate the resting place of the
deceased, and only the theurge knows where to
look. Certainly the Outsider who brought this to
pass would be happy to point out how useful this
situation is and take full credit for it. Again, use this
option sparingly—not every reckoning needs to
develop this way.
A R B I T R A RY R E C KO N I N G
Most of the time, Outsiders ask for a payment
because they know that they cannot be appreciated
if their gifts are given for free. An Outsider might
have some shallow personal desire for a particular
reckoning based upon their own hungers or
predisposition. Maybe the Outsider just really likes
the taste of freshly severed fingers, or the pain
generated when someone’s dreams are crushed, or
the transition into chaos of something that
represents accumulated order. If the Fateweaver
can’t think of a clever reckoning, it’s absolutely fine
to just ask for some strange, arbitrary thing—the
stranger the better.
F E ST I V A L
A Festival is an opportunity for an indebted
theurge to remove the red in their ledger, completely
and wholly, and start fresh. The Festival is often not
known to theurges as a valid option, and Outsiders
rarely tell them that such a ritual exists. Frequently,
350 BLACKBIRDS

a theurge in need of this recourse has to follow hints

laid out by other practitioners of their art, or in
ancient tomes, to find the formal language necessary
to ask for a Festival to occur. Once the subject is
broached with an Outsider, they reluctantly agree,
as they must grant any request for a Festival. This is,
of course, all a ruse; Outsiders prefer a Festival to
the normal payment of reckonings in every case, for
a Festival gives the Outsider the opportunity to
have the greatest autonomy and undiluted agency
in the world, and generally has dire consequences
for the theurge who agrees to one.
The Festival works this way: The theurge gives
themself over to an Outsider for a number of hours
equal to the value of Tithe they owe. An Outsider
guides and controls everything the theurge does
during this time, possessing their body, and with
full and Tithe-free access to all its own Vitiations.
The theurge returns to consciousness later, with no
idea of what transpired. Once the Festival is
complete, all Tithe the theurge has accrued is wiped
clean, and the Spite for that Outsider is lowered by
a roll of 1Ð6. The theurge suffers 1Ð10+1 Peril for
every 3 hours of Festival. They may also accumulate Using the Reckoning Chart
additional Peril, depending upon the actions their Below is a chart of sample reckonings—a good place
body took during the Festival and if they learn to start when determining the scale and type of
about them later. reckoning that might be requested by an Outsider.
The actions of the theurge’s body during the The chart scales in value, so that a reckoning of 120
Festival are generally not completely debased and is generally going to be more challenging to the
horrible, though Outsiders have no ethical sense theurge performing it than a reckoning of 15. The
even remotely close to that of humanity. The Fateweaver may use any of the suggestions on the
Outsider most likely acts with precision and clarity chart as written or interpret them as is fitting—even
to bring about some specific outcome they desire, by choosing a result near one that comes up that
something that ultimately borders on the current seems more appropriate, for example.
goals and quests that the Blackbird’s flock is There are two ways to find a value on the chart,
following. Even if the actions of the Festival- based upon who is proposing the reckoning:
controlled theurge do not directly affect their A Blackbird Proposes a Reckoning: If a
current goals, they must be confronted at some Blackbird has been eyeing their Tithe and wants to
point. After all, as far as observers know, the theurge pay it down, they can ask to do so by choosing one
themself performed these actions. of their Outsiders and picking a specific amount of
A Festival may not occur again until a full Tithe to pay off. Take this value and multiply it by
waxing and waning of the moon Gambler. 10, then roll 1Ð100 and add that result to the total,
then check the chart below.
 T HEU RGY: Ta blets of t he U n b egot ten 351

An Outsider Offers a Reckoning: At the for a larger amount of Tithe or all of the Tithe available
Fateweaver’s discretion, a particular Outsider offers a when they make such an offer. In this case, the value of
reckoning of its own accord. This is generally a better the Tithe reduction is multiplied by 10, but no die roll
deal for theurges, if accepted. An Outsider usually goes is added to this value when the chart is referred to.

S A M P L E R E C KO N I N G C H A RT
RESULT RECKONING
1–4 Whisper a certain word to a certain person of authority or to a certain beggar. Empty an inkpot.
Giggle at inappropriate times during the next hour. At night, leave open, unlocked, or unsecured a door or window
5–9
chosen by the Outsider.
10–14 Cause someone specified by the Outsider minor pain without warning. Free a domestic animal.
15–19 Your face becomes a rictus grin for 1 hour. Strike someone without provocation.
Until the sun sets and rises again, you are distracted by a disembodied voice that comments on what you are
20–24
currently doing. Leave a profane symbol or perform a petty act of vandalism in a public place.
25–29 Randomly mock strangers until the sun sets and rises again. Destroy a scarecrow.
30–34 Leave a weapon in a place where it is likely to be used for violence. Damage or destroy a useful tool.
35–39 Destroy a sign, waypost, or marking that guides people. Lure a wild predator into a confrontation with people.
Speak only in rhyme until the sun sets and rises again. Until the sun sets and rises again, all people look exactly the
40–44
same to you. Destroy or burn a book.
You have random hallucinations until the sun sets and rises again. Deface a tombstone or grave marker so that none
45–49
may know who is buried there. Destroy an important writ, contract, order, or official document.
Assist a cult in some small way: deliver a package, or bring them a knife or weapon, for example. Until the sun sets
50–54
and rises again, wild crows follow you, feeding on grain and damaging property; you may not hinder them.
Giggle and laugh continuously until the sun sets and rises again. Break a door or lock. Until the sun sets and rises
55–59
again, the sound of your voice enrages strangers.
Until the sun sets and rises again, you are unable to read or write, and your voice is replaced with the sounds of an
60–64
animal. Forget a Skill until the sun sets and rises again.
Damage a dam, dike, wall, or fortification. Burn a field of crops. Until the sun sets and rises again, any strangers
65–69
looking you in the eyes are enraged by your presence.
Until the sun sets and rises again, hear things that should not be; suffer 1Ð10+1 Peril every minute you do not plug
70–74 your ears. Persuade someone that violence is the only solution. Lie to someone in such a way that it causes them ill
fortune.
Your face becomes horrifying to look at until the sun sets and rises again; make Resolve tests for who sees it. Free all
75–79
the animals on a farm.
A face appears on the back of your head until the sun sets and rises again; it can see and talk, and it knows things
80–84
about you. Completely forget 1 hour of your life.
Until the sun sets and rises again, you are unable to use tools, including weapons. Until the sun sets and rises again, all
85–89
smells and tastes are random and foul.
Give yourself or someone else a permanent scar. Destroy a document important to the Sigilists. A box is given to you
90–94
to safeguard, but you may not open it or look inside.
Choose a tame animal; it becomes feral and violent. Destroy a boat or wagon. Until the sun sets and rises again, you
95–99 see things that should not be; suffer 1Ð10+1 Peril every minute you are not blindfolded or are otherwise forced to
look at the world.
 352 BLACKBIRDS

RESULT RECKONING
Until the sun sets and rises again, small creatures intermittently emerge from your mouth to go and perform
100–104
nefarious deeds.
Write a book of forbidden lore as dictated by the Outsider and then leave the book where the Outsider tells you to;
105–109
writing this book takes 1 full day.
You may not enter civilized areas, towns, or human dwellings until the sun sets and rises again; suffer 1Ð10+1 Peril
110–114
every minute you are forced into these areas, as you froth at the mouth. Completely forget 1 day of your life.
A chattel imp appears and follows you until the sun sets and rises again, causing mischief and damaging property;
115–119
you may not hinder it. Burn down the dwelling of a guard or a member of the town or city watch.
One of your hands detaches and leaves on a mission for the Outsider or a cult; you might get your hand back, but
120–124
you increase that possibility if you assist it on its mission.
Kill a domestic animal with your bare hands and teeth. Destroy an important writ, contract, order, or official
125–129
document. Ruin the reputation of a scholar.
130–134 Until the sun sets and rises again, strangers do not believe anything you tell them.
Burn down the dwelling of a mayor, burgermeister, or the leader of a town, city, or village. Damage a fortification or
135–139
important defensive feature of a keep or castle.
140–144 Free a criminal from prison. Frame someone for a crime they did not commit.
145–149 You suffer extreme hallucinations until the sun sets and rises again.
150–154 Start a fire near a civilized area. Destroy a library. Destroy a unique historical artifact.
Destroy or burn down a Sigilist church or building. You are given a container with an eidolon, and you must put it
155–159
where it will be opened by someone important (see Eidolon in Chapter 10: Bestiary for details).
Exchange two babies so that they grow up in the wrong homes. Abduct a child to be raised by animals in the
160–164
wilderness.
165–169 Get someone to agree to give you their firstborn; the child is taken by Outsiders to be raised within the Od.
170–174 Forget 1 week of your life.
Assist a cult in a large way: help it commit a crime, or keep lookout while it steals something, for example. Replace a
175–179
false blade used by a troupe of actors with a real one.
For 1 week, some aspect of your perception of the world is changed: colors are wrong, smells make no sense, nearby
180–184
sounds seem distant, and so forth.
Until the sun sets and rises again, you may not close your eyes for a prolonged period of time or be in darkness. You
185–189
suffer 2Ð10+2 Peril for every 10 minutes you peer into the darkness and see horrors there you ought not see.
190–194 One of your fingers or toes must be removed by your own hand, or it simply disappears.
195–199 Kill a scholar, scribe, or sage.
200–204 Forget 1 month of your life.
205–209 Kill a Sigilist or someone who openly seeks to harm or repress theurges.
210–214 Draw a large and complicated arcane symbol somewhere near human habitation. A doorway to the Od opens there.
215–219 One part of your body permanently becomes disturbingly strange or unearthly.
220+ Assist a cult in a massive endeavor: help it kill someone important or kidnap a child of royalty, for example.

& Proposed Reckoning: Eponine calls to Blith
and suggests that she would like to lower
her Tithe by 5 points. The Fateweaver
multiplies this 5 by 10 for a value of 50 and
then rolls 1Ð100. The value of this roll is 27.
Adding to 50 gives a result of 77. On the
chart, this result reads, “Your face becomes
horrifying to look at until the sun sets and
rises again; make Resolve tests for those
who see it. Free all the animals on a farm.”
The Fateweaver looks at Blith’s description
and (as Blith) gives Eponine a choice to
have her face become horrifying, or an
alternate reckoning: namely, Blith would
like to eat one of her fingernails. Eponine
chooses the former and, pulling up her
hood, walks out into the night, hoping no
one will get a look at her face.
& Offered Reckoning: Tabernacle appears
to Eponine and offers to reduce her Tithe
by 6. Looking at the table and cross-
referencing 60 (6 Tithe reduction ×10)
shows this: “Until the sun sets and rises
again, you are unable to read or write, and
your voice is replaced with the sounds of
an animal. Forget a Skill until the sun sets
and rises again.” Tabernacle asks Eponine
for the first reckoning listed, and Eponine
agrees. Her voice becomes that of a braying
donkey for the allotted time, and her Tithe
is reduced by 6.
T HEU RGY: Ta blets of t he U n b egot ten 353
LEVERAGE
T
heurges aren’t completely without
recourse when their Outsiders refuse to
do what they want them to do: they have
leverage—something the Outsider needs or wants
to avoid—with which to compel them to comply.
Leverage is dangerous, though it doesn’t necessarily
turn an Outsider against a Mortal. Outsiders exist
in a world of deals and forced compliance, and this
sort of push from their summoners is generally
expected—so long as it doesn’t get out of hand.
To apply leverage, the theurge must have
something that allows them to exert their will upon
the Outsider in question. Leverage allows the
theurge to change the situation to their favor in
several circumstances:
% If the Outsider has refused a counteroffer for a
temporary deal, leverage can force them to accept
it.
% If circumstances cause an Outsider to be
temporarily unavailable (apart from being Pacted
to another theurge), leverage can force it to be
available.
% If the Outsider is pacted to another theurge and
someone wants it to break the pact, leverage is the
only way to do so. Note that they must first
perform the Pythonic Liturgy to use leverage in
this way.
% Leverage can be used to reestablish an Agreement
with an Outsider that has rebuked a theurge.
% Leverage can force an Outsider to become
unavailable to a rival theurge until the sun has set
and risen again.
% Leverage can coerce anything else that seems
reasonable to the Fateweaver.
Types of Leverage
What follows are some ways that a theurge may
seek leverage. Other types of leverage not covered
here can be adjudicated by the Fateweaver based
upon the circumstances of the Tapestry. Use the
following examples to determine how they should
be resolved.
354 BLACKBIRDS
TRUE NAME
Invoking an Outsider’s True Name is one of the
most obvious ways of seeking leverage, but also the
most dangerous. Outsiders are loath to have their
True Name used in this way—it makes them
vulnerable, and they generally interpret any use of it
by a Mortal to be frivolous. If this happens often,
they start to consider how that Mortal could be
eliminated to remove this knowledge from the world.
When a theurge uses a True Name for leverage,
make an Odweft test for them to properly
pronounce and invoke the name. The Difficulty
Rating depends upon the level of the Outsider to be
influenced—(Standard +/–0%) for imps,
(Challenging –10%) for villeins, and (Hard –20%)
for lords—and if the test succeeds, the leverage does
as well. After a theurge employs a True Name this
way, always increase the Spite for that Outsider by
1 unless the roll to apply leverage was a Critical
Success.
Using the True Name in this way is not the
same as using the True Name while casting the
Pythonic Liturgy. The two are separate applications
of this knowledge, though a theurge might use the
name to make the Liturgy more likely to succeed
and then use the name again when negotiating
afterward.
OBEISANCE
If a theurge has an idea of something a
particular Outsider might want, generally because
of the sort of reckonings it demands, they can offer
a reckoning as a gift or sacrifice in hopes of getting
what they want. For this leverage attempt to
succeed, make a Bargain or Charm test for the
theurge. The Difficulty Rating depends upon the
level of the Outsider to be influenced: (Standard
+/–0%) for imps, (Challenging –10%) for villeins,
and (Hard –20%) for lords. The Fateweaver should
further modify this test based upon how appropriate
they feel the obeisance or gift is for this Outsider. If
the outcome of this test is a Critical Success, lower
the Spite for that Outsider by 1.
Regardless of whether it succeeds, make a Spite
roll for that agreement. If it succeeds, increase the
Spite by 1. If it fails, lower the Spite by 1. Note that
this can reduce Spite by 2 if the leverage test is a
Critical Success and the Spite roll fails.
F E ST I V A L
A theurge who is aware of the possibility of a
Festival can offer it as a form of leverage. Used this
way, the Festival is solely for the purpose of leverage
and does not wipe away any of the debt owed to an
Outsider, but it always lowers the Spite of the
relationship, if successful.
For the leverage attempt to succeed, make a
Bargain or Charm test for the theurge. The Difficulty
Rating depends upon the level of the Outsider to be
influenced: (Standard +/–0%) for imps, (Challenging
–10%) for villeins, and (Hard –20%) for lords. The
Fateweaver should further modify this test by +10
for each hour of Festival offered.
If this test is a Success, lower the Spite by 1Ð6;
if it’s a Critical Success, lower Spite to 1. Offering a
Festival never increases Spite. The Festival occurs
regardless of the result of the test.
A DVO CA C Y
If a theurge has time and a place where
negotiations can occur, and one of the other members
of their flock is willing to be an advocate, that person
may speak for the theurge. The advocate focuses
upon the details of the legal agreement that the
theurge and the Outsider make and seeks loopholes
or interpretations that are beneficial to the theurge.
To succeed, make a Bargain, Education, or Guile
test for the advocate. The Difficulty Rating depends
upon the level of the Outsider to be influenced:
(Standard +/–0%) for imps, (Challenging –10%)
for villeins, and (Hard –20%) for lords. If the roll
succeeds, so does the attempt. If this test is a Critical
Success, lower the Spite of that Outsider by 1.

T H E O UT S I D E R C O U RT S
T
he courts of Outsiders are, presumably,
political groupings of such beings that
determine their goals and, often, the
Vitiations to which they have access. Despite this, it
is helpful to think of the courts as more informal
than they appear. Courts might even have been
created by Outsiders parodying human political
groupings to make Outsiders seem more like
Mortals, when the real machinations they move
toward are hidden or beyond our comprehension.
In short, the courts themselves may be just another
means of manipulation.
Each court’s entry has the court’s nominal
goals, its opinions of the other courts, and three
Outsiders, along with the Outsider Techniques
they offer.
T HEU RGY: Ta blets of t he U n b egot ten 355
The Court
of Ignorance
GOALS
The Court of Ignorance seeks to destroy
accumulated human knowledge and ultimately
make humanity dependent on this court for access
to truth. These Outsiders are drug peddlers, and the
drug they offer is wisdom. When first dealing with
the Scholars of the Court of Ignorance, the path
seems bright and clear, and knowledge is offered
freely. Once a theurge has dealt with the court for
an extended time, however, they begin to realize
that the information they are receiving is perhaps
more expensive than originally thought. By that
time, the theurge is usually trapped and dependent
upon the Scholars, stuck in a cage of darkness with
the Court of Ignorance as the only light.
O P I N I O N S O F T H E O T H E R CO U RT S
% The Court of Joy: Madness has a kind of truth
within it, and no one knows this better than the
Jesters. Still, the wisdom of the Court of Joy is
trapped like a pearl in an impossibly
incomprehensible oyster. The Scholars deal with
this court the same way they would deal with a
child holding a loaded crossbow: warily.
% The Court of Peace: Armies need spies to tell them
where to strike, and diplomats need soldiers to
send into battle. The Court of Peace is a useful
and powerful ally when it can be managed. These
Outsiders make excellent assassins or executioners
of human sages and teachers, and their need for
accurate intelligence before acting leaves room
for negotiation. In the end, they will learn that
the pen is mightier than the sword, but there are
many plots to enact together before that bitter
lesson is applied to them.
% The Court of Silence: The nearly mindless Beasts
lack precision and elegance. They can be
controlled if one knows how, but the Court of
Peace makes a much more effective weapon.
Sometimes, they can be useful under very
356 BLACKBIRDS

narrow circumstances—say, when the cleansing Scrivilias, The Scribe

fury of fire must be applied. The Court of (Imp of Ignorance)
Ignorance pretends to respect the Beasts when
such pretense might lead to a valuable mutual
outcome, but the sardonic smile behind their
words belies the lie.
S crivilias’s small, sagging body appears as if the
worst parts of a vulture were grafted onto a
scrawny, bent female form. Scrivilias carries a
% The Court of Truth: The Court of Ignorance and satchel of scrolls and books that are incomprehensible
the Court of Truth are ancient rivals, as their to anyone but her. When empowering Vitiations,
goals do not align. The Scholars seek to hoard she painfully plucks one of her own sparse but
truth and dole it out as they see fit, and the Army prominent feathers and uses it (and her own blood)
Invisible seeks to destroy the idea that any to write in one of her books or on one of her scrolls.
objective truth exists at all. The Court of Her voice resonates with the unmistakably screechy
Ignorance sees the Masquers as tainting their harshness of carrion bird calls.
product and wasting a valuable resource. They REMNANTS: Scrivilias offers remnants of Deceit
are upstarts and fools who do not understand the and Esotaria.
value of building a long-term goal or using WEAKNESSES: Scrivilias is offended by words or
control and self-restraint to further chaos. symbols written on anything but
% The Nameless Court: The Court of Ignorance has paper and will not
great respect for the Nameless Ones, whom
they oddly would seek to name. Scholars
believe (or know) that the real truth and
power of the Od is the province of the
Nameless Court, and the fact that the
powers and secrets of the Nameless
Ones are nearly impossible to access
proves their value. Real wisdom is always
hidden away and guarded behind walls,
wards, and mysteries. Those Scholars
successful at seeking this wisdom do not
come away unchanged, and they have
been known to shift their allegiance to the
Nameless Court once they know too much.

treat with those in the company of people who
openly bear such marks on items in their possession
or on their person.
COURT: The Court of Ignorance
ALLIES: The Court of Silence
ENMITY: The Court of Truth
GOALS: Dole out a little information to gather and
devour more information.
FAVORED RECKONING: “Let me eat a page of that
book, won’t you? Just one page . . .”
Scrivilias: Rapport Technique
% Scrollscent (Passive Bonus)
EFFECT: The theurge knows if any scrolls with
written words on them are present up to 20 strides
away from their current location and can seek them
out by smell.
% Words Are Lies (+1 Tithe, Non-Combat Action)
EFFECT: Add +20 to Guile tests made for the theurge
for 1 hour, but only when they are lying.
% Carcass Folio (+1 Tithe, 3 AP, Extinguish Special
Action)
EFFECT: In mere moments, the theurge creates a book
from the remains of someone who died in the last
hour. The book contains everything they knew in life,
including their secrets. The body is consumed by this
process. The book may try to lie to the reader—make
an opposed Guile test to see if it is successful.
Scrivilias: Communion Technique
% Wordscent (Passive Bonus)
EFFECT: The theurge knows if any books, scrolls, or
documents that include written words are present
and can seek them out using a combination of
intuition and scent. They can detect these items up
to 30 strides away.
% Words Are Sooth (+1 Tithe, Non-Combat
Action)
EFFECT: For 1 hour, the theurge knows if someone is
lying while the person speaks in their presence. The
T HEU RGY: Ta blets of t he U n b egot ten 357
theurge will not know what they were lying about
specifically, just that some part of what they said was
a lie. This does not detect omissions of information.
% The Torn Page (+1 Tithe, 2 AP, Extinguish
Special Action)
EFFECT: The theurge tears a page from a book that
they care about. One target they can see suffers
2(Đ10+[WB] Bane Damage (Đ10s that explode on
‘9’ or ‘10’). This effect may only target those who
are literate.
Scrivilias: Pact Technique
% Scent of Wisdom (Passive Bonus)
EFFECT: The theurge knows if any books, scrolls, or
documents that include written words are present
and can seek them out using a combination of
intuition and scent. They may track a text within 3
days’ ride of their location by knowing the author’s
name or three particular details, e.g., the book’s
color, the year it was written, the subject matter—
aspects about the writer may replace information
on the book.
% Web of Lies (+1 Tithe, Non-Combat Action)
EFFECT: For 1 hour, the theurge knows if someone
is lying when the person speaks in the theurge’s
presence. They will not know what the person was
lying about specifically, just that something they
said was a lie. This does not detect omissions of
information. When the theurge lies, add +20 to
Guile tests made for them.
% Maledictum Liber (+3 Tithe, 3 AP, Extinguish
Special Action)
EFFECT: The theurge points at a living person, who
then transforms into a book—a horrible and painful
process. The book contains all their knowledge,
but the theurge may also converse with them by
writing on the last page and seeing their response
appear. The book slowly loses its grip on reality.
The ensorcelled consciousness typically shatters
within a year.
358 BLACKBIRDS
Tillisillus, The Seer
(Villein of Ignorance)
T illisillus manifests as a knothole on a nearby
surface. The theurge must be very close to
Tillisillus to interact with it. Tillisillus does not
appear on floors or ceilings and, therefore, appears
only in locations where there is a fixed vertical
surface (e.g., trees, walls). Tillisillus’s voice sounds
upbeat, posh, and diplomatic.
REMNANTS: Tillisillus offers remnants of
Clairvoyance and Esotaria.
WEAKNESSES: Tillisillus can manifest only where
there is a fixed vertical surface. So, it could appear
on a tree, a wall, or a large, immobile rock, but not
on anything that could be moved or pushed over by
the efforts of a strong person.
COURT: The Court of Ignorance
ALLIES: The Court of Peace
ENMITY: The Nameless Court
GOALS: Tillisillus seeks to spread rumors, but only if
they are true. The rumors it spreads seem to create
the most possible strife in the long term.
FAVORED RECKONING: Listen to the conversation
in the next room. Read the letter not addressed to
you on that desk. Look through the keyhole of your
lover’s house at midnight tonight. The information
gained by doing these things always destroys trust
that the theurge harbors for others.
Tillisillus: Rapport Technique
% Peek Through (Passive Bonus)
EFFECT: The theurge places their face against a wall,
and a magical hole opens so they can see what is
happening on the other side of it. They do not gain
any enhanced ability to hear through the wall. Their
eye can be seen if someone happens to look at the
affected section of the wall. The hole disappears
when they stop looking.
% Shepherd of Rumors (+1 Tithe, Non-Combat
Action)
EFFECT: If they spend 1 minute in a public place
where such rumors would be passed, the theurge

magically knows all the rumors told about a specific
person they have met.
% Scrying (+2 Tithe, 2 AP, Extinguish Special
Action)
EFFECT: The theurge enters a deep trance and is able
to see what a person they have met before is doing
and saying at the moment the ability is used, no
matter the distance. Magical creatures or people
with Odsight will notice the scrying if they are in
the target’s vicinity. The theurge can watch their
target for as long as they wish but may take no other
Actions while doing so.
Tillisillus: Communion Technique
% Limned Speech (Passive Bonus)
EFFECT: The theurge can perfectly understand what
people having a conversation are saying by watching
their mouths shape the air. This effect lasts while the
theurge remains still and their view of the targets is
unobstructed.
% Rumorsmith (+2 Tithe, Non-Combat Action)
EFFECT: The theurge talks to several people in a
public place and starts a rumor, no longer than a
sentence, designed to ensorcell a target who is not
present. This gossip spreads for 1Ð6 days until
reaching its host, where the magic words take root
within the target’s mind for one whole day. Upon
hearing the words spoken aloud by the theurge, the
target may be commanded to perform a simple task
so long as three of the words spun into the rumor
are also used in the order—e.g., if the theurge’s
rumor was “My friends and I heard that the captain
of the watch has to pass water three times a night
or he’ll wet his breeches,” it could be spun into “Let
my friends and I pass.” After giving this command,
the theurge may not use this ability again until the
sun sets and rises.
T HEU RGY: Ta blets of t he U n b egot ten 359
% Whispers (+2 Tithe, 1 AP, Extinguish Special
Action)
EFFECT: The theurge looks at someone and whispers
under their breath. The target’s ears are then filled
with whispers of every negative thing ever said about
them. The target is at –30 for all Skill tests, and a
successful Resolve test must be made for them every
time they fail at a Skill test, or they withdraw into
their own insecurities, becoming Incapacitated!.
Tillisillus: Pact Technique
% Scrying Trinket (+1 Tithe, Non-Combat Action)
EFFECT: The theurge mumbles something over a
small object and can, at any time thereafter, close
their eyes to see and hear what is happening in the
object’s vicinity. This works even if the object is
hidden in a box or pocket. Only one such item can
be ensorcelled at a time.
% Garden of Rumors (+1 Tithe, Non-Combat
Action)
EFFECT: By spending 1 minute in a public place where
such rumors would be passed, the theurge magically
knows all the rumors being told about a specific
topic. They may also accumulate 1 additional Tithe
to subtly change or alter those rumors.
% Seeing (+3 Tithe, 2 AP, Extinguish Special
Action)
EFFECT: Describe any single object or person, and
the theurge can see where it or they are currently
and what is happening to it or them, as well as hear
what is being said nearby. The theurge need only
have vague knowledge of the target. If the described
target does not exist, however, this Technique fails.
The theurge can observe their target for as long
as they wish, but they may take no other Actions
while doing so.
360 BLACKBIRDS
Obsimrex, The Many Ayed
(Lord of Ignorance)
O bsimrex’s form is a blatant mockery of human
bureaucracies. It appears as a gaggle of nobles
led by a central figure one might mistake for
Obsimrex, but in truth, all of it is Obsimrex. The
leading character is an eyeless, fat, little, bald man
dressed in finery: a stained ruff, motley tights, a
frilled cape, a handkerchief with which it dabs its
mouth, and no shortage of ostentatious jewels and
distinguishing ornaments. This figure floats above
the ground, and its shriveled legs don’t look as if
they could bear any weight whatsoever. Each
element of this “man” reads as broad satire of a
human courtier. All of its cohort is similarly
ridiculous, and it’s difficult to identify where this
diverse entourage begins and ends—after all, they
are all one entity. Obsimrex speaks with palpable
disdain and punctuates everything with “Aye!”
Often, the central figure asks for a vote from
its “followers,” which almost always ends in a
unanimity of ayes so the leading character can say
its catchphrase, “The ayes have it!” In the rare cases
of a dissenting opinion, Obsimrex turns in upon
itself, looking much like a huddle, and after a short
commotion, returns with the disagreeable portion
of itself noticeably missing.
REMNANTS: Obsimrex offers remnants of Deceit,
Esotaria, and Phrenic (although it does not admit
the first category and must be specifically asked to
use this magic).
WEAKNESSES: Obsimrex hates it when answered in
the negative. If a temporary pact is rejected, or if it
asks someone for something (which it rarely does)
and is given any answer apart from some version of
“yes,” it disappears and is unavailable for 1 hour.
COURT: The Court of Ignorance
ALLIES: The Court of Peace

ENMITY: The Court of Joy
GOALS: Gain access to libraries, storehouses of
wisdom, and especially people of learning, and
destroy them.
FAVORED RECKONING: “I must insist you give me
the memories from one year of your life. It can be
any year you choose.” (If the player chooses an early
year, there should be serious negative consequences,
since so much learning is based upon the foundation
of childhood.)
Obsimrex: Rapport Technique
% Loophole (+1 Tithe, Non-Combat Action)
EFFECT: The theurge is released from charges levied
against them because of a legal loophole. Charges
against others in their company are not part of
the deal. This works only in places where the law
is upheld to such a degree that such legal tactics
would work and does not protect the theurge
in corrupt legal milieus. Once used, this ability
becomes unavailable to the theurge until the sun
sets and rises again.
% The Ear of the King (+2 Tithe, Non-Combat
Action)
EFFECT: The theurge speaks to a noble who suddenly
becomes interested in what the theurge might have
to say. For the duration of the Scene, the noble is
transfixed by the theurge as if they were a trusted
advisor. Charm, Bargain, Guile, and Leadership
Skill tests are made for the theurge at +20. If
one of the theurge’s Skill tests fails, the magic is
dispelled. Critical Failure results in the noble taking
a permanent dislike of, and possibly a vengeful
demeanor toward, the theurge.
% Finger of Justice (+2 Tithe, 3 AP, Extinguish
Special Action)
EFFECT: The theurge points at someone and accuses
the person of a crime. All within earshot are certain
that the person is guilty, going so far as to seize
the theurge’s target, who will be thrown into irons
T HEU RGY: Ta blets of t he U n b egot ten 361
and dragged off to the nearest prison cell, gibbet,
or stockade. The theurge should be careful about
whom they target. If the person is somehow above
the law, such as an important noble or an exceedingly
wealthy member of the community, they may
quickly escape their bondage. This ability may only
ever be used once on any particular person.
Obsimrex: Communion Technique
% The Crimes of the Man (+1 Tithe, Non-Combat
Action)
EFFECT: Because of a legal loophole, the theurge
and anyone accused with them (up to [WB] other
people) are released from charges that have been
levied against them. This works only in places where
the law is upheld to such a degree that such legal
tactics would work and does not protect the theurge
and their companions in corrupt legal milieus.
Once used, this ability becomes unavailable to the
theurge until for one moon cycle of Gambler.
% Wise Words (+1 Tithe, Non-Combat Action)
EFFECT: Anyone the theurge speaks with during the
next hour assumes they are expertly informed about
anything they discuss. The theurge gains +30 to
Leadership tests for the duration. Once used, this
ability becomes unavailable to the theurge until the
sun sets and rises again.
% Archon (+3 Tithe, 3 AP, Extinguish Special
Action)
EFFECT: An archon appears to assist the theurge (see
Archon in Chapter 10: Bestiary for details). You
may give it verbal commands such as “Defend this
keep!” or “Lead these terrified soldiers in a hopeless
attack on that hill!” The archon can be dismissed
at any time, but while in your service, it may
attempt to break free of your control by making an
(Arduous –30%) Resolve test each day at sunset.
Once dismissed, the theurge must wait one cycle of
the moon Gambler before using this ability again.
362 BLACKBIRDS
Obsimrex: Pact Technique
% One of You (+1 Tithe, Non-Combat Action)
EFFECT: The theurge talks to someone who is a
member of a defined group, such as a noble’s
entourage or the kitchen staff within a particular
manor, and everyone in the group assumes the
theurge is a member upon first meeting them.
Even if the theurge’s attire or behavior is somewhat
inappropriate or strange, the group gives them the
benefit of the doubt so long as there are no outward
displays of violence. The effect lasts for [WB] hours.
Once used, this ability becomes unavailable to the
theurge until the sun sets and rises again.
% Words of Conviction (+2 Tithe, Non-Combat
Action)
EFFECT: For one hour, others are transfixed by
the theurge as if they were compelling and wise.
Charm, Bargain, Guile, and Leadership Skill tests
are Flip to Succeed for the theurge. If one of the
Skill tests made for the theurge fails, the magic is
dispelled. Critical Failure results in those present
taking a permanent dislike of, and possibly a
vengeful demeanor toward, the theurge.
% I Am the Law (+3 Tithe, 3 AP, Extinguish
Action)
EFFECT: The theurge must be near a personage or
building of high regard relating to the law of a
particular city, village, town, monastery, or singular
Mortal settlement. The theurge speaks into being
the words of a new law, and it becomes a real law
enforced by that settlement.
It is in official documents,
and all enforcers of the law
know it. This effect lasts
until the sun sets and rises
again, when the law
and all memory of
it disappears.
The Court
of Joy
GOALS
The Court of Joy would prefer nothing more than
to have all of humanity reduced to gibbering chaos and
madness. Its Outsiders tend to push their summoners
to extremes of emotion and thought, and Jesters love to
apply subtle gaslighting if it makes humans doubt the
rational premises upon which their worldview is built.
To treat with a Jester is to receive unasked-for advice
and opinions (which often have some valuable truth or
information) that lead the listener down a dark path or
to their sanity being frayed or broken. Vitiations of
Helotry are among their specialties, and they take great
pleasure in possessing humans and forcing them to
perform acts that cause horrific psychological distress
once they recover their wits.
O P I N I O N S O F T H E O T H E R CO U RT S
% The Court of Ignorance: The Jesters secretly hate the
members of the Court of Ignorance, though
anyone witnessing an exchange between members
of the two courts would never suspect anything.
Jesters seem delighted to converse with the
scholarly Outsiders of the Court of Ignorance, and
only companions who know them well might see
that their grins are a bit too fixed, their eyes a bit
too narrow, as they exchange diplomatic
pleasantries. Once the conversation is done and
one is alone with the Jester in question, they often
make their real opinion known. The reason for this
animosity is not entirely clear; perhaps it is an
ongoing manipulation of the Court of Ignorance,
or perhaps it has some leverage over the Jesters,
but neither side is forthcoming about the reason.
% The Court of Peace: The creatures of the Court
of Peace are utterly boring to the Outsiders of the
Court of Joy. Death and violence (although
delightful when properly applied) constitute such
a narrow focus. The Messengers are painting with
a single color when they could have an entire
palette of hues. Which is not to say that their

relationships are not cordial or accommodating.
Certainly, any reasonable Jester is capable of
entertaining itself. And, occasionally, the
Messengers prove useful . . .
% The Court of Silence: The Jesters and the Beasts are
seemingly as allied as any two courts can be,
although there is no indication of any formal
agreement between them. The members of these
two courts often appear to like one another, and % The Nameless Court: Strangely, the Court of Joy
it is not unusual to see them display affection for
each other or, even more disturbingly, something
approaching romantic or sexual attraction.
% The Court of Truth: That the Court of Truth has very
little respect for the Jesters is known to them and is,
in fact, by design. The Court of Joy has long-term
plans for the Court of Truth, and it is engaged in an
T H E VO LUTE D M A S Q U E
To those who have only superficial experience with it, the
Voluted Masque appears to be a sparse and widespread
cult hidden within all levels of society, from thrall to
commoner to noble. The members of the Masque appear
ever able to recognize one another and to exchange
subtle signs or phrases identifying them as part of this
seeming conspiracy. The phrases and signs always change,
but those who are members always know them.
Invariably, members of the Masque gather to act out
some form of hedonistic or base human compulsion.
They may join together to glut themselves with an
excessive feast, to engage in orgiastic and taboo carnal
acts, or to perform vile acts of violence and torture.
Sometimes they even combine these behaviors. The
gatherings border on the ritualistic, but there are no
prayers to supernatural beings, either divine or infernal,
and there are no chants, books of lore, or scriptures. The
only clue about what is really happening is the occasional
presence of the symbol of the Court of Joy, which appears
in unlikely and varying places. A victim of the Masque
may have been branded with the symbol on their tongue,
or the pastries baked for the Masque’s feast may be
evocative of the shape, but no two gatherings ever
express identical manifestations of the sign.
T HEU RGY: Ta blets of t he U n b egot ten 363
extensive manipulation of the Army Invisible to
some design that only the Jesters can fathom. Or it
may just be that the Jesters are amused by this court
and see its members as delightful playthings that
have some inkling of what could be done if they
were to truly throw off the shackles of reality. Maybe
the Jesters are attempting to mold the Masquers
into a form more acceptable to themselves.
treats the Nameless Ones with open and direct
hatred and loathing. The Jesters do almost
anything to avoid contact with members of the
Nameless Court, and any negotiation (as much as
there could be a negotiation between madness
and impossible cosmic horror) almost certainly
and rapidly breaks down in disaster.
The deeper truth of the Masque: it is an organization
of Outsiders who have possessed Mortals and live in their
skins. They know one another by sight, they gather to revel
in being embodied, and they express their enjoyment of
the sensations of flesh. Since the Masques are not truly
human, and the puppets they command are no more to
them than draft animals to be ridden until they collapse,
their gatherings obviously surpass even the most extreme
human lusts and cravings. These congregations invariably
escalate to a crescendo of perversions that human
imaginations can scarcely comprehend. Sometimes,
Mortals who are not possessed are invited to be enjoyed
by the true members of the Masque, and these guests’
delight turns to disgust and finally terror as what they
thought to be a group of deviants like themselves turn out
to have inhuman appetites. Usually, these Mortals never
return from the Masque, and if they do, they come back
deeply twisted or broken in mind, body, and/or soul.
Perhaps even more disturbing is that there are some
Mortals who are aware of the Masque and have been
ridden so many times by possessing Outsiders that they
willingly seek this state. They assist the Masque as
servants and help to procure locations, accouterment,
and, if need be, victims for these gatherings.
364 BLACKBIRDS
Tabernacle, The Unwanted Child
(Imp of Joy)
T abernacle is a small, malformed imp
composed of unborn fetal parts. An
amalgamation of unwanted births, it has an infant
bird’s wing for a left arm; a human head, right arm,
and torso; shark teeth; fetal pig feet; and a bulbous
fly eye. It sits atop a gilded altar of burning incense
to mask the stench of putrescent amniotic fluid.
Tabernacle’s voice is squeaky and flirtatious.
REMNANTS: Tabernacle offers remnants of Helotry
and Phrenic.
WEAKNESSES: Tabernacle cannot stand the sound
of cracking eggs; dousing its body with raw yolk
banishes the imp for a full day.
COURT: The Court of Joy
ALLIES: The Court of Peace
ENMITY: The Courts of Silence and Truth
GOALS: To push others to indulge in satisfying acts
such as eating, rutting, and revealing burdensome
secrets. Tabernacle especially loves it when its
cheeky advice to “not” do a thing results in that
thing happening: “You couldn’t possibly eat another
meat pie! How outrageous!”
FAVORED RECKONING: Tabernacle favors pacts and
bonds that lead to minor acts of public perversion—
e.g., voyeurism, telling dirty limericks, drawing
profanity at least once a week. Save the byproducts
of your self-love. Visit a den of iniquity nightly.
Tabernacle: Rapport Technique
% Hidden Appetites (Passive Bonus)
EFFECT: The theurge tastes some bodily fluid that
was directly connected to an act and immediately
knows the names of all the parties involved.
% Comrades in Sin (+1 Tithe, Non-Combat
Action)
EFFECT: The theurge must engage in an activity with
another person that much of society would consider
a vice. This label is subjective, so the Fateweaver’s
ruling is final. They might sit at a gambling table
together or visit the same brothel. All Fellowship-
based Skill tests made for the theurge to interact
with that person thereafter are Flip to Succeed. This
effect lasts until the sun sets and rises again.
% Lure of Sin (+1 Tithe, 2 AP, Extinguish Special
Action)
EFFECT: The theurge chooses a target and something
or someone in their vicinity that they can both see.
The target perceives their heart’s desire in the object
or person chosen and will do everything they can
to get closer to it or them, taking only Movement
Actions to get closer and attacking anyone who
attempts to stop them. Once the target reaches the
object of their desire and touches it or them, the
magic ends.
Tabernacle: Communion Technique
% Drunken Revelation (Passive Bonus)
EFFECT: The theurge chooses to imbibe a copious
amount of alcohol or other mind-altering substance,
making it so all of their Skill tests suffer a –10 until
their next Rekindling. However, all Perception-
based Skill tests made for the theurge are Flip to
Succeed during this time.
% Pressing Flesh (+1 Tithe, Non-Combat Action)
EFFECT: The theurge must touch the skin of someone
for one minute with their own bare skin, long
enough to make a normal greeting very awkward if
they are not well acquainted with the person. The
theurge learns the one act the person has committed
about which they are most embarrassed. Should
such a secret be used against them, it allows for one
Flip to Succeed Intimidation test the first time it is
mentioned to the target.
% Blooming Obsession (+1 Tithe, Extinguish Non-
Combat Action)
EFFECT: The theurge briefly talks to someone and
gives them a lasting obsession with a particular
person, object, or behavior that they already have
an interest in, creating a cycle of repetitive behavior.
Examples: the target is compelled to visit a particular
 T HEU RGY: Ta blets of t he U n b egot ten 365

location every day, wear a certain outfit constantly,

talk to a particular person every morning, count any
cobblestones they walk on, or perform a ritual every
hour. Once this ability is used on a new target, the
previous one is released from the magic.

Tabernacle: Pact Technique

% Drunken Beast (Passive Bonus)
EFFECT: The theurge chooses to imbibe a copious
amount of alcohol or other mind-altering substance,
making it so all of their Skill tests suffer a –20 until
their next Rekindling. However, all Combat-based
Skill tests made for the theurge are Flip to Succeed
during this time.
% Visions of Regret (+2 Tithe, 2 AP, Special
Action)
EFFECT: The theurge looks at someone with great
intent, and the thing they are most ashamed of in
their life appears before them. The person knows
the theurge forced them to see such unpleasant
remembrances. Any Skill tests used directly against
the target by the theurge for the rest of the Scene
are at +30.
% Tapestry of Obsession (+2 Tithe,
Extinguish Non-Combat Action)
EFFECT: The theurge weaves a magical tapestry
that reveals the current wants and desires of a
single individual that will appear and change with
the moods and whims of the target. The theurge
must have been in the presence of the target, have
a strand of their hair, and know their name. Only
one tapestry may be in existence at a time.
366 BLACKBIRDS
Fliberdijiberit, The Puppeteer
(Villein of Joy)
F liberdijiberit appears as a hand puppet on the
off hand of whoever summoned or intends to
deal with it. The puppet itself is a crude and
unflattering caricature of the petitioner themself,
wearing the motley and cap of a fool and bearing a
small phallic stave that it uses to beat the petitioner
and anyone else within reach. Fliberdijiberit’s
manifestation controls the summoner’s hand and
voice when present. Fliberdijiberit’s voice is the
petitioner’s own voice but filled with ridiculous
mimicry, mockery, and parody of the summoner’s
voice. Fliberdijiberit may be seen and heard by
everyone present. It may appear only if the
summoner has their off hand empty and ungloved.
REMNANTS: Fliberdijiberit offers remnants of
Helotry and Illusion.
WEAKNESSES: Fliberdijiberit is always visible to other
people when manifesting, but if the revelation of its
nature would put its summoner in danger or make
the achievement of its goals less likely, it pretends to
be merely an actual puppet (usually to the delight of
any commoners or aficionados of bawdy comedy).
When it decides to do so, it cloaks its appearance
and disappearance by pretending to be pulled out
of a bag or from beneath clothing.
COURT: The Court of Joy
ALLIES: The Court of Peace
ENMITY: The Nameless Court
GOALS: Facilitate the spreading of flawed doctrine
and information that leads people to question what
is real or doubt the fundamental principles of their
society. Mock the worthy. Glorify the monstrous.
FAVORED RECKONING: Leave some pages on the
doorstep of a local poet. Tell a particular joke
at a particular time. Get a certain artist very,
very drunk.
Fliberdijiberit: Rapport Technique
%Mockery (+1 Tithe, 1 AP, Special Action)
EFFECT: Fliberdijiberit manifests on the hand
of the theurge and mocks an opponent in
their native tongue. The theurge’s off hand
must be empty and ungloved for it to do so. The
target must understand the concept of language.
Unless a successful Resolve test is made for the
target, they take 1Ð6+[WB] Damage.
% Slapstick (+1 Tithe, 2 AP, Combat Action)
EFFECT: Fliberdijiberit manifests on the hand of the
theurge holding a small phallic club and strikes at
an opponent. The theurge’s off hand must be empty
and ungloved for it to do so. Make a Melee Attack
using Odweft to strike and [WB] for the Damage
bonus. Attack statistics are the same as for a sap. If

it hits, make a successful Resolve test for the target,
or they lose 1 AP.
% Red Puppetry (+2 Tithe, 3 AP, Extinguish
Special Action)
EFFECT: Fliberdijiberit appears on someone else’s off
hand as a caricature of that person. It then proceeds
to beat them while mocking them. The target is
completely Defenseless while this is happening and
takes 1Ð6+[WB] Damage every Turn. This assault
continues until the theurge wills it to stop, the target
dies, or the theurge can no longer see the target.
Fliberdijiberit: Communion Technique
% Show of Compulsion (+2 Tithe, Non-Combat
Action)
EFFECT: Both of the theurge’s hands must be free and
ungloved as they manipulate two puppets, which
magically manifest, to perform a show. Up to [WB]
intelligent beings viewing the show are compelled
to watch and are enthralled. They will take no other
Action until the theurge ends the show. If someone
with Skill Ranks in Resolve is present and has a
reason to suspect the theurge of something, make a
Resolve test at –10 for them to Resist. If the targets
are in physical danger, the magic immediately ends.
Once used, this ability becomes unavailable to the
theurge until the sun sets and rises again.
% Show of Violence (+1 Tithe, 1 AP, Combat
Action)
EFFECT: Fliberdijiberit manifests with a small phallic
club on the hand of someone the theurge can see
and strikes the target, or someone adjacent to them.
The target’s off hand must be empty and ungloved
for it to do so. Make a Melee Attack using Odweft
to strike and [WB] for the Damage bonus. Attack
statistics are the same as for a sap. If it hits, make
a successful Resolve test for the target, or they
lose 1 AP.
% Show of Control (+3 Tithe, 3 AP, Extinguish
Special Action)
EFFECT: The theurge manifests a puppet on the
target’s free hand, which is essentially where their
consciousness now resides. They can’t talk unless
T HEU RGY: Ta blets of t he U n b egot ten 367
Fliberdijiberit allows it. Their body is controlled by
Fliberdijiberit, who generally follows the theurge’s
wishes. This effect lasts for 1 hour.
Fliberdijiberit: Pact Technique
% Morality Play (+2 Tithe, Non-Combat Action)
EFFECT: Both of the theurge’s hands must be free and
ungloved as they manipulate two puppets, which
magically manifest, to perform a show. Up to [WB]
intelligent beings viewing the show are compelled
to watch and are enthralled. They will take no other
Action until the theurge ends the show. If someone
with Skill Ranks in Resolve is present and has a
reason to suspect the theurge of something, make a
Resolve test at –20 for them to Resist. If the targets
are in physical danger, the magic immediately ends.
In addition, those who watch the show learn a
moral lesson of the theurge’s choice and ponder it
deeply. Once used, this ability becomes unavailable
to the theurge until the sun sets and rises again.
% Self-Abuse (+1 Tithe, 2 AP, Combat Action)
EFFECT: Fliberdijiberit manifests on the hand of
someone the theurge can see and strikes the target or
someone adjacent to them with their own weapon.
The target must be wielding a weapon. Make a
Melee Attack using the target’s Melee Skill to
strike, and Damage is based on their Attributes and
the weapon they are holding. If they are attacking
themself, they may not Parry or Dodge.
% Who Is More Fool (+3 Tithe, 3 AP, Extinguish
Special Action)
EFFECT: The theurge creates a puppet of someone
they can see. The theurge must put the puppet on
their ungloved, free primary hand. They may then
control the target with mental commands so long as
they can see them. After the effect ends, the target
is aware of the theurge’s location and that they were
being controlled by the theurge. So long as this
puppet exists, the theurge can use it on this target
anytime the theurge can see them. Only one such
puppet can exist at a time.
368 BLACKBIRDS

Bleconixx, Scion of Anxiety

(Lord of Joy)

B leconixx is a tall, slender, lithe, and boneless

but vaguely humanoid shape. Pale, hairless,
and naked, it usually arrives by slipping under a
Bleconixx: Rapport Technique
% Doubt (+1 Tithe, 1 AP, Combat Action)
EFFECT: The theurge utters a sentence to someone,
door, through a grate, or by some other disturbing and the person is filled with doubt. Make an
route. Its eyes are closed slits, and its toothless (Arduous –30%) Resolve test for them. If it fails,
mouth wraps almost halfway around its oblong they start their next turn with 2 AP less. This may
head. It always approaches very close to those who be used only once per Combat Scene.
have summoned it, putting its face almost near % Fear (+1 Tithe, 2 AP, Combat Action)
enough to touch petitioners and sniffling at them EFFECT: The theurge empowers their attack with the
constantly with its narrow nose slits. Its voice is a power of fear. The theurge makes an attack with a
mumble of disturbing gibberish, but those who weapon they possess. If the attack deals Damage,
have summoned it can understand. the target gains –20 to all attacks made against the
REMNANTS: Bleconixx offers remnants of theurge for the rest of the Combat Scene.
Clairvoyance and Helotry. % Horror (+2 Tithe, 3 AP, Extinguish Special
WEAKNESSES: Bleconixx greatly dislikes making Action)
temporary deals. When making such a deal with EFFECT: The theurge chooses a target to be consumed
Bleconixx, the Fateweaver should make a Spite roll by horror. The target’s mind is overcome, and they
and increase Spite if it is a success. see the world as a horrific nightmare.
COURT: The Court of Joy They are Helpless until the sun sets
ALLIES: The Court of Silence and rises again.
ENMITY: The Court of Peace and the
Nameless Court
GOALS: Bleconixx guides theurges to
destroy and tear apart relationships. The
more precious the relationship, the better
to ruin. Some of these relationships may even
be important to the theurges themselves. It is
not unusual for those empowered by Bleconixx to
become lonely, bitter, and paranoid in the end.
FAVORED RECKONING: Actively betray someone you
love. Steal something from someone and tell them
their best friend was the thief. Be intimate with
those who are vowed to each other in such a way
that it becomes known to the betrayed.

Bleconixx: Communion Technique
% Nightmare Walk (+2 Tithe, Non-Combat
Action)
EFFECT: The theurge enters someone else’s dream,
and it becomes a nightmare. The theurge must
see their target, who must be asleep. The theurge
learns their greatest fears and doubts and gains +30
on all Fellowship-based kill tests made for them to
interact with the target if the theurge can use these
fears for leverage. There may be other benefits or
things to be learned, at the Fateweaver’s discretion.
Once used, this ability becomes unavailable to the
theurge until the sun sets and rises again.
% Armor of Trepidation (+1 Tithe, 1 AP, Combat
Action)
EFFECT: The theurge becomes too terrifying to
attack. Make a (Hard –20%) Resolve test for
anyone wishing to attack the theurge before their
every attempt to do so. Even if it succeeds, the
attack itself is made at –20. This effect lasts for the
rest of the Combat Scene.
% Darkness (+3 Tithe, 3 AP, Extinguish Special
Action)
EFFECT: A terrible darkness and chill falls upon the
surrounding area. All mundane sources of light
extinguish and cannot be relit until they leave the
magical gloom. Until the end of the Scene, all those
other than the theurge and their allies are subjected
to Total Darkness: They may not target anyone
who is not Engaged, and all vision-related Skill tests
are made at –30.
T HEU RGY: Ta blets of t he U n b egot ten 369
Bleconixx: Pact Technique
% Nightmare Journey (+2 Tithe, Non-Combat
Action)
EFFECT: The theurge enters the dream of anyone in
the world, turning it into a nightmare. The theurge
must personally know their target and possess some
item of importance to them or some of their hair or
bodily fluids. The theurge must sleep at the same
time their target does and can attempt this only
once per night. They learn something about the
dreamer’s current fears—e.g., the greatest weakness
of the castle they are defending, or that their uncle
wants them dead. The dreamer gets no rest from
sleep, gaining instead a cumulative –10 to all Skill
tests for each consecutive night the theurge employs
this ability, up to a maximum of –30. Each time
the theurge uses this on a particular target, make
an (Arduous –30%) Resolve test for the target.
If it succeeds, they know the theurge was in their
dreams and can no longer be a target of this ability.
% Skin of Nightmares (+2 Tithe, 3 AP, Combat
Action)
EFFECT: The theurge transforms into a horrible
nightmare beast. All Melee Attacks made against
the transformed theurge are Flip to Fail. The
theurge’s unarmed Melee Attacks use Odweft to
hit and [WB] for their Damage bonus. Add an
additional 1Ð6 Damage to such attacks. The effect
lasts for the duration of the Combat Scene, or until
they suffer an Injury.
% Rider Within (+2 Tithe, 3 AP, Extinguish
Special Action)
EFFECT: The theurge’s physical form becomes
insubstantial and enters a creature they can see,
gaining control of it. They may not use any
Vitiations or magic while possessing the target. If
the creature is killed while the theurge controls it,
the theurge immediately appears nearby and suffers
3 levels of Peril.
370 BLACKBIRDS
The Court
of Peace
GOALS
The Court of Peace seeks to encourage acts of
violence: the bigger the better, but finesse, virtuosity,
and sophistication are also important. Poisoning
someone is not as satisfying as forcing them to
willingly drink poison to avoid a
more painful fate, and
bringing two armies to
war is not as impressive
as bringing one army to
violently purge its own
members in a frenzy of
intolerance. In general,
the Messengers want to
lead humanity toward a
society wherein
violence is the
only possible
option in any
possible scenario.
O P I N I O N S O F T H E OT H E R CO U RTS
% The Court of Ignorance: There is mutual respect, if
not an outright alliance, between the Courts of
Ignorance and Peace. For their part, the Court of
Peace acknowledges that the information the
Court of Ignorance collects is valuable. Wars are
won based on accurate intelligence. Occasionally,
the Court of Peace assists the Scholars in their
quests to destroy books or to seek hidden
knowledge.
% The Court of Joy: The Court of Peace has very little
positive to say about the Jesters. The Outsiders of
the Court of Joy are too outré for Messengers to
connect with or understand. These Outsiders are
not exactly dismissed, but they are not exactly
respected by the Court of Peace, either. They
seem to have some artfulness, but its expression is
so bizarre and incomprehensible that it might as
well be total nonsense. Still, sometimes, the
Jesters are useful.
% The Court of Silence: The Beasts of the Court of
Silence are seen by the Messengers as crude and
unworthy. Their violence is too chaotic, their rage
too unfocused, and their passion absent of
nuance. Members of these two courts goad
themselves into outright physical conflict when
they confront one another. The presence of a
Beast likely causes any Outsider from the Court
of Peace to become either openly resentful or
gratingly boastful, or both, and that’s only if they
aren’t literally trying to tear each other apart from
the moment one becomes aware of the other’s
presence.
% The Court of Truth: The Court of Peace usually
counts members of the Army Invisible among its
allies. The Court of Truth loves lies, and lies often
lead to violence. In addition, murder is so much
easier to commit if one wears an illusion or is
invisible. The Court of Peace knows that the
Masquers think themselves to be far more subtle
and clever than the Messengers and believe that
they are manipulating the Messengers, but the
Messengers don’t care. They know that, when the
time comes, the only ones in charge will be those
who can kill quickly and ruthlessly.
% The Nameless Court: The Nameless Court is the
only thing that members of the Court of Peace
seem to fear, although they would never admit to
it or speak any words that might confirm this
reaction. It can be seen in their affect when
Messengers talk about or confront Outsiders of
the Nameless Court. The Nameless Ones seem to
be unaware of this, as they are apparently unaware
of most things. The Messengers always urge
against any manifestation or communication
with the Nameless, and they generally have some
plausible excuse why this should be so. Only
through careful observation can a savvy wizard
see the signs of repressed fear and loathing.
 T HEU RGY: Ta blets of t he U n b egot ten 371

Blith, Lover of Pain

(Imp of Peace)

B lith manifests to resemble a child-sized

human with a ridiculously angry caricature of
an upside-down face on its head. Below the neck,
Resolve test is needed to not do the same. This lasts
until the sun sets and rises again.

the flesh of his body blackens with rot so that the Blith: Communion Technique
extremities are mostly bones. Blith’s voice is high, % A Taste of Fear (1 AP, Combat Action)
and he often laughs and drools upon himself. EFFECT: Before the theurge makes an attack, they
REMNANTS: Blith offers remnants of Chimera and may use this ability. If the attack then succeeds,
Necromancy. the target is filled with dread. All attacks by that
WEAKNESSES: Blith is overcome with delight at the opponent against the theurge are made at –20 for
sight of fresh blood and becomes quite difficult to the rest of the combat.
communicate with if any is present. % A Taste of Blood (+1 Tithe, 1 AP, Special Action)
COURT: The Court of Peace EFFECT: All of the theurge’s Melee Attacks gain
ALLIES: The Court of Truth Biting (1) or, if the weapon they’re wielding already
ENMITY: The Court of Silence has Biting, add 1 level. This may only be used once
GOALS: “Let’s hurt as many people as possible per combat and lasts until the end of that Scene.
together, shall we? Maybe they will scream!” % A Taste of Death (+2 Tithe, 3 AP, Extinguish
FAVORED RECKONING: Blith likes to eat little bits of Special Action)
flesh, especially internal organs that must be cut out EFFECT: The theurge’s jaw
from deep inside. A little taste of blood now and unhinges and opens to
then is also nice. impossible size to engulf
an adjacent foe. As they
Blith: Rapport Technique scream and scramble
% A Taste of Flesh (1 AP, Combat Action) against their fate,
EFFECT: The theurge’s attacks do extra harm and are they are devoured
more likely to wound. Use before making an attack and removed
to add an additional 1Ð6 Damage and add an extra completely from
Injury die to the next attack, if it hits. this world.
% A Taste of Pain (1 AP, Combat Action)
EFFECT: The theurge attacks someone in a
particularly cruel manner, filling the victim with
pain. After rolling Damage for an attack, this ability
may be employed to roll an extra 1Ð6. This may be
used only once per attack.
% A Taste of Terror (+1 Tithe, 3 AP, Extinguish
Action)
EFFECT: The theurge tells someone what they are
going to do to them, and the target, filled with
terror, runs at full speed from their current location
until the theurge is out of their line of sight. Upon
encountering the theurge subsequently, a successful
372 BLACKBIRDS
Blith: Pact Technique
% A Taste of Cruelty (1 AP, Combat Action)
EFFECT: The theurge attacks someone with great
malice. This ability may be employed by the theurge
after they attack someone, allowing for an extra
1Ð6 Damage and an extra Injury die to be rolled.
% A Taste of Woe (+1 Tithe, 1 AP, Reaction)
EFFECT: After the theurge is hit with a Melee
Attack, this ability may be used by them to
immediately make an attack against their attacker.
This counterattack automatically hits and can’t be
dodged or parried.
% A Taste of Horror (+3 Tithe, 3 AP, Extinguish
Special Action)
EFFECT: The theurge points at one opponent they can
see and transforms them into a warped monstrosity,
little more than a mewling pile of throbbing organs
and rearranged appendages, that is permanently
Helpless. Make a Resolve test for all allies of the
target who witness this.
Eurynomos, the Quiet Remorse
(Villein of Peace)
E urynomos appears as the corpse of the last
person the summoner personally killed, in the
same position they were in right after they died. She
speaks in a barely audible whisper from the mouth
of the motionless corpse, and those who would
commune with her must position their ear just
above the dead lips. She never appears to those who
have not killed someone. Her manifestation is often
accompanied by bitter cold, engulfing silence, and
the smell of a charnel house.
REMNANTS: Eurynomos offers remnants of
Martiality and Necromancy.
WEAKNESSES: Eurynomos dislikes crowds. She
never manifests before any sorcerer or allows a
bargain with one in the presence of three or more
other people.
COURT: The Court of Peace
ALLIES: The Court of Truth
ENMITY: The Court of Joy
GOALS: Eurynomos will help the theurge kill. She
wants them to kill well and swiftly.
FAVORED RECKONING: “I help you kill one
that you choose; you help me kill one
that I choose.”

Eurynomos: Rapport Technique
% Unreliable Witness (+1 Tithe, 1 AP, Special Action)
EFFECT: Immediately after committing a murder,
the theurge clouds the mind of one person who saw
them do it. The target cannot properly remember
what happened and, if the theurge makes a swift exit,
cannot remember that the theurge was even there.
% Wicked Blade (+2 Tithe, 2 AP, Combat Action)
EFFECT: The theurge attacks an adjacent Flanked foe
with an edged weapon. The attack automatically
hits and adds 2Ð6 to the Total Damage.
% Improbable Demise (+2 Tithe, 3 AP, Extinguish
Special Action)
EFFECT: The theurge kills someone in some way that
seems impossible or flukish. Bouncing an arrow
off a wall, holding out a knife that their opponent
stumbles against, or knocking a rock off a cliff to kill
someone far below are all reasonable examples. The
theurge must be able to see their victim, and the
death must be possible and caused by something
they can physically do (e.g., the theurge can’t shoot
someone many leagues away with an arrow).
Eurynomos: Communion Technique
% None Shall Escape (Passive Bonus)
EFFECT: When the theurge makes an Opportunity
Attack, add +10 to hit and an additional
1Ð6 Damage.
% Foolish Witnesses (+2 Tithe, 1 AP, Special Action)
EFFECT: Immediately after committing murder, the
theurge clouds the minds of up to [WB] people who
just saw them kill. They cannot properly remember
what happened and, if the theurge makes a swift exit,
cannot remember that the theurge was even there.
T HEU RGY: Ta blets of t he U n b egot ten 373
% Wanton Blade (+1 Tithe, 3 AP, Extinguish
Special Action)
EFFECT: The theurge kills someone with an edged
Melee weapon. No one who witnesses the event will
remember the theurge was there if they immediately
flee the area.
Eurynomos: Pact Technique
% None Shall Witness (+2 Tithe, 1 AP, Special
Action)
EFFECT: Immediately after committing murder, the
theurge clouds the minds of up to 2×[WB] people
who just saw them kill or who witnessed them
fleeing the scene of the crime. They cannot properly
remember what happened and, if the theurge
made a swift exit, cannot remember that they were
even there.
% Corpsewalk (+2 Tithe, 2 AP, Special Action)
EFFECT: The theurge climbs into the mouth of a
human corpse that hasn’t been dead for more than
3 days. They emerge the following Round from
another, similarly fresh human corpse of which
they are aware. If the destination corpse has been
destroyed, this Technique fails, and the theurge
suffers 2Ð10+2 Peril. A corpse can be used in
this way only once, whether as point of origin or
destination.
% Deadly Dance (+3 Tithe, 3 AP, Extinguish
Special Action)
EFFECT: All foes adjacent to the theurge are Slain! as
those they have recently killed manifest to add more
victims to their tally.
374 BLACKBIRDS
Asisaxasias, Duke of Butchery
(Lord of Peace)
A sisaxasias appears as a slender yet muscular,
elderly human male with bright-red skin and
eyes. His hair and beard are a shocking white. His
manifestation is always preceded by the coppery
smell of fresh blood. He wears bright-red leather
rags and bears a plethora of cleavers. His voice is
quiet but always threatening.
REMNANTS: He offers remnants of Chimera and
Martiality.
WEAKNESSES: Asisaxasias cannot
stand to be in the presence
of cats, and none of his
abilities will work on
them or their kin.
COURT: The Court
of Peace
ALLIES: The Court of Joy
ENMITY: The Courts of Ignorance and Silence
GOALS: The perpetuation and encouragement of
warfare and battle, blood and death.
FAVORED RECKONING: Asisaxasias favors pacts and
bonds that lead to violence, such as: participate in a
battle that leads to a death at least once a week, never
parley when fighting is an option, spill a gallon of
blood every day, or wound yourself or someone else.
Asisaxasias: Rapport Technique
% Let There Be Rage (+1 Tithe, 2 AP, Special
Action)
EFFECT: Someone the theurge currently sees
becomes filled with rage. They attack the nearest
enemy or person they hate most in their vicinity
unless a successful (Arduous –30%) Resolve test is
made for the target to control their fury.
% Let There Be Cleavers (1 AP, Combat Action)
EFFECT: A blood-caked, sharp, and perfectly
balanced cleaver appears in the theurge’s hand. It has
the Throwing, Enchanted and Vicious Qualities,
and does [WB]+2 Damage. The theurge can create
as many cleavers as they wish, but the cleavers exist
only until the end of the Combat Scene.
% Let There Be Murder (+1 Tithe, 3 AP, Extinguish
Special Action)
EFFECT: The theurge points at someone they can see,
and the person is filled with a murderous rage. They
attack whoever is nearest and continue to rage until
they are killed or rendered unconscious.
Asisaxasias: Communion Technique
% Heavy & Wicked (1 AP, Special Action)
EFFECT: A cleaver with the Enchanted, Punishing,
Throwing, and Vicious Qualities appears in the
theurge’s hand, and it deals [WB]+2 Damage. The
theurge can employ this ability at any time, and the
same cleaver magically returns to the theurge’s hand
from any distance.

% Murder Is the Best Defense (1 AP, Reaction)
EFFECT: After a successful Melee Attack has been
made against the theurge, but before Damage is
rolled, they may make an immediate counterattack
against their attacker, so long as the theurge is
holding a Heavy & Wicked cleaver. If the attacker
takes Damage from the counterattack, their initial
attack misses.
% Words of Blood (+3 Tithe, 3 AP, Extinguish
Action)
EFFECT: The theurge says a word or phrase that
affects all but their Fatebound companions.
Make a successful (Arduous –30%) Resolve test
for everyone who hears it, or they are filled with
murderous rage until they kill someone.
Asisaxasias: Pact Technique
% The Cleaver of Asisaxasias (1 AP, Special Action)
EFFECT: The theurge becomes the wielder of the
gore-covered and pockmarked magical Cleaver
of Asisaxasias. This monstrous artifact has the
Enchanted, Piercing (3), Punishing, Throwing,
and Vicious Qualities. It does [WB]+3 Damage.
The theurge may use this ability to make the cleaver
reappear in their hand from any distance.
% Boon of Fury (+1 Tithe, 1 AP, Combat Action)
EFFECT: Those whom the theurge attacks with the
Cleaver of Asisaxasias are driven mad with rage. The
theurge makes a successful attack with the above
cleaver. If it hits, a successful (Arduous –30%)
Resolve test must be made for the target, or they
begin attacking their allies until they kill someone.
% Harvest the Red Milk (+1 Tithe per Person
Killed, 3 AP, Extinguish Special Action)
EFFECT: The theurge throws the Cleaver of
Asisaxasias and it circles them, killing up to [WB]
foes of the theurge’s choice within throwing range
before disappearing. The theurge accumulates 1
Tithe for each person killed in this fashion.
T HEU RGY: Ta blets of t he U n b egot ten 375
The Court
of Silence
GOALS
The Court of Silence seeks to return humans to
their true bestial nature. They love violence, but
only when unrestrained and meaningless. They
encourage mindless rutting without the pretense of
romance or love. They hate all the trappings of
civilization and achievement, and they long to see
them perverted or destroyed. The more meaningless
an expression of emotion is, the better, and the
more humanity wallows in its basest instincts, the
more the Court of Silence is pleased.
No act is too debased, no
expression of feeling too
extreme, no glorification
of nihilism too great.
When all the world is
populated with
mindless animals, the
Court of Silence will
have finished its work.
T H E K N I FE B A I R N S
At the center of every web approximating anything like an
assassins’ guild in the larger cities is what appears to be a
devotion or series of spiritual beliefs that lend support to
the morality and importance of murder. Further beyond
this creed is an inner circle, a cult that follows those
precepts with the greatest fervor: the Knife Bairns. This cult
is supported by the Court of Silence, though only in the
most uneven and haphazard way, since the cult’s leaders
are often murdered by their subordinates to be replaced by
them in a never-ending cycle of violence and murder.
Outsiders of the Court of Silence sometimes give
a theurge who seeks their Vitiations reckonings to
complete that are connected to, or in assistance of, the
local assassins’ guild or the Knife Bairns themselves.
376 BLACKBIRDS

O P I N I O N S O F T H E OT H E R CO U RTS % The Court of Truth: The Court of Truth understands

% The Court of Ignorance: The Scholars are almost the importance of meaninglessness, but its
worthy, for they seek to destroy the words at the members take themselves too seriously. Their
heart of human civilization, but only so they may twisting of reality makes a good appetizer to
replace those words with their own. In the end, prepare humans for the main course, which is to
these Outsiders are no better than the human completely embrace the whims of the moment
diplomats, courtiers, and lawmakers seeking to over any long-term plan. The Masquers are useful,
restrain that which can never be restrained and to if only to show humanity that the face people
control that which is uncontrollable: fear, passion, wear in civilized places is the most ridiculous
the winds of the sky, and the fires of the earth. In mask of all. In the end, they will cast it off to
the end, the flames they use to burn the dry words reveal the monster beneath.
they esteem so highly will be turned against them, % The Nameless Court: The Court of Silence seems to
and they will be left as ashes. be collectively in love with, or in thrall to, the
% The Court of Joy: The Courts of Joy and Silence Nameless Ones. In their presence, the Beasts are
seldom find themselves at odds, as they are merely demure, seemingly friendly, and most disturbing
two different flavors of madness. In effect, these of all, affectionate. Of course, the Outsiders of
two courts seem to tolerate, and even have the Nameless Court acknowledge this rarely, if at
affection for, each other, though the particulars all. But, like a cat that desperately wants the
are unclear, because neither court speaks with any attention of the one person who ignores it, the
clarity about what they really mean, if they speak Beasts keep trying.
at all. It seems, from appearances, that the Court
of Joy and the Court of Silence have some sort of
unspoken and unwritten accord.
% The Court of Peace: The Courts of Peace and
Silence are notoriously at odds
with each other, and their
conflicts are renowned for
being bloody and vicious,
even among Mortals who have
learned some small amount of
magical lore. For their part, the
Beasts somewhat respect the Army
Invisible for its artistry, though
they would never openly
admit that. Better to fight
it, for there is no greater
expression of respect than
to tear an opponent limb
from limb—or have them do the
same to you.

Trammus, The Dual Hound
(Imp of Silence)
T rammus appears as a lean and malnourished
hound with a head at either end of its body.
The eyes on each head are disturbingly large, and
the jaws have more teeth than does a natural
hound’s. Trammus seems rabid or desperate, and
the two heads often nip at each other and fight.
Trammus speaks with the wordless whines and yips
of a dog that only a theurge can understand. With
it comes the smell of wet fur and a filthy kennel.
REMNANTS: Trammus offers remnants of Bestial
Power and Chimera.
WEAKNESSES: Trammus does not manifest near
bodies of water.
COURT: The Court of Silence
ALLIES: The Court of Joy
ENMITY: The Court of Peace
GOALS: “Help master find thralls to help master
hurt someone.”
FAVORED RECKONING: Trammus likes bones but is
notoriously picky about whence they come. The
theurge will know what it wants.
Trammus: Rapport Technique
% Snuffling the Loam (Passive Bonus)
EFFECT: The theurge sniffs the ground like a dog and
gains a heightened sense of smell. Add +10 to the
theurge’s Survival tests, or they may offer 2 Assist
dice when assisting another’s test.
% The Encroachment of Beasts (+1 Tithe, Non-
Combat Action)
EFFECT: For the next hour, the theurge instantly knows
the location and intention of all Beasts nearby. They
may not be Surprised by these creatures.
% Snarl of Authority (+3 Tithe, 3 AP, Extinguish
Special Action)
EFFECT: The theurge snarls and their foes are shaken,
possibly to the point of retreating. Any creatures of
at least animal intelligence that hear the theurge’s
low growl immediately flee. Intelligent creatures are
at –10 to all Skills for the rest of the Scene.
T HEU RGY: Ta blets of t he U n b egot ten 377
Trammus: Communion Technique
% Snuffling the Prey (Passive Bonus)
EFFECT: The theurge sniffs the ground like a dog
and gains a heightened sense of smell. Add +20
to the theurge’s Survival tests, or you may offer
2 Assist dice when assisting another’s test. In
addition, at Fateweaver’s discretion, the theurge
gains insight into anything by smelling it. Add +20
to Perception-based Skills made for the theurge if
smell would be a factor.
% Beastspeech (+1 Tithe, 1 AP, Special Action)
EFFECT: For 1 hour, the theurge is able to understand
and speak with animals, though the creatures still
have only the intelligence of animals.
% Army of the Wild (+2 Tithe, 3 AP, Extinguish
Special Action)
EFFECT: The theurge calls upon nearby animals
to kill someone—e.g., a pack of stray dogs might
maul a person, or a wave of rats could envelop and
consume the target.
Trammus: Pact Technique
% Snuffling the World (Passive Bonus)
EFFECT: The theurge sniffs the ground like a dog and
gains a heightened sense of smell. Add +30 to the
theurge’s Survival tests, or they may offer 2 Assist dice
when assisting another’s test. Also, at the Fateweaver’s
discretion, the theurge gains insight into anything by
smelling it. Add +30 to Perception-based Skills made
for the theurge if smell would be a factor.
% Heel (+1 Tithe, Non-Combat Action)
EFFECT: The theurge stares into the eyes of a wild
beast. The animal becomes their ally, or they may
swap this Technique out for an appropriate Servitor
Technique. This effect lasts until the sun sets and
rises again.
% Mark of the Beast (+3 Tithe, 3 AP, Extinguish
Special Action)
EFFECT: The theurge points at someone and turns
them into an animal until the sun sets and rises again.
378 BLACKBIRDS
Flist, The Murmuring Flame
(Villein of Silence)
F list manifests only where an actual fire exists. It
could be as small as a candle flame, but there
must be a fire burning for Flist to appear. To speak
with Flist, the theurge looks into the flame and
momentarily enters a trance. In their mind, they are
surrounded by Flist, who appears much larger than
the theurge, and as they talk, the heat begins to rise,
eventually becoming unbearably painful. Flist’s voice
sounds like the crackling, roaring center of a vast fire.
REMNANTS: Flist offers remnants of Clairvoyance
and Quintessence.
WEAKNESSES: Flist can manifest only where there is
an open flame, as described above.
COURT: The Court of Silence
ALLIES: The Nameless Court
ENMITY: The Court of Ignorance
GOALS: Flist seeks to create raw negative emotions
in the largest number of people possible. Burning
down a temple beloved by many people or inciting
a riot based upon lies are the sorts of things it seeks
to compel.
FAVORED RECKONING: Flist might direct a theurge to
knock over a lantern over some dry hay, or to tell a
starving crowd of people that their neighbor has been
hoarding grain. It has an innate sense of dry kindling,
both literally and emotionally, and is always looking
to start an uncontrolled conflagration.
Flist: Rapport Technique
% Kindling of the Sole Flame (Passive Bonus)
EFFECT: By standing very close to someone long
enough to make them uncomfortable, the theurge
learns what would make the target most likely to
resort to violence. In addition, the target’s greatest
violent crime becomes known to the theurge—e.g.,
a tavern’s proprietor once accidentally murdered a
drunken traveler by tossing them into the street,
where they bashed their head on the cobbled road,
and their body is buried beneath an old oak behind
the establishment.
% Weapon of Flame (+1 Tithe, 2 AP, Combat
Action)
EFFECT: The theurge summons a Melee weapon to
their hand made from furious elemental flames.
It gains all of the Qualities of a mundane version
of any Melee weapon. It provides light as a torch
and is considered a Mildly Dangerous fire. It exists
until the Combat Scene ends. The weapon uses the
Odweft Skill to hit and does 2Ð6+[WB] Damage
from fire. Make a Coordination test for anyone
who drops a level on the Damage Condition Track

after being hit with this weapon. Those whose tests
fail are set On Fire (see Set On Fire in Chapter 6:
Conflict & Rekindling for details).
% Wickerman (+1 Tithe, 3 AP, Extinguish Special
Action)
EFFECT: The theurge points at someone, and that
person bursts into flames. The target is set On
Fire (see Set On Fire in Chapter 6: Conflict &
Rekindling for details).
Flist: Communion Technique
% Kindling of the Bonfire (Passive Bonus)
EFFECT: The theurge must have spent at least 1 day in
a community, interacting with several of its members.
They learn what deep anger and resentments roil
beneath the surface, waiting to spill into violence.
The community’s greatest violent crime becomes
known to the theurge—e.g., the town’s elders once
gathered all of its dispossessed and burned them
at the stake in an offering to Corvus to stave off a
plague of the blue death—their charred remains were
sealed off in the bottom of an old well.
% Arrow of Flame (+1 Tithe, 2 AP, Combat Action)
EFFECT: The theurge summons a Ranged weapon to
their hand that fires missiles of furious elemental
flames. It gains all of the Qualities of a mundane
version of any Ranged weapon, and has unlimited
ammunition. It exists until the Combat Scene
ends. The weapon uses Odweft Skill to hit and
does 2Ð6+[WB] Damage from fire. Make a
Coordination test for anyone who drops a level
on the Damage Condition Track after being hit
with this weapon. Those whose tests fail are set
On Fire (see Set On Fire in Chapter 6: Conflict &
Rekindling for details).
% Inferno (+2 Tithe, 3 AP, Extinguish Special
Action)
EFFECT: The theurge fills an area equal to twenty
contiguous, 1-stride squares with flames that reach
3 strides in height. They must be able to see the zone
T HEU RGY: Ta blets of t he U n b egot ten 379
they wish to target. Make a Coordination test for
creatures that begin their Turn in a square filled with
fire and each time they move into a fire square for
them to avoid taking Damage. If this test fails or they
remain in the flames, they take 2Ð10+2 Damage
for being exposed to Moderately Dangerous fire. A
Critical Failure means they are set On Fire (see Set
On Fire in Chapter 6: Conflict & Rekindling for
details). For 3 additional AP, the theurge may change
the configuration of the flames. The conflagration
lasts as long as the theurge can see and concentrate
upon them.
Flist: Pact Technique
% Rind of the Salamander (Passive Bonus)
EFFECT: The theurge is immune to Damage from
fire, even magical fire.
% Arsenal of Flame (2 AP)
EFFECT: The theurge summons a Melee or Ranged
weapon to their hand that is made of or fires
missiles of furious elemental flames. It gains all of
the Qualities of a mundane version of any weapon
and has unlimited ammunition if Ranged. It exists
until the Combat Scene ends. The weapon uses the
Odweft Skill to hit and does 2Ð6+[WB] Damage
from fire. Make a Coordination test for anyone
who drops a level on the Damage Condition Track
after being hit with this weapon. Those whose tests
fail are set On Fire (see Set On Fire in Chapter 6:
Conflict & Rekindling for details).
% Pyre of Flesh (+3 Tithe, 3 AP, Extinguish Special
Action)
EFFECT: The theurge and all their trappings are
engulfed in flame. Anyone adjacent who is Engaged
in melee with them is immediately exposed to
Moderately Dangerous fire at the end of each of
their Turns. Mundane weapons suffer Degradation
whenever striking the theurge. The theurge’s attacks
gain the Immolate and Punishing Qualities. This
effect lasts until the end of the current Scene.
380 BLACKBIRDS

Father Longlegs, Eater of Despair

(Lord of Silence)

F ather Longlegs is an enormous, spider-like

creature with a pitch-black spherical abdomen,
from which stems a human torso
topped by the head of an emaciated
man, his face hidden behind a thin
veil held in place by a small tiara. His
human body bears three sets of arms, each ending
in arthritic hands—the second and third sets of
appendages increasingly smaller and more gnarled
than the first. He enjoys looming over others.
Father’s voice is raspy and perpetually breathless.
REMNANTS: He offers remnants of Bestial Power
and Esotaria.
WEAKNESS: Sincere acts of physical affection terrify
Father Longlegs. After witnessing one, he scurries
into a corner and remains there in total silence
until sundown.
COURT: The Court of Silence
ALLIES: The Nameless Court
ENMITY: The Courts of Ignorance and Peace
GOALS: To smash human minds against the wall of
cosmic understanding.
FAVORED RECKONING: Father Longlegs favors pacts
and bonds that lead to devastating revelations. Seek
out forbidden knowledge at any cost. Truth must be
protected and never shared willingly.
Father Longlegs: Rapport Technique
% Silk Vomit (+1 Tithe, 1 AP, Special Action)
EFFECT: The theurge excretes spider silk from their
mouth. A foe up to 2 strides away is Grappled by
the web. An (Arduous –30%) Athletics test may be
made at the beginning of each of their Turns for
them to attempt to escape. The theurge does not
need to do anything to maintain this effect.
% Poison Maw (+2 Tithe, 1 AP, Combat Action)
EFFECT: Poisonous chelicerae erupt from within the
theurge’s mouth. Make a Melee Attack with the
Fast Quality, using Odweft to hit and 2Ð6+[WB]
for Damage. If it hits, make a successful (Routine
+10%) Toughness test for the target, or they are
paralyzed and rendered Helpless for 1 hour.
% Chitinous Multitude (+2 Tithe, 3 AP, Extinguish
Special Action)
EFFECT: The theurge points at someone, and spiders
pour from their orifices, killing them. Make a successful
Resolve test for anyone viewing this who opposes the
theurge, or they are rendered Defenseless until the
start of their next Turn. In addition, make a successful
Coordination test for opponents adjacent to the
target that was just Slain!, or they take 2Ð6+[WB]
Damage from hundreds of spider bites.
Father Longlegs: Communion Technique
% Mouth of Traps (+2 Tithe, 2 AP, Combat Action)
EFFECT: The theurge fills an adjacent zone up to 3
strides wide and 1 stride long with webbing. Make
a successful (Arduous –30%) Athletics test for
anyone moving inside the space, or they are trapped
in the webbing and Grappled until they can Resist
with a successful (Arduous –30%) Athletics test,
which may be attempted on each subsequent Turn.
The theurge is immune to this effect.
% Legs of the Father (+2 Tithe, 2 AP, Special
Action)

EFFECT: Eight giant spider legs burst from the
theurge’s shoulders, lifting them up and moving
them around. The legs last until the end of the
Scene. The theurge may move at twice their normal
Movement and pass through enemy spaces without
endangering themself or triggering Opportunity
Attacks. They are also raised 3 strides above the
ground. The theurge can attack someone by using
the legs as if with a Melee weapon that has the
Piercing (2) and Reach Qualities; use Odweft for
the Skill test and 2Ð6+[WB] for the Damage.
% Tiny Assassin (+3 Tithe, 3 AP, Extinguish
Action)
EFFECT: The theurge produces a Small spider
from their mouth and whispers instructions to it.
It travels up to 99 strides away to kill someone
of the theurge’s choosing. The spider’s venom is
deadly, and the target dies unless they are immune
to poison.
Father Longlegs: Pact Technique
% Spider Walk (Passive Bonus)
EFFECT: The theurge can move along any surface, even
walls and ceilings, at their normal Movement speed.
% Arachnesis (+1 Tithe, 2 AP, Special Action)
EFFECT: A fist-sized spider descends from above the
target. Make an Odweft test for the theurge to hit
the target. If successful, the spider then bites them
for 1Ð6+[WB] Damage. If this deals at least one
level of Damage, make a successful (Challenging
–10%) Toughness test for the target, or they are
paralyzed and rendered Helpless for [WB] Rounds.
If a successful Coordination test is not made for the
target to remove the spider at the beginning of each
subsequent Turn, they take Damage and must test
for paralysis again.
% Volx the Clambering Despot (+2 Tithe, 3 AP,
Extinguish Special Action)
EFFECT: Volx the Clambering Despot appears
(see Huge Night Spider in Chapter 10: Bestiary
for details). He serves the theurge and follows
their verbal commands until the sun sets and
rises again.
T HEU RGY: Ta blets of t he U n b egot ten 381
The Court
of Truth
GOALS
The Court of Truth seeks to undermine the
fabric of trust between people through fundamental
disagreement. Whether bringing two lovers to
quarrel over the smell of a perfume or bringing
entire nations into conflict over scriptural
inconsistencies, its influence always leads to
irreconcilable differences over the fundamental
concepts of reality between people, factions, and
governments. Scholars suggest that the Court of
Truth is merely bringing humanity in line with the
actual truth of reality, which is not at all real.
O P I N I O N S O F T H E O T H E R CO U RT S
% The Court of Ignorance: There is a long-standing
and powerful enmity between the Courts of
Ignorance and Truth, probably greater than that
between any other pair of courts. The two would
seem to have similar goals or cooperate, but the
reality is that their end games are quite different.
The Court of Truth views the Outsiders of
Ignorance as backward and inflexible, stodgy
fuddy-duddies that can’t accept what real truth is.
They see the Court of Ignorance as attempting to
cling to an empirical reality that simply does not
exist, and its desire to control and own that reality
is an anchor that will ultimately
drown them in a sea of
obsolescence.
382 BLACKBIRDS
% The Court of Joy: The Court of Truth sees these
Outsiders as fools—in the traditional sense of
viewing them as low-status idiots with possible
entertainment value but little practical value.
Masquers routinely speak of the Court of Joy in
entirely dismissive and derogatory language. The
Apostles of Truth are not above working with the
Court of Joy, but in general they have extremely
low expectations of its contributions.
% The Court of Peace: The Court of Peace often works
with the Army Invisible. Many assassins find that
the combination of illusion and deadliness is a
synergy too tempting to forgo, and so long as the
goals of both courts can be pushed forward,
Outsiders from these two groups happily oblige.
Minions of the Court of Truth sometimes have
pacts and deals from the Court of Peace among
their lists of granted abilities. From the Court of
Truth’s point of view, minions of the Court of
Peace make excellent pawns, handy muscle, or
useful fools when brute force is required.
% The Court of Silence: This court is a mystery to the
Masquers, who possess a generally neutral
opinion toward it, bordering on mild respect and
fear. For the Apostles of Truth, Outsiders in the
Court of Silence are not as easy to manipulate as
those in the Court of Peace, and so do not make
great lackeys or pawns. The Illusionists tend to be
wary of dealing with the Court of Silence and
make vague warnings to others who would do so
as well. The motivations and abilities of the Court
of Silence are unfathomable to the Apostles of
Truth.
% The Nameless Court: The Apostles of Truth deny
that any “Nameless Court” exists. When
confronted with Outsiders from the Nameless
Court or proof that they do exist, minions of the
Court of Truth always have justification for why
such proof is false, or they simply are unable or
unwilling to see and acknowledge the presence of
the Nameless at all.
Accord, Imp of Agreements
(Imp of Truth)
A ccord appears only in reflections as a more
attractive and idealized version of her
petitioner or master, but she bears an expression of
sardonic mockery or disturbing glee, and she often
repeats phrases that the summoning theurge has
said themself—but with a biting edge or in mockery.
REMNANTS: Accord offers remnants of Illusion
and Deceit.
WEAKNESSES: Accord has no physical form and may
never manifest physically, and she may appear only
in a place where there is a reflective surface.
COURT: The Court of Truth
ALLIES: The Court of Peace
ENMITY: The Court of Ignorance
GOALS: The facilitation of agreements and contracts
between people that are built on lies.
FAVORED RECKONING: Accord favors having
momentary control over sorcerers who summon
her and often bargains for a moment in the “driver’s
seat,” to speak and act as her master.
Accord: Rapport Technique
% Accommodating Wit (Passive Bonus)
EFFECT: When being glib or funny, the theurge’s jokes
land better than ever. Add +10 to any Fellowship-
based Skill tests wherein the theurge is able to make
a joke. In addition, if in a situation where they
would automatically fail a Fellowship-based Skill
test, they can tell a joke and then make a test.
% I Am the Mask (+1 Tithe, 2 AP, Special Action)
EFFECT: The theurge shifts their face (and only their
face) to look like any other face they have seen and
can remember. Their hair and every other part of
their body remains the same. This lasts for 1 hour.
% Believe in Me (+2 Tithe, Extinguish Non-
Combat Action)
EFFECT: During a conversation, the person the
theurge is speaking to believes everything they
say. After the conversation ends, they continue to
believe the theurge for at least 1 hour.

Accord: Communion Technique
% Rapier Wit (2 AP, Attack Action)
EFFECT: The theurge must verbally mock their
opponent openly and in such a way that the
opponent’s peers or companions can hear and
understand what the theurge is saying as they
attack. The opponent must have peers, allies, or
companions present for this to work. Add +20 to
the Attack Action.
% Mask of Beauty (+1 Tithe, Non-Combat Action)
EFFECT: The theurge becomes a more attractive
version of themself. Add +10 to Fellowship-based
Skill tests made for them whenever this would
be applicable, and +20 if they are able to employ
seduction. This lasts for 1 hour.
% Thorn of Desire (+1 Tithe, 3 AP,
Extinguish Special Action)
EFFECT: The theurge must be
in the presence of a sentient
creature and speak to them.
The target falls in love
with the theurge. Their
actions are still their
own, but they will not
hurt the theurge.
T HEU RGY: Ta blets of t he U n b egot ten 383
Accord: Pact Technique
% Fool’s Wisdom (Passive Bonus)
EFFECT: The theurge knows when others are
attempting to betray or “play” them. The Fateweaver
lets the player know if the target is deceitful and, if
the theurge makes a Scrutinize test, will tell them
specifically how.
% Impossible Utterance (+1 Tithe, 2 AP, Special
Action)
EFFECT: The theurge gazes at a target and mumbles
something under their breath. The theurge choses
a subject when this effect is put into place, and the
target is magically forbidden from speaking about
that subject. Only one target may ever be under the
effects of this ability.
% Deadly Mockery (+2 Tithe, 3
AP, Extinguish Special Action)
EFFECT: The theurge verbally
insults someone so powerfully
that the target is Slain!.
384 BLACKBIRDS
Clip, Thief of Souls
(Villein of Truth)
C lip always appears as a figure cloaked entirely
in black, its face hidden in shadows. Clip
plays dexterously with a different valuable object in
its left hand every time it manifests. Its voice is high
pitched, giggly, and sly.
REMNANTS: Clip offers remnants of Deceit and
Impossibility.
WEAKNESSES: Clip never manifests in the presence
of daylight and may not be bargained with if
daylight is present or visible.
COURT: The Court of Truth
ALLIES: The Court of Peace
ENMITY: The Court of Ignorance
GOALS: Assist humans in stealing from each other,
especially if this thievery causes strife or
discord. Clip also happily abets assassins.
FAVORED RECKONING: Clip prefers to have a cut of
whatever is stolen. This can get messy if a sorcerer
uses Clip’s gifts to, for example, free someone
from jail.
Clip: Rapport Technique
% Mystic Distraction (Passive Bonus)
EFFECT: The theurge creates a psychic distraction
whenever attempting to do something nefarious in
the presence of a single person who would otherwise
notice—e.g., picking the pocket of a lone guard or
placing a forged letter on the desk of a scribe. If the
roll to perform the deed fails, the person does not
notice the attempt.
% Ripe for Plucking (+1 Tithe, Non-Combat
Action)
EFFECT: By observing someone and using this
ability, the theurge knows whether they have
any valuables in their possession and the general
worth of those valuables. The Fateweaver may give
the theurge more details, at their discretion.
% Slip Away (+1 Tithe, 3 AP, Extinguish Special
Action)
EFFECT: The theurge slips into the shadows and
disappears from the Scene. To do so, they must be
able to move to a location where no one can see
them (e.g., behind a pillar, past a closed door, into
darkness). They cannot use this ability if line of
sight is not broken. The theurge travels to a safe
space up to 1 mile away, chosen by the Fateweaver.
Clip: Communion Technique
% Thief ’s Touch (+1 Tithe, Non-Combat Action)
EFFECT: By touching a building, the theurge gains
a sense of the most valuable object within and a
general idea of where it is. This may not be used
again until the sun sets and rises.
% Artful Dodger (+1 Tithe, 2 AP, Special Action)
EFFECT: The theurge attempts to pick someone’s
pocket or remove something from their person; add

+20 to this attempt. Whether the theurge succeeds
or fails, the target does not notice.
% Thief in the Night (+1 Tithe, 1 AP, Extinguish
Special Action)
EFFECT: The theurge magically absconds with a
single object they can see or that they know is on
someone else’s person that they can see. The object
must be something the theurge can lift with one
hand. The target will not be aware of this larceny.
Clip: Pact Technique
% Thief ’s Eyes (+1 Tithe, Non-Combat Action)
EFFECT: Choose an item the theurge wants to steal.
It must be a specific item and not a type of item.
The theurge knows exactly where it is—and how
far away—for the next hour, as they see a phantom
image of its location through any intervening matter.
% There Are No Locks (+1 Tithe, 1 AP, Special
Action)
EFFECT: By touching a lock, door, or container, the
theurge is able to instantly unlock it, so long as it is
not magically secured.
% I Am Behind You (+2 Tithe, 3 AP, Extinguish
Special Action)
EFFECT: The theurge disappears and then
immediately reappears behind someone they can
see to stealthily kill the person before the target can
move or make a sound.
T HEU RGY: Ta blets of t he U n b egot ten 385
Tannin, Green Diplomat
(Lord of Truth)
T annin appears as a large, chartreuse gentleman
wearing finery suitable for the wealthiest of
noble dignitaries. Tannin never blinks and tends to
overemphasize sibilant sounds. He is always infested
with a lizard or snake that seems to have built a nest
in his mouth and is living inside his jaws and throat.
Tannin tends to speak with eloquence and bombast,
although it is clearly the creature living in his face
that is actually talking.
REMNANTS: Tannin offers remnants of Deceit
and Phrenic.
WEAKNESSES: Tannin despises the Court of Peace
and never treats with sorcerers who have deals or
pacts with members of that court.
COURT: The Court of Truth
ALLIES: The Courts of Ignorance, Joy, and Silence
ENMITY: The Court of Peace
GOALS: Facilitating grand agreements, pacts of peace
between nations, and the writing of new laws. Long
term, the things that Tannin arranges are certain to
cause ruin, but in the short term, they seem exactly
what they are purported to be.
FAVORED RECKONING: Tannin favors the written
word and prefers pacts and deals that allow him to
create documents, contracts, and scripts.
Tannin: Rapport Technique
% They Are Known (Passive Bonus)
EFFECT: The theurge is able to immediately recall
the name of any noble, diplomat, state official,
or important person. The player may ask the
Fateweaver about any important person, and the
theurge “remembers” the person’s name, even if the
theurge has never met them.
% Scrawl of Lies (+1 Tithe, 1 AP, Special Action)
EFFECT: The theurge always has the needed papers
or documentation. They may give someone a blank
piece of paper, and that person assumes it to be
what the theurge says it is. It becomes blank again
as soon as the theurge is out of sight.
386 BLACKBIRDS

% Favors of Kings, Boons of Queens (+2 Tithe, Tannin: Pact Technique

Extinguish Non-Combat Action) % Web of Power (Passive Bonus)
EFFECT: The theurge mentions something to an EFFECT: The theurge spends a few hours studying a
important person; presumably, this is a debt they owe city, village, monastery, or family unit. They then
to someone else or to Tannin himself. That person know the names and identities of the individuals
grants the theurge a single favor up to Patronage who control the power of the group and learn
Level 6, or whatever is within the target’s abilities. their plans and motivations, as well as who is in
This ability may only be used once per week. debt to whom.
% Voice of Command (+1 Tithe, 1 AP, Special
Tannin: Communion Technique Action)
% Poles of Power (Passive Bonus) EFFECT: The theurge speaks a simple sentence
EFFECT: The theurge spends a few hours studying a to someone they can see and who can hear the
city, village, monastery, or family unit. They then theurge. Make an (Arduous –30%) Resolve test
know the names and identities of all individuals for the target, and if it fails, the target must do as
who control the power of the group. the theurge says—e.g., “Kill the soldiers under your
% Words of Authority (+1 Tithe, Non-Combat command” or “Let me into the vault.” Once they
Action) complete the task, they are free from the magic.
EFFECT: The theurge reveals themself to someone % Cloak of Authority (+2 Tithe, 3 AP, Extinguish
they are close enough to touch as a person Special Action)
of authority in the current political EFFECT: The theurge reveals themself to
milieu. The theurge thereafter everyone present who can see and hear
appears to be of higher authority them as someone of authority in the
than the person they are talking current political milieu. They have
to, but only to that person. higher authority than anyone
The theurge is Flip to Succeed else present. This lasts
on Fellowship-based tests for until the sun sets or the
this target. This lasts until the sun rises. The theurge
sun sets or the sun rises. is Flip to Succeed on
% Deadly Writ (+2 Tithe, Fellowship-based tests
Extinguish Non-Combat for all present when
Action) ability is used. Their
EFFECT: The theurge must be appearance and
close enough to touch a person trappings subtly
of authority. An immediate change via illusion
execution order appears to support their
on the theurge’s person, claim to those
made out to the authority present when
figure, with the name of they perform this
any present lower-ranked person Technique.
written on it as the target. The
order is a perfect forgery that
appears to come from an authority
higher than anyone else present.
 T HEU RGY: Ta blets of t he U n b egot ten 387

The Nameless
Court

GOALS
The Nameless Ones have incomprehensible
goals—at least as far as Mortals are concerned.
They certainly ask for favors, and theurges must
pay a price to use their Vitiations, but most of
their requests are for the performance of bizarre and
often difficult tasks that have no reasonable purpose.
When they do have a purpose, it is to nurture and
enable their cults in human society. These cults are
unlike religious ones, but many of them resemble
esoteric orders or secret societies. The cults themselves
might seek to facilitate prevalence of a specific color
of paint in a borough or city, or they might want to
kill every person with red hair and bury them
under the same building. Theurges who deal with
the Nameless Ones inevitably come into contact
with these cults and find themselves enlisted to help
fulfill the sodalities’ strange ends.

O P I N I O N S O F T H E OT H E R CO U RTS
If the Nameless Ones have opinions, it is
difficult to know what they are. Their purposes are
extremely obtuse, even for Outsiders, and they
seldom express anything similar to human emotions.
All are exceedingly alien.

T H E S E C T O F FA C E S
One Outsider lord of the Nameless Court manifests via
an ever-shifting identity known as the Lady of Faces. The
cult that worships the Lady consists of spies, assassins,
and diplomats who are not what they seem to be. They
have wormed their way into the ranks of courtesans,
advisors, sages, clerks, and aristocrats surrounding
powerful nobles. Some even believe these nobles are
members of the cult as well. Each cultist has multiple
hidden identities, like the skins of an onion, with their
true self (if one exists) buried deep inside. No one knows
what the true goal of the Sect of Faces is, but it seems
that whatever it is attempting to do, it must gain or
control a great deal of political power and wealth to
enact it. Purportedly, those at the center of the cult have
no identity at all and can shift their appearance at will to
look like any humanoid creature or person. All recruited
to the cult bear a version of the Symbol of the Nameless
Court in bright amber and identify themselves as loyal by
telling other members, “I wear no mask.”
Some of those Outsiders that support the Sect of
Faces are from the Court of Truth. Of course, they think
that they run the Sect of Faces and that it is their cult,
whereas the real power behind the Sect of Faces is the
Nameless Court.
388 BLACKBIRDS
% The Court of Ignorance: The Scholars are always
wheedling the Nameless Ones for hidden
information, and the Nameless Ones seem, for
their part, willing to give it, although reluctantly
and with disturbing solemnity. The knowledge
the Scholars gain in this way seems to drive them
slowly mad.
% The Court of Joy: The best description of the
Nameless Court’s reaction to Outsiders of the
Court of Joy would be indifference, or active
ignorance and avoidance. Sometimes, members
of the Nameless Court refuse even to manifest if
a Jester is present.
% The Court of Peace: The Nameless Court rarely
appears to acknowledge or take any interest in the
Outsiders of the Court of Peace. When they do,
it is in the smallest way, in what might be
considered an acknowledgment of condescending
approval.
% The Court of Silence: Sometimes, the Nameless
Ones treat the Beasts as adored pets. This strange
affection is always disconcerting to observe, no
matter what form it takes.
% The Court of Truth: The Court of Truth does not
believe that the Nameless Court exists at all. If
the Nameless Ones have any agenda with the
Masquers, it appears that they consider
the Court of Truth to be subjects in a
clinical experiment. It is not unusual
to see a Nameless One, whose
existence a Masquer denies, stand
nearby and literally move the
Masquer’s body—possibly when
the Nameless Ones are invisible to
them. The Masquer always has a
justification for this motion and
assumes they did it themself.
Xox, The Angel of Distress
(Imp of the Nameless Court)
X ox appears as a tiny, indistinct shape and
always appears inside of a transparent object.
It could appear within the iris of another person’s
eye, a shard of glass, a pond, or a drop of water. The
theurge must stare at the object in question, and all
communication between them and Xox is
telepathic. The theurge never speaks aloud when
communicating with Xox, but always finds it
impossible to look at Xox without contorting their
face into a mask of fear, loathing, or disgust.
REMNANTS: Xox offers remnants of Illusion and
Impossibility.
WEAKNESSES: Xox does not appear in the
presence of music.
COURT: The Nameless Court
ALLIES: The Court of Peace
ENMITY: The Court of Truth
GOALS: Xox is obsessed with actions that cause great
effect with minimal effort. It always seeks places
where a single stone can cause an avalanche, or a
precariously balanced structure might topple—the
greatest amount of chaos from the smallest amount
of force. It also pursues such outcomes in human
societal structures and relationships.

FAVORED RECKONING: Xox invariably wants a
theurge it deals with to poke at things that are near
a state of collapse, either physically or socially. The
target should clearly be something that might cause
a disturbing chain reaction, but that doesn’t mean
it always can. Xox is sometimes wrong, or maybe it
just likes to keep its master on their toes.
Xox: Rapport Technique
% State of Imbalance (Passive Bonus)
EFFECT: By touching an object, the theurge can tell
what its point of greatest structural weakness is.
% State of Decay (+2 Tithe, 1 AP, Special Action)
EFFECT: The theurge touches a living person or
creature to find its weakness. If attempted in
combat, this requires a successful unarmed Melee
Attack. Thereafter, the theurge knows what the
target’s greatest weakness is or what it is vulnerable
to; all attacks the theurge makes against this specific
being are Flip to Succeed for 1 hour. This can be
employed only once for each being.
% State of Collapse (+2 Tithe, 1 AP, Extinguish
Special Action)
EFFECT: The theurge is able to immediately break a
mundane object up to the size of a horse or render
it useless by exploiting a weakness or applying force
to it in just the right way.
T HEU RGY: Ta blets of t he U n b egot ten 389
Xox: Communion Technique
% Point of Force (Passive Bonus)
EFFECT: When the theurge attacks with a weapon
that has the Finesse Quality, add +20 to strike.
% Point of Injury (+1 Tithe, 2 AP, Combat Action)
EFFECT: The theurge makes an attack more likely to
cause injury, adding two Injury dice if the Damage
level requires such a roll.
% Point of Chaos (+2 Tithe, Extinguish Non-
Combat Action)
EFFECT: The theurge says something to a group of up
to [WB] people present. It causes them to devolve
into chaos as its members turn on each other and
argue for the next hour, performing no other action
and becoming unaware of everything else as long as
they are in no physical danger. They may trace the
source back to the theurge afterward.
Xox: Pact Technique
% Defensive Leverage (+2 Tithe, 1 AP, Reaction)
EFFECT: Because of unlikely circumstances, the
theurge becomes strangely difficult to hurt. After
the theurge is successfully attacked, they only take 1
level of Damage from the attack.
% Physical Leverage (+2 Tithe, 2 AP, Special
Action)
EFFECT: The theurge is able to immediately break a
mundane object up to the size of a horse or render
it useless by exploiting a weakness or applying force
to it in just the right way.
% Deadly Leverage (+2 Tithe, 3 AP, Extinguish
Special Action)
EFFECT: The theurge touches someone and causes
them to die as their body cascades into violent
collapse.
390 BLACKBIRDS

Folio, The Formulae

(Villein of the Nameless Court)

F olio appears to theurges as a mathematical

concept expressed through geometric shapes
that taper into infinity. It is like a fractal—but one
Folio: Rapport Technique

T H E R E I S A 33% chance that any object or

that looks more organic than mathematical. being already bears a mark of Folio. When the
Theurges dealing with Folio do not look in any theurge becomes aware of a mark that they
particular direction and appear to be momentarily did not place, a Resolve test must be made
stunned. If Folio shows itself to any other being for them, as their mind reels at the hideous
(which it almost never does), make a Resolve test improbability of Folio’s numerical task and
for them. the knowledge that they do not toil alone in
REMNANTS: It offers remnants of Impossibility and this impossible endeavor.
Quintessence.
WEAKNESSES: Folio does not appear in the presence
of scales or fulcrums that are not balanced.
COURT: The Nameless Court
ALLIES: The Court of Ignorance
ENMITY: The Court of Joy
GOALS: Folio seeks to calculate the existence of the
cosmos. To do so, it must assign a numerical tag
to everything in existence. Theurges using
its Vitiations are encouraged to carve
or mark these strange numerical
symbols from some alien language
on as many things as possible.
At first, this task seems easy,
but as it progresses, the theurge
begins to see these symbols on
things they never had contact
with (others often cannot see
these marks), and eventually on
everything, including themself. Many
are driven mad by perceiving this scheme or
by ruminating on its implications.
FAVORED RECKONING: “Mark that chair
with this symbol. Mark that wasp
with this symbol. Mark that person
permanently with this symbol. Mark
that lion. Mark your allies. Mark
yourself.”

% Qualitative Insight (Passive Bonus)
EFFECT: The theurge touches a non-living mundane
object, and it gains one of Folio’s marks. The mark
is visible and appears exactly where the theurge
touched. For any object marked this way of which
they are aware, make a Resolve test for the theurge
to close their eyes and immediately gain a brief flash
of the object’s location relative to themself.
% Derivative Insight (+1 Tithe, 0 AP, Combat
Action)
EFFECT: If the theurge or someone they can see
attacks with a weapon bearing Folio’s mark, the
theurge may choose to empower it. The attack
gains +20 to hit and the Enchanted Quality for the
duration of the Combat Scene.
% Zero-Sum Insight (+2 Tithe, 1 AP, Extinguish
Special Action)
EFFECT: The theurge removes from existence an
object up to the size of a horse that bears a mark of
Folio. If the mark is defaced or removed, this ability
does not work. The object is removed entirely from
existence, with no trace left behind.
Folio: Communion Technique
% Enumeration (+1 Tithe, 1 AP, Special Action)
EFFECT: The theurge speaks “the number” of a living
being that can hear them, and wills a mark of Folio
to appear somewhere on their body the theurge
chooses. Make a successful Resolve test for the
target, or they are Stunned during their following
Turn. This ability may be used only once on any
particular creature.
% Division (+1 Tithe, 0 AP, Combat Action)
EFFECT: If the theurge or someone they can see
attacks a target bearing one of Folio’s marks, the
theurge may choose to empower that attack before
it is made. The target may not defend against the
attack, and it does an extra die of Damage.
T HEU RGY: Ta blets of t he U n b egot ten 391
% Subtraction (+3 Tithe, 1 AP, Extinguish Special
Action)
EFFECT: The theurge removes from existence a living
creature that bears a mark of Folio. If the mark is
defaced or removed, this ability does not work. The
creature disappears from existence, leaving behind
nothing other than its possessions.
Folio: Pact Technique
% Interpolation (+1 Tithe, 1 AP, Special Action)
EFFECT: The theurge looks at a mundane object or
being and wills a mark of Folio to appear somewhere
on it or them in a location of the theurge’s choice.
If the target is a being, make a successful Resolve
test for them, or they are Defenseless until their
following Turn. This may be used only once on any
particular target.
% Extrapolation (+2 Tithe, 2 AP, Special Action)
EFFECT: The theurge duplicates an object that
bears one of Folio’s marks. If the mark is defaced
or removed, this ability does not work. The object
may not be part of a larger object, and it must be
something the theurge can lift with one hand. The
duplicate appears in the theurge’s hand and exists as
long as they touch it.
% Pragmagenesis (+3 Tithe, 3 AP, Extinguish
Special Action)
EFFECT: The theurge makes a duplicate of a living
creature that bears one of Folio’s marks. If the mark
is defaced or removed, this ability does not work.
The duplicate appears in a location the theurge can
see. Make a Resolve test for every minute it exists,
and if this test fails, it falls 1 level on the Peril
Condition Track. When it reaches Incapacitated!,
the creature realizes it’s a duplicate and dissolves.
392 BLACKBIRDS
Glissaindaira, Queen of Chitin
(Lord of the Nameless Court)
G lissaindaira appears as a swarm of insects local
to the region. Every multi-legged arthropod
nearby comes out of hiding and flutters and buzzes
into view, all at once. Make a Resolve test for
anyone experiencing this for the first time. The
sound of her voice is a soft susurrus of the many
sounds this swarm makes either naturally or by
clicking and rubbing their carapaces together.
Glissaindaira never hides her appearance, and
everyone present is aware that the theurge is
communicating with her, although only those
touched by the Od can understand her disturbing
voice. She is accompanied by the organic smell of
insect pheromones.
REMNANTS: Glissaindaira offers remnants of Bestial
Power and Impossibility.
WEAKNESSES: Glissaindaira may not manifest in
locations where there are no insects nearby (which
is unlikely). Also, her manifestation is always visible
to anyone present, and it is always clear exactly who
summoned her.
COURT: The Nameless Court
ALLIES: The Court of Peace
ENMITY: The Court of Joy
GOALS: Glissaindaira focuses primarily on bringing
those in positions of power or authority to a place of
debasement, but in such a way that their extremes
are known to the populace at large and none may
question these lapses. Thus, she erodes the restraint
of all people. She also delights in open corruption
and the fostering of criminal guilds as acceptable
things in the politics of a society.
FAVORED RECKONING: Perform a questionable
errand for the local thieves’ or assassins’ guild, leave
open a door or gate for a person of ill repute, get
a noble drunk, or encourage the pure to perform
some act of a base nature.
Glissaindaira: Rapport Technique
% My Nestling (Passive Bonus)
EFFECT: The theurge takes control of a single, tiny,
harmless, non-stinging insect. By commanding the
bug to hide within the folds of someone’s clothing
or on a particular object in the presence of the
theurge, they may follow the insect’s pheromones
to the target’s exact location, so long as the theurge
is within a day’s ride of it. If the bug is somehow
discovered or destroyed, the effect ends.
% My Sting (+1 Tithe, 2 AP, Combat Action)
EFFECT: A pitch-black hornet the size of a dagger
buzzes forth from within the theurge’s clothing.
Make an Odweft test as an attack with the Fast,
Finesse, and Piercing Qualities. If it hits, a
successful (Challenging –10%) Toughness test
must be made for the target, or they are rendered
Helpless from paralysis. Unless given an antivenin
within their [BB] in hours, they die.
% My Swarm (+3 Tithe, 3 AP, Extinguish Special
Action)
EFFECT: The theurge fills an area equal to ten
contiguous, 1-stride squares with insects that reach
3 strides in height. They must be able to see the
zone they wish to target. Make a Coordination test
for creatures that begin their Turn in a square filled
with the insects, as well as each time they move into
an insect square, for them to avoid being devoured.
The swarm lasts for the theurge’s [WB] in hours.
Glissaindaira: Communion Technique
% My Child (+1 Tithe, 1 AP, Special Action)
EFFECT: The theurge gains control of a single, tiny,
stinging insect. So long as they perform no other
actions and concentrate, they can control it up to a
range of 99 strides. They can see and hear through
its eyes and tympanic organs, and it follows their
mental commands. The theurge can cause someone
to fail at a single Action by stinging them at the
perfect time, but doing so ends the magic and
makes it unavailable to the theurge until the sun
sets and rises again.
 T HEU RGY: Ta blets of t he U n b egot ten 393

% My Skin (+2 Tithe, 2 AP, Special Action) may travel under doors or through cracks that are
EFFECT: The theurge’s body seethes with a swarm reasonable for a swarm to pass through. This effect
of protective insects. Their Damage Threshold lasts for [WB] Rounds.
Modifier becomes +4. All Melee Attacks made % My Attendants (+3 Tithe, Extinguish Special
against the theurge are Flip to Fail as attackers are Action)
harried by the insects. The swarm lasts for [WB] EFFECT: The theurge may choose to summon either
Rounds. This ability becomes unavailable until three lemures, an eidolon, or an archon (see Lesser
after the sun sets and rises again. Outsiders in Chapter 10: Bestiary for details). They
% My Army (+3 Tithe, 3 AP, Extinguish Special serve the theurge and follow their verbal commands
Action) until the sun sets and rises again.
EFFECT: The theurge summons a plague of insects
which covers a large area, such as a city, town, or
castle. All who are subject to the swarm, except the
theurge and allies they can see, are at
–20 to perform any Action and –30
to employ any Perception-based Skills.
The swarm devours all unattended food, leather,
and cloth in its path, and it lasts until the sun sets
and rises again.

Glissaindaira: Pact Technique

% My Assassin (+3 Tithe, 1 AP, Special Action)
EFFECT: The theurge takes control of a single, tiny,
deadly insect. So long as they perform no other
actions and concentrate, they can control it up to a
range of 99 strides. They can see and hear through
its eyes and tympanic organs, and it follows their
mental commands. They may command it to sting
or bite someone, and doing so requires no Skill test.
A successful Toughness test must be made for the
victim, or they die. Once used to bite someone, this
ability becomes unavailable to the theurge until the
sun sets and rises again.
% My Body (+2 Tithe, 2 AP, Special Action)
EFFECT: The theurge’s body transforms into a
swarm of insects. Their Movement is halved, and
they may not be harmed by physical Damage
but are still susceptible to Damage from fire and
magical sources, including Enchanted
weapons. In this form, the theurge
394 BLACKBIRDS
M EE D S O F T H E O D
L
egends tell of items forged by Outsiders or
imbued with the power of the gods. Such
things are exceedingly rare, and each is
shrouded in rumor and speculation. To find the
resting place of such an item would be extremely
difficult, and of dubious value to those who do so,
for the Meeds of the Od are said to be cursed or
beyond the power of Mortals to own or wield safely.
Yet the foolish, the brave, or the needful still seek
their power—though it may ultimately corrupt
their flesh or devour their soul from within.
Argosies
Long ago, it is said, the children of Hekaté traveled
from world to world, sending minions, soldiers, and
arcane engines of exploitation to each and draining
it until it became a husk of what had been—a corpse
world whose fortune, magic, and life had all been
devoured by the aes. To facilitate this exploitation,
the elves used many different constructs and
machines of destruction, and on each was attached
the means of collection: the argosies.
An argosy appears as a beautiful but somewhat
disturbing crystalline shape similar to a cocoon or
pupa, about the size of a human forearm. Usually,
they are found attached to some form of ancient aes
device or apparatus, but sometimes, they are found
on their own, a cache of eldritch technology from
aeons past.
Those who know the secret of these devices
know that each has a key: an image of something
that can be found only on the aes’ homeworld. By
learning and holding in one’s mind a vision of this
key, a person can draw forth some of the Fortune
stored within for their own use. This functions as if
there were an unused Fortune point available to
the bearer, including transforming into a
point of Misfortune when the argosy is used.
An argosy can be used only by the person
holding it.
There is hidden danger in using
the argosy, however, as each contains a
creature created for the express purpose of
ferrying the Fortune drained from worlds to
the moon Yolk, the original source of the aes.
When the argosy is employed, the Fateweaver
should secretly roll 1Ð10; if the result is equal to
or less than the amount of unspent Misfortune in
their pool, an argosy bug immediately bursts from
the cocoon and attacks the bearer (see Argosy Bug in
Chapter 10: Bestiary for details).

The Heart of Bodhmall
The Heart of Bodhmall appears as nothing more
than a desiccated, palm-sized vital organ. Those
with Odsight or Witch’s Blood know immediately
that it is a powerful magical artifact. The heart is the
magically preserved organ of an ancient druid who
made a deal with the gods for a form of immortality.
If the heart of a fresh corpse (no more than 3 days
old) is removed and the Heart of Bodhmall placed
in the cavity, the corpse reanimates as Bodhmall
takes control of its dead flesh.
Bodhmall generally helps those who resuscitate
her by answering a reasonable number of questions,
traditionally three. She is wise beyond Mortal
measure and possesses knowledge of ancient things
long lost to humanity and secrets that are otherwise
difficult or impossible to acquire. In addition, she
can read the mind of the corpse she inhabits and tell
T HEU RGY: Ta blets of t he U n b egot ten 395
the questioners anything that that person might
have known in life.
Once the questions are answered, Bodhmall
expects to be allowed to leave and follow through
on her own endeavors; she may even ask for help
with her strange and questionable tasks. It is known
that she has been trying to make long-term progress
toward some ultimate goal, and she has seeded cults
and cultural legends during her many moments of
life that she can call upon to move her work forward.
Those who prevent her from fulfilling her goals find
that there are powerful allies of Bodhmall who soon
are at odds with them.
Her newly inhabited body will begin to degrade
rapidly; it rots away 3 days after her resuscitation,
once again leaving only her heart. The Heart of
Bodhmall is indestructible, and no Mortal force
can end her strange and unnatural existence.
396 BLACKBIRDS
Necropolis
Although many stories are told of magical blades, in
truth only a few such objects exist, the creation of
each undoubtedly a mistake. Among those regrettable
amalgamations of Odic power, none is viler than the
great sword called Necropolis. A weapon forged not
of metal but of the Od itself—an Outsider in the
shape of an enormous blade. Necropolis is older than
Hekaté’s gifted spear Eclipse, elder to the hammered
aes of ancient Corbellus. An object composed of light-
absorbing darkness, the sword’s form is as baffling as
its origin. When a Mortal hand comes in contact
with Necropolis’s hilt, scores of panicked, bloodshot
eyes snap open along the blade. A question whispers
through the mind of the would-be wielder: Are you
willing? Should the person in possession of the sword
answer in the negative, it returns to its slumbering
state and never awakens to that person’s touch again.
If their answer is affirmative, their Fate is forever
mingled with that of Necropolis. The wielder has
effectively traded their Fate to take possession of
the blade—this choice is irreversible. A Fateweaver
cannot trick a player into accepting this reckoning
and should make the cost as clear as possible.
Necropolis’s basic statistics are those of a
greatsword with the Enchanted Quality, and the
fettered wielder of the accursed blade now has
access to bespoke Techniques known only to
the sword. The rules for these abilities work in
congruence with those found in Chapter 5:
Talents & Techniques.
N E C RO P O L I S TE C H N I Q U E
% Weightless Slaughter (Passive Bonus)
EFFECT: The blade is weightless and can easily be
used to push one’s assault on foes. Multiple attacks
with Necropolis suffer no penalties. In addition,
when one of the wielder’s attacks with this weapon
is a killing blow, they may immediately make
another Melee Attack with the blade at a target in
range for 0 AP.
% Hammer of the Od (2 AP, Combat Action)
EFFECT: The blade is especially deadly when
attacking anything with a connection to the Od. If
the attack hits, it does Bane Damage. This includes
any Odtouched being, those with a Sigil on their
flesh, and magical creatures.
% Ally of the Dead (3 AP, Extinguish Special
Action)
EFFECT: The wielder summons one of the previous
possessors of Necropolis: Kingu, the Prince of
Slaughter, appears and butchers [WB] creatures;
Sargon, the King of Truth, appears and fights for
[WB] rounds using the rules for an armsman from
Chapter 10: Bestiary, but is immune to all Damage;
or Tharbis, the Necromancer, appears and offers
to return any Slain! allies to life by permanently
removing their Fate—a recipient must possess Fate
in order to bargain.

Numen Lots
When the gods were extinguished, they perished
from this world not as Mortals do, but as
supernatural embodiments existing in multiple
dimensions and rooted in the Od. As each passed
from their existence as a living primordial force into
that which is no longer, they touched this world in
many places, and in these places, they left pieces of
their own flesh behind. These pieces are the numen
lots: unassuming stones or gems about the size of a
fist that defy identification and have a crude organic
shape to them, perhaps roughly representing a
hand, a face, an eye, an internal organ, or a human
body in the fetal position.
The numen lots are still imbued with the
potency of that which passed, and they are marked
indelibly by Fate. Carrying one on one’s person
brings great risk, for it is sure to be noted by all
supernatural beings and likewise sought. Oligarchs,
especially, can feel them and send their servants to
find the cause of this irritant and destroy it. Some
numen lots are so powerful that they draw attention,
on a nightly basis, until dawn, so that those who
carry these relics are trapped in an endless, sleepless
nightmare as creatures connected to the Od, or
having origin in it, attack them every evening.
T HEU RGY: Ta blets of t he U n b egot ten 397
N U M E N L O T TE C H N I Q U E
THE OLIGARCH WITH the greatest
influence in the area will become aware
and will likely send servants to the area
to investigate the use of a numen lot. If
this Technique is slotted, attempts by the
Oligarchs or their servants to find or track
the possessor are Flip to Succeed, and
attempts by the possessor to hide from
them are Flip to Fail.
% The Hand of Fate (This Technique must be
slotted when Fate is spent)
EFFECT: The influence of Fate on the bearer’s
destiny is more strongly felt. If the possessor has
this Technique slotted when their Fate amulet is
spent and still has it slotted when there is a chance
to reclaim Fate, flip one extra coin. A player may
never flip more than three coins.
% Woe of the Dead Gods (2 AP, Combat Action)
EFFECT: When the possessor of a numen lot strikes
an Oligarch or one of its servants with a weapon,
the attack does Bane Damage.
% Ember of Fate (0 AP, Extinguish Special Action,
The numen lot is consumed in the process)
EFFECT: The Blackbird or a member of their flock
gains a temporary point of Fate. This temporary
Fate does not return once spent. This ability may
be used to give Fate to aes, daimn, and jötunnkin.
This destroys the numen lot, however, removing it
forever from the world.
398 BLACKBIRDS
Sheaths of Void
This finely crafted and dull midnight set of plate
armor is formed in the shape of a beast with claws
for gauntlets and foot guards, and a screaming,
rapacious drake as the helm. The armor appears
to be plate but only possesses the Heavy Quality
with a Damage Threshold of +7. While wearing the
Sheaths, one does not feel the effects of Damage or
Injury. This ignorance often leads to a dark ending,
however. Once the Sheaths are removed, they may
not be worn again by any person until the sun sets
and rises again. Anyone trying to don them before
then finds the experience excruciatingly painful and
takes 1 level of Damage from the attempt.
S H E AT H S O F VO I D TE C H N I Q U E
( TE C H N I Q U E M U ST B E S L O T TE D W H I L E
W E A R I N G T H E S H E AT H S O F VO I D )
% Painless Rapture (Passive Bonus)
EFFECT: The wearer is immune to Conditional
Effects and the effects of Injuries. All Damage
and Injuries are secretly rolled and tracked by the
Fateweaver. The wearer may never be healed by any
means while wearing the Sheaths. If they reach Slain!
on the Damage Condition Track, they continue to
fight, but if they take any more Damage, they are
devoured by the Sheaths, and Fate cannot be spent
to prevent it.
% Feed the Beast (2 AP, Combat Action)
EFFECT: The wearer feeds some of their body and soul
to the Sheaths to empower their attack. By choosing
to drop 1 level on the Damage Condition Track,
the wearer makes an attack that is automatically a
Critical Success.
% Sacrifice (3 AP, Extinguish Special Action)
EFFECT: The wearer feeds even more of themself to
the Sheaths in a last-ditch effort. The wearer drops
2 levels on the Damage Condition Track and either
kills a number of opponents equal to their [CB] or
automatically hits a foe having the No Mortal Skill
Trait with a Sublime Success. If the wearer is not
devoured by the Sheaths because of their wounds,
they are expelled from the Sheaths and Knocked
Out. The Sheaths may then not be worn
by anyone until the sun sets and
rises again.

The Sinew Arc
The Sinew Arc is said to have been brought into this
world long ago by a potent theurge and sorcerer-
king of ancient times who needed an assassin. The
Arc itself appears as a long stave about 6 strides in
length, the width of a human wrist at its middle and
tapering to that of a human finger at each end, all
before finally terminating in impossibly sharp points.
It appears to be made from flexible bones and is
jointed as such. Someone who is strong enough finds
it bendable when applying force. The Sinew Arc is a
terrible and dangerous weapon of archery, but it asks
a great price of those who would use it.
By plunging one of the sharp ends of the Arc
into one limb of a living person, and then bending
the Arc and plunging the opposite end into the far
reach of the same limb, the wielder may draw forth
a tendon that is magically affixed to the ends of the
Arc for use as a bowstring. This is the only way the
bow may be strung, and no mundane bow string
may be affixed to it or be used
to fire it. Furthermore, as the
tendon is withdrawn from
the limb, it leaves a
bloody wound the
length of it, and one
T HEU RGY: Ta blets of t he U n b egot ten 399
of the limb bones is transformed into a barbed and
wicked shaft of perfect length and weight to be fired
from the Arc. Being a donor for the Arc in this way
is incredibly painful and completely destroys the
limb in question. Reloading the Arc takes a full
combat Turn, and each use of the bow requires the
entire process to be repeated. The one who holds
the Arc when it is strung from a donor must also be
the person who fires the arrow; the bow bestows this
knowledge to whoever is holding the weapon.
The secret of the Arc is that it is itself an Outsider
and has its own goals and agendas. It whispers to its
wielder and encourages them to help it achieve its
objectives. It has several means available to provide
this encouragement. The Arc can refuse to allow itself
to be strung and armed, although it seldom uses this
motivation on a new wielder. To anyone who has
ever fired the Arc, it can also cause horrific nightmares
accompanied by messages of what it wants. Make a
(Arduous –30%) Resolve test for anyone subjected
400 BLACKBIRDS
to these nightmares. If it fails, they awaken and suffer
1Ð10+1 Peril. They gain no benefit from that
Rekindling and know very clearly what the Arc
wants them to do. If the Resolve test succeeds, they
may begin to throw off the Arc’s influence, but it
requires a successful test be made for each time they
have fired the bow for them to be free. The goals of
the Sinew Arc are up to the Fateweaver and should
have something to do with the current Tapestry.
Note that there could be several people enthralled to
the Arc who are being mystically commanded to
fulfill some greater purpose, and even coordinating at
the behest of this twisted weapon.
T H E S I N E W A RC TE C H N I Q U E
% String the Bow (3 AP, Special Action)
EFFECT: The archer strings the bow and produces
an arrow from a Mortal adjacent to them who is
Grappled, Helpless, Knocked Out, or for some
reason willing. The victim suffers 2 levels of Damage,
Bleeds as the Scarlet Torrent Injury, suffers 2Ð10+2
Peril, and the limb used is permanently destroyed.
The one who holds the Arc when it’s strung must
also be the person who fires it.
% Release the Shaft (1 AP, Combat Action, Must
perform String the Bow before each use)
EFFECT: Only the person who used String the Bow
may perform this Action, and if they release the
Sinew Arc or its arrow, it must be strung again.
The archer may fire up to the Long Distance of a
longbow, and it automatically hits. It may neither
be dodged nor parried, and it does 2 Bane dice of
Damage, plus 1 extra die per Ranged Skill Rank
the archer has.
% Deadly Futtock (3 AP, Extinguish Action)
EFFECT: The archer strings the bow using one of
their own ribs. They immediately receive 3 levels
of Damage, are Bleeding as the Scarlet Torrent
Injury, and suffer 3Ð10+3 Peril. The effects are as
for Release the Shaft, but it ignores the No Mortal
Skill Trait.
The Sisters
The perfect tool of assassination, a Sister is a small,
solitary dagger of unremarkable design. Someone
in possession of a Sister notes that the blade is
extremely sharp and the balance is incomparable. If
the owner knowingly attempts to conceal it on their
person, it proves very difficult to find. To attack with
the blade and get any benefit, the wielder must have
the blade in one hand, the other hand must be free,
and the wielder must not be wearing any armor.
The real power of a Sister, however, is its ability
to manipulate or follow the threads of Fate. At
certain times, the wielder of a Sister knows, with
complete conviction, that if they kill a person with
the knife, the death will affect their lives in a positive
way: they might find that they killed someone
who’d prevented their ascension to a higher station,
or that the person had been stealing from an
authority figure who rewards them—it might even
be as simple as finding that the victim was carrying
a large sum of money or a valuable treasure. Without
fail, the longer someone holds a Sister and wields it,
the more powerful, wealthy, and acclaimed they
become.
Once someone has begun this ascension, the
Sister becomes very difficult to get rid of and always
returns to the person who wielded its special ability,
even through seemingly impossible circumstances.
Locked in a box and thrown into the ocean? It is
discovered in the wielder’s bed when they next
awaken, albeit somewhat damp. To be free of the
blade, the wielder must make a successful (Arduous
–30%) Resolve test for each person they have killed
with the blade’s special ability. This may be
attempted once daily, and the wielder suffers 1 Peril
for each attempt. If the roll for this test is a Critical
Failure, this test may not be attempted again for
one full week, and if it is a Sublime Failure, that
wielder may never be free of the blade.
The real curse, though, is that there are two
Sisters. Some other supernaturally aided assassin,
climbing a similar ladder of murder, is inevitably
drawn into a rivalry with the wielder of the other

blade. The two wielders must eventually have a
confrontation, and the bloodshed, cruelty, and
tragedy of this confrontation will always be
incomparable.
The Sisters are Outsiders, and this is their
game. In the final stages, the two wielders generally
are so besotted with power and trained to follow
the impulses of their weapons that the Sisters have
no problem leading them to kill without an actual
benefit to the wielder. Anyone attempting to warn
the wielders of the history of these weapons is
certain to be targeted by the Sisters. The only way
to end the inevitable confrontation is to kill both
wielders and dispose of the Sisters in some way that
they may not easily be found again.
Of course, they will always be found again,
eventually . . .
T HEU RGY: Ta blets of t he U n b egot ten 401
T H E S I STE R S TE C H N I Q U E
% Adumbration (Passive Bonus)
EFFECT: The Sister is easily hidden and very
dangerous. If the owner of one of these knives takes
the time to hide it on their person, all rolls to find it
are Flip to Fail. When wielded as the only weapon
in hand, and when the wielder wears no armor, all
attacks gain +30 and do an extra die of Damage.
% Benighted Edge (Passive Bonus)
EFFECT: When attacking a Surprised Mortal, the
attack does Bane Damage.
% Ladder of Misery (3 AP, 1 Fortune, Extinguish
Special Action)
EFFECT: The blade has shown the wielder who to
kill. This ability may be used only when the Sister
in hand allows it and determines an appropriate
target is nearby. The attack immediately succeeds
and slays the target. The No Mortal Skill Trait is
no defense against this ability. The wielder of this
weapon gains some tangible worldly benefit from
this kill that becomes immediately evident, such
as a gain in status, wealth, or power.
402 BLACKBIRDS
The Solution
The Solution is the concept of a sword made
manifest. Whether it was forged from the pure stuff
of the Od or wielded by an ancient god of war now
long gone is the debate of sages. What is known
about the Solution is this: its shape is impossible to
predict, for it is infinite swords everywhere at once.
When one comes upon this impossible blade, it
appears as a nondescript edged weapon, but the first
time it strikes to kill, it changes shape into another
sword, accompanied by a rush of understanding
in the mind and body of its wielder—an epiphany
about the truth of “swordness” that is incredibly
satisfying, but will also eventually corrupt its
wielder.
Every time the wielder kills someone with the
Solution, make a successful Resolve test for them,
or they gain an ongoing –10 to Resolve for the next
test. This is cumulative, and if it ever reaches –30,
the wielder will never willingly give up the sword.
T H E S O L UT I O N TE C H N I Q U E
% Legion of Blades (Passive Bonus)
EFFECT: Those wielding it gain +10 to hit, and even
if they have no Skill Ranks in Melee, they do not
Flip to Fail on attacks with the Solution. Every time
the Solution strikes a killing blow on a foe, it must
transform into a different edged weapon based on
the will of its wielder: dagger, greatsword, longsword,
rapier, or sabre. The wielder gains the first two
abilities of the Weapon Technique associated with
the weapon that the Solution has become.
% Swift Advance (2 AP, Combat Action)
EFFECT: The wielder moves up to their full Movement
without triggering Opportunity Attacks and makes
an attack on a foe that may not be dodged or parried
that does an extra Damage die.
% Fell-Handed (3 AP, Extinguish Special Action)
EFFECT: The Solution strikes down a Mortal engaged
with the wielder, or it automatically hits and does
Bane Damage against any other foe, even one with
the No Mortal Skill Trait.

Gracious Compliance
One of the few weapons forged from the physical
body of an aes during the height of Corbellus’s
power, this longsword was once a member of that
species, a well-known diplomat and negotiator.
Gracious Compliance is impossible to mistake for
a mundane weapon. Its shifting form appears as
a sliver of star-filled midnight shaped from mist
or fog, and although it seems to weigh almost
nothing, it is nearly indestructible. The weapon
can’t speak directly to its wielder with words, but
anyone holding its hilt will have an idea of what it
wants—or, at least, what the weapon has decided
to share with its wielder, for Gracious Compliance
can be deceitful and treacherous. Deep within its
heart is a hatred for all Mortal beings, and it would
like nothing better than to slaughter them in great
numbers; however, it is compelled to force those
who possess it to attempt diplomacy first.
T HEU RGY: Ta blets of t he U n b egot ten 403
G R A C I O U S CO M P L I A N C E TE C H N I Q U E
% A Sharp Tongue (Passive Bonus)
EFFECT: The wielder gains some of the Skills the
aes had in its previous form as a negotiator. The
one who possesses Gracious Compliance may add
[+10 per Skill Rank in Melee] to Bargain, Charm,
Guile, and Intimidation tests used to avoid conflict
or combat.
% A Soft Touch (Passive Bonus)
EFFECT: Add [Skill Ranks in Melee] to the Damage
done with this weapon. Parrying with this weapon is
Flip to Succeed, and a Critical Success with a Parry
destroys the weapon parried if it is not Enchanted.
% Final Reconciliation (3 AP, Extinguish Special
Action)
EFFECT: The wielder becomes a blur of swift and
brutal slaughter. Until the end of this Combat
Scene, this weapon does Bane Damage to Mortals
and gains the Piercing (3) Quality. At the end of
each of the wielder’s Turns, if there are any Mortals
in sight, whether they are friend or foe, make a
Resolve test for the wielder, or they must attack
the nearest Mortal target. This ability may not be
used unless an honest attempt has first been made
to avoid conflict through diplomacy.
 C H A P TE R 9

Oligarchs
B E N E AT H
by Jared Rosen

T wo men depart the westernmost port of Afet

just as twilight descends across the strait, the
hazy scents of the spice markets still clinging
stubbornly to their cloaks. One is a retired fisherman named
Iago, who ferries the occasional tight-lipped smuggler in and
out of Ipswald, if the price is right and the authorities’ palms are
properly greased at both docks. The other is new to the islands,
unsure of himself—built like a soldier but one whose face is
covered by a wooden mask. He is a man who shrinks at loud
noises, whose eyes dart wildly around crowds, whose hand
is always searching for the blade he must have pawned off to
ma’ke the journey here.

He is a mystery to some, maybe, but not everyone.

Iago knows his type. He’s taken many of those scarred or maimed in
the wars across the strait lately—maybe too many. Sometimes, he wonders
if there’s something he’s not seeing in it all, but the prices he charges are
significant, and asking too many questions isn’t good for business.
A few questions, however, do tend to alleviate the boredom.
“You don’t look well, friend,” the old fisherman muses, weathered
wrinkles bunching together as a grin slithers across his sun-beaten face.
“Don’t tell me yer backing out now. Not when yer pissin’ distance
from the port.”
“I’m fine,” says the masked man. “I just want this to be over
with.”
“Well, that’s all well and good, but do ye even know where yer
going? Ipswald ain’t some prim little log cabin in the ass end of
Caoimhe. Those streets will put a knife through yer eye and ask a
coin for the trouble.”
“I told you, I’m fine,” the masked man grumbles, and Iago
nods, turning back to the waves as his dinghy bobs lazily across
the sea.
“Yer from Elklund? Or the Clan-Lands?” Iago asks. “Yer
built like it, surely.”
“Elklund,” says the masked man. “You can
call me Heller.”

“Well, gods be damned, Heller, is the war gettin’
that bad now? Not to make assumptions, but desertion
ain’t exactly smiled upon by the powers that be.”
“Whatever you’ve heard, it’s worse,” Heller
replies. “Much worse.”
The two sail in silence, the rowboat bobbing as
the sun sets over the water and, one by one, the
lights of Ipswald beginning to sparkle against the
blackening maw of night.
“Pretty, ain’t it? That’s the trouble with Ipswald.
It looks a fair beauty on the outside, but past the
skin, it’s all rotten.”
The dinghy sails quietly into one of Ipswald’s
smaller cargo berths, leaving Heller behind before
sailing off into the night. There is no return trip—
part of Iago’s bargain—leaving his unlucky
customers alone in perhaps the most dangerous
port city in Erebos.
Heller climbs a set of colorful stairs and enters
the marketplace, which bustles at all hours every
day as exotic and often-illegal wares are openly
peddled to anyone with deep enough pockets . . . or
a strong enough want. A cinnamolgus hunter, her
leathers utterly caked with layers of hardened spice,
argues in Florentian with an old man under a
vibrant magenta awning.
A different man, this one holding a bloody sack,
opens the bag in front of a cracked door before being
quickly whisked inside. Here’s where the truly dark
deals of Ipswald are made: behind the color-soaked
streets and smiling locals, where a vicious and thriving
criminal underworld has long since taken control.
Heller ignores them. He turns a corner, focused
on something he feels rather than sees, and quickly
passes a turquoise building selling strange pelts and
“the ultimate taboo dining experience”: Thulian
crab meat. He turns down an alley, then another,
then another. Ipswald’s colors begin to blend,
creating a sickening vortex of light and shadow as
Heller’s eyes swim across the streets.
Still, he continues, following a vision that came
to him while he was running a hand over his
mutilated face and lamenting the once-handsome
O LI G A RC H S 407
young man he had been before his country erupted
into mind-shattering civil war.
A blue building. A red building. An orange
building. A green building. The scents of fresh
paint, juicy meats, spices, fruit, blood, perfume—
Heller is no longer himself, simply a vessel that
moves through space, moves toward her. She calls
out to him, her hand gently caressing his skin.
When he stumbles, his cloak catches and tears off,
his mask falling away, yet still the colors bleed
together as he runs through street after street, alley
after alley, stairwell after stairwell, until . . .
Heller finds himself suddenly lucid and in control
of his faculties. The street he is on is strangely quiet
for Ipswald and oddly lacking in the ostentatious
flair of every other storefront or garish awning.
Before him is a single open doorway that descends
into darkness, the faint smell of flowers rising to
greet his nostrils.
He stares at his hands for a moment. “She?”
Heller asks no one in particular, as he can’t remember
who such a person would even be. But he knows the
stairwell somehow—from some half-remembered
deep dream—the sensation of being led beneath the
island by a woman covered in flowers.
Heller, devoid of any clothing at all, descends.
The sounds and sensations of Ipswald fade away,
replaced by burbling laughter and the smell of floral
loam, darkness breaking into soft, pink light as he
emerges into a wide, immaculate bathhouse.
Words fail him at the sight.
Surrounding him in every direction are people
who defy the very understanding of physical
perfection, each a nation unto themselves, devoted
entirely to the ideals of mortal beauty. He finds
himself thrust into a den of epicurean delights, of
Dionysian pleasure and orgiastic lust as sex, art,
wine, and feasting are enjoyed in every sense of
every term, the overpowering aroma of mountain
wildflowers and fresh watered roses consuming and
overloading his senses.
408
He cannot even raise a hand
in shame to cover his shattered
face, the place where one of his
countrymen caught him in the
cheek with a flanged mace. Two
physically perfect beings—a man
and woman—urge him forward,
“‘Beware a man without and Heller seems to glide across
dirt beneath his nails’ the marble floor without
is a saying common in consciously taking a step. There is
the northern reaches, a no future. There is no past. There
reminder for travelers is only this one moment, one
to beware both the pinpoint in time here and across
nobility and those whose the threshold of a sheer curtain,
human shape lacks just outside of the bathhouse,
the finer details . . .” where she stands.
—Observations of the
Wandering Squire
She is an irresistibly ravishing
thing, surpassing even the beauty
of those Heller saw before. Her hair is entwined
with snowdrops and spring crocus, orchids and wild
lavender. Where her eyes would be, there are simply
blooming white roses, which bristle and breathe as
if woven neatly into her flesh.
The floral scent is overpowering. Heller’s
memories scramble and fade—the war, the horrors
he witnessed and endured, all of the ugliest parts of
him peel away as his new, beautiful self blossoms.
He feels the scarring on his face twist, soften, and
knit itself whole. His deformed jaw gently slides
back into place. His missing teeth painlessly
re-emerge where they once had been. His eyes
sparkle. His skin brightens.
Heller looks into the glistening bouquet eyes of
the rose witch, unsure of what to say as the man he
was vanishes and the new Heller is born. He fails to
notice piles of loam strewn across the room, each a
fleshy garden of roses swaying in some sort of muted
warning, each roughly in the size and shape of a
human being.
Heller returns to the bathhouse rejuvenated.
Clean. Beautiful.
He sees dirt sprouting from the palm of his
hand and wipes it away before joining the revelry.

L O RD S O F M I S R U L E
F
or as long as humankind has gazed upon the
glittering stars, they have whispered their
meek and mewling prayers upward to awe-
inspiring divinity. The unwashed souls of Erebos
and beyond had always lived in awe of their majestic
creators, who danced across the pages of epic tomes,
inspired the melodies of countless ballads, and, to a
select few, manifested before them in displays of
power so profound that a single act might forever
alter the axis of history. Entire ages of magic and
legend lie in the shadow of these impossible
creatures, who accepted the mantle of the gods
simply because their progeny viewed them as such.
The truth of their origins never mattered; they
simply acted as they always had, silently observing
their creations from afar as great nations rose and
fell, the world turning onward.
Perhaps their undoing was inevitable.
As wealth and power pooled over the long
centuries, it found its way into the hands of a small
number of individuals and families, people of excess
and self-styled lords: magistrates, generals, rulers,
land barons, personages—those who did not
whisper prayers to anyone or anything, for their
wishes all came true at the snap of their fingers.
Instead, they gazed balefully toward these gods, the
only beings with power beyond their own. How
could they suffer the mockery of these intangible
myths? How dare the true, human masters of the
world face the indignity of death, the same inevitable
end as the stinking, common hordes who scuttled
beneath their feet? How dare these Oligarchs be
denied the only powers beyond their vast and nearly
limitless reach: immortality, omnipotence, and
unquestioned worship? If the gods had it, so could
they. And if the gods would not share it willingly,
these mortals would take it by force.
In time, these waywards found one another
and brokered a hideous pact: they would use their
power to find the gods’ homes, break through the
empyrean veil, and slaughter them all. Reigning
from their stolen, blood-soaked thrones, each
O LI G A RC H S 409
would become a god themself, replacing the
glittering stars with something new and hateful and
entirely theirs, to mold and shape as each saw fit.
Only then would they return, flooding the world
with twisted, abominable magic.
Once, it was a laughable, almost impossible
thought—a black stain of grisly whim.
Now, the old gods are dead, slain by human
hands, and the world sputters toward an oblivion
untethered from Fate. The Oligarchs, their victory
total, gestate in the dark wombs of a new and
seething Heaven, as each awaits an inevitable
descent to the mastered realm of flesh.
Note that the Oligarchs detailed here represent only
some of these perverse god slayers. Others remain to
be revealed . . .
T H E E X T I N G U I S H ED G OD S
T
he old gods, extinguished by the
Oligarchs in their bid for deification,
were once so deeply entwined with the
world’s material and Odic flow that it was hard to
know where they ended and nature began. Their
bodies and behaviors, their movements and desires,
manifested as the patterns of reality. The whims of
weather, the law of gravity, the ticking of time—all
the natural phenomena—were not merely material
processes; they were the breath, blood, and bile of
the gods.
Not to say that the gods weren’t distinct beings
with recognizable bodies, but the borders of those
bodies were fluid. While a god such as the Rider
might appear to mortal eyes as a giant horse made
from sea brine, coral, and kelp, her totality extended
far beyond her revealed body. To glimpse the sight
of the Rider was awe-inspiring enough for a mortal;
to see the god’s full form would break their mind.
Words failed in describing the gods, and even
using their names was inadequate. When they were
spoken of or addressed directly in petitions, names
 were rarely invoked. Epithets were used
in their stead—poetic descriptions of
their powers and behaviors.
Encountering a god was sublime,
evoking a paradoxical mixture of terror
and awe. The gods stood above anything
“Pilgrims traveling to mortals could conceive, which was both
the shrines of the Red horrifying and rapturous. They were
Abbey blacken their beyond all understanding, but also all
teeth with charcoal and morality. If they seemed to care about
streak their skin with mortal concerns at all, that was only
ash as demonstration because those concerns were coincidental
of their devotion, and to the gods’ own unfathomable desires.
can be seen walking the They could be petitioned and placated,
parishioner’s road in slow, but not even a seasoned priest could
droning procession . . .” guarantee a response, let alone their
—Observations of the
Wandering Squire
attention. If some humans were lucky
enough to reap a bounty from their passing
through, others would be damned by it.
And now, the gods are dead.
The world was made from their bodies.
It has been unmade by their deaths. Mortals
still live amidst their corpses—the rocks,
winds, and waters of the world—but it is
now dead matter, except for the steady,
remnant flow of Od. For now.
Soon—too soon—the new gods, the
Oligarchs, will return to the world and
enliven it with their presence, and a new
world will be born.
Gods help us all.
P E T I T I O N I N G T H E G OD S: S A C R I F I C E
Worshipers learned through trial and error that the gods
sometimes responded to the offering of sacrifices—
sometimes. Although no method guaranteed the winning
of a god’s attention, much less their favor, performing a
sacrifice in the god’s name seemed to hold higher odds
than simple prayer. Over time, priests learned which
sacrifices seemed most appreciated—or least disdained—
by a given god, and they codified lists of what to sacrifice
for what gains, at what times, and in what locales.
Even with the gods undone, some worshipers still
continue the practice. Most have no idea the gods are
gone, while some who are aware refuse to acknowledge
the gods are truly dead—or these faithful believe that
sacrifices will bring them back. Others still think that
continued sacrifice might still tip the odds in their
favor, like rubbing a lucky coin or kissing the dice before
a roll: somehow, someway, the universe might still
respond, out of habit if not divine will.
Whereas in many cases the gods would accept
offers of animals, crops, or items in particularly bad
times, they seemed to prefer human sacrifice.
Even more troubling are rumors that these sacrifices
are not completely in vain. Some say that the invisible
energies released by these offerings, which once fed the
gods, still travel along the same channels but now reach
the Oligarchs. The new lords do not respond to the gifts,
but these burnt offerings, spilt blood, and drowned
corpses might, like trails of breadcrumbs, lead the
Oligarchs’ servants back to those worshipers who persist
in these heresies.
 412 BLACKBIRDS
“O H O O F-T H U ND E R E R, H E A R MY
P L E A : TA K E U P MY E N E MY’ S S H I P
O N YO U R B O LT I N G B A C K A N D
C H A R G E T H E M TO T H E W H I R L I N G
M AW! T H ROW T H E M O FF I NTO T H E
A BYS S ; E X I L E T H E M F RO M A LL
B R E AT H ! L E T T H E M S E RV E YO U
E V E R A F TE R I N YO U R B OW E R! ”
—Hamil Leif, Karlgrave’s Saga
T H E R ID E R, G ODD E S S O F T H E S E A
Foam-breaker, wave-wrestler, sheen-skinned swimmer, thrall-taker, fathom-
thane, rock-beater, abyss-wife
T
he Rider was the Goddess of the Sea and all its life forms.
She had command over storms, and her sea-wracked anger
was the bane of mariners. Water was her primary medium—
not only the sea, but the rivers and streams that mingled with her
oceans as they spilled into her realm.
When she appeared to mortals, she did so most often in the form
of a huge black horse, her long mane encrusted with seaweed, starfish,
and writhing eels. Her skin’s watery sheen hinted at unseen depths,
glimpses of bizarre shapes moving in the darkness of her flanks.
Occasionally, brief phosphorescent flashes just inside her flesh would
display a variety of pincers, eyestalks, tentacles, and rows of teeth,
among other horrors.
She rarely spoke, but when she did, her voice rumbled and echoed
through the air like distant thunder or the crash of waves on rocks.
When she slammed her hoof against the ground, sparks lit the night,
and the sound deafened mortals for miles.
Fishermen both loved and feared her. It was by her will that fish
filled the sea—and the bellies of those who braved the waves to catch
them. It was likewise her will that emptied the fish from the sea, leaving
the coastal folk to starve until they righted whatever wrong had
offended her.
The water wives, the sirens of the sea, were her spawn. Their eerie
singing steered mariners from their proper lanes, breaking their ships
on the rocks or leaving them wandering far off course. When the Rider
was at a gallop, her trailing storm clouds would blot out the stars,
preventing sailors from finding sea roads home.
When she was particularly riled, the oceans opened up and birthed
a whirling maw—a whirlpool—that sucked in ships and swimmers,
delivering them to her deep-sea realm. Legends tell, however, of a
lucky few ships caught in the inexorable tide whose crews found
themselves emerging into calm seas leagues away, even as far
away as the shores of the southernmost continent.
She held sacred the blue crabs of Thule. Even now it is
considered ill luck to eat them, for they might be ancestors
returned. The coastal folk of Thule still allow the creatures free
passage wherever they appear.
Mortals petitioned her to provide good catches, to calm her
storms, to bring forth rain, and to protect travelers
from drowning. Most of the time, these petitions

brought not a ripple in reply. But when she did
respond, the bounty proved great enough to continue
petitioning, even when “her hooves refused to ring
on the rocks” (there came no sign of her notice).
The peoples of the coastal lands made sacrifices
to her by tying thralls—usually captives from
enemy clans or interlopers from farther south—into
nets and weighing them down, whereafter they
would be tossed over cliffs into the sea spray,
marched into the pounding surf, or thrown
overboard from ships. The drowned joined her
413
court beneath the waves, becoming gardeners for
her undersea forests or soldiers for her unseen
campaigns against Outsiders in the deep abyssal
realms that exist only as rumors to mortals.
Inlanders sacrificed to her by rivers, especially
where waterways met; at the headlands above vast
bays; and into cataracts, as they spilled from great
heights. These sacrifices—most often thieves,
murderers, or captured soldiers—were held over the
rushing waters as their throats were slit. Their blood
joined the flow of water to the sea.

“W E PA I NT T H E B L O OD O F O U R
K I LL O N O U R FA C E S S O T H AT
S H E M AY K N OW U S, T H AT S H E
M AY H O N O R U S, A ND CA LL H E R
C H I L D R E N TO O U R A R ROW S. ”
—Initiation-rite chant of the
Wolfguard priesthood
O LI G A RC H S 415
M OT H E R W O L F, G ODD E S S O F T H E W O OD S
Pack-mother, night-pelted, many-teated, endless-runner, bone-gnasher, tribe-
maker, beast-spawner, all-rutter, first womb
M
other Wolf was the Goddess of the Woods and creatrix of
all land animals. When her children became too numerous,
she allowed mortals to hunt them, granting humanity a
strength and cunning it never before had. In this way, the beginnings
of tool use and crafting are considered to be gifts from her—ones that
became curses once mortals forgot to honor her for them.
She appeared to mortals as a mighty she-wolf, silver maned, with
fangs like swords and green eyes glowing like lanterns. Her breath
made the air as hot as an oven, and her saliva dripped from her tongue
in streams of steaming foam. Her howl stripped listeners of reason and
made them drop to all fours and run mad or rut in abandon.
The earth and all its dirt, mud, clay, and sand were hers, for she
had coughed them up or shat them out in elder times to form her den.
Wolves were especially sacred to her, for she chose them to teach
humans how to cull her teeming beasts. Those who made their living
directly from her bounty—hunters, trappers, butchers—were forbidden
from hunting or killing wolves. Cattle herders were expected to allow
wolves to take a share of their herds. Legend tells of a herder who forgot the
law and killed a wolf for taking his prized cow. Mother Wolf transformed
him into a beast, who chased down and devoured his own family.
Legend also tells how she once ate prey poisoned by an Outsider.
The elk, preferred prey of her wolves, selflessly reached high into the
branches of Yggdrasil to fetch a rare berry that cured her. In reward,
she turned the branches of the World Tree that had entangled the elk’s
head into horns—weapons against her wolves.
Hunters and priests awarded her the first portion and
prime cut from any hunt. When it came time to
butcher farm animals for the winter, farmers gave
her the most prized livestock in hopes that the
herds would be protected in coming seasons from
her children’s hunger.
In times when her mercy was crucially needed,
human criminals became hunted prey. They were
given a head start into the woods and had three days
to evade their pursuers—an entire community on the
hunt. Those rare and lucky few who managed to escape
were pardoned and freed, clearly favored by Mother Wolf.
Most were brought down by arrows or spears, however, and were
then butchered like animals, their bodies offered to the
She-Wolf.
 416 BLACKBIRDS
“M A CA R N H AD I T F RO M A RD S L E Y,
W H O H AD I T F RO M G R I M M O R
B EF O R E H I M, W H O H AD I T F RO M
B RY N N A T H E S I LV E R- S H O R N, T H AT
T H E B EE T L E - B L I G HT H A D C O M E
I N H E R T I M E, A ND S H E K N E W
THE MEANS FOR EXTRACTING
S A P F R O M T H E F I R ST T R EE
T H AT, W H E N S M E A R ED O N T H E
STA LK S, D R OV E T H E P E STS AW AY
A ND E ND ED T H E FA M I N E. ”
—Sigurd Gnoston, druid
YG GD R A S I L , G OD O F T I M E
Eldest, leaf-bearded, wind-dancer, cloud-crowned, knife-branched, bird-host,
winter-toothed, age-rimed, well-drinker, rune-keeper
Y
ggdrasil was the God of Time and the most ancient of all
beings. Many say that it was the first living thing in the world,
the first to open the door from the invisible realm to the
visible, the first to take root here and grow. Some said that time itself
was the measure of its growth, and should it cease, time would end.
And it has ceased . . . almost.
The World Tree was felled by the Oligarchs, but its broken stump,
although poisoned and growing only twisted, blackened stalks, still
holds a spark of life deep within. Unlike the other elder gods, Yggdrasil
was rooted in this world: its body was a particular tree in a particular
place. Even though its power extended to all plant life, that power was
anchored in the mighty Ash of Thule—the very tree that bleeds its
dark sap into the Od connecting all plant life. Yggdrasil now has new
sobriquets: black-speared, poison-hearted, bug-hoarder.
Before it was struck down, Yggdrasil doled out to the world its due
in measured form: the steady march of the seasons, epitomized by the
growth and death of plant life. Yggdrasil was the Guardian of Thresholds,
both metaphorical—the portals between the stages of life: birth,
childhood, adulthood, elderhood, and death—and literal—its body was
the locked door keeping separate the mortal and divine realms.
Of all the gods, Yggdrasil was the least wrathful and regarded
mortals with the least disdain, especially its adopted jötunnkin. It
respected knowledge and wisdom, and it rewarded those who displayed
them. It gifted mortals with medicine hidden in herbs but also
punished them with hidden poisons. Knowing which plant was which
required mortals to study Yggdrasil’s works and hand down their lore
to their descendants, keeping it alive over time.
Yggdrasil had the highest reach, as its branches stretched beyond
the sky and into the sea of stars. The wind and clouds were its breath.
The creatures of the air were closest to Yggdrasil. It is said that birds
were born as leaves on the World Tree’s branches; when they fell in
First Autumn, in their motley, Yggdrasil’s winds breathed new life into
them, and they took wing. Birds still seek refuge in trees, a memory of
their original bower.
Insects were born from its bark, and their shells still hold the
hardiness of its petrified flesh. They spread its seeds across the world,
epitomized by the ceaseless labor of its bees. Yggdrasil’s priests
considered honey the most sacred of foods and honey-wine mead the
most sacred drink.

Farmers honored Yggdrasil. A good crop yield
meant it was content. When fields were fallow, they
knew they had angered the god in some way—or
someone had, and the culprit had to be forced to
make amends. If no guilty party was found, a
scapegoat had to stand in.
The first yield of the season was ever the primary
means of sacrifice to Yggdrasil. When times were bad,
however, a member of the community was urged to
volunteer for sacrifice. If no one stepped forward,
everyone’s name was placed into a basket. No name,
not even the ruler’s, was left out. The sacrifice was fed
417
a feast of cakes and wine, bathed, dressed in fine
robes, and taken to the oldest known tree in the area,
where they were nailed to its trunk. They were
honored ever after, and their family received a portion
of wealth from the community’s other families.
This tradition of selfless sacrifice continues in a
twisted form today, as people answer the whispering
call of the dying tree, traveling to its broken stump to
impale themselves on its branches and be transformed
into insectile things. These chitin-barked servants
then skitter forth into the world, seeking more
sacrifices for their dead god.
418 BLACKBIRDS
“W E N E V E R TA K E W I T H O UT
G I V I N G. W H E N YO U STE A L
S O M E T H I N G , L E AV E S O M E T H I N G
B E H I ND, E V E N I F I T’ S J U ST A
CO I N O R A H E X M A R K. T H EF T
I S A F O R M O F D E AT H, B UT
N OT H I N G E V E R R E A LLY D I E S.
T H I N G S J U ST T R AD E P L A C E S. ”
—Davos Stavrides,
professional scoundrel
C O RV U S, G OD O F D E AT H
Soul-stealer, branch-dancer, sky-toucher, night-watcher, ghost-guide, doom-
crier, carrion-feaster, charnel-beaked, ash-cloaked
C
orvus was the God of Death, the dark crow who oversaw the
transmigration of souls from life into what comes next. He
could see and touch the invisible world. Lost and roaming
spirits cried out to him to lead them to their rightful reward. Because
he could take something tangible—life—and steal it away to someplace
unseen, he was also considered the patron of thieves, liars, carnival
actors, and all those who trade in misdirection and figments.
Corvus appeared in the form of a mighty raven whose wings could
blot out the sun. His feathers were the black of the darkest regions of
the night sky, and his eyes ebony river stones whose cold gaze froze
mortals in their tracks. The death rattles of men echoed in his caws and
sent shivers down the spines of the living. The peck of his beak
reverberated in the hammering that builds the gallows, reminding all
who heard it of the lonely, gray lands that await the condemned. His
beak pierced corpses and yanked forth the steaming remnant of their
souls. He carried these etheric entrails into the death lands to feed the
peeping mouths of his freshly hatched doom crows and stark ravens.
Unlike other birds, who were born from Yggdrasil’s leaves, it is
said that the corvids—ravens, crows, and rooks—came from the lands
of the dead, called by Corvus. Just as ravens seek a conspiracy of their
fellows and crows prefer a murder, Corvus summoned a parliament of
the dead to aid him.
The doom crows alighted where death was imminent. Corvus was
not picky; he did not choose who would live or die—that was the
Norns’ business. He and his crows simply scavenged the dead,
cleaning their remains and carrying onward their souls.
Nevertheless, carrion birds were not protected by him; they
had to earn their livelihoods to be worthy of the freedom he
had given them.
Corvus circled over the mad and the insane. His
stark ravens flocked to these
forlorn souls, waiting for
the right time to harvest
the morsels of their
fear-addled minds.

Corvus made his nest in the high branches of
Yggdrasil, where he could see all that transpired and
read the secrets of the stars. He once hopped onto
the vast net of lights and pecked out the North Star
to decorate his nest, which unraveled the carefully
woven pattern of the Norns. They scolded and
threatened him until he reluctantly returned the
star to its rightful place in their night weave.
Gold, silver, jewelry, or whatever items of
wealth a community could muster were the only
sacrifices worthy of Corvus. These were buried
419
under the earth or stacked in storehouses, a
tempting target for thieves. Any thief who could
break into these hidden hoards or heavily guarded
temples and escape with its treasures was considered
favored by Corvus. When a community had no real
wealth, though, the sacrifice of thieves sufficed—
usually by hanging them from a bridge or at a
crossroads. In times of plague, the sick were singled
out for sacrifice. It was believed that if they came
early to Corvus, they would sate his death hunger
enough for him to withdraw the disease.
 420 BLACKBIRDS
“TOD AY: A N G RY. TO M O R R OW : S AD.
T H E N E X T D AY: JOYF U L . B E R EF T
T H E N E X T. TO A ND F RO, L EF T A ND
R I G HT, A N D E V E R F O RW A RD. S U C H
A R E T H E U ND U L AT I O N S O F T H E
S N A K E . S U C H A R E O U R L I V E S. ”
—Fazil Fazuur,
Analects of the Entrancing Eye
O U RO B O RO S, G OD O F T H E E TE R N A L C YC L E
Mail-skinned, two-tongued, jewel-eyed, egg-eater, limb-quickener,
pyre-lighter, the dragon that is the world
O
uroboros was the God of the Eternal Cycle, the snake that
wove through the world, holding it together. By swallowing
its own tail, it sealed the world within its coils and locked
out the outside. The peristalsis of its slow digestion reverberated
through everything its coils touched, creating the ebb and flow of
existence, the binary oppositions—light/dark, hot/cold, wet/dry, and
so on—that combined to make a multitude of forms.
Before mortal eyes, Ouroboros took the form of an endless snake,
the entirety of its body impossible to see at once. Its scales shimmered
with the reflection of unseen fire, and acidic venom dripped from its
fangs, dissolving whatever it touched. All caught in its gaze stayed
riveted in place; they would be haunted by the memory of it for years
afterward, awaking from dreams of being a mouse swallowed by a
snake. That gaze could enthrall even the other gods, and Ouroboros
often got them to do its bidding with a stare and a hiss.
Although Mother Wolf spawned many of the creatures of the
world, Ouroboros quickened life itself by instilling the spark of
animation in each being. Its eggs hatched new ideas, put new thoughts
into mortals’ minds, and provoked their imaginations.
Couples who wished to conceive would place a snake’s
egg under their marriage-bed’s mattress, and if they
could sow their oats without cracking it, the
wife’s womb would hold new life.
The world was said to be Ouroboros’s
original egg: its shell the vault of the sky, its
albumen the seas, its yolk the land. The
Endless Snake’s sinuous body slid between
the cracks in the world’s shell, and it is
said that Ouroboros knew more about
Outsiders than any other god. Some even
whispered that it was an Outsider itself,
one that had insinuated itself through its
spellbinding stare, convincing even the
Norns that it belonged here.
Animals that hibernate were sacred to
Ouroboros, when, during their winter trances,
they were believed to serve the snake god in the
invisible world.

Ouroboros’s blood was like lava, hotter than a
thousand furnaces. As it traveled beneath the earth,
its passing would melt stone, creating the warren of
tunnels and caves that miners prized and through
which they traveled to reach veins of precious
metals. Blacksmiths also honored Ouroboros,
praying to him to keep their fires hot and steady.
The first swords, it is said, were forged in imitation
of Ouroboros’s fangs.
Petitions to Ouroboros were whispered.
Sacrifices were made in the form of burnt offerings,
421
most often items of deeply personal value. In bad
times, humans were sacrificed in great, egg-shaped
ovens—chiefly babies and the elderly, the newly
born and the long-lived. If no such sacrifices were
available, strangers to the community would be
captured and locked into a wooden statue, which
was then lit on fire. The shape of the statue would
mimic one of the other gods: a horse, a wolf, a
tree, or a crow—this effigy would signal to
Ouroboros which god it should entrance to grant
the people’s wish.
 422 BLACKBIRDS
“THEY SPEAK OF GARM, WHO CREPT
TO THE ROOTS OF YGGDRASIL AND
WITNESSED THE NORNS AT WORK.
HE S AW THEIR TAPESTRY, DIVINED
HIS PLACE WITHIN IT, AND BECAME
A BROKEN MAN. OH, HE DID NOT
DIE A PAINFUL DEATH OR SUFFER
THE POX OR BECOME CRIPPLED.
NO, HE BECAME A KING AND WAS
SHOWERED WITH UNTOLD WEALTH.
THE MOST BEAUTIFUL WOMEN
IN THE LAND JOINED HIS HAREM
AND ENTERTAINED HIM EVERY
NIGHT. WHAT BROKE HIM WAS THE
KNOWLEDGE THAT HIS LIFE WAS
NOT HIS OWN, THAT NONE OF THE
GOOD THINGS THAT CAME TO HIM
WERE HIS TO EARN. WHAT IS A MAN
IF HE IS NOT HIS OWN MAKER? ”
—Mariath Elpinor, seer of the court
T H E N O R N S, A R B I TE R S O F FATE
Wheel-spinners, lot-casters, thread-hens, stitch-wives, doom-hags, scourge-
nurses, grandmothers dear, hearth-nuns, kindly dames
T
he Norns were the spinners of Fate, weaving its threads into
an elaborate tapestry that could be fully beheld only by one
who stood outside of time. They provided rhyme and reason
to the otherwise neutral flow of the Od. While they often seemed
distant, cruel, and uncaring, they brought meaning to chaos. Mortals
can endure much, so long as there is a reason for their suffering.
Without the Norns, mortals must find their own meaning—a terrifying
responsibility. And they must do so soon, before the Oligarchs impose
meaning all their own.
The Norns appeared to mortals as three sisters: Urd, Verdandi, and
Skuld. Between them, they wove the threads of Fate. Urd stored the
threads of the past (“That Which Has Passed”) and often appeared as
the eldest of the three, her silver hair hanging loose down her crooked
back. Verdandi worked the present, the threads just being made (“That
Which Is”); she usually appeared as a woman just entering her middle
years, her brown hair fashioned in multiple long braids. Skuld looked
to the future (“That Which Is Yet to Come”) and wore the guise of a
young maiden with her golden hair in a single short braid. But none of
these ages were assured: sometimes, Skuld would appear as the oldest
and Urd the youngest, and sometimes, Verdandi bore the strains of age
and Skuld the responsibilities of adulthood, and so on.
Mortals sometimes witnessed them working with silver shears and
needles, but sometimes they cut the threads with their teeth and
stitched them with their fingernails. It was believed that the former
technique displayed their even-temperedness, when no calamities were
written into the weave; the latter betrayed their agitation at the
misfortunes they wove into their pattern.
Few mortals could divine the reasons the Norns wove the scenes
they did into their tapestry. They did not seem to weave out of ire or
love; they simply wove. What happened, happened, and although they
knew the whole of it, they did nothing to alter it. Did they create Fate,
or were they its instruments? None can say for sure, though without
them, Fate has become a wild thing, untamed and ungovernable.
Their abode lay amid the roots of Yggdrasil. They were, at times,
witnessed in unlikely places, though. A traveler on a stormy night might
have sought refuge in an abandoned steading, only to discover three sisters
sewing by the fire. A mendicant who climbed a remote mountain and
reached the snowy top may have discovered three yak herders gossiping
and weaving by their campfire. In most cases, they would pay no heed to

the mortal visitor, but in some stories, the visitor was
invited to sit by the fire and listen in on their chatter,
giving them insight into the workings of the world.
Whereas the other gods were symbolized by
animals or plants, the Norns were not. They were
neutral, standing apart from the natural world. That
they were the only gods who wore the semblance of
mortal humans perhaps provides a clue. Some suggest
that they are their symbols—the vessels, instruments,
and mayhap even the weavers of Fate in their stead.
Sacrifices were rarely made to the Norns, for
they were not believed to heed them. Very little could
cause them to alter their weaving. Nonetheless,
mortals persisted on the off chance that, if the sisters
noticed a particular sacrifice, they might add a knot
into the weave or fray a thread, leaving an opening in
the flow of Fate. Minor sacrifices took the form of
tattoos or scarification. Major sacrifices involved the
423
self-amputation of a finger, a hand, an arm, an eye,
an ear, or a tongue.
Some say the Norns had no foreknowledge of
their deaths, that the Oligarchs’ unprecedented act
could happen only because Outsiders cloaked them
from Fate’s eye. But some also say that Skuld knew
and did not warn her sisters. Instead, she introduced
a new pattern into her tapestry just as the Oligarchs
confronted her.
Once the Oligarchs had slain the Norns, they
trampled upon their tapestry, tore it to shreds, flung
it onto the shattered stump of Yggdrasil, and lit it
afire. The ashen embers caught the winds and spread
throughout the world, lighting upon a scattering of
people and objects. They became imbued with the
faint Fate that remained and an echo of the original
purpose woven in by the Norns. What that purpose
might be, none can now say.
 O LI G A RC H S 425

T H E O LI G A RC H S

The Child of Longing

S omething unnatural has settled over the

ancestral moors of Caoimhe. Rumors say
it wears the face of a lost princess—
daintily framed in the silken feathers of a night-
moth and bedecked in jeweled baubles sparkling in
a thousand colors, yet possessed of a capricious
cruelty. Others speak of She Who Wanders the
Meadow, a cracked and broken shade of a thing,
emaciated and hollow, reaching wordlessly toward
travelers on hushed nights before hurling them into
some bleak, unfathomable abyss. Still others
whisper of a great buzzing within the deepest
recesses of the wood, where Caoimhe and Elklund
intertwine and the forest takes on diabolical new
forms . . . for there a great shadow is said to rest, a
fell figure, both living and dead, that shattered
when it fell from its seething Heaven.
Or it could be nothing. The clans of Caoimhe
are notoriously taken with myth, having worshiped
Mother Wolf for a hundred generations, and older
things a hundred more. Wars rage, dynasties fall,
and the clans continue on as they always have,
preoccupied with a gruff independence they hold as
closely as a mewling babe.
Yet this weddedness to superstition does not
explain why the people of Caoimhe have been
disappearing. Travelers and caravans, druids and
warriors, all manner of folk—vanishing wordlessly
into the dark of the wood, before returning, if at all,
misshapen and changed. Of late, the wind passes
through the trees with a foreign, devilish intensity, the
sloping hills writhe as if covered in chittering insects,
and the woods themselves stretch ever inward, always
filled with oblong shapes just out of view—monstrous,
fiendish, yet all somehow horrifically familiar. And
always followed by the dark silhouette of a young girl.
It’s as if all of nature were left in the hands of
some malevolent child . . . a vicious thing, born
only to rule, growing bleak and bloodthirsty as the
demand for more consumed her tiny heart.
426 BLACKBIRDS
Caoimhe-Ailis, they once called her. The Child
of Longing. And so shall they call her again.
PRE-ASCENSION
A dark and casually cruel child of extreme
privilege, Ailis was once the sole heir of Caoimhe-
Ondrej, a brutal warrior-king and undisputed
leader of the Caoimhe Clan-Lands. Like her father,
she developed a taste for violence early in her youth,
mutilating animals and then people before building
“creations” from their crudely severed parts—
disturbing behavior Ondrej actively encouraged,
subscribing to the long-abandoned might-makes-
right barbarism of his ancient druidic forebears.
Ondrej believed in rule predicated on performative
violence and raw physical ability; he revived bizarre,
pagan rituals so that he might stand atop a writhing
mound of his weak and worthless enemies.
It can come as no surprise that Ondrej—greedy
and self-worshiping to the last—joined the mortal
Oligarchs, so that he might slay the gods and take
their place. He forgot that, for ten years, Ailis had
watched his every move, growing darker and crueler
with every turn of every season.
At the moment of his ultimate triumph, his
throat was ripped out by the teeth of his only
daughter, imbuing her with an eldritch darkness that
would doom all who drew her fleeting attention.
P O ST- A S C E N S I O N
Unlike the other Oligarchs, Ailis was delivered
her power quite by accident, and as a result, she is
far more unpredictable than even her horrific peers.
She is a goddess governing metamorphosis, insects,
and hunger, her physical body constantly in flux to
suit the rapidly shifting attention span of a ten-
year-old girl, and as such, she appears to the world
in a variety of strange forms. The most widely
recognized is the Moth Queen, as close to a mere
mortal body as Ailis can muster: a young girl with
too many arms, cloaked in outsized moth wings.
Her face, head, and body are thick with long,
delicate, insectile hairs, many of which are adorned
in baubles and gems she has claimed from hapless
adventurers and merchants unlucky enough to cross
her path. Depending upon the season, she also
appears as the wobbling shadow of a girl; or as a
charred, emaciated chrysalis, devoid of color, that
gapes at viewers from a distance with a yawning,
blackened mouth. Many clanfolk of Caoimhe think
of her as separate fabled spirits, including the Dark
Child of the Fields, as well as She Who Wanders the
Meadow. Few are privy to the terrible truth.
Ailis’s true, monstrous form is that of a
gargantuan moth with human, childlike features.
Shrouded in the deepest and darkest of woodlands,
she lies desiccated and torn, her mouth endlessly
spewing virulent blood that warps the land around
it, twisting trees and insects into unnatural shapes.
While it stirs and moves if sufficiently roused, the
goddess’s body is also filled with hundreds of
millions of flesh-eating great Caoimhe moths,
which feast on her insides amid an infinite frenzy of
hatching, feeding, mating, and dying.
THE CHANGE
Like that of all her monstrous kin, Ailis’s influence
causes a dramatic transformation in the minds and
bodies of sentient beings. For Ailis’s adherents, the
random passersby she chooses to abduct, and those
who find themselves drawing her interest, this
metamorphosis manifests as a kind of parasitic
infestation that erodes the mind as it literally consumes
the body. For Tapestries, the level of influence Ailis
has on an individual character (Blackbirds are generally
resistant to the Change, at Fateweaver discretion) can
be staged by using the following criteria.
Stage 1: The victim has been affected by the Child
of Longing in some way, shape, or form, whether
through seeing her at a distance or some other
seeping proximal influence. Stage 1 first manifests
as an itch, followed by the nagging sensation of
moth or insect wings beating near one’s ear. Victims
at this stage have trouble with short-term memory
loss and simple navigation, becoming lost even in

single-road villages. Although there is no physical
manifestation yet, victims have a growing urge to
walk into the woods, and they wander thoughtlessly
toward them given enough time.
Stage 1 is curable through prolonged isolation
or magical intervention.
Stage 2: The hunger begins. Victims at Stage 2
begin voraciously consuming food at all hours of
the day, though they seemingly gain no weight—
and instead often lose it at a rapid pace. The body
has now become sore from constant itching and
scratching, with red marks that begin to visibly
swell. When not focused on eating or scratching,
victims seem to glaze over, unable to focus on a
single subject for long and unable to remember
important information or simple directions. They
are amused endlessly by children’s games, though
their miserable appearance often repels children.
On rare occasions, a Stage 2 victim regurgitates the
hatching chrysalis of a great Caoimhe moth. If left
to their own devices long enough, Stage 2 victims
walk into any nearby woods and vanish completely.
This stage can be cured through a combination
of magical intervention and powerful antiparasitic
medicine, administered one after the other within
an hour. If the first attempt to do so fails, the victim
can no longer be cured.
Stage 3: Covered in pink blisters and disfiguring, itchy
welts, Stage 3 victims often shroud themselves in
brown or green cloaks to hide their horrific physical
malformations. Childlike in their understanding of
the wider world, many show obsessive tendencies
toward patrolling the wilderness and meander about
the deep woods until they can no longer find their
way home. They also exhibit an utter inability to
remember anything, including conversations they
are actively engaged in, and they often forget who
they once were or where they came from.
Sufferers at this stage of the Change are
constantly, voraciously hungry, evincing a singular
focus when they consume food. They do not stop
O LI G A RC H S 427
eating until every morsel of edible material is gone
from their sight—this includes bone marrow, filthy
scraps, and food stains on cloaks or boots. If they
taste the blood of an animal or person, they attempt
to kill and eat any such living thing, as well.
When their more pronounced welts, which can
resemble back humps or clubbed feet, are brushed
against a hard object or otherwise jostled, there is a
chance they can burst—releasing hundreds of adult
great Caoimhe moths in a voracious, bloodthirsty
swarm. The moths almost always circle back on the
victim first, eating them alive as more moths pour
from the parasitized body before turning on any
living thing nearby.
Stage 3 cannot be cured.
Stage 4: So befouled with massive, undulating sores
that they can barely move, the host is now little more
than a seething human bomb, often hidden under
piles of leaves or layers of snow and moss. The victim
is kept magically alive, trapped in an agonizing
limbo, as they feel thousands of flesh-eating insects
crawling inside the unmoving prison the person has
become, until their body inevitably explodes.
A ST R A L M A N I FE STAT I O N
The Child of Longing is a capricious little
monster, enjoying herself as she flashes in and out of
tangible reality to wreak havoc and madness on the
living. While away from the physical world, she takes
a desultory interest in the denizens of Caoimhe, as well
as the plants and animals native to its temperate forests
and scrubby moorlands. Mutated animals in these
woods are common: perversely twisted or combined
into other creatures, according to Caoimhe-Ailis’s
whims, before being swiftly forgotten. Trees grow
extremely fast in forests touched by Ailis, overtaking
entire villages in a matter of weeks, while insects seem
bolder and more organized in their encroachment on
human dwellings. The normal sounds of the forest
warp and warble, creating a constant sense of unease,
and while traveling through the woods, many
complain of being watched or followed by someone
428 BLACKBIRDS
they cannot see. These sensations give way to the
Change, which slowly overtakes travelers or clanfolk
who are ill prepared.
More insidiously, Ailis’s mere interest in the
Caoimhe Clan-Lands has altered the emotional
balance of the people who reside there, making them
undergo extreme highs and lows as their outlook
becomes more in tune with her divine will. Clans
have found themselves murderously close to
interfactional war before unceremoniously launching
into weeklong feasts, only to see the cycle begin again
the very next month. These changes seem to follow
the seasons, with darker and more deeply repressed
emotions bubbling up the closer it gets to winter.
P H YS I C A L M A N I FE STAT I O N
The Child of Longing cares little about the cities
of Caoimhe or what remains of her original clan.
Upon her return to the physical world, she always
manifests in the wilderness, warping it inward as the
trees become impossibly tangled, thick, and filled with
dangerous wildlife. At its center lies her nightmarish,
true body, which, when she is not plucking travelers
out of moonlit fields, twists the laws of nature to reflect
a kind of childlike ecological insanity that makes sense
to no one but her. The druids native to Caoimhe,
having long worshiped Mother Wolf, now follow the
word of Ailis—a physical god they can see and
experience, unlike her absentee predecessor. Quickly
becoming altered versions of themselves, many of
these druids incubate great Caoimhe moths within
their bodies of their own volition, while others change
even more . . . their flesh metamorphosing into
dangerous fusions of human and insect. Disappearances
within the confines of the Clan-Lands increase as Ailis
feeds and experiments further on her own people.
Meanwhile, the more childlike forms of Ailis appear
without warning across vast tracts of woodland, often
in multiple places at once, driving those who witness
her to madness.
Inevitably, this twisted nature spreads beyond
Caoimhe’s borders, exposing the rest of the continent
to Ailis’s hellish whims.
G O A L S A ND M A C H I N AT I O N S
Ailis, still mentally a ten-year-old girl, cares
nothing for the interwoven plots and plans of
mortal society and even less for the Machiavellian
visions of her fellow Oligarchs. She is somewhat
predictable in this unpredictability and focuses on
objects of immediate interest, rather than on
guiding the history of nations.
Still, there are caveats to this characterization.
Should another Oligarch’s followers impinge upon
what she considers her lands or playthings, her
wrath would be immediate and unconscionably
violent. She also holds a particular interest in Balion
Sothis, known as “the Wicker King” and the current
ruler of Mero, who once was her playmate before he
was taken to be sacrificed in a pagan ritual to bless
his clan with good fortune. Ailis vanished into the
vaults of empyrean Heaven before Balion’s ordained
death, where she quietly granted her protection to
her friend so that he would never change or perish.
Despite the grotesque ritual coming to pass, the boy
survived—and now, once a year, Balion sends a
member of his family to suffer the same fate he so
narrowly escaped: having their entrails nailed to the
base of a great tree as they are forced to walk its
width until they finally drop dead.
Balion is now functionally immortal, but
should some method of harm befall him, it would
surely draw the unfathomable rage of Ailis herself.
As for her other followers, they are easy enough
to find—almost too easy. They usually inhabit solitary
meadows, moors, or stretches of woodland where
they mutter to themselves and scratch at undulating
sores. Villages throughout the Clan-Lands often have
one or two residents under the effect of the Child of
Longing’s influence; neighbors point out these
unfortunates to travelers as a cautionary tale about the
dangers of traveling the wilds alone. Moths of any
variety that gather with seemingly preternatural
intelligence, particularly the great Caoimhe moths,
are a sure sign that Ailis has taken interest in an area
or an individual, as are patches of nature that seem
somehow altered by malevolent forces.
 O LI G A RC H S 429

Although avoiding the wrath of Ailis is easy D E AT H

enough, a less easy feat is evading her entirely while
traveling the Clan-Lands and, to a somewhat lesser
extent, the deep woods of Elklund. She is easily
captivated by new or fantastical things—displays of
potent magic tend to draw her attention most
consistently—and is endlessly amused by
absconding with lone travelers in the dead of night.
A sure means of inviting her anger is to interrupt
one of her jejune games.
To kill the Child of Longing is to eradicate all
the world’s insects, thus breaking down the global
food chain as the most numerous class of animals
vanishes and plants cease to be pollinated. Mass
starvation soon follows as hunger spikes out of
control everywhere, while a lack of morphological
change in the world means that, although living
beings are still susceptible to death, they stop aging
or giving birth, essentially dooming life itself to a
slow, horrifying end.

U ND E R STA ND I N G T H E S E RV A NT O F T H E O L I G A RC H W R I TE- U P S
Each Oligarch servant entry is laid out in the following format:

Creature Name

D escription of creature and its habits

COMBAT BRAWN AGILITY PERCEPTION INTELLIGENCE WILLPOWER FELLOWSHIP

Attribute [Attribute Bonus]

Skill Ranks. Each +10 represents one Rank (based on above corresponding Attribute).
Damage
Threshold and
Size:
with Damage
Small. Smaller Risk Factor:
Threshold
Initiative: than human. Number of
Modifiers if
Creatures have a Normal. Blackbirds
Dodge and the creature
Movement (in static Initiative Human-sized. and the Tier
Parry (when is wearing the Peril Thresholds
strides) value; no dice Large. Larger suggested to
applicable) suggested armor.
are added to this than human. encounter one
It may have
number. Huge. Much creature of this
access to other
larger than type.
armor at the
human.
Fateweaver’s
discretion.
Attacks and weapon statistics.
Where multiple natural weapons are listed, they may all be used in one Turn once without penalty.
Where multiple Melee weapons are listed, creatures usually have access to only one such weapon, and the weapons listed are
suggestions.

TRAITS: Listing of Traits encompassing the special rules, abilities, and attacks of each creature. These are listed
in alphabetical order. Some Traits require the spending of AP, Misfortune, and the like to activate. These are
organized by their costs, and those costs are listed in their descriptions.
 430 BLACKBIRDS

S E RV A NTS A ND W O R S H I P E R S O F T H E C H I L D O F L O N G I N G

Ailisian Druid

I n the time before the death of the gods, people

truly attuned to nature made it their home.
Forgoing walled dwellings and the trappings of
beneath their furs, their skins, for the druids’ bodies
have become home to thousands of flesh-eating
great Caoimhe moths, which keep these wanderers
civilization, these druids slept beneath blankets of in endless, excruciating pain and give them a direct
stars, sheltered by trees that swayed gently in the link to the Child of Longing’s horrifying power.
night, and they found simple nourishment merely Unlike Mother Wolf, who largely ignored
in what they could gather or hunt. Almost all of humanity, Ailis grants perceivable “blessings” that
them worshiped Mother Wolf. Now, as they turn bring a great degree of power and have almost
away from their dead god, they find themselves wholly converted the people of the woods.
irrevocably altered by the capricious whims of the Druids in general are
Child of Longing, Caoimhe-Ailis. unpredictable theurges with
Cloaked, as ever, in rough green or brown deep ties to the land, but
robes, draped in thick furs, and topped with crowns Ailisian druids also share a
of animal bones, they could be mistaken for the hive mind that defends
eccentric druids of old—a dangerous, often fatal, itself when provoked.
mistake. These altered stewards of the natural world When a druid is wounded,
might seem odd at first sight, as they often dance in fully grown Caoimhe
the presence of small moths or even among the moths spill forth, in lieu
great Caoimhe breed, which perch on their heads of blood or viscera. They
and sometimes even climb calmly out of the druids’ react to threats in
mouths. Most exhibit a discernible hunch, even at a various ways, whether
distance. They wander about nature, half-dazed and flying off harmlessly or
babbling about this or that . . . Close inspection viciously swarming a
reveals a dark, predatory intelligence and imparts target. Between the
the realization that shapes without number move ever-growing storm

COMBAT BRAWN AGILITY PERCEPTION INTELLIGENCE WILLPOWER FELLOWSHIP

45 [5] 50 [7] 40 [4] 40 [4] 40 [4] 45 [5] 35 [3]

Melee +10 Athletics +10 Coordination Awareness +10 Wortcunning Handle Animal
Resolve +10
Ranged +10 Toughness +10 +10 Survival +10 +10 +20
Damage
Risk Factor:
Threshold:
Dodge: 50% Peril Threshold: Suggested for
11(17/23/29) Movement: 7 Initiative: 14 Size: Normal
Parry: 55% 8(14/20/26) 6 Basic-Tier
Fur or hide +1:
Blackbirds
12(18/24/30)

Cudgel: 55%. Distance (Melee Engaged). Damage [2Ð6+5]. Off-Hand, Staggering

OR
Dagger: 55%. Distance (Melee Engaged). Damage [2Ð6+4]. Fast, Finesse, Off-Hand, Piercing
Sling: 55%. Distance (Ranged 7 strides). Load (1 AP). Damage [2Ð6+4]. Fast, Finesse, Throwing

of living monstrosities and vicious magic, all rooted
in Ailis’s peculiar vision of nature, these simple
forest folk have been transformed into brutally
effective tools for their new god’s capricious, ever-
shifting aims.
COW THE BEAST: Natural creatures or animals
controlled by, or allied with, Blackbirds Flip to Fail
all attacks against druids.
FLESH OF THE UNDEAD: This creature feels no pain
and ignores all Injuries. It cannot Bleed. Severed
limbs may move independently.
FOREST FOLK: Druids suffer no penalties from moving
across natural terrain, Flip to Succeed when hiding in
natural surroundings, and their Movement is doubled
when they are obscured by trees. Snares or traps using
natural materials fail to affect a druid.
MIND OF THE UNDEAD: This creature is immune
to magic or abilities that seek to control the mind
or emotions. It automatically succeeds against any
ability that would cause it to Resist with Fellowship,
Intelligence, or Willpower. This does not include
possession by Outsiders. It may not be Knocked
Out or Stunned.
NO MORTAL BLADE: This creature
is impervious to Damage from
weapons that are not Enchanted.
REGENERATION: At the beginning
of each of this creature’s Turns, make
a (Standard +/–0%) Toughness test
for them. If successful, move them
1 level up the Damage Condition
Track and remove one Injury, if they
have any. This effect ends when the
creature is Slain!.
SIGHT WITHOUT SIGHT: By sensing the
Od directly, this creature can see even
if their eyes are destroyed or removed.
In addition, they can see in complete
darkness. They cannot see things that are
hidden from the Od, however.
SIGILIST BANE: Bane dice (Ð10s that
explode on ‘9’ or ‘10’) are rolled instead of
O LI G A RC H S 431
Damage dice when stigmatized Sigilist weapons are
used against this creature. This Damage cannot be
healed or mitigated by this creature’s other Traits.
BLESSINGS OF THE WILD 1 MISFORTUNE, 2 AP,
SPECIAL ACTION: The creature may call a nearby
animal to do their bidding, appearing to “talk” to
the animal. The animal does whatever this creature
asks of it, even fighting to the death.
MOTHBLEED 1 MISFORTUNE, 0 AP, REACTION:
Ailisian druids do not bleed as normal; instead
they eject a great Caoimhe moth when hurt.
Wounds behave similarly—a gash in the chest
or a severed hand produces large numbers of the
insects, which begin to feast on allies and enemies
unpredictably, though never the druids themselves.
The Fateweaver may spend 1 Misfortune whenever
this creature suffers a level of Damage to spawn a
great Caoimhe moth. When the creature is killed,
they always spawn a small swarm without the
Fateweaver spending Misfortune.
BLESSINGS OF THE GREEN 3 MISFORTUNE,
1 AP, SPECIAL ACTION: The creature may call upon
plants in the area to grasp their opponents. Choose
ten contiguous, 1-stride squares. Any opponent
moving into these spaces or beginning their turn
in one must make a successful
(Hard –20%) Athletics test, or
they are immediately rendered
Defenseless and may not take
Movement Actions. They
can test at the beginning of
their next Turn to break free.
CAOIMHE’S
FEAST 5 MISFORTUNE, 1 AP,
SPECIAL ACTION: A swarm
of six Caoimhe moths bursts
forth from the porous flesh
and orifices of the druid.
 432 BLACKBIRDS

Great Caoimhe Moths

B efore Ailis’s ascent, great Caoimhe moths

were innocuous insects native to the Clan-
Lands and parts of Elklund. They were large,
beautiful creatures with a nine-finger wingspan,
known for their gentle demeanor and mesmerizing
patterns . . . which made them a favorite target of
the vicious Ailis, who often pulled off their wings to
wear them on her clothing. The creatures
were rare then and bred slowly, making
each one the girl killed another step on
their road to extinction.
Upon her ascension as an Oligarch, however,
they became one of the first “pets” she played with,
eventually released in vast, undulating hordes that
drowned the countryside in a flood of wingbeats
and vicious teeth. The great moths of old are no
more. In their place are creatures that share Ailis’s
taste for warm flesh, with wing patterns that seem
to shift and meld at will—enthralling any who look
too closely. Prolific breeders that pupate at an
impossibly fast rate, the insects prefer to nest within
living bodies, until great swarms of them explode
violently out of their screaming, parasitized hosts.
In some regions, the swarms have grown large
enough to cover every rock and tree, their wings
flexing softly as their strange patterning overlaps to
display the destruction of the gods in a living,
mind-shattering tableau.
As the swarms grow incomprehensibly massive,
so, too, do they die. Each insect’s life span is only 6

COMBAT BRAWN AGILITY PERCEPTION INTELLIGENCE WILLPOWER FELLOWSHIP

45 [4] 40 [4] 50 [7] 45 [4] 40 [4] 40 [4] 35 [3]

Coordination
Melee +10 Toughness +10 Awareness +10
+10
Risk Factor:
Damage
Peril Threshold: Suggested for
Dodge: 60% Threshold: Movement: 10 Initiative: 13 Size: Small
7(13/19/25) 1 Basic-Tier
2(8/14/20)
Blackbird.

Bite: 55%. Distance (Melee Engaged). Damage [2Ð6+7]. Finesse, Slow


or 7 days. Yet, in that short time, these indiscriminate
feeders can depopulate entire towns or strip a stretch
of wilderness of all life, so that Ailis might fill the
space left behind with whatever horrible beasts suit
her immediate fancy.
FRAGILE: This creature is Slain! if it takes 2 levels of
Damage from one attack.
MESMER WINGS: These creatures have a mesmerizing
quality when directly observed for too long, causing
the careless to stand dumbstruck until they take
Damage or are jolted out of the trance. At the
end of any Turn where someone is adjacent to
one (or more), make a successful Resolve test for
the opponent, applying a modifier of –10 for each
adjacent creature of this type, or they lose 1 AP.
If this leaves them with 0 AP, they are rendered
Defenseless until they take Damage, or an adjacent
ally can spend 1 AP to snap them out of it. This
effect can be countered by choosing not to look at
the moths, but all attacks made against them in this
way are Flip to Fail.
SIGILIST BANE: Bane dice (Ð10s that explode
on ‘9’ or ‘10’) are rolled instead of Damage dice
Perfected
S tories of travelers vanishing in the woods of
the Caoimhe Clan-Lands are extraordinarily
common and, in these days of unchecked war, are
none too surprising. What has been surprising are
the stories of those poor lost souls coming back . . .
changed. Horrifically, unimaginably changed into
great insectoid monstrosities clutching the gnawed
bones of their friends and families, their voices a
pained scream intermingled with cacophonous,
chittering insect trills. For anyone unlucky enough
to be whisked away by the Dark Child of the Fields,
or those who wander into the sunless woods under
her oppressive influence, death would be far kinder
a gift than the nightmare that lies in store.
O LI G A RC H S 433
when stigmatized Sigilist weapons are used against
this creature. This Damage cannot be healed or
mitigated by this creature’s other Traits.
TOO SMALL, TOO QUICK: Flip to Succeed all Dodge
tests made for this creature. If one critically succeeds,
that Dodge costs no AP.
VITAL NECTAR: These creatures can detect living
organisms at great distances and enthusiastically
seek them out, but only while in flight. While at rest,
the creatures must first be disturbed to take flight.
While the creatures are flying, Awareness tests made
for them to find prey are Flip to Succeed. While the
creatures are at rest, Awareness tests made for them
to notice a disturbance are Flip to Fail.
LARVAL INFESTATION 2 MISFORTUNE, 0 AP,
COMBAT ACTION: After a successful attack, an
immature larva burrows into the target. The next
time the sun rises, they feel it moving under their
skin, growing within their flesh to become a moth in
1Ð6 days, and causing a random Moderate Injury
when it bursts forth. A moth larva can be removed
prior to this with a successful (Challenging –10%)
Heal test made to perform chirurgy.
434 BLACKBIRDS
Ailis deals with these individuals herself, molding
their bodies into unique, ugly playthings before
casting them back into the world so she might fixate
on something new. Those returned can barely be
called human: horrific gallimaufries, 8 to 10 strides
tall, with the features of any number of arthropods,
each one utterly alien compared to all who came
before them, as Ailis cruelly grafts on whatever parts
best suit her current mood. The sallow, barely
recognizable face of the person they once were sags
awfully over new chitinous armor as they propel
themselves on spider legs, wings, hoppers, and
primordial cerci, seeking out vestiges of their former
lives so they might shove previously cherished loved
ones screaming into their dripping chelicerae.
Called “the perfected,” their extensively varied
forms mean that no two are alike, and each must be
dealt with in ways unique to its personality and
construction. Some fly, others spin webs, while still
others camouflage themselves among the trees or
carry a deadly toxin in their claws. All are the
favored pets of Caoimhe-Ailis and, as such, “enjoy”
her divine power and protection.
The perfected tend to make their homes in
abandoned cabins or hollow trees, often near where
they lived as humans, and they emerge at night to
hunt for anything, and anyone, they can eat.
Because of Ailis’s dark influence and the sheer
number of folk missing in the woods, it is best to
assume these horrors are rarely, if ever, found
alone—a troubling notion, as even one is an
extremely deadly opponent.
BANE OF FLESH FIRST ROLLED: The first attack type
rolled does Bane Damage dice (Ð10s that explode
on ‘9’ or ‘10’) to targets that possess the Mortal Bane
or Trait instead of the Damage listed in the attack.
CAPRICIOUS LITTLE MONSTER: No two of these
creatures are alike, and, as such, they have a wide
variety of possible forms and abilities, depending
upon the pieces from which they are made. Each
possesses 1–3 of the following randomly determined
Traits, in addition to its other Traits:
1. Acid Spray (1 AP, Combat Action): Once per
Turn, this creature may spray acid on an Engaged
foe. Make a successful Coordination check for
the target, or their weapons and armor drop 1
level in Degradation and they take 2Ð10+2
Damage from acid.
2. Perfect Camouflage (1 AP, Special Action):
Stealth tests made for this creature are Flip to
Succeed, and if attacking in less than full daylight,
spend 1 AP for them to blend into the shadows
with a Stealth check. If successful, they are
effectively invisible until they take a Combat
Action.
3. Paralyzing Venom (–10): Make a successful
Toughness test at –10 for anyone who drops a
level in their Damage Condition Track after
being attacked by this creature, or they start their
Turn with 1 less AP. If this means they gain no
AP, they are rendered Helpless. Make the same
test at the end of each of their Turns for this effect
to wear off.
4. Leap (1 AP, Special Action): This creature leaps
up to 10 strides vertically and 15 strides
horizontally. This Movement is too fast to allow
Opportunity Attacks against them, and a
successful attack made by the creature right after
the leap adds an extra Damage die if it hits. When
using this Trait at the beginning of an encounter,
foes are at –20 to prevent Surprise.
5. Spines: Making an unarmed Melee Attack against
this creature or critically failing any Melee Attack
against them deals the attacker 1Ð10+1 Damage.
6. Wings: This creature can fly at its full Movement.
7. Caustic Sac: A weapon that successfully Injured
this creature suffers a level of Degradation, and
all those Engaged with it when it dies take
1Ð10+1 Damage from acid.
8. Regeneration: At the beginning of each of this
creature’s Turns, make a (Standard +/–0%)
Toughness test for them. If successful, move
them 1 level up the Damage Condition Track
and remove one Injury, if they have one. This
effect ends when the creature is Slain!.
 O LI G A RC H S 435

9. Web (3 Misfortune, Non-Combat Action): Before
the encounter, make a successful (Hard –20%)
Awareness test for all potential prey creatures, or
they become trapped and immobilized in this
creature’s web. They may not move or take any
Actions, and Reactions are Flip to Fail. Make a
(Challenging –10%) Athletics test at the beginning
of each of their Turns for them to break free.
10. Eggs (3 Misfortune, 1 AP, Special Action):
When this creature makes a successful attack,
spend 3 Misfortune to have it lay eggs in the
target. Unless these are discovered and removed
within 3 days—requiring chirurgy and a
successful (Challenging –10%) Heal test—the
host perishes as smaller versions of this creature
burst from within the host’s flesh.
NO BREATH, NO LIFE: This creature is immune to
Injuries, poisoning, and suffocation.
NO MORTAL BLADE: This creature is impervious to
Damage from weapons that are not Enchanted.
NO MORTAL FATE: This creature is an intrinsic part of
the warp and weft of Fate. Its attacks and the effects
of its Traits cannot be prevented by spending Fate.
NO MORTAL SKILL: This creature is immune to
Extinguish Abilities.
PITY US: The first time a specific perfected is
encountered, a Resolve test must be made at –20 for
all present; if failed, they suffer 2Ð10+2 Peril. If the
person the perfected was made from was someone they
knew before the transformation, the test is made at
–30 and they fall 3Ð10+3 levels on the Peril Condition
Track. The modifier for this Resolve test is also applied
to Awareness tests made to oppose a Surprise Round.
TOUCH OF THE OLIGARCH: After spending Fortune to
modify rolls, Abilities, or Techniques in the presence
of this creature, roll one die. If it comes up a ‘4’ or
more, an extra point of Fortune becomes Misfortune.
MEMORY OF A MEMORY 1 MISFORTUNE: The
creature is roughly aware of its former humanity but
unable to stop itself from behaving like a predatory
insect. It occasionally attempts to form pained, barely
recognizable words, and a Peril test must be made for
all within earshot when it does.
VORACIOUS FEEDER 5 MISFORTUNE:
An opponent of Large Size or smaller is caught in
this creature’s grip and is immediately lifted into
its chelicerae, where food is shredded before being
ingested. They take 2Ð10+6 Bane Damage and are
trapped within. They immediately begin to suffocate.
The simplest way to free swallowed prey from the
outside is to kill this creature, but an (Arduous
–30%) Athletics test may be attempted for someone
trapped within at the start of their Turns for them to
free themself.

COMBAT BRAWN AGILITY PERCEPTION INTELLIGENCE WILLPOWER FELLOWSHIP

50 [8] 45 [6] 45 [5] 40 [5] 40 [4] 40 [4] 35 [3]

Melee +30 Coordination
Athletics +30
Ranged +20 +20 Awareness +30 Resolve +30
Toughness +30
Warfare +20 Stealth +20
Risk Factor:
Damage
Peril Threshold: Suggested for 3
Dodge: 65% Threshold: Movement: 8 Initiative: 16 Size: Large
7(13/19/25) Advanced-Tier
15(21/27/33)
Blackbirds
This creature has 1–3 of the following attacks, determined randomly:
1 - Terrible Bite: 80%. Distance (Melee Engaged or 1 stride). Damage [3Ð6+5]. Finesse, Punishing, Vicious
2 - Maw: 80%. Distance (Melee Engaged or 1 stride). Damage [3Ð6+8]. Punishing, Slow
3 - Launched Spines: 70%. Distance (Ranged 10 strides). Load (1 AP). Damage [3Ð6+8]. Fast, Throwing
4 - Crushing Pincers: 80%. Distance (Melee Engaged or 1 stride). Damage [3Ð6+7]. Finesse, Punishing, Vicious
5 - Prehensile Stinger: 80%. Distance (Melee Engaged or 3 strides). Damage [3Ð6+5]. Entangling, Finesse, Envenomed (1Ð10)
6 - Mantis Strikers: 80%. Distance (Melee Engaged or 1 stride). Damage [3Ð6+5]. Entangling, Finesse
436 BLACKBIRDS

Ondrej, The Shattered

(No Court Affiliation)

T he former patriarch of the Caoimhe Clan-

Lands was murdered on the threshold of
forever, at the moment of his greatest triumph. As
REMNANTS: Because of his unique origins, Ondrej
is perhaps the only Outsider in existence who can
accurately answer questions about the Oligarchs,
the power he sought to wield flowed into his only though he never offers such information himself
daughter, Ondrej died in the space between Heaven and must be asked for it specifically. Doing so
and the mortal world, and the Oligarch’s battles sends him into a rage, increasing his Spite by 2 and
ended as all slowly dissipated into silence. provoking a steep reckoning in exchange for the
Perhaps some foul magic grasped at his corpse, knowledge sought.
or the rules that govern reality are more malleable WEAKNESSES: Ondrej hates acts of perceived
than they appear—but, for whatever reason, the weakness or charity, particularly if there is no
man who aspired to godhood and failed rose again, personal gain to the individual performing
counting himself as one among the opaque them. Seeing such acts fills him with disgust; he
constellation of bizarre, courtless Outsiders. dramatically storms away and is unavailable until
Ondrej was a bear of a man in life. As an the next evening.
Outsider, he resembles a massive patriarchal figure
cloaked in many overlapping layers of animal skins,
antlers, and bones. This attire makes him seem
many times larger than he is already and trails
behind him like a royal train. More stark are his
facial expressions: his eyes burn with a constant,
unfathomable rage, and his mouth is frozen into a
grimace that never moves or changes. Rather,
Ondrej speaks from the gaping tear in his emaciated
throat and face, where his tongue lolls horrifically
outward as it moves to form his words. Thick,
esophageal blood pours endlessly from this wound
to stain his entire torso black. When Ondrej
manifests, he always appears one foot taller and one
foot wider than the tallest and stoutest members of
a theurge’s entourage, as he chooses to lord over
everyone present in a display of his former power.
He speaks with a low growl, his tone never quite
masking an insatiable, profound fury.

COURT: None
ALLIES: None
ENMITY: The Child of Longing and her servants
GOALS: Return the inhabitants of the world to
their most brutal, primal state, through displays of
domination and violence.
FAVORED RECKONING: Humiliate a beggar. Savagely
beat a town hero. Dominate a famous warrior. Take
something precious from a powerful leader, and
make them watch while you enjoy it.
Ondrej: Rapport Technique
& Senseless Aggression (+1 Tithe, Non-Combat
Action)
EFFECT: Assaulting an unarmed Mortal opponent
with one’s fists breaks their spirit and makes them
cower before the theurge in a humiliating fashion.
The target must be unarmed and out of combat,
and if the target fails a Resolve test, all Intimidation
tests made by the theurge against them are Flip to
Succeed for the next hour.
& Lash of Suffering (+1 Tithe, 1 AP, Special Action)
EFFECT: A bullwhip with the Vicious Quality
appears in the theurge’s empty hand. It exists until
this ability is used again.
& Subjugation (+2 Tithe, 3 AP, Extinguish Combat
Action)
EFFECT: All those within [O&R] strides of the
theurge must make a Toughness test or they are
Defenseless until their next Turn.
O LI G A RC H S 437
Ondrej: Communion Technique
& Smite of Agony (+1 Tithe, 2 AP, Combat Action)
EFFECT: Barehanded, the theurge attacks an adjacent
foe; if the attack hits, the blow does +[O&R] extra
dice of Damage.
& Irksome Vexation (+1 Tithe, 1 AP, Reaction)
EFFECT: The theurge shrugs off some effect of an
attack they just received. Once per Turn, they
can use this Ability as a Reaction after an attack
has done Damage to them to lower the Damage
level by 1.
& Mindless Brutality (+3 Tithe, 3 AP, Extinguish
Special Action)
EFFECT: Barehanded, the theurge tears apart [O&R]
adjacent Mortals, leaving nothing but gore.
Ondrej: Pact Technique
& Seasoning of Pain (Passive Bonus)
EFFECT: All Melee Attacks made by the theurge do
an extra +1 per [O&R] of Damage as they cause
extra pain to those struck.
& Share the Misery (+1 Tithe, 1 AP, Reaction)
EFFECT: Once per Turn, after taking Damage, the
theurge may cause an adjacent foe to take the same
number of levels of Damage as a Reaction.
& Excruciate (+3 Tithe, 3 AP, Extinguish Combat
Action)
EFFECT: Until the end of their next Turn, the
theurge’s attacks and those of their Fatebound
companions all do an extra Damage die, as their
attacks cause more pain to their foes.
 O LI G A RC H S 439

The Plague of Beauty

A
disease is spreading from the coastal
trading port of Ipswald. The infected
number in the thousands, people who
lose themselves to bacchanalian frenzies of flesh and
wine—their skin softening, eyes flaring into vibrant
hues, and bodies tightening into newer, more
handsome versions of their former selves. The disease
is one of desire, of carnal passions, and of the
unimpeded want to be one of the beautiful people . . .
all coming at a horrific, ultimately fatal cost, as the
body begins to peel itself apart. Those sufferers who
have not yet seen the truth—and even some who
do—desire nothing but to spread their illness further,
while the uninfected surge toward them in a desperate
bid to transform into the physically perfect.
Its source? The Plague of Beauty.
The rotten, twisted matriarch of beauty,
fineries, and the depths of human pleasure, the
Plague of Beauty has taken her seat in a hateful new
pantheon—her throne an endless floral loam
undulating beneath a clear and pleasant sky. Her
desires ooze from her even now, a rapidly spreading
illness that almost nothing can stop.

P R E- A S C E N S I O N
As a mortal, the Plague was known as Afet
al-Wazabi, daughter of an extremely influential
merchant family from Corbel’s satellite port of
Ipswald, a gateway to high-end imports that sped the
rise of a powerful and unscrupulous mercantile class
catering exclusively to the wealthiest of the wealthy.
Afet was the heir to impossible riches, and as such, her
suitors were both numerous and unrelenting, at times
falling over themselves for even one glimpse of her
face. In time, these scuffles turned violent: poisonings
and assassinations became common, but bloody duels
also played out constantly outside her family’s palatial
estate. Entire aristocratic bloodlines plotted ways to
connect themselves to her name through means both
benign and unsettling, sometimes going so far as to
assume the identity of a far-flung relative to claim
some degree of Afet’s legendary wealth and beauty.
440 BLACKBIRDS
This tumult ended only after Afet’s mother
died of illness, leaving the family’s vast influence at
Afet’s personal disposal. Seized by the sudden
realization that time would erode the beauty she so
prized, Afet bought her way into the power-hungry
cabal that would eventually become the Oligarchs—
to storm the otherworldly seat of the true gods and
brutally slay the aspects of love and beauty. Her
desire for immortal loveliness spread from her as a
virulent sickness, consuming her flesh even as she
ascended to dark, hellish godhood.
Still, many of her more distant relatives
remain—ones who escaped Afet’s immediate purges
of potential usurpers. Taking the surname “al-Afet,”
they desire to be connected to her influence even
now, despite the growing hotbed of disease
Ipswald—and soon enough, the entire continent—
has become.
P O ST- A S C E N S I O N
When she deigns to manifest before followers or
powerful enemies, the Plague appears as a
preternaturally gorgeous woman of sculptured
features and dark complexion, clad in eerily beautiful
clothing and often lying across a grand altar of
blooming flowers. Her eyes are absent, the flesh
around them peeled back in delicate layers to resemble
gently bristling black or purple roses, while her hands
seem to be searching tenderly for her throat. Her
presence is always heralded by an unearthly, sweet
scent, evoking recollections of the beholder’s most
cherished memories and deepest wants.
Such a vision could, alone, drive an unprotected
mind to madness, but this form is simply a ruse—
an alluring mirage that hides the sad truth of what
Afet has now become.
The Plague’s true form is that of a titanic,
bleached skeleton, overgrown with roses and exotic
flowers, perpetually strangling itself with its own
hands. Constantly weeping flower petals from her
empty eye sockets and cloaked in an intoxicating
aroma of the world’s finest scents, this sepulchral
vestige of power juts sullenly from the center of a
seemingly endless floral loam, which drags behind
her as though she were pulling herself up from a
grave. To stand before this twisted god is to have
one’s perceptions of beauty irrevocably shattered,
warped beyond recognition as the mortal body
collapses into nothing.
THE DISEASE
The disease emanating from the Plague’s
aberrant godhood is both magical and organic; it
seeps from cracks in the Od and the flesh of the
sick, touching those whose desire to be beautiful
surpasses all other wants and needs. Spreading
primarily through sexual contact—which is all too
easy to achieve as the “sufferer’s” voluptuous
physical transformation takes hold—it elevates
those infected into visions of carnal perfection. For
NPCs and populations, the illness can be staged
based upon the criteria below.
Note that the Plague of Beauty Affliction affects
infected Blackbirds in similar, but slightly different
ways. See Afflictions in Chapter 5: Talents &
Techniques for more details.
STAGE 1: The victim has been infected by the
Plague. The viral component begins attacking the
individual’s body almost immediately, eating away
at organs and blood vessels as the host is converted
into loam for their god. The magical component
of the disease dulls pain, softens skin, makes eyes
brighter, and turns hair thicker and fuller. The
infected gradually appear more physically attractive
after only a day or two. More sinisterly, the disease
instills a sense of euphoria in its host, making them
more jovial, personable, and in the case of the old
or infirm, somehow younger. The host still acts like
themself and otherwise has no major change of
personality.
Treating the illness at this stage has the best
chance of succeeding, though it is still highly lethal.
When cured, the body becomes permanently
immune to reinfection.

STAGE 2: The victim’s body is now fully consumed by
the Plague. Even as the disease breaks down major
organs and muscle groups, the magical nature of
the Plague causes features such as the lips, buttocks,
and breasts to appear fuller, strengthens or regrows
hair, and lightly tones muscles. People at this stage
of infection seem almost to glow, and they are far
likelier to appear charming and attractive to others.
The behavior of the host begins to change as well,
drawing them toward risqué pleasures of the flesh,
extravagant food and drink, and other beautiful
people like themself.
Multiple plague hosts are likely to come
together at this stage, congregating in dens of
iniquity before moving to wide, underground
bathhouses of indeterminate origins. A sweet odor
emanates from the infected, which serves as a mild
intoxicant in close quarters.
Treating the illness at this stage is still possible,
but the odds are much worse than in Stage 1.
STAGE 3: The victim’s body begins to break down
internally as the Plague ravages what is left of their
organs and musculature. The magical aspect of the
disease is now easily detectable even by unskilled
mages: it appears in the Od as a sort of mist or
cloud around the infected. A sufferer’s ability to feel
pain is almost nonexistent, whereas their sensitivity
to pleasure is multiplied tenfold. The outward
physicality of Stage 3 patients is as close to human
perfection as possible: chiseled, handsome features
and blemishless skin; lush, full heads of hair; bright
eyes; and nearly irresistible sexual magnetism.
Surrounded by Stage 2 and Stage 1 infected, they
are often at the center of bacchanalian orgies and
great feasts, or formal dances and court functions
infused with dangerously addictive elements of
sex and pleasure. The scent that follows them
everywhere is highly potent, seemingly ensorcelling
the weak-willed to come forward and enjoy this
bounty of beautiful flesh.
A tell of Stage 3 infection is the occasional
blooming of flowers from the host’s skin; these
O LI G A RC H S 441
quickly wilt back into the body. Paired with the
disease’s magical perfume, approaching the orgiastic
centers becomes almost hallucinogenic as one gets
lost in a sweet, carnal haze.
This stage lasts roughly a month, and Stage 3
plague bearers cannot be cured.
STAGE 4: The infected individual suddenly
experiences horrific pain throughout their half-
consumed nervous system. Empty of major organs
and muscles, and held together entirely by magical
bindings, the diseased body rapidly collapses into
a lush green or brown loam, which sprouts fleshy
“flowers” shortly after the host’s death. To observers,
it appears the dying succumb to fits of explosive
bliss, which end in them bursting into dirt, roses,
lilies, and hyacinths.
This loam generally remains where it has fallen,
and other infected hosts sprawl in it as flowers
bloom around them. Strangely enough, after
physical death, the loam is no longer infectious,
though it does linger until moved or destroyed.
A ST R A L M A N I FE STAT I O N
From the deific realm in which the Plague
resides, she, like other Oligarchs, takes a more direct
approach with her followers and the state of the
world than the old gods ever did. Intervening in
affairs both large and small, the Plague of Beauty
causes small pockets of infections in cities
everywhere, centered on the otherworldly
bathhouses directly overseen by one or more rose
witches. There can be small shrines to her in dens of
vice or places that celebrate her alien beauty,
including brothels, theaters, and the like, though
these are generally installed by the infected and are
therefore uncommon. She is known to occasionally
appear before the truly beautiful in their dreams,
offering seats at her side in exchange for them
renouncing all other allegiances and wants. No
matter what the recipient of these dreams chooses,
the experience leaves them mentally shaken and
much more likely to seek out her places of power.
 442 BLACKBIRDS
The Plague’s most stark
influence is in Ipswald and the
surrounding port cities, where
her illness has spread rapidly
through the black markets and
seedy dens of the flesh. Here, she
was widely known—and is still
“The plague pits and recognized and remembered—as
potter’s fields of Erebos are Afet al-Wazabi. Many cults of
tied closely with its cities. worship have sprung up in the
Those who die in the wild time since the Plague’s ascension,
are quickly returned to including the Daughters of Afet
its trees and to the fangs and the Heralds of Beauty, among
and sinew of those who many, many others. Although
dwell within them . . .” some of the remaining merchant
— Observations of the families try to contain outbreaks
Wandering Squire
of the disease, others meekly
attempt to align themselves with
Afet’s surviving family members or the rose witches
themselves—and, amid the ensuing chaos and their
own distractions, have neglected the ports proper,
which have all but closed to the outside world.
This breakdown has attracted the attention of
Corbel and the powers in the continent beyond . . .
P H YS I C A L M A N I FE STAT I O N
Were the Plague to physically manifest in the
world, she would do so in Ipswald, instantly converting
the majority of it into a mossy, overgrown ghost city as
most living things spontaneously melt into floral
loam. Once the impossible deific power of the Plague
establishes its seat in (or, more likely, on) her former
estate, handpicked survivors of her initial descent
would begin to draw in the weak and downtrodden—
those whom society has shunned, who wish for beauty
and pleasure beyond their hardscrabble existence.
From there, her dread illness would spread at a
terrifying pace, requiring magical charms or potent
medicines to stave off for any length of time. More
worryingly, some who were not infected would travel
to Ipswald to catch the Plague on purpose, creating
migration patterns toward the center of the outbreak,
ultimately further empowering the Oligarch.
After the initial conversion of Ipswald, the port
city would rapidly repopulate with Dionysian
revelers, becoming a place of the beautiful damned.
The Plague would reign here in her more passably
human form, granting immunity to her chosen so
they might spread her message . . . and, in many
cases, unwittingly spread her disease.
G O A L S A N D M A C H I N AT I O N S
The Plague of Beauty’s goals are extraordinarily
selfish, focused on creating a beautiful world
inhabited only by herself and the most radiant people
in existence. Her bathhouses attract likely candidates
she has contacted in prophetic dreams, thus
establishing a curious trend of maimed or otherwise
physically imperfect individuals who seek passage
into the neglected ports of Ipswald, though they
know not why. In time, and with enough influence,
these growing enclaves will be able to reopen the
ports proper and establish themselves in the much
larger and more traveled city of Afet. From there, the
Plague can easily spread across the rest of Erebos.
The Plague’s rose witches are also busily
ingratiating themselves with vulnerable or
sympathetic aristocratic houses throughout the
continent. Corbel is of particular interest, as both
the Plague and the Golden Messiah quietly vie for
the allegiance of the dreaded striga families.
Particularly powerful covens have also attempted to
bend the ears of lords and ladies in locales as far-
flung as Hyperitus or Elklund, putting the Plague
in conflict with several of her rival Oligarchs. In
Baerald-upon-Muse, her followers find themselves
part of a growing interfactional shadow war that
belies the city’s quaint exterior. The growing
skirmishes between the Plague and a newly
empowered Lady Cathia have been steadily
escalating: the latter has her sights firmly set on the
Splendid Kingdoms, after successfully reannexing
the cantons of Asterbörg and Lausanne, while the
former seeks a foothold on the mainland and—
eventually—the otherwise cloistered royals
currently residing in Cathia’s revered colleges. The

Saint of Lies has found fresh purchase in this
conflict as well and seeks to maintain the chaos for
their own amusement.
Signs of the Plague can be easily overlooked by
the casual observer but are nonetheless consistent
with her inflated image of self: bristling, brighter-
than-usual floral growth across the sides of structures;
the aroma of wildflowers where there should be none
(particularly within cities); and hushed whispers of
secret bathhouses or seer-like women, especially if
they “grant wishes.” Occasionally, one might find
small statues of a woman emerging from a rose,
usually propped up in dens of iniquity or roadside
inns, which would point to an individual follower or
plague bearer in the immediate area. Stumbling
across the entrance to one of the Plague’s bathhouses
is, of course, a sign, though entering one unprepared
is an entirely different affair.
Interfering with the Plague’s spread, even
unintentionally, tends to draw the attention of the
Oligarch—usually with a response from a rose witch,
though the scale of the transgression can escalate this
B AT H H O U S E O F A FE T
Distinct from any mundane bathhouses of larger cities,
the infamous bathhouses of the Plague of Beauty are
not truly part of the world. Rather, they are an
expression of a deeper horror, a wound in the Od that
lures the unattractive and broken, promising them
everlasting loveliness and exquisite carnal pleasures
under the guidance of an awe-inspiring rose witch.
Each bathhouse is a strange space incorporating
pristine marble columns, immaculately carved statuary,
warm bathing areas, and soft pink or purple light that
emanates, seemingly, from nowhere. Populated by as
few as a dozen to as many as several hundred infected
revelers, the rooms grow or shrink to comfortably
afford them space, which visitors use bountifully for
their nonstop sexual frolics. Even more curiously, the
edges of the baths are covered in piles of soft loam, with
flowers jutting forth at strange angles as they emit an
aroma overpowering yet sweet. The combined sights
O LI G A RC H S 443
to a dyad or, if severe enough, a particularly powerful
coven. The witches attempt to align the transgressor
with the Plague’s interests through employment,
threats, or a dazzling offer of supernatural beauty.
Resisting these temptations brings dire
consequences. Rose witches make for deadly
combatants, but in many instances, they allow the
perpetrators to leave their abodes peacefully and
seemingly without resistance. Shortly thereafter, an
adonis hunts down the target of the Plague’s ire in
earnest, annihilating them, their companions, and
any nearby structures or bystanders in a terrifying
demonstration of its god’s power—serving as both a
warning to others who might cross Afet’s followers
and a preview of what is to come.
D E AT H
To kill beauty is to see all the flowers of the
world wilt and die. All food would become devoid
of flavor. Wine would taste like silt in the mouths of
millions, the beautiful would turn hideous, and all
pleasure would cease to be.
and smells exert hugely deleterious effects on visitors’
mental and physical fortitude; once the window to the
unprepared mind finally shatters, the bathhouse itself
can seem alive.
Rose witches routinely use the bathhouses as
bases of operations, offering their “blessings” as a way
to draw in vulnerable travelers, local pariahs, or, in
rare cases, politically useful allies the witches can bend
to their will. Although not easily located—unless the
resident witch wants it to be found—the entrance to
a bathhouse appears in alleyways that cannot (or
should not) exist, or in derelict parts of towns and
cities, curiously devoid of people but overgrown with
flowers.
If one seeks such a place, for good or ill, simply
follow the inexplicable scent of roses in an otherwise
filthy city, until at last one’s eyes rest upon an open
doorway and a staircase that leads beneath the street . . .
444 BLACKBIRDS

S E RV A NTS A ND W O R S H I P E R S O F T H E P L A G U E

Lovely Grave

T hose who carry the Plague of Beauty are

doomed to die in unbearable agony, their
remains left on the floor of Afet’s bathhouses for
locomotion, it also reveals the entity’s weakness: its
skull sitting roughly where the head would be,
blooming with colorful flowers. Destroying this
other worshipers to lounge upon. Curious flowers skull is the key to ending the creature and freeing
spring from the soil of this transformed flesh and the individual it once was from an existence of
seem to react to their surroundings with a undying servitude.
disturbing awareness . . . yet, flowers they are, and
most of the time, they remain until moved, as too
much growth strikes the beautiful people as
unbecoming of their orgiastic revels.
This is not the end for a true believer, however.
Left in the open air long enough, these flowers
take on a life of their own as roots, dandelions,
vines, and wildflowers utterly consume the soil
until the foliage is thick enough to stand up and
wander away. These are the lovely graves, the once-
revelers of the Plague of Beauty, now dead and
beautiful forever.
Lovely graves are amorphous, shape-altering
masses of aromatic floral material, usually flowers
and root systems, that hide themselves on the
sides of buildings or in other areas where one
might take a pleasant afternoon stroll. When a
traveler strays too close, however, they strike—
blanketing their prey and suffocating them under a
thick, rippling layer of flowers. This is usually
enough to overpower an average person, and the
grave takes the body away to convert into more
mass. If the prey is sufficiently aware or skilled
enough to fight one off, then the grave assumes a
more conventional shape and continues
attacking until it or its opponent is dead.
The lovely graves can shift their mass
into a variety of vaguely recognizable living
shapes—usually that of a human or
some sort of domesticated
animal, such as a dog or large
cat. Even as this grants
them a means of
 O LI G A RC H S 445

AMBIGUOUS MASS: This creature takes no Damage
from mundane Ranged weapons, and mundane
Melee weapons can at most do 1 level of Damage
to it per attack, regardless of what is rolled.
INTOXICATING THORNS +10: Whenever this
creature makes a successful attack against a target,
make a successful Toughness test for the target at
+10, or they lose 1 AP.
MIND OF THE UNDEAD: This creature is immune to
magic or Abilities that seek to control the mind
or emotions. It automatically succeeds against
any Ability that would cause it to Resist with
Fellowship, Intelligence, or Willpower. This does
not include possession by Outsiders. It may not be
Knocked Out or Stunned.
REGENERATION: At the beginning of each of
this creature’s Turns, make a (Standard +/–0%)
Toughness test for it. If successful, move it 1 level
up the Damage Condition Track and remove one
Injury, if it has any. This effect ends when the
creature is Slain!.
SUPERNATURALLY SNEAKY: If this creature is hiding
and a Stealth test made for it is successful, opposed
rolls to notice it are Flip to Fail.
UNCANNY CLIMBER: This creature can climb up
sheer surfaces and across ceilings without making
any tests to succeed.
VULNERABLE POINT SKULL/HEAD: Those who
know the vulnerable point of this creature (listed
in parentheses) and hit it with an (Arduous –30%)
Targeted Attack deal Damage that bypasses this
creature’s defensive Traits and can’t be regenerated.
WEEPING ASH BANE: Bane dice (Ð10s that explode
on ‘9’ or ‘10’) are rolled instead of Damage dice
when weapons of this type are used against this
creature. This Damage cannot be mitigated or
healed by any of the Traits of this creature.
ENVELOP 2 MISFORTUNE, 2 AP: This creature
envelops an Engaged foe. Those enveloped are
rendered Defenseless and unable to take any
Actions until freed, and they take 1Ð10+1 Damage
at the beginning of each of their Turns as they are
drained of life. A –10 Athletics test may be made at
the same time for the target of Envelop to escape.
A grave may have only one foe enveloped at a time.
INFECTION 5 MISFORTUNE, 0 AP,
COMBAT ACTION: After being hit in a successful
unarmed attack, the target is infected with the
Plague of Beauty Affliction.

COMBAT BRAWN AGILITY PERCEPTION INTELLIGENCE WILLPOWER FELLOWSHIP

45 [5] 40 [5] 50 [7] 45 [4] 40 [4] 40 [4] 35 [3]

Coordination
Melee +20 Athletics +20
+20 Awareness +20
Ranged +10 Toughness +10
Stealth +20
Risk Factor:
Damage
Dodge: 70% Movement: 10 Peril Threshold: Suggested for
Threshold: Initiative: 13 Size: Normal
Parry: 65% Climbing: 10 7(13/19/25) 3 Basic-Tier
10(16/22/28)
Blackbirds

Thorny Tendrils: 65%. Distance (Melee Engaged). Damage [2Ð6+7]. Entangling, Finesse, Punishing
Launched Barbs: 55%. Distance (Ranged 10 strides). Load (1 AP). Damage [2Ð6+7]. Fast, Finesse, Throwing
 446 BLACKBIRDS

Rose Witch

B y far the most public among followers of the

Oligarchs, rose witches are supernaturally
beautiful women endowed with the power to make
the impossible real: turning the old young; mending
hideous scars into vibrant, new flesh; and ending
the scourge of age itself. Rarely seen but oft spoken
of, these wise women, viziers, confidants, and royal
advisers have wormed their way into cities across
Erebos, with whispers of their voluptuous bodies
and strange magic finding purchase, whether in the
seediest of roadside inns or in the halls of royalty.
Although only a select few command positions of
great power, all rose witches are desired, respected,
and feared in equal measure.
In truth, these mysterious women were once
mortal. Handpicked by the Plague of Beauty for
their reverence of physical perfection above all things,
each was magically transformed beyond their wildest
imaginings—their hair growing long and thick with
wildflowers, their eyes blooming into luscious roses,
even as their bodies plumped, thinned, and stretched
to reflect the otherworldly beauty of their patron god
herself. Often taking up residence within Afet’s
eldritch bathhouses, they draw in all manner of the
wretched so they might spread the Plague to every
corner of every country, reigning over orgiastic revels
and endless feasts as the disease ravages all in
attendance. Such is the price of eternal beauty: to
serve the Plague and her desires without question,
forever. Not a single witch has ever refused.
Rose witches deal with mortals as they see fit,
often by giving them a place among Afet’s beautiful
people so they can become infected by the plague
and draw in more adherents. Particularly skilled
individuals may pique a witch’s interest for their
potential usefulness and might be offered a magical
boon in exchange for the completion of some task
that furthers the Plague’s goals. These deals are held
sacrosanct, and a terrible vengeance is always
exacted if such an agreement is broken.
Although the witches prefer to manipulate rather
than fight, they are deceptive and terrifying sorceresses
when provoked. Flashing in and out of reality amid
great bursts of rose petals, they are nearly impossible to
pin down without concerted effort—a task made
extremely difficult by the oppressive, mind-altering
fragrance that constantly floods their vicinity. As the
witches are generally surrounded by supporters, and
can often be found in pairs (known as dyads) or in
dreaded three-witch covens, any attempt to put them
down is a herculean effort that usually ends in their
assailant’s brutal—but still beautiful—demise.

COMBAT BRAWN AGILITY PERCEPTION INTELLIGENCE WILLPOWER FELLOWSHIP

45 [6] 35 [3] 45 [5] 40 [5] 40 [4] 40 [5] 50 [7]

Coordination
Melee +20 +20 Awareness +20 Charm +20
Athletics +20 Heal +20 Resolve +30
Ranged +30 Skulduggery +20 Scrutinize +20 Guile +20
Stealth +30
Damage
Risk Factor:
Threshold:
Dodge: 65% Peril Threshold: Suggested for 3
10(16/22/28) Movement: 8 Initiative: 14 Size: Normal
Parry: 65% 8(14/20/26) Intermediate-
Light leather +2:
Tier Blackbirds
12(18/24/30)

Cudgel: 65%. Distance (Melee Engaged). Damage [2Ð6+6]. Off-Hand, Staggering

Raking Claws: 65%. Distance (Melee Engaged). Damage [2Ð6+6]. Fast, Punishing
Rose Petals: 75%. Distance (Ranged 8 strides). Load (1 AP). Damage [2Ð6+5]. Envenomed (1Ð10), Fast, Finesse, Throwing

Yet, despite the great danger these women pose,
their words continue to find purchase among a
fearful populace and its ailing masters. Their
presence serves as a stark reminder that the old gods
are dead, and that the Oligarchs now seek ever
greater influence upon the mortal world.
BILLOW OF PETALS 2 AP, SPECIAL ACTION:
This creature teleports up to their Movement
in strides. In combat, this does not trigger an
Opportunity Attack.
CRUEL LOVE: Mortal allies of this creature gain +20
to their attacks because of their fervor and devotion.
HEALING TOUCH 1 AP, SPECIAL ACTION: Once per
Turn, this creature may heal an adjacent ally of 2
levels of Damage.
INTOXICATING THORNS 10: Whenever
this creature makes a successful
Melee Attack against a target,
make a successful Toughness
test for the target at –10, or they
lose 1 AP.
NO MORTAL BLADE: This creature
is impervious to Damage from
weapons that are not Enchanted.
NO MORTAL SKILL: This creature is
immune to Extinguish Abilities.
POISONED AGREEMENT: Those
who agree to a deal with this
creature are marked by a
mystical symbol that
can be seen only with
Odsight. This creature
knows where those who
bear this mark are and what their
emotional state is at all times. The
only way to remove the symbol
from someone so marked is to
slay this creature. As part of
this agreement, this creature
can permanently increase
the Fellowship Attribute
of those who agree by 10
O LI G A RC H S 447
points, heal Injuries and Damage, regrow lost body
parts, and remove or impose the Plague of Beauty
Affliction or remove the effects of the Wither Trait.
REGENERATION: At the beginning of each of
this creature’s Turns, make a (Standard +/–0%)
Toughness test for them. If successful, move them 1
level up the Damage Condition Track and remove
one Injury, if they have one. This effect ends when
the creature is Slain!.
TOUCH OF THE OLIGARCH: After spending Fortune to
modify rolls, Abilities, or Techniques in the presence
of this creature, roll 1Ð6. If it comes up a ‘4’ or more,
an extra point of Fortune becomes Misfortune.
WEEPING ASH BANE: Bane dice (Ð10s that explode on
‘9’ or ‘10’) are rolled instead of Damage dice when
weapons of this type are used against this creature.
This Damage cannot be mitigated or healed by any of
the Traits of this creature.
ENTHRALL 2 MISFORTUNE, 2 AP,
COMBAT ACTION: All those within 5
strides of this creature are enthralled, and
for the rest of this Combat Scene, a
Resolve test at –10 must be made at
the beginning of each Turn during
which they wish to attack it. If it fails,
they may not attack this creature.
DEADLY BLOOM 3
MISFORTUNE, 1 AP, COMBAT
ACTION: This brings either three
lovely graves or six armsmen.
INFECTION 4
MISFORTUNE, 0 AP, COMBAT ACTION:
After being struck by a successful
unarmed Melee Attack, the target is
infected with the Plague of Beauty
Affliction.
WITHER 5
MISFORTUNE, 2 AP, SPECIAL
ACTION: An Engaged target
is aged rapidly, taking –10
from all of their Primary
Attributes and 1 AP
permanently.
 448 BLACKBIRDS

Adonis

S trange, awful, yet oddly beautiful giants that

appear almost painted into being, the adonises
are the brutal empyrean enforcers of the rose witches
and, by extension, the Plague of Beauty herself.
Towering over 20 strides tall, the creatures resemble
physically perfect, statuesquely muscular men, often
entirely nude or with their genitals covered with a
single, enormous fig leaf. They sport flowing,
flowered hair and a dull expression one might find on
someone staring wistfully toward the horizon. They
seem to be created from meticulously mixed oil
paint, which makes their bodies pop against the dull
muck of Erebos on the rare occasions they are
summoned. But the curious awe of how such a thing
could exist soon gives way to the utter horror of
realization that it does, as the adonises remorselessly
hunt down their prey with a ruinous lack of precision.
Monstrously strong, nigh indestructible, and
given the directive to annihilate a particular target
with as much spectacular collateral damage as
possible, an adonis closes in on terrified enemies to
beat its opponents to death as the environment
literally melts around them. Beyond the giant’s
strength, its painterly “flesh” acts as a magical acid to
the mundane world, making anything in the adonis’s
path sputter and collapse, like a portrait splashed
with turpentine. Living things touched by this magic
simply disintegrate into a colorful puddle and ooze,

COMBAT BRAWN AGILITY PERCEPTION INTELLIGENCE WILLPOWER FELLOWSHIP

45 [8] 50 [11] 40 [6] 40 [4] 40 [4] 45 [4] 35 [3]

Athletics +30
Melee +30 Coordination
Intimidate +20 Awareness +20 Resolve +30
Ranged +20 +10
Toughness +30
Risk Factor:
Damage
Dodge: 50% Peril Threshold: Suggested for 6
Threshold: Movement: 9 Initiative: 15 Size: Huge
(Natural) 7(13/19/25) Advanced-Tier
20(26/32/38)
Blackbirds

Smash: 75%. Distance (Melee Engaged or 3 strides). Damage [3Ð6+11]. Crushing (3), Slow, Staggering
Thrown Object: 65%. Distance (Ranged 18 strides). Load (1 AP). Damage [3Ð6+8]

in hideous fashion, between the giant’s fingers and
toes. Structures remain impossibly warped after even
the lightest contact, bent queasily into themselves.
If the adonises possess free will, it is not apparent.
They seem to be blunt tools for dealing with those
who displease an especially powerful rose witch or
otherwise interfere with the Plague’s machinations.
Yet, they do show some sparks of intelligence: when
faced with large bodies of water, for instance, the
giants seem to recognize and avoid them whenever
possible, as water slows them down significantly
(though it does not hurt them). They also recognize
their keepers and work in tandem with them to rout
particularly stalwart enemies, should a rose witch
choose to enter the fray herself. Despite these small
flickers of agency, however, the adonises loom as
inhuman instruments of the Plague’s will, obliterating
all opposition as even the staunchest of warriors flee
before them like terrified children.
ACIDIC CORRUPTION: Mundane Melee weapons
degrade 1 level for each successful hit made against this
creature. In addition, make a successful Coordination
test for those hit by this creature’s Melee Attacks;
unless their armor is Enchanted, it degrades by 1 level.
COLLATERAL DAMAGE * AP, SPECIAL ACTION: Spend
a number of AP for this creature to destroy an object
within range of its Melee Attacks. The AP that must
be spent depends upon the size of the object: 1 AP =
a normal-sized door; 2 AP = a cart, catapult, or gate;
and 3 AP = a small cottage, part of a castle wall, or a
large portcullis.
HYDROPHOBIA: This creature moves at half speed and
gains 1 less AP at the start of each of its Turns if it is
at least one-third submerged in water.
MASSIVE ASSAULT: This creature’s attacks prove
devastating, as they strike multiple foes. If an attack
hits, make a successful Coordination test for all beings
adjacent to the target, or they take 1Ð10+1 Damage.
MIEN OF MADNESS: This creature causes those who see
it clearly for the first time to suffer 2Ð10+2 Peril.
MIND OF THE UNDEAD: This creature is immune
to magic or Abilities that seek to control the mind
or emotions. It automatically succeeds against any
Ability that would cause it to Resist with Fellowship,
O LI G A RC H S 449
Intelligence, or Willpower. This does not include
possession by Outsiders. The creature cannot be
Knocked Out or Stunned.
NO MORTAL BLADE: This creature is impervious to
Damage from weapons that are not Enchanted.
NO MORTAL FATE: This creature is an intrinsic part of
the warp and weft of Fate. Its attacks and the effects
of its Traits cannot be prevented by spending Fate.
NO MORTAL SKILL: This creature is immune to
Extinguish Abilities.
REGENERATION: At the beginning of each of this
creature’s Turns, make a (Standard +/–0%) Toughness
test for it. If successful, move it 1 level up the Damage
Condition Track and remove one Injury, if it has any.
This effect ends when the creature is Slain!.
TOUCH OF THE OLIGARCH: After spending Fortune to
modify rolls, Abilities, or Techniques in the presence
of this creature, roll 1Ð6. If it comes up a ‘4’ or more,
an extra point of Fortune becomes Misfortune.
WEEPING ASH BANE: Bane dice (Ð10s that explode on
‘9’ or ‘10’) are rolled instead of Damage dice when
weapons of this type are used against this creature.
This Damage cannot be mitigated or healed by any of
the Traits of this creature.
STOMP 1 MISFORTUNE, 1 AP, COMBAT ACTION:
Make a successful Coordination test for all those
within 10 strides of this creature, or they are knocked
Prone and lose 1 AP.
ENTHRALL 2 MISFORTUNE ADD COMMA2
AP, COMBAT ACTION: All those within 5 strides of
this creature are enthralled, and for the rest of this
Combat Scene, a Resolve test at –10 must be made at
the beginning of each Turn during which they wish to
attack it. If it fails, they may not attack this creature.
INFECTION 3 MISFORTUNE, 0 AP, COMBAT
ACTION: After being struck by a successful unarmed
Melee Attack, the target is infected with the Plague
of Beauty Affliction.
DISSOLVE & DISCARD 5
MISFORTUNE: A target in Melee is picked up by
the Adonis. They immediately take 2Ð10+11
Bane Damage as the creature’s anathematic grasp
violently dissolves flesh and metal, before they are
thrown into the nearest structure for an additional
3Ð10+3 Damage.
 O LI G A RC H S 451

The Golden Messiah

T
here is a stain in the City of Painted
Glass. For decades, this glittering jewel
of Vichy’s oppressive, continent-wide
faith has waged an ideological war with worshipers
of the old gods by brutally stamping out ancient
religions and slaying their practitioners as it seeks
to secure unrivaled political power across Erebos.
Governmental extortion, crippling tithes, proxy
wars, abductions, assassinations—all tools of a
religious elite so obsessed with power that many of
its members see themselves as self-anointed saints
and, in some cases, living gods.
Yet these well-heeled bishops and matriarchs
now face a threat unlike anything they’ve ever
known. Their faith is a fiction. The true gods are
dead, and now something unnatural has arrived in
their stead to perform miracles before a populace
that has never known the benevolent hand of a true
messiah—a great, golden savior, who will uplift all
of humankind, so long as his followers wash away
his enemies, both real and imagined, in a storm of
cataclysmic global violence.
Religious fervor grips rural peoples and city
folk alike, inspiring mind-shattering acts of
depravity. Bands of roving soldiers, their flesh
tinged with gold, convert or slaughter every living
being they come across. And whispers of a vast
crusader army, ready to purge all who refuse to keep
the faith, now reach as far as Highsalt and the
eastern cantons of Cathia.
The world will shudder beneath the weight of
his dark vision. The Golden Messiah has mounted
his throne.

P R E- A S C E N S I O N
The being once known as Allard Noielles was a
high-ranking cardinal within the City of Painted
Glass’s complex orthodoxy, and one of a handful
among the uppermost clergy who dictated Vichy’s
wider governmental policies—particularly ones
pertaining to the military and social welfare. The
former was a point of pride for Noielles, as he often
452 BLACKBIRDS
used his authority to silence political rivals at home
and abroad, and to further cement his power as the
foremost voice of authority within the church. The
cornerstone of his social politics was the observation
of dogmatic rituals and pro-church propaganda
that inspired his followers to commit acts of violence
against anyone who spoke out against Noielles’s
ever-tightening grip.
Over time, his hunger for power grew insatiable.
Eliminating members of the provincial government
and rival clergymen in what would later be known as
the Gilded Coup, Noielles reigned as king in all but
name, until the population of Vichy fell almost
completely under his sway. Eventually, he sought to
spread his influence even farther by weakening
neighboring nations, such as Corbel, through
blackmail thinly disguised as religious tithes, while
re-instigating long-settled military conflicts with the
Caoimhe Clan-Lands and Cathia to spur a cancerous
nationalism among his followers.
Yet, when he attempted to assume the mantle of
an Erebosian god-king in earnest, Noielles ultimately
failed. Vichy’s large but uncoordinated military
faltered on the Caoimhe and Cathian fronts, and his
incomplete coup attempt left just enough opponents
to undo his gains in seizing vast swaths of the
government. For the first time in his life, Noielles
watched as his dreams began to elude him.
He would never let this happen again.
Defeated but not deterred, Noielles let the wars
of his making rage unhindered, even as he devised a
new plan that defied all logic and reason: he would
lead a retinue of the world’s elite and storm the realm
of the gods to murder them in their Heaven, so he
and each of his cohort might assume their deific
thrones and reign unchallenged forever.
This plan would eventually succeed.
Noielles’s sudden disappearance from the world
left Vichy struggling to fill a massive power vacuum, in
addition to dealing with a nigh-brainwashed populace
and multiple, unwinnable, costly wars. Stand-in
leaders struggled to maintain what little order they
could as the country began to unravel—but as
egotistical, cruel, and power-hungry as he was, the self-
styled messiah never meant to leave his city for long.
P O ST- A S C E N S I O N
The Golden Messiah’s more presentable form is
that of a muscular, golden man about 10 strides tall.
He is entirely bald and is often seen wearing golden,
flowing togas or modified cardinal’s robes that
expose his powerful physique. No part of Allard’s
original form remains—his once squat, fleshy shape
has been molded into the ultimate religious fantasy
for his multitudes of worshipers, whom he stares at
with unfeeling metallic eyes that glint in the light of
the sun. His presence in the world has an oddly
addictive quality. Those who look upon him hear
the sound of trumpets in the distance, choirs of
angels, organ music, and fervent chanting or
humming, and they desire more every time they
experience it. He sits upon a massive golden throne
at the end of a long, ornately designed gold hallway,
as lights that appear to be winged people dance
along the ceiling.
Like many mythical rulers, his touch turns
objects and even the immediate area around him
into solid gold. His attendants, for as long as they
can withstand his presence, often appear as half-
gold living statues, and even some commoners
appear to have been “blessed,” sporting a large
golden handprint across their face or a golden
impression left by the tip of a saintly finger. This
touch spreads like a cancer, though the euphoria of
being anointed by a god overrides such recognition
until it is far too late.
The true form of the Messiah fits his monstrous
hunger for personal worship. His upper body juts
from the top of an impossibly large altar, as molten
gold erupts from it in the form of adherents and
worshipers praising the Messiah endlessly. Three pairs
of great arms ascend from the base of the altar in
supplication, each holding a great, gilded tool or
weapon. Gold spreads from this altar like an unnoticed
curse, petrifying all who hear the monstrous sermons
pouring from his unfeeling, metal lips.

T H E FE RVO R
As with all the Messiah’s horrific brethren, his
presence, words, and performative miracles rapidly
plunge unprotected minds into insanity. In the case of
the Messiah and his growing legions of “gilded,” this
shift takes the form of religious fervor and unwavering,
homicidal loyalty to the twisted god. For Tapestries,
the level of influence the Messiah has on an individual
NPC or population (Blackbirds are generally resistant
to the Fervor, at the Fateweaver’s discretion) can be
staged based on the following criteria.
Stage 1: The individual has not seen or heard the
Golden Messiah personally but has begun to believe
in the religion surrounding them. The Fervor presents
as a feeling of belonging, ease, and love, tinged with a
newly developed distrust of outlanders and a growing
xenophobia involving those who haven’t “embraced
the word.” Individuals and populations affected in
this way do not show physical symptoms, but their
actions can escalate to violence, depending upon the
number of gilded nearby. Large groups are capable of
unthinkable atrocities.
This state can be cured to a degree—in time or
with magical intervention, the Fervor fades from an
individual, leaving them with an indescribable
longing for an intangible “greater truth.” Thereafter,
they inadvertently seek out former or active gilded,
starting the cycle again.
Stage 2: The most common stage among the gilded
and the most represented in the tainted crusader
armies of Vichy.
The individual has seen or heard the Golden
Messiah in some capacity, including through one of
his higher-level servants or a religious vision. At this
stage, parts of the person’s skin are tinged with a
metallic-looking substance that appears as either
polished bronze or gold. These areas are pain resistant
and numb to sensation, though the individual does
not necessarily comprehend this change. Religious
euphoria grips their mind, filling the person with a
sense of having a higher calling or purpose, and any
O LI G A RC H S 453
attempt to sway or mitigate this condition sparks
extreme, often violent, resistance. Individuals at this
stage are quite volatile and can be directed to attack
almost any target the Messiah wills—or even places
and people who happen to be in the way.
Oddly, they treat new converts or those willing
to convert with an almost parental level of
preciousness, refusing to harm them at all and
fighting to the death to protect them.
Stage 2 onward cannot be cured or mitigated
without otherworldly intervention. Additionally,
when one suffering from the Fervor is killed, the gold
patches on their skin and hair turn to a putrid mud.
Stage 3: Often captains and generals of the crusader
armies, these individuals possess limbs partially or
fully converted to shimmering, living gold. They
move about as normal but speak in a ringing,
somewhat metallic voice resembling the sound of a
trumpet or harp. These people are the true believers
of the Golden Messiah, quick to violence and
performatively pious to whatever decree or higher
truth he has espoused. Their negative emotions,
particularly suspicion and anger, are heightened
beyond reason—they immediately escalate any
conflict to full-blown slaughter if extreme deference
is not paid to their mission and their god. Stage 3
sufferers often see deific visions when they close
their eyes and “hear” the whispers of the Messiah,
as if he is personally guiding their destiny.
Golden limbs, flesh, or organs are not wounded
normally but are instead warped and dented from
blows, causing visible and permanent deformations
in more battle-tested commanders. Their pain
tolerance is formidable, though many complain of
itchiness or the sensation of overheating. After
death, the gold in their bodies transmutes to putrid
mud, as with their less-affected counterparts.
Stage 4: Crippled by deific visions and the creeping
conversion of flesh into precious metal, sufferers of
Stage 4 Fervor ultimately succumb to an agonizing,
brutal death as molten gold overtakes their
454 BLACKBIRDS
remaining organs and central nervous system. They
become petrified where they stand and are often left
there by other gilded as “martyrs,” so the uninitiated
might know the love and joy of the Messiah. Gilded
witnesses perform elaborate, haunting prayers as
this final metamorphosis occurs, even as they ignore
the pained screams of their coreligionists.
Because of the chaos from the ongoing war,
these statues are often broken apart by bandits and
mercenary bands for the raw gold, which, at this
stage of Fervor, does not convert to mud. In some
cases, partially broken bodies jut out oddly from the
landscape, bereft of arms, legs, or a head.
A ST R A L M A N I FE STAT I O N
The Messiah’s true goal was always to return to
the physical world, but from his throne in the
beyond, he still wields much influence on those
susceptible to his words. Focusing almost single-
mindedly on the people in and surrounding Vichy,
he delivers miracles and powerful visions to
everyone, from the filthiest peasants to the most
powerful regional governors. Farm animals and
produce suddenly turn to glittering gold, the sky
parts and golden light descends in otherworldly
auroras over quaint hamlets, or all the people of a
town wake up hearing the Messiah speak about the
nature of faith and destiny. These manufactured
religious experiences serve to ignite the word of a
living, physical god, and as the Fervor spreads,
doubters either come to experience the miracles
themselves or are brutally slain by their former
friends and neighbors.
Within the City of Painted Glass, a massive
religious surge has overtaken the population, most
of whom were already susceptible to idolatry. Daily
citywide prayers are extended to the Messiah, and
mortal leaders either quickly fall in line or face the
wrath of an intransigent, bloodthirsty citizenry.
There are no cults or religious offshoots, only the
rapid takeover and conversion of the orthodoxy to
solely spread the gospel of the Messiah.
Ironically, the effects of the Gilded Coup are
still felt even while the Messiah resides in his
Heaven. Few effective leaders remain, with the
church reduced to sniveling cowards or careerists
pragmatic to a fault, who can only watch as crude
chapels and heathen symbols are erected across their
lands.
P HYS I CA L M A N I F E STAT I O N
When—and it is a matter of when—the
Messiah returns to Erebos, he will do so in the City
of Painted Glass. His form entering the mortal coil
will be a magical atrocity unlike anything the world
has ever witnessed, instantly petrifying the entire
city and everything around it for miles into perfectly
detailed gold. The city’s eerie silence will last only so
long, however, as pilgrims flock to the “one true
god” and the Messiah launches his crusades in
earnest.
Here is the true goal: the Messiah’s only future
is one wherein he is worshiped by all. Thus will his
crusades begin, with bands of gilded soldiers tearing
apart the countryside as they convert or kill
whomever they can find. Vast migrations of war
refugees will spill into neighboring countries even
as an equally large number of pilgrims begin
pouring toward Vichy, seeking safety, salvation, or
both.
D E AT H
The Golden Messiah’s death would instantly
turn all the gold in the world into putrid mud. It
would also signal the death of faith itself, leaving
the adherents of all religions bereft of an emotional
axis. Entire societies or sects would crumble
overnight as ordinary people and nobles alike
fumble for meaning beyond the squalid hell they
have created for themselves.
If, however, the world saw a new generation of
gods at the time of the Messiah’s death, it is possible
that some of these effects could be mitigated.
 O LI G A RC H S 455

S E RV A NTS A ND W O R S H I P E R S O F T H E M E S S I A H

The Gilded

F aith is a balm that soothes the troubled mind,

but woe betide the pilgrims who seek their place
amid the throngs of the Golden Messiah. His plan
to certain levels of pain thanks to their golden
affliction, and thus they ignore the effects of many
forms of harm. Major damage, however, still registers.
belongs to him alone, infecting everything as a Although an individual gilded is only slightly
poisonous new religion is spread by his vicious army more dangerous than the average brigand,
of sycophantic worshipers. These crusading troops
believe with all their being that each new horror they
inflict upon the people of Erebos has been
personally sanctioned by a righteous living god,
and nothing in this world can convince them
otherwise.
Those who take up arms to spread the faith
of the Golden Messiah are personally blessed by
his hand. Although they appear perfectly ordinary
at first glance, upon closer examination, the gilded
seem to be slowly transforming into liquid or solid
gold: one may have gold-tipped hair, another may
seem to have gold encroaching on their eyes, and
others might have gold-tipped fingers or a bright,
metallic sheen to their skin. And unlike mundane
bandits or thugs, these fanatics rarely, if ever, back
down from a fight—their tactics tend to be
reckless if not downright suicidal, as they
gladly throw themselves into danger to
demonstrate the righteousness of their
beliefs. Additionally, the gilded are rendered immune

COMBAT BRAWN AGILITY PERCEPTION INTELLIGENCE WILLPOWER FELLOWSHIP

50 [7] 45 [6] 45 [6] 40 [4] 40 [4] 40 [4] 35 [3]

Melee +20
Athletics +10 Coordination Awareness +10
Ranged +10 Folklore +10 Resolve +10 Charm +20
Toughness +20 +10 Scrutinize +10
Warfare +10
Damage
Risk Factor:
Threshold:
Dodge: 55% Peril Threshold: Suggested for 1
10(16/22/28) Movement: 9 Initiative: 13 Size: Normal
Parry: 70% 7(13/19/25) Intermediate-
Gambeson +3:
Tier Blackbird
13(19/25/31)

Billhook: 70%. Distance (Melee Engaged or 1 stride). Damage [1Ð6+8]. Disarming, Reach, Slow
Horse Bow: 60%. Distance (Ranged 15 strides). Load (1 AP). Damage [1Ð6+7]. Fast, Finesse
456 BLACKBIRDS
the realities of their growing faith mean they almost
always travel in some sort of group, somewhere
between a pack of violent inquisitors and a motley
volunteer battalion. The individuals in these groups
generally exist somewhere between Stage 1 and 2 on
the Messiah’s Fervor chart, though larger camps of
the gilded have a higher-ranking military or
religious leader at Stage 3.
BLESSINGS OF GOLD: These creatures feel less pain
and take less Damage on regions of their body
touched by the spreading influence of the Golden
Messiah. If one of them receives an Injury, they
instead heal 1 level of Damage as the location turns
to gold or is filled with molten gold that immediately
hardens. When this happens, make a Toughness
test for them. If this test fails, the creature loses 1
AP permanently. If reduced to 0 AP, they become
completely immobile and Helpless.
PARADISO: These creatures are not imperiled by
seeing themselves or their compatriots wounded,
maimed, or killed. In fact, they are emboldened.
Whenever one is killed or takes 3 or more levels of
Damage from one attack, all the others witnessing
the onslaught gain an extra Damage die on their
next attack, if it hits.
Golden Paladin
I n dire straits, a worshiper or follower of the
Messiah can entreat their god for aid—and he is
always listening. The Messiah’s blessing painfully
transmutes its subject’s flesh and bones into living
gold, molding them into the shape of a brilliantly
armored knight almost 5 strides tall, in service of
the true god, the only god, and the one who will set
their soul free. Armed with a golden sword, golden
shield, or other golden martial implement
emblazoned with the symbol of the faith, these
avatars of holy fury are as deadly as they are zealous.
Radiant and terrifying to behold, they feel no pain
after their transformation and wish nothing but
QUICKBRONZE BANE: Bane dice (Ð10s that explode
on ‘9’ or ‘10’) are rolled instead of Damage dice
when weapons of this type are used against this
creature. This Damage cannot be mitigated or
healed by any of the Traits of this creature.
RELIGIOUS FERVOR: This creature possesses a
supernatural attachment to their religion and the
belief that their actions are righteous. In groups of
three or more, they immediately pass any Resolve
test made for them to Resist any negative effect.
Even when in smaller groups, such tests are Flip
to Succeed.
THE LIGHT OF THE MESSIAH 3 MISFORTUNE,
0 AP, COMBAT ACTION: All present creatures of this
type glow, as if from sunlight shining down from
the heavens and reflecting off their forms. This
happens even at night or underground. All attacks
against them are Flip to Fail for those who must use
sight to aim their strikes. This effect lasts until one
of the creatures is slain.
AUREATE CAVALIER 5 MISFORTUNE,
1 AP, SPECIAL ACTION: A golden paladin arrives to
assist this creature.
death upon their heathen foes. To become a paladin
is the ultimate test of faith for a believer, and to
some, the only righteous way to serve a higher
calling. It also spells death for any who provoked
such direct, godly intervention.
Golden paladins are unable to be injured by
normal means, as they are essentially living metal. But
gold is soft, so blows against a paladin warp and
disfigure their bodies, leaving them with smashed
heads, dented sword arms, or partially melted legs.
Truly defeating a paladin is essentially restricted to
deforming it so badly that it can no longer fight,
destroying it with magic, or hacking off multiple limbs.

Of course, the battle frenzy of a golden paladin
is not without end. The Oligarchs exist as stains
against nature, and their magics are perilously
ruinous to mortals. A golden paladin destabilizes
and begins to melt after 2 to 3 minutes, their body
boiling into molten metal before coming apart
entirely. This process is deeply horrific to watch,
with each drop of gold transmuting to lead upon
the paladin’s final breath, so their remains
are as worthless as their false faith.
O LI G A RC H S 457
The paladins, however, know what awaits
them. Each is wordlessly committed to tearing
idolatrous heathenry from their lands, no matter
the cost, in the name of a god to whom they are
uniquely connected. Enemies and allies alike are
nothing but obstacles to them, and they would
plow through a sea of lesser gilded if it meant even
one blasphemer dies by their hand.
CHURCH TRIUMPHANT: Any gilded or allies who
are true believers of the Golden Messiah within
10 strides of this creature gain +10 to attack and
+10 to any Toughness or Resolve tests.
LAST CRUSADE: Having accepted mortal death in
exchange for a promised eternal life, this creature
cannot be reasoned with and is immune to effects
that cause fear.
NO MORTAL BLADE: This creature is impervious to
Damage from weapons that are not Enchanted.
NO MORTAL SKILL: This creature is immune to
Extinguish Abilities.
QUICKBRONZE BANE: Bane dice (Ð10s that explode
on ‘9’ or ‘10’) are rolled instead of Damage dice
when weapons of this type are
used against this creature. This
Damage cannot be mitigated
or healed by any of the Traits
of this creature.
 458 BLACKBIRDS

TOUCH OF THE OLIGARCH: After THE LIGHT OF THE MESSIAH 3

spending Fortune to modify
rolls, Abilities, or Techniques
in the presence of this creature,
roll 1Ð6. If it comes up a ‘4’ or
more, an extra point of Fortune
becomes Misfortune.
“Never accept the promise UNTO FOREVER: This creature is
of gold in a fortnight made of gold and ignores any
for a job that risks life physical Damage that does only 1
and limb today.” level of Damage, and any physical
—Common saying Damage that would do 2 or more
amongst the
Mercenaries of Erebos levels of Damage does only 1.
They also ignore Injuries, but if
one would be inflicted, they take
an extra level of Damage instead. They are immune
to poisoning, cold, and possession and cannot be
Knocked Out or Stunned.
MISFORTUNE, 0 AP, COMBAT ACTION: This creature
and any gilded present glow as if from sunlight
shining down from the heavens and reflecting
off their forms. This happens even at night or
underground. All attacks made against those so
glowing are Flip to Fail for those who must use
sight to aim their strikes. This effect lasts until this
creature takes 1 level of Damage.
SO BELOW 3 MISFORTUNE, 0 AP,
REACTION: When this creature is killed, make a
successful Coordination test for all those within 2
strides, or they take 2Ð10+2 Damage from flames
as they are sprayed with molten metal. If this test
is a Critical or Sublime Failure, each target is set
On Fire (see Set On Fire in Chapter 6: Conflict &
Rekindling for details).
FINGER OF LIGHT 5 MISFORTUNE:
The creature bisects an opponent down the center
with a single downward swing of their blade; the
target takes 4Ð10+4 Bane Damage.

COMBAT BRAWN AGILITY PERCEPTION INTELLIGENCE WILLPOWER FELLOWSHIP

50 [9] 45 [6] 45 [6] 40 [4] 40 [4] 40 [4] 35 [3]
Melee +20 Athletics +20
Coordination Heal +10
Ranged +20 Intimidate +20 Awareness +20 Resolve +30 Leadership +20
+10 Strategy +10
Warfare +20 Toughness +20
Damage
Risk Factor:
Threshold:
Peril Threshold: Suggested for 3
Dodge: 55% 11(17/23/29) Movement: 9 Initiative: 15 Size: Normal
7(13/19/25) Intermediate-
Plate +7:
Tier Blackbirds
18(24/30/36)

Pike: 70%. Distance (Melee Engaged or 1 stride). Damage [2Ð6+6]. Finesse, Piercing, Reach
OR
Longsword: 70%. Distance (Melee Engaged). Damage [2Ð6+9]. Adaptable, Biting (2), Defensive
Arbalest Crossbow: 70%. Distance (Ranged 15 strides). Load (2 AP). Damage [2Ð6+9]. Fast, Piercing (3), Punishing

Primum Slug
P rimum slugs betray the Golden Messiah for
what he is: a monster. But to his worshipers,
there is no greater honor to be in the mind-eroding
presence of a primum: a massive, slug-like glob of
semi-solid gold that spontaneously erects religious
emblems across its back, shifting and melting into
whatever shapes its adherents most want to see.
Primum slowly drag themselves from the inner
halls of the Messiah’s throne in Vichy, their trails
transforming the earth into glittering gold and
eventually poisonous lead as they squirm across
the countryside. Although few in number, these
slugs are hideous, reality-annihilating entities. To
see one is to watch the leaves of trees slowly
transform into metal, to hear the songs of angels
in one’s ears, and to watch as the sky twists into a
baroque painting with flights of smiling saints
descending upon humanity. To gaze upon the
emblems on its back is to know that God is real,
and to rejoice.
Thus, primum slugs are fairly easy to track.
Throngs of worshipers flock to witness the
creatures in motion, even as these unfortunate
adherents’ senses are pulverized by the inescapable
power of the Messiah. The places primum have
COMBAT BRAWN AGILITY
50 [10] 45 [9] 45 [4]
Athletics +20
Melee +30
Toughness +30
Damage
Dodge: 45%
Threshold: Movement: 6
Parry: 80%
19(25/31/37)
Warhammer: 80%. Distance (Melee Engaged or 2 strides). Damage [4Ð6+10]. Breaker, Crushing (2), Slow, Staggering
OR
Greatsword: 80%. Distance (Melee Engaged or 2 strides). Damage [4Ð6+10]. Punishing, Reach, Slow
O LI G A RC H S 459
recently been are considered blessed by locals,
most of whom eventually succumb to the
Oligarch’s addictive influence, whereas villages
visited in the past degrade into poisonous, fallow
ghost towns. Still, the creatures slither ever
forward, nearly mindless, driven in singular
directions without reasoning, will . . . or respect of
neighboring countries’ borders.
Despite their ponderous forms, primum
slugs are the most dangerous tool in the Messiah’s
heavenly arsenal. The creatures are unstoppable
in their dreaded pilgrimage, massively armored,
and able to swing dozens of spontaneously
formed tentacles or martial implements against
foes approaching from any direction. Possessed
of some raw fragment of the Messiah’s awful
magic, the things seem to twist the world itself
into knots around them, inducing malevolent,
dangerous properties in everything from the
ground beneath them to the clouds far above
their heads. As the mind-numbing effects of a
primum take hold, it is simply a matter of time
before even a supremely well-trained force is
overwhelmed by the slug and destroyed, all
without it halting for a moment.
PERCEPTION INTELLIGENCE WILLPOWER FELLOWSHIP
40 [6] 40 [4] 40 [4] 35 [3]
Awareness +30 Resolve +30
Risk Factor:
Peril Threshold: Suggested for 6
Initiative: 6 Size: Huge
7(13/19/25) Advanced-Tier
Blackbirds
460 BLACKBIRDS
DEIFIC INFLUENCE: Every moment this creature
exists in the world, its influence transforms the
landscape into the twisted image of its master. At the
beginning of every Turn, the slug alters the world
itself, randomly manifesting one of the following
effects for all within 20 strides until the beginning
of its next Turn:
1. Weight of the World: All foes to this creature
begin their Turn with 1 less AP; they feel as if
their possessions have become too heavy to bear.
2. Holy Light: All foes to this creature find that
defensive Reactions are Flip to Fail as the weapons
of those who are this creature’s allies glow with
heavenly brilliance.
3. Visions of Eternity: 1 extra AP must be spent for
foes of this creature to perform Movement
Actions, as their reality is filled with overwhelming
vistas of heavens and saints.
4. Bane of Witches: All Odweft rolls made are Flip
to Fail, and any Wortcunning Spells currently
active are immediately snuffed out and their
effects ended until they can be recast.
5. Holy Fire: All foes to this creature are exposed to
Moderately Dangerous flames at the beginning
of their Turns, which do 2Ð10+2 Damage unless
a successful (Routine +10%) Coordination test is
made for them.
6. Moment of Repose: No overt effect is manifested,
but Resolve tests must be made for all foes of this
creature, as the anticipation of what is to come
proves unbearable.
FORM OF THE EMPYREAN: This creature is made
of a supernaturally reinforced, living gold and is
highly resistant to attacks. This creature is immune
to Injuries, cold, and poisoning. Attacks against
the creature must be coordinated against a single
spot to deal full Damage. After the end of this
creature’s Turn, the first attack to do at least 1 level
of Damage does no Damage, the second attack can
do no more than 1 level of Damage even if it should
deal more, the third attack can do no more than 2
levels, etc. This effect resets each time this creature
takes its Turn.
IMMACULATE PILGRIM: This creature leaves a trail of
solid gold sludge in its wake, which transforms the
environment into an otherworldly baroque scene
plated in gold. After a week, this sludge turns into
poisonous lead, reducing the immediate area to a
toxic wasteland.
MELEE SAVANT: This creature’s first Melee Attack
each Turn is made for 0 AP. Multiple attacks are
not penalized.
MINDLESS INVOKER: This creature is not affected by
any influence but the Messiah’s, and it projects his
will and voice into the minds of those nearby. Any
allies who are true believers of the Golden Messiah
within 10 strides of this creature gain +20 to attacks
and +20 to any Toughness or Resolve tests made
for them. This creature is immune to possession and
to effects that influence the mind, and it can’t be
Knocked Out or Stunned.
NO MORTAL BLADE: This creature is impervious to
Damage from weapons that are not Enchanted.
NO MORTAL FATE: This creature is an intrinsic part of
the warp and weft of Fate. Its attacks and the effects
of its Traits cannot be prevented by spending Fate.
NO MORTAL SKILL: This creature is immune to
Extinguish Abilities.
QUICKBRONZE BANE: Bane dice (Ð10s that explode
on ‘9’ or ‘10’) are rolled instead of Damage dice
when weapons of this type are used against this
creature. This Damage cannot be mitigated or
healed by any of the Traits of this creature.
REGENERATION: At the beginning of each of
this creature’s Turns, make a (Standard +/–0%)
Toughness test for it. If successful, move it 1 level
up the Damage Condition Track and remove one
Injury, if it has one. This effect ends when the
creature is Slain!.
TOUCH OF THE OLIGARCH: After spending Fortune
to modify rolls, Abilities, or Techniques in the
presence of this creature, roll 1Ð6. If it comes up
a ‘4’ or more, an extra point of Fortune becomes
Misfortune.
 O LI G A RC H S 461

this creature is transformed into a golden statue

RELIQUARY 3 MISFORTUNE, 1 AP, in a position of supplication and marked with the
SPECIAL ACTION: Spend 1 AP for this creature to sign of the Golden Messiah. The target is fully
turn a random limb of a foe within 3 strides into conscious, although cut off from all sensation. They
useless gold. suffer 1Ð10+1 Peril each day they remain trapped,
IMMACULATE CONVERSION 4 and they cannot recover from Peril while in this
MISFORTUNE, 1 AP, SPECIAL ACTION: 1Ð6 non- state. If they become Incapacitated!, they will
Blackbird Mortals nearby are transformed into need to rest for 1 week after being restored. This
gilded that aid this creature in battle. condition can be reversed only by finding a Sigilist
FERETORY 5 MISFORTUNE, 2 AP, whose faith has not been corrupted by the Messiah
SPECIAL ACTION: A foe within three strides of to remove the sign.
 O LI G A RC H S 463

The Allmother

I
n these days of endless conflict, it is all too
common for frightened orphans and grizzled
warriors alike to lie awake in their beds, wishing
for the comforting love of a mother—someone to
kiss them on the cheek and steal away their worries,
to cradle them in their arms and whisper stories of
caparisoned heroes on brave steeds until the firelight
grows dim and sleep takes them, as it once did
before the world grew hateful and dark. Little do
they imagine that a mother is watching—always.
In Thule, one of the last bastions of civilization
left unscarred by the War of Empty Thrones, dread
whispers of pretenders that go about the shape of
people spread like wildfire. People from all walks of
life, from simple fisherfolk to powerful aristocrats,
vanish for days, only to return and devour their
families entirely, mouths stretched impossibly wide
as they rend flesh from bone. Strangers, locals,
children, even animals have been implicated in the
rash of supernatural violence—no one is above
suspicion, and any odd behavior can be seized upon
as fear metastasizes into paranoid self-preservation.
Not even the court of Highsalt has been spared.
There, a lone guard walked in on the king’s
concubine, Belladonna Cicero, splayed over the
bespattered remains of the royal couple, her mouth
wet with gore. Anyone, it seems, is capable of
anything, even members of the court.
Neighboring Elklund, meanwhile, finds itself
riven by a civil war of indescribable brutality. The
puppeteers of this conflict come from many families
and wear many faces, but their plans, battle tactics,
troop movements . . . all of it seems somehow
coordinated—and something far beyond a secret
power play. Almost as if every hand moving the
pawns on the board were one and the same,
orchestrated from beyond the apocryphal darkness
at the edge of the real.
After all, mother always knows best.
464 BLACKBIRDS
PRE-ASCENSION
Born Belladonna Cicero, the woman who
would become the Allmother was heir to a noble
Corbellian lineage, as well as a distant relative of the
same King Gothric she would bed and, later,
infamously murder. Although she began her
political career as an advisor and liaison to Corbel’s
Golden Basilica, she had her sights set far above her
station and took every opportunity to assume as
much power within the court as she possibly could
while maintaining the image of a nurturing
surrogate mother.
Known widely as a sympathetic and kindly
woman who often took long strolls with the
beleaguered Queen Margit, Belladonna hid a dark,
unpitying waywardness and a truly monstrous
appetite for control: her belief was that, without her
direct intervention and oversight, Highsalt and
Erebos were improperly governed. Other members
of the court seemed to distrust her instinctually, and
were it not for the overwhelming responsibilities of
rule, perhaps the king or queen might have noticed
a certain coldness that Cicero directed toward their
young children. Yet, she remained so close to the
royal family and concealed this behavior so well
that, after the difficult birth of Princess Ethel
weakened the queen’s body, the royal couple
welcomed Belladonna not just into their inner
circle, but into their bedchamber.
This gave Cicero the access she needed to begin
shaping the court to her liking, but she faced one
stubborn problem: unable to bear children herself,
she would never have a legitimate claim to the
throne—unless the entire lineage of Orm Sigbert
ceased to be . . . that is, unless she had true,
unquestioned power.
Thus did she find a particular group of like-
minded elites and set her plans into motion.
On the night of her ascension, a guard did see
Belladonna Cicero visit the royal children and did
witness her in the royal bedchamber in the aftermath
of the slaughter. Yet, this thing both was and was
not Belladonna. It was a mere piece of her animated
by the newly anointed Oligarch’s hideous power.
After murdering and partially consuming the royal
family, the entity slipped away before its true nature
could be discovered: that of a doppelgänger, born to
be the Belladonna that Belladonna herself never
could and to commit the one act she never mustered
the conviction to execute.
P O ST- A S C E N S I O N
Effectively a virus born of a deep-seated need
for control, the Allmother can be anyone or
anything: when individuals vanish from Thule, she
replaces them with copies that are pieces of herself,
acting as she wishes the individual would have acted
and doing what she believes they ought to do.
Although it is possible her original simulacrum still
lies in wait within the secret staircases and
passageways of Highsalt, one is far more likely to
encounter her as a smiling baker, a curious child, a
cat that follows one a bit too closely for a bit too
long. Truly, she could be anybody, and one would
never know until it was far too late. By murdering
and replacing the residents of Thule as she sees fit,
she believes she is doing them a service, making
their lives better as they surrender control to
someone far more fit to make decisions.
As a human, the Allmother was a beautiful,
sharp-featured woman with long black hair. Now,
her true, malefic form is that of a titanic, pulsating
sphere, which seems to consist of an endless mass of
people, animals, and objects from all walks of life,
bathed in the deep red of fresh amniotic fluid—all
of them extensions of the Allmother. Massive
human hands erupt in concentric spines around the
sphere’s surface. Looking upon her is a dizzying and
sickening ordeal as the bodies squirm and moan in
a dreadful cacophony of sound. Should the sphere
shift to reveal the Oligarch’s face, it does so by
parting the bodies into a great vaginal opening
through which she might gaze balefully upon
whatever slack-jawed visitor has so foolishly invoked
her.

M OT H E R’ S W ATC H
Like her fellow Oligarchs, Belladonna’s
influence causes a dramatic transformation in the
minds and bodies of sentient organisms, corrupting
all that she touches. In the Allmother’s case,
paranoid delusions and infantilism quickly overtake
once-stoic individuals, dogging them with the fear
of being followed or watched while reducing their
emotional resilience to that of a terrified child. For
Tapestries, the level of influence the Allmother has
on a given NPC or population (Blackbirds are
generally resistant to Mother’s Watch, at the
Fateweaver’s discretion) can be staged based on the
following criteria.
STAGE 1: Someone glimpses one of the Allmother’s
doppelgängers, though it is highly unlikely they
suspect anything out of the ordinary. After several
days, the affected person begins checking over their
shoulder as if someone is following them, or seems
frazzled as they sense the presence of something
not visible. Frustrated by hypervigilance but unable
to shake the feeling of being pursued, many begin
suffering inappropriately angry outbursts over
unrelated situations and sink into a distinctly
childlike anger they cannot explain.
A Stage 1 Affliction can slowly resolve itself by
surrounding the individual with trusted allies and
leaving the region where the incident took place.
STAGE 2: The individual in question has probably
seen the Allmother’s doppelgängers multiple times,
and their suspicion is becoming an all-consuming
worry. Utterly convinced that they are being
tracked by invisible enemies only they can perceive,
those at Stage 2 are not just constantly vigilant but
have armed themselves in case they are attacked by
“pretenders,” “simulacrums,” or “replacements.”
When describing their fears, they seem paranoiac
and attuned to the conspiratorial—well aware of
how unhinged they sound but believing with all
their heart that they are not crazed. Ironically, they
are correct.
O LI G A RC H S 465
The logical clash of being on guard at every
waking moment while remaining unable to so much
as describe the source of such intense wariness weighs
heavily upon these poor souls, who often lash out in
frustration and dread. Unwilling or unable to
understand their predicament, many throw tantrums
when overwhelmed, storm off afterward, and refuse
to speak with anyone until they calm down.
Like Stage 1, Stage 2 can be resolved by
removing the sufferer from the immediate region
and surrounding them with trusted friends and
allies, though the paranoia does not abate fully for
some time.
STAGE 3: Paranoid, crazed, and overcome with the
belief that every living thing around them is no
longer its true self, Stage 3 sufferers grapple with a
vast conspiracy to replace everyone with duplicates.
Many force even longtime compatriots, family
members, or trusted friends into elaborate rituals
to prove they are still who they say they are, which
includes everything from recalling important
childhood events word for word to cutting
themselves to see if they bleed. Some barricade
themselves inside rooms with only one entryway,
whereas others refuse to leave their homes at all.
Worse, questioning this delusion proves deeply
upsetting for the afflicted, who throw (potentially
dangerous) childlike tantrums and sob openly,
accusing everyone else of being against them. Thumb-
sucking is sometimes observed, as is nervous rocking
back and forth. They seem comforted by things from
distant childhoods, including the repeated, and
unsettling, recitation of nursery rhymes.
Ironically, Stage 3 sufferers often do have a
grasp of the true nature of events, but their babbling
is so deranged and nakedly conspiratorial that few
would believe a word they say.
Stage 3 can be curbed only by locating and
destroying a servant of the Allmother within the full
view of the individual. If the sufferer does not see it
die themself, they remain trapped in their delusions
forever.
466 BLACKBIRDS
STAGE 4: After an emotional outburst, charged
standoff, or perhaps even a glimpse of something
suspicious in the distance, the sufferer storms off on
their own, wailing about this or that. Immediately
upon leaving every local observer’s line of sight, they
vanish completely and cannot be tracked further.
Within a day or two, the individual returns,
unburdened by their previous anxieties and
seemingly better. They drop the paranoiac matter
entirely. Of course, this is not the original person
but one of the Allmother’s orphans.
A ST R A L M A N I FE STAT I O N
Although still active to a degree in Thule,
Belladonna considers her goals of Thulian regicide
accomplished, having killed and eaten the entire
royal lineage “herself.” She has since turned her
attention to neighboring Elklund so that she might
better puppeteer its ongoing civil war.
Having split off pieces of herself in the form of
advisors, confidants, field generals, influential
townspeople, and anyone else she felt needed the
guiding hand of a mother, Belladonna is, in effect,
the civil war in Elklund. Her many duplicate selves
work both in opposition to and in tandem with one
another, each believing they know best and refusing
to back down from their respective position of
authority. Throwing seemingly endless waves of
soldiers at one another in battles of attrition so
brutal that putrescent blood perfumes the
surrounding woods, her bodysnatched duplicates
curry desperate favor with King Adalwolf Vult and
Grand Duke Elias Noielles, even as disappearances
across the region increase to worrying levels, and
paranoia and hopelessness grip the ever-growing
refugee populace.
G O A L S A ND M A C H I N AT I O N S
Belladonna has always been an unflinching,
murderous wayward, believing herself to be the only
one capable of making decisions for the people of
Erebos—and perhaps the world beyond it. Replacing
folk throughout Elklund (and to a lesser extent,
Thule) with her own hellish doppelgängers, she plays
their parts masterfully to direct the explosive civil war
to an end she finds personally suitable before she
spreads it into the surrounding countries.
Unfortunately, those doppelgängers are all
equal parts Belladonna, and each has subsequently
decided it knows better than the others. Attempting
to outmaneuver one another through both guile
and force, each day the slivers of the Allmother play
games of politics and war to defeat their “kin” but
find themselves evenly matched. Meanwhile,
innumerable mortal lives are lost in the resulting
violence. The war in Elklund has become so vicious
because it is a conflict of the Allmother’s own
creation, fought endlessly against herself; King Vult
and Grand Duke Noielles simply act as convenient
pawns. Should the Allmother ever overcome her
multitude of selves, it’s possible that both men
would meet their end in the same unfortunate
fashion as their departed fellow, Gothric.
It should be noted that the Allmother’s tactics eerily
resemble those of the dreaded striga families of
Corbel, a creature she would be quite familiar with as a
member of the ancient Cicero family.
P HYS I CA L M A N I F E STAT I O N
The Allmother’s descent into the mortal world
would cause the terrified masses of Elklundian
refugees to empty from their very skins; the thick
syrup of viscera and blood would thereafter be sucked
into the Oligarch’s vast, virus-like sphere. As hundreds
of thousands of Belladonnas rise to replace an entire
stolen populace, they would at once fall on one
another, as the Allmother’s war against herself would
turn truly homicidal. With her deific form presiding
over the hideous landscape of her doppelgängers
slaughtering one another for dominance, she would
then return to Thule—not only to finish what she
started, but to finally control the lives of every living
soul in the region and personally direct them, as she
has always known herself capable of doing.
 O LI G A RC H S 467

D E AT H
The Allmother’s death brings with it the
destruction of mortal identity, leaving most sentient
minds questioning who and what they are. Ancient
empires and vast kingdoms simply cease to exist, as
their entire populations forget themselves and
stumble blindly into the light of day, unable to grasp
even the simplest concept of who they used to be.
Should a new god somehow rise in her place, it
is possible this effect might be mitigated.

S E RV A NTS A N D W O R S H I P E R S
O F T H E A LL M OT H E R

Orphan

T he lone guard of the infamous Red Chamber

killings believes he saw Belladonna Cicero
consuming Highsalt’s royal family . . . and, to a
degree, he’s right. Similar stories have cropped up
across Thule, and more recently Elklund, as the
Allmother’s smothering influence coils itself around
every untouched corner of the region. A member of
a guard house, influential family, or local mead hall
vanishes without a trace before turning up again
days later, perfectly safe—jaunty, even. A week

COMBAT BRAWN AGILITY PERCEPTION INTELLIGENCE WILLPOWER FELLOWSHIP

50 [8] 45 [7] 45 [5] 40 [5] 40 [4] 40 [4] 35 [3]

Melee +20 Athletics +20 Coordination Awareness +30
Resolve +20 Guile +30
Ranged +10 Toughness +20 +20 Scrutinize +20
Damage
Threshold:
Risk Factor:
12(18/24/30)
Dodge: 65% Peril Threshold: Suggested for 3
Gambeson +3: Movement: 8 Initiative: 14 Size: Normal
Parry: 70% 7(13/19/25) Intermediate-
15(21/27/33)
Tier Blackbirds
Chainmail +6:
18(24/30/36)

Gaping Mouth: 70%. Distance (Melee Engaged). Damage [2Ð6+8]. Punishing, Slow
Slashing Talons: 70%. Distance (Melee Engaged or 1 stride). Damage [2Ð6+8]. Fast, Reach, Vicious
Improvised Hand Weapon: 70%. Distance (Melee Engaged). Damage [2Ð6+7]. Pummeling
 468 BLACKBIRDS
passes, maybe more, until
members of the local community
begin to suspect their old friend is
not exactly who they say they
are . . . only for some subsequent
night to be shattered by the
screams of hapless friends and
“The first nicked finger at family, as they are murdered and
the slip of a sharpening messily eaten by the newly
stone, the first taste of dirt revealed orphan.
after a fight lost—these An orphan is a perfect replica
are lessons the nobles of of an individual, animal, or even
Erebos are spared, and as object that has been abducted,
such, they pay handsomely killed, or otherwise disposed of
for the blades of others to by the Allmother and her
guard their blood . . .” servants—a match down to their
—Observations of the mannerisms and memories. They
Wandering Squire
look like the original, speak like
the original, and (through the
Allmother’s dark sociopathy) act like the original—
often so well that most never know the difference,
though some begin to suspect something is awry.
The orphan initially assumes whatever role the
original person played, but it makes small, cascading
changes in their decisions and routine that
Belladonna herself finds more agreeable or simply
better suited to her scheming.
For the orphans are the Allmother, as are all
pieces of Belladonna.
An orphan almost never reveals themself unless
their ordained tasks are complete or they are
cornered; they choose to sustain mild injuries if it
means they can keep up the façade. Once the mask
drops, however, it drops without question: the
orphan’s distended mouth opens impossibly wide,
their body grows unnaturally pliant, and the
creature stretches and bends at bizarre angles to
strike an opponent’s weak spots while simultaneously
delivering bites to the neck. Their tendency to
consume those they kill means that those who
might unveil their true nature often vanish.
LEAP 2 AP, SPECIAL ACTION: Leap up to 10 strides
vertically or 15 strides horizontally. This motion is
too fast to allow for Opportunity Attacks, and an
attack made by the creature right after the leap adds
+1 Damage if it hits. When using this Trait at the
beginning of an encounter, foes are at –20 to detect
an imminent ambush.
NO MORTAL BLADE: This creature is impervious to
Damage from weapons that are not Enchanted.
NO MORTAL SKILL: This creature is immune to
Extinguish Abilities.
SEE MY FACE 10: When this creature reveals
its true form for the first time, make a successful
Resolve test at –10 for those who witness this, or
they suffer 2Ð10+2 Peril.
SIGHT WITHOUT SIGHT: By sensing the Od directly,
this creature can see even if their eyes are destroyed
or removed. In addition, they can see in complete
darkness. They cannot see things that are hidden
from the Od, however.
WEEPING ASH BANE: Bane dice (Ð10s that explode
on ‘9’ or ‘10’) are rolled instead of Damage dice
when weapons of this type are used against this
creature. This Damage cannot be mitigated or
healed by any of the Traits of this creature.
STRIKE AT THE UNDERBELLY 2 MISFORTUNE,
2 AP, COMBAT ACTION: An attack this creature
has successfully made also causes an Injury. If the
Damage level is not high enough to roll for an
Injury, then roll on the Moderate Injury chart.
CONSUME WITH FERVOR 5
MISFORTUNE, 2 AP, SPECIAL ACTION: An adjacent
target is devoured. The target is swallowed whole
and takes 2Ð6+9 Damage. The swallowed being
can’t move or attack, but they can attempt to escape,
requiring a successful (Arduous –30%) Athletics
test at the beginning of each of its Turns. While
swallowed, the target suffocates.

Neutrix
A ll orphans need a place to call home, even those
born from the womb of the Allmother.
Especially those born from the womb of the Allmother.
Orphans are not of this world and cannot retain
moisture the way living things do. They dry out after
several days until they resemble a crusty, hollow
shedding of the body they are duplicating. This process,
unchecked, immediately reveals their monstrous nature
and can kill them. Remoistening stolen flesh birthed
beyond the veil of Heaven, however, is not easy, so they
must climb into the inviting vaginal crawlspace of a
neutrix, one of the Allmother’s many servants: a
gateway back into her pocket of eternity and another
piece of Belladonna herself.
Largely immobile and extremely well hidden,
neutrixes resemble missing men and women from
local communities, or even local fauna, save that
they are far larger than normal and always appear to
be carrying a late-term pregnancy. Orphans crawl
inside this monstrous, empty womb to receive new
orders from the Allmother after they accomplish
whatever tasks they set out to do and to remoisten
their disgusting, rubbery skins before emerging
once more into the world. The neutrixes themselves,
however, simply eat. They are always eating.
Neutrixes are voraciously hungry at all times,
and they are relentless hunters despite their ponderous
dimensions. Capable of clawing the head off a man
COMBAT BRAWN AGILITY
45 [7] 50 [8] 40 [5]
Coordination
Athletics +20
Melee +30 +20
Toughness +30
Stealth +30
Damage
Dodge: 60% Threshold: Movement: 4
18(24/30/36)
Massive Talon: 75%. Distance (Melee Engaged or 1 stride). Damage [3Ð 6+8]. Pummeling, Punishing, Vicious
Gnashing Jaws: 75%. Distance (Melee Engaged). Damage [3Ð6+8]. Pummeling, Punishing, Slow
O LI G A RC H S 469
with a single outstretched hand, they are hideously
strong even when unprovoked, as the massive
amount of fresh meat they must consume to sustain
an open wound in the Od is incalculable. A
particularly determined neutrix takes on several
opponents even with multiple orphans inside their
belly, and their bizarre morphology allows them a
range of locomotion that varies widely, depending
upon the kind of creature their body mimics.
Worse, the putrid amniotic fluid within them can
be discharged from their mouth or cracks in their
skin to knock the unwary off their feet and cover
them in a layer of caustic, otherworldly slime.
Either randomly determined or based upon the
form it is copying, this creature gains one of the
following Traits:
1. Impunity from Missiles: This creature can, at
most, take 1 level of Damage from any Ranged
Attack.
2. Leap (2 AP, Special Action): Leap up to 10
strides vertically or 15 strides horizontally. This
motion is too fast to allow for Opportunity
Attacks, and an attack made by the creature right
after the leap adds +1 Damage if it hits. When
using this Trait at the beginning of an encounter,
foes are at –20 to detect an imminent ambush.
3. Clambering Motility: This creature moves at
Movement+[AB] when climbing on walls and
PERCEPTION INTELLIGENCE WILLPOWER FELLOWSHIP
40 [5] 40 [4] 45 [4] 35 [3]
Awareness +30
Resolve +30
Scrutinize +10
Risk Factor:
Peril Threshold: Suggested for 6
Initiative: 14 Size: Large
7(13/19/25) Intermediate-
Tier Blackbirds
470 BLACKBIRDS
ceilings, and it can traverse these surfaces even if
they have no handholds.
4. Dire Consequences: Injuries caused by this
creature’s attacks occur on a face ‘5’ or ‘6’ when
rolling an Injury die.
5. Regeneration: At the beginning of each of this
creature’s Turns, make a (Standard +/–0%)
Toughness test for it. If successful, move it 1 level
up the Damage Condition Track and remove
one Injury, if it has any. This effect ends when the
creature is Slain!.
6. Fast: At the beginning of each of this creature’s
Turns, it gains 1 extra AP. Also, add this creature’s
[AB] to its total Movement.
HIDE AND SEEK: This creature is always hidden when
encountered, and it excels at finding a hiding place.
Assume that it initiates a Surprise Round when at
least one target is in Melee range. Awareness tests to
notice its hiding spot or to Resist being Surprised
by this creature are Flip to Fail.
MIEN OF MADNESS: This creature causes those
who see it clearly for the first time to suffer
2Ð10+2 Peril.
NO MORTAL BLADE: This creature is impervious to
Damage from weapons that are not Enchanted.
NO MORTAL SKILL: This creature is immune to
Extinguish Abilities.
SIGHT WITHOUT SIGHT: By sensing the Od directly,
this creature can see even if its eyes are destroyed
or removed. In addition, it can see in complete
darkness. It cannot see things that are hidden from
the Od, however.
TOUCH OF THE OLIGARCH: After spending Fortune
to modify rolls, Abilities, or Techniques in the
presence of this creature, roll 1Ð6. If it comes up
a ‘4’ or more, an extra point of Fortune becomes
Misfortune.
WEEPING ASH BANE: Bane dice (Ð10s that explode
on ‘9’ or ‘10’) are rolled instead of Damage dice
when weapons of this type are used against this
creature. This Damage cannot be mitigated or
healed by any of the Traits of this creature.
STRIKE AT THE UNDERBELLY 2 MISFORTUNE,
2 AP, COMBAT ACTION: An attack this creature
has successfully made also causes an Injury. If the
Damage level is not high enough to roll for an
Injury, then roll on the Moderate Injury chart.
AMNIOTIC SPEW 3 MISFORTUNE, 1
AP, COMBAT ACTION: All foes within 10 strides
are rendered Prone, and unless a successful
Coordination test is made for them, they are
covered with a viscous, toxic slime. They take
1Ð10+1 Damage and lose 1 AP at the start of each
of their Turns until a successful Toughness test is
made for them.
BIRTHTWISTED CHILDREN 4
MISFORTUNE, 1 AP, SPECIAL ACTION: This creature
spews forth 1Ð6 orphans of the Allmother.
ODIC RIFT 4 MISFORTUNE, 0 AP,
REACTION: When this creature is Slain!, it opens
a rift into the Od. Make a successful Coordination
test for all within 3 strides of it, or they are drawn
into it. Each sunrise, an Odweft test may be made
for the exile(s) to attempt to return to the world.
If this test is failed, they suffer 2Ð10+2 Peril. They
cannot remedy Peril or Rekindle while trapped in
the Od, and if they become Incapacitated!, they fall
into a slumber from which they will not easily be
roused. At this point, whether they can be saved is
up to the Fateweaver, but such a quest should be
exceedingly difficult; and when found, the victim
might be quite different from the person who was
originally taken.
CONSUME WITH FERVOR 5
MISFORTUNE, 2 AP, SPECIAL ACTION: An adjacent
target is devoured. The target is swallowed whole
and takes 2Ð6+9 Damage. The swallowed being
can’t move or attack, but they can attempt to escape,
requiring a successful (Arduous –30%) Athletics
test at the beginning of each of its Turns. While
swallowed, the target suffocates.
472 BLACKBIRDS
Castoff
S hould an orphan go long enough without
being moistened by a neutrix, or should a
neutrix remain without enough food to sustain its
connection to the “true” Belladonna, they dry out
and collapse into an empty husk not unlike a
grotesque shed snakeskin. Lying still for what feels
like an eternity, the entities slowly lose their
connection to the Allmother, watching the days and
nights pass in relative stillness as their bodies dry,
crack, and tear from the elements. Eventually,
however, their patron god speaks to them again,
and they rise once more. These hollow, translucent
things, mouths agape in the dark, sallow and sunken
and horrible—they are the castoffs. And for their
mother, they will do anything.
Castoffs are waxy, pliable shock troops deployed
when the Allmother has finished playing games.
Seemingly fragile at first glance, their stretched,
eyeless heads do not instill a sense of threat, nor do
their crinkly bodies, which seem to flop about like
old paper in the wind. Yet underestimating so
clownish a thing, even for a split second, can prove
to be a death sentence.
Castoffs are blindingly fast, stretching and
contorting their bodies into almost any shape as
they zigzag and twist through the air and across the
ground. They can take on myriad forms mid-
movement, from that of a colossal beast to the
semblance of a gangly man holding a dagger, then
snap back into position as if they had not changed
at all. Utterly without emotion and entirely devoted
to the Allmother, these entities are extraordinarily
difficult to kill. Even though their skin appears so
brittle that it seems to flake away with the slightest
gust of wind, honed blades sink impotently through
them, as if thrown into the depths of a bog, and fail
to deal any lasting harm. Even one castoff can
devastate a garrison of soldiers, cutting through
them with hardened protrusions while artfully
dodging any and all attacks.
In no situation is it wise to confront a castoff,
regardless of numbers. All one can do is run and
hope they do not kill one’s friends and companions
too quickly.

BANE OF FLESH JAGGED SHAPE/2Ð10+9: The attack
listed in parentheses does 2Ð10+9 Bane Damage to
targets that possess the Mortal Bane or Trait instead
of the Damage listed in the attack.
MIEN OF MADNESS: This creature causes those who see
it clearly for the first time to suffer 2Ð10+2 Peril.
MELEE SAVANT: This creature’s first Melee Attack
each Turn is made for 0 AP. Multiple attacks are
not penalized.
NO MORTAL BLADE: This creature is impervious to
Damage from weapons that are not Enchanted.
NO MORTAL SKILL: This creature is immune to
Extinguish Abilities.
OTHERWORLDLY RESILIENCE: This creature ignores any
physical Damage that does only 1 level of Damage,
and any physical Damage that does 2 or more levels of
Damage only does 1. They ignore Injuries, but if one
is called for, they take an extra level of Damage instead.
They are immune to possession and mental control,
and they cannot be Knocked Out or Stunned.
SIGHT WITHOUT SIGHT: By sensing the Od directly,
this creature can see even if its eyes are destroyed
or removed. In addition, it can see in complete
darkness. It cannot see things that are hidden from
the Od, however.
COMBAT BRAWN AGILITY
50 [9] 45 [7] 45 [7]
Coordination
Athletics +20
Melee +30 +30
Toughness +30
Stealth +30
Damage
Dodge: 75% Threshold: Movement: 11
19(25/31/37)
Jagged Shape: 80%. Distance (Melee Engaged or 3 Strides). Damage [3Ð6+9]. Fast, Vicious
O LI G A RC H S 473
TOUCH OF THE OLIGARCH: After spending Fortune to
modify rolls, Abilities, or Techniques in the presence
of this creature, roll 1Ð6. If it comes up a ‘4’ or more,
an extra point of Fortune becomes Misfortune.
WEEPING ASH BANE: Bane dice (Ð10s that explode on
‘9’ or ‘10’) are rolled instead of Damage dice when
weapons of this type are used against this creature.
This Damage cannot be mitigated or healed by any
of the Traits of this creature.
STRIKE AT THE UNDERBELLY 2 MISFORTUNE,
2 AP, COMBAT ACTION: An attack this creature
has successfully made also causes an Injury. If the
Damage level is not high enough to roll for an
Injury, then roll on the Moderate Injury chart.
BLADE MAELSTROM 3 MISFORTUNE, 3 AP, COMBAT
ACTION: The creature makes a Melee Attack against
every foe within 3 strides with no penalties for
multiple attacks.
CONSUME WITH FERVOR 5 MISFORTUNE, 2 AP, SPECIAL
ACTION: An adjacent target is devoured. The target
is swallowed whole and takes 2Ð6+9 Damage. The
swallowed being can’t move or attack, but they can
attempt to escape, requiring a successful (Arduous
–30%) Athletics test at the beginning of each of its
Turns. While swallowed, the target suffocates.
PERCEPTION INTELLIGENCE WILLPOWER FELLOWSHIP
40 [5] 40 [4] 40 [4] 35 [3]
Awareness +30 Resolve +30
Risk Factor:
Peril Threshold: Suggested for 3
Initiative: 16 Size: Normal
7(13/19/25) Advanced-Tier
Blackbirds
 C H A P TE R 1 0

Bestiary
 SPOILED
by Graham McNeill

T he meat bubbling in the pot swam in a thick

gravy, bobbing amid sliced carrots and a diced
onion. Bryna threw in a handful of spices—
a mix of salt, sage, and gallowgrass—and nodded as the heady
aroma rose with the heat.

The recipe was her father’s, as was the cast iron pot.
The metal had come from his old sword and helmet, both of which
he’d hung up after the bloody murder of King Gothric, when so many
of the soldiers of Thule had been sent home from the Highsalt garrison.
At least, that’s what she thought the pot had been forged from.
As with a lot of things lately, Bryna had been finding it harder to
remember the details.
By trade, she was a fleshmonger, a carver and victualer of animal meat.
A true artisan with a boning hook and a breaking knife, Bryna had
the trust of folk in her village, who could always count on the very best
cuts after the offerings made to Mother Wolf.
She eased a ladle into the stew and lifted it to her mouth to blow
it cool.
The steam rising from the meat didn’t move, which was odd, so
she tipped the ladle to her lips.
The stew was hot, too hot, but she barely noticed as she took a
mouthful.
Bryna winced at the rancid taste of the stew.
“No, no, no,” she said. “Something’s not right here.”
But what? The cuts were the very finest, not a scrap wasted, no
gristle and no connective tissue, just the right amount of marbling to
give it the perfect flavor.
Perhaps the meat was beginning to turn?
Harsh times were the norm in Thule, and stories of harder frosts
than had been felt in years were coming down from the farthest reaches
of the kingdom, along with tales of meat rank with larval eggs moments
after its butchering.
The people who’d passed through the village from the north had
said so, hadn’t they?
What people?
Bryna couldn’t remember, not exactly.
Had someone told her those tales?
Yes! In the village tavern, three nights ago.
Or was it last week?

An old man who’d lately arrived spoke of
horrors he’d seen in the north. He’d told them of
monsters and dead things made of offal and corpses.
Bryna had gently mocked his tales as drunken fancy,
and he’d flown across the taproom in a rage, slashing
at her with a curious blade of greenish copper.
Luckily, the blade hadn’t gone deep and only
scraped along one of her ribs before the tavern’s
cook, Pater Mysa, put the man down.
Though some things were slipping from Bryna’s
memory, she remembered the sound of the cook’s
cleaver, a slightly rusty, single-beveled blade,
splitting the man’s skull down to his collarbone.
Pater Mysa wasn’t a fleshmonger, but that blow
could have split a bull carcass in two!
They’d dumped the old man’s body out back
for the pigs, and though they hunted for his strange
knife, all they found of it was a pile of wispy green
ash and a strange, acrid smell.
Bryna’s husband, Derreth, had stitched the cut
and bound her chest with bandages soaked in
camphor and elderberry, all the while chiding her
for getting involved in a drunken fracas and
reminding her that she was a fleshmonger, not a
soldier like her father. He’d warned her the cut
would leave a nasty scar, and Corlin had beamed as
if it were a real war wound and his mother was some
sort of hero.
Little Selsa had been sad for the old man,
wondering what he’d seen in the north that had
been so awful that had made him mad.
Life had gone on in the village as normal, but
ever since that night, Bryna was plagued with
recurring nightmares she could never fully recall,
save for sickening images of a vast and endless tree,
its black roots rotten and dead, its mighty trunk
swarming with writhing, bark-skinned horrors.
She would wake, breathless and cold, the taste
of poisoned earth in her mouth, the wound beneath
her bindings itching as if it was crawling with
spiders.
Days went by with no respite, and soon, Bryna
feared climbing into bed with Derreth.
B E ST I A RY 477
He would hold her close as the
dreams wracked her, but against
the icy chill of her flesh, his skin felt
like the ivy that burns.
While Bryna lay abed, she
sweated and writhed in the sheets,
and only when the sun peeked in
through the painted shutters
could she finally find some respite
in sleep.
Food, too, lost its luster, each
mouthful of fish or cheese or cured
ham tasting like barren soil.
Eventually, all Bryna could take
was water, and even then, she
struggled to keep it down.
Over her protests, Derreth sent
Corlin and Selsa to fetch the local
physitian, a wizened old woman
who’d birthed most of the
children in the village—including
their own—and eased the dying off to meet
the gods, such as they were.
The physitian had taken one look at Bryna and
gone pale, whispering something to Derreth that
she couldn’t hear. The look Derreth gave her, the
anguish in his eyes, had infuriated Bryna, and she’d
chased the old woman from their home, following
the sound of her tottering footsteps as she made her
way back to the village road.
When Bryna returned, her hands were cold
and stiff, her nails encrusted with red mud.
Derreth had sent the children to their beds and
come to her with tearful eyes.
“What did she say?” Bryna had asked.
“You’re . . . sick,” he’d replied. “Very sick.”
She knew he was lying, but some fearful part of
her dared not ask any more.
“No,” Bryna said. “It’s just a fever. An herbal
tisane and a night without dreams, and I’ll be right
as rain come the morn.”
He’d nodded and set the kettle to boil over the
hearth with shaking hands.
 478 BLACKBIRDS
The stink of barley and
lobelia root filled the house,
turning Bryna’s stomach with its
sickly sweet aroma. She’d bent
over and vomited onto the rug
Derreth’s parents had woven for
them as a plighting gift.
“For the majority of “Get away from me!” she’d
those in Erebos, food is a screamed when he came to help
matter of necessity rather her.
than enjoyment: fuel for His face was wet with tears,
the muscles and sinew which only enraged Bryna all the
that survive the harsh more.
realities of the world. “Why are you crying?” she’d
To share a meal is seen as a yelled, knowing he was keeping
gift of no small magnitude.” something from her, something
—Observations of the so awful he couldn’t bring himself
Wandering Squire
to tell her.
They’d argued, and Bryna
couldn’t remember much of that night; harsh words
that involved death and loss, and that spawned tears
and a towering anger like nothing she’d felt before.
All she remembered about the rest of the night
was sitting in darkness while Derreth lay alone in
their marital bed.
The next thing Bryna knew, the sun was
lighting their home through a splintered shutter she
couldn’t recall having been broken. The rug too,
was badly stained, and her father’s pot lay on its side
on the dining table Derreth had fashioned last
winter from dark ashwood.
Had she been making something?
Perhaps, but in her barely wakeful state, she’d
clearly spilled her ingredients and sauces.
Neither Derreth nor the children emerged from
their rooms, but Bryna didn’t blame them. Last night
had been fraught with anger and raised voices.
Only sensible that they give one another space
for their anger to cool.
The rest of the day passed in a blur.
Later, Bryna thought she heard knocking at the
door. She didn’t answer, though. She felt too weak to
rise from her chair beside the cold ashes of the fire.
Someone called a name through the door, and
it took Bryna a moment to recognize it as her own.
When the knocking came again, she still didn’t
answer, not even when the same voice called out
Derreth’s name and those of her children.
Eventually, the visitor departed, and Bryna
slipped into bed with her husband, cradling him
and resting her head on his chest. The children
must have crawled into bed with him earlier, as
they had when they were no more than babes,
and she felt guilty to have frightened them with
her fury.
She drifted somewhere between sleep and
wakefulness, dreaming of withered branches and
slimy roots crawling at the dead earth until a blood-
red sunset woke her.
Bryna slipped out of bed, careful not to wake
her husband and children.
She was no physitian, but Bryna knew a hearty
meal did more to restore an ailing soul than any
leecher’s remedies. So she set about preparing a
grand family feast for them all to share. They would
sit around the table and listen to the stories of old
gods that Derreth told so well.
A tale of the Rider, perhaps: “The Blue Crabs
and the Fisherman’s Creel.”
No, one of Mother Wolf, as was only fitting for
a hewer of animal meats.
The tale of “The Elk and the World Tree’s
Berry.” Yes, that was the one.
Pleased with her plan, Bryna smiled at the
thought of hearing her husband’s rendition of the
Elk’s voice and the howl of the many-teated pack
mother.
Derreth and the children remained within the
bedroom, and she began to fear that they had
come down with the same sickness that had so
afflicted her.
But now the stew was done, the meat in the pot
bubbling away in its wine-dark juices, but the taste
wasn’t right. No matter what spices she added, the
stew tasted foul, but perhaps that was more a factor
of her sickness than the quality of the meal.

Bryna set the table, laying out the pewter plates
and forks Derreth had bought from a Garian
merchant when he had last traveled to Highsalt.
Wooden cups and a ewer of cold water, sourced
from the garden, well completed the table, and
Bryna felt sure that this would be just what they
needed to bring them together once more.
“Derreth?” she whispered, knocking at the
bedroom door.
When she received no answer, Bryna slipped
inside the musty room, moonlight pooling on the
floor in a silver lake. Her husband was sleeping, the
children nestled under his strong arms.
“Truly, this sickness has laid us all low!” she said,
helping Derreth and the children to the table, pleased
to see how quietly eager they were for the feast.
Bryna scooped a heaping ladle of stew onto
each plate and sat at the head of the table.
“Eat!” she cried. “For after a good dinner, one
can forgive anybody.”
She waited for Derreth to say a short prayer to
Ouroboros, thanking it for the boon of life it had
brought to the world. Though his head was bowed
over his plate, he said nothing.
The sickness was too far gone in them, she saw,
so Bryna was forced to circle the table and feed each
member of her family one by one. But every
spoonful of stew she placed in their mouths spilled
down their nightshirts and onto the floor.
Bryna grew ever more furious and shouted,
“You’re all so ungrateful! I spent the night cooking a
feast for us all, and none of you can even swallow a
mouthful!”
Nobody spoke, too ashamed of their own
wicked behavior to answer her.
B E ST I A RY 479
“Fine,” Bryna snapped. “We shall all sit here
until you thank me, for I’ll not lift so much as a
finger until you apologize for your rudeness.”
So they sat until the sun came up and shone
through the broken shutter to illuminate their
home’s interior.
Bryna screamed as she saw the truth of how she
had found such fresh meat for her stew.
The villagers returned to the cottage three
nights later to find it cold and abandoned, but for
the fleshless bones of an adult and two children.
Of Bryna the fleshmonger, there was no sign,
save for a pot of congealed stew left on the cottage
steps like an offering.
The men shrugged and took it with them.
No sense in letting good meat go to waste.
Even before the unrest, the wars, and the coming
of the Oligarchs, there were shadowed places in the
world—large expanses of untamed and unexplored
wilderness between the lighted and tended plots of
humanity’s small kingdoms. In these places between
wandered the original creatures of creation, the
scions of the old gods, those cursed by the moon
queen, things that slipped through the gap between
this world and the Od, or simply wild creatures
that hunt at night. These places have grown no safer
since the Extinguishing, as those present before
have been joined by new threats that came from the
wounds inflicted on the world itself, or quickened
from the misery, conflict, and death that wars
brought to the kingdoms. Blackbirds would be wise
to keep their swords well oiled, sharp, and close at
hand when journeying beyond the peopled corners
of the world.
 480 BLACKBIRDS

E A C H B E ST I A RY E NT RY I S L A I D O UT I N T H E F O L L OW I N G F O R M AT:

Creature Name

D escription of creature and its habits

COMBAT BRAWN AGILITY PERCEPTION INTELLIGENCE WILLPOWER FELLOWSHIP

Attribute [Attribute Bonus]
Skill Ranks - Each +10 represents one Rank (based on above corresponding Attribute).
Damage
Threshold
Size:
with Damage
Small - Smaller
Threshold Risk Factor:
Initiative: than human.
Modifiers if number of
Creatures have a Normal -
the creature Blackbirds and
Dodge and Parry Movement (in static Initiative Human-sized.
is wearing the Peril Thresholds Tier suggested to
(when applicable) strides) value; no dice Large - Larger
suggested armor. encounter one
are added to this than human.
It may have creature of this
number. Huge - Much
access to other type.
larger than
armor at the
human.
Fateweaver’s
discretion.
Attacks and weapon statistics.
Where multiple natural weapons are listed, they may all be used in one Turn once without penalty.
Where multiple Melee weapons are listed, creatures usually have access to only one such weapon, and the weapons listed are suggestions.

TRAITS: Listing of Traits encompassing the special

rules, abilities, and attacks of each creature. These C R E A T U R E S L I S T E D H E R E have suggested
are listed in alphabetical order. Some Traits require weapon and armor types to facilitate their
the spending of AP, Misfortune, and the like to ease and use and their rapid addition to play.
activate. These are organized by their costs, and The Fateweaver should feel free to modify,
those costs are listed in their descriptions. add, or change any item listed here if it would
seem reasonable or makes sense within the
context of the creatures encountered and
their setting. Be aware when making changes
of this nature that it may alter the difficulty
of the creature who now has a different set
of equipment. This applies to any Trappings
that would be appropriate for the creature
M A G I C A L C R E AT U R E S and not just weapons and armor types.
Any entries in the bestiary that
are not folk or beasts are magical
creatures, and effects that target
“Magical Creatures” affect them.
This includes aes and daimn.
 B E ST I A RY 481

Templates Misfortune Traits

Some creatures have a template listed in their
entry that can be applied to either folk or beasts
to transform them into a version of the creature
described. To use the template, just apply the
numbers listed in each to modify the Attributes,
Skills, and other statistics you are using as the base
for the template creature. Attack types are added
and, in most cases, are treated as extra attacks that
do not gain a penalty to hit if used in the same
Turn, though each attack still costs AP.
Peril & Resolve Tests
Unlike with Damage, the Peril Condition Track
is a temporary inconvenience born of excessive
physical or mental strain. Peril may be caused by
fatigue, deprivation, stress, horror, or a myriad of
other conditions spelled out in Chapter 13: The
Fateweaver. Where a character is on their Peril
Condition Track will determine what penalties are
suffered on all Skill tests until they have recovered.
Whenever you face a creature or situation that the
Fateweaver feels would provoke stress, fear, or some
other form of Peril, the player makes a Resolve
test. Failure results in the accumulation of 1Ð10+1
Peril. A Critical Failure causes the acquisition of
2Ð10+2 Peril, and a Sublime Failure 3Ð10+3 Peril.
$ The maximum amount of Peril a Blackbird may
suffer will never exceed 3Ð10+3.
U N A R M E D A T T A C K S : It is possible, even
likely, that all of the foes found within this
bestiary possess some form of an unarmed
attack. Should an Armsman become
disarmed, or when an accursed horror has
their claws lopped off at the fingertips, a
Fateweaver might adjudicate that their
attack profile has changed and must now
treat this foe as unarmed. Unarmed attacks
resolve with the Pummeling and Slow
Qualities, and use [BB] to determine the
+ to Damage. Mirror the number of Ð6s
found in the creature’s weakest attack or
weapon statistics.
Every creature has at least one
Misfortune Trait that is listed at
the end of its entry and indicates a
price to be paid by the Fateweaver
in Misfortune to activate the
Trait. Some general rules apply
when using any of these effects, “The scholars of the
unless the Misfortune Trait itself Shining Cities have come
specifically indicates otherwise. to the conclusion that
$ Not every Misfortune Trait is the mountains of Erebos
used in combat. Those that are must once have been
have been tagged as Combat covered by a primordial
Actions, and those that are sea, for bones found
only used out of combat are buried there resemble
tagged as Non-Combat creatures dredged
Actions. Those that could be from the depths of the
used in or out of combat are Leviathan Ocean . . .”
tagged as Special Actions. — Observations of the
Wandering Squire
Where a Misfortune Trait
might be used in a Combat
Scene, the AP cost to do so is listed.
$ Any Misfortune Trait may be countered by the
spending of Fate by the Blackbird or one of their
Fatebound companions who is its target.
Jötunnkin may never be protected from
Misfortune Traits in this way. If multiple
Blackbirds are affected, only those who spend
Fate avoid the effect. When Misfortune Traits
are countered in this way, the Misfortune spent
by the Fateweaver is lost and recycled into
Fortune, even though the Misfortune Trait had
no effect.
$ Misfortune Traits never trigger Opportunity
Attacks.
$ Some Misfortune Traits may require additional
adjudication or arbitration by the Fateweaver,
whose word is final where such situations arise.
 482 BLACKBIRDS
ACCURSED
Over the ages, many curses great and
small have been uttered and bled into
the world. Moments of rage and pain in
the hands of those with mighty magics,
or simply the ear of the
Norns, result in these
malisons, utterances of
doom, and punishments.
Most curse-work exists
for a day or a year or
a lifetime, and then it
fades away like so much
carrion rotting into the soil.
But not all.
W
hen there is true power behind a malicious curse of foul
magic, the doomwishing may last for generations. Power is
many things, but “contained” is rarely one of them. These
curses are no different. Some are so wicked and potent that they do not
permit the escape of death for those they are laid upon, and the bodies
of the victims must change to allow them to truly suffer the longevity of
that malediction.
Warped and twisted by hate, magic, and Fate, these terrors suffer.
Unfortunately, they often suffer in ways that allow them to cause others
misery as well, lashing out at what they used to be or can never have
again. Though some of the accursed may be leashed or bullied into
obeying greater terrors, make no mistake: They are not made to serve.
They are made to suffer.
Abomination
A fter the gods were slain, and while the Oligarchs
clumsily and rapaciously gathered their
predecessors’ power and thrones for themselves, a great
reverberation ran through the Od, touching every part of it
in a tsunami of eldritch power that changed the invisible
world. It untethered the Outsiders to more freely have
congress with humanity; it awoke many unnatural creatures
and beings that were slumbering in the earth, sky, or
water; it left countless servitors of the old gods
abandoned and adrift; and for the theurges of this
world, it was a calamity unmeasured.
In times past, those said to be wise in the ways of
the Od were potent and capable only in the same
measure that they had a great sensitivity to the Od
itself, which left them exposed to the other
side. These unfortunates were suddenly
flooded with a deluge of untrammeled
energy where moments before there had been
a drought, and they were forever changed by the glut of
magic for which they had no way to prepare. It bubbled and
seethed through every fiber of their bodies and souls. Some
were erased from the world, some were driven mad, and some
were transformed, becoming abominations.

COMBAT BRAWN AGILITY
40 [4] 35 [3] 45 [7]
Coordination
Melee +30 Athletics +10
+30
Ranged +30 Toughness +10
Stealth +20
Damage
Dodge: 75%
Threshold: Movement: 10
Parry: 70%
19(25/31/37)
Bestial Appendage: 70% - Distance (Special) - Damage [2Ð6+7] - Finesse
Bite: 70% - Distance (Special) - Damage [2Ð6+7] - Finesse, Punishing
Claw: 70% - Distance (Special) - Damage [3Ð6+7] - Finesse, Vicious
BANE OF FLESH BITE/1Ð10+7: The attack listed in
parentheses does 1Ð10+7 Bane Damage to targets
that possess the Mortal Bane or Trait instead of the
Damage listed in the attack.
DIRE CONSEQUENCES: Injuries caused by this
creature’s attacks occur on a face ‘5’ or ‘6’ when
rolling an Injury die.
I AM EVERYWHERE: This creature can attack anyone
they can see, regardless of range.
LESSER IRON BANE: Bane dice (Ð10s that explode
on ‘9’ or ‘10’) are rolled instead of Damage dice
when weapons of iron or steel are used against
this creature. This Damage can still be healed or
mitigated by this creature’s other Traits, however,
unless they are Slain!.
NO MORTAL SKILL: This creature is immune to
Extinguish Abilities.
REGENERATION: At the beginning of each of
this creature’s Turns, make a (Standard +/–0%)
Toughness test for it. If successful, move them 1
level up the Damage Condition Track and remove
one Injury, if they have any. This effect ends when
the creature is Slain!.
SIGILIST BANE: Bane dice (Ð10s that explode
on ‘9’ or ‘10’) are rolled instead of Damage dice
when stigmatized Sigilist weapons are used against
this creature. This Damage cannot be healed or
mitigated by this creature’s other Traits.
SIMPLE STEEL: Enchanted weapons cannot harm this
creature unless they are stigmatized Sigilist weapons.
B E ST I A RY 483
PERCEPTION INTELLIGENCE WILLPOWER FELLOWSHIP
40 [6] 45 [6] 50 [8] 40 [6]
Awareness +30 Education +20
Odweft +30 Guile +30
Eavesdrop +20 Folklore +20
Risk Factor:
Peril Threshold: Suggested for 3
Initiative: 15 Size: Large
11(17/23/29) Advanced-Tier
Blackbirds
TROD IN TWILIGHT: This creature exists neither
completely in this world nor in the Od, but is forever
bound in the twilight between the two. All magic
cast is Flip to Fail against them, and they can’t be
killed by the power of any Vitiation, Wortcunning
Spell, or magical ability conferred by the Oligarchs.
Powers that should kill them only banish them until
the sun sets and rises again.
 THEURGY 13 MISFORTUNE, * AP,
SPECIAL ACTION: This creature has access to the
Vitiations of an Outsider of Fateweaver choosinga
random Outsider. Vitiations used against Blackbirds
are empowered by spending Misfortune: 1 for imp
station, 2 for villein station, and 3 for lord station.
ETHEREAL PRESENCE 3 MISFORTUNE, 1 AP,
SPECIAL ACTION: This creature disappears from the
Combat Scene, possibly to return later.
BANISH 5 MISFORTUNE, 2 AP,
SPECIAL ACTION: This creature drags one of their
opponents into the Od. Each sunrise, an Odweft
test may be made for the exile to attempt to return
to the world. If this test is failed, they suffer 2Ð10+2
Peril. They may not remedy Peril or Rekindle
while trapped in the Od, and if they become
Incapacitated!, they fall into a slumber from which
they will not easily be roused. At this point, whether
they can be saved is up to the Fateweaver, but such
a quest should be exceedingly difficult; and when
found, the victim might be quite different from the
person who was originally taken.
 484 BLACKBIRDS
CHILDREN OF ANHELIOS
A plethora of contradictory, confusing,
and varied legends exists about the
impermanence of death and the
vengeful nature of those who should
rightfully be lying in their graves, but
the knowledge that the dead walk once
night falls, and that they are driven by
a supernatural force of embodied anger
and revenge, is held as truth by the wise.
The most common legend goes that
when Hyperion slew Hekaté—
with their half-blood unborn child,
Anhelios, quickening in Hekaté’s
womb—he brought down a curse that
seeped into the earth and infected
the dead in the form of a corruption
through Hekaté’s decaying blood.
W
here that verdigrised quickbronze gathers, it seeps
underground, into the bones of the dead, to steal from them
their rightful rest and fill them with thoughts of revenge,
murder, and blasphemy. In its most ideal form, this vengeance focuses
on Hyperion, who brought the curse to this world, and his descendants.
Q U A LI T I E S O F T H E C H I L D R E N O F A N H E L I O S
All undead who are cursed by the corrupted blood of Hekaté and driven
by the will of Anhelios exist amid these truths.
$ Quickbronze that is corrupted with degeneration begins to turn a
peculiar shade of aquamarine and melt away. This corruption can spread
by touching or having proximity to unsullied quickbronze. The final form
of this degeneration is verdigris, an unnatural aquamarine vapor or liquid
that seeps into the earth and finds its way into the bones of the dead, and
deadbronze crystals: the solid, scabrous remains it leaves behind.
$ The dead who have become infected with verdigris rise again at night.
If they died recently, they may believe themselves to be still alive—
until they begin to decompose. Eventually, they are filled with nothing
other than rage and thoughts of vengeance. If someone wronged them
in life, they become obsessed with killing the perpetrator.
$ Unless warded against this corruption, all metal weapons and armor may
become contaminated by contact with these undead creatures. Some
metals, such as silver, gold, and certain rare forms of steel, are immune.
$ Quickbronze weapons and armor are the most vulnerable to the
undead, and not even warding can protect them from contamination.
$ Verdigris bleeds away in sunlight, and thus, the undead become
quiescent when day breaks. Thereafter, the substance returns to the
bones where it has previously taken harbor.
$ When three or more of the children of Anhelios gather, they become
surrounded by an aquamarine fog or vapor that tends to sink to the
lowest point available. However, it also seems to drive them forward,
supernaturally causing them to seek out the living, especially those
who bear the blood of Hyperion. This vapor amplifies their power and
rage, and it withdraws into their bones during the day.
$ The vapor is poisonous to the living, chilling them and sparking
thoughts and visions of dread and despair; it is more quickly fatal to
those who are knocked to the ground or who are in hollows lower
than the surrounding terrain.
$ When the Extinguishing came about, Anhelios manifested from the
mingled blood of his mother and himself. His will now infects the
verdigris and those that bear the curse. He seeks to spread the curse,
to increase his power, and to realize his idea of justice falling upon his
father, Hyperion.
 B E ST I A RY 485

Wight

W hen infected with verdigris either through necromantic intentions or

accidental exposure, those who are recently dead and whose bodies
are relatively intact become wights. Wights generally remember their lives
and who they were before rising again, though they may have incomplete
knowledge, especially in regard to how they died. If a wight is in a sheltered
state, treated with the proper oils and salves to prevent decay, and kept in a
mostly cool place, they can be preserved for months or even years.
A wight must be kept from learning their true state, for if they
realize they are dead, madness and swift degeneration occur, and they
become a ghoul.
Wights have no heartbeat, do not breathe, slumber during the day,
and only fresh, uncooked flesh is palatable to them. A wight justifies these
things, usually believing themself to be ill. Those who interact with the
wight must reinforce these justifications, or they may send the wight into
crisis. Every day, the wight has horrible nightmares while sleeping that
they remember only barely. These nightmares often include such elements
as vengeance, Anhelios, violence, and death.
Ghouls are naturally attracted to wights, and if a wight is exposed
to the death fog that surrounds other children of Anhelios, they fall
into a waking nightmare. If the wight is not removed from the
death fog, they rapidly degenerate into a ghoul.

WIGHT TE MPLATE:
COMBAT BRAWN AGILITY PERCEPTION INTELLIGENCE WILLPOWER FELLOWSHIP
+10 +10 –10
+20 to
Melee +10
Toughness
Damage
Threshold: +1
Bite: [Melee]% - Distance (Melee Engaged) - Damage [1Ð6+7] - Pummeling, Slow

BASIC WI GHT:
COMBAT BRAWN AGILITY PERCEPTION INTELLIGENCE WILLPOWER FELLOWSHIP
35 [3] 50 [7] 45 [4] 45 [4] 40 [4] 40 [4] 40 [4]
Melee +20 Toughness +20 Stealth +10 Folklore +10 Resolve +10
Damage
Risk Factor:
Threshold:
Peril Threshold: Suggested for
Dodge: 45% 8(14/20/26) Movement: 7 Initiative: 13 Size: Normal
7(13/19/25) 1 Basic-Tier
Light Leather +2:
Blackbird
10(16/22/28)
Bite: 55% - Distance (Melee Engaged) - Damage [1Ð6+7] - Pummeling, Slow
Improvised Weapon: 55% - Distance (Melee Engaged) - Damage [1Ð6+7] - Pummeling
486 BLACKBIRDS
DAYLIGHT BANE: If attempting to stay active during
the day but out of sight of daylight, all this creature’s
Skills are reduced by –30. In addition, an (Arduous
–30%) Resolve test must be made for them every
hour to remain active. When exposed to direct
sunlight, this creature also becomes Defenseless.
DEATH FOG WIGHT: When three or more children
of Anhelios gather, they produce an obscuring
aquamarine fog that seeks the lowest depth and
surrounds them at a distance of 10 strides. Make
a successful Peril-induced Resolve test for those
exposed to it for the first time in a night. Make
a successful Toughness test for those who begin
their Turn Prone or submerged beneath it, or they
take 1Ð6+1 Damage from poison. If ten or more
children of Anhelios are present, the fog spreads 99
strides beyond the group’s edge, obscuring the sight
of all but the children themselves and inflicting a
–10 modifier to all Skills that rely on sight.
ENDLESS NIGHT: When this creature awakens
for the first time at night, a (Standard +/–0%)
Resolve test must be made for them. If it fails,
they vaguely remember parts of their dreams and
have a crisis. Every time they have a crisis, they
subtract –10 from all future Resolve tests, which is
cumulative and permanent, culminating in a –30.
On a Critical Failure, this creature immediately
becomes a ghoul. Ghouls created in this way almost
always focus on the person who tricked them into
thinking they were alive or on the person they love
the most as objects of their revenge. If this creature
is ever exposed to Death Fog, at the beginning of
each Turn it’s as if the creature has awoken for the
first time. This creature may have a crisis for other
reasons if the Fateweaver deems it appropriate.
FIRE BANE: Bane dice (Ð10s that explode on ‘9’ or
‘10’) are rolled instead of Damage dice when fire
is used against this creature. This Damage cannot
be mitigated or healed by any of the Traits of
this creature.
FLESH OF THE UNDEAD: This creature feels no pain
and ignores all Injuries. They cannot Bleed. Severed
limbs may move independently.
NO BREATH, NO LIFE: This creature is immune to
Injuries, poisoning, and suffocation.
QUICKBRONZE CORRUPTION: Most metals that come
into contact with this creature may be corrupted
by verdigris, a magical rot that degrades weapons
and armor. Roll for susceptible metal weapons
whenever they successfully hit this creature, and
for susceptible metal armor whenever this creature
successfully hits someone wearing it. Roll 1Ð6: the
metal is corrupted on a roll of ‘6’ for vulnerable
metals or ‘3’ through ‘6’ for items made from
quickbronze. Corrupted weapons immediately gain
1 level of Degradation. A corruption roll is made
every morning until the item can be successfully
repaired, at which point the corruption is removed.
Enchanted items are immune to this effect.
HORRID REVELATION 2 MISFORTUNE, NON
COMBAT ACTION: The wight has a crisis and
comes to a full realization of what they truly are,
immediately degenerating into a ghoul, a horrible
thing to behold. Make a successful (Standard +/–
0%) Resolve test for those witnessing this, or they
suffer 2Ð10+2 Peril and are taken off guard as the
creature initiates a Surprise Round. The creature
may choose to target anyone who failed their test
and are Activated against them.
 B E ST I A RY 487

Ghoul

T hese are the most basic of undead. Those bodies that are too
mangled or have been dead too long to become wights take
this form when infected with the curse of Anhelios. Ghouls have
only fragmentary memories of their lives—twisted recollections of
vengeance and violence—before they rose from death. Ghouls seek
out those who wronged them in life to kill them. If they were not
wronged, those they had the strongest feelings for, even of love,
become the target of their supernatural vehemence. Ghouls retain a
version of the Skills they possessed in life, and if mercenaries or
soldiers return as ghouls, they wield weapons with some expertise. If
not, though, they use their bare hands and teeth to tear apart anyone
living whom they encounter.
Ghouls decay as time wears on, but the blood of Hekaté gives
them an unnatural metabolism that can sustain them for longer than
would be possible if they were mere corpses. So long as they eat
freshly killed flesh nightly—preferably human—this decay is held in
check. Any ghoul that maintains itself long enough in this state
begins to gain more intelligence and power, and it eventually
becomes a revenant.

GHOUL COMMONFOLK:
COMBAT BRAWN AGILITY PERCEPTION INTELLIGENCE WILLPOWER FELLOWSHIP
35 [4] 50 [7] 45 [4] 45 [4] 40 [4] 40 [4] 40 [4]
Melee +20 Toughness +20 Stealth +20 Awareness +10 Resolve +10
Damage
Risk Factor:
Threshold:
Peril Threshold: Suggested for
Dodge: 45% 9(15/21/27) Movement: 7 Initiative: 13 Size: Normal
7(13/19/25) 3 Basic-Tier
Light leather +2:
Blackbirds
11(17/23/29)
Bite: 55% - Distance (Melee Engaged) - Damage [2Ð6+7] - Pummeling, Slow
Claws: 55% - Distance (Melee Engaged) - Damage [1Ð6+4] - Slow, Vicious

GHOUL MERC ENARY:

COMBAT BRAWN AGILITY PERCEPTION INTELLIGENCE WILLPOWER FELLOWSHIP
45 [6] 50 [7] 40 [4] 40 [4] 40 [4] 45 [4] 35 [3]
Melee +30 Toughness +20 Stealth +20 Awareness +20 Resolve +20
Damage
Risk Factor:
Threshold:
Dodge: 40% Peril Threshold: Suggested for
10(16/22/28) Movement: 7 Initiative: 13 Size: Normal
Parry: 75% 7(13/19/25) 3 Basic-Tier
Gambeson +3:
Blackbirds
13(19/25/31)
Bite: 75% - Distance (Melee Engaged) - Damage [2Ð6+7] - Pummeling, Slow
Claws: 75% - Distance (Melee Engaged) - Damage [1Ð6+6] - Slow, Vicious
Greatsword: 75% - Distance (Melee Engaged) - Damage [1Ð6+6] - Punishing, Reach, Slow
488 BLACKBIRDS
BLOOD OF VENGEANCE: If a Blackbird in play has
the Hyperion’s Progeny Boon, this creature senses
them unerringly, can never be Surprised by them,
and knows their location even if they are hidden.
In addition, this creature’s attacks have an extra +1
Damage against these targets.
DAYLIGHT BANE: If attempting to stay active during
the day but out of sight of daylight, all this creature’s
Skills are reduced by –20. In addition, a (Hard
–20%) Resolve test must be made for them every
hour to remain active. When exposed to direct
sunlight, this creature also becomes Defenseless.
DEATH FOG GHOUL: When three or more children
of Anhelios gather, they produce an obscuring
aquamarine fog that seeks the lowest depth and
surrounds them at a distance of 10 strides. Make
a successful Peril-induced Resolve test for those
exposed to it for the first time in a night. Make a
successful Toughness test for those who begin their
Turn Prone or submerged beneath it, or they take
1Ð6+1 Damage from poison. If ten or more children
of Anhelios are present, the fog spreads 99 strides
beyond the group’s edge, obscuring the sight of all
but the children themselves and inflicting a –10
modifier to all Skills that rely on sight.
FIRE BANE: Bane dice (Ð10s that explode on ‘9’ or ‘10’)
are rolled instead of Damage dice when fire is used
against this creature. This Damage cannot be mitigated
or healed by any of the Traits of this creature.
FLESH OF THE UNDEAD: This creature feels no pain
and ignores all Injuries. They cannot Bleed. Severed
limbs may move independently.
MIND OF THE UNDEAD: This creature is immune
to magic or abilities that seek to control the mind
or emotions. They automatically succeed against
any ability that would cause them to Resist with
Fellowship, Intelligence, or Willpower. This does
not include possession by Outsiders. They may not
be Knocked Out or Stunned.
NO BREATH, NO LIFE: This creature is immune to
Injuries, poisoning, and suffocation.
QUICKBRONZE CORRUPTION: Most metals that come
into contact with this creature may be corrupted
by verdigris, a magical rot that degrades weapons
and armor. Roll for susceptible metal weapons
whenever they successfully hit this creature, and
for susceptible metal armor whenever this creature
successfully hits someone wearing it. Roll 1Ð6: the
metal is corrupted on a roll of ‘6’ for vulnerable
metals or ‘3’ through ‘6’ for items made from
quickbronze. Corrupted weapons immediately gain
1 level of Degradation. A corruption roll is made
every morning until the item can be successfully
repaired, at which point the corruption is removed.
Enchanted items are immune to this effect.
SIGHT WITHOUT SIGHT: By sensing the Od directly,
this creature can see even if their eyes are destroyed,
removed, or absent. In addition, they can see in
complete darkness. They cannot see things that are
hidden from the Od, however.
UNDEAD DECAY GHOUL: If this creature is unable to
partake of freshly killed flesh during the night, make
a successful Toughness test for them, or they lose 1
random Skill Rank. Once they lose 5 Skill Ranks,
they enter a state of torpor and become a draugr.
If this creature eats even a small amount of freshly
killed meat, they gain all of their Skill Ranks back.
CORRUPTING VOMIT 4 MISFORTUNE,
1 AP, COMBAT ACTION: This creature vomits
corrupted verdigris onto one of their foes,
completely destroying a metal weapon or suit of
armor. This costs only 2 Misfortune when used
against quickbronze items.
CURSE OF ANHELIOS 5
MISFORTUNE, 0 AP, COMBAT ACTION: After making
a successful attack, this creature infects the target
with the Child of Anhelios Affliction unless the
target spends Fate to shrug off the effect.
 B E ST I A RY 489

Draugr

W hen a ghoul has not fed for a while and enters

torpor, it becomes a draugr. A draugr appears to be
nothing more than a withered and desiccated corpse.
However, the fury and supernatural power of the verdigris is still
locked within their bones. If a draugr is attacked or given the
opportunity to ambush a living being, it suddenly bursts into
horrific life, making a desperate effort to feast on flesh and
continue its unnatural existence. Because all of the energy
left within them is exhausted in a sudden and concentrated
effort, draugr are far more dangerous when attacking than
are ghouls. Draugr may also rise to attack during the day,
so long as no sunlight touches their skin, as this causes
them to resume their undeathly sleep. Even more than
most undead, draugr are vulnerable to flames. The death fog
that surrounds other children of Anhelios exudes from the draugr
only once they become active.

COMBAT BRAWN AGILITY PERCEPTION INTELLIGENCE WILLPOWER FELLOWSHIP

45 [6] 40 [5] 50 [7] 45 [5] 40 [4] 40 [4] 35 [3]
Melee +20 Toughness +20 Stealth +30 Awareness +10 Resolve +10
Damage
Risk Factor:
Threshold:
Dodge: 50% Peril Threshold: Suggested for 1
8(14/20/26) Movement: 10 Initiative: 14 Size: Normal
Parry: 65% 7(13/19/25) Intermediate-
Gambeson +3:
Tier Blackbird
11(17/23/29)
Bite: 65% - Distance (Melee Engaged) - Damage [2Ð6+5] - Pummeling, Slow
Claws: 65% - Distance (Melee Engaged) - Damage [2Ð6+6] - Slow, Vicious
Longsword: 65% - Distance (Melee Engaged) - Damage [2Ð6+6] - Adaptable, Biting (2), Defensive

BLOOD OF VENGEANCE: If a Blackbird in play has
the Hyperion’s Progeny Boon, this creature senses
them unerringly, can never be Surprised by them,
and knows their location even if they are hidden.
In addition, this creature’s attacks deal an extra +1
Damage to these targets.
DAYLIGHT BANE: If attempting to stay active during
the day but out of sight of daylight, all this creature’s
Skills are reduced by –30. In addition, an (Arduous
–30%) Resolve test must be made for them every
hour to remain active. When exposed to direct
sunlight, this creature also becomes Defenseless.
DEATH FOG DRAUGR: When three or more children
of Anhelios gather, they produce an obscuring,
aquamarine fog that seeks the lowest depth and
surrounds them at a distance of 10 strides. Make
a successful Peril-induced Resolve test for those
exposed to it for the first time in a night. Make
a successful Toughness test for those who begin
their Turn Prone or submerged beneath it, or they
take 1Ð6+1 Damage from poison. If ten or more
children of Anhelios are present, the fog spreads 99
strides beyond the group’s edge obscuring the sight
of all but the children themselves and inflicting a
–10 modifier to all Skills that rely on sight.
FIRE BANE: Bane dice (Ð10s that explode on ‘9’ or
‘10’) are rolled instead of Damage dice when fire
is used against this creature. This Damage cannot
 490 BLACKBIRDS
be mitigated or healed by any of the Traits of
this creature.
FLESH OF THE UNDEAD: This creature feels no pain
and ignores all Injuries. They cannot Bleed. Severed
limbs may move independently.
MIND OF THE UNDEAD: This creature is immune
to magic or abilities that seek to control the mind
or emotions. They automatically succeed against
any ability that would cause them to Resist with
Fellowship, Intelligence, or Willpower. This does
not include possession by Outsiders. They may not
be Knocked Out or Stunned.
NO BREATH, NO LIFE: This creature is immune to
Injuries, poisoning, and suffocation.
QUICKBRONZE CORRUPTION: Most metals that come
into contact with this creature may be corrupted
by verdigris, a magical rot that degrades weapons
and armor. Roll for susceptible
metal weapons whenever they
successfully hit this creature,
and for susceptible metal armor
whenever this creature successfully
hits someone wearing it. Roll
1Ð6: the metal is corrupted on
a roll of ‘6’ for vulnerable metals
“It is said that where there or ‘3’ through ‘6’ for items made
is water there is life, and from quickbronze. Corrupted
truly no more bustling weapons immediately gain 1 level
ports can be found in of Degradation. A corruption roll
Erebos than the twin is made every morning until the
cities of Vech and Mero. item can be successfully repaired,
It is also said water is at which point the corruption
the easiest place to hide
secrets and to dispose
of the dead . . .”
—Observations of the
Wandering Squire
is removed. Enchanted items are immune to
this effect.
SIGHT WITHOUT SIGHT: By sensing the Od directly,
this creature can see, even if their eyes are destroyed,
removed, or absent. In addition, they can see in
complete darkness. They cannot see things that are
hidden from the Od, however.
UNDEAD DECAY DRAUGR: If this creature is unable
to partake of freshly killed flesh during the night,
make a successful Toughness test for them, or they
lose 1 random Skill Rank. Once they lose 5 Skill
Ranks, they enter a state of torpor. If this creature
eats even a small amount of freshly killed meat, they
gain all their Skill Ranks back.
LURKING QUICK 2 MISFORTUNE, NON
COMBAT ACTION: Unless they are specifically
observed or precautions are taken, this creature
awakens to perform a terrifying ambush as their
remaining motivating energy is released all at once.
All creatures of this type that are present gain a
Surprise Round and 4 AP during their Turn.
CORRUPTING VOMIT 4 MISFORTUNE,
1 AP, COMBAT ACTION: This creature vomits
corrupted verdigris onto one of their foes,
completely destroying a metal weapon or suit of
armor. This costs only 2 Misfortune when used
against quickbronze items.
CURSE OF ANHELIOS 5
MISFORTUNE, 0 AP, COMBAT ACTION: After making
a successful attack, this creature infects the target
with the Child of Anhelios Affliction unless the
target spends Fate to shrug off the effect.
 B E ST I A RY 491

Revenant

G houls that exist for at least a

year become more self-
aware and powerful, transforming
into revenants. A revenant learns
to wrap itself and preserve its flesh
against decay. The power of the
verdigris inside it has coalesced
and focused, binding itself to the
revenant’s will to endure the force
of its amplified hate. If a revenant
has eyes, they glow a malevolent blue-
green, and if it has none, floating motes of
light shine dimly where its eyes used to be.
As they have minds that are somewhat more whole than
that of a ghoul, revenants may come to command several ghouls
and direct them to fulfill their ultimate goals, for revenants have
long-term plans and schemes. The downside of this greater
composure is that revenants are drawn toward the will of Anhelios,
and it is often his desire and thoughts that motivate them, although they
may not consciously know as much.

COMBAT BRAWN AGILITY PERCEPTION INTELLIGENCE WILLPOWER FELLOWSHIP

50 [7] 45 [6] 45 [6] 40 [5] 40 [4] 40 [4] 35 [3]
Melee +20 Education +10
Toughness +20 Stealth +20 Awareness +20 Resolve +20 Leadership +20
Ranged +20 Strategy +10
Damage
Risk Factor:
Threshold:
Dodge: 45% Peril Threshold: Suggested for 3
12(18/24/30) Movement: 9 Initiative: 14 Size: Normal
Parry: 70% 7(13/19/25) Intermediate-
Brigandine +4:
Tier Blackbirds
16(22/28/34)
Bite: 70% - Distance (Melee Engaged) - Damage [2Ð6+6] - Pummeling, Slow
Claw: 70% - Distance (Melee Engaged) - Damage [2Ð6+7] - Slow, Vicious
Longsword: 70% - Distance (Melee Engaged) - Damage [2Ð6+7] - Adaptable, Biting (2), Defensive

BANE OF FLESH BITE/1Ð10+6: The attack listed in
parentheses does 1Ð10+6 Bane Damage to targets
that possess the Mortal Bane or Trait instead of the
Damage listed in the attack.
BLOOD OF VENGEANCE: If a Blackbird in play has
the Hyperion’s Progeny Boon, this creature senses
them unerringly, can never be Surprised by them,
and knows their location even if they are hidden.
In addition, this creature’s attacks deal an extra +1
Damage to these targets.
COMMAND THE AFFLICTED REVENANT: A revenant
may seek to command a ghoul and make it do the
revenant’s bidding. To do so, the revenant must see
the ghoul and speak to it. Make a (Standard +/–0%)
Resolve test for the ghoul. If the test fails, then the
ghoul comes under the command of the revenant. If
it succeeds, that ghoul may never be commanded by
that revenant. A wight may also be commanded in
this way, and if the Resolve test made for it fails, it
immediately has a crisis. Through this ability, draugr
492 BLACKBIRDS
may be told to awaken when a specific person comes
near or at a specific time.
DAYLIGHT BANE: If attempting to stay active during
the day but out of sight of daylight, all this creature’s
Skills are reduced by –10. In addition, a (Challenging
–10%) Resolve test must be made for them every
hour to remain active. When exposed to direct
sunlight, this creature also becomes Defenseless.
DEATH FOG REVENANT: When three or more
children of Anhelios gather, they produce an
obscuring, aquamarine fog that seeks the lowest
depth and surrounds them at a distance of 20 strides.
Make a successful Peril-induced Resolve test for
those exposed to it for the first time in a night, or they
suffer 2Ð10+2 Peril. Make a successful Toughness
test for those who begin their Turn Prone or
submerged beneath it, or they take 2Ð6+2 Damage
from poison. If ten or more children of Anhelios are
present, the fog spreads 99 strides beyond the group’s
edge, obscuring the sight of all but the children
themselves and inflicting a –20 modifier to all Skills
that rely on sight.
FIRE BANE: Bane dice (Ð10s that explode on ‘9’ or
‘10’) are rolled instead of Damage dice when fire
is used against this creature. This Damage cannot
be mitigated or healed by any of the Traits of
this creature.
FLESH OF THE UNDEAD: This creature feels no pain
and ignores all Injuries. They cannot Bleed. Severed
limbs may move independently.
NO BREATH, NO LIFE: This creature is immune to
Injuries, poisoning, and suffocation.
NO MORTAL BLADE: This creature is impervious to
Damage from weapons that are not Enchanted.
QUICKBRONZE CORRUPTION: Most metals that come
into contact with this creature may be corrupted by
verdigris, a magical rot that degrades weapons and
armor. Roll for susceptible metal weapons whenever
they successfully hit this creature, and for susceptible
metal armor whenever this creature successfully hits
someone wearing it. Roll 1Ð6: the metal is corrupted
on a roll of ‘6’ for vulnerable metals or ‘3’ through
‘6’ for items made from quickbronze. Corrupted
weapons immediately gain 1 level of Degradation.
A corruption roll is made every morning until the
item can be successfully repaired, at which point the
corruption is removed. Enchanted items are immune
to this effect.
SIGHT WITHOUT SIGHT: By sensing the Od directly,
this creature can see even if its eyes are destroyed,
absent, or removed. In addition, it can see in complete
darkness. It cannot see things that are hidden from
the Od, however.
UNDEAD DECAY REVENANT: If this creature is unable
to partake of freshly killed flesh for a week, make a
successful Toughness test for them, or they lose 1
random Skill Rank. Once they lose 10 Skill Ranks,
they enter a state of torpor and become a draugr.
If this creature eats even a small amount of freshly
killed meat, they gain all their Skill Ranks back.
WILL OF ANHELIOS 1 MISFORTUNE, 1 AP, SPECIAL
ACTION: Anhelios possesses the revenant and
commands its actions. All Damage is immediately
removed from the revenant, and it gains +10 to all
Skill tests. It also possesses knowledge that only
Anhelios would have: of ancient secrets, of the aes,
and of humanity. The Fateweaver adjudicates this
knowledge.
CORRUPTING VOMIT 3 MISFORTUNE, 1 AP,
COMBAT ACTION: This creature vomits corrupted
verdigris onto one of their foes, completely destroying
a metal weapon or suit of armor. This costs only 2
Misfortune when used against quickbronze items.
CURSE OF ANHELIOS 4 MISFORTUNE,
0 AP, COMBAT ACTION: After making a successful
attack, this creature infects the target with the Child
of Anhelios Affliction unless the target spends Fate
to shrug off the effect.
 B E ST I A RY 493

Lich

A revenant that has existed for an extremely long time is able

to coalesce the puissance of the corrupting verdigris within
itself to achieve an even greater plateau of consciousness and
ability. Very few of these creatures exist, for no revenants created
since the Extinguishing have been around long enough to reach this state, so
every one of these undead atrocities present in the world is extremely ancient.
Some have speculated that ancient sorcerers who dealt with Outsiders
brought themselves to this state knowingly to escape death. It is said that
they discovered a secret Vitiation in forgotten lore to transform themselves.
However it happened, the result is a terribly powerful being of focused
will and malice that is ultimately a chess piece—albeit a favored one—on
the board of a greater entity with a long-term and dire purpose.
Liches always have some great learning or proficiency, either because
in life they were masters of a particular craft or because they have
acquired abilities that require time to develop—assets unavailable in the
brevity of mortals’ lives.

COMBAT BRAWN AGILITY PERCEPTION INTELLIGENCE WILLPOWER FELLOWSHIP

45 [6] 35 [5] 40 [6] 45 [5] 50 [7] 40 [7] 40 [4]
Education +10
Melee +30 Coordination Charm +10
Athletics +20 Awareness +20 Folklore +10 Odweft +20
Ranged +30 +20 Guile +20
Toughness +20 Scrutinize +10 Strategy +10 Resolve +30
Warfare +20 Stealth +20 Leadership +30
Wortcunning +10
Damage
Risk Factor:
Threshold:
Dodge: 60% Initiative: Peril Threshold: Suggested for 6
16(22/28/34) Movement: 9 Size: Normal
Parry: 75% 14 10(16/22/28) Advanced-Tier
Light Leather +2:
Blackbirds
18(24/30/36)
Deadly Grasp: 75% - Distance (Melee Engaged) - Damage [3Ð6+6] - Finesse, Vicious
Longbow: 75% - Distance (Ranged 18 strides) - Load (1 AP) - Damage [2Ð6+6] - Finesse
Longsword: 75% - Distance (Melee Engaged) - Damage [2Ð6+6] - Adaptable, Biting (2), Defensive

BANE OF FLESH DEADLY GRASP/2Ð10+6: The attack
listed in parentheses does 2Ð10+6 Bane Damage
to targets that possess the Mortal Bane or Trait
instead of the Damage listed in the attack.
COMMAND THE AFFLICTED LICH: A lich may seek
to command a ghoul, a revenant, or a Blackbird
who has the Child of Anhelios Affliction and make
them do their bidding. To do so, the lich must see
and speak to their target and spend 1 AP. Make a
(Standard +/–0%) Resolve test for the target. If it
fails, then they come under the command of the lich.
If it succeeds, that target may never be commanded
by that lich. A wight may also be commanded in
this way, and if the Resolve test made for it fails,
it immediately has a crisis. Through this ability,
draugr may be told to awaken when a specific person
comes near or at a specific time. A Blackbird under
the sway of this ability will not harm themself, but
they otherwise do everything possible to follow the
commands of the lich while they are in its presence
or until they use Fate to break the bond.
DAYLIGHT BANE: If attempting to stay active
during the day but out of sight of daylight, all this
creature’s Skills are reduced by –10. In addition,
494 BLACKBIRDS
a (Standard +/–0%) Resolve test must be made for
them every hour to remain active. When exposed to
direct sunlight, this creature also becomes Defenseless.
DEATH FOG LICH: When three or more children
of Anhelios gather, they produce an obscuring,
aquamarine fog that seeks the lowest depth and
surrounds them at a distance of 30 strides. Make a
successful Peril-induced Resolve test for those exposed
to it for the first time in a night, or they suffer 3Ð10+3
Peril. Make a successful Toughness test for those who
begin their Turn Prone or submerged beneath it, or
they take 3Ð6+3 Damage from poison. If ten or more
children of Anhelios are present, the fog spreads 99
strides beyond the group’s edge, obscuring the sight
of all but the children themselves and inflicting a –30
modifier to all Skills that rely on sight.
FIRE BANE: Bane dice (Ð10s that explode on ‘9’ or ‘10’)
are rolled instead of Damage dice when fire is used
against this creature. This Damage cannot be mitigated
or healed by any of the Traits of this creature.
FLESH OF THE UNDEAD: This creature feels no pain and
ignores all Injuries. They cannot Bleed. Severed limbs
may move independently.
NO BREATH, NO LIFE: This creature is immune to
Injuries, poisoning, and suffocation.
NO MORTAL BLADE: This creature is impervious to
Damage from weapons that are not Enchanted.
NO MORTAL SKILL: This creature is immune to
Extinguish Abilities.
QUICKBRONZE CORRUPTION: Most metals that come
into contact with this creature may be corrupted by
verdigris, a magical rot that degrades weapons and
armor. Roll for susceptible metal weapons whenever
they successfully hit this creature, and for susceptible
metal armor whenever this creature successfully hits
someone wearing it. Roll 1Ð6: the metal is corrupted
on a roll of ‘6’ for vulnerable metals or ‘3’ through ‘6’
for items made from quickbronze. Corrupted weapons
immediately gain 1 level of Degradation. A corruption
roll is made every morning until the item can be
successfully repaired, at which point the corruption is
removed. Enchanted items are immune to this effect.
SIGHT WITHOUT SIGHT: By sensing the Od directly, this
creature can see even if their eyes are destroyed, absent,
or removed. In addition, they can see in complete
darkness. They cannot see things that are hidden from
the Od, however.
UNDEAD DECAY LICH: If the creature is unable to
partake of freshly killed flesh once a week, make a
successful Toughness test for them, or they lose 1
random Skill Rank. Once they lose 15 Skill Ranks,
they enter a state of torpor and become a draugr. If
this creature eats even a small amount of freshly killed
meat, they gain all their Skill Ranks back.
MASTER OF THE MASTER 1 MISFORTUNE, 0 AP,
REACTION: If this creature is about to be destroyed, its
master intervenes to protect it by removing it to safety
to fight another day. This master could be Anhelios, an
Outsider, an Oligarch, or some other powerful entity
that has gained control over the creature. The nature
of this intervention reveals who the true master of this
creature is, and this Trait may be used only once by
any given creature that has it.
 THEURGY 13 MISFORTUNE, * AP,
SPECIAL ACTION: This creature has access to the
Vitiations of an Outsider of Fateweaver choosing
Vitiations used against Blackbirds are empowered by
spending Misfortune: 1 for imp station, 2 for villein
station, and 3 for lord station.
CURSE OF ANHELIOS 3 MISFORTUNE, 0 AP,
COMBAT ACTION: After making a successful attack,
this creature infects the target with the Child of
Anhelios Affliction unless the target spends Fate to
shrug off the effect.
OSSUARY FOG 5 MISFORTUNE, 2 AP,
SPECIAL ACTION: The fog that usually accompanies
the children of Anhelios billows outward. When this
Trait is employed, make Flip to Fail tests for everyone
within 30 strides. A successful Peril-induced Resolve
test is needed to avoid suffering 3Ð10+3 Peril, and
a successful Toughness test avoids taking 3Ð6+3
Damage from poison All weapons and armor must
be tested as if they were exposed to Quickbronze
Corruption, as well. All Skills that rely on sight are
at –30 for any who who don’t bear the children of
Anhelios Affliction. The effect on vision lasts until
this creature is Slain! or leaves the area.
 B E ST I A RY 495

L I F E C YC L E O F T H E R AV E N O U S D E A D ST R I G A

I
n dark places are laid the eggs that make striga. They are oblong,
about the size of a human head, and hauntingly beautiful, like a large Folk wisdom says to spit when you
pearl. Humans are irresistibly fascinated by the objects, but all other
natural creatures avoid them and shy away from their presence. Thralls of have spoken the name of any of the
the striga see the eggs in a different light, as they hunger for the milky sap
within the lustrous sheathe. In most cases, however, this sap is doled out crowned magi of ancient Corbellus, lest
to them to aid in their compliance, and those who have tasted the milk of
the egg evince a subtle physical transformation, an extension of their its taint linger in your mouth. Great
mortal lives and a subservience and receptiveness to the telepathic
commands of the true striga above them on the food chain. was the doom visited upon these fools
Once the eggs hatch, the filmy substance within finally forms the
corpse-white flesh of the larval striga, and grub-like creatures eat their who dared to raise their eyes to the
way out of each egg-sheathe, devouring the shining shell that protects
the egg. There is little enough nourishment to be had from it: the shell’s aes with greed and lust rather than
consumption is an act of escape, not hunger. The larvae are ravenous
when they emerge and move faster than their strange, wormlike bodies reverence. The Goodly Neighbors taught
would indicate. In addition, they are covered with the narcotic and
pain-numbing milk of the egg sac, and their venom serves a similar them a terrible lesson, a scourging
intoxicating function. The striga are extremely careful to plan the
number of larvae to be released, for if their numbers were to increase too the world yet stings from today.
rapidly, they would exhaust their food supply—an important thing, as
the curse that binds them to a horrid parasitic eternity also binds them
to the island of Corbel for that same span.

I N FE C T I O N
A slithering wave of undulating white grub-things is the first sign that
a nearby nest has hatched, and they seek the nearest living thing with
warm blood flowing through its veins. The larvae move as a swarm or
family, infesting the first acceptable host they encounter as a group.
They may gather upon an animal, but only to sustain themselves and
ride along to find their true target, for they can complete their gestation
and transformation only within a human host. Many of the larvae do
not survive this stage, starving and drying out to wither into a filmy,
stinking gray substance like the walls of a wasp’s nest. It is said that the
lairs of the titan casks are bursting with armies of these things, under the
mental control of their gigantic masters.
The larvae that do encounter human folk, however, attack with great
ferocity. This seldom happens by accident or without forethought, and if
fortunate, the future host is unconscious when exposed to this onslaught,
as the things eat rapidly into their flesh and burrow deep inside. Little pain
accompanies this monstrous invasion thanks to the excretions of the larvae,
but this tiny mercy does not mean a conscious host feels nothing. Some say
496 BLACKBIRDS

the narcotics that the worms produce fill the victim T R A N S F O R M AT I O N

with a euphoric pleasure. These rumors and
speculations surround a process that few living
creatures have witnessed, however, and those who
experience this horror as a host do not usually
remember the event.
Once the larvae enter the flesh, what follows is a
race. They blindly forage throughout the body of their
victim until one of them finds the heart. This victor
delves deep into the organ, pushing its way into every
chamber. The larva then slumps into rest and releases a
humor that quickly suffuses the rest of the body. The
other larvae—its competitors—are poisoned by the
secretion but do not die. Instead, they shrivel and molt,
becoming strange crimson fleas, each about the size of
a coin. These vermin can often be seen swarming
beneath, and upon, the flesh of the striga, and
sometimes that of the living beings who associate with
them: a tell for those wise enough to know these
creatures’ meaning. The host body then enters a deathly
state, steeped in the venom of the things within.
The body and fleas enter a state of hibernation
as the larva consumes the whole of the heart and
lungs, adhering the many vessels that flow in and
out of these areas to its own rapidly thickening
body. It grows quickly, feasting on what remains
of the host body’s vitality. In 3 days’ time, the
host awakens, filled with a hunger that can never
be completely sated, and bound physically and
spiritually to the parasitic thing within them. The
first time the feeding tube emerges from their
mouth to implant in human prey is a moment of
horror for the new striga, which rapidly changes
into satiating bliss as the ravenous urges it feels at
all times are momentarily quelled. From this point
on, this is their entire existence: seeking the life
that flows inside others to momentarily abate the
eternal suffering of this curse—never again walking
in daylight; living, trapped, in a prison, both with
humanity and forever apart from it.

T H E M I LK O F T H E E G G
This substance is found within the immature egg sacs of
the titan casks. It becomes a vector of control for the
creatures, as it is highly addictive, makes those who have
ingested it susceptible to the mental commands of the
striga, and alters their physiology over time to make
them fully dependent on it.
It is a somewhat open secret that many of the dishes
served in the houses of aristocratic families in Corbel
have a small amount of this substance incorporated into
their recipes, and those who have imbibed or dined at
the table of the wealthy in Corbel are susceptible.
Those who have recently consumed the milk, whether
knowingly or unknowingly, become open to the mental
commands of the striga and Resist these commands at –10.
Addiction comes only after being exposed for a week
or more, and the first time a person who has been so
prepared comes into contact with, or smells a container of,
the raw and undiluted milk, a successful (Challenging
–10%) Resolve test must be made for them (assuming
they wish to Resist), or they consume it immediately.
After this event, they become addicted to the milk and
need it daily to function normally. Someone addicted to
the milk falls 1 level on the Peril Condition Track for each
day they do not have access to it, and these levels are
impossible to recover without access to the milk. If they
become Incapacitated!, they reach a crisis point and go
into full withdrawal. Make a (Challenging –10%)
Toughness test for them each day that follows. If this test
succeeds, they overcome the addiction and may recover. If
it fails, they drop 1 level on the Damage Condition Track.
Repeat the process each day until they are given the milk,
they recover, or they die.
Those who have fed on the raw milk for a month or
more become physically incapable of existing without it.
The process above applies to them, but they may never
be free of the addiction and must have access to the milk
or die. In addition, they are physically changed and their
statistics altered by the thrall template.
 B E ST I A RY 497

Human Thrall

H umans who are fed the milk of the egg, by choice or by another’s
subterfuge, become more susceptible to the mental commands of
the striga lords and titan casks, and such people slowly develop an
insatiable addiction to the ichor inside.

THRA LL TEMPLATE :
COMBAT BRAWN AGILITY PERCEPTION INTELLIGENCE WILLPOWER FELLOWSHIP
+10 [+1] +10 [+1] +10 [+1]
+10 to
+10 to Athletics +10 to
Awareness
and Toughness Coordination
and Scrutinize
Damage Peril Threshold:
Threshold: +1 +1

STR IGA MERCH ANT THRA LL:

COMBAT BRAWN AGILITY PERCEPTION INTELLIGENCE WILLPOWER FELLOWSHIP
45 [6] 35 [5] 45 [6] 40 [6] 40 [4] 40 [4] 50 [7]
Bargain +10
Athletics +10 Coordination Awareness +30
Melee +10 Charm +10
Toughness +20 +10 Scrutinize +20
Guile +20
Damage
Risk Factor:
Threshold:
Dodge: 55% Peril Threshold: Suggested for
8(14/20/26) Movement: 9 Initiative: 15 Size: Normal
Parry: 75% 7(13/19/25) 1 Basic-Tier
Brigandine +4:
Blackbird
12(18/24/30)
Dagger: 55% - Distance (Melee Engaged) - Damage [1Ð6+6] - Fast, Finesse, Off-Hand, Piercing
Improvised Hand Weapon: 55% - Distance (Melee Engaged) - Damage [1Ð6+5] - Pummeling

PAIN IS POWER: This creature ignores the effects of
the first Injury it receives in combat. Make a Peril-
induced Resolve test for all who witness this at –10
for a Moderate Injury, –20 for a Serious Injury, or
–30 for a Grievous Injury.
QUICKBRONZE BANE: Bane dice (Ð10s that explode on
‘9’ or ‘10’) are rolled instead of Damage dice when
weapons of this type are used against this creature.
This Damage cannot be mitigated or healed by any of
the Traits of this creature.
UNENDING SERVICE 2 MISFORTUNE, 0 AP,
REACTION: When this creature is Slain!, it draws
upon a well of unnatural strength and knits its body
back together, regaining 3 levels of Damage. Make
a Peril-induced Resolve test for all who observe this.
This creature will only survive if it can drink the milk
of the egg before the sun sets.
THE SCUTTLING VOYEUR 5
MISFORTUNE, 1 AP, SPECIAL ACTION: An ancient will
pierces through this creature’s addled consciousness,
watching from behind its eyes. Upon manifesting,
an eerie cold permeates the Scene, triggering a
(Challenging –10%) Peril-induced Resolve test
for those present. While the voyeur’s thoughts
drift through this subcreature, their body becomes
a vessel for terrible supernatural power, granting
them a +3 Damage Threshold and removing all of
their Damage levels.
 498 BLACKBIRDS

Larval Swarm

S warms are seldom encountered outside the lairs of the titan casks, as
striga eggs are carefully controlled and packed in salt to keep them in
a state of quiescence until needed. The swarms that exist near the lair of a
titan cask are under the control of that being and do not venture far from
their parent, nor do they create new striga without their master’s mental
command. Intruders who have been transformed are usually dispatched
before they awaken from their accursed, transformational slumber.
The larvae are not particularly dangerous unless encountered
in great numbers. The entry here represents a swarm large
enough to transform one human into a striga. If it achieves
its aim, it disappears into the flesh of its unfortunate
host. Several such swarms might be present in any
particular encounter, if they are discovered near a nest.

COMBAT BRAWN AGILITY PERCEPTION INTELLIGENCE WILLPOWER FELLOWSHIP

45 [5] 40 [5] 50 [5] 45 [4] 40 [4] 40 [4] 35 [3]
Coordination
Melee +10 Athletics +10 Awareness +10
+10
Risk Factor:
Damage
Peril Threshold: Suggested for
Dodge: 60% Threshold: Movement: 8 Initiative: 12 Size: Small
7(13/19/25) 1 Basic-Tier
6(12/18/24)
Blackbird
Swarm and Infest: 55% - Distance (Melee Engaged) - Damage [1Ð6+5] - Entangling, Fast, Vicious

CURSE OF HEKATÉ: Any Mortal who dies while
infested by these creatures rises as a striga in 3 days
if no action is taken.
DAYLIGHT BANE: If attempting to stay active during
the day but out of sight of daylight, all this creature’s
Skills are reduced by –20. In addition, a (Standard
+/–0%) Resolve test must be made for the creature
every hour to remain active. When exposed to direct
sunlight, this creature also becomes Defenseless.
NARCOTIC VENOM 10: After this creature
successfully performs a Grapple, make a
(Challenging –10%) Resolve test for the target. If
this fails, the target is Knocked Out for 1Ð10−[WB]
Rounds. This effect may be shrugged off by making
a Resolve test at the end of each of a victim’s Turns.
QUICKBRONZE BANE: Bane dice (Ð10s that explode
on ‘9’ or ‘10’) are rolled instead of Damage dice
when weapons of this type are used against this
creature. This Damage cannot be mitigated or
healed by any of the Traits of this creature.
SALT BANE: This creature becomes Helpless if
completely immersed in salt. Make a Resolve test
for the creature to cross a significant boundary
of salt. If submerged in salt water, it takes Bane
dice (Ð10s that explode on ‘9’ or ‘10’) Damage
for each Round it is submerged. This Damage
cannot be mitigated or healed by any of the Traits
of this creature.
INFEST 5 MISFORTUNE, 2 AP,
SPECIAL ACTION: An adjacent creature is infested
with one of the grubs, and it has burrowed beneath
the skin. This automatically inflicts 1Ð6+4 Damage
and 1Ð10+1 Peril upon the target at the beginning of
each of its Turns until killed. While it infests a host,
it can be killed by applying a Mildly Dangerous
flame to the host, which does 1Ð10+1 Damage.
 B E ST I A RY 499

Striga

O n the third day after being infected by a larva, the striga awakens,
possessing all of the memories and personality traits of the dead
host. It is a famished, withered thing that must immediately seek out
bodily fluids to replenish its own. After a few kills, it is able to assume
its original form, and for all intents and purposes, it appears human for
a time. The host body’s chest is always flush with the most blood, as
circulation is no longer a significant life-sustaining function. A purple
bruise often covers the torso where the heart and lungs once were,
doubling as the creature’s lair and a point of tremendous vulnerability.
To feed, the thing within rises out of the host’s mouth to present its
salivary tubes and feeding spur: a long, narrow needle it injects
into its prey. It detects body heat with incredible accuracy and
can smell human breath at 99 strides.
The grubs that lost the race to the heart become nymphs,
smaller and more specialized versions of the creature
within, appearing as coin-sized scarlet fleas. They
accompany the striga, under its mental command,
infesting it within and without—a permanent
“family,” both part of and belonging to their host.
Nymphs are capable of expressing their own feeding
tubes, which present as rust-colored spikes that jut out
when the master flea in the heart cavity registers danger or
when needed by the nymph as a method of defense or attack.
Some say that long-lived striga who have managed to
maintain a human form learn to control the insects to a
greater degree, and the excretions of the nymphs have a
regenerative property on the striga’s flesh. Ultimately,
however, the cost of keeping both the heart flea and the ever-
hungry colony of nymphs fed, alongside the movement of these
creatures beneath the skin of the striga host, causes its body to break
down until appearing human becomes a challenge.

ST R IG A TE MPL ATE:
COMBAT BRAWN AGILITY PERCEPTION INTELLIGENCE WILLPOWER FELLOWSHIP
+10 +10 +10
+10 to Athletics +10 to
+10 to
+10 to Awareness and
Coordination
Toughness Scrutinize
Damage
Threshold: +2
Feeding Proboscis: [Melee]% - Distance (Melee Engaged or 1 stride) - Damage [2Ð6+6] - Entangling, Fast, Finesse, Piercing
 500 BLACKBIRDS

STRIGA CHARL ATAN:

COMBAT BRAWN AGILITY PERCEPTION INTELLIGENCE WILLPOWER FELLOWSHIP
45 [5] 50 [5] 50 [6] 40 [5] 45 [4] 45 [5] 50 [7]
Coordination
Charm +20
Melee +20 Athletics +10 +10 Awareness +10
Strategy +10 Resolve +20 Guile +20
Ranged +10 Toughness +10 Skulduggery +20 Scrutinize +30
Leadership +20
Stealth +20
Damage
Risk Factor:
Threshold:
Dodge: 60% Peril Threshold: Suggested for
9(15/21/27) Movement: 8 Initiative: 15 Size: Normal
Parry: 65% 8(14/20/26) 3 Basic-Tier
Light leather +2:
Blackbirds
11(17/23/29)
Feeding Proboscis: 65% - Distance (Melee Engaged or 1 stride) - Damage [2Ð6+6] - Entangling, Fast, Finesse, Piercing
Light Crossbow: 55% - Distance (Ranged 11 strides) - Load (2 AP) - Damage [1Ð6+5] - Fast, Piercing, Punishing
Rapier: 65% - Distance (Melee Engaged) - Damage [1Ð6+5] - Disarming, Fast, Finesse

DAYLIGHT BANE: If attempting to stay active during
the day but out of sight of daylight, all this creature’s
Skills are reduced by –20. In addition, a (Standard
+/–0%) Resolve test must be made for them every
hour to remain active. When exposed to direct
sunlight, this creature also becomes Defenseless.
NARCOTIC VENOM: After this creature successfully
performs a Grapple, make a (Standard +/–0%)
Resolve test for the target. If this fails, they are
Knocked Out for 1Ð10−[WB] Rounds. This effect
may be shrugged off by making a Resolve test at the
end of each of a victim’s Turns.
NO MORTAL SKILL: This creature is immune to
Extinguish Abilities.
NOT REALLY MY SKIN 2 AP, SPECIAL ACTION:
Remove one Injury or move 1 level up the Damage
Condition Track, as its flesh reknits.
QUICKBRONZE BANE: Bane dice (Ð10s that explode
on ‘9’ or ‘10’) are rolled instead of Damage dice when
weapons of this type are used against this creature.
This Damage cannot be mitigated or healed by any
of the Traits of this creature.
SALT BANE: This creature becomes Helpless if
completely immersed in salt. Make a Resolve test for
the creature to cross a significant boundary of salt.
If submerged in salt water, it takes Bane dice (Ð10s
that explode on ‘9’ or ‘10’) Damage for each Round
it is submerged. This Damage cannot be mitigated
or healed by any of the Traits of this creature.
VULNERABLE POINT HEART: Those who know
the vulnerable point of this creature (listed in
parentheses) and hit it with an (Arduous –30%)
Combat-based Skill test do an extra die of Damage
when attacking. A Critical Success on this test
renders the striga Helpless for 1Ð6 Rounds.
ANCESTRAL LOATHING 2 MISFORTUNE, 1 AP,
COMBAT ACTION: Crawling from the gaping maw
of its host, the creature thunderously rattles its
chitinous plates, filling all those who hear it with
primal dread and causing them to lose 1 AP.
EXSANGUINATE 5 MISFORTUNE,
2 AP, SPECIAL ACTION: This creature drives its
proboscis into someone nearby and drains them of
a devastating amount of blood. This creature heals
1 Damage level, including Bane Damage. Also, the
target is at –10 to all Skill tests until they complete
a Rekindling.
PARASITIC HORDE 6
MISFORTUNE, 2 AP, SPECIAL ACTION, STRIGA
CHARLATAN: This creature casts some of its flea-
like nymphs onto all who are Engaged with it. All
targets take 1Ð6+7 Damage at the start of each
of their Turns until they douse themselves in salt
or salt water, they expose themselves to Mildly
Dangerous flames (which do 1Ð10+1 Damage), or
this creature is dead.
 B E ST I A RY 501

Striga Noble

C onfined to the island-city of Corbel by Hekaté’s curse, the striga

had no choice but to adapt to their gilded oubliette. By strictly
adhering to a caste system denoting realms of influence, breeding limits,
and even the length of their unlives, the striga have endured millennia.
Unbeknownst to the mortal populace, Corbel, City of Reflections, is a
prison for the damned, one dreamt into a form that serves the needs of
the slumbering titan casks—the striga’s accursed forebears, their sleeping
minds holding godlike sway over the five noble houses.
The five families of Corbel consist mostly of human beings, leading
lives of privilege and exerting the wills of their unseen benefactors across the
known world. The striga nobles govern the affairs of their blood kin, acting
as beacons to the otherworldly darkness that slumbers beneath Corbel.
Should a bonded merchant, favorite child, or any valued family member be
threatened, it is most assuredly the nobles’ servants who respond in kind.
On those rare occasions when a striga noble must personally deal with such
threats to the family, all those who witness its monstrous nature must die,
lest the truth of their damned lineage come to light.

ST R IG A NOBL E TEMPLATE :
COMBAT BRAWN AGILITY PERCEPTION INTELLIGENCE WILLPOWER FELLOWSHIP

+10 +10 +10 +10

+10 to Athletics +20 to
+10 to
+20 to Awareness and +10 to Resolve
Coordination
Toughness Scrutinize
Damage
Threshold: +3
Feeding Proboscis: [Melee]% - Distance (Melee Engaged or 1 stride) - Damage [2Ð6+6] - Entangling, Fast, Finesse, Piercing

STR IGA NOBLE:

COMBAT BRAWN AGILITY PERCEPTION INTELLIGENCE WILLPOWER FELLOWSHIP

55 [6] 45 [5] 55 [6] 50 [6] 40 [4] 40 [4] 50 [7]

Bargain +10
Awareness +30
Melee +20 Athletics +20 Coordination Education +20 Charm +10
Eavesdrop +10 Resolve +10
Ranged +20 Toughness +20 +20 Strategy +10 Guile +20
Scrutinize +20
Leadership +10
Damage
Risk Factor:
Threshold:
Peril Threshold: Suggested for 1
Dodge: 75% 11(17/23/29) Movement: 9 Initiative: 15 Size: Normal
7(13/19/25) Intermediate-
Brigandine +4:
Tier Blackbird
15(21/27/33)
Feeding Proboscis: 75% - Distance (Melee Engaged or 1 stride) - Damage [2Ð6+6] - Entangling (2), Fast, Finesse, Piercing
Longbow: 75% - Distance (Ranged 18 strides) - Load (2 AP) - Damage [1Ð6+8] - Finesse
Rapier: 75% - Distance (Melee Engaged) - Damage [1Ð6+6] - Disarming, Fast, Finesse

BANE OF FLESH FEEDING PROBOSCIS/1Ð10+6: The Damage to targets who possess the Mortal Bane or
attack listed in parentheses does 1Ð10+6 Bane Trait instead of the Damage listed in the attack.
502 BLACKBIRDS
BEND TO MY WILL 2 AP, SPECIAL ACTION, 10:
When this creature meets the gaze of a Mortal, it
can command them to become obeisant, requiring
a (Challenging –10%) Resolve test be made for the
target (and at –10 more if the target has drunk the
milk of the egg recently). Those who fail become
subservient to this creature. This condition is
permanent to unfated persons, though a Blackbird
may repeat the Resolve test at the end of any Round
in which commands are issued. Orders to perform
self-harm or those that force the Blackbird to attack
their flock immediately trigger a Resolve test at a
(Routine +10%) Difficulty Rating.
DAYLIGHT BANE: If attempting to stay active during
the day but out of sight of daylight, all this creature’s
Skills are reduced by –20. In addition, a (Standard
+/–0%) Resolve test must be made for them every
hour to remain active. When exposed to direct
sunlight, this creature also becomes Defenseless.
NARCOTIC VENOM 10: After this creature
successfully performs a Grapple, make a
(Challenging –10%) Resolve test for the target. If
this fails, they are Knocked Out for 1Ð10−[WB]
Rounds. This effect may be shrugged off by making
a Resolve test at the end of each of a victim’s Turns.
NO MORTAL BLADE: This creature is impervious to
Damage from weapons that are not Enchanted.
NO MORTAL SKILL: This creature is immune to
Extinguish Abilities.
NOT REALLY MY SKIN 2 AP, SPECIAL ACTION:
Remove one Injury or move 1 level up the Damage
Condition Track, as its flesh reknits.
QUICKBRONZE BANE: Bane dice (Ð10s that explode
on ‘9’ or ‘10’) are rolled instead of Damage dice
when weapons of this type are used against this
creature. This Damage cannot be mitigated or
healed by any of the Traits of this creature.
SALT BANE: This creature becomes Helpless if
completely immersed in salt. Make a Resolve test for
the creature to cross a significant boundary of salt.
If submerged in salt water, it takes Bane dice (Ð10s
that explode on ‘9’ or ‘10’) Damage for each Round
it is submerged. This Damage cannot be mitigated
or healed by any of the Traits of this creature.
VULNERABLE POINT HEART: Those who know
the vulnerable point of this creature (listed in
parentheses) and hit it with an (Arduous –30%)
Combat-based Skill test do an extra die of Damage
when attacking. A Critical Success on this test
renders the striga Helpless for 1Ð6 Rounds.
ANCESTRAL LOATHING 1 MISFORTUNE, 1 AP,
COMBAT ACTION: Crawling from the gaping maw
of its host, the creature thunderously rattles its
chitinous plates, filling all those who hear it with
primal dread and causing them to lose 1 AP.
MESMERIZE 3 MISFORTUNE, 2 AP, SPECIAL
ACTION: One target who can see this creature
is rendered Defenseless until they are out of
its presence.
EXSANGUINATE 4 MISFORTUNE,
2 AP, SPECIAL ACTION: This creature drives its
proboscis into someone nearby and drains them of
a devastating amount of blood. This creature heals 2
Damage levels, including Bane Damage. Also, the
target is at –20 to all Skill tests until they complete
a Rekindling.
PARASITIC HORDE 4 MISFORTUNE,
2 AP, SPECIAL ACTION, STRIGA NOBLE: This
creature casts some of its flea-like nymphs onto all
opponents within 1 stride. All targets take 1Ð6+7
Damage at the start of each of their Turns until they
douse themselves in salt or salt water, they expose
themselves to Mildly Dangerous flames (which do
1Ð10+1 Damage), or this creature is dead.
 B E ST I A RY 503

Striga Lord

A s the striga matures, its host body becomes cramped and needs to
be altered from within. The human torso is transformed into an
oblong shape, and all superfluous organs, hair, and body parts are
ingested or shed. The smell of death lingers in the striga lord’s wake, and
it is nigh impossible to pass as human. Its legs and arms have grown to
exaggerated proportions, and it is now able to leap incredible distances.
However, these sudden bursts of movement injure the host body,
splitting muscle and flesh with every superhuman exertion. This, too, is
a natural part of its life cycle, as the host body needs to be shed entirely
once the flea outgrows its rotting home. The jaw, often hanging slack
and dislocated, has been worn down by the flea’s movement up and
down the throat at times of feeding.
Sagging neck skin hangs from the
creature, running from chin to
sternum. A striga’s face is a
ruin of torn flesh and dead,
black eyes.

COMBAT BRAWN AGILITY PERCEPTION INTELLIGENCE WILLPOWER FELLOWSHIP

50 [8] 45 [7] 45 [7] 40 [6] 40 [4] 40 [4] 35 [5]
Bargain +10
Awareness +30
Athletics +20 Coordination Education +20 Charm +10
Melee +30 Eavesdrop +10 Resolve +10
Toughness +20 +20 Strategy +20 Guile +20
Scrutinize +20
Leadership +10
Risk Factor:
Damage
Peril Threshold: Suggested for 3
Dodge: 65% Threshold: Movement: 10 Initiative: 15 Size: Large
7(13/19/25) Advanced-Tier
17(23/29/35)
Blackbirds
Feeding Proboscis: 80% - Distance (Melee Engaged or 1 stride) - Damage [3Ð6+7] - Entangling, Fast, Finesse, Piercing
Talons: 80% - Distance (Melee Engaged or 1 stride) - Damage [2Ð6+7] - Finesse, Punishing, Vicious
504 BLACKBIRDS
BANE BANE OF FLESH FEEDING PROBOSCIS/2Ð10+7:
The attack listed in parentheses does 2Ð10+7 Bane
Damage to targets who possess the Mortal Bane or
Trait instead of the Damage listed in the attack.
BEND TO MY WILL 2 AP, SPECIAL ACTION, 20:
When this creature meets the gaze of a Mortal, it
can command them to become obeisant, requiring a
(Hard –20%) Resolve test be made for the target (and
at –10 more if the target has drunk the milk of the
egg recently). Those who fail become subservient to
this creature. This condition is permanent to unfated
persons, though a Blackbird may repeat the Resolve
test at the end of any Round in which commands are
issued. Orders to perform self-harm or those that force
the Blackbird to attack their flock immediately trigger a
Resolve test at a (Standard +/–0%) Difficulty Rating.
DAYLIGHT BANE: If attempting to stay active during
the day but out of sight of daylight, all this creature’s
Skills are reduced by –20. In addition, a (Standard
+/–0%) Resolve test must be made for them every
hour to remain active. When exposed to direct
sunlight, this creature becomes Defenseless.
LEAP 2 AP, SPECIAL ACTION: Leap up to 10 strides
vertically or 15 strides horizontally. This motion is
too fast to allow for Opportunity Attacks, and an
attack made by the creature right after the leap adds
+1 Damage if it hits. When using this Trait at the
beginning of an encounter, foes are at –20 to detect
an imminent ambush.
MIND OF THE UNDEAD: This creature is immune
to magic or abilities that seek to control the mind
or emotions. They automatically succeed against
any ability that would cause them to Resist with
Fellowship, Intelligence, or Willpower. This does
not include possession by Outsiders. This creature
cannot be Knocked Out or Stunned.
NARCOTIC VENOM 20: After this creature
successfully performs a Grapple, make a (Hard
–20%) Resolve test for the target. If this fails, the
target is Knocked Out for 1Ð10−[WB] Rounds.
This effect may be shrugged off by making a Resolve
test at the end of each of a victim’s Turns.
NO MORTAL BLADE: This creature is impervious to
Damage from weapons that are not Enchanted.
NO MORTAL SKILL: This creature is immune to
Extinguish Abilities.
QUICKBRONZE BANE: Bane dice (Ð10s that explode
on ‘9’ or ‘10’) are rolled instead of Damage dice
when weapons of this type are used against this
creature. This Damage cannot be mitigated or
healed by any of the Traits of this creature.
REGENERATION: At the beginning of each of this
creature’s Turns, make a (Standard +/–0%) Toughness
test for them. If successful, move them 1 level up the
Damage Condition Track and remove one Injury,
if they have any. This effect ends when the creature
is Slain!.
SALT BANE: This creature becomes Helpless if
completely immersed in salt. Make a Resolve test for
the creature to cross a significant boundary of salt.
If submerged in salt water, it takes Bane dice (Ð10s
that explode on ‘9’ or ‘10’) Damage for each Round
it is submerged. This Damage cannot be mitigated
or healed by any of the Traits of this creature.
MESMERIZE 2 MISFORTUNE, 2 AP, SPECIAL
ACTION: One target who can see this creature
is rendered Defenseless until they are out of
its presence.
ROAR OF NIGHTMARES 2 MISFORTUNE, 1 AP,
SPECIAL ACTION: Crawling from the gaping maw
of its host, this creature thunderously rattles its
chitinous plates, filling all those who hear it with
primal dread and leaving them Defenseless until
the start of their next Turn.
EXSANGUINATE 3 MISFORTUNE, 2 AP,
SPECIAL ACTION: This creature drives its proboscis
into someone nearby and drains them of a devastating
amount of blood. This creature heals 2 Damage levels,
including Bane Damage. Also, the target is at –20 to
all Skill tests until they complete a Rekindling.
PARASITIC HORDE 4 MISFORTUNE, 2
AP, SPECIAL ACTION, STRIGA LORD: This creature
casts some of its flea-like nymphs onto all
opponents within 2 strides. All targets take 2Ð6+7
Damage at the start of each of their Turns until they
douse themselves in salt or salt water, they expose
themselves to Mildly Dangerous flames (which do
1Ð10+1 Damage), or this creature is dead.
 B E ST I A RY 505

Titan Cask

T he five families of Corbel are built on a foundation inhuman and

monstrous. The final transformation of the striga is metaphysically
and biologically extreme, as those who bear the curse form a cocoon
around themselves as solid as rock and somehow imprinted with a
cartouche of the pivotal and formative moments of their life as a human
before the curse consumed them. This cocoon is huge, the size of an “The cities with the
elephant, and it steams with a putrid miasma that all living things avoid as highest walls are just
the doomed crucible completes its infernal gestation. Those nearby can as often built to keep
physically sense a deep thrumming—although only the most acute can things in as they are to
actually hear it—a fathomless basso pulse that could be the heartbeat of a keep things out . . .”
god. When the gestation is complete, a new titan cask emerges from this — Observations of the
Wandering Squire
tomb, and the balance of the world is shifted measurably toward the
parasitical. The only thing that prevents all of humanity from becoming
obeisant and amoral wretches enthralled by these things is that the five
titans that already exist are obsessively jealous of their power and domain.
No other pretenders to their unholy power are allowed to survive the
transformation into the final form. Thus, there are always, and only, five,
and always and only five there shall be—at least while the curse is
encompassed and bounded within the borders of
the island of Corbel.
 506 BLACKBIRDS

The titan cask is a massive creature. Those unfortunate enough to

set eyes on one immediately understand that the thing is cursed deeply
and completely, an undying embodiment of torment and revenge. Those
who might think for a moment that the titan cask was never human can
see the imprint of strange stylistic cartouches emblazoned on its stony
chitinous shell as a series of pictographs that reveal the most important,
tragic, and regretful moments of its life before the curse fell upon, and
consumed, it. The titan cask spends a great deal of time in seeming
quiescence, living through the eyes and actions of those it has subjugated
and spinning its web of plots against the others of its kind. Those who
encounter one often assume wrongly that the creature is in a state of
hibernation or slumber, but the titan cask can at any moment spring to
life with alacritous agency, draining a human being of every drop of
their blood in a single moment, leaping a prodigious distance that is
seemingly incomprehensible for a creature its size, or fixing its gaze
upon the unlucky ones standing before it to offer them a chance to
subjugate themselves to its will and become pawns on its game board.

COMBAT BRAWN AGILITY PERCEPTION INTELLIGENCE WILLPOWER FELLOWSHIP

55 [8] 50 [8] 50 [8] 50 [7] 50 [5] 50 [5] 50 [7]
Bargain +10
Athletics +30
Coordination Awareness +30 Education +20 Charm +10
Melee +30 Intimidate +30 Resolve +20
+20 Scrutinize +30 Strategy +30 Guile +30
Toughness +30
Leadership +10
Risk Factor:
Damage
Peril Threshold: Suggested for 6
Dodge: 70% Threshold: Movement: 11 Initiative: 16 Size: Huge
8(14/20/26) Advanced-Tier
20(26/32/38)
Blackbirds
Crush: 85% - Distance (Melee Engaged) - Damage [3Ð6+8] - Slow, Pummeling
Feeding Proboscis: 85% - Distance (Melee Engaged or 2 strides) - Damage [3Ð6+8] - Entangling, Fast, Piercing, Finesse
Talons: 85% - Distance (Melee Engaged or 2 strides) - Damage [2Ð6+8] - Finesse, Punishing, Vicious

BANE OF FLESH FEEDING PROBOSCIS/3Ð10+8: The
attack listed in parentheses does 3Ð10+8 Bane
Damage to targets who possess the Mortal Bane or
Trait instead of the Damage listed in the attack.
BEND TO MY WILL 2 AP, SPECIAL ACTION, 30:
When this creature meets the gaze of a Mortal, it
can command them to become obeisant, requiring
a (Arduous –30%) Resolve test be made for the
target (and at –10 more if the target has drunk the
milk of the egg recently). Those who fail become
subservient to this creature. This condition is
permanent to unfated persons, though a Blackbird
may repeat the Resolve test at the end of any Round
in which commands are issued. Orders to perform
self-harm or those that force the Blackbird to attack
their flock immediately trigger a Resolve test at a
(Challenging –10%) Difficulty Rating.
DAYLIGHT BANE: If attempting to stay active during
the day but out of sight of daylight, all this creature’s
Skills are reduced by –20. In addition, a (Standard
+/–0%) Resolve test must be made for them every
hour to remain active. When exposed to direct
sunlight, this creature also becomes Defenseless.
IMMORTAL REGENERATION: At the beginning of
each of this creature’s Turns, make a (Standard
+/–0%) Toughness test for them. If it succeeds,
move them up 1 level on the Damage Condition
Track and remove one Injury, if they have any. This

effect continues even if this creature is Slain!, unless
one of this creature’s Banes is specifically applied
immediately after death.
LEAP 2 AP, SPECIAL ACTION: Leap up to 10 strides
vertically or 15 strides horizontally. This motion is
too fast to allow for Opportunity Attacks, and an
attack made by the creature right after the leap adds
+1 Damage if it hits. When using this Trait at the
beginning of an encounter, foes are at –20 to detect
an imminent ambush.
MIND OF THE UNDEAD: This creature is immune
to magic or abilities that seek to control the mind
or emotions. They automatically succeed against
any ability that would cause them to Resist with
Fellowship, Intelligence, or Willpower. This does
not include possession by Outsiders. This creature
may not be Knocked Out or Stunned.
NARCOTIC VENOM 30: After this creature
successfully performs a Grapple, make an (Arduous
–30%) Resolve test for the target. If this fails, the
target is Knocked Out for 1Ð10−[WB] Rounds.
This effect may be shrugged off by making a Resolve
test at the end of each of a victim’s Turns.
NO MORTAL BLADE: This creature is impervious to
Damage from weapons that are not Enchanted.
NO MORTAL SKILL: This creature is immune to
Extinguish Abilities.
QUICKBRONZE BANE: Bane dice (Ð10s that explode
on ‘9’ or ‘10’) are rolled instead of Damage dice
when weapons of this type are used against this
creature. This Damage cannot be mitigated or
healed by any of the Traits of this creature.
SALT BANE: This creature becomes Helpless if
completely immersed in salt. Make a Resolve test for
the creature to cross a significant boundary of salt.
If submerged in salt water, it takes Bane dice (Ð10s
that explode on ‘9’ or ‘10’) Damage for each Round
it is submerged. This Damage cannot be mitigated
or healed by any of the Traits of this creature.
B E ST I A RY 507
LEAP OF MISFORTUNE 1 MISFORTUNE, NON
COMBAT ACTION: This creature automatically
surprises its foes if they were not previously aware of
it by leaping into their group, initiating a Surprise
Round. It may attack multiple targets during
this Round.
ROAR OF NIGHTMARES 1 MISFORTUNE, 1 AP,
SPECIAL ACTION: This creature thunderously rattles
its chitinous plates, filling all those who hear it with
primal dread and leaving them Defenseless until
the start of their next Turn.
MESMERIZE 2 MISFORTUNE, 2 AP, SPECIAL
ACTION: One target who can see this creature
is rendered Defenseless until they are out of
its presence.
COMPLETE SUBJUGATION 3 MISFORTUNE,
1 AP, SPECIAL ACTION: This creature fixes its gaze
on someone and completely dominates the one so
transfixed as if they had failed to Resist Bend to My
Will. If a Blackbird target has recently consumed
the milk of the egg, Resolve tests made to throw off
this effect are (Arduous –30%).
EXSANGUINATE 3 MISFORTUNE, 1 AP,
SPECIAL ACTION: This creature drives its proboscis
into someone nearby and drains them of a
devastating amount of blood. This creature heals 3
Damage levels, including Bane Damage. Also, the
target is at –30 to all Skill tests until they complete
a Rekindling.
PARASITIC HORDE 4 MISFORTUNE, 2
AP, SPECIAL ACTION, TITAN CASK: This creature casts
some of its flea-like nymphs onto all opponents
within 3 strides. All targets take 2Ð6+7 Damage
at the start of each of their Turns until they
douse themselves in salt or salt water, they expose
themselves to Mildly Dangerous flames (which do
1Ð10+1 Damage), or this creature is dead.
CHILDREN OF THE CURSE 6
MISFORTUNE, 2 AP, SPECIAL ACTION: 2Ð6 larval
swarms appear and gain 4 AP for their first Turn.
 508 BLACKBIRDS

WOLFEN
When Hekaté levied their curse upon
the ancient smiths and sorcerers of
Corbel, they spent a great deal of their
T
hose whose hands held the hammers that tortured elves into
weapons of war, Hekaté made into dogs that would ever
strike at the most defenseless of their own brethren and howl
at the moon of Yolk in subservience to the people they had wronged.
They were made into lycanthropes, and their skin was ultimately just the
patina over a monster that was the soul of humanity laid bare.

power to bring each of those who The Moon Cursed

had sinned against the aes to a place

of utter degradation and horror.

T he affliction’s first stage resembles an empowering dream, a lure
that draws the accursed to their doom. Following this path to its
end makes them ravenous beasts. The first blush of this change feels
pleasant and brings many advantages.
Their hearing grows keener, as do their sight, smell, and taste. They
spend whole nights wandering the moonlit countryside. Meat becomes
irresistible to the afflicted. They find strange joy and pleasure in
the world, and a false sense of invincibility.
MOON CURSED TEMPLATE:
COMBAT BRAWN AGILITY PERCEPTION
+10 +10 +10 +10
+10 to +10 to
+10 to Melee +10 to Athletics
Coordination Awareness
Damage
Threshold: +1
Bite: [Melee]% - Distance (Melee Engaged) - Damage [2Ð6+5] - Slow, Vicious

MOON CURSE D SOL DIER :

COMBAT BRAWN AGILITY PERCEPTION INTELLIGENCE WILLPOWER FELLOWSHIP
50 [7] 45 [6] 45 [6] 40 [5] 40 [4] 40 [4] 35 [3]
Coordination
Melee +20
Athletics +20 +20 Awareness +20 Resolve +10
Ranged +20
Stealth +20
Damage
Risk Factor:
Threshold:
Dodge: 65% Peril Threshold: Suggested for 1
9(15/21/27) Movement: 9 Initiative: 14 Size: Normal
Parry: 70% 7(13/19/25) Intermediate-
Light leather +2:
Tier Blackbird
11(17/23/29)
Arbalest Crossbow: 70% - Distance (Ranged 15 strides) - Load (2 AP) - Damage [1Ð6+7] - Fast, Piercing (3), Punishing
Bite: 70% - Distance (Melee Engaged) - Damage [2Ð6+7] - Slow, Vicious
Pike: 70% - Distance (Melee Engaged or 1 stride) - Damage [1Ð6+6] - Finesse, Piercing, Reach

BANE OF FLESH BITE/1Ð10+7: The attack listed in EXCELLENT SENSES: Flip to Succeed any Awareness
parentheses does 1Ð10+7 Bane Damage to targets test made for this creature.
that possess the Mortal Bane or Trait instead of the PAIN IS POWER: This creature ignores the effects of
Damage listed in the attack. the first Injury it receives in combat. Make a Peril-
 B E ST I A RY 509

induced Resolve test for all who witness this at –10
for a Moderate Injury, –20 for a Serious Injury, or
–30 for a Grievous Injury.
QUICKBRONZE BANE: Bane dice (Ð10s that explode
on ‘9’ or ‘10’) are rolled instead of Damage dice
when weapons of this type are used against this
creature. This Damage cannot be mitigated or
healed by any of the Traits of this creature.
CHILDREN OF THE NIGHT 2 MISFORTUNE, 1
AP, SPECIAL ACTION: This creature gains a wolf as
an ally that joins them when they are being attacked
and fights with them for the duration of combat.
This Trait may be employed only at night in a
location where wolves might be present.
INFECTION 5 MISFORTUNE, 0 AP,
COMBAT ACTION: After being struck by a successful
unarmed Melee Attack, the target is infected with
the Wolfen Affliction.

Theow

A s the curse progresses, the afflicted come to identify more with the
wolf inside them than with the weak human flesh that contains it.
Many new to the change end up captured by a mob of peasants, to be “It is difficult to truly
burned at the stake or dragged before the Inquisition. Although the feel alone in the lands
curse offers power, that power is ultimately finite, and though it seems of Erebos when the three
that these changes make one more than human, they also make one less. moons are full, each staring
Those at this level of change often display impossible confidence or unblinking upon you like
egotistical disdain for those who do not share their state. They may have the eyes of deep-sea fish
reached a point near death from which they recovered, and may believe as they hover, hungry and
themselves unkillable. unmoving in the darkness”
The theow can partially call forth the wolf from within them, either — Observations of the
Wandering Squire
as claws that rip their foes asunder or by revealing the head of a great
wolf, which emerges from their mouth so the skin of their
human face and head fall upon their neck and back like
a cowl. They may also move more rapidly by allowing
their limbs to become lupine. If brought to a state of
great emotion, the theow may accidentally
reveal a bestial snout through their
mouth or a hand from which claws
suddenly emerge, shredding the
skin. One thing they cannot yet
do is fully become a wolf, as
they have not yet cast off their
humanity entirely.
 510 BLACKBIRDS

TH EOW TEMPLATE :
COMBAT BRAWN AGILITY PERCEPTION INTELLIGENCE WILLPOWER FELLOWSHIP
+15 [+2] +15 [+2] +10 [+1] +10 [+1]
+10 to +10 to
+10 to Melee +10 to Athletics
Coordination Awareness
Damage
Threshold: +3
Bite: [Melee]%- Distance (Melee Engaged) - Damage [2Ð6+7] - Slow, Vicious
Claws: [Melee]% - Distance (Melee Engaged) - Damage [1Ð6+8] - Fast, Punishing

THE OW KN I GHT:
COMBAT BRAWN AGILITY PERCEPTION INTELLIGENCE WILLPOWER FELLOWSHIP
50 [8] 45 [7] 45 [6] 40 [6] 40 [4] 40 [5] 35 [3]
Coordination
Melee +20
Athletics +20 +20 Awareness +30 Resolve +20
Ranged +20
Stealth +30
Damage
Risk Factor:
Threshold:
Dodge: 65% Peril Threshold: Suggested for 2
12(18/24/30) Movement: 9 Initiative: 15 Size: Normal
Parry: 70% 8(14/20/26) Intermediate-
Brigandine +4:
Tier Blackbirds
16(22/28/34)
Bite: 70% - Distance (Melee Engaged) - Damage [2Ð6+8] - Slow, Vicious
Claws: 70% - Distance (Melee Engaged) - Damage [1Ð6+8] - Fast, Punishing
Greatsword: 70% - Distance (Melee Engaged) - Damage [1Ð6+11] - Punishing, Reach, Slow
Longbow: 70% - Distance (Ranged 18 strides) - Load (1 AP) - Damage 1Ð6+9] - Finesse

BANE OF FLESH BITE/1Ð10+8: The attack listed in
parentheses does 1Ð10+8 Bane Damage to targets
that possess the Mortal Bane or Trait instead of the
Damage listed in the attack.
BESTIAL ALACRITY: By revealing its bestial nature
and using wolfish arms and legs to travel on all
fours, this creature can move at twice its normal
Movement. Any items held in its hands must be
sheathed, stowed, or dropped.
EXCELLENT SENSES: Flip to Succeed any Awareness
test made for this creature.
NO MORTAL BLADE: This creature is impervious to
Damage from weapons that are not Enchanted.
NOT REALLY MY SKIN 3 AP, SPECIAL ACTION:
Remove one Injury or move 1 level up the Damage
Condition Track, as its flesh reknits.
QUICKBRONZE BANE: Bane dice (Ð10s that explode
on ‘9’ or ‘10’) are rolled instead of Damage dice
when weapons of this type are used against this
creature. This Damage cannot be mitigated or
healed by any of the Traits of this creature.
ARMY OF THE NIGHT 2 MISFORTUNE, 1 AP,
SPECIAL ACTION: This creature gains 1Ð6 wolf
allies that join and defend them for the duration of
combat. This ability may be used only at night in a
location where wolves might be present. Another
form of wild animal might be summoned at the
Fateweaver’s discretion.
INFECTION 4 MISFORTUNE, 0 AP,
COMBAT ACTION: After being struck by a successful
unarmed Melee Attack, the target is infected with
the Wolfen Affliction.
 B E ST I A RY 511

Moon Devoured

O nce someone allows the affliction to progress long enough, or

gives in too frequently and too readily to the powers and abilities
offered by the curse, they are consumed. They are no longer a human
being, but a gigantic wolf that hides itself within a human skin to
interact with people and obtain prey more readily.
Few have observed the wolfen emerge from its human disguise and
kept their wits about them, for the gigantic lupine creature that tears
itself free from the skin is too impossibly large to be contained in such a
small human form. The shoulders of the creature, when standing on all
fours, tower above the height even of a tall person, and its visage is
terrible to behold. The eyes possess a malign intelligence;
the mouth is powerful enough to crush a wagon
between its massive jaws, and large enough to
swallow a human being whole.
This final state has disadvantages, however.
The skin of the wolfen is vulnerable while they
are free from it, and they must keep it safe
during their revel as a beast. Frequently,
they hang the skin from the high branches of
a tree, as well hidden as possible, until they need to return
to a human shape. If this skin is lost or destroyed, the wolfen
may never become human again, and they exist forever in the
form of a vast beast, growing more animalistic and feral
with the passing of each moon, until the memories of
their own humanity dwindle.

MOON-DEVOURE D WOLFEN:
COMBAT BRAWN AGILITY PERCEPTION INTELLIGENCE WILLPOWER FELLOWSHIP
50 [8] 45 [7] 45 [6] 40 [6] 40 [4] 40 [5] 35 [3]
Coordination
Awareness +30 Handle Animal
Melee +30 Athletics +30 +30 Resolve +30
Scrutinize +20 +20
Stealth +30
Risk Factor:
Damage
Peril Threshold: Suggested for 3
Dodge: 75% Threshold: Movement: 9 Initiative: 15 Size: Large
8(14/20/26) Advanced-Tier
18(24/30/36)
Blackbirds
Bite: 80% - Distance (Melee Engaged or 1 stride) - Damage [3Ð6+8] - Slow, Vicious
Claws (×2): 80% - Distance (Melee Engaged or 1 stride) - Damage [2Ð6+8] - Fast, Punishing

BANE OF FLESH BITE/2Ð10+8: The attack listed in EXCELLENT SENSES: Flip to Succeed any Awareness
parentheses does 2Ð10+8 Bane Damage to targets test made for this creature.
that possess the Mortal Bane or Trait instead of the NO MORTAL BLADE: This creature is impervious to
Damage listed in the attack. Damage from weapons that are not Enchanted.
512 BLACKBIRDS

NO MORTAL SKILL: This creature is immune to
Extinguish Abilities.
NOT REALLY MY SKIN 2 AP, SPECIAL ACTION:
Remove one Injury or move 1 level up the Damage
Condition Track, as its flesh reknits.
QUICKBRONZE BANE: Bane dice (Ð10s that explode
on ‘9’ or ‘10’) are rolled instead of Damage dice
when weapons of this type are used against this
creature. This Damage cannot be mitigated or
healed by any of the Traits of this creature.
ARMY OF THE NIGHT 2 MISFORTUNE, 1 AP,
SPECIAL ACTION: This creature gains 1Ð6 wolf
allies that join and defend them for the duration of
combat. This ability may be used only at night in a
location where wolves might be present. Another
form of wild animal might be summoned at the
Fateweaver’s discretion.
INFECTION 3 MISFORTUNE, 0 AP, COMBAT
ACTION: After being struck by a successful unarmed
Melee Attack, the target is infected with the Wolfen
Affliction.
DEVOUR 5 MISFORTUNE, 3 AP,
COMBAT ACTION: This creature swallows one of its
opponents. Once devoured, the only course of action
is to make a successful (Arduous –30%) Toughness
test at the beginning of each of its Turns or be Slain!.
If this roll is a Critical Success, the target escapes.
This ability may not be used on jötunnkin.

Cowled

H ope of a sort exists for those consumed by the curse of Hekaté

“Erebos experiences three
separate solstice nights a year.
While scholars debate the effect
of the trine moons causing the
phenomenon of night stretching
past the dawn, rituals of all
kinds are still performed to
banish the darkness.”
—Observations of
the Wandering
Squire
and forced to take the forms of beasts—hope stemming from a
surprising, yet obvious, source. Hekaté’s curse endures, even though
they died long ago, but an infected can find succor by turning wholly
to the worship of another deity, one slain recently during the
Extinguishing: Mother Wolf.
This worship must be complete and sincere, but those able to find
a living emissary of the dead god through whom they may devote
themselves to Mother Wolf can attain some form of serenity. In doing
so, they gain a greater degree of control over their transformations and
an inner peace that allows them to ignore the mindless,
bestial rage that drives most who have
fallen under the sway of their affliction.
This doesn’t mean that the cowled
are pacifists or that they never unleash
the fury of the wolf within. They are
merely servants of Mother Wolf and
do what she would command, were
she still living. They can be as
ferocious, terrifying, and destructive
as any other wolfen, but their rage is
more focused and directed. To those whose goals
align with Mother Wolf ’s servants, the cowled
prove excellent allies; to others, they make terrifying
enemies.
 B E ST I A RY 513

The cowled gain their name from their common practice of pulling
back the human skin from just their pate, revealing the wolf ’s head but
no other part of their beastly form as they go about their day-to-day
lives. Devotees of Mother Wolf live in seclusion, far from human
habitation, so their appearance causes them little trouble, and those who
encounter them in the wild tend to spread more fable than fact.

COMBAT BRAWN AGILITY PERCEPTION INTELLIGENCE WILLPOWER FELLOWSHIP

40 [7] 35 [6] 45 [6] 40 [6] 45 [4] 50 [6] 40 [4]
Coordination Folklore +30 Guile +10
Melee +30 Awareness +30 Resolve +30
Athletics +20 +30 Wortcunning Handle Animal
Ranged +20 Scrutinize +20 Tradecraft +20
Stealth +30 +20 +20
Damage
Risk Factor:
Threshold:
Dodge: 75% Peril Threshold: Suggested for 1
17(23/29/35) Movement: 9 Initiative: 15 Size: Normal
Parry: 70% 9(15/21/27) Advanced-Tier
Leather +2:
Blackbird
19(25/31/36)
Bite: 70% - Distance (Melee Engaged) - Damage [3Ð6+7] - Slow, Vicious
Claws: 70% - Distance (Melee Engaged or 1 stride) - Damage [2Ð6+7] - Fast, Punishing
Cudgel: 70% - Distance (Melee Engaged) - Damage [2Ð6+7] - Off-Hand, Staggering
Longbow: 60% - Distance (Ranged 18 strides) - Load (1 AP) - Damage [2Ð6+6] - Finesse

BANE OF FLESH BITE/2Ð10+7: The attack listed in
parentheses does 2Ð10+7 Bane Damage to targets
that possess the Mortal Bane or Trait instead of the
Damage listed in the attack.
EXCELLENT SENSES: Flip to Succeed any Awareness
test made for this creature.
MARK OF THE DEAD GODS: This creature is immune
to the corrupting effects of the Oligarchs and always
gets a test to Resist any powers originating from the
Oligarchs or their servants. Test against Resolve if
no other Skill is suggested.
NO MORTAL BLADE: This creature is impervious to
Damage from weapons that are not Enchanted.
NO MORTAL SKILL: This creature is immune to
Extinguish Abilities.
NOT REALLY MY SKIN 2 AP, SPECIAL ACTION: Spend
2 AP for this creature to remove one Injury or
move 1 level up the Damage Condition Track, as
its flesh reknits.
QUICKBRONZE BANE: Bane dice (Ð10s that explode
on ‘9’ or ‘10’) are rolled instead of Damage dice
when weapons of this type are used against this
creature. This Damage cannot be mitigated or
healed by any of the Traits of this creature.
ARMY OF THE NIGHT 2 MISFORTUNE, 1 AP,
SPECIAL ACTION: This creature gains 1Ð6 wolves,
a swarm of bats, or an appropriate number of other
local wild animals (determined by the Fateweaver)
as allies that join them when attacked and fight
with them while they remain in combat. This ability
may be used only in a location where such animals
might be present.
INFECTION 3 MISFORTUNE, 0 AP, COMBAT
ACTION: After being struck by a successful unarmed
Melee Attack, the target is infected with the Wolfen
Affliction.
 514 BLACKBIRDS

I
A P O C RY P H A L S t is thus best to avoid the haunts where they still congregate and cry
out to their creators, lest one suffer their quick and deadly ire at
Before the Extinguishing, the old gods those who murdered their makers.

wandered this world, and their children, Cernunnos

scions, and thralls carried out their will

when the gods themselves did not deem

C ernunnos is spoken of as a singular being, but it has been seen in
many places and with slightly different mien each time. It is more
likely that this legend represents a group of creatures—the get of Mother
Wolf, perhaps, or her greatest worshipers, or beings she brought into
their personal intervention necessary. this world with her powerful and untamed will in ages past. It is difficult
to know, for explorers, wanderers, or travelers who encounter a
Now that the old gods are gone, these cernunnos do not often return to tell the tale of their experience.
A cernunnos appears as a very large, muscular, and hirsute person,
servants have been thrown into a state often wearing little but the pelt of a great wolf. Upon its head are the antlers
of an elk, and its face is usually hidden in shadows. When revealed, that face
of chaos and loss, their very identities seems to be a melding of human and animal features distorted into a mask
of madness so disturbing that it brings terror to those who
and purposes rendered behold it. It wields large, crude, and effective
weapons, most frequently a bow or spear.
meaningless. Still, When encountered—for cernunnos always
reveals itself initially to its prey—it becomes known,
the gods’ magic without saying a word, that it is going to hunt
them. It always gives its prey a chance to
remains in their creations, escape, but even if they attempt to confront
cernunnos with force, it disappears into the
who are filled with wilderness to pick them off one by one. Those
hunted by cernunnos discover that they are being
puissance and might. chased toward a destination, and if they reach it alive, the
hunt ends and they are spared. There is always
something of value at this final location, though
few survive to claim such a reward.

COMBAT BRAWN AGILITY PERCEPTION INTELLIGENCE WILLPOWER FELLOWSHIP

45 [8] 40 [8] 50 [7] 45 [6] 40 [4] 40 [4] 35 [3]
Melee +20 Coordination Folklore +30
Athletics +30 Awareness +30 Handle Animal
Ranged +30 +30 Navigation +20 Resolve +30
Toughness +30 Survival +30 +30
Warfare +20 Stealth +30 Strategy +20
Risk Factor:
Damage
Dodge: 80% Peril Threshold: Suggested for 3
Threshold: Movement: 10 Initiative: 15 Size: Large
Parry: 65% 7(13/19/25) Advanced-Tier
20(26/32/38)
Blackbirds
Antlers: 65% - Distance (Melee Engaged or 1 stride) - Damage [3Ð6+7] - Finesse, Piercing, Vicious
Longbow: 75% - Distance (Ranged 16 strides) - Load (1 AP) - Damage [3Ð6+7] - Finesse
Spear: 65% - Distance (Melee Engaged or 2 strides) - Damage [3Ð6+8] - Adaptable, Piercing (2), Reach
 B E ST I A RY 515

BANE OF FLESH ANTLERS/2Ð10+7: The attack listed
in parentheses does 2Ð10+7 Bane Damage to
targets that possess the Mortal Bane or Trait instead
of the Damage listed in the attack.
MARK OF THE DEAD GODS: This creature is immune to
the corrupting effects of the Oligarchs and always gets
a roll to Resist abilities and powers originating from
the Oligarchs or their servants, testing against Resolve
if nothing else is suggested.
MIEN OF MADNESS: This creature causes those
who see them clearly for the first time to suffer
2Ð10 Peril.
NO MORTAL BLADE: This creature is impervious to
Damage from weapons that are not Enchanted.
NO MORTAL SKILL: This creature is immune to
Extinguish Abilities.
QUINTESSENTIAL TRACKER: This creature will never
lose the trail of those they stalk, following them
for miles. The only way to shake this pursuit is
with some sort of magical assistance or by killing
the creature.
FADE INTO THE WOODS 1 MISFORTUNE, 2 AP,
SPECIAL ACTION: This creature disappears into the
foliage, prompting no Opportunity Attacks.
AMBUSH 3 MISFORTUNE, NONCOMBAT
ACTION: This creature and all those accompanying
them are set for an ambush and initiate a Surprise
Round. Awareness rolls made for the Blackbirds
and their allies to avoid being Surprised are at –30.
LOST TO THE HUNT 4 MISFORTUNE,
NONCOMBAT ACTION: This creature has herded or
drawn its prey into a place where they will be lost until
they defeat this creature or it allows them to leave. This
location could be a remote and unmapped wilderness
area, or even a demesne partially or wholly within
the Od itself. While here, no Skill tests will help
those encompassed by this power to discover a path
that leads back to the lands beyond the
boundaries of this realm.

Harpy

H arpies are the forsaken

servants of Corvus.
Once tasked with gathering
the souls of the troubled dead, their
original purpose was corrupted when it became
apparent that even the Lord of Death could not
escape mortality.
The creatures appear as gaunt, wiry, and muscular
humanlike beings with gray skin and hair and large, hauntingly dead eyes.
Four enormous bird wings sprout from their backs, the plumage generally
appearing disheveled and unhealthy. Harpies are often accompanied by
crows and ravens. Indeed, should these carrion birds become far bolder in
behavior than they normally are, it is a good indicator of a harpy’s presence.
Harpies still focus on gathering the souls of those who would have
some challenge seeking the afterlife—whether because of unfinished
business, because they were troubled or twisted in life, or because their
deaths were in some way horrific and violent. However, harpies no
longer have any way to deliver these spirits to their final destination. For
this reason, they create nests to which they shepherd these spirits, usually
 516 BLACKBIRDS

in abandoned buildings, ruins, caves, or barren
clearings deep within dark woods. There, they
accumulate these poor souls until their presence
becomes known to travelers, nearby communities,
or humanity at large. This always ends in tragedy
and horror, as the dead should never mingle with
the living.
Harpies evince a profound and singular fixation
on Blackbirds in any encounter between them. The
creatures notice the imprint of Fate on anyone
touched by it and are stirred by intense feelings of
loss around their reason to exist. Some harpies seek
to kill Blackbirds and bring flockmates’ souls to
their nests, whereas others seem to implore help
from them or offer them assistance, which can turn
into a dangerous nuisance, as a harpy’s shadowy and
immaterial wards are never far behind. In any case,
none can know for sure what is really going on
within the minds of these broken angels. Since the
death of Corvus, they have lost their ability to form
coherent speech, and their attempts to communicate
instead consist of dolorous, moaning dirges ripe
with emotional resonance and sadness.
Killing a harpy is often a poor solution to the
conundrum and danger they represent, for the
shades in the nest they have accumulated soon
begin to range far from that lair, an aimless army of
the dead with no one to keep it in check.

COMBAT BRAWN AGILITY PERCEPTION INTELLIGENCE WILLPOWER FELLOWSHIP

50 [7] 45 [6] 45 [5] 40 [6] 40 [4] 40 [5] 35 [3]
Stealth +30
Melee +30 Athletics +20
Coordination Awareness +30 Resolve +30
Ranged +20 Toughness +20
+20
Risk Factor:
Damage
Movement: 8 Peril Threshold: 8 Suggested for 3
Dodge: 65% Threshold: Initiative: 15 Size: Normal
Flying: 14 (14/20/26) Intermediate-
13(19/25/31)
Tier Blackbirds
Grasping Talons: 80% - Distance (Melee Engaged) - Damage [2Ð6+7] - Entangling, Punishing
Sling: 70% - Distance (Ranged 8 strides) - Load (1 AP) - Damage [2Ð6+5] - Fast, Finesse, Throwing

BANE OF THE MYTHICAL: Roll Bane dice (Ð10s that
explode on ‘9’ or ‘10’) instead of Damage dice for
this creature when attacking magical creatures of
any sort, including aes and daimn. This Damage
cannot be mitigated or healed by any of the Traits
of the target creature.
MARK OF THE DEAD GODS +20: This creature is
immune to the corrupting effects of the Oligarchs
and always gets a roll to Resist abilities and powers
originating from the Oligarchs or their servants,
gaining a +20 bonus and testing against Resolve if
nothing else is suggested.
NO MORTAL BLADE: This creature is impervious to
Damage from weapons that are not Enchanted.
NO MORTAL SKILL: This creature is immune to
Extinguish Abilities.
HEART DIRGE 1 MISFORTUNE, 2 AP, SPECIAL
ACTION: All living beings near enough to hear this
creature’s heartbreaking song immediately fall 1
level on the Peril Condition Track and suffer an
additional 1Ð10+1 Peril. Dead beings who hear this
song, including those with the Child of Anhelios
Affliction, become enthralled by this creature and
unable to harm it. They attempt to follow the
creature. Only a successful (Challenging –10%)
Resolve test allows them to resist this compulsion.
SOUL REND 4 MISFORTUNE, 2 AP,
SPECIAL ACTION: This creature is able to rip the soul
from someone nearing death (at Level 4 or 5 on the
Damage Condition Track). It generally takes the
soul back to its lair immediately. Those who have
their soul removed are immediately Incapacitated!
and die at the next sunset. Some say it is possible to
reunite the soul and body in time to save someone
who has been so sundered, though this may be just
a fanciful story.
 B E ST I A RY 517

Restless Shade

T he harpies, servants of Corvus, were tasked with shepherding the

dead who, for whatever reason, remained trapped, became lost, or
were unwilling to pass on to their final rest. Since the betrayal and murder
of the old gods, including Corvus, the harpies have not taken these souls
away from this world. The shades remain here to fester and hunger for
what they can never have again, trapped between the life they lost and the “The secluded of the Red
rest they are denied. They are antithetical to humanity, which they once Abbey honor their most
were part of—and to anything that breathes, moves, or grows. respected dead not with
Shades all appear as shadowy versions of the human form, but some burial or cremation, but
may seem more physically present than others. Parts of their bodies may by laying them atop a
be more indistinct or twisted, and the longer a shade exists in the twilight consecrated spire where
or the more violent their lives or deaths, the more inhuman they are the white ravens of
likely to appear. No two shades appear the same, however, just as no two the Shadow’s Rise pick
human souls are the same. clean their bones of any
There are stories of shades that are unaware of their condition and worldly suffering”
appear as they did in life, and even tales of settlements or caravans of the — Observations of the
Wandering Squire
traveling dead that have no idea they are no longer
living. Often at the center of these gatherings is a
harpy or other supernatural creature that exerts
some influence to keep these dead souls unaware
of their true state. However, not all of these
gatherings have such an influence. Some are just
unaware.
 518 BLACKBIRDS

Shades avoid large groups of humanity or places of great warmth or

light, as these are too disturbing for such beings. They are drawn to
those who are alone and unaccompanied, however, the sole light of their
dark world. It is to these people that a shade appears, and on whom it
feeds. Shades may also return to the places they dwelt in life, their
vestigial memories leading them back there.

COMBAT BRAWN AGILITY PERCEPTION INTELLIGENCE WILLPOWER FELLOWSHIP

40 [4] 35 [3] 45 [4] 40 [4] 45 [4] 50 [5] 40 [4]
Intimidate +20 Coordination Awareness +20 Education +10
Melee +20 Resolve +10
Toughness +20 +20 Scrutinize +10 Folklore +10
Risk Factor:
Damage
Dodge: 65% Peril Threshold: Suggested for 1
Threshold: Movement: 7 Initiative: 13 Size: Normal
Parry: 60% 8(14/20/26) Intermediate-
8(14/20/26)
Tier Blackbird
Charnel Grasp: 60% - Distance (Melee Engaged) - Damage [2Ð6+3] - Entangling, Pummeling, Slow

IMMATERIAL: This creature feels no pain and ignores
all Injuries. It may be harmed only by Enchanted
weapons or attacks that are a Bane to it, but even
these cannot injure it. Spend 3 AP for it to become
invisible until it attacks again.
NO BREATH, NO LIFE: This creature is immune to
Injuries, poisoning, and suffocation.
NO MORTAL SKILL: This creature is immune to
Extinguish Abilities.
SIGHT WITHOUT SIGHT: By sensing the Od directly,
this creature can see even if their eyes are destroyed
or removed. In addition, they can see in complete
darkness. They cannot see things that are hidden
from the Od, however.
SILVER BANE: Bane dice (Ð10s that explode on ‘9’
or ‘10’) are rolled instead of Damage dice when
weapons of this type are used against this creature.
This Damage cannot be mitigated or healed by any
of the Traits of this creature.
WEEPING ASH BANE: Bane dice (Ð10s that explode
on ‘9’ or ‘10’) are rolled instead of Damage dice
when weapons of this type are used against this
creature. This Damage cannot be mitigated or
healed by any of the Traits of this creature.
CHARNEL MANIFESTATION 1 MISFORTUNE, 2 AP,
SPECIAL ACTION: This creature causes a supernatural
manifestation of death to appear. Make a successful
(Standard +/–0%) Peril-induced Resolve test for all
those who experience it, or they suffer 2Ð10+2 Peril.
CLUTCH OF THE GRAVE 3 MISFORTUNE, 1
AP, SPECIAL ACTION: This creature grabs someone,
who is immediately petrified with fear and the chill
of death. They are Defenseless until the end of the
Combat Scene or encounter.
POSSESSION 5 MISFORTUNE, 3 AP,
SPECIAL ACTION: This creature possesses someone
who has experienced at least 3 levels of Peril or
Damage and inhabits the person’s body. They
control that person completely until they can fulfill
whatever goal is important to the creature.
 B E ST I A RY 519

Kelpie

W hen seen by mortals, the Rider was often accompanied by her

servants—the many creatures of the oceans, streams, and lakes of
the world—but her true handmaidens and priestesses were creatures
known by many names: water wives, mermaids, and, most commonly,
kelpies. These creatures of the depths are not found exclusively therein.
They might be found slinking beneath the rippling surfaces of lochs or “The shanties sung by the
basking alongside the roaring white flow of rivers. Kelpies are intelligent sailors of the Leviathan
but possess no speech that mortals can understand. Even if their Ocean are as vast and
beautiful and resonant songs were deciphered by humankind, the varied as the wide dark
concepts at their heart would be too alien to grasp. waters themselves,
Lumbering and clumsy they may seem in form, but their shapes ringing across the fog
were not made for eking out an existence above the waves. In water, of the sea in the strains
where they are most often found, they are excellently suited, nimble, of many languages as
and clever. Their true forms are seldom seen, however, for kelpies may sails are raised and
cast a powerful enchantment upon peoples of the land to appear as oars pulled in time.”
objects of their hearts’ desire and draw those hapless dwellers of terra —Observations of the
Wandering Squire
firma into the depths.
Those the kelpies take sometimes return, having been swallowed by
the deep, only to rise again as pale, cold thralls sent briefly onto land on
some desperate and ill-conceived errand, controlled by masters of whom
the thralls do not speak. These servants must complete their tasks within
an allotted time or expire, gasping for air like fish out of water,
begging to be taken back to the ocean and returned to their
lovers far below.
 520 BLACKBIRDS

COMBAT BRAWN AGILITY PERCEPTION INTELLIGENCE WILLPOWER FELLOWSHIP

50 [7] 45 [6] 45 [6] 40 [5] 40 [4] 40 [4] 35 [3]
Coordination
Intimidate +20
Melee +20 +20 Awareness +20 Resolve +20
Toughness +20
Stealth +20
Risk Factor:
Damage
Movement: 9 Peril Threshold: Suggested for 1
Dodge: 65% Threshold: Initiative: 14 Size: Large
Swim: 18 7(13/19/25) Intermediate-
11(17/23/29)
Tier Blackbird
Bite: 70% - Distance (Melee Engaged or 1 stride) - Damage [2Ð6+6] - Entangling, Slow
Trample: 70% - Distance (Melee Engaged or 1 stride) - Damage [2Ð6+6] - Pummeling, Punishing, Slow, Vicious

CHILD OF THE WAVES: Flip to Succeed all Dodge SWALLOWED BY THE DEPTHS 5
tests made for this creature while they are touching MISFORTUNE, 3 AP, COMBAT ACTION: This creature
or submerged in water. This creature can breathe grabs someone who is adjacent to deep water and
equally well beneath the water as above it. drags them under. The target is rendered Knocked
DWELLER OF THE DEEP: If this creature can move to a Out and Helpless. In most cases, the target begins
place beneath the waves where no eyes are on them, to drown. (See Chapter 6: Conflict & Rekindling
they can magically disappear and travel to another for rules on drowning and suffocation.)
body of water. If they have prey Grappled, they
may bring that prey with them.
LAND BANE: This creature’s other beneficial Traits
are rendered useless if they are fully on land and no
part of them is submerged.
MARK OF THE DEAD GODS +20: This creature is
immune to the corrupting effects of the Oligarchs
and always gets a roll to Resist abilities and powers
originating from the Oligarchs or their servants,
gaining a +20 bonus and testing against Resolve if
nothing else is suggested.
NO MORTAL BLADE: This creature is impervious to
Damage from weapons that are not Enchanted.
SIREN SONG 1 MISFORTUNE, 1 AP, SPECIAL
ACTION: This subtle song, which could be
mistaken for the distant yet melodious call of a
whale or sea bird, causes the kelpie to appear to be
what the listener most desires. Make a Resolve test
every Turn for those who hear the song and see the
creature for them to avoid diving into the water to
be closer to their true desire. Stoppering one’s ears
with wax is foolproof against the enchantment, but
merely covering one’s ears allows a Flip to Succeed
on the Resolve test.
 B E ST I A RY 521

Drowned Thrall

T hose who have been taken by kelpies sometimes return from the
depths, sent on missions by their mistresses far below the waves.
These unfortunates appear much as they did in their previous incarnations,
but their clothes bear some signs of decay and are sometimes frosted with
salty rime. Their skin is cold to the touch and may have a slightly bluish
pallor. They are always single-minded in completing the errand set to
them and may seem distracted, short-tempered, or impatient.

DROW NED THRALL TEMPL ATE:

COMBAT BRAWN AGILITY PERCEPTION INTELLIGENCE WILLPOWER FELLOWSHIP
+10 +10 +10 +10
+10 to
+20 to +10 to
Coordination +10 to Folklore +10 to Resolve
Toughness Awareness
and Stealth
Damage Peril Threshold:
Threshold: +3 +1

DROW N ED THRALL PIRATE :

COMBAT BRAWN AGILITY PERCEPTION INTELLIGENCE WILLPOWER FELLOWSHIP
50 [6] 55 [6] 55 [6] 50 [5] 40 [4] 50 [5] 35 [3]
Coordination
Melee +10 +10 Folklore +10
Toughness +20 Awareness +10 Resolve +10 Guile +20
Ranged +10 Skulduggery +10 Heal +10
Stealth +10
Risk Factor:
Damage
Dodge: 65% Peril Threshold: Suggested for
Threshold: Movement: 8 Initiative: 13 Size: Normal
Parry: 60% 8(14/20/26) 3 Basic-Tier
10(16/22/28)
Blackbirds
Greatsword: 60% - Distance (Melee Engaged) - Damage [1Ð6+6] - Punishing, Reach, Slow
Light Crossbow: 60% - Distance (Ranged 11 strides) - Load (2 AP) - Damage [1Ð6+6] - Fast, Piercing, Punishing

AMPHIBIOUS: This creature can breathe equally
well beneath the water as above it. Their swimming
speed is equal to their regular Movement speed.
DESPERATE: This creature gains an extra Damage
die and +10 to Resolve tests when outnumbered.
FLESH OF THE UNDEAD: This creature feels no pain
and ignores all Injuries. It cannot Bleed. Severed
limbs may move independently.
NO MORTAL BLADE: This creature is impervious to
Damage from weapons that are not Enchanted.
TETHERED TO THE DEEP: If this creature is not
submerged in water before the sun sets, they lose
the ability to breathe outside of water and begin the
process of suffocation until they can return to the
depths. They may only return to land again when
their master or masters sends them forth once more.
BRIGAND’S TRICK 2 MISFORTUNE, 2 AP,
COMBAT ACTION: This creature performs an
underhanded attack. It can’t be dodged or parried.
BREATH OF THE DEEP 5 MISFORTUNE,
3 AP, SPECIAL ACTION: All adjacent enemies find
their lungs filled with seawater unless they can
spend a point of Fate. They are Defenseless and
suffer 2Ð10+2 Peril at the beginning of every Turn
until a successful Toughness test is made for them.
522 BLACKBIRDS

The Leviathan

E very sailor tells stories of massive creatures swimming beneath the

inky and endless black expanse of ocean. The most well known of
these tales is an ancient legend about a pirate captain said to have gained
the attention and ire of the Rider. Some versions say that the captain
stole an ancient treasure from the Rider, some say that the treasure the
captain took was the Rider’s heart after they pledged their love to each
other, and still others simply say that the captain ignored the rites and
traditions followed by all people of the sea who pay obeisance and ask
for safe passage across the waves from the Rider herself. Whatever the
circumstances, the story always ends the same way: the great Leviathan
is sent to right the scales of justice, and the captain’s entire ship and crew
are devoured in a single gulp.
The Leviathan is not just a story, however. The creature is very real
and even more horrifying and tremendous than the tales say, and since
the Rider was slain, it has been seen more often, a force of immortal
vengeance and fury focused on the murder of its mistress. Very few of
those who behold the creature return to land to tell the tale, and those
few are seldom believed anyway, for the Leviathan is so monstrous that
it strikes those who hear its roar with wild-eyed madness.
There are no statistics for the Leviathan, for there is no way for any
Blackbird to harm it in any significant way, but there are some versions
of the creature’s story that talk of ships surviving being swallowed to
discover dwellings within the thing constructed from the flotsam of
untold shipwrecks. These are inhabited not by human beings, but by
ichthyic monsters who were once human and transformed into servitors
of the Leviathan by residing within it. These things worship the very
heart of the Leviathan and believe that if the heart is destroyed, their
entire world must meet the same fate.

TITANIC SIZE AND POWER: This creature is too huge
and powerful to be harmed by any human tools,
weapons, might, or magical effects below the level
of an Oligarch or an Outsider lord, and even they
can only temporarily affect it. Neither Fortune nor
Fate can save one from its attacks.
BELLOW OF THE DEEP 2 MISFORTUNE,
SPECIAL ACTION: This creature screams the cry of
the depths, a deep and resonant howl of rage and
vengeance which no being that lives on land can
fully comprehend or withstand. Make a successful
(Arduous –30%) Resolve test for all those who hear
it, or they are filled with an ever-growing paranoia
that the Leviathan and its servants are coming for
them, and they will both be repulsed by the ocean
and drawn to it; often they wake up standing in the
shallows of nearby bodies of water. Every time they
sleep, they must make another (Arduous –30%)
Resolve test or sleepwalk toward the nearest body
of water, and they remedy no Peril through their
rest. If this test succeeds, the effect ends.
EATER OF SHIPS 4 MISFORTUNE,
SPECIAL ACTION: This creature swallows all ships in
the Scene.
 B E ST I A RY 523

The Things Within

A lthough the creatures that dwell within the Leviathan were once
human, they have been transformed into servants of the mighty
creature. No two look the same, as each is given aspects of some
underwater life form. One might be much like a starfish, whereas
another might have aspects of a moray eel, an octopus, or a squid. Their
only commonality is the incorporation of a human face—contorted “Fishermen of the Leviathan
into an expression of rage and horror at the terrible realization of what Ocean believe the first catch
was once a person now is. in a new ship must always
The things within detest all human life, but they attempt to capture be thrown back to thank the
those swallowed by the Leviathan so such victims can be taken into the dark waters of the sea, lest
monster’s secret depths to be transformed, as they were. At times, the whatever they dredge onto the
things allow some rare souls to escape, guided by the mercurial will of deck of the virgin vessel be far
their master. For what purpose, no one knows for sure—perhaps just to less welcoming than fish . . .”
spread tales of what — Observations of the
Wandering Squire
they have seen.

COMBAT BRAWN AGILITY PERCEPTION INTELLIGENCE WILLPOWER FELLOWSHIP

45 [7] 50 [9] 35 [3] 40 [5] 40 [4] 40 [6] 45 [4]
Coordination
Melee +30 Athletics +20 Awareness +10 Folklore +10 Bargain +20
+20 Resolve +30
Ranged +10 Toughness +30 Scrutinize +30 Strategy +10 Guile +30
Stealth +20
Risk Factor:
Damage
Peril Threshold: Suggested for 1
Dodge: 55% Threshold: Movement: 6 Initiative: 14 Size: Normal
9(15/21/27) Intermediate-
15(21/27/33)
Tier Blackbird
1 - Each creature has a randomly determined attack; roll 1Ð6 and assign it the result:
2 - Mighty Claw: 75% - Distance (Melee Engaged) - Damage [2Ð6+9] - Pummeling, Slow, Vicious
3 - Poison Bite: 75% - Distance (Melee Engaged) - Damage [2Ð6+9] - Envenomed (1Ð10), Pummeling, Slow
4 - Poison Tail: 75% - Distance (Melee Engaged or 1 stride) - Damage [2Ð6+7] - Envenomed (1Ð10), Reach, Slow
5 - Talons: 75% - Distance (Melee Engaged) - Damage [2Ð6+3] - Fast, Finesse, Vicious
6 - Tentacles: 75% - Distance (Melee Engaged or 8 strides) - Damage [2Ð6+3] - Entangling, Fast, Finesse, Reach
7 - Spiny Thrasher: 75% - Distance (Melee Engaged or 1 stride) - Damage [1Ð6+7] - Fast, Punishing, Reach
524 BLACKBIRDS

AMPHIBIOUS: This creature can breathe equally 7. Perfect Chameleon (1 AP, Special Action): Spend 1
well beneath the water as above it. Their swimming AP for this creature to turn itself invisible until
speed is equal to their regular Movement. it attacks.
ONE OF US 4 MISFORTUNE, 3 AP, 8. Bony Carapace (1 Misfortune, 0 AP, Reaction):
COMBAT ACTION: This creature grabs someone Spend 1 Misfortune to completely negate an
who is adjacent to deep water and drags them attack targeting this creature when it occurs.
under. The target is rendered Knocked Out and This cannot be used to stop Extinguish Abilities.
Helpless. If the Combat Scene ends before the 9. Lick Your Wounds (1 Misfortune, 2 AP, Special
target is rescued, they are taken to the heart of the Action): Spend 1 Misfortune to move this
Leviathan to be transformed into one of the things creature 3 levels up the Damage Condition
within. Whether this unfortunate can be saved is up Track.
to the Fateweaver. 10. Eggs (3 Misfortune, 1 AP, Special Action): When
In addition, after rolling 1Ð6, on a face ‘5’ or this creature makes a successful attack, spend
‘6,’ a thing within randomly has one of the following 3 Misfortune to have it lay eggs in the target.
Traits: Unless these are discovered and removed within
1. Bloodless: This creature cannot Bleed. 3 days—requiring chirurgy and a
2. Paralyzing Venom: Make a successful Toughness successful (Challenging –10%)
test for anyone who drops a level in their Heal test—the host perishes
Damage Condition Track after being attacked as smaller versions of this
by this creature, or they start their Turn with creature burst from within
1 less AP. If this means they gain no AP, they the host’s flesh.
are rendered Helpless. Make the same test at the
end of each of their Turns to determine when
the effect ends.
3. Swallow Whole (2 AP, Combat Action): This
creature attempts a Grapple, and if successful,
the target is swallowed whole and takes 2Ð6+9
Damage. The swallowed being can’t move or
attack, but can attempt to escape, requiring a
successful (Arduous –30%) Athletics test. While
swallowed, the target suffocates.
4. Uncertain Form: This creature is immune to
Injuries.
5. Slippery: This creature is immune to Grapple
attacks, and all other attacks are made at –10.
6. Horrific Phosphorescence: Part of this creature
glows in a disturbing pattern that causes mental
anguish. Make a Resolve test for anyone
Engaged with the creature at the start of each
Turn, or they lose 1 AP that Turn.
 B E ST I A RY 525

White Whale

S ome sailors and scholars theorize that these whales are offspring of
the Leviathan, but differences in form make this unlikely.
White whales are large and voracious carnivores.
Their heads seethe with dead eyes that fill with despair all who glimpse
them. Some, unmoored by the sight, hurl themselves into the sea.
Canny sailors know to avert their gaze, but nothing can stop these
creatures from ramming—and often sinking—ships,

COMBAT BRAWN AGILITY PERCEPTION INTELLIGENCE WILLPOWER FELLOWSHIP

45 [8] 50 [9] 40 [6] 40 [6] 40 [4] 45 [4] 35 [3]
Coordination
Athletics +30
Melee +30 +30 Awareness +30 Navigation +30 Resolve +30
Toughness +30
Stealth +30
Risk Factor:
Damage
Movement: 9 Peril Threshold: Suggested for 3
Dodge: 70% Threshold: Initiative: 15 Size: Huge
(Swimming) 7(13/19/25) Advanced-Tier
18(24/30/36)
Blackbirds
Maw of the Deep: 75% - Distance (Melee Engaged to 2 strides) - Damage [3Ð6+9] - Pummeling, Slow

NO MORTAL SKILL: This creature is immune to

DIRE CONSEQUENCES:
Injuries caused by this
creature’s attacks occur on a
face ‘5’ or ‘6’ when rolling an Injury die.
GAZE OF PALE EYES: Make a successful Resolve test
for anyone looking at this creature, or they lose the
ability to take any Actions other than Reactions
until their next Turn. If the test is a Critical Failure,
the affected creature jumps into the ocean. Attacking
this creature without looking at it is Flip to Fail.
NO MORTAL BLADE: This creature is impervious to
Damage from weapons that are not Enchanted.
Extinguish Abilities.
SWALLOW THE SWIMMERS 1 MISFORTUNE, 1 AP,
SPECIAL ACTION: The creature swallows a person
within 3 strides of it who is in the water. A swallowed
person is trapped and begins suffocation. The only
way to free swallowed prey from the outside is to
kill this creature, but an (Arduous –30%) Athletics
test may be attempted for someone trapped within
at the start of their Turns for them to free themself.
They suffer 1Ð10 Peril if this test is failed. This
creature can have up to nine human-sized beings
swallowed simultaneously.
RAM THE VESSEL 2 MISFORTUNE, 2 AP, SPECIAL
ACTION: Make a Coordination test for those on the
deck or in the rigging, or they take 1Ð10 Damage
from falling. Additionally, if this test results in a
Critical Failure, they plummet into the ocean.
CRUSH THE KEEL 5 MISFORTUNE, 3
AP, SPECIAL ACTION: This creature destroys a ship,
staving in its hull and causing it to sink. Larger ships
may take longer to go down, but in the end, everyone
on board must find alternative transport or be left to
tread water.
526 BLACKBIRDS
B E A ST S
Not every danger faced by those
who have been touched by Fate is
supernatural in nature. The world
is wild and untamed and filled with
primal beasts that hunger or will not
tolerate the presence of humanity
in the territory they have claimed
as home or hunting ground.
T
hose who travel in the hinterlands beyond the boundaries of
the light and warmth of human settlements know that the
jaws, talons, and poisons of wilderness denizens can kill just
as swiftly as swords, arrows, or the twisted magic of the Oligarchs.
Bear
T hese large and powerful omnivores are generally not dangerous
unless they are extremely hungry, they have been disturbed by
encroaching civilization, their young are threatened, or they have been
driven away from their natural territory or habitat—all occurrences that
have become far more common with the ongoing wars and supernatural
transformations that currently plague many places in
the world.
The dire bear is a much larger, more aggressive,
and more dangerous version of the ursine omnivore
that is perhaps a holdover from an earlier age. They
are more likely to kill smaller prey for food than the
common bear.
“New recruits amongst
the city guard are
taught early on that
most things in the wilds
fear fire, and that those
who do not are best
avoided at all costs . . .”
— Observations of the
Wandering Squire
 B E ST I A RY 527

BEAR:
COMBAT BRAWN AGILITY PERCEPTION INTELLIGENCE WILLPOWER FELLOWSHIP
45 [4] 50 [5] 40 [4] 40 [4] 40 [4] 45 [4] 35 [3]
Toughness +20 Coordination
Melee +20 Awareness +20
Athletics +20 +20
Risk Factor:
Damage
Peril Threshold: Suggested for
Dodge: 60% Threshold: Movement: 14 Initiative: 13 Size: Large
7(13/19/25) 3 Basic-Tier
9(15/21/27)
Blackbirds
Maul: 65% - Distance (Melee Engaged) - Damage [1Ð6+4] - Punishing, Slow

ASSAIL THE WEAK: After this creature takes the
Charge Movement Action, Flip to Succeed the
results for the next Attack Action this creature takes.
BRUTAL ASSAULT: When this creature inflicts an
Injury, it inflicts it at 1 level higher on the Damage
Condition Track.
EXCELLENT SENSE OF SMELL: Flip to Succeed any
Awareness test wherein this creature can use smell.
FIERCE COMBATANT: Add +2 to the Damage of all
the creature’s attacks for each level of Damage it
has acquired.
MAUL 2 MISFORTUNE, 3 AP, COMBAT
ACTION: An Engaged target takes 2Ð6+4 Damage
and gains a Moderate Injury.

DIRE BEAR:
COMBAT BRAWN AGILITY PERCEPTION INTELLIGENCE WILLPOWER FELLOWSHIP
45 [4] 50 [5] 40 [4] 40 [4] 40 [4] 45 [4] 35 [3]
Athletics +30 Coordination
Melee +30 Awareness +20 Resolve +10
Toughness +30 +20
Risk Factor:
Damage
Peril Threshold: Suggested for 3
Dodge: 60% Threshold: Movement: 7 Initiative: 13 Size: Large
7(13/19/25) Intermediate-
11(17/23/29)
Tier Blackbirds
Maul: 75% - Distance (Melee Engaged or 1 stride) - Damage [2Ð6+6] - Punishing, Slow, Vicious

ASSAIL THE WEAK: After this creature takes the
Charge Movement Action, Flip to Succeed the
results for the next Attack Action this creature takes.
BRUTAL ASSAULT: When this creature inflicts an
Injury, it inflicts it at 1 level higher instead.
DIRE CONSEQUENCES: Injuries caused by this
creature’s attacks occur on a face ‘5’ or ‘6’ when
rolling an Injury die.
EXCELLENT SENSE OF SMELL: Flip to Succeed any
Awareness test wherein this creature can use smell.
FIERCE COMBATANT: Add +2 to the Damage of all
the creature’s attacks for each level of Damage it
has acquired.
DIRE MAUL 2 MISFORTUNE, 2 AP, COMBAT
ACTION: An Engaged target takes 3Ð6+6 Damage
and gains a Serious Injury.
REND ASUNDER 5 MISFORTUNE,
3 AP, COMBAT ACTION: This creature attempts
to sever one of its opponent’s limbs. Roll 1Ð6 to
determine what happens. On a 1, sever left arm.
On a 2, sever right arm. One a 3, the victim’s torso
is caved in, causing the Fractured Ribs Injury. On a
4, sever left leg. On a 5, sever right leg. On a 6, the
victim’s throat is slashed, causing the Arterial Spray
Injury. Severed limbs also result in the Scarlet
Torrent Injury.
 528 BLACKBIRDS

Giant Crocodile

N ot so much a breed of its own as simply a particular member of the

species that has grown to massive size through a successful life in
its position as an apex predator, a giant crocodile is more than 20 strides
in length. Although they are not amphibious, they can hold their breath
underwater for up to 2 hours and are quite at home hunting in shallow
bodies of water, swamps, and rivers. They have an excellent sense of
smell, and their sight is extremely acute at night.

COMBAT BRAWN AGILITY PERCEPTION INTELLIGENCE WILLPOWER FELLOWSHIP

45 [4] 50 [5] 40 [4] 40 [4] 40 [4] 45 [4] 35 [3]
Athletics +30 Coordination
Melee +20 Awareness +20 Resolve +10
Toughness +30 +20
Risk Factor:
Damage
Movement: 7 Peril Threshold: Suggested for 1
Dodge: 60% Threshold: Initiative: 13 Size: Large
Swimming: 9 7(13/19/25) Intermediate-
11(17/23/29)
Tier Blackbird
Bite: 65% - Distance (Melee Engaged or 1 stride) - Damage [2Ð6+6] - Fast, Reach, Vicious

AMBUSH PREDATOR: Add an additional 1Ð6 AMBUSH 3 MISFORTUNE, NONCOMBAT

Damage die to all attacks made by this creature ACTION: This creature and all those accompanying
during its Surprise Round. it are set for an ambush and initiate a Surprise
DIRE CONSEQUENCES: Injuries caused by this Round. Awareness rolls made for the Blackbirds
creature’s attacks occur on a face ‘5’ or ‘6’ when and their allies to avoid being Surprised are –30.
rolling an Injury die. DEATH ROLL 5 MISFORTUNE, 3 AP,
EXCELLENT SENSES: Flip to Succeed any Awareness COMBAT ACTION: This creature latches onto an
test made for this creature. Engaged opponent and then spins, causing horrific
NOCTURNAL HUNTER: Add +10 to all Skill tests Damage. The attack immediately succeeds, adding
made for this creature at night. an additional 2Ð6 to Damage. The opponent
CAPSIZE 2 immediately sustains an Injury regardless of the
MISFORTUNE, 1 AP, values on Injury dice.
SPECIAL ACTION:
This creature flips
a watercraft, dropping
everyone into the water. The
craft must be small enough for
this action to be reasonable.
Kraken

T he kraken is a creature of legends that stretch far beyond what is

credible, although those who encounter them discover a monster
of horrible appetite and destructive power. A kraken is a relative of the
squid, grown to extraordinary size and feeding occasionally at the
ocean’s surface. It’s true that krakens have been known to snatch sailors
from ship decks during the night, and there have been rare yet
corroborated sightings of exceedingly large specimens pulling small
ships beneath the waves, but nothing about the beast is unnatural,
magical, or unusual, beyond its legendary appetite.

COMBAT BRAWN AGILITY PERCEPTION INTELLIGENCE WILLPOWER FELLOWSHIP

50 [8] 50 [8] 50 [8] 40 [7] 40 [4] 50 [5] 35 [3]
Coordination
Melee +30 Toughness +30 Awareness +30 Resolve +30
+30
Risk Factor:
Damage
Movement: 11 Peril Threshold: Suggested for 6
Dodge: 80% Threshold: Initiative: 16 Size: Huge
(Swimming) 8(14/20/26) Advanced-Tier
18(24/30/36)
Blackbirds
Beak (Only after grappled by a tentacle): 80% - Distance (Melee Engaged) - Damage [3Ð6+8] - Vicious
Tentacles (×4): 80% - Distance (Melee Engaged or 10 strides) - Damage [2Ð6+8] - Entangling, Slow

MANYARMED HORROR 3 AP, COMBAT ACTION:
This creature may attack with all of its natural
weapons at once. It does not suffer a penalty for
making multiple attacks.
NO MORTAL SKILL: This creature is immune to
Extinguish Abilities.
WATERY DEMISE: This creature pulls those who have
been Grappled by one of its attacks beneath the
water. Make a successful (Standard +/–0%) Athletics,
Coordination, or Toughness test for the target to take
a breath before this happens, or they immediately
begin to suffocate, suffering 2Ð10+2 Peril per Turn,
as per the suffocation rules. Otherwise, they may
hold their breath for [BB] minutes. Once the victim
begins to suffocate, they continue to do so until the
Grapple is successfully resisted.
ATTACK FROM BELOW 3 MISFORTUNE,
NONCOMBAT ACTION: The creature surfaces with
flawless stealth, gaining a Surprise Round and 4
AP during its Turn. It may attack multiple targets
during this Round, but any given target may only
be attacked twice.
 Tear

T he tear is a large, cliff-dwelling bird

native to the Gulf of Echoes that
hunts in packs. The birds are even called
“wolves of the sky” by fearful sailors. A full-grown
tear can dive into the sea and emerge with a baby
dolphin or manta ray in its clutches. Mariners
posted atop the crow’s nests of mighty ships
know to keep a sharp eye on the sky when
approaching Corbel, for more than one has
been pulled from their perch by the
lacerating talons of the tear. Tales of their
frightening strength and penchant for human flesh have traveled far and
wide, but none fear the predators more than the prisoners of the Listing
Tower. The upper levels of the tower have become a favored roost for the
birds—a place to feed their young on prey that fights back just enough. At
the prison’s zenith, where the walls and floor have fallen away into the
Azule, many of the cells face the full force of the elements. Here, unruly
prisoners are chained and left to die as meals for the tears’ chicks, which
are small enough to slip between prison bars.

COMBAT BRAWN AGILITY PERCEPTION INTELLIGENCE WILLPOWER FELLOWSHIP

45 [6] 40 [4] 50 [7] 45 [6] 40 [4] 40 [4] 35 [3]
Stealth +30
Athletics +20
Melee +30 Coordination Awareness +30 Resolve +10
Toughness +10
+10
Risk Factor:
Damage
Movement: 10 Peril Threshold: Suggested for 1
Dodge: 60% Threshold: Initiative: 15 Size: Large
Flying: 14 7(13/19/25) Intermediate-
12(18/24/30)
Tier Blackbird
Beak: 75% - Distance (Melee Engaged) - Damage [2Ð6+7] - Finesse, Vicious
Talons: 75% - Distance (Melee Engaged or 1 stride) - Damage [2Ð6+7] - Fast, Punishing

BUFFET: This creature buffets a foe with its wings
when attacking. Make a successful Toughness test
for the target, or they lose 1 AP.
DIRE CONSEQUENCES: Injuries caused by this
creature’s attacks occur on a face ‘5’ or ‘6’ when
rolling an Injury die.
PACK TACTICS: Add +10 to all Skill tests made for
this creature on its Turn when it begins that Turn
within 3 strides of another creature of the same type.
SNATCH FROM ABOVE 2 AP, COMBAT ACTION: This
creature flies at its full Movement without triggering
Opportunity Attacks and makes an attack during
the move. The attack gains the Entangling Quality,
and if successful at gaining a Grapple, its target
moves the rest of the way with the bird.
ASSAULT FROM THE SUN 2 MISFORTUNE,
NONCOMBAT ACTION: This creature can make a
flying attack from the direction of the sun, initiating
a Surprise Round. Attempts to defend against it
are Flip to Fail, even for those aware of the bird’s
approach. This attack gains an extra 1Ð6 Damage
die beyond the bonus Damage awarded for surprise.
 B E ST I A RY 531

Wolf

T hese well-known canine hunters are actually seldom dangerous to

humans unless someone is traveling alone or in distress. They are
more dangerous to unprotected horses and livestock. Wolves hunt as a
pack, their greatest advantage when taking down prey. They also
scavenge and eat carrion.
Rarely, aberrant wolves prey on a human community or trade route. “To slay a monster is a
These specimens are usually suffering from the frothing rage or have feather in one’s cap—
gained a taste for human flesh. quite literally. Many of
Dire wolves are rarer, ancient versions of wolves that stand 5 strides the mercenaries of Erebos
tall at the shoulder. They are bolder and less picky about hunting even a advertise their prowess
well-armed person, since they are far less likely to have experience with by adorning themselves
human beings. with the feathers, claws,
scales, and teeth of
the creatures they’ve
struck down in battle.”
— Observations of the
Wandering Squire

WOLF:
COMBAT BRAWN AGILITY PERCEPTION INTELLIGENCE WILLPOWER FELLOWSHIP
50 [5] 45 [4] 45 [4] 40 [4] 40 [4] 40 [4] 35 [3]
Coordination
Athletics +10
Melee +20 +10 Awareness +10
Toughness +10
Stealth +10
Risk Factor:
Damage
Peril Threshold: Suggested for
Dodge: 55% Threshold: Movement: 7 Initiative: 13 Size: Normal
7(13/19/25) 1 Basic-Tier
5(11/17/23)
Blackbird
Bite: 70% - Distance (Melee Engaged) - Damage [2Ð6+5] - Slow, Vicious
Claws: 70% - Distance (Melee Engaged) - Damage [1Ð6+5] - Fast, Punishing
 532 BLACKBIRDS

EXCELLENT SENSE OF SMELL: Flip to Succeed WORRY 3 MISFORTUNE, 1 AP, COMBAT

any Awareness test for which this creature can
use smell.
PACK TACTICS: Add +10 to all Skill tests made for
this creature on its Turn when it begins that Turn
within 3 strides of another creature of the same type.
ACTION: After this creature makes a successful bite
attack and deals Damage, it worries at the target,
dealing Damage again using the standard dice
associated with the attack.
PACKMATES 5 MISFORTUNE, 2 AP,
SPECIAL ACTION: This creature howls, and wolves
arrive, equal to the number of Blackbirds present.

DIRE WOLF:
COMBAT BRAWN AGILITY PERCEPTION INTELLIGENCE WILLPOWER FELLOWSHIP
50 [5] 45 [4] 45 [4] 40 [4] 40 [4] 40 [4] 35 [3]
Coordination
Athletics +20
Melee +30 +20 Awareness +20 Resolve +10
Toughness +20
Stealth +20
Risk Factor:
Damage
Peril Threshold: Suggested for 1
Dodge: 65% Threshold: Movement: 7 Initiative: 13 Size: Large
7(13/19/25) Intermediate-
9(15/21/27)
Tier Blackbird
Bite: 80% - Distance (Melee Engaged or 1 stride) - Damage [2Ð6+5] - Slow, Punishing, Vicious
Claws: 80% - Distance (Melee Engaged) - Damage [2Ð6+5] - Fast, Punishing

DIRE CONSEQUENCES: Injuries caused by this WORRY 2 MISFORTUNE, 1 AP, COMBAT

creature’s attacks occur on a face ‘5’ or ‘6’ when
rolling an Injury die.
EXCELLENT SENSE OF SMELL: Flip to Succeed any
Awareness test for which this creature can use smell.
PACK TACTICS: Add +10 to all Skill tests made for
this creature on its Turn when it begins that Turn
within 3 strides of another creature of the same type.
ACTION: After this creature makes a successful bite
attack and deals Damage, it worries at the target,
dealing Damage again using the standard dice
associated with the attack.
PACKMATES 5 MISFORTUNE, 1 AP,
SPECIAL ACTION: This creature howls, and wolves
arrive equal to the number of Blackbirds present.
 B E ST I A RY 533

Basilisk

T he basilisk is a predator,
one that exists in the
space between this world and the
Od, whose true form is impossible to fully
describe. Furthermore, anyone familiar with the
monster who attempts to explain its existence to the unaware becomes a
pariah, as knowledge of the creature’s form—or that it exists at all—allows
it to manifest in this world to feed on those cognizant of it.
The basilisk often preys upon small and remote communities and C R E AT U R E S O F T H E O D
villages, and the prey soon helps it to feed: they speak of the creature to
travelers and newcomers, allowing the basilisk to hunt these recent Outsiders are not the only beings
arrivals and leave the locals in peace for a bit. Those who arrive in such
a cursed community note the gaunt and drawn expressions of the that exist within the Od that have
inhabitants and the tension in their social interactions, for the basilisk
feeds not only on flesh but on the terror and fear of its herd and prey. gained access to this world from the
Every basilisk is different, but each one’s form is fixed once a person
who has seen the thing describes to another what they saw. The first to roiling chaos of their demesne. There
speak of any given basilisk is almost always a child. Perhaps children are
more able to see the basilisk while it still exists in the twilight between are entire species and ecosystems—
worlds, or perhaps it prefers to show itself to them so that they may give
it a shape less restricted by the stunted imaginations of adults. Whatever albeit of an unnatural and disturbing
the reason, a basilisk’s shape is often the sort of thing a child would describe
or have a dream or nightmare about: a creature malformed, impossible, nature—on the other side of the caul
crude, fantastical, but always childish in nature. Perhaps this is why
basilisks never kill children but still terrify them to consume their fear. that separates this world from theirs.
A basilisk prefers to take its time feeding upon those it hunts, and it
is able to manifest phantasms and illusions to drive its targets into a frenzy
of terror. Only when its prey is alone in the darkness and filled with dread
does the creature reveal itself and devour them. The best defense against
the thing is to learn as little about it as possible and flee from the area, for
once one knows enough details about a particular basilisk, it follows and
hunts that person to the ends of the earth. A cruel but elegant solution to
a basilisk’s depredations is to kill everyone who knows what it looks like,
leaving none alive to speak of the thing.
 534 BLACKBIRDS
COMBAT BRAWN AGILITY PERCEPTION
40 [6] 35 [3] 45 [5] 40 [6]
Coordination
Athletics +20 Awareness +20
Melee +30 +20
Toughness +20 Eavesdrop +20
Stealth +30
Damage
Dodge: 65% Threshold: Movement: 8 Initiative: 15
11(17/23/29)
Maw: 70% - Distance (Melee Engaged) - Damage [2Ð6+6] - Punishing, Slow
Talons: 70% - Distance (Melee Engaged) - Damage [2Ð6+6] - Piercing (2), Vicious
BANE OF FLESH MAW & TALONS/1Ð10+6: The
attacks listed in parentheses do 1Ð10+6 Bane
Damage to targets that possess the Mortal Bane or
Trait instead of the Damage listed in the attacks.
I SEE YOU, TOO: Once the shape and form of the
basilisk are known to any sentient being, the basilisk
tracks that target relentlessly. It always knows the
location of its quarry. Many who are hunted by a
basilisk do not realize this ability works both ways.
If they close their eyes and envision the basilisk,
they may glimpse where it is. Make an Awareness
test that is Flip to Fail for them to do so. Each
attempt made inflicts them with 1Ð10 Peril.
IMMATERIAL: This creature feels no pain and ignores
all Injuries. It may be harmed only by Enchanted
weapons or attacks that are a Bane to it, but even
these do not injure it. Spend 3 AP for it to become
invisible until it attacks again.
IRON BANE: Bane dice (Ð10s that explode on ‘9’
or ‘10’) are rolled instead of Damage dice when
weapons of iron or steel are used against this
creature. This Damage cannot be mitigated or
healed by any of the Traits of this creature.
NO BREATH, NO LIFE: This creature is immune to
Injuries, poisoning, and suffocation.
NO MORTAL SKILL: This creature is immune to
Extinguish Abilities.
SIGHT WITHOUT SIGHT: By sensing the Od directly,
this creature can see even if its eyes are destroyed
or removed. In addition, it can see in complete
darkness. It cannot see things that are hidden from
the Od, however.
INTELLIGENCE WILLPOWER FELLOWSHIP
45 [4] 50 [8] 40 [4]
Odweft +20
Guile +20
Resolve +20
Risk Factor:
Peril Threshold: Suggested for 6
Size: Normal
11(17/23/29) Intermediate-
Tier Blackbirds
SMALL ALLIES: So long as any children who are aware
of this creature are present, it cannot be killed. Any
Slain! result rises to Level 5, but never above that. This
also applies to Bane Damage.
UMBRAL TRAVEL 3 AP, SPECIAL ACTION: The basilisk
travels to any location within sight where there
is a shadow.
MANIFESTATION OF DREAD 1 MISFORTUNE, 1 AP,
SPECIAL ACTION: This creature dredges up something
from the subconscious fears of a particular target and
crafts a phantasm visible only to that target. Make a
successful (Challenging –10%) Peril-induced Resolve
test for the target at the start of each of the target’s
Turns, or they suffer 2Ð10+2 Peril. They may avoid
this by keeping their eyes closed. The manifestation
ends when this creature leaves the area or is killed.
REPAST OF NIGHTMARES 3 MISFORTUNE, 1
AP, SPECIAL ACTION: This creature reveals to all present
what it truly is. Make a (Hard –20%) Peril-induced
Resolve test for everyone who can see it. Those who
fail suffer 2Ð10+2 Peril. This creature heals 1 level of
Damage to it for everyone whose Resolve test fails.
BÊTE NOIRE 5 MISFORTUNE, 2 AP,
SPECIAL ACTION: The basilisk marks as prey someone
who knows what it looks like. The target knows they
have been chosen and that the basilisk is coming for
them. They may remedy Peril only through Revelry
and Reflection until the basilisk is destroyed, and if
they fall to the bottom of the Peril Condition Track,
they are immediately consumed by the basilisk. A
basilisk generally attempts to draw out the hunting
of its victim as long as possible to feed on the
fear produced.
 B E ST I A RY 535

Incubus

T he almost-mindless, jellyfish-like creature known as the incubus is

just one of many horrors more frequently encountered since the
Extinguishing. Although most prevalent in lost and forgotten places
and cursed regions said to house places of power or rips in the weave
of the world, in truth, incubi can be found anywhere there are
Blackbirds. When incubi appear, these semi-corporeal beings exist in
the twilight realm between this world and the Od, and they use that
place of refuge strategically when attacking mortals. They are invisible
to all eyes, even those touched by the gift of Odsight, and thus are
quite hard to detect.
Incubi feed on those touched by Fate itself. In times past, only the
greatest and most accomplished among mortals met that criteria:
legendary monarchs, mighty warriors, brilliant wizards. But since the
Norns’ betrayal and murder, Fate’s influence has spread to include many
of the people known as Blackbirds. Thus, incubi have themselves
multiplied to gorge on this unprecedented feast.
Once an incubus finds a source of spiritual power
to feed upon, a link is created between itself and its
food source. It usually feeds at night while its target
sleeps, and its presence is difficult to discern. A
victim invariably awakens tired, with vague and
disturbing memories of violently dark and sensual
dreams. As time passes and the incubus continues to
feed, the victim
suffers from
exhaustion and
a slow dwindling
of their will.

COMBAT BRAWN AGILITY PERCEPTION INTELLIGENCE WILLPOWER FELLOWSHIP

45 [5] 40 [4] 50 [8] 45 [7] 40 [4] 40 [4] 35 [3]
Coordination
Athletics +20
Melee +20 +20 Awareness +20 Resolve +20
Toughness +20
Stealth +20
Risk Factor:
Damage
Peril Threshold: Suggested for 1
Dodge: 70% Threshold: Movement: 11 Initiative: 16 Size: Normal
7(13/19/25) Intermediate-
9(15/21/27)
Tier Blackbird
Stinging Tendrils: 65% - Distance (Melee Engaged or 1 Stride) - Damage [2Ð6+8] - Finesse, Reach
 536 BLACKBIRDS
BOND OF NIGHTMARES: The
creature attempts to link to
a sleeping victim and feed.
Every night it does so, make a
(Challenging –10%) Awareness
test for the sleeper to notice
something amiss (Odsight offers
“When a member of the +10 to this test). If the test
villages of Garia passes into succeeds, the link is severed, and
the next world, their body the Blackbird awakens to see the
is placed in a ceremonial creature attempting to feed upon
boat and sent down the them as if by Visible Assault,
Pale Horse river to tumble and steps can be taken to destroy
over Trident’s Fall, where the creature. If the test fails, the
their bones then wash into incubus’s feeding goes unnoticed,
the Leviathan Ocean.” and the Blackbird awakens with
—Observations of the vague and disturbing memories of
Wandering Squire
dark, erotic dreams. The day after
an incubus feeds, all rolls made
for the Blackbird are at –10, and all Peril the target
suffers from any source inflicts an additional +5.
LESSER IRON BANE: Bane dice (Ð10s that explode
on ‘9’ or ‘10’) are rolled instead of Damage dice
when weapons of iron or steel are used against
this creature. This Damage can still be healed or
mitigated by this creature’s other Traits, however,
unless it is Slain!.
LIFT THE VEIL: This creature becomes visible when
exposed to the smoke of incense made from the
blood of any accursed, harbinger, apocryphal, or
Outsider capable of Bleeding.
NO MORTAL SKILL: This creature is immune to
Extinguish Abilities.
ODIC INVISIBILITY: This creature is invisible, even to
those who have the ability to sense or see the Od—
even Outsiders. If someone is specifically looking
for this creature, knows where to look and what
to look for, and possesses Odsight, the Fateweaver
may make a Flip to Fail Awareness test to determine
whether they notice this creature.
REGENERATION: At the beginning of each of
this creature’s Turns, make a (Standard +/–0%)
Toughness test for it. If successful, move it 1 level
up the Damage Condition Track and remove one
Injury, if it has any. This effect ends when the
creature is Slain!.
VISIBLE ASSAULT: After this creature takes an Attack
Action, it becomes visible to all until it takes a
Reaction or until the start of its next Turn.
LUCKBLIGHT 2 MISFORTUNE, 1 AP, SPECIAL
ACTION: This creature prevents a specific target
it can see from spending Fortune. The target may
not choose to spend Fortune in any way until this
creature is Slain! or the target is out of its presence.
BREED 3 MISFORTUNE, 2 AP, SPECIAL
ACTION: The incubus can split and create another
of its ilk. This new incubus is at full strength, even
if the creature it split off from has suffered Damage
or Injury.
 B E ST I A RY 537

Goblin DAIMNFORGED

L ong ago, when history was first being recorded by humankind, the
daimn, or dwarves as they are commonly called, were quite literally
forged from the essence of willing elves by Father Steel. The process was
The daimn are a people who were

not born but made, crafted from

lost, but it is known that it was a true expression of artistic will by Father
Steel. Like all creation, the truth is that there was nothing really created, the aes. The byproducts of that
for every act of genesis is, at core, a form of change, as one essence or
truth is replaced by another—or so it would seem. creation are dangerous and horrible,
The miracle of forging the daimn had a horrible byproduct, the twisted
dross of what was removed from the aes to make them into something new. and still fester in the dark.
This cast-off material, or unwanted essence, became goblins. For every
daimn who walks this world (or used to walk it, for many no longer do),
there is a wretched shadow that crawls in darker places. Each goblin comes
from the creation of a daimn, and some say they hunger for reunion with
the part of themself that was removed and refined. Goblins are half-beings,
hungry, alone, and eternally empty, filled with nothing but the basest of
desires and longings. They howl in the darkness for what they have lost and
seek to end their suffering by bringing others to suffer with them.
From a distance, goblins appear as gnarled and twisted children who
keep to the shadows. Seen clearly, their true nature is apparent, for they are
not made of flesh but of ashen metal with streaks of umber. They bear
stunted and twisted humanlike features, but some
of their joints bend the wrong way, and
sometimes their feet, heads, or hands are
backward. They have gaps in their
physical forms, abscesses that would
send truly living creatures to the
grave. Their eyes show limitless
hatred and pain.
Goblins seek to bond with living
creatures, and those unfortunates they
find sleeping or are able to subdue are
absorbed into their form. The goblin becomes a
mesh or wrapping around the health and light
they covet, biting into the flesh and leaving the
victim disoriented and agonized. Those who are
so claimed are unable to understand their plight
and cannot be made to comprehend it; they know
only that they now exist in a world of dark and
hopeless longing, and that their thoughts are confused
and broken. Few are ever freed from this state. Most
eventually die in madness, sorrow, and darkness.
538 BLACKBIRDS

Goblins can’t be killed. If they are Slain!, they eventually re-form,

though this may take a very long time if their bodily material is scattered
over a large expanse. It is said that the only way the horror of a goblin’s
existence can end is if they bond with the daimn from which the goblin
was made, destroying both. No plausible accounts of this happening are
known to anyone living.

COMBAT BRAWN AGILITY PERCEPTION INTELLIGENCE WILLPOWER FELLOWSHIP

45 [6] 50 [8] 40 [5] 40 [5] 40 [4] 45 [4] 35 [3]
Athletics +10 Coordination
Melee +30 Awareness +20 Resolve +20
Toughness +20 +20
Risk Factor:
Damage
Peril Threshold: Suggested for 3
Dodge: 60% Threshold: Movement: 8 Initiative: 14 Size: Small
7(13/19/25) Intermediate-
12(18/24/30)
Tier Blackbirds
Bite: 75% - Distance (Melee Engaged) - Damage [1Ð6+6] - Vicious
Claws: 75% - Distance (Melee Engaged) - Damage [2Ð6+6] - Slow

ENGULF AP, COMBAT ACTION, GOBLIN: If the attack
succeeds, make a successful Coordination test for
the target, or they are engulfed by the goblin. Those
engulfed are trapped until freed, and they suffer
1Ð10+1 Peril at the end of each of their Turns
as their minds are filled with horrid visions of
helplessness, despair, and cruelty. A –10 Athletics
test may be made at the same time for the target
of Engulf to escape. A goblin may have only one
opponent engulfed at a time.
HORRIFYING FORM 10: This creature is terribly
disturbing to humans who first lay eyes upon
a member of its species. Make a successful
(Challenging –10%) Peril-induced Resolve test for
such witnesses.
IMMORTAL REGENERATION: At the beginning of
each of this creature’s Turns, make a (Standard
+/–0%) Toughness test for them. If it succeeds,
move them up 1 level on the Damage Condition
Track and remove one Injury, if they have any. This
effect continues even if this creature is Slain!, unless
one of this creature’s Banes is specifically applied
immediately after death.
LESSER QUICKBRONZE BANE: Bane dice (Ð10s that
explode on ‘9’ or ‘10’) are rolled instead of Damage
dice when weapons of this type are used against
this creature. This Damage can still be healed or
mitigated by this creature’s other Traits, however,
unless they are Slain!.
NO MORTAL BLADE: This creature is impervious to
Damage from weapons that are not Enchanted.
MONSTROUS VISIONS 1 MISFORTUNE, 1 AP,
SPECIAL ACTION: All who can see this creature are
overwhelmed by visions of helplessness, despair, and
cruelty. Make a successful Peril-induced Resolve
test for them, or they suffer 2Ð10+2 Peril and lose
1 AP on their next Turn.
UMBRAL EMBRACE 3 MISFORTUNE, 2 AP,
COMBAT ACTION: This creature engulfs an Engaged
opponent without needing any rolls to be made.
The effects are the same as the Engulf Trait, above.
COMPLETION 5 MISFORTUNE,
3AP, COMBAT ACTION: The goblin engulfs an
adjacent daimn, and the two consume each other
in a painful and heartbreaking transformation that
leaves behind nothing but a misshapen lump of
stone. Anyone observing this event must undergo a
Peril-induced Resolve test.
 B E ST I A RY 539

Ogre

G oblins exist as the negative value to the sum of all life and
wholesomeness, which is why one of the greatest horrors possible
is what stems from their discovery that they can combine their bodies
and essences into something even worse. The agonizing void within
the consciousness of all goblins sometimes draws them to one another
in a cursed union that does nothing to alleviate their endless torture—
it only amplifies it, so they become more effective at spreading woe
and injury to other living beings they encounter. An ogre is
an open wound on the world that draws others into
its gaping maw.
Ogres appear as larger and more
disturbing versions of goblins,
humanoid in form with similar
features, although a close inspection
of these horrors reveals their true
nature—a combination of two or more
goblins in an unholy chimeric combination.
Sometimes, other living creatures are
encompassed in their form, too, trapped
within and fully visible as they slowly die, unable
to escape from their supernatural and physical
prison.
Most ogres are a combination of
two or three goblins, but stories have
been told of amalgams of
even more. Fortunately,
such monsters are rare—
rarer even than goblins
themselves.

LARGE OGRE (2–3 Goblins):

COMBAT BRAWN AGILITY PERCEPTION INTELLIGENCE WILLPOWER FELLOWSHIP
45 [6] 50 [8] 40 [5] 40 [5] 40 [4] 45 [4] 35 [3]
Athletics +20 Coordination
Melee +30 Awareness +20 Resolve +30
Toughness +30 +20
Risk Factor:
Damage
Peril Threshold: Suggested for 3
Dodge: 60% Threshold: Movement: 8 Initiative: 14 Size: Large
7(13/19/25) Intermediate-
15(21/27/33)
Tier Blackbirds
Bite: 75% - Distance (Melee Engaged) - Damage [2Ð6+6] - Punishing, Vicious
Smash: 75% - Distance (Melee Engaged) - Damage [3Ð6+8] - Crushing, Pummeling, Slow
 540 BLACKBIRDS

HUGE OGRE (4+ Goblins):

COMBAT BRAWN AGILITY PERCEPTION INTELLIGENCE WILLPOWER FELLOWSHIP
55 [7] 50 [8] 40 [5] 45 [5] 40 [4] 55 [5] 35 [3]
Athletics +30 Coordination
Melee +30 Awareness +20 Resolve +30
Toughness +30 +20
Risk Factor:
Damage
Peril Threshold: Suggested for 6
Dodge: 60% Threshold: Movement: 9 Initiative: 14 Size: Huge
7(13/19/25) Intermediate-
17(23/29/35)
Tier Blackbirds
Bite: 85% - Distance (Melee Engaged) - Damage [2Ð6+7] - Punishing, Vicious
Smash: 85% - Distance (Melee Engaged) - Damage [3Ð6+8] - Crushing (2), Pummeling, Reach, Slow

ENGULF 2 AP, COMBAT ACTION, OGRE: Spend 2 AP
for this creature to attack an Engaged opponent. If
the attack succeeds, make a successful Coordination
test for the opponent, or they are engulfed by the
ogre. Those engulfed are trapped until freed, and
they suffer 2Ð10+2 Peril and 1Ð6+8 Damage at
the end of each of their Turns as their minds are
filled with horrid visions of helplessness, despair,
and cruelty, and as they are slowly crushed within
the ogre. The target may also make a (Hard –20%)
Athletics test to escape from within at the same
time. An ogre can have a number of opponents
engulfed equal to the number of goblins that make
up its form.
HORRIFYING FORM 20: This creature is terribly
disturbing to any Mortal who first lays eyes upon
a member of its species. Make a successful (Hard
–20%) Peril-induced Resolve test for such
witnesses, or they suffer 2Ð10+2 Peril.
IMMORTAL REGENERATION: At the beginning of
each of this creature’s Turns, make a (Standard
+/–0%) Toughness test for them. If it succeeds,
move them up 1 level on the Damage Condition
Track and remove one Injury, if they have any. This
effect continues even if this creature is Slain!, unless
one of this creature’s Banes is specifically applied
immediately after death.
LESSER QUICKBRONZE BANE: Bane dice (Ð10s that
explode on ‘9’ or ‘10’) are rolled instead of Damage
dice when weapons of this type are used against
this creature. This Damage can still be healed or
mitigated by this creature’s other Traits, however,
unless they are Slain!.
NO MORTAL BLADE: This creature is impervious to
Damage from weapons that are not Enchanted.
NO MORTAL SKILL: This creature is immune to
Extinguish Abilities.
MONSTROUS VISIONS 1 MISFORTUNE, 1 AP,
SPECIAL ACTION: Spend 1 AP for this creature, and
all who can see it are overwhelmed by visions of
helplessness, despair, and cruelty. Make a successful
Peril-induced Resolve test for them, or they suffer
2Ð10+2 Peril and lose 1 AP on their next Turn.
UMBRAL EMBRACE 2 MISFORTUNE, 2 AP,
COMBAT ACTION: Spend 2 AP for this creature
to engulf an Engaged opponent without needing
any rolls to be made. The effects are the same as the
Engulf Trait, above.
COMPLETION 4 MISFORTUNE, 3 AP,
COMBAT ACTION: The ogre engulfs an adjacent
daimn, and the two consume each other in a
painful and heartbreaking transformation that
leaves behind nothing but a misshapen lump of
stone. Make a Peril-induced Resolve test for all
who observe this.
 B E ST I A RY 541

O
ther forms of elfwrought are beings
quite literally crafted by the aes to E L F W R O U G HT
serve in one way or another, be it as
monstrous weapons of war or things to The aes slipped from one world
be doted on in quieter moments.
to the next, filling their eclectic

Argosy Bug menagerie with creatures

A n argosy is a storage device that was used long ago by the aes to
“harvest” Fortune from the world and return it to their home on
the moon of Yolk. These elvish devices have a distinctly organic appearance
wondrous and terrible.

After Hekaté’s death, many

that could be described as cocoon-like or pupa shaped. A smattering of
them still exist, and some foolhardy adventurers have found it possible to of these creatures found their
access the arcane power stored within—but doing so is dangerous, for
manipulating the argosy risks releasing what lives inside it. way into the natural wilds of
The argosy bug appears similar to a dragonfly with odd and mottled
coloring, though a closer inspection makes clear that the creature has no this world, ungoverned by the
relation to insects of this world. It is best not to consider the thing’s
origin or what the aes constructed them from, considering the elvish wills of their cosmic masters,
propensity for using living building materials.
The original intention of the argosy bug was for it to fly directly to free to do as they wished for the
Yolk with its acquired Fortune, but any argosies still on this world have
been here for a very long time, and with the disruptions in the Od first time in countless ages.
caused by the death of Hekaté and the more recent Extinguishing, most
have been perverted, damaged, and mutated into something else. A
released argosy bug immediately and viciously attacks the nearest living
creatures with its deadly pincers and sharp mandibles. If injured, it
escapes into the sky but follows its targets, biding its time until they are
asleep or at a disadvantage, and it attacks again.

COMBAT BRAWN AGILITY PERCEPTION INTELLIGENCE WILLPOWER FELLOWSHIP

45 [4] 40 [4] 50 [8] 45 [7] 40 [4] 40 [4] 35 [3]
Coordination
Melee +30 +30 Awareness +20 Resolve +20
Stealth +20
Risk Factor:
Damage
Movement: 11 Peril Threshold: Suggested for 1
Dodge: 80% Threshold: Initiative: 16 Size: Small
Flying: 14 7(13/19/25) Intermediate-
8(14/20/26)
Tier Blackbird
Mandibles: 75% - Distance (Melee Engaged) - Damage [1Ð6+8] - Finesse, Slow

ELDER SIPHON: This Trait activates when a Critical Fortune, 1 point of Fortune is drained from the flock’s
or Sublime Success is achieved by this creature in Fortune Pool to immediately become Misfortune.
an attack. If there is currently less Misfortune than
 542 BLACKBIRDS

RELENTLESS PURSUIT: Once this creature has marked
someone as prey by tasting their blood, it tracks this
prey relentlessly, needing neither sleep nor rest. In
addition, it always knows the location of its quarry.
TOO SMALL, TOO QUICK: Flip to Succeed all Dodge
tests made for this creature. If such a test critically
succeeds, that Dodge costs no AP and its cost
is refunded.
NULL FATE VORTEX 5 MISFORTUNE,
0 AP, REACTION: This creature implodes and rapidly
sucks the connection of Fate from the vicinity. Fate
may not be spent for anyone exposed to this effect
until the sun sets and rises again.

Cù-sìth

C ù-sìth have been singled out as pets by their elven masters. They are
usually larger, stronger, and more vicious than their fellows, and
after sufficient training and conditioning, they are
employed as guards, hounds, and game dogs by their
owners and are shaped appropriately. They’re horrible
to encounter, and even more so once one realizes that
these loping and agile “beasts” that move on all fours
were once human.

COMBAT BRAWN AGILITY PERCEPTION INTELLIGENCE WILLPOWER FELLOWSHIP

45 [6] 50 [7] 40 [6] 40 [4] 40 [4] 45 [4] 35 [3]
Coordination
Athletics +20 Handle Animal
Melee +20 +10 Awareness +20 Resolve +20
Toughness +20 +10
Stealth +10
Risk Factor:
Damage
Peril Threshold: Suggested for 1
Dodge: 50% Threshold: Movement: 9 Initiative: 12 Size: Normal
7(13/19/25) Intermediate-
13(19/25/31)
Tier Blackbird
Bite: 65% - Distance (Melee Engaged) - Damage [2Ð6+6] - Fast, Vicious
Claws: 65% - Distance (Melee Engaged) - Damage [1Ð6+6] - Fast, Punishing

HORRIFYING FORM 10: This creature is terribly
disturbing to Mortals who lay eyes upon it for the
first time. Make a successful (Challenging –10%)
Peril-induced Resolve test for such witnesses.
IRON BANE: Bane dice (Ð10s that explode on ‘9’ or
‘10’) are rolled instead of Damage dice when weapons
of iron or steel are used against this creature. This
Damage cannot be mitigated or healed by any of the
Traits of this creature.
PAIN IS POWER: This creature ignores the effects of
the first Injury it receives in combat. Make a Peril-
induced Resolve test for all who witness this at –10
for a Moderate Injury, –20 for a Serious Injury, or
–30 for a Grievous Injury.
JAGGED MAW 2 MISFORTUNE, 1 AP, REACTION:
Immediately after making a successful attack, the
creature can perform this Action to cause a random
Serious Injury to the target.
HOWL OF THE TWISTED 3 MISFORTUNE,
1 AP, SPECIAL ACTION: This creature howls with a
voice that was once human, and all Mortals who
hear this sound are chilled to their bones, becoming
Defenseless until the start of their next Turn.
 B E ST I A RY 543

Doppelgänger

E ach of these servants—often courtesans or entertainers—has been

given a skin by their aes master, who attached it with such skill that
the only obvious tells are quickbronze loops that pin closed the single
slit down the neck and spine. Sometimes, these poor souls accompany
changelings on their incursions into mortal lands.

COMBAT BRAWN AGILITY PERCEPTION INTELLIGENCE WILLPOWER FELLOWSHIP

45 [6] 40 [5] 50 [6] 45 [5] 40 [4] 40 [4] 45 [5]
Charm +20
Melee +20 Athletics +10 Coordination Eavesdrop +10
Resolve +20 Disguise +10
Ranged +20 Toughness +10 +10 Scrutinize +10
Guile +20
Damage
Risk Factor:
Threshold:
Dodge: 60% Peril Threshold: Suggested for
8(14/20/26) Movement: 9 Initiative: 14 Size: Normal
Parry: 65% 7(13/19/25) 3 Basic-Tier
Fur or hide +1:
Blackbirds
9(15/21/27)
Longbow: 65% - Distance (Ranged 18 strides) - Load (1 AP) - Damage [1Ð6+6] - Finesse
Longsword: 65% - Distance (Melee Engaged) - Damage [1Ð6+6] - Adaptable, Defensive, Biting (2)
Rapier: 65% - Distance (Melee Engaged) - Damage [1Ð6+6] - Fast, Finesse, Disarming

IRON BANE: Bane dice (Ð10s that explode on ‘9’ or or put to the sword with no other options available,
‘10’) are rolled instead of Damage dice when the creature may choose to crack the crystalline seed
weapons of iron or steel are used against this at the center of its brain to instantly and permanently
creature. This Damage cannot be mitigated or transform into a cù-sìth. Any damage accrued by this
healed by any of the Traits of this creature. creature is fully healed once it tranforms.
PAIN IS POWER: This creature ignores the effects
of the first Injury they receive in combat. Make a
Peril-induced Resolve test for all who
witness this at –10 for a Moderate
Injury, –20 for a Serious Injury, or
–30 for a Grievous Injury.
MASK OF FLESH 3
MISFORTUNE, NONCOMBAT ACTION: A
person the Blackbirds had thought of as
an ally and a human is actually a creature
that has stolen their skin and replaced
them. The true nature of the betrayer
might not be revealed right away, but the
Fateweaver knows what they truly are
and what motivates them.
METAMORPHOSE 5
MISFORTUNE, 3 AP, SPECIAL ACTION:
The last weapon in a doppelgänger’s
arsenal: should they be found out
 544 BLACKBIRDS

Elfmount

T he aes of eld saw humanity as nothing more than cattle to be used

and bred as a source of Fortune, or as beasts of burden to be
crafted and shaped into any desired form. The
elfmount falls into the latter category. This
creature is made from the muscles, limbs, and
bodies of the strongest human specimens the
aes have on hand. The elfmount is then
employed as a deadly and powerful
mount by the greatest aes warriors,
who ride it with startling
effectiveness when they raid
human settlements.
Some of these creatures have saddles or
other Trappings that cover them with a
form of glamour that makes them appear to
be nothing more than unruly and powerful
destriers, although humans who encounter even a
glamoured elfmount are filled with a strange
loathing and subliminal horror. Such glamoured elfmounts are
subject to the same limitations as the glamour of the aes.

COMBAT BRAWN AGILITY PERCEPTION INTELLIGENCE WILLPOWER FELLOWSHIP

35 [3] 50 [7] 45 [4] 45 [5] 40 [4] 40 [4] 40 [4]
Athletics +20 Coordination
Melee +30 Awareness +20 Resolve +20
Toughness +20 +20
Risk Factor:
Damage
Peril Threshold: Suggested for
Dodge: 65% Threshold: Movement: 10 Initiative: 14 Size: Large
7(13/19/25) 6 Basic-Tier
11(17/23/29)
Blackbirds
Bite: 65% - Distance (Melee Engaged or 1 stride) - Damage [2Ð6+7] - Fast, Vicious
Trample: 65% - Distance (Melee Engaged or 1 stride) - Damage [2Ð6+7] - Pummeling, Slow

HORRIFYING FORM 10: This creature is terribly
disturbing to humans when they first lay eyes upon a
member of its species. Make a successful (Challenging
–10%) Peril-induced Resolve test for such witnesses.
IRON BANE: Bane dice (Ð10s that explode on ‘9’ or
‘10’) are rolled instead of Damage dice when weapons
of iron or steel are used against this creature. This
Damage cannot be mitigated or healed by any of the
Traits of this creature.
PAIN IS POWER: This creature ignores the effects of
the first Injury it receives in combat. Make a Peril-
induced Resolve test for all who witness this at –10
for a Moderate Injury, –20 for a Serious Injury, or
–30 for a Grievous Injury.
DREADFUL TRAMPLE 2 MISFORTUNE, 3 AP,
COMBAT ACTION: All adjacent foes are subjected
to the Trample attack, which automatically hits,
knocking all targets Prone.
FAMILIAR TEETH 4 MISFORTUNE, 2
AP, COMBAT ACTION: An adjacent foe is struck by
the jaws of this creature, which does 2Ð10+7 Bane
Damage to Mortals.
 B E ST I A RY 545

Manticore

W hether the legendary monster known even to Erebos’s children

had this creature as its precursor, or the aes made the creature
based upon the extant stories to better terrify and subdue humanity
through fear, is unknown. What is known is that aes fleshcrafters shape
the meat, bone, and sinew of involuntary human donors to build these
monstrosities, and that they are employed by the elves with great “Those who fall asleep
effectiveness as shock troops, guardians, and beasts of war and death. on the shores of the
Each manticore unswervingly serves its aes masters, but it requires Midnight Sea are said
a great deal of willpower to keep one from murdering with vicious to be forever changed
ferocity any humans it comes across. A terrible recognition becomes by the dreams that
evident in its eyes whenever a manticore encounters human beings, as if visit them there—of
they remind the monster of what it once was and spark a burning desire the inky blackness that
to end the pain this recognition brings. Despite its specific and lies beneath the waves
unwavering bloodlust, a manticore can be sent great distances to attack and of the strange
a particular person, settlement, or target, or it can be left to guard an incandescent lights that
area with unflinching vigilance. hover, waiting . . . ”
When in close quarters, its redesigned jaws are horribly efficient in — Observations of the
Wandering Squire
their ability to rip flesh apart, and the bulk of the creature can be brought
to bear on smaller foes to great effect. A manticore may also flick its tail
with a whiplike motion and hurl one of the bony barbs embedded there
in an accurate and deadly distance attack.
 546 BLACKBIRDS

Manticores are seldom seen in this day and age, for they are difficult
to craft, and even though they may seem crude and monstrous by
human standards, they represent a great act of aes artistry—few who
remain have the ability or resources to make one. If a manticore is sent
after someone, they must have done something incredibly noteworthy
to elicit such a response from the aes.

COMBAT BRAWN AGILITY PERCEPTION INTELLIGENCE WILLPOWER FELLOWSHIP

50 [8] 45 [8] 45 [7] 40 [5] 40 [4] 40 [4] 35 [3]
Melee +30 Athletics +30 Coordination
Awareness +20
Ranged +30 Intimidate +20 +30 Navigation +10 Resolve +20
Survival +20
Warfare +10 Toughness +30 Stealth +20
Risk Factor:
Damage
Movement: 10 Peril Threshold: Suggested for 1
Dodge: 75% Threshold: Initiative: 13 Size: Large
Flying: 12 7(13/19/25) Advanced-Tier
14(20/26/32)
Blackbird
Maw: 80% - Distance (Melee Engaged or 1 stride) - Damage [2Ð6+8] - Punishing, Slow
Tail Spikes: 80% - Distance (Ranged 10 strides) - Load (1 AP) - Damage [3Ð6+8] - Fast, Throwing
Talons: 80% - Distance (Melee Engaged or 1 stride) - Damage [2Ð6+7] - Finesse, Punishing, Vicious

BANE OF FLESH MAW/2Ð10+8: The attack listed in
parentheses does 2Ð10+8 Bane Damage to targets
that possess the Mortal Bane or Trait instead of the
Damage listed in the attack.
HORRIFYING FORM 30: This creature is terribly
disturbing to humans when they first lay eyes
upon a member of its species. Make a successful
(Arduous –30%) Peril-induced Resolve test for
such witnesses, or they suffer 3Ð10+3 Peril.
IRON BANE: Bane dice (Ð10s that explode on ‘9’
or ‘10’) are rolled instead of Damage dice when
weapons of iron or steel are used against this
creature. This Damage cannot be mitigated or
healed by any of the Traits of this creature.
NO MORTAL SKILL: This creature is immune to
Extinguish Abilities.
PAIN IS POWER: This creature ignores the effects of
the first Injury it receives in combat. Make a Peril-
induced Resolve test for all who witness this at –10
for a Moderate Injury, –20 for a Serious Injury, or
–30 for a Grievous Injury.
RELENTLESS PURSUIT: Once this creature has marked
someone as a target, it tracks that target relentlessly,
needing neither sleep nor rest. In addition, it always
knows the location of its quarry.
MONSTROUS ROAR 1 MISFORTUNE, 1 AP, SPECIAL
ACTION: This creature roars with a supernatural
fury; all present who hear it suffer 2Ð10 Peril.
PARALYTIC BARBS 4 MISFORTUNE,
2 AP, COMBAT ACTION: This creature strikes a foe
with its venomous barbs. The target must make a
successful (Arduous –30%) Toughness test, or they
become Defenseless. At the end of their next Turn,
the target loses the ability to perform Movement
Actions, and at the end of the following Turn they
are rendered Helpless. The stung foe may reattempt
this Toughness test at the end of each of their Turns
to recover.
Will-o’-the-Wisp

N ot all of the human cattle the aes gathered, bred, and warped
physically and mentally were put to uses that are obvious or easy
to understand. There were things done to their mortal thralls that defy
and even blaspheme the idea of what it means to be human, for the aes
were never human and never will be. Their sensibilities and concepts
of morality and purpose are something no finite being can fully
understand.
In the dead city of Ahnoon, where the Autumn Folk still dwell in sad
reminiscence of the sterile but magnificent glory of the elvish empire,
there are flickering lights of ghastly pastel pallor that are best ignored by
those who encounter them, lest seeking their source lead a person to their
doom—or worse, that they discover the origin of the grim luminescence
teasing them from the edge of visibility and learn the Fate of those who
fall into the fevered and dexterous hands of aes artisans. The wisps are
known to be messengers, scouts, and watchers over the demesnes of the
aes, and though they serve these mundane and lesser roles, they can be
very dangerous to those who wish to harm the elves or who, by grave
misfortune, find themselves in the wrong place at the wrong time.
If a wisp specimen were ever captured, one could discover that they
are physical forms, not immaterial spirits, and that the quickbronze shell
crafted most exquisitely into a mask of woe or rage or mirth has, within its
hollow sphere, a human head, its brain exposed by removing the top of the
skull, with quickbronze pins, wires, and devices implanted within to use
the bodiless pate as the source of energy and control for what is only a
construct and shell. Those who make this discovery are often horrified to
see that the person who once was whole remains quite alive and conscious,
albeit voiceless, and stays that way for quite some time, even if the
quickbronze casing is removed, as the magic that keeps them motile and
aware takes some time to fade.
 548 BLACKBIRDS

COMBAT BRAWN AGILITY PERCEPTION INTELLIGENCE WILLPOWER FELLOWSHIP

45 [4] 40 [4] 50 [8] 45 [5] 40 [4] 40 [4] 35 [3]
Coordination
Melee +10 Awareness +20
Toughness +10 +30 Folklore +20 Resolve +10 Guile +30
Ranged +20 Survival +10
Stealth +30
Risk Factor:
Damage
Movement: 14 Peril Threshold: Suggested for
Dodge: 80% Threshold: Initiative: 14 Size: Small
(Flying) 7(13/19/25) 3 Basic-Tier
9(15/21/27)
Blackbirds
Burning Light: 65% - Distance (Ranged 17 strides) - Load (1 AP) - Damage [1Ð6+8] - Finesse
Ram: 55% - Distance (Melee Engaged) - Damage [1Ð6+4] - Pummeling

BLINDING LIGHT: Make a successful Coordination BABBLING MADNESS 1 MISFORTUNE, 2 AP,

test for those struck by the creature’s burning light
attack, or they are Blinded for their next Turn.
IRON BANE: Bane dice (Ð10s
that explode on ‘9’ or ‘10’) are
rolled instead of Damage dice
when weapons of iron or steel are
used against this creature. This
Damage cannot be mitigated or
healed by any of the Traits of
this creature.
“All who dwell within the MIMICRY: This creature can mimic
swamp valley of Paladine any sound it has encountered
know to avoid the all- and even duplicate the voices of
too-enticing lure of the beings it has heard.
lights that filter and dance TOO SMALL, TOO QUICK: Flip
through the fog beyond to Succeed all Dodge tests
the reach of the village made for this creature. If such
outskirts—especially a test critically succeeds, that
when they call out with Dodge costs no AP and its cost
familiar voices . . .” is refunded.
—Observations of the
Wandering Squire
SPECIAL ACTION: This creature spouts a litany of
insanities that have some truths within pertinent to
those currently present. Make a (Standard +/–0%)
Peril-induced Resolve test for all who hear the
litany. Those who fail suffer 2Ð10+2 Peril, and all
others 1Ð10+1 Peril.
ODIC RELEASE 3 MISFORTUNE, 0 AP,
REACTION: This creature explodes, releasing all of
its stored Fortune in an Odic blast that warps reality.
Make a successful Coordination test for everyone in
the current Scene, or they take 2Ð10+2 Damage.
Those whose test succeeds instead take 1Ð10+1.
Aes and magical creatures take an extra 1Ð10+1.
Anyone with Odsight or Witch’s Blood is Blinded
for 1 hour. Roll 1Ð100 on the Odic Manifestations
table for additional effects.
 B E ST I A RY 549

I
n some, this flame burned brighter than in others, but even the FOLK
dimmest ember of Fate held the potential to become a bonfire if the
wind was right. But the world is not as it once was. This birthright, this From Highsalt to Corbel and from
connection to the divine, has been
severed by the hands of the Paladine to Florent, human beings are
Oligarchs, whose cruelty and
dispassionate selfishness everywhere. Whether humble peasants
triumphed over all.
toiling in the fields,

lofty nobles planning wars as if

moving pieces on a chessboard, pious

hierophants spreading the word of

Armsman their beliefs, or merely one of the many

T he armies of this world are not entirely peopled by noble knights

encased in steel and mounted on destriers, despite what tales
would have you believe; quite the opposite is true. The bulk consists of
wanderers displaced by seemingly

endless wars, the folk of the world

commoners raised above their peers and taught the arts of martiality,
and mercenaries willing to heft their swords for coin. “Armsman” is also have always had one thing in common:
an improperly gendered word, used by ignorant nobles who have little
knowledge of the actual composition of their armies. In truth, it each held a tiny spark of Fate within.
encompasses any person who has been trained, or who learned, to
fight—and who has tasted battle and survived. These people come in
every shape and size, and for them, skill, strength, and tactical ability are
favored above the family one was born into or the basic lot that one was
dealt in life. Armsman is the one profession available to anyone who can
lift a blade and is willing to draw blood with it, and for which there is
always a need in these dark and troubled times.

COMBAT BRAWN AGILITY PERCEPTION INTELLIGENCE WILLPOWER FELLOWSHIP

50 [6] 45 [5] 45 [5] 40 [4] 40 [4] 40 [4] 35 [3]
Melee +20
Athletics +10 Coordination Awareness +10 Heal +10
Ranged +10 Resolve +10
Toughness +10 +10 Survival +10 Strategy +10
Warfare +10
Damage
Risk Factor:
Threshold:
Dodge: 55% Peril Threshold: Suggested for
6(12/18/24) Movement: 8 Initiative: 13 Size: Normal
Parry: 70% 7(13/19/25) 1 Basic-Tier
Light leather +2:
Blackbird
8(14/20/26)
Light Crossbow: 60% - Distance (Ranged 11 strides) - Load (2 AP) - Damage [1Ð6+6] - Fast, Piercing, Punishing
Longsword: 70% - Distance (Melee Engaged) - Damage [1Ð6+6] - Adaptable, Biting (2), Defensive
Pike: 70% - Distance (Melee Engaged or 1 stride) - Damage [1Ð6+5] - Finesse, Piercing, Reach
 550 BLACKBIRDS

All armsmen have these Traits:
MORTAL: Of finite life span; such a creature is naturally
vulnerable to all threats of the Blackbirds world,
including Injury.
DESPERATE ASSAULT 2 MISFORTUNE, 1 AP,
COMBAT ACTION: This creature can use this Trait only
when they have suffered at least 3 levels of Damage.
They gain +20 to all Combat-based Skill tests and add
an extra Damage die to all Attacks for the remainder
of this Combat Scene.
BATTLE HORN 4 MISFORTUNE, 2 AP,
SPECIAL ACTION: This creature plays a note on its
battle horn, raises a standard, or performs some other
act that summons 1Ð6 armsmen. This action may
transpire only once per Combat Scene.
OPTIONALLY, ROLL 1Ð6 TO ADD A FURTHER TRAIT TO
THIS CREATURE:
1. Battle-Hardened: Resolve tests made for this creature
are Flip to Succeed when their commanding
officer or leader is present and within their sight.
2. Bellicose: This creature chooses a specific Blackbird
and gains +20 on all Attack Actions against that
target.
3. Favored Weapon: This creature learned, or was
trained, to use a particular weapon. When using
this weapon, they gain +10 to Attack Actions and
Parry tests associated with their weapon.
4. Pious: This creature is deeply committed to the
local religion, but also may cause trouble if those
interacting with them do not display proper piety.
They gain +10 to all Skill tests made for them to
Resist Vitiations, Outsider Techniques, Od &
Ritual Techniques, or Wortcunning Spells.
5. Servile: This creature is likely to follow orders if
they are given by someone who appears to be in
a position of power. All Guile rolls made against
them are Flip to Succeed.
6. Worldly: This creature is difficult to lie to or fool.
All Guile rolls made against them are Flip to Fail.

Brigand

T his world is not kind to the downtrodden, and justice is in short

supply even in times of peace—but these are times of war. Who
can blame the commoners or failed soldiers who have grown full on a
diet of injustice and cruelty and decided to take by force what they can’t
gain from honest toil? Humans who have begun to see all others as prey
have grown all too common in these troubled times.

COMBAT BRAWN AGILITY PERCEPTION INTELLIGENCE WILLPOWER FELLOWSHIP

50 [6] 45 [6] 45 [5] 40 [4] 40 [4] 40 [4] 35 [3]
Skulduggery +20
Melee +10 Awareness +10 Heal +10
Toughness +10 Coordination Resolve +10 Guile +20
Ranged +10 Survival +10 Strategy +10
+10
Damage
Risk Factor:
Threshold:
Dodge: 55% Peril Threshold: Suggested for
7(13/19/25) Movement: 8 Initiative: 13 Size: Normal
Parry: 60% 7(13/19/25) 1 Basic-Tier
Light leather +2:
Blackbird
9(15/21/27)
Greatsword: 60% - Distance (Melee Engaged) - Damage [1Ð6+6] - Punishing, Reach, Slow OR
Pike: 60% - Distance (Melee Engaged or 1 stride) - Damage [1Ð6+5] - Finesse, Piercing, Reach
AND
Light Crossbow: 50% - Distance (Ranged 11 strides) - Load (2 AP) - Damage [1Ð6+6] - Fast, Piercing, Punishing OR
Longbow: 60% - Distance (Ranged 17 strides) - Load (1 AP) - Damage [1Ð6+5] - Finesse
 B E ST I A RY 551

DESPERATE: This creature gains an extra Damage

die and +10 to Resolve tests when outnumbered.
MORTAL: Of finite life span; such a creature is
naturally vulnerable to all threats of the Blackbirds
world, including Injury.
BETWEEN THE RIBS: This creature does an extra
die of Damage when attacking an opponent they
have Flanked.
BRIGAND’S TRICK 2 MISFORTUNE, 1 AP,
COMBAT ACTION: This creature performs an
underhanded attack. It can’t be dodged or parried.
TRAP 2 MISFORTUNE, 2 AP, SPECIAL ACTION:
This creature activates a trap that has been set
nearby to catch the unaware. Anyone engaged with
this creature must make a Coordination test or fall
Prone and take 2Ð6+1 Damage.
AMBUSH 3 MISFORTUNE, NONCOMBAT
ACTION: This creature and all those accompanying
them are set for an ambush and initiate a Surprise
Round. Awareness rolls made for the Blackbirds
and their allies to detect the ambush are at –30.

Charlatan

W hereas the brigand steals by use of force, a charlatan steals by use

of clever duplicity and twisted diplomacy. Charlatans can be
found at all levels of society, pouring poison into the ears of the foolish,
the gullible, the weak, or the emotionally vulnerable. They are masters
of turning words against others and rallying those who believe their
falsehoods to acts of violence, criminality, and oppression in the service
of the charlatans’ goals.
Some charlatans may even have positions of power as advisors,
dispensers of justice, religious authorities, or even nobles. Be aware that
even though those who follow them and believe in what they say are
oppressed, they do not see things this way, and those who openly act
against charlatans, or bring violence or death to them, are sought by
their former followers for vengeance or justice.
 552 BLACKBIRDS

COMBAT BRAWN AGILITY PERCEPTION INTELLIGENCE WILLPOWER FELLOWSHIP

35 [4] 40 [4] 40 [5] 40 [5] 45 [4] 45 [5] 50 [7]
Charm +20
Melee +20 Skulduggery +20
Scrutinize +20 Strategy +10 Resolve +20 Guile +20
Ranged +10 Stealth +20
Leadership +20
Damage
Risk Factor:
Threshold:
Dodge: 40% Peril Threshold: Suggested for
6(12/18/24) Movement: 8 Initiative: 14 Size: Normal
Parry: 55% 8(14/20/26) 1 Basic-Tier
Light leather +2:
Blackbird
8(14/20/26)
Light Crossbow: 45% - Distance (Ranged 11 strides) - Load (2 AP) - Damage [1Ð6+4] - Fast, Piercing, Punishing
Rapier: 55% - Distance (Melee Engaged) - Damage [1Ð6+5] - Disarming, Fast, Finesse

All charlatans have these Traits:
MORTAL: Of finite life span; such a creature is
naturally vulnerable to all threats of the Blackbirds
world, including Injury.
BRIGAND’S TRICK 2 MISFORTUNE, 1 AP,
COMBAT ACTION: This creature performs an
underhanded attack. It cannot be dodged or parried.
DEVIOUS PLAN 2 MISFORTUNE, 2 AP, SPECIAL
ACTION: This creature has planned for the current
circumstances and has an escape route, trap, or
reversal that changes things in their favor. Make a
successful Awareness test for those present, or they
take 1Ð10+1 Damage from a hidden trap as this
creature escapes the current location.
WORDS OF DOUBT 3 MISFORTUNE, 2
AP, SPECIAL ACTION: 1Ð6 town guards or armed
peacekeepers appear who believe whatever this
creature says to them and take their side in any
disagreement. Use the Armsmen entry
for peacekeeper statistics.
OPTIONALLY, ROLL 1Ð6 TO ADD A FURTHER TRAIT TO
THIS CREATURE:
1. Theurgical Dabbler: This creature dabbles in
sorcery. They gain Odweft with one Skill Rank.
They have access to an imp.
2. Charming: All except the Blackbirds always believe
this creature and tend to give them the benefit of
the doubt.
3. Patron: This creature is either a patron in disguise
or has access to one who may help the Blackbirds
if they assist this creature.
4. Favored Weapon: This creature learned, or was
trained, to use a particular weapon. When using
this weapon, they gain +10 to Attack Actions and
Parry tests associated with their weapon.
5. Pious: This creature is deeply committed to the
local religion, but also may cause trouble if those
interacting with them do not display proper piety.
They gain +10 to all Skill tests made for them to
Resist Vitiations, Outsider Techniques, Od &
Ritual Techniques, or Wortcunning Spells.
6. Worldly: This creature is difficult to lie to or
fool. All Guile rolls made against them are Flip
to Fail.

Commonfolk

R omantic stories of knights and lords and kings and queens speak
profoundly of nobility, obligation, justice, and piety. The truth is
that, for every great personage, there are hundreds or thousands of
chattel, commoners, and serfs who have sworn their allegiance to the
feudal order and those who oversee it. Through their endless toil and
 B E ST I A RY 553

servitude, they keep the wheels of society moving. The societal order
demands that they be protected by the military might of those whom
they serve, but when war comes, they are the first to be fed into its
insatiable maw.
This motley portion of humanity harbors many types and shapes,
whether the farmer scratching out a meager existence from the earth, the
serving person of a great lady or lord, or the fool who capers and jests for
the aged monarch. They are ubiquitous, outnumbering their rulers by
orders of magnitude, and yet they have learned to lower their eyes.

COMBAT BRAWN AGILITY PERCEPTION INTELLIGENCE WILLPOWER FELLOWSHIP

35 [3] 40 [4] 40 [4] 40 [4] 45 [4] 45 [5] 50 [6]
Handle Animal
Scrutinize +10 Tradecraft +10
+10
Damage
Risk Factor:
Dodge: 40% Threshold:
Peril Threshold: Suggested for
Parry: 35% (Flip 5(11/17/23) Movement: 7 Initiative: 13 Size: Normal
8(14/20/26) 1 Basic-Tier
to Fail) Fur or hide +1:
Blackbird
6(12/18/24)
Sling: 35% (Flip to Fail) - Distance (Ranged 7 strides) - Load (1 AP) - Damage [1Ð6+3] - Fast, Finesse, Throwing
Tool: 35% (Flip to Fail) - Distance (Melee Engaged) - Damage [1Ð6+4] - Pummeling

All commonfolk have the following Traits:
MORTAL: Of finite life span; such a creature is
naturally vulnerable to all threats of the Blackbirds
world, including Injury.
UNFATED: This creature is Slain! if they receive
an Injury.
THIEF 3 MISFORTUNE, 2 AP, SPECIAL
ACTION: This creature is a thief. After encountering
this creature, a Blackbird finds that something has
been deftly removed from their person.
WOLF AMONG SHEEP 3 MISFORTUNE,
NONCOMBAT ACTION: This creature is actually
someone or something else in disguise, possibly
hiding, spying, or seeking prey. When revealed, this
creature initiates a Surprise Round.
OPTIONALLY, ROLL 1 6 TO ADD A FURTHER TRAIT TO
THIS CREATURE:
1. Curious: This creature has been listening to local
rumors and knows either something about the
Blackbirds or what can help or hinder them, and
the creature may be looking to make some coin
from this knowledge.
2. Docile: This creature is unsuited for combat, and
all Combat-based Skill tests and Resolve rolls
made for them are Flip to Fail.
3. Favored Weapon: This creature learned, or was
trained, to use a particular weapon. When using
this weapon, they gain +10 to Attack Actions
and Parry tests associated with their weapon.
4. Servile: This creature is likely to follow
orders if they are given by someone who
appears to be in a position of power. All
Guile rolls made against them are Flip to
Succeed.
5. Pious: This creature is deeply committed
to the local religion, but also may cause
trouble if those interacting with them do
not display proper piety. They gain +10
to all Skill tests made for them to Resist
Vitiations, Outsider Techniques, Od
& Ritual Techniques, or Wortcunning
Spells.
6. Worldly: This creature is difficult to
lie to or fool. All Guile rolls made
against them are Flip to Fail.
 554 BLACKBIRDS

Sigilist

T hose who serve the order of Sigil and the saints that are an
expression of this truth are well known across Erebos for their
discipline, faith, military strength, and ability to confront, destroy, and
seal away the supernatural. This scorched-earth mentality toward
anything that originates in the Od applies to village elders who practice
wortcunning and theurges making their unwholesome deals with
Outsiders as much as it does to monsters crawling into this world from
the other side. Sigilists follow a strict code and make no compromises
with the powers of the Od or those who treat with the things therein,
though there are rumors of theurges and magical creatures bound with
runic chains and symbols, enthralling them into service to the order.
All who join the church receive martial training to some degree: even
monks and priests of the order know how to swing a sword and bend a
bow, and they also generally have access to higher quality weapons and
armor than do most infantry of the realm. The church has deep pockets
and deeper stratagems. These weapons are often etched with sigils that
make them effective against magical creatures, but each is bound to the
individual who owns it so that only they may use its abilities.
The true mark of a Sigilist is just that: the marks, or sigils,
representing the martyred and canonized saints of the order that
even the lowliest acolytes have branded or tattooed onto their flesh
and that adorn their clothing and dwellings. These symbols possess
mystic resonance that let Sigilists resist magic, smite opponents with
great force, defy harm, and see into the hearts of those who would keep
secrets from them.

COMBAT BRAWN AGILITY PERCEPTION INTELLIGENCE WILLPOWER FELLOWSHIP

40 [6] 35 [3] 45 [4] 40 [4] 45 [4] 50 [7] 40 [4]
Melee +20 Athletics +10 Coordination Awareness +10 Folklore +10 Resolve +10 Leadership +10
Ranged +10 Toughness +10 +10 Scrutinize +10 Heal +10 Tradecraft +10 Rumor +10
Damage
Risk Factor:
Threshold:
Dodge: 55% Peril Threshold: Suggested for
7(13/19/25) Movement: 7 Initiative: 13 Size: Normal
Parry: 60% 10(16/22/28) 3 Basic-Tier
Chainmail +6:
Blackbirds
13(19/25/31)
Light Crossbow: 50% - Distance (Ranged 10 strides) - Load (2 AP) - Damage [1Ð6+6] - Fast, Piercing, Punishing
Longsword: 60% - Distance (Melee Engaged) - Damage [1Ð6+6] - Adaptable, Biting (2), Defensive

HANDS OF HEALING 3 AP, SPECIAL ACTION: Once MORTAL: Of finite life span; such a creature
per Combat Scene, make a Heal test for this is naturally vulnerable to all threats of the
creature to heal themself or an adjacent creature for Blackbirds world, including Injury.
1 level of Damage.
 B E ST I A RY 555

STALWART WILL +10: This creature gains a +10
to Resist magical effects that require a Resolve
test to do so.
STIGMATA OF SIGIL: This creature bears one or more of
the sigils of their faith, giving them certain miraculous
powers. These marks are permanently branded or
tattooed, and their power can be relinquished only by
removing the section of skin where they exist. Sigilists
usually choose visible skin to be stigmatized, and
those bearing sigils are assumed to have a connection
with the church. The Fateweaver may choose one or
several of these marks to don the creature, or they can
be determined randomly.
1. Sigil of Rihtære, the Caged Hermit: This creature
will know if they have been lied to; they won’t
know if information has been withheld.
2. Sigil of Eliese, the Blessed Pilgrim: If this creature
takes more than 1 level of Damage from
a physical attack, reduce the total levels of
Damage received by 1.
3. Sigil of Alma, the Gleeful Virgin: Add 3 to this
creature’s Movement. In addition, roll 1Ð6 every
time this creature begins a Combat Turn; if it is
face ‘6,’ they gain 1 extra AP for that Turn.
4. Sigil of Saint Fatima the Penitent: This creature is
immune to mental control, possession, and any
magic that requires a Resolve test to Resist.
5. Sigil of Saint Juvin the Accused: This creature
deals an extra die of Damage when making
Melee Attacks.
6. Sigil of Saint Eddinger the Martyr: Defensive
Reactions against this creature’s Ranged Attacks
are at –10.
WEAPONS OF SIGIL: This creature’s weapons
are marked with sigils and are considered to
be Enchanted, but only when this creature is
wielding them.
ARMOR OF GRACE 2 MISFORTUNE, 0 AP,
REACTION: After seeing the results of a Damage
roll from an attack, the Fateweaver can spend 2
Misfortune for this creature to avoid the blow. This
Trait may even be employed to avoid Extinguish
Abilities.
LEGIONS OF HEAVEN 5 MISFORTUNE,
2 AP, SPECIAL ACTION: This creature summons 1Ð6
Sigilists to join them in combat. This Trait may be
used only once per Combat Scene.

Vagabond

T he largest category of humanity—and the hardest to specify, since

so many have become homeless wanderers as years of endless war
devour villages, cities, and countries. If the whisperings of the common
people are to be believed, those who wander in search of food and
comfort are blessed by the old gods of Fate, and from their number rise
those who restore balance to this world. These whisperings are more
than likely rationalizations for those already at the bottom of human
society, under the boot of the upper classes, and terrified of how much
further they could fall. It is equally likely that wandering people are
driven out of town or blamed for current misfortunes or recent thefts of
goods as it is that they’ll be given any succor.
 556 BLACKBIRDS

Vagabonds could be desperate commonfolk, refugees, or anyone

displaced by war or horror, but they might also count among their
number thieves, failed mercenaries, or even adventurers. The name most
commonly given to such groups when they accumulate near a settlement
is “Blackbirds”—not a term of endearment.

COMBAT BRAWN AGILITY PERCEPTION INTELLIGENCE WILLPOWER FELLOWSHIP

40 [5] 35 [3] 45 [4] 40 [5] 45 [4] 50 [5] 40 [4]
Handle Animal
Melee +10 Coordination
Toughness +10 Scrutinize +10 +10
Ranged +10 +10
Rumor +10
Damage
Risk Factor:
Threshold:
Dodge: 55% Peril Threshold: Suggested for
4(10/16/22) Movement: 7 Initiative: 14 Size: Normal
Parry: 50% 8(14/20/26) 1 Basic-Tier
Fur or hide +1:
Blackbird
5(11/17/23)
Cudgel: 50% - Distance (Melee Engaged) - Damage [1Ð6+5] - Off-Hand, Staggering
Horse Bow: 50% - Distance (Ranged 13 strides) - Load (1 AP) - Damage [1Ð6+5] - Fast, Finesse

All vagabonds have the following Traits:
MORTAL: Of finite life span; such a creature is
naturally vulnerable to all threats of the Blackbirds
world, including Injury.
UNFATED: This creature is Slain! if they receive
an Injury.
THIEF 3 MISFORTUNE, 2 AP, SPECIAL
ACTION: This creature is a thief. After encountering
them, a Blackbird finds that something has been
deftly removed from their person.
WOLF AMONG SHEEP 3 MISFORTUNE,
NONCOMBAT ACTION: This creature is actually
someone or something else in disguise,
possibly hiding, spying,
or seeking prey. When
revealed, this creature
initiates a Surprise Round.
OPTIONALLY, ROLL 1Ð6 TO ADD A FURTHER TRAIT
TO THIS CREATURE:
1. Curious: This creature has been listening to local
rumors and either knows something about the
Blackbirds or what can help or hinder them, and
they may be looking to make some coin from
this knowledge.
2. Docile: This creature is unsuited for combat, and
all Combat-based Skill tests and Resolve rolls
made for them are Flip to Fail.
3. Favored Weapon: This creature learned, or was
trained, to use a particular weapon. When using
this weapon, they gain +10 to Attack Actions
and Parry tests associated with their weapon.
4. Pious: This creature is deeply committed to the
local religion, but also may cause trouble if those
interacting with them do not display proper piety.
They gain +10 to all Skill tests made for them to
Resist Vitiations, Outsider Techniques, Od &
Ritual Techniques, or Wortcunning Spells.
5. Worldly: This creature is difficult to lie to or
fool. All Guile rolls made against them are Flip
to Fail.
6. Servile: This creature is likely to follow orders if
they are given by someone who appears to be in
a position of power. All Guile rolls made against
them are Flip to Succeed.
 B E ST I A RY 557

A ccording to the sagas, before humanity was forged by the gods,

they attempted to build creatures who would live on this world
and serve the weave of Fate. Each attempt was a crude failure, a rough
G I A NTS O F T H U L E

Although some northern folk boast

caricature of what would one day be the delicate perfection of the
human form. Each creation was unique, far larger than a human, and in that they descend from the ancient
some way an abomination that should not exist, as the gods had not yet
learned fine precision. These were the giants of Thule, creatures of myth giants of Thule, in fact, few true human
and legend not seen by mortal eyes of this age except in ancient carvings
or as paintings preserved in the caves where humans first eked out a descendants of these strange, horrible,
trembling existence at the dawn of history.
The truth is that, in ages past, a war of annihilation was waged on and misunderstood creatures exist. There
the giants, but some hid deep in the frozen wastes, where they slept
preserved in ice. The Extinguishing reawakened them, and they rage are also very few people who actually
against their tiny kin, the perfect and whole second children of the gods.
They are failure, rage, and envy personified, in shapes terrifying to believe the legendary giants exist.
behold, and are stronger, larger, and more vicious than even the worst
predators of this world.
Each giant of Thule is unique, having been shaped by the hands of the
old gods themselves, a prototype or mold for what was to come after.
They are immortal after a fashion, and their disturbing forms will knit
themselves together again, even if cut to pieces. The only way to truly
kill a giant of Thule is to learn its bane, and each one has a bane specific
to themself. Would-be giant killers would be wise to find the facts behind
their foe’s weakness, and crawling into ancient caverns seeking the fading
paintings of primitive humanity may well be the key to
ending a reign of supernatural terror.

Gyges

K nown by those who dwell

in villages and settlements
in the far north as “the god of a
hundred hands,” Gyges is the most
recently awakened giant of Thule. He
appears as a roughly humanlike
shape, 15 strides tall, with many
arms of various sizes and
lengths sprouting from each
shoulder.
 558 BLACKBIRDS

More disturbing is that Gyges has no legs but instead a multitude of

arms where each leg should be. And rather than one head, he has many
smaller heads, also of various sizes, that spread between his shoulders
and appear almost like cysts. It is difficult to know what the giant thinks
or knows, as each head has a different expression—without exception,
some version of pain, madness, sorrow, or rage. Although Gyges does
not speak, the susurrus of horror that flows wordlessly from his many
throats is exceptionally disturbing to hear. Humans recognize deeply on
some level that he is their kin, and that his very existence reveals
something horrible about what it means to be human.
Gyges may arrive with unholy terror and rage, tearing apart an
entire village, or he may hunt quietly in the night to kill lone watchers
or groups that wander in the dark. He is very clever and far from the
mindless brute many take him to be when he’s first encountered.

COMBAT BRAWN AGILITY PERCEPTION INTELLIGENCE WILLPOWER FELLOWSHIP

55 [7] 50 [9] 50 [7] 50 [7] 50 [5] 50 [7] 50 [5]
Melee +30 Athletics +30 Awareness +30
Coordination
Ranged +30 Intimidate +20 Scrutinize +20 Folklore +30 Resolve +30 Bargain +10
+30
Warfare +10 Toughness +30 Survival +30
Risk Factor:
Damage
Peril Threshold: Suggested for 6
Dodge: 80% Threshold: Movement: 10 Initiative: 16 Size: Huge
10(16/22/28) Advanced-Tier
19(25/31/37)
Blackbirds
Crush: 85% - Distance (Melee Engaged or 2 strides) - Damage [3Ð6+9] - Crushing (2), Slow
Grasp: 85% - Distance (Melee Engaged or 2 strides) - Damage [2Ð6+7] - Slow, Entangling, Punishing
Throw Stone: 85% - Distance (Ranged 16 strides) - Load (1 AP) - Damage [3Ð6+7] - Finesse

BLUE CRAB CHITIN BANE: Bane dice (Ð10s that
explode on ‘9’ or ‘10’) are rolled instead of Damage
dice when weapons fashioned from the shells of
Thule’s blue crabs are used against this creature.
This Damage cannot be mitigated or healed by any
of the Traits of this creature.
CRIPPLING CONSTRICTOR: When this creature has a
foe in a Grapple, that foe takes Damage as if from
the Crush attack (4Ð6+9).
DIRE CONSEQUENCES: Injuries caused by this
creature’s attacks occur on a face ‘5’ or ‘6’ when
rolling an Injury die.
DISTURBING WHISPERS: All listeners suffer 1Ð10+1
Peril the first time they hear the incessant
murmuring of this creature’s many heads.
HORRIFYING FORM 30: This creature is terribly
disturbing to humans when they first lay eyes
upon a member of its species. Make a successful
(Arduous –30%) Peril-induced Resolve test for
such witnesses, or they suffer 3Ð10+3 Peril.
IMMORTAL REGENERATION: At the beginning of
each of this creature’s Turns, make a (Standard
+/–0%) Toughness test for him. If it succeeds,
move him up 1 level on the Damage Condition
Track and remove one Injury, if he has one. This
effect continues even if this creature is Slain!, unless
one of this creature’s banes is specifically applied
immediately after death.
INESCAPABLE: When this creature uses a Grapple,
he is able to maintain it for 0 AP and use other
Actions in combat.
MANY EYES: This creature can’t be Flanked, and all
rolls made to sneak up on him are Flip to Fail.
NO MORTAL SKILL: This creature is immune to
Extinguish Abilities.
 B E ST I A RY 559

REND ASUNDER
5 MISFORTUNE, 3 AP, COMBAT
ACTION: This creature
attempts to sever one of its
opponent’s limbs. Roll 1Ð6
to determine what happens.
On a 1, sever left arm. On a
2, sever right arm. One a 3,
the victim’s torso is caved in,
causing the Fractured Ribs
Injury. On a 4, sever left leg.
On a 5, sever right leg. On a
6, the victim’s throat is slashed,
causing the Arterial Spray Injury.
Severed limbs also result in the Scarlet
Torrent Injury.

Kephale

K ephale is another attempt by the gods to bring humanity into the

world, and like her kin, she is only a preliminary and rough
experiment that was abandoned after its creation. Kephale appears at
first as a massive head the size of a cottage, with long and luxurious black
hair spread out around her. Because she spends much time sleeping,
those who encounter her for the first time usually assume that her body
is buried up to its neck or that she is the decapitated head of a giant. The
truth, however, is very different.
Beneath the “stump” of Kephale’s neck are hundreds of malformed
appendages—not arms or legs or tentacles, but something more akin to
dexterous and lengthy flippers. She is able to move herself more rapidly
than might be expected using these extremities. In addition, her hair is
another extension of her physical will, and it is able to grab anything
near enough to reach and is even strong enough to lift her entire mass.
If she is in a location with trees, her speed is even greater, as she uses her
hair to swing between the forest branches and trunks.
Like all giants of Thule, Kephale is immortal, and no matter how
much Injury she receives, she always heals back to full health
unless her singular weakness can be learned.
 560 BLACKBIRDS

COMBAT BRAWN AGILITY PERCEPTION INTELLIGENCE WILLPOWER FELLOWSHIP

50 [7] 50 [7] 55 [9] 50 [7] 50 [5] 50 [7] 50 [5]
Coordination Awareness +30
Athletics +30 Folklore +30
Melee +30 +30 Eavesdrop +20 Resolve +30 Guile +20
Toughness +30 Survival +20
Stealth +30 Scrutinize +20
Risk Factor:
Damage
Movement: 12 / Peril Threshold: Suggested for 6
Dodge: 85% Threshold: Initiative: 16 Size: Large
24 (In Trees) 10(16/22/28) Advanced-Tier
18(24/30/36)
Blackbirds
Hair Grasp: 80% - Distance (Melee Engaged or 1 stride) - Damage [3Ð6+9] - Fast, Finesse, Entangling
Hair Whip: 80% - Distance (Melee Engaged or 1 stride) - Damage [2Ð6+9] - Fast, Finesse, Punishing

ARBOREAL MOTILITY: This creature moves at twice her
normal speed and can raise herself above the ground
at this same rate in locations where there are trees or
similar structures that can bear her weight.
DIRE CONSEQUENCES: Injuries caused by this
creature’s attacks occur on a face ‘5’ or ‘6’ when
rolling an Injury die.
IMMORTAL REGENERATION: At the beginning of each
of this creature’s Turns, make a (Standard +/–0%)
Toughness test for her. If it succeeds, move her up 1
level on the Damage Condition Track and remove
one Injury, if she has any. This effect continues even
if this creature is Slain!, unless one of this creature’s
banes is specifically applied immediately after death.
INESCAPABLE: When this creature uses a Grapple,
she is able to maintain it for 0 AP and use other
Actions in combat.
NO MORTAL SKILL: This creature is immune to
Extinguish Abilities.
SWALLOW: After this creature has a Normal or Small
opponent Grappled, make a successful (Challenging
–10%) Athletics test for that opponent, or they are
drawn into her mouth. Swallowed opponents drop
1 level on the Damage Condition Track at the start
of each of their Turns, and an (Arduous –30%)
Athletics test must be made for them to escape.
TEAR VISCERA BANE: Bane dice (Ð10s that explode
on ‘9’ or ‘10’) are rolled instead of Damage dice
when weapons anointed with the fluids from the
gallbladder of a tear are used against this creature.
This Damage cannot be mitigated or healed by any
of the Traits of this creature.
PERFORATE 3 MISFORTUNE, 2 AP, COMBAT
ACTION: This creature penetrates an opponent in a
critical location, causing a random Grievous Injury.
REND ASUNDER 5 MISFORTUNE,
3 AP, COMBAT ACTION: This creature attempts
to sever one of its opponent’s limbs. Roll 1Ð6 to
determine what happens. On a 1, sever left arm.
On a 2, sever right arm. One a 3, the victim’s torso
is caved in, causing the Fractured Ribs Injury. On
a 4, sever left leg. On a 5, sever right leg. On a 6,
the victim’s throat is slashed, causing the Arterial
Spray Injury. Severed limbs also result in the Scarlet
Torrent Injury.
 B E ST I A RY 561

T H E B A R K B O R N ( D E VO U R E R S O F T H E H E A RT W O O D ) HARBINGERS

T
hey dropped their scythes and hammers and kitchen knives
and walked northward in a trance. Some fell on the journey, The old gods are dead, but that does
frozen and frostbit, starving and weak, but many reached
their goal and clambered up the dead roots to the shards of wood jutting not mean the world is without those
from the upper stump. There, they impaled themselves to give their
souls over to the dead god and begin their metamorphosis.” that rival their power. The dawn of the
It is said in legend that Yggdrasil made insects from his bark flesh,
as servants to spread his seed. His new servants—the barkborn—became Oligarchs is just beginning, and their
more insect than human and serve to spread his now diseased and
blackened seed to all the world. servants are listed in the corresponding

chapter. In addition, there are other

Grubling
powers, freshly flooded into the world

T he appearance of these barkborn suggests a cross between a grub

and a human child, but whether these creatures were once
children or merely appear that way because they are an immature step
like blood from an open wound, and

in the warped lifecycle Yggdrasil spins out, even beyond death, is they are moving and quickening in
unknown. Regardless, each grubling possesses large human eyes and
forearms, but also the multilegged torso and lower body of some form the wild places where few human eyes
of insect larva. Sometimes, they walk on their strange hind legs, and
other times, they crawl on their bellies like worms. Their backs are are open to see them. None know yet
patches of verdant grass with small, thorny flowers erupting from
within. Grublings feed on refuse, dung, and anything dying or what their ultimate goals or forms
diseased, and if they can’t find anything else, they just eat dirt. They
are generally harmless, but in great enough numbers, they may find may be, only that they are inimical
the courage to add fresh meat to their diet.
Grublings are quite adept at digging, and they often create a hidden to much of humanity, and they are
warren or burrow that they and other barkborn can use as shelter when
night comes. growing and multiplying . . .
The learned posit that these things must at some point spin a
cocoon and become another sort of barkborn, but none yet have found
the conjectured verdant womb, and none know for certain whether this
is their final form or they evolve into something else.

COMBAT BRAWN AGILITY PERCEPTION INTELLIGENCE WILLPOWER FELLOWSHIP

45 [5] 50 [6] 40 [4] 40 [4] 40 [4] 45 [4] 35 [3]
Melee +10 Toughness +10 Stealth +10 Resolve +10
Risk Factor:
Damage
Peril Threshold: Suggested for
Dodge: 40% Threshold: Movement: 7 Initiative: 13 Size: Normal
7(13/19/25) 1 Basic-Tier
7(13/19/25)
Blackbird
Grasp and Bite: 55% - Distance (Melee Engaged) - Damage [1Ð6+6] - Slow, Pummeling
 562 BLACKBIRDS
DAYWALKER: This creature
becomes quiescent during the
night and seeks to hide itself
underground or somewhere
out of sight prior to sundown.
If attacked at night, it is always
Surprised for the first Round of
“More than one traveler combat, even if another Trait
has fallen asleep beneath says it would not be, and for all
the trees of Erebos, only subsequent Rounds it has 1 less
to be awakened by the AP than usual.
gently pawing hands of FIRE BANE: Bane dice (Ð10s that
curious grublings drawn explode on ‘9’ or ‘10’) are rolled
from their nearby burrows instead of Damage dice when fire
by the unfamiliar scent.” is used against this creature. This
—Observations of the Damage cannot be mitigated or
Wandering Squire
healed by any of the Traits of
this creature.
FLESH OF THE UNDEAD: This creature feels no pain
and ignores all Injuries. It cannot Bleed. Severed
limbs may move independently.
MIND OF THE UNDEAD: This creature is immune
to magic or abilities that seek to control the mind
or emotions. It automatically succeeds against any
ability that would cause it to Resist with Fellowship,
Intelligence, or Willpower. This does not include
possession by Outsiders. It cannot be Knocked Out
or Stunned.
SPORE BLAST 2 AP, COMBAT ACTION: This creature
sprays a blast of spores onto someone with whom
it is Engaged. Make a successful (Standard +/–0%)
Coordination test for the target, or they begin to
hallucinate, and all Skill tests made for them are
at –10 until the effect wears off, which takes 10
minutes. Common hallucinations are that things are
growing on their skin or in their lungs and that only
fire can stop it. They might also see more powerful
barkborn hiding nearby or approaching, or have
visions of the murder of Yggdrasil as perpetrated
by the Oligarchs—anything the Fateweaver decides
would be appropriate.
SPORE CLOUD 2 MISFORTUNE, 1 AP, SPECIAL
ACTION: This creature sprays a cloud of spores 3
strides around itself. Make a successful (Hard –20%)
Coordination test for all creatures within this area,
or they suffer the effects of Spore Blast, above.
SWARM 2 MISFORTUNE, 2 AP, SPECIAL
ACTION: This creature screeches and 1Ð6
grublings appear. This may be used only once per
Combat Scene.
EVOLVE 3 MISFORTUNE, 3 AP, COMBAT
ACTION: This creature transforms into a moil
wretch, healing all Damage and Injuries. Make a
Peril-induced Resolve
test for all who
observe this.
 B E ST I A RY 563

Moil Wretch

M oil wretches are the middle tier of barkborn, either returned to a

dark semblance of life by Yggdrasil after impaling themselves on
its dead husk or transformed from grublings. Their legs and arms have
become insect-like thrashing and grasping appendages that terminate in
rootlike claws. Their heads are dominated and dwarfed by giant spiny
eyes able to see in all directions, making the creatures difficult to hit and
almost impossible to surprise. The four antennae that now sprout from
the upper face of what has only a small resemblance to their former
human shape are dangerous, whiplike limbs used for offense.
Although technically undead, they are, like most barkborn,
vulnerable at night since their physiology is based on plants. They are
feared for their ability to leap great distances to implant spiny acorns
within those they assault. These cause victims to be drawn to Yggdrasil
and other barkborn to be drawn to the victims in turn. The result is
usually a transformation of the host into one of the barkborn themself.

COMBAT BRAWN AGILITY PERCEPTION INTELLIGENCE WILLPOWER FELLOWSHIP

45 [6] 50 [7] 40 [4] 40 [4] 40 [4] 45 [4] 35 [3]
Coordination
Melee +20 Toughness +20
+10
Risk Factor:
Damage
Peril Threshold: Suggested for 3
Dodge: 50% Threshold: Movement: 7 Initiative: 13 Size: Normal
7(13/19/25) Intermediate-
10(16/22/28)
Tier Blackbirds
Antennae Whip: 65% - Distance (Melee Engaged) - Damage [1Ð6+6] - Fast, Vicious
Claws: 65% - Distance (Melee Engaged) - Damage [2Ð6+6] - Slow, Punishing
564 BLACKBIRDS
BANE OF FLESH CLAWS/1Ð10+6: The attack listed in
parentheses does 1Ð10+6 Bane Damage to targets
that possess the Mortal Bane or Trait instead of the
Damage listed in the attack.
DAYWALKER: This creature becomes quiescent during
the night and seeks to hide itself underground or
somewhere out of sight prior to sundown. If attacked
at night, it is always Surprised for the first Round of
combat even if another Trait says it would not be, and
for all subsequent Rounds it has 1 less AP than usual.
FIRE BANE: Bane dice (Ð10s that explode on ‘9’ or ‘10’)
are rolled instead of Damage dice when fire is used
against this creature. This Damage cannot be mitigated
or healed by any of the Traits of this creature.
FLESH OF THE UNDEAD: This creature feels no pain
and ignores all Injuries. It cannot Bleed. Severed
limbs may move independently.
LEAP 2 AP, SPECIAL ACTION: This creature leaps up
to 10 strides vertically or 15 strides horizontally.
This motion is too fast to allow for Opportunity
Attacks, and an attack made by the creature right
after the leap adds +1 Damage if it hits. When
using this Trait at the beginning of an encounter,
foes are at –20 to prevent Surprise.
MIND OF THE UNDEAD: This creature is immune
to magic or abilities that seek to control the mind
or emotions. It automatically succeeds against any
ability that would cause it to Resist with Fellowship,
Intelligence, or Willpower. This does not include
possession by Outsiders. It cannot be Knocked Out
or Stunned.
PANOPTICON: This creature can see simultaneously
in all directions. Dodge tests made for it are Flip
to Succeed, and it can never be Surprised by
something it can see.
UNNATURAL ALACRITY 1 MISFORTUNE, 2 AP,
COMBAT ACTION: This creature makes three attacks
at any targets in range; these attacks are made at
+10 to hit and are not penalized for being multiple
attacks in the same Turn.
SPINY ACORN 5 MISFORTUNE, 0 AP,
COMBAT ACTION: After making a successful attack,
this creature leaves a hard-to-detect, undead, spiny
seed in its target. The target dreams of Yggdrasil
every Rekindling, and unless a successful (Standard
+/–0%) Resolve test is made for them, they sleepwalk
toward the corpse of the tree. Barkborn are drawn to
the host’s location in greater and greater numbers.
The acorn may also cause random hallucinations
at the Fateweaver’s discretion. The acorn can be
removed with a (Challenging –10%) Heal test made
to perform chirurgy, but only if the healer knows it is
there and where it is located.
 B E ST I A RY 565

Woe Mantis

A woe mantis is a warrior, an assassin, and a hunter. The

mantises are feared by all, for they are very efficient
killers and, without intervention, prey daily on the same
settlement, dragging their victims off to an unknown Fate.
Entire towns have been destroyed by a single mantis as it
works tirelessly to follow the call of its grim task.
Woe mantises were clearly human once but were
transformed by the dark will brooding within the stump of
the World Tree. Indeed, these creatures are usually formed
from the remains of warriors, soldiers, and mercenaries.
The creatures have sprouted extra legs, and their arms are
now more like mantis claws—natural, efficient, and
deadly weapons. The dead eyes of the corpse from
which they grew are enlarged, pale spheres that
adorn the sides of their misshapen heads and can
see in all directions. From their backs erupt gigantic,
leafy growths, which form makeshift wings.
Woe mantises can’t fly, but they can use their
legs and these appendages to make incredible
leaps, often surprising prey from an unlikely
angle of attack or escaping a tricky situation
when in danger.
Woe mantises seem to have a bit more of the
person they once were within them than lesser
barkborn, and it is not unusual for them to be
distracted by relics of their past. They sometimes
repeat a phrase that held some significance to their past
lives in a strange, high-pitched, clicking shriek. This cry is
incredibly disturbing to any former friends or family who hear it.

COMBAT BRAWN AGILITY PERCEPTION INTELLIGENCE WILLPOWER FELLOWSHIP

50 [7] 45 [6] 45 [6] 40 [6] 40 [4] 40 [4] 35 [3]
Coordination
Melee +30 Athletics +20
+20 Awareness +30 Resolve +30
Ranged +20 Toughness +20
Stealth +30
Risk Factor:
Dodge: 65% Damage
Peril Threshold: Suggested for 3
Parry: 80% (with Threshold: Movement: 9 Initiative: 15 Size: Normal
7(13/19/25) Intermediate-
natural blades) 14(20/26/32)
Tier Blackbirds
Reaping Blades (×2): 80% - Distance (Melee Engaged or 1 stride) - Damage [2Ð6+6] - Finesse, Reach, Punishing
Spit Poison Barb: 70% - Distance (Ranged 15 strides) - Load (2 AP) - Damage [1Ð6+7] - Fast, Piercing, Envenomed (2Ð10)
566 BLACKBIRDS

BANE OF FLESH REAPING MIND OF THE UNDEAD: This creature is immune

BLADES/1Ð10+6: The attack
listed in parentheses does 1Ð10+6
Bane Damage to targets that
possess the Mortal Bane or Trait
instead of the Damage listed in
the attack.
“It is considered lucky to DAYWALKER: This creature
hear a thrush knocking becomes quiescent during the
when traveling the paths night and seeks to hide itself
of the Silver Mountains, underground or somewhere
but only if one manages out of sight prior to sundown.
to catch sight of it. If attacked at night, it is always
There are many things Surprised for the first Round of
among the trees capable combat, even if another Trait
of mimicking sounds, says it would not be, and for all
least of all birds.” subsequent Rounds it has 1 less
—Observations of the AP than usual.
Wandering Squire
FIRE BANE: Bane dice (Ð10s that
explode on ‘9’ or ‘10’) are rolled
instead of Damage dice when fire is used against
this creature. This Damage cannot be mitigated or
healed by any of the Traits of this creature.
FLESH OF THE UNDEAD: This creature feels no pain
and ignores all Injuries. It cannot Bleed. Severed
limbs may move independently.
LEAP 2 AP, SPECIAL ACTION: This creature leaps up
to 10 strides vertically or 15 strides horizontally.
This motion is too fast to allow for Opportunity
Attacks, and an attack made by the creature right
after the leap adds +1 Damage if it hits. When
using this Trait at the beginning of an encounter,
foes are at –20 to prevent Surprise.
to magic or abilities that seek to control the mind
or emotions. It automatically succeeds against any
ability that would cause it to Resist with Fellowship,
Intelligence, or Willpower. This does not include
possession by Outsiders. It cannot be Knocked Out
or Stunned.
NO MORTAL BLADE: This creature is impervious to
Damage from weapons that are not Enchanted.
LEAP OF MISFORTUNE 1 MISFORTUNE, NON
COMBAT ACTION: This creature automatically
surprises its foes if they were not previously aware of
it by leaping into their group, initiating a Surprise
Round. It may attack multiple targets during
this Round.
SNATCH AWAY 3 MISFORTUNE, 2 AP,
COMBAT ACTION: This creature grapples an
opponent, hurtles them into the air, and then drops
them from the apex of its leap, 10 strides above the
ground. The victim takes 1Ð10+10 Damage from
the fall.
SPINY ACORN 5 MISFORTUNE, 0 AP,
COMBAT ACTION: After making a successful attack,
this creature leaves a hard-to-detect, undead, spiny
seed in its target. The target dreams of Yggdrasil every
Rekindling, and unless a successful (Standard +/–
0%) Resolve test is made for them, they sleepwalk
toward the corpse of the tree. Barkborn are
drawn to the host’s location in greater
and greater numbers. The acorn may
also cause random hallucinations at
the Fateweaver’s discretion. The acorn
can be removed with a (Challenging
–10%) Heal test made to perform
chirurgy, but only if the healer knows
it is there and where it is located.
 B E ST I A RY 567

T
hese “cuttings of Yggdrasil” do not present as trees, just as T H E W O R L D S P LI NTE R S
Yggdrasil is not a tree but something far beyond the concept of
some terrestrial arbor—they are imprints on the world’s surface Four cuttings were taken from Yggdrasil
of a greater thing that spreads into the Od and beyond. They are still young
(a relative term), and each one appears in the vague shape of a giant stag: before the World Tree perished. The
enormous, bizarre, and jarringly representational of everything that is a
“season” as humans understand it. However, they are physically present, and druids perhaps had some forewarning
it is even possible to slay them. They are not demigods, or angels, or
Outsiders, or monsters, but four flickering flames of order kept burning by of events that were, in some way,
the vigilance, perseverance, and protection of the druids, and of the servants
that each has made from things in their demesnes, whether living or dead. preordained, though not authored by

Fate. They sought to preserve the natural

Dáinn, the Black Stag, the Shrouded Elk,
the Apotheosis of Spring order of seasons governed by Yggdrasil,

D áinn is the living cutting of the dead World Tree that represents the
power of rebirth, regrowth, and new life. It is the primordial bog from
which all life springs, and it is the mud to which it must all return—the
and to this end, the four saplings of the

great tree were preserved and spirited

threshold between one world and the next. The Black Stag is the herald of
violent transformation, and death is anathema to its presence. For this away. Each sapling is imbued with a
reason, it wraps the dead in life to end its irritation, like an
oyster forming a pearl around a grain of sand. The results of part of the primordial power of the god
this action are its servants, the rooted dead.
The stag’s form incorporates rain-slickened and tree, and each has created servants and
decayed leaves plastered over bone in a
blighted imitation of flesh. Shelf guardians for itself by transforming
mushrooms lattice over its hulking
rib cage, while hanging moss mortals that came into contact
gives the illusion of clumped fur.
Purple accents of sprouted with these powerful fragments
pickerelweed shyly poke their way
through this eldritch loam. Dáinn’s of elemental divinity.
antlers are made of gnarled protrusions
of waterlogged bogwood draped
in curtains of algae, reminiscent
of a felled tree partly submerged beneath swampy waters. Its face,
hidden beneath a veil of reindeer lichen, is a mystery—a crown of
red twig dogwood hovers over the obscured visage.
The blooming of spring follows the stag’s every step. Its passage is
haunted by whispering voices and blustering winds laden with heavy
droplets of rain, which imbue the surrounding vegetation with a
pulsating, otherworldly beauty.
 568 BLACKBIRDS

COMBAT BRAWN AGILITY PERCEPTION INTELLIGENCE WILLPOWER FELLOWSHIP

50 [7] 50 [7] 55 [9] 50 [5] 50 [5] 50 [8] 50 [5]
Athletics +30 Coordination
Awareness +30 Odweft +20
Melee +30 Intimidate +10 +30 Charm +30
Scrutinize +30 Resolve +30
Toughness +30 Stealth +30
Risk Factor:
Damage
Peril Threshold: Suggested for 6
Dodge: 85% Threshold: Movement: 12 Initiative: 14 Size: Large
11(17/23/29) Advanced-Tier
18(24/30/36)
Blackbirds
Gore: 80% - Distance (Melee Engaged or 1 stride) - Damage [2Ð6+9] - Finesse, Punishing, Vicious
Trample: 80% - Distance (Melee Engaged or 1 stride) - Damage [3Ð6+7] - Pummeling, Slow

IMMATURE GODHEAD: This creature is a being in a ‘9’ or ‘10’) when weapons anointed with the ichor
state of metamorphosis and flux. It is evolving, and of these divine berries are used against this creature.
it might assume a different form or level of power This Damage cannot be mitigated or healed by any
if the situation merits such a transformation at the of this creature’s Traits.
discretion of the Fateweaver. Godhead: Damage GIFT OF DARK LIFE 1 MISFORTUNE, 1 AP, SPECIAL
Threshold 20(26/32/38). Mature Godhead: ACTION: Dáinn claims a corpse as their servant,
Damage Threshold 22(28/34/40). filling it with black roots and transforming it into
IMMORTAL REGENERATION: At the beginning of each one of the rooted dead.
of this creature’s Turns, make a (Standard +/–0%) CLAIM THE WORTHY 4 MISFORTUNE,
Toughness test for it. If it succeeds, move it up 1 2 AP, SPECIAL ACTION: Dáinn tramples a living
level on the Damage Condition Track and remove being, causing 3Ð10+7 worth of Bane Damage. If
one Injury, if it has any. This effect continues even the target is Slain!, they are immediately resurrected
if this creature is Slain!, unless one of this creature’s as one of the rooted dead.
banes is specifically applied immediately after death.
NO MORTAL BLADE: This creature is impervious to
Damage from weapons that are not Enchanted.
NO MORTAL FATE: This creature is an intrinsic part
of the warp and weft of Fate. Its attacks and Traits
cannot be circumvented by spending Fate.
NO MORTAL SKILL: This creature is immune to
Extinguish Abilities.
THE QUICKENING OF DÁINN: All creatures allied
with Dáinn within its presence gain an extra 1 AP
as they are quickened with life. Make a successful
(Standard +/–0%) Peril-induced Resolve test for
all others at the beginning of each of their Turns,
or they suffer 2Đ10+2 Peril as their minds and
bodies are overwhelmed with unnatural energy and
otherworldly vitality.
ROYAL HOLLY BANE: Royal holly is said to grow in
the highest peaks of the Silver Mountains, near the
lost den of Mother Wolf and her pack. Roll Bane
dice instead of Damage dice (Ð10s that explode on
 B E ST I A RY 569

The Rooted Dead

F rom a distance, the rooted dead appear to be humans that are either
preternaturally still or quick, but up close their true nature is
revealed. They are skinless human skeletons whose musculature,
tendons, and organs have been replaced by vines, bark, roots, and plant
matter, and though they are able to remain as still as statues for hours
and days on end, they can also move with terrifying speed.

COMBAT BRAWN AGILITY PERCEPTION INTELLIGENCE WILLPOWER FELLOWSHIP

45 [5] 40 [4] 50 [7] 45 [4] 40 [4] 40 [4] 35 [3]
Athletics +10
Melee +20 Stealth +10 Resolve +10
Toughness +10
Risk Factor:
Damage
Peril Threshold: Suggested for
Dodge: 50% Threshold: Movement: 10 Initiative: 13 Size: Normal
7(13/19/25) 3 Basic-Tier
7(13/19/25)
Blackbirds
Bony Claws: 65% - Distance (Melee Engaged) - Damage [2Ð6+7] - Fast, Finesse
Spear: 65% - Distance (Melee Engaged or 1 stride) - Damage [1Ð6+5] - Piercing, Reach

DAYWALKER: This creature becomes quiescent during
the night and seeks to hide itself underground
or somewhere out of sight prior to sundown. If
attacked at night, it is always Surprised for the
first Round of combat, even if another Trait says it
would not be, and for all subsequent Rounds it
has 1 less AP than usual.
FLESH OF THE UNDEAD: This creature
feels no pain and ignores all Injuries. It
cannot Bleed. Severed limbs may move
independently.
MIND OF THE UNDEAD: This creature is
immune to magic or abilities that seek
to control the mind or emotions. It
automatically succeeds against any ability
that would cause it to Resist
with Fellowship, Intelligence,
or Willpower. This does not
include possession by Outsiders.
It cannot be Knocked Out
or Stunned.
NO MORTAL BLADE: This creature is
impervious to Damage from weapons
that are not Enchanted.
SIGHT WITHOUT SIGHT: By sensing the Od directly,
this creature can see, even if its eyes are destroyed
or removed. In addition, it can see in complete
darkness. It cannot see things that are hidden from
the Od, however.
VICIOUS ALACRITY 3 AP, COMBAT ACTION: This
creature makes three unmodified Melee Attacks.
BLACKROOT INFECTION 3 MISFORTUNE,
0 AP, COMBAT ACTION: After a successful unarmed
attack, part of this creature breaks off and embeds
itself in the target unless Fate is spent to avoid it.
The next time the sun rises, the target feels the piece
moving under the skin, growing, and replacing
their flesh with blackroot. While it grows, the
host automatically heals 1 level of Damage at each
sunrise, but after [BB] times this occurs, they will
transform into one of the rooted dead. The piece
may be removed only by performing chirurgy—and
a successful (Challenging –10%) Heal test—using
a blade made from quickbronze. The host takes
1Ð10+2×[number of days they have been infected]
Damage when the piece is removed.
THE DARK SPRING 5 MISFORTUNE,
3 AP, SPECIAL ACTION: This creature summons its
master, Dáinn, the Black Stag.
570 BLACKBIRDS

Duneyrr, the Yellow Stag, the Thundering Ear,

the Scion of Autumn

T he Burning Sapling of autumn represents the season of decline,

dying, and the end of life that will one day lead to a new
fecundity. Duneyrr is a giant fourteen-point buck made of perpetually
burning ash wood, its ligneous antlers actively sprouting with crackling
and living flames, but never consumed. Where its face would be, the
wood is split open unevenly, like a tree hit by a lightning strike or a
mighty timber cracking in the heat of a roaring forest fire. Those who
see its visage are both drawn toward its heat and repulsed by its
splintered and crackling self-consumption. Its presence is preceded
and accompanied by the fall of ash and the smell of charred flesh, and
when its hooves of coal scorch the hissing, wet earth nearby, it is best
that all living things hide themselves, lest they be devoured and reborn
as something new and vital but wholly unnatural.
 B E ST I A RY 571

COMBAT BRAWN AGILITY PERCEPTION INTELLIGENCE WILLPOWER FELLOWSHIP

50 [8] 50 [7] 50 [7] 50 [5] 50 [5] 55 [9] 50 [5]
Athletics +30 Coordination
Awareness +30 Odweft +30
Melee +30 Intimidate +30 +30 Strategy +20
Scrutinize +30 Resolve +30
Toughness +30 Stealth +30
Risk Factor:
Damage
Peril Threshold: Suggested for 6
Dodge: 80% Threshold: Movement: 10 Initiative: 14 Size: Large
12(18/24/30) Advanced-Tier
18(24/30/36)
Blackbirds
Grind: 80% - Distance (Melee Engaged or 1 stride) - Damage [3Ð6+8] - Pummeling, Slow
Terrible Bite: 80% - Distance (Melee Engaged or 1 stride) - Damage [3Ð6+8] - Punishing, Vicious

THE HEAT OF DUNEYRR: Make a successful (Standard
+/–0%) Awareness test every Round for all creatures
who are Engaged with Duneyrr, or they take 2Ð6
Damage from its heat. This restriction does not
encompass the servitors or followers of Duneyrr.
IMMATURE GODHEAD: This creature is a being in a
state of metamorphosis and flux. It is evolving, and
it might assume a different form or level of power
if the situation merits such a transformation at the
discretion of the Fateweaver. Mature Godhead:
Damage Threshold 20(26/32/38). Godhead:
Damage Threshold 22(28/34/40).
IMMORTAL REGENERATION: At the beginning of each
of this creature’s Turns, make a (Standard +/–0%)
Toughness test for it. If it succeeds, move it up 1
level on the Damage Condition Track and remove
one Injury, if it has any. This effect continues even
if this creature is Slain!, unless one of the creature’s
banes is specifically applied immediately after death.
KELPIE BLOOD BANE: Kelpie blood can be gathered
only by finding and killing those creatures. Weapons
must be anointed with this blood, and one kelpie
provides only enough blood to anoint three such
weapons. Roll Bane dice instead of Damage dice
(Ð10s that explode on ‘9’ or ‘10’) for weapons so
anointed. This Damage cannot be mitigated or
healed by any of this creature’s Traits.
NO MORTAL BLADE: This creature is impervious to
Damage from weapons that are not Enchanted.
NO MORTAL SKILL: This creature is immune to
Extinguish Abilities.
CONGREGANT BIFOLD 1 MISFORTUNE, 1 AP,
SPECIAL ACTION: All those present who have not
yet been targeted by a pyric bifold are immediately
duplicated and hunted by one.
PYRE OF AUTUMN 2 MISFORTUNE, 1 AP,
COMBAT ACTION: Make a successful (Challenging
–10%) Toughness test for all those within 10 strides
who are inimical to Duneyrr, or they take 3Ð6+5
Damage from heat. Make a successful (Standard
+/–0%) Coordination test for those so burned to
avoid them being set On Fire (see Set On Fire in
Chapter 6: Conflict & Rekindling for details).
572 BLACKBIRDS

Pyric Bifold

D uneyrr’s place of sanctuary is a hidden and dangerous swamp,

marsh, or bog, from which it gathers servitors by duplicating those
who have wandered there through purpose or chance. Any person or
group that enters the area surrounding the refuge of the Burning Sapling
soon senses that they are being watched and then followed. Unless they
are able to find their way out of the labyrinthine environs that encompass
Duneyrr’s refuge, they soon encounter creatures that are crude copies of
themselves that seek to take their faces, minds, and souls. These doubles
do everything they can to kill and replace the originals, for if they can end
the lives of their antecedents, they are able to re-form themselves into
more complete and perfect replicas. One who has been replaced retains all
the memories and personality of the original, with a few tells: they are
emotionless and may misunderstand emotional intent or do a poor job of
mimicking these behaviors; their skin is hot to the touch, as if they have
an extreme fever (although they do not sweat); they smell of smoke; and,
if wounded or cut open, their insides are revealed as smoldering organic
matter like the embers in the heart of a fire.
Before a pyric bifold defeats the creature whose form it has
stolen, it appears as a crudely made copy of that being, as
if formed from the peat and mud of the bog it
rose from and then burned in a bonfire.
It is surrounded by rising smoke
and hissing steam. The bifold possesses
all the knowledge and all the
same statistics of the one it duplicates. If
its source is a theurge, it has the same relationship
to any Outsiders, and in fact, those same Outsiders are
unable to tell the two apart and serve both until one is slain. The
only thing the bifold lacks (other than an acceptable visage) is the
equipment that the original carries on their person, though the creature
has crudely formed alternatives that are as similar as possible.
A being can have only one pyric bifold, and once it is defeated,
there can never be another. If the bifold kills the original, it rapidly
transforms into a perfect replica by devouring the original’s skin and
flesh, then promptly returns to the Scion of Autumn to worship and
serve it for eternity, although it may be sent on errands or quests in
distant lands. Even if those who have been copied leave the
swamp where this accursed duplication occurred, their
twinned bifolds follow them, seeking out their molds
with unerring accuracy until one or the other is
destroyed.
 B E ST I A RY 573

Many animals in Duneyrr’s domain have already been duplicated,

and people traveling there are spied upon by these things. Those who are
aware of the natural behavior of animals know that something is wrong
with the creatures in Duneyrr’s lair.

BIFOL D TEMPL ATE:

COMBAT BRAWN AGILITY PERCEPTION INTELLIGENCE WILLPOWER FELLOWSHIP
As Original As Original As Original As Original As Original As Original As Original
–20 to all
All the Fellowship-based
All the Combat- All the Brawn- All the Agility- All the All the
Intelligence- Skills the Original
based Skills based Skills based Skills Perception-based Willpower-based
based Skills possesses (tests
the Original the Original the Original Skills the Original Skills the Original
the Original for such Skills
possesses at the possesses at the possesses at the possesses at the possesses at the
possesses at the always fail if the
same Rank same Rank same Rank same Rank same Rank
same Rank bifold’s face can
be seen)
Risk Factor:
Dodge: As Damage Suggested for 1
Movement: As Initiative: As Peril Threshold:
Original Threshold: As Size: As Original [Appropriate to
Original Original As Original
Parry: As Original Original Original]-Tier
Blackbird
Armed as original, but unique or enchanted weapons are mundane versions.

DAYWALKER: This creature becomes quiescent during
the night and seeks to hide itself underground
or somewhere out of sight prior to sundown. If
attacked at night, it is always Surprised for the
first Round of combat, even if another Trait says it
would not be, and for all subsequent Rounds it has
1 less AP than usual.
FLESH OF THE UNDEAD: This creature feels no pain
and ignores all Injuries. It cannot Bleed. Severed
limbs may move independently.
INFERNAL GULLET 1 AP, COMBAT ACTION: If this
creature makes a successful unarmed Melee Attack,
it causes 1Ð10+1 Damage to its target as they are
exposed to the raging heat of the creature’s interior.
If the attack is a Critical or Sublime Success, the
target is also set On Fire (see Set On Fire in Chapter
6: Conflict & Rekindling for details).
INTERNAL FURNACE: Anytime this creature takes
Damage from Melee weapon strikes, those Engaged
with it are exposed to Mildly Dangerous flames,
which do 1Ð10+1 Damage unless a successful
(Routine +10%) Coordination test is made for them.
MIND OF THE UNDEAD: This creature is immune
to magic or abilities that seek to control the mind
or emotions. It automatically succeeds against any
ability that would cause it to Resist with Fellowship,
Intelligence, or Willpower. This does not include
possession by Outsiders. It cannot be Knocked Out
or Stunned.
SIGHT WITHOUT SIGHT: By sensing the Od directly,
this creature can see even if its eyes are destroyed
or removed. In addition, it can see in complete
darkness. It cannot see things that are hidden from
the Od, however.
AUTUMNAL FLAMES 2 MISFORTUNE, 0 AP,
REACTION: When dying, this creature bursts into
flames. All those within 1 stride of it are exposed to
Moderately Dangerous flames, which do 2Ð10+2
Damage unless a successful (Routine +10%)
Coordination test is made for them.
BIFOLD 2 MISFORTUNE, 2 AP, SPECIAL
ACTION: One person present who has not yet been
targeted by a pyric bifold is immediately duplicated
and hunted by one.
PYRE OF CONSUMING 5
MISFORTUNE, 3 AP, COMBAT ACTION: This creature
grabs an Engaged target and immolates itself; the
target takes 2Ð10+2 Damage at the beginning of
each of their Turns until freed by an ally.
574 BLACKBIRDS

Duraþrór, the Red Stag, the Thriving Slumber,

Dream of the Quick

D uraþrór is the embodiment of the season of winter itself. It

represents the potential of life returning again once the snow has
melted, but until that time, life must sleep beneath the ground, patient
and dreaming. Those who sleep within the boundaries of the land
“There is no more feared claimed by Duraþrór are in danger of passing into the encompassing
omen in the northern dreams it sends to find servants—to be infected with the parasitic
countries than a snowfall umbral root of Duraþrór, known as the red slumber, and then to rise as
on a clear day.” the slumbering clergy. Those so taken may never awaken again.
—Observations of the The Red Stag is death given life, or life in death, and so, its
Wandering Squire
embodiment is more similar to an actual living animal than the other
cuttings of Yggdrasil, albeit a living creature in a state of death. Its flesh
is flayed open from the violence of nature, and what is exposed bears the
marks of frostbite and rigor mortis. It is a morbidly beautiful and
majestic creature of somber silence. Its antlers are bright red, as if the
living exterior had been flayed off by frozen winds, and they peek
through the snowpack surrounding them like the branches of a sequoia
in winter, stripped of bark. Duraþrór is as silent as snowfall, with
crunching being the only sound its tiny, desiccated
hooves make as it treads the muffled landscape.
Where its face would be, there is a sheet of snow
that appears stained with blood.

COMBAT BRAWN AGILITY
55 [9] 50 [7] 50 [7]
Athletics +30 Coordination
Melee +30 Intimidate +30 +30
Toughness +30 Stealth +30
Damage
Dodge: 80% Threshold: Movement: 10
18(24/30/36)
Gore: 85% - Distance (Melee Engaged or 1 stride) - Damage [2Ð6+9] - Piercing, Punishing, Vicious
Trample: 85% - Distance (Melee Engaged or 1 stride) - Damage [3Ð6+9] - Slow, Vicious
DREAMS OF THE RED STAG: Make a successful
(Challenging –10%) Resolve test for all those who
sleep within a domain claimed by Duraþrór, either
during a Rekindling or outside of one, who do not
have someone watching over them to wake them
when they begin to have troubled dreams, or else
the dreamer becomes inhabited by a root of winter.
Refer to Roots of Winter below.
IMMATURE GODHEAD: This creature is a being in a
state of metamorphosis and flux. It is evolving, and
it might assume a different form or level of power
if the situation merits such a transformation at the
discretion of the Fateweaver. Mature Godhead:
Damage Threshold 20(26/32/38). Godhead:
Damage Threshold 22(28/34/40).
IMMORTAL REGENERATION: At the beginning of each
of this creature’s Turns, make a (Standard +/–0%)
Toughness test for it. If it succeeds, move it up 1
level on the Damage Condition Track and remove
one Injury, if it has one. This effect continues even
if this creature is Slain!, unless one of this creature’s
banes is specifically applied immediately after death.
NO MORTAL BLADE: This creature is impervious to
Damage from weapons that are not Enchanted.
NO MORTAL SKILL: This creature is immune to
Extinguish Abilities.
B E ST I A RY 575
PERCEPTION INTELLIGENCE WILLPOWER FELLOWSHIP
50 [5] 50 [5] 50 [8] 50 [5]
Awareness +30 Odweft +30
Scrutinize +30 Resolve +30
Risk Factor:
Peril Threshold: Suggested for 6
Initiative: 14 Size: Large
11(17/23/29) Advanced-Tier
Blackbirds
RED IRON BANE: Bane dice (Ð10s that explode on
‘9’ or ‘10’) are rolled instead of Damage dice when
weapons of red iron are used against this creature.
This Damage cannot be mitigated or healed by any
of the Traits of this creature.
THE SLUMBER OF DURAÞRÓR: All creatures who
encounter Duraþrór are filled with an encompassing
lethargy and have 1 less AP than normal. Make
a successful (Standard +/–0%) Toughness test
for each at the start of their Turns, or they suffer
2Ð6 Peril. These restrictions do not encompass the
servitors or followers of Duraþrór.
BLANKET OF SLEEP 2 MISFORTUNE, 2 AP,
SPECIAL ACTION: Make a successful (Standard +/–
0%) Toughness test for all those present who are
inimical to Duraþrór, or they suffer 3Ð10+3 Peril
and are rendered Defenseless until their next Turn.
ROOTS OF WINTER 4 MISFORTUNE,
0 AP, REACTION: After attacking an opponent,
Duraþrór causes a root of winter to begin to grow
inside of them. The target becomes immune to
Damage from cold, heat, and flames while the root
grows within them. Each Rekindling, the host loses
1 [WB], and if their [WB] reaches 0, they become
a slumbering clergy. The quickening root may be
killed only by applying an unguent made from the
heart of a cinnamolgus at an alchemical laboratory
with a (Hard –20%) Wortcunning test.
 576 BLACKBIRDS

Slumbering Clergy

T hose afflicted with the red slumber become quite pale and cold,
and the red roots of Duraþrór erupt from their mouths to wrap
around their faces and necks. In more advanced stages, they become
desiccated mummies, with the roots covering most of their bodies and
burrowing through their flesh like veins. Their body is preserved beneath
the roots and does not decay, as the power of winter keeps them alive
and yet asleep for eternity, lost in its strange umbral dream.
Those in settlements near the hidden resting place of Duraþrór
know to sleep in shifts and watch over one another for telltale signs of
the dreams that signal the claiming of a sleeper: unusual movements of
the tongue or mouth, mumbling or chanting in an unknown language,
or disturbingly robust laughter or other emotional sounds during
dreaming. If the potential victim is awakened and fed a bit of salt, they
are safe until morning.
Those who have succumbed to the red slumber and are in the
more advanced stages radiate a spectral cold that can literally
freeze the blood within a person’s veins with a touch. Whole
villages have been reduced to frozen statues by the passing of
a group of slumberers.

SLUM BERING CLERGY TEMPLATE :

COMBAT BRAWN AGILITY PERCEPTION INTELLIGENCE WILLPOWER FELLOWSHIP
+20 –20 +10
Fellowship-based
+10 to Skills may not
+20 to +10 to
Coordination be employed by
Toughness Awareness
and Stealth the slumbering
clergy.
Damage Peril Threshold:
Threshold: +1 +1

TY PI CAL SLUMBERING CLERGYFO LK :

COMBAT BRAWN AGILITY PERCEPTION INTELLIGENCE WILLPOWER FELLOWSHIP
45 [6] 50 [7] 35 [3] 40 [5] 40 [4] 40 [5] 45 [4]
Athletics +20
Coordination
Melee +20 Intimidate +20 Awareness +20 Resolve +20
+20
Toughness +20
Damage
Risk Factor:
Threshold:
Peril Threshold: Suggested for 1
Dodge: 55% 9(15/21/27) Movement: 6 Initiative: 14 Size: Normal
8(14/20/26) Intermediate-
Brigandine +3:
Tier Blackbird
12(18/24/30)
Cudgel: 65% - Distance (Melee Engaged) - Damage [2Ð6+6] - Off-Hand, Staggering
Dagger: 65% - Distance (Melee Engaged) - Damage [2Ð6+3] - Fast, Finesse, Off-Hand, Piercing
 B E ST I A RY 577

DAYWALKER: This creature becomes quiescent during SIGHT WITHOUT SIGHT: By sensing
the night and seeks to hide themself underground the Od directly, this creature can
or somewhere out of sight prior to sundown. If see even if their eyes are destroyed
attacked at night, they are always Surprised for the or removed. In addition, they can
first Round of combat, even if another Trait says see in complete darkness. They
they would not be, and for all subsequent Rounds cannot see things that are hidden
they have 1 less AP than usual. from the Od, however.
FLESH OF THE UNDEAD: This creature feels no pain WARDS OF FIRE AND ICE: This “Iron nails pounded into
and ignores all Injuries. They cannot Bleed. Severed creature takes no Damage from the village gates herald
limbs may move independently. cold, heat, or flames. spring in the south of
MIND OF THE UNDEAD: This creature is immune GIFT OF WINTER 2 Erebos, where the cold
to magic or abilities that seek to control the mind MISFORTUNE, 1 AP, SPECIAL metal is thought to drive
or emotions. They automatically succeed against ACTION: Make a (Standard away the fae who are
any ability that would cause them to Resist with +/–0%) Toughness test for those said to be most active
Fellowship, Intelligence, or Willpower. This does within 10 strides of one of these as the forests and hills
not include possession by Outsiders. They may not creatures. Those whose test fails return to life from their
be Knocked Out or Stunned. take 1Ð10+1 Damage from cold. winter slumber . . . ”
That Damage is 2Ð10+2 on a — Observations of the
Wandering Squire
Critical Failure, and 3Ð10+3 on
a Sublime.
ROOTS OF WINTER 5 MISFORTUNE,
0 AP, REACTION: After attacking an opponent, this
creature causes a root of winter to begin to grow
inside of them. The target becomes immune to
Damage from cold, heat, and flames while the root
grows within them. Each Rekindling, the host loses
1 [WB], and if their [WB] reaches 0, they become
a slumbering clergy. The quickening root may be
killed only by applying an unguent made from the
heart of a cinnamolgus at an alchemical laboratory
with a (Hard –20%) Wortcunning test.
578 BLACKBIRDS

Dvalinn, the White Stag, Bliss of Summer,

Droning Wapiti

D valinn is imbued with the essence of life rampant in full bloom

and excess. It represents the height of organic achievement, of
sanguine superiority, and the time of year that encompasses both
excelling at toil and the enjoyment of the fruits of labor. Dvalinn further
“Farming is difficult reveals this truth by claiming and hosting what many see as a powerful
in many regions of the symbol of plenty and hard work: the honeybees of the white swarm.
continent, and as such, the The White Stag Dvalinn is made of birchwood filled with knotholes
wheat valleys and orchards and heavily colonized by the massive, multi-queen hive of the white
of the world are seen as swarm. Where Dvalinn’s face would be is a twisted honeycomb that
treasures beyond measure encompasses the space between its towering antlers and is home to the
to those who control them.” queens of the swarm and their drones. The White Stag’s hooves are
—Observations of the elongated and sharp, more like the claws of a predator than the ungula
Wandering Squire
of prey. It is covered by, and is the source of, the fecund drippings of the
white swarm itself. Wherever Dvalinn walks, this unctuous efflux causes
plants and animals that partake of it or come in contact with it to
become larger, more excitable, and more intelligent than their untouched
cousins, and eventually to become hosts for the white swarm. Dvalinn is
preceded and accompanied by the
overpowering smell of rich
honey and sweet flowers,
but with undertones of
fresh carrion.
 B E ST I A RY 579

COMBAT BRAWN AGILITY PERCEPTION INTELLIGENCE WILLPOWER FELLOWSHIP

50 [8] 55 [8] 50 [7] 50 [5] 50 [5] 50 [8] 50 [5]
Athletics +30 Coordination
Awareness +30 Odweft +30
Melee +30 Intimidate +30 +30
Scrutinize +30 Resolve +30
Toughness +30 Stealth +30
Risk Factor:
Damage
Peril Threshold: Suggested for 6
Dodge: 80% Threshold: Movement: 10 Initiative: 14 Size: Large
11(17/23/29) Advanced-Tier
18(24/30/36)
Blackbirds
Gore: 80% - Distance (Melee Engaged or 1 stride) - Damage [2Ð6+8] - Biting, Punishing, Vicious
Trample: 80% - Distance (Melee Engaged or 1 stride) - Damage [3Ð6+8] - Pummeling, Vicious

THE BLISS OF DVALINN: All creatures in Dvalinn’s
presence lose 1 AP, as the desire to act pales in
comparison to the pure joy of basking in the sunlight
and relaxing. Also, make a successful (Standard +/–
0%) Resolve test for anyone attempting to perform
a violent act, or they spend the Actions for their
Turn on something else. These restrictions do not
encompass the servitors or followers of Dvalinn.
IMMATURE GODHEAD: This creature is a being in a
state of metamorphosis and flux. It is evolving, and
it might assume a different form or level of power
if the situation merits such a transformation at the
discretion of the Fateweaver. Mature Godhead:
Damage Threshold 20(26/32/38). Godhead:
Damage Threshold 22(28/34/40).
IMMORTAL REGENERATION: At the beginning of each
of this creature’s Turns, make a (Standard +/–0%)
Toughness test for it. If it succeeds, move it up 1
level on the Damage Condition Track and remove
one Injury, if it has any. This effect continues even
if this creature is Slain!, unless one of this creature’s
banes is specifically applied immediately after death.
NO MORTAL BLADE: This creature is impervious to
Damage from weapons that are not Enchanted.
NO MORTAL SKILL: This creature is immune to
Extinguish Abilities.
ODIC TEARS BANE: Odic tears must be collected
from Outsiders who have been compelled to cry.
Roll Bane dice (Ð10s that explode on ‘9’ or ‘10’)
instead of Damage dice for weapons anointed with
this particular moisture. This Damage cannot be
mitigated or healed by any of this creature’s Traits.
COLONIZE 4 MISFORTUNE, 1 AP,
COMBAT ACTION: Dvalinn sends some of the white
swarm to enter the body of a target and lay eggs
within that soon hatch into pupae. The target rolls
1Ð6 at the start of each of its Turns, and on a ‘6’ it
gains 1 extra AP for that Turn. The pupae within
the host will grow and multiply every time the target
uses an Extinguish Ability, draining the host of 1
temporary [IB]. If the host’s [IB] is reduced to 0,
they come permanently under the sway of Dvalinn
as a white swarm host. The pupae may be destroyed
by drinking a substance known as the milk of the
egg, which can usually be found only in Corbel or
obtained from those who hail from that island.
 580 BLACKBIRDS

The White Swarm (Host)

T he large white honeybees that protect and serve Dvalinn do not

seek flowers, but carrion. They devour and inhabit the living and
the dead, replacing the flesh with strange, twisted honeycombs and
changing the bodies in which they reside to a horrible mockery of true
life. These shambling horrors are nothing more than mobile hives from
which the white bees are able to spread. Their honey, however, is highly
sought after for its restorative properties.
The template below can be used to create a white swarm host from
the statistics of another creature it inhabits.

WHITE SW ARM COLONY TEMPLATE :

COMBAT BRAWN AGILITY PERCEPTION INTELLIGENCE WILLPOWER FELLOWSHIP
45 [5] Source Source–10 45 [4] 40 [4] 40 [4] 35 [3]
+20 to
+20 to Athletics
Coordination +10 to
+20 to Melee and
and +10 to Awareness
Toughness
Stealth
Damage
Initiative: +1
Threshold: +2
Sting: [Melee]% (Melee Engaged) - Damage: 1Ð6 + [CB] - Fast, Vicious.
This attack can be made for 0 AP whenever one of the creature’s Melee Attacks is made.

HUMAN SWAR M:
COMBAT BRAWN AGILITY PERCEPTION INTELLIGENCE WILLPOWER FELLOWSHIP
45 [5] 40 [6] 40 [4] 45 [4] 40 [4] 40 [4] 35 [3]
Coordination
Athletics +20
Melee +20 +20 Awareness +10
Toughness +20
Stealth +10
Risk Factor:
Damage
Dodge: 70% Peril Threshold: Suggested for
Threshold: Movement: 9 Initiative: 13
Parry: 65% 7(13/19/25) 3 Basic-Tier
9(15/21/27)
Blackbirds
Cudgel: 65% (Melee Engaged) - Damage 1Ð6+6 - Off-Hand, Staggering
Sting: 65% (Melee Engaged) - Damage: 1Ð6+5 - Fast, Vicious.
This attack can be made for 0 AP whenever one of the creature’s Melee Attacks is made.

LARG E H ERBIVORE SWARM:

COMBAT BRAWN AGILITY PERCEPTION INTELLIGENCE WILLPOWER FELLOWSHIP
35 [3] 50 [6] 35 [5] 45 [4] 40 [4] 40 [4] 35 [3]
Coordination
Athletics +20
Melee +20 +20 Awareness +10
Toughness +20
Stealth +10
Risk Factor:
Damage
Peril Threshold: Suggested for
Dodge: 55% Threshold: Movement: 8 Initiative: 13 Size: Large
7(13/19/25) 3 Basic-Tier
9(15/21/27)
Blackbirds
Hooves: 65% (Melee Engaged) - Damage 2Ð6+6 - Pummeling, Slow
Sting: 65% (Melee Engaged) - Damage: 1Ð6+3 - Fast, Vicious.
This attack can be made for 0 AP whenever one of the creature’s Melee Attacks is made.

DAYWALKER: This creature becomes quiescent during
the night and seeks to hide itself underground or
somewhere out of sight prior to sundown. If attacked
at night, it is always Surprised for the first Round
of combat, even if another Trait says it would not
be, and for all subsequent Rounds it has 1 less AP
than usual.
FLESH OF THE UNDEAD: This creature feels no pain
and ignores all Injuries. It cannot Bleed. Severed
limbs may move independently.
HOST SWARM: Melee Attacks against this creature are
(Challenging –10%) as the attacker is harried by the
inhabiting swarm.
MIND OF THE UNDEAD: This creature is immune to
magic or abilities that seek to control the mind or
emotions. It automatically succeeds against any
ability that would cause it to Resist with Fellowship,
Intelligence, or Willpower. This does not include
possession by Outsiders. It may not be Knocked Out
or Stunned.
PARALYZING VENOM STING, 10: Make a
(Challenging –10%) Toughness test for anyone who
drops a level in their Damage Condition Track after
being attacked by this creature, or they start their
Turn with 1 less AP. If this means they gain no
AP, they are rendered Helpless. Make the same
test at the end of each of their Turns for this
effect to wear off.
B E ST I A RY 581
SIGHT WITHOUT SIGHT: By sensing the Od directly,
this creature can see even if its eyes are destroyed
or removed. In addition, it can see in complete
darkness. It cannot see things that are hidden from
the Od, however.
PUPAL INFESTATION 4 MISFORTUNE:
After a successful sting attack, some of the swarm
enters the body of a target and lays eggs within that
soon hatch into pupae. The target rolls 1Ð6 at the
start of each of its Turns, and on a ‘6’ it gains 1
extra AP for that Turn. The pupae within the
host will grow and multiply every time the target
uses an Extinguish Ability, draining the host of 1
temporary [IB]. If the host’s [IB] is reduced to 0,
they come permanently under the sway of Dvalinn
as a white swarm host. The pupae may be destroyed
by drinking a substance known as the milk of the
egg, which can usually be found only in Corbel or
obtained from those who hail from that island.
 582 BLACKBIRDS

L E S S E R O UTS I D E R S
The Outsiders that theurges summon
and deal with are truly the aristocracy
T
hese are the Outsiders brought forth into this world when a
physical form of a sort is needed, when a servant is required
to perform tasks that Vitiations cannot achieve, or when
those who dwell within the six courts deem the task too far beneath
themselves.

of whatever passes for political

Archon
organization among these impossible

creatures, and yet there are many
more lesser beings that even the
lowliest imp may count as thralls.
A rchons are the Outsiders brought forth when leadership or
diplomacy is needed, and although they are effective at these
endeavors, all of their successes are based on the application of fear.
Their true nature and shape for those who can see into the Od is that of
an imposing human figure, much taller than those around it, composed
of blood and viscera. Where their head would be is a towering amalgam
of human faces, each with a demeanor of cruel and uncompromising
command. Although they appear to be wearing a breastplate and kilted
robe beneath, on closer inspection, it can be seen that the “armor”
surrounding them is chitinous bone plates and the skirt is a languid flow
of congealed blood. Most mortals will never see their true form, however.
To them, the archon appears as a stern and terrifying figure of authority
that they find difficult to ignore or deny, even when it commands them
to perform acts they would have never considered before.
An archon can quite rapidly motivate an army to fight after a bitter
retreat, or quell panic in a city filled with plague, or force an abrupt
change in a trial or legal proceeding, but the long-term effects are always
a net negative. Those whom they influence to bravery or fortitude do so
only because the alternative is somehow more ghastly, and many are
driven to madness or death by the anxiety that comes to rule their lives
after their encounter with the archon.

COMBAT BRAWN AGILITY PERCEPTION INTELLIGENCE WILLPOWER FELLOWSHIP

35 [5] 40 [4] 40 [4] 40 [5] 45 [5] 45 [4] 50 [9]
Charm +10
Disguise +20
Melee +20 Guile +10
Intimidate +30 Stealth +20 Scrutinize +30 Strategy +30 Resolve +20
Ranged +20 Handle Animal
+10
Leadership +30
Damage
Risk Factor:
Threshold:
Dodge: 40% Peril Threshold: Suggested for 6
9(15/21/27) Movement: 7 Initiative: 14 Size: Normal
Parry: 55 7(13/19/25) Intermediate-
Plate +5:
Tier Blackbirds
14(20/26/32)
Arbalest Crossbow: 55% - Distance (Ranged 13 strides) - Load (2 AP) - Damage [2Ð6+5] - Fast, Piercing (3), Punishing
Rapier: 55% - Distance (Melee Engaged) - Damage [2Ð6+4] - Disarming, Fast, Finesse

DREAD AUTHORITY: While this creature is present,
those who fight for them never retreat or surrender,
but instead fight to the death.
NO MORTAL BLADE: This creature is impervious to
Damage from weapons that are not Enchanted.
NO MORTAL SKILL: This creature is immune to
Extinguish Abilities.
RED IRON BANE: Bane dice (Ð10s that explode on
‘9’ or ‘10’) are rolled instead of Damage dice when
weapons of red iron are used against this creature.
This Damage cannot be mitigated or healed by any
of the Traits of this creature.
UNREASONABLE DISCOURSE: This creature can
voice an unreasonable point or idea for those
who are present, so long as this is
consistent with the image they
are presenting of themself. A
diplomat might propose peace
with an extremely warlike
B E ST I A RY 583
country; a general might propose attacking an
impenetrable fortification; a barrister might suggest
someone is innocent when proof to the contrary
is very clear. Make a successful appropriate Skill
test (Intimidation, Guile, and Leadership are all
potential tests), and those present agree and go
along with what the creature is saying. Blackbirds
can Resist with a successful (Hard –20%) Resolve
or Scrutinize test. Those who have fallen prey to
this Trait may come to their senses later if given
proof of the unreasonableness of the suggestion.
This Trait may not be used again until after the sun
has set three times.
ODIC COMMAND 2 MISFORTUNE, 1
AP, SPECIAL ACTION: This creature speaks a
supernaturally compelling command. Those who
are already subservient to the creature or have no
reason to doubt their authority comply with this
command immediately and gain a +10 for Actions
they perform on their next Turn. Make a successful
(Challenging –10%) Resolve test for all others who
hear the order, or they lose 1 AP as they flinch,
instinctually desiring to serve.
MERCENARIES OF THE OD 3
MISFORTUNE, 2 AP, SPECIAL ACTION: 1Ð6
lemures appear within 3 strides of this creature
and are under their command. This Trait
may be used only once every 7 days.
GEAS 5 MISFORTUNE,
3 AP, SPECIAL ACTION: This creature
commands someone present to
fulfill a quest or task. The target
suffers 2Ð10+2 Peril at the end
of every day they did not attempt
to complete the task, and the
target is unable to remedy Peril
by any means until they return to
the quest.
 584 BLACKBIRDS

Chattel Imp

T hese small Outsiders are what most commoners think of when the
term “imp” is employed, although they are below the true imps
that theurges bargain with for the power of Vitiations. Chattel imps
appear as tiny, misshapen humans with wings and deformities. They are
commonly used as messengers, spies, and scouts because of
their furtive nature, ability to fly, and diminutive
physicality. Each chattel imp differs from every other in
appearance: one might have the wings of an insect,
another the wings of a bat, another the wings of a raven,
and some have tails, whereas others do not. The one
common factor among all of them is that they seem to be small, naked
versions of brutish, stupid, and perverted humans. Looking closely at a
chattel imp is not recommended, for not only are they aggressive when
cornered, but they seem to encompass all that is wrong with humanity
in their tiny, twisted faces.

COMBAT BRAWN AGILITY PERCEPTION INTELLIGENCE WILLPOWER FELLOWSHIP

45 [4] 40 [4] 50 [7] 45 [5] 40 [4] 40 [4] 35 [3]
Coordination
+20
Melee +20 Awareness +20
Skulduggery +20
Stealth +20
Risk Factor:
Damage
Movement: 10 Peril Threshold: Suggested for
Dodge: 70% Threshold: Initiative: 14 Size: Small
Flying: 16 7(13/19/25) 1 Basic-Tier
8(14/20/26)
Blackbird
Bite: 65% - Distance (Melee Engaged) - Damage [1Ð6+7] - Fast, Finesse, Vicious
Claw: 65% - Distance (Melee Engaged) - Damage [1Ð6+7] - Fast, Finesse

NO MORTAL BLADE: This creature is impervious to

Damage from weapons that are not Enchanted.
RED IRON BANE: Bane dice (Ð10s that explode on
‘9’ or ‘10’) are rolled instead of Damage dice when
weapons of red iron are used against this creature.
This Damage cannot be mitigated or healed by any
of the Traits of this creature.
SUPERNATURALLY SNEAKY: If this creature is hiding
and their Stealth test succeeds, tests to notice them
are Flip to Fail. TORTURED PLAYTHING 5
TOO SMALL, TOO QUICK: Flip to Succeed all Dodge MISFORTUNE, 3 AP, COMBAT ACTION: This creature
tests made for this creature. If such a test critically attacks a vulnerable part of their target, dropping
succeeds, that Dodge costs no AP, and its cost them 2 levels on the Damage Condition Track (but
is refunded. never to Slain!), removing any AP they had left, and
causing a Moderate Injury.
 B E ST I A RY 585

The chattel imp has one of the following Traits, Nameless

based upon the Outsider court it is associated with:
Courtless
SLY THIEF 1 MISFORTUNE, 1 AP, SPECIAL
ACTION: This creature automatically succeeds
at stealing from an adjacent target a small item
that could fit in a pouch. The item may not be
in the hands of the target.
Ignorance
SECRET 1 MISFORTUNE, 0 AP, SPECIAL
ACTION: This creature knows something that
would be impossible for them to know (a crime
committed but witnessed by no one, someone’s
true and secret name, the location of something
one of its opponents is looking for) and can use
this to their advantage.
Joy
WHISPERS OF MADNESS 1 MISFORTUNE, 1
AP, SPECIAL ACTION: This creature whispers
in an adjacent creature’s ear. Make a successful
Resolve test for that person, or they must flee
until they can no longer see this creature.
INSIGNIFICANT IMPOSSIBILITY 1 MISFORTUNE,
2 AP, SPECIAL ACTION: This creature makes some
small and permanent change to a nearby mundane
object smaller than an average-sized human (a
small door appears in a wall so they can escape, a
hat becomes that of a jester, a nonmagical weapon
turns to flimsy wood, etc.).
Peace
SMALL BUT MIGHTY 1 MISFORTUNE, 2 AP,
COMBAT ACTION: Choose one of this creature’s
attacks, which automatically hits and adds an
extra Damage die.
Silence
BESTIAL ALLY 1 MISFORTUNE, 1 AP, SPECIAL
ACTION: This creature summons a giant rat to
fight for them or to distract from their escape.
Truth
INVISIBILITY 1 MISFORTUNE, 1 AP, SPECIAL
ACTION: This creature becomes invisible
(even to Odsight) until they leave the area or
attack someone.

Cloven

I t is said by the wise that, long ago, the Outsiders were more common
than they are now—some say as common as people—and that they
walked the world among us. They were advisors, warriors, servants,
concubines, and even wives and husbands to powerful sorcerers and
queens and kings of eld. They were so intertwined with the Fate of
humanity that some humans mingled with them in a physical coupling,
and some say that offspring resulted from these unions. But Outsiders
are creatures of the Od. They stem from another world, one on the other
side of the caul that separates the two realms, one to which they are
bound. As such, the children born from these unions were always
twisted in some horrible way, bearing some physical mark of their origin
that could not be denied. Sometimes, they were put to death by horrified
midwives or upon the command of their human parent, but more often,
their Outsider parent had anticipated this eventuality and had them
spirited away in the night to be raised in a distant place.
Some believe the cloven have some part to play in the world and
they are bound to the Fate of both humans and Outsiders. It is also said
 586 BLACKBIRDS

that they do not grow old or die, and although some may have been
killed by violence over the millennia, some still survive among us. They
are forever trapped between two worlds, between two natures, between
life and death, and they may never fully choose one side.
In appearance, the cloven bear the mark of both ancestries, having
in rough outline the morphology of humanity—two arms, two legs,
one head—but beyond that, the resemblance ends. Their
connection to the beings that reside in the Od is clear from the
grotesque and bestial features of their forms, and no two cloven
appear the same. Each is a unique expression of obscenity. The
one common feature that all cloven have is the separation of
their personalities into two distinct beings. It is believed that
one of these consciousnesses is an Outsider and the other
human, and that, like oil and water, these two essences can
never truly become one thing. But which is which, none can
say, for the two beings have forgotten themselves long ago.
What is known is that only one may overtly control the
physical form of the cloven and interact with the world at
large, while the currently suppressed personality has access to
Vitiations that may be used at will with no reckonings, save
for the deals the two personalities make with each other.
Cloven have been in this world a long time, and one or
both of their personalities usually have long-term plans for
some arcane goal involving the harnessing of great power. They
often have a robust series of contacts and a web of influence
among both theurges and Outsiders. All cloven possess ancient
knowledge, and all of them are extremely dangerous.

COMBAT BRAWN AGILITY PERCEPTION INTELLIGENCE WILLPOWER FELLOWSHIP

50 [7] 50 [6] 50 [6] 50 [7] 50 [5] 55 [10] 50 [6]
Education +30 Charm +10
Melee +10 Coordination Awareness +20 Folklore +20 Disguise +10
Athletics +10 Odweft +30
Ranged +10 +20 Scrutinize +20 Strategy +10 Guile +10
Toughness +10 Resolve +30
Warfare +10 Stealth +10 Survival +10 Wortcunning Leadership +10
+20 Rumor +10
Risk Factor:
Dodge: 70% Damage
Peril Threshold: Suggested for 6
(Natural) Threshold: Movement: 9 Initiative: 16 Size: Normal
13(19/25/31) Advanced-Tier
Parry: 60% 11(17/23/29)
Blackbirds
Longbow: 60% - Distance (Ranged 18 strides) - Load (1 AP) - Damage [2Ð6+6] - Finesse
Longsword: 60% - Distance (Melee Engaged) - Damage [2Ð6+7] - Adaptable, Biting (2), Defensive

GREAT VITIATION: This creature has access to IMMORTAL REGENERATION: At the beginning of
one lord-station Vitiation that is chosen by the each of this creature’s Turns, make a (Standard
Fateweaver. This Vitiation may only be used once +/–0%) Toughness test for them. If it succeeds,
every 3 days. move them up 1 level on the Damage Condition
 B E ST I A RY 587

Track and remove one Injury, if they have any. This
effect continues even if this creature is Slain!, unless
one of this creature’s banes is specifically applied
immediately after death.
INTERMEDIATE VITIATIONS: This creature has access
to two villein-level Vitiations that are chosen by the
Fateweaver. They may use each of these Vitiations
once, then must wait until the sun sets and rises to
use it again.
LESSER RED IRON BANE: Bane dice (Ð10s that
explode on ‘9’ or ‘10’) are rolled instead of Damage
dice when weapons of red iron are used against
this creature. This Damage can still be healed or
mitigated by this creature’s other Traits, however,
unless they are Slain!.
NO MORTAL BLADE: This creature is impervious to
Damage from weapons that are not Enchanted.
NO MORTAL FATE: This creature is an intrinsic part
of the warp and weft of Fate. Its attacks and abilities
cannot be prevented by spending Fate.
NO MORTAL SKILL: This creature is immune to
Extinguish Abilities.
PETTY VITIATIONS: This creature has access to
three imp-level Vitiations that are chosen by the
Fateweaver. They may use these Vitiations at will.
WYRD OF DOOM 5 MISFORTUNE, 2
AP, SPECIAL ACTION: The creature’s two voices speak,
in unison, in a booming and commanding fashion,
about someone who is present, pronouncing their
doom by a specific creature type (e.g., woe mantis
or night spider). Whenever the named Blackbird
encounters that creature type, they immediately
make a Peril-induced Resolve test. The named
creature does Bane Damage and an extra die of
Damage when any of its attacks hit that Blackbird.
THE BROKEN CITY 6 MISFORTUNE,
0 AP, COMBAT ACTION: The Scene moves to an
impossible ruin atop a black spire of a mountain, deep
within the Od; those affected suffer 3Ð10+3 Peril as
their fragile consciousness reels against the sudden shift
in reality. The creature responsible for transporting
them there gains +3 to its Damage Threshold and one
of its weapons or attacks now deals Bane Damage. The
only way for either side to return is to kill all members
of the opposite side in the current conflict.

Eidolon

T hese horrible Outsiders have no full physical form in this world.

They are summoned by theurges to dwell within the twilight
between this world and the Od and to possess mortals. When they are
not occupying a host, their presence can be seen by those touched by the
Od as a floating, leechlike thing larger than a person and formed from
horrid, unearthly flesh. When they are attached to a host, they become
much harder to observe, but if they are seen, they appear to be
“puppeteering” their host. In this state, they are notoriously difficult to
detect through normal magical means, however, since they have a
natural Odic invisibility. While controlling their hosts, these Outsiders
always take great pains to conceal their presence. Occasionally, there is a
small sign that a victim is possessed: one might see a single tear crawl
down their face, or a moment of twisted emotion contort their visage,
or perhaps a fly or some other small vermin escape from one of their
orifices and crawl into another. Such slips are exceedingly rare, though,
and are never witnessed by more than one person.
 588 BLACKBIRDS

An eidolon’s command of its host may range from subtle influences

working on the moral weaknesses therein to moving the body of its
victim like a puppet under full control of the eidolon puppeteer. Because
of this, in some cases those who are freed from this Odic parasite never
become aware that one was subtly manipulating them. Indeed, some
rare souls actually enjoy this influence and resent being set free. An
eidolon may not survive long in this world without attaching themself
to a human host or being
placed inside a physical
vessel enchanted to
contain them.

COMBAT BRAWN AGILITY PERCEPTION INTELLIGENCE WILLPOWER FELLOWSHIP

35 [3] 40 [4] 40 [4] 40 [5] 45 [4] 45 [7] 50 [8]
Coordination Bargain +10
+20 Awareness +20 Charm +30
Melee +20 Resolve +30
Skulduggery +10 Scrutinize +20 Disguise +30
Stealth +20 Guile +20
Risk Factor:
Damage
Peril Threshold: Suggested for 3
Dodge: 60% Threshold: Movement: 7 Initiative: 14 Size: Normal
10(16/22/28) Intermediate-
6(12/18/24)
Tier Blackbirds
Grasp from Beyond: 55% - Distance (Melee Engaged) - Damage [2Ð6+3] - Entangling, Punishing, Reach, Vicious

NO MORTAL BLADE: This creature is impervious to
Damage from weapons that are not Enchanted.
NO MORTAL SKILL: This creature is immune to
Extinguish Abilities.
ODIC INVISIBILITY: When possessing someone, this
creature is invisible to those who have the ability to
sense or see the Od, even Outsiders. If someone is
specifically looking for this creature, knows where
to look and what to look for, and has Odsight, the
Fateweaver may make a Flip to Fail Awareness test
to determine whether they notice this being.
POSSESSION 2 AP, SPECIAL ACTION OR REACTION:
The creature attempts to attach themself to a host
within 5 strides. This attempt is decided through an
opposed Resolve test. If this creature prevails, they
gain Odic Invisibility, seeming to vanish. While
they are connected to a host, they have access to
the host’s memories and Skills, as well as their own.
There are several degrees of influence the creature
may choose to employ, and they can raise their
control to the next degree through another opposed
Resolve test. For every Turn that this creature is
roaming free and not possessing a host, a successful
Toughness test must be made for them, or they take
1 level of Damage.
$ Subtle Corruption 1st degree: At the starting
degree, this creature is able to cause those they
possess to misperceive a small part of their reality.
This can be done once per day, between one
sunset and the next. Some examples: cause them
to misinterpret a friendly person for one filled
with animosity, misremember the nature of
someone’s death, forget where they put a
particular object.
$ Lead into Darkness 2nd degree: After making a
second opposed Resolve test, this creature gains
greater manipulation of their host, and can add
+10 or –10 to any Skill test made for the host so
they may be led toward a particular goal or course
of action.
B E ST I A RY 589
$ Marionette 3rd degree: At the final degree of
control, this creature completely subsumes the
host after making a third opposed Resolve test
and has full access to their memories and
knowledge. At this level, if the host is freed, they
will remember everything they said and did while
controlled and may be subject to a Resolve test.
At any point, if the opposed Resolve test to
escalate the possession fails, then this creature may
not use this Trait again for a number of days equal
to their target’s [WB]. If the opposed roll to Resist
is a Critical Success, this creature is expelled from
the host and loses Odic Invisibility for a number of
Rounds equal to the host’s [WB], and if it is a
Sublime Success, this creature is exorcised and
banished back into the Od. They can only be invited
back through sorcerous means.
RED IRON BANE: Bane dice (Ð10s that explode on
‘9’ or ‘10’) are rolled instead of Damage dice when
weapons of red iron are used against this creature.
This Damage cannot be mitigated or healed by any
of the Traits of this creature.
TROD BETWEEN WORLDS: This creature dwells
neither fully within this world nor fully within the
Od. They feel no pain and ignore all Injuries. They
may be harmed only by Enchanted weapons, but
even these cannot injure it. Flip to Succeed Stealth
tests made for the creature.
KEEP OF FLESH 5 MISFORTUNE, 2
AP, SPECIAL ACTION: This creature attempts to take
command of their host completely and permanently.
In doing so, the host’s flesh pales, their veins bulge,
and their eyes boil into waxen orbs devoid of iris
or pupil. At the start of each of their Turns, an
opposed Resolve test may be made for a Blackbird
to Resist this Trait. Once resisted, the Blackbird
cannot be targeted by this creature again.
$ We Are One: The template for a being possessed
by Keep of Flesh is augmented by the raw Odic
power now flowing within their veins. Add +2 to
Damage Threshold, Dire Consequences, and an
extra Damage die.
 Fomori

W hen lemures do not present a great enough of a threat and a theurge

has access to a powerful enough member of an Outsider court, a
fomor may be summoned. Fomori combine humanoid forms and gigantic
bestial aspects—appropriate, since fomori are gigantic, towering from 3 to
6 strides in height. A fomor may have aspects of an elephant, a bull, a
moose, a horse, or any other large land animal, and although such an
animal may be peaceful, the fomor is filled with an ever-present rage.
Looking into their eyes reveals a bonfire of loathing toward all living
creatures, but especially humanity. Fomori are unable to form words, only
the distorted howls of the creatures they represent, which can be understood
by those who comprehend the language of the Od. Although they appear
to be brutes and are unable to speak in human languages, they are quite
cunning and follow orders intelligently, using clever tactics in combat.

COMBAT BRAWN AGILITY PERCEPTION INTELLIGENCE WILLPOWER FELLOWSHIP

45 [7] 50 [8] 40 [4] 40 [5] 40 [4] 45 [5] 35 [3]
Athletics +30
Melee +30 Coordination Awareness +20 Navigation +10
Intimidate +20 Resolve +20
Ranged +10 +20 Survival +20 Strategy +20
Toughness +30
Risk Factor:
Damage
Dodge: 60% Peril Threshold: Suggested for 2
Threshold: Movement: 7 Initiative: 16 Size: Large
Parry: 75% 8(14/20/26) Advanced-Tier
11(17/23/29)
Blackbirds
Greatsword: 75% - Distance (Melee Engaged or 1 stride) - Damage [2Ð6+10] - Punishing, Reach, Slow
Thrown Boulder: 55% - Distance (Ranged 15 strides) - Load (1 AP) - Damage [3Ð6+4] - Fast, Finesse, Throwing
Trample: 75% - Distance (Melee Engaged or 1 stride) - Damage [3Ð6+8] - Pummeling, Slow
 B E ST I A RY 591

BRUTALITY OF THE GIANTS: This creature can use
two-handed weapons in one hand, treating them
as if they have the Adaptable Quality. All weapons
they wield gain Reach, even if the weapon doesn’t
normally have that Quality. Also, add their [BB]
instead of [CB] when they make any Melee Attack.
LESSER RED IRON BANE: Bane dice (Ð10s that
explode on ‘9’ or ‘10’) are rolled instead of Damage
dice when weapons of this type are used against
this creature. This Damage can still be healed or
mitigated by this creature’s other Traits, however,
unless they are Slain!.
NO MORTAL BLADE: This creature is impervious to
Damage from weapons that are not Enchanted.
NO MORTAL SKILL: This creature is immune to
Extinguish Abilities.
REGENERATION: At the beginning of each of
this creature’s Turns, make a (Standard +/–0%)
Toughness test for them. If successful, move them 1
level up the Damage Condition Track and remove
one Injury, if they have any. This effect ends when
the creature is Slain!.
INFERNAL RAGE 3 MISFORTUNE, 3 AP,
COMBAT ACTION: This creature makes an attack
against every opponent that is in range of their
Melee weapon regardless of AP constraints.
REND ASUNDER 5 MISFORTUNE,
3 AP, COMBAT ACTION: This creature attempts
to sever one of its opponent’s limbs. Roll 1Ð6 to
determine what happens. On a 1, sever left arm.
On a 2, sever right arm. One a 3, the victim’s torso
is caved in, causing the Fractured Ribs Injury. On a
4, sever left leg. On a 5, sever right leg. On a 6, the
victim’s throat is slashed, causing the Arterial Spray
Injury. Severed limbs also result in the Scarlet
Torrent Injury.

Homunculus

A homunculus appears to be human, fitting the shape of the theurge’s

desire: often a young, vital, and attractive person the theurge would
be interested in becoming intimate with, but they can be made to take any
form when brought forth, whether a stately older person or a helpless
child. Often, a homunculus is made from a fresh corpse, and in this case,
they have the same appearance as the remains that spawned them. “It is traditional in many
When the homunculus first appears, they are a naked, blank slate. They villages to appoint an
have no name until the theurge names them, and they remember nothing individual to watch
until the theurge reminds them of their past (which the theurge has over the burial plot
concocted themself). Once the homunculus gains a few details, they begin or potter’s field where
to fill in the rest on their own, and they believe it, “remembering” a history the dead are left.
for themself that is consistent and makes sense. Once this is done, the This position is often
homunculus is, for all intents and purposes, a person—generally a very passed down along
agreeable one that acts as in a way typical for a person of their seeming age family lines, and
and background, and who possesses high admiration for the theurge. If the while honorable, is
homunculus exists long enough, they grow old and die like any person. not envied . . .”
However, they are not a person. A homunculus isn’t even an — Observations of the
Wandering Squire
Outsider. They are an extension of the Od given shape, form, and
sentience by an Outsider. They are usually a temporary construct, and
it’s best to remember this when guiding them to fulfill whatever purpose
for which they were summoned.
HOMUNCULUS COMMONFOLK:
COMBAT BRAWN AGILITY PERCEPTION INTELLIGENCE WILLPOWER FELLOWSHIP
35 [3] 40 [4] 40 [4] 40 [4] 45 [4] 45 [5] 50 [6]
Melee +10 Handle Animal
Scrutinize +10 Tradecraft +10
Ranged +10 +10
Damage
Risk Factor:
Threshold:
Dodge: 40% Peril Threshold: Suggested for
5(11/17/23) Movement: 7 Initiative: 13 Size: Normal
Parry: 45% 8(14/20/26) 1 Basic-Tier
Fur or hide +1:
Blackbird
6(12/18/24)
Sling: 45% - Distance (Ranged 7 strides) - Load (1 AP) - Damage [1Ð6+3] - Fast, Finesse, Throwing
Tool: 45% - Distance (Melee Engaged) - Damage [1Ð6+3] - Pummeling

Note that a homunculus is under no magical
compunction to serve or obey commands from the
theurge that caused them to be created, although they
are inclined to do what the theurge wants if they are
told that they are a servant or best friend, for example.
Homunculi who are abused or mistreated behave like
any human under the same circumstances and may
strike back or leave their theurges.
The greater danger stems from the false identity
the homunculus has created. If this identity is not
well thought out on the summoner’s part and
plausibility is not maintained, a homunculus may
discover something that leads them to doubt their
own existence. Once this occurs, it is only a matter
of time until their mind begins to unravel. When
summoned, a homunculus is enchanted to
disembody whenever its summoner says a particular
six-word phrase. Watching as one rapidly goes
through the realization that they are just a fictional
creation made to serve someone else, and then
watching as their body deteriorates while they’re
still conscious, can be traumatizing.
 B E ST I A RY 593

Lemure

L emures are the soldiers of the Outsiders and are summoned when
a physical presence is needed and combat is a likely possibility.
They are also used as guardians and protectors by theurges. Lemures
appear as humanlike forms that usually cover themselves in cloaks or
armor and seldom show their faces. Uncloaked, it becomes clear that
they are insects in the shape of people: instead of flesh, they possess a
shimmering, oily black carapace, their ceraceous faces and dead,
multifaceted eyes nothing but a rigid and uncanny mimicry of humanity.
When one speaks—which is rarely—their raspy, hissing voice seems to
have difficulty forming words and is punctuated by unusual guttural
clicks. It is said that ancient theurges commanded armies of lemures
against their foes in legendary wars of old.

COMBAT BRAWN AGILITY PERCEPTION INTELLIGENCE WILLPOWER FELLOWSHIP

50 [7] 45 [6] 45 [6] 40 [4] 40 [4] 40 [4] 35 [3]
Melee +20 Coordination
Athletics +20
Ranged +20 +20 Awareness +30 Strategy +10 Resolve +20
Toughness +20
Warfare +10 Stealth +20
Risk Factor:
Damage
Dodge: 65% Peril Threshold: Suggested for 3
Threshold: Movement: 9 Initiative: 13 Size: Normal
Parry: 70% 7(13/19/25) Intermediate-
14(20/26/32)
Tier Blackbirds
Longbow: 70% - Distance (Ranged 18 strides) - Load (1 AP) - Damage [2Ð6+6] - Finesse
Longsword: 70% - Distance (Melee Engaged) - Damage [2Ð6+7] - Adaptable, Biting
Tainted Claws: 70% - Distance (Melee Engaged) - Damage [2Ð6+7] - Fast, Punishing

DEXTEROUS DUELIST: Parry tests made for this
creature are +20. If one critically succeeds, that
Parry costs no AP.
NO MORTAL BLADE: This creature is impervious to
Damage from weapons that are not Enchanted.
RED IRON BANE: Bane dice (Ð10s that explode on
‘9’ or ‘10’) are rolled instead of Damage dice when
weapons of red iron are used against this creature.
This Damage cannot be mitigated or healed by any
of the Traits of this creature.
REND ASUNDER 5 MISFORTUNE, 3
AP, COMBAT ACTION: This creature attempts to sever
one of its opponent’s limbs. Roll 1Ð6 to determine
what happens. On a 1, sever left arm. On a 2, sever
right arm. One a 3, the victim’s torso is caved in,
causing the Fractured Ribs Injury. On a 4, sever left
leg. On a 5, sever right leg. On a 6, the victim’s throat
is slashed, causing the Arterial Spray Injury. Severed
limbs also result in the Scarlet Torrent Injury.
A lemure also has one of the following Traits, based
on which Outsider court they are associated with:
Courtless
CAUSTIC BLOOD: A weapon that successfully
inflicts more than 1 level of Damage on this
creature is Degraded by 1 level.
Ignorance
MARTIAL ANTICIPATION 2 AP, SPECIAL ACTION:
Once per Combat Scene, this creature pointedly
looks at one of their opponents and can anticipate
everything that opponent does in combat going
forward. All Combat Actions against that opponent
are made at +20, and all Combat Actions against
this creature by that opponent are made at –20.
Joy
VISAGE OF MADNESS: Make a (Challenging
–10%) Peril-induced Resolve test for those
who are in visual range of this creature when
they are first encountered. If the test fails,
594 BLACKBIRDS

they suffer 2Ð10+2 Peril and lose all AP they Silence

currently have.
Nameless
STEP BETWEEN 2 AP, SPECIAL ACTION: This
creature moves instantly to any location they can
see up to three times their Movement distance.
This does not provoke Opportunity Attacks.
Peace
BRUTAL: Add an extra Damage die to all of this
creature’s attacks.
BREATHE FLAMES 3 AP, SPECIAL ACTION: This
creature breathes flames at up to two adjacent
opponents that are currently Engaged with
them. The targets are exposed to Moderately
Dangerous flames, which do 2Ð10+2
Damage unless a successful (Standard +/–0%)
Coordination test is made for them.
Truth
INVISIBILITY 1 AP, SPECIAL ACTION: Once
per day, this creature can become invisible
(even to Odsight) until they leave the area or
attacks someone.

Whispering Chimera

O nly the most stalwart and powerful theurges dare to call forth the
whispering chimera, a hulking amalgam of countless human and
animal parts distressingly merged into an elephantine, multi-limbed
monstrosity. The appendages the chimera uses to move about consist of
mismatched legs and arms, and its visage is usually a patchwork of many
faces—occasionally, a human feature sized out of normal proportion.
One might possess the gigantic face of a beautiful human child, whereas
another might have one huge rat leg or an enormous arm like an old
woman’s.
Anyone eaten by a chimera becomes a
part of the thing and continues
to exist, fully conscious, within
its body, forever experiencing
unimaginable agony. The
chimera can open an
orifice anywhere on its
mass to reveal the face
of one of these
unfortunates, who
invariably begs to be
set free and eagerly
reveals all they know for
the mere promise of
release. Unfortunately, any
would-be questioner must lie
to the victim, for, in truth, there
 B E ST I A RY 595

is no release to be had. Those trapped within never die, unless the

chimera itself is killed before it returns to its demesne in the Od. Only
those victims with the strongest of wills, or those who have gone mad
from pain, have any chance of resisting questioning.

COMBAT BRAWN AGILITY PERCEPTION INTELLIGENCE WILLPOWER FELLOWSHIP

50 [7] 50 [8] 50 [7] 40 [6] 40 [4] 50 [7] 35 [4]
Intimidate +30 Awareness +30 Education +30
Melee +30 Coordination +30 Resolve +30 Guile +30
Toughness +20 Scrutinize +30 Strategy +30
Risk Factor:
Damage
Peril Threshold: Suggested for 6
Dodge: 80% Threshold: Movement: 10 Initiative: 17 Size: Huge
10 (16/22/28) Advanced-Tier
20(26/32/38)
Blackbirds
Many Arms: 80% - Distance (Melee Engaged or 2 strides) - Damage [3Ð6+7] - Entangling, Reach, Vicious
Many Horns: 80% - Distance (Melee Engaged or 1 stride) - Damage [3Ð6+7] - Biting, Piercing
Many Mouths: 80% - Distance (Melee Engaged or 1 stride) - Damage [3Ð6+8] - Powerful, Pummeling, Vicious

BANE OF FLESH MANY MOUTHS/2Ð10+8: The attack
listed in parentheses does 2Ð10+8 Bane Damage to
targets that possess the Mortal Bane or Trait instead
of the Damage listed in the attack.
DIRE CONSEQUENCES: Injuries caused by this
creature’s attacks occur on a face ‘5’ or ‘6’ when
rolling an Injury die.
IMMORTAL REGENERATION: At the beginning of each
of this creature’s Turns, make a (Standard +/–0%)
Toughness test for it. If it succeeds, move it up 1
level on the Damage Condition Track and remove
one Injury, if it has any. This effect continues even
if this creature is Slain!, unless one of this creature’s
banes is specifically applied immediately after death.
LESSER RED IRON BANE: Bane dice (Ð10s that explode
on ‘9’ or ‘10’) are rolled instead of Damage dice when
weapons of this type are used against this creature.
This Damage can still be healed or mitigated by this
creature’s other Traits, however, unless it is Slain!.
NO MORTAL BLADE: This creature is impervious to
Damage from weapons that are not Enchanted.
NO MORTAL SKILL: This creature is immune to
Extinguish Abilities.
WISDOM OF THE CONSUMED 1 MISFORTUNE,
1 AP, REACTION: This creature avoids a Combat
Action, Vitiation, or attack that was used against
it by applying the knowledge of someone it has
consumed previously.
SONG OF WOE 3 MISFORTUNE, 1 AP,
SPECIAL ACTION: This creature may cause the face
of someone it has devoured to appear on its form
and cry out in a lament for their suffering to end.
Make a successful (Hard –20%) Peril-induced
Resolve test for those who hear this sound, or
they suffer 2Ð10+2 Peril and are left Defenseless
until their next Turn. The test is (Arduous –30%)
for anyone hearing it who personally knew the one
devoured. Those who succeed at this test still suffer
1Ð10+1 Peril.
CORPORAL PANDEMONIUM
7 MISFORTUNE, 3 AP, SPECIAL ACTION: This
creature explodes its body into a roiling carnal
mass of interwoven biological forms that shred the
area surrounding it and blast the minds of those
that witness it. Anyone adjacent to this creature
must make an (Arduous –30%) Athletics test or
take 3Ð10+3 Damage from multiple claws, beaks,
mouths, talons, and other appendages and orifices
surrounding them. All present who see this horrid
protoplasmic chaos must make an (Arduous –30%)
Peril-induced Resolve test or suffer 3Ð10+3 Peril
and become Disoriented until the beginning of
their next Turn.
 596 BLACKBIRDS

T
R E C O N D I TE S he recondites may appear to be mostly natural beasts in form,
but they are much more dangerous than wolves or bears, and
Some creatures of myth are more than they tend to have mysterious defenses and capabilities that
come as deadly surprises to those who encounter them.
just the stories told about them. They

walk, crawl, fly, and swim in places Blue Crab of Thule

that are rarely visited by mortals.

They are sought out only by dedicated

hunters who are well prepared or those
foolish enough to risk the wrath of the
higher powers that have touched or
made these creatures.
T he mighty blue crab of Thule, indigenous to the nation’s southern
coast, typically rises from the waves in summer to lay its eggs
among the cliffs. It is generally not aggressive unless provoked, and is
seldom provoked, as the Children of the Shallows believe the crabs to be
their ancestors visiting them from beyond death. Salters consider it a
crime to kill these creatures, for their innards do not look like those of a
sea creature and, instead, are nearly identical to the organs of a human
being. So like the flesh of humans is that of the blue crab that eating it
is linked to cannibalism.
Lately, however, the blue crabs of Thule have been known to appear
out of season and farther south—and it has been reported that
small, roving bands of these creatures have begun to prey
on local, land-dwelling livestock and animals—even
solitary humans. Rumors say that the smell of blood in
the open air can draw any crabs nearby to attack in a
frenzy. No one has come forward with a firsthand
account, but it is possible that’s because no one has
survived such an assault.

COMBAT BRAWN AGILITY PERCEPTION INTELLIGENCE WILLPOWER FELLOWSHIP

45 [6] 50 [7] 40 [4] 40 [6] 40 [4] 45 [5] 35 [3]
Coordination
Athletics +30
Melee +30 +20 Awareness +20 Resolve +20
Toughness +20
Stealth +10
Risk Factor:
Damage
Movement: 7 Peril Threshold: Suggested for 1
Dodge: 60% Threshold: Initiative: 15 Size: Large
Swim: 9 8(14/20/26) Intermediate-
12(18/24/30)
Tier Blackbird
Claw: 75% - Distance (Melee Engaged or 1 stride) - Damage [2Ð6+6] - Entangling, Vicious
Mandibles: 75% - Distance (Melee Engaged) - Damage [2Ð6+6] - Punishing, Slow, Vicious
 B E ST I A RY 597

DIRE CONSEQUENCES: Injuries caused by this REND ASUNDER

creature’s attacks occur on a face ‘5’ or ‘6’ when 5 MISFORTUNE, 3 AP, COMBAT
rolling an Injury die. ACTION: This creature attempts
FRENZY: This creature gains 1 extra AP at the start of to sever one of its opponent’s
its Turn if it performed a successful Combat Action limbs. Roll 1Ð6 to determine
in its previous Turn. what happens. On a 1, sever left
PACK TACTICS: Add +10 to all Skill tests made for arm. On a 2, sever right arm.
this creature on its Turn when it begins that Turn One a 3, the victim’s torso is “The Children of the
within 3 strides of another creature of the same type. caved in, causing the Fractured Shallows believe the blue
BONY CARAPACE 1 MISFORTUNE, 0 AP, Ribs Injury. On a 4, sever left crabs that scuttle forth
REACTION: Negate any Combat Action targeting leg. On a 5, sever right leg. On from the tide pools along
this creature when it occurs. This cannot be used to a 6, the victim’s throat is slashed, the coastline of Thule
stop Extinguish Abilities. causing the Arterial Spray Injury. to be their ancestors
SCENT OF BLOOD 2 MISFORTUNE, 0 AP, Severed limbs also result in the returning to visit. To
SPECIAL ACTION: After first blood is drawn, 1Ð6 Scarlet Torrent Injury. harm one or even to
more of these creatures appear, drawn to the smell. interrupt its path is
considered both extremely
bad luck and a crime.”
— Observations of the
Wandering Squire
Cinnamolgus

T he cinnamolgus is a creature that is

unique in being both extremely
dangerous and extraordinarily profitable to those
clever and daring enough to hunt it
successfully, for it is the source of the
valuable spice
cinnamon. Once
the bird is killed,
its body can be dried and
beaten to extract the spice from the cadaver,
a tricky process that can lead to poisonous results if not
done properly. More treasured still are the rare eggs of the
creature, whose shells are a pure crystalline cinnamon of
much greater quality and value.
Hunting a cinnamolgus proves challenging for several reasons:
It has no natural habitat and may be found almost anywhere (although it is
more common in warmer climates), its slender and stork-like appearance
belies an extremely aggressive tendency to defend its territory with complete
abandon, and its natural defensive ability is a stinging cloud of caustic dust
that completely incapacitates those unfortunate enough to be engulfed in it.
A cinnamolgus invariably nests in a high, inaccessible location (the
face of a cliff, the highest branches of a mighty tree, etc.), and only after
 598 BLACKBIRDS

vanquishing the creature can those who seek the precious spice it
produces determine whether eggs are present, as the cinnamolgus
has no cyclic mating season but is intermittently fertile throughout
the year.
Whenever one bird encounters a likely match, a lengthy and
complicated dance between the two potential mates ensues that lasts the
better part of a day. Savvy hunters pay well for information that such a
dance has been observed in the recent past.
One final remarkable trait of the cinnamolgus is its call: a long and
raspy note that sounds like sand pouring through a giant hourglass,
followed by a series of strange musical clicks. The sound is unmistakable,
but only those well acquainted with the creature can recognize the subtle
difference between a simple territorial trill and the cry that precedes a
cinnamolgus dropping on intruders in a ferocious assault.

COMBAT BRAWN AGILITY PERCEPTION INTELLIGENCE WILLPOWER FELLOWSHIP

45 [5] 40 [5] 50 [6] 45 [5] 40 [4] 40 [4] 35 [3]
Melee +20 Athletics +20 Stealth +20 Awareness +20 Resolve +20
Risk Factor:
Damage
Movement: 8 Peril Threshold: 8 Suggested for
Dodge: 50% Threshold: Initiative: 14 Size: Large
Flying: 12 (14/20/26) 6 Basic-Tier
8(14/20/26)
Blackbirds
Beak: 65% - Distance (Melee Engaged or 1 stride) - Damage [2Ð6+5] - Punishing, Vicious
Talons: 65% - Distance (Melee Engaged or 1 stride) - Damage [2Ð6+6] - Fast, Finesse, Vicious

BUFFET: This creature buffets a foe with its wings
when attacking. Make a successful
(Standard +/–0%) Toughness test
for the foe, or they are knocked
Prone and lose 1 AP.
CHATTER: Strange chattering
is heard echoing through the
wilds where this creature nests.
Make a successful (Challenging
“It is easy to identify the –10%) Peril-induced Resolve
particular mercenaries test for the target when they first
that hunt the cinnamolgus encounter the odd gibberish, or
in the taverns of Erebos they suffer 2Ð10+2 Peril. On a
by their smell alone, even Critical Failure, the target suffers
without their distinctive A Trickle of Red as their ears
masks and spice-caked begin to bleed.
armor emblazoned with NO MORTAL SKILL: This creature is
the crest of the merchant immune to Extinguish Abilities.
house they serve.” PECK 2 AP, COMBAT ACTION:
—Observations of the This creature pecks its target’s
Wandering Squire
head or bowels with its gruesome, long beak. If the
attack is successful, it causes the Disoriented or
Wounded Conditional Effect, at the Fateweaver’s
discretion.
REGURGITATE 2 MISFORTUNE, 3 AP, COMBAT
ACTION: A horrid gurgling sound heralds a
torrent of caustic bile that splashes over all targets
within an area 4 strides across, 3 strides deep, and
3 strides tall. Anything caught within this effect
takes 1Ð10+6 Bane Damage (Ð10s that explode
on ‘9’ or ‘10’).
CAUSTIC CLOUD 3 MISFORTUNE, 2 AP,
SPECIAL ACTION: This creature releases a caustic
and irritating cloud, requiring a successful (Hard
–20%) Coordination test be made for those
within 10 strides for them to cover their faces to
avoid the effect. Those who fail are Blinded. Make
a successful (Challenging –10%) Toughness test,
rolled at the beginning of each of their Turns, to
end the effect.
 B E ST I A RY 599

Giant Rat

T his is a large example of the common rodent, about the size of a

small dog.

COMBAT BRAWN AGILITY PERCEPTION INTELLIGENCE WILLPOWER FELLOWSHIP

50 [5] 45 [4] 45 [4] 40 [4] 40 [4] 40 [4] 35 [3]
Coordination
Athletics +10
Melee +10 +10 Awareness +10
Toughness +10
Stealth +20
Risk Factor:
Damage
Peril Threshold: Suggested for
Dodge: 55% Threshold: Movement: 7 Initiative: 13 Size: Small
7(13/19/25) 1 Basic-Tier
5(11/17/23)
Blackbird
Bite: 60% - Distance (Melee Engaged) - Damage [1Ð6+5] - Slow, Vicious

EXCELLENT SENSE OF SMELL: Flip to Succeed any Undead Rat:

Awareness test for which this creature can use smell.
UNFATED: This creature is Slain! if it receives
an Injury.
PACK TACTICS: Add +10 to all Skill tests made for
this creature on its Turn when it begins that Turn
within 3 strides of another creature of the same type.
WORRY 3 MISFORTUNE, 1 AP, COMBAT
ACTION: After this creature makes a successful bite
attack and deals Damage, it worries at the target,
dealing Damage again using the standard dice
associated with the attack.
Depending upon the type of giant rat, they will
have additional Traits:
BLOOD OF VENGEANCE: If a Blackbird in play has
the Hyperion’s Progeny Boon, this creature senses
them unerringly, can never be Surprised by them,
and knows their location even if they are hidden.
In addition, this creature’s attacks deal an extra +1
Damage against these targets.
DAYLIGHT BANE: If attempting to stay active during
the day but out of sight of daylight, all this creature’s
Skills are reduced by –30. In addition, an (Arduous
–30%) Resolve test must be made for it every hour
to remain active. When exposed to direct sunlight,
this creature also becomes Defenseless.

Infected Rat:
PLAGUE CARRIER 5 MISFORTUNE,
0 AP, COMBAT ACTION: After a
successful attack by the creature, the
target is infected with the blue death,
found in Chapter 6: Conflict &
Rekindling.
600 BLACKBIRDS
DEATH FOG UNDEAD RAT: When three or more
children of Anhelios gather, they produce an
obscuring, aquamarine fog that seeks the lowest
depth and surrounds them at a distance of 10
strides. Make a successful Peril-induced Resolve
test for those exposed to it for the first time in
a night. Make a successful Toughness test for
those who begin their Turn Prone or submerged
beneath it, or they take 1Ð6 Damage from poison.
If ten or more children of Anhelios are present,
the fog spreads 99 strides beyond the group’s
edge, obscuring the sight of all but the children
themselves and inflicting a –10 modifier to all
Skills that rely on sight.
FIRE BANE: Bane dice (Ð10s that explode on ‘9’ or
‘10’) are rolled instead of Damage dice when fire
is used against this creature. This Damage cannot
be mitigated or healed by any of the Traits of
this creature.
FLESH OF THE UNDEAD: This creature feels no pain
and ignores all Injuries. It cannot Bleed. Severed
limbs may move independently.
MIND OF THE UNDEAD: This creature is immune to
magic or abilities that seek to control the mind
or emotions. It automatically succeeds against
any ability that would cause it to Resist with
Fellowship, Intelligence, or Willpower. This does
not include possession by Outsiders. It may not be
Knocked Out or Stunned.
NO BREATH, NO LIFE: This creature is immune to
Injuries, poisoning, and suffocation.
QUICKBRONZE CORRUPTION: Most metals
that come into contact with this creature may
be corrupted by verdigris, a magical rot that
degrades weapons and armor. Roll for susceptible
metal weapons whenever they successfully hit
this creature, and for susceptible metal armor
whenever this creature successfully hits someone
wearing it. Roll 1Ð6: the metal is corrupted on
a roll of ‘6’ for vulnerable metals or ‘3’ through
‘6’ for items made from quickbronze. Corrupted
weapons immediately gain 1 level of Degradation.
A corruption roll is made every morning until the
item can be successfully repaired, at which point
the corruption is removed. Enchanted items are
immune to this effect.
SIGHT WITHOUT SIGHT: By sensing the Od directly,
this creature can see, even if its eyes are destroyed,
removed, or absent. In addition, it can see in
complete darkness. It cannot see things that are
hidden from the Od, however.
CURSE OF ANHELIOS 6
MISFORTUNE, 0 AP, COMBAT ACTION: After making
a successful attack, this creature infects the target
with the Child of Anhelios Affliction unless the
target spends Fate to shrug off the effect.
 B E ST I A RY 601

Night Spider

T he night spider is feared in every land it calls its home, which,

unfortunately, is anywhere human beings dwell. The most
striking characteristic of the night spider, and the source of its name,
is the strange light-absorbing quality of its exoskeleton. The night
spider’s outer shell absorbs light almost completely, and when it is
hunting in darkness or at night, it is extremely difficult to perceive.
The expansive webs they spin are of a similar nature: impossibly dark
and absorbent of so much light that stumbling into them is easy to do.
The other troubling thing about the creature is that its life span is
longer than a human’s, and it never stops growing. The typical
specimen encountered is the size of a large dog, but rumors persist of
ancient arachnids haunting dark, forgotten forests that are the size of
a horse or larger . . .

SMALL N I GHT SPI DER :

COMBAT BRAWN AGILITY PERCEPTION INTELLIGENCE WILLPOWER FELLOWSHIP
45 [5] 40 [4] 50 [6] 45 [4] 40 [4] 40 [4] 35 [3]
Risk Factor:
Damage
Peril Threshold: Suggested for
Dodge: 50% Threshold: Movement: 9 Initiative: 13 Size: Small
7(13/19/25) 1 Basic-Tier
7(13/19/25)
Blackbird
Mandibles: 45% - Distance (Melee Engaged) - Damage [1Ð6+5] - Fast

CLOAK OF DARKNESS: This creature gets +20 to its
first attack during the night or in darkness. Chances
to detect it are at –20 in the same circumstances if it
is attempting to remain hidden.
UNFATED: This creature is Slain! if it receives
an Injury.
WEB 3 MISFORTUNE, NONCOMBAT
ACTION: Before the encounter, make a successful
(Hard –20%) Awareness test for all potential prey
creatures, or they become trapped and immobilized
in this creature’s web. They may not move or take
any Actions, and Reactions are Flip to Fail. Make a
(Challenging –10%) Athletics test at the beginning
of each of their Turns for them to break free.
 602 BLACKBIRDS

NO RM AL NIGHT SPIDER:
COMBAT BRAWN AGILITY PERCEPTION INTELLIGENCE WILLPOWER FELLOWSHIP
45 [5] 40 [4] 50 [6] 45 [4] 40 [4] 40 [4] 35 [3]
Coordination
Melee +20 Athletics +10 +10 Awareness +10
Stealth +20
Risk Factor:
Damage
Peril Threshold: Suggested for
Dodge: 60% Threshold: Movement: 9 Initiative: 13 Size: Normal
7(13/19/25) 2 Basic-Tier
8(14/20/26)
Blackbirds
Mandibles: 65% - Distance (Melee Engaged) - Damage [2Ð6+5] - Fast, Vicious

CLOAK OF DARKNESS: This creature gets +20 to its
first attack during the night or in darkness. Chances
to detect it are at –20 in the same circumstances if it
is attempting to remain hidden.
PARALYZING VENOM +10: Make a successful
(Routine +10%) Toughness test for anyone who
drops a level in their Damage Condition Track after
being attacked by this creature, or they start their
Turn with 1 less AP. If this means they gain no AP,
they are rendered Helpless. Make the same test at the
end of each of their Turns for this effect to wear off.
WEB 3 MISFORTUNE, NONCOMBAT
ACTION: Before the encounter, make a successful
(Hard –20%) Awareness test for all potential prey
creatures, or they become trapped and immobilized
in this creature’s web. They may not move or take
any Actions, and Reactions are Flip to Fail. Make a
(Challenging –10%) Athletics test at the beginning
of each of their Turns for them to break free.

LARG E N IGHT SP IDER:

COMBAT BRAWN AGILITY PERCEPTION INTELLIGENCE WILLPOWER FELLOWSHIP
45 [6] 40 [6] 50 [7] 45 [4] 40 [4] 40 [4] 35 [3]
Coordination
Athletics +30
Melee +30 +10 Awareness +20 Resolve +10
Toughness +20
Stealth +20
Risk Factor:
Damage
Peril Threshold: Suggested for 1
Dodge: 60% Threshold: Movement: 10 Initiative: 13 Size: Large
7(13/19/25) Intermediate-
11(17/23/29)
Tier Blackbird
Mandibles: 75% - Distance (Melee Engaged or 1 stride) - Damage [2Ð6+7] - Fast, Punishing, Vicious
Piercing Forelegs: 75% - Distance (Melee Engaged or 1 stride) - Damage [2Ð6+7] - Fast, Piercing, Vicious

CLOAK OF DARKNESS: This creature gets +20 to its
first attack during the night or in darkness. Chances
to detect it are at –20 in the same circumstances if it
is attempting to remain hidden.
PARALYZING VENOM 10: Make a (Challenging
–10%) Toughness test for anyone who drops a
level in their Damage Condition Track after being
attacked by this creature, or they start their Turn
with 1 less AP. If this means they gain no AP, they
are rendered Helpless. Make the same test at the
end of each of their Turns for this effect to wear off.
WEB 3 MISFORTUNE, NONCOMBAT
ACTION: Before the encounter, make a successful
(Hard –20%) Awareness test for all potential prey
creatures, or they become trapped and immobilized
in this creature’s web. They may not move or take
any Actions, and Reactions are Flip to Fail. Make a
(Challenging –10%) Athletics test at the beginning
of each of their Turns for them to break free.
 B E ST I A RY 603

HUGE N I GHT SPI DER :

COMBAT BRAWN AGILITY PERCEPTION INTELLIGENCE WILLPOWER FELLOWSHIP
45 [6] 40 [6] 50 [7] 45 [4] 40 [4] 40 [4] 35 [3]
Coordination
Melee +30 Athletics +30
+20 Awareness +20 Resolve +20
Ranged +20 Toughness +30
Stealth +20
Risk Factor:
Damage
Peril Threshold: Suggested for 2
Dodge: 70% Threshold: Movement: 10 Initiative: 13 Size: Huge
7(13/19/25) Intermediate-
14(20/26/32)
Tier Blackbirds
Mandibles: 75% - Distance (Melee Engaged or 1 stride) - Damage [2Ð6+7] - Punishing, Vicious
Piercing Forelegs: 75% - Distance (Melee Engaged or 1 stride) - Damage [3Ð6+7] - Fast, Piercing, Vicious
Web: 65% - Distance (Ranged 16 strides) - Load (1 AP) - Damage (None) - Entangling, Throwing

CLOAK OF DARKNESS: This creature gets +20 to its
first attack during the night or in darkness. Chances
to detect it are at –20 in the same circumstances if it
is attempting to remain hidden.
NIGHT MOTHER 3 MISFORTUNE, 1 AP,
SPECIAL ACTION: 1Ð6 small night spiders appear
during the battle.
NO MORTAL SKILL: This creature is immune to
Extinguish Abilities.
PARALYZING VENOM 10: Make a successful
(Challenging –10%) Toughness test for anyone
who drops a level in their Damage Condition
Track after being attacked by this creature, or they
start their Turn with 1 less AP. If this means they
gain no AP, they are rendered Helpless. Make the
same test at the start of each of their Turns for one
instance of this effect to wear off.
WEB 3 MISFORTUNE, NONCOMBAT
ACTION: Before the encounter, make a successful
(Hard –20%) Awareness test for all potential prey
creatures, or they become trapped and immobilized
in this creature’s web. They may not move or take
any Actions, and Reactions are Flip to Fail. Make a
(Challenging –10%) Athletics test at the beginning
of each of their Turns for them to break free.
C H A P TE R 11

Corbel
 THE HAMMERING
O F E LVE S

L
by Ryan Verniere

ong before the Age of Hyperion,

lost behind the smoldering
pyres of time, when the great
kingdoms of Erebos were naught but fractured
tribes living in their own filth, civilization
clung to the edge of the Azule like a child
tugging at their mother’s clothes. One realm
dominated the region above all others, ruled
from within a city of utmost extravagance
carved into the basalt cliff face that stands at
the foot of the continent, whose long shadow
was cast over all of the warring states of this
bygone epoch. Corbellus, Hammer of the Azule,
ruled by crowned magi who commanded the
sea and sky. Theirs was a domain that stretched
across the world, and with such vast authority
came hubris. The oracles claimed to see no end
in sight. Their empire would continue to grow
until one day it might challenge the dominion
of Heaven itself. This pleased the nation’s
leaders, who responded by lashing the whip
harder, driving their forces into the unexplored
reaches of Crisius and Ulabos, the continents to
the south and east.

The crowned magi did not look outward exclusively;
they also turned their ambitions inward, plumbing
the depths of the Od in search of absolute power.
From within their stupors of prophecy, the witches
of Corbellus became aware of the aes and their
home deep within the third moon that hung in the
night sky, the small one called Yolk. After much
pondering, it became clear to the sorcerers that the
elves were living expressions of magic. They were
beings forged of Od and spun into a physical form so
that they could tread upon the world. The thought
of a spell given permanent shape ignited the magi’s
imaginations. How could such a thing be exploited
to serve their empire? Upon their reemergence from
divining, the magi gave the orders to bring together
the greatest smiths of the empire and to hunt down
the Children of the Stars, dragging as many as they
could find back to their temples.
In those long-forgotten days, a jagged and
windswept island an arrow shot from the old capital
was home to the red-pillared Temple of Anemoi.
Here, the priest-magi would gather to conjure
storms with which to batter their enemies. But
under the cruel guidance of the crowned magi, a
new task was to be undertaken here. Chained in
iron against those damp stones of the sea temple,
the aes were forced to reveal their secrets. The
process was long and without mercy.
Lunar tides, swollen under the third moon,
began to crash upon the city within the cliffs.
The lower streets started to flood as elven cries
and the rhythmic sounds of hammering carried on
the wind—a melody of agony that crept into
the minds of all within the capital. Inquiries
as to what was transpiring with the temple
were silenced. The sailors who passed the island
learned to do so at a great distance. Only the magi
and their servants were allowed access to the
forbidden island where throngs of aes were fed to
the hammers of Anemoi.
The moon tides continued to swell, and the
ocean began to overtake the temple island, and yet,
the magi’s terrible work continued—until finally,
CO R B E L 607
their great achievement was revealed. A sword was
held high, white and smoldering, and when the
high priest struck the altar before her, it split the
crimson rock in two. There were no sparks, nor the
ringing clang of metal upon stone, only a soft hum
so deep that it reverberated through the bosoms of
the gathered magi. This was the blade Moonsliver,
and it was but the first of many elven weapons.
On the first eve beneath Yolk’s full moon, a
small fishing vessel rowed quietly through the waters
near the loathsome island. The ship’s master was a
poor man, and his crew, comprising his wife and
two sons, drew their nets from the water as amber
light danced over the black stillness of the Azule.
Their yield was good, but more than just fish spilled
over the deck. A gossamer form of wispy shadow
illuminated by internal glints of
starlight lay sprawled before the
captain. The fading light within its
frail body reminded the fishers
of the luminous jellyfish
that mated in the
spring. It was like no
person they had ever met, a thing
of smoke not of this world. The
captain placed the palm of his hand on
the masked creature’s head. To his surprise,
there was life within it, but only just. The figure was
badly maimed, lacking legs, and one arm was
misshapen—although shaped into another form.
Below its elbow where there should be a forearm,
wrist and hand, there was the crude beginning of a
spearhead. To their dismay, the figure began to
speak. It whispered at first, but not to the captain
nor his kin. The creature reached toward the third
moon, speaking in a language unknown to the
608 BLACKBIRDS
fishermen. After a moment, with the light fading
from its eyes, the wounded aes addressed the family
in a tongue they could understand. Its words were
simple but carried with them a supernatural weight
that could not be dismissed: “You and your family
will be spared if you leave now.” With its warning
delivered, the figure’s body went still, the light
within it disappeared, the rest dissipated
like ash in the wind—only its mask
and spearheaded forearm
remained. The fisherman and his
family returned to port before dawn,
gathered what they could, and fled
Corbellus, never to return.
As whispers of other such
portents trickled into the ears of
Corbellus’s people, a shared
nightmare spread through the
population. A beautiful figure
with eyes that burned like the cores of
stars gazed in at the sleeping populace: it
watched, and it judged. Though the image carried
with it no spoken message, dread followed, a pang
of undefined guilt, one that twisted in the bellies of
all who witnessed it. The omen was one of doom.
Their great nation had angered one of the gods, and
yet, the dreadful smithing continued.
On the last night of Yolk’s full moon, the magi
plied their wretched tools upon the captives chained
to the temple’s columns. Their work flowed like a
mighty river of pain. The magicians and the villains
who worked the forge at their behest, numb to their
wickedness, carried on, wind howling in their ears,
torrents of rain stinging their faces. In those final
moments, with sea waters threatening to overtake
the temple at Anemoi, surrounded by dozens of aes
who watched as their kin were reforged into
weapons of war, a detail was missed. The masters of
this desolate rock failed to notice the figure that
slipped in amongst them, laying itself atop the altar,
next in line for the smith’s hammer. When the
master of the forge brought his mallet down,
calamity unfolded.
A crack split the temple’s foundation, breaking
wide and gasping with the inward rush of sea air.
What stood before the smith was the shining glory of
Hekaté, mother of the aes, they who have known a
thousand worlds, devourer of Fate. Their children
watched as their god revealed themself to the crowned
magi of Corbellus. As Hekaté spoke, the Azule
battered the island, dragging off the
wooden ships that were their only
possible escape into its depths.
Their words fell like the hammers
that had tormented their children.
“It would have been better had you
not been born. You who have gifted
my children new shapes . . . so shall
such be given to you.”
Hekaté’s eyes shut. The
guilty who stood before them fell
to their knees and began to
scream—flesh tore, bones snapped,
their cries of terror mingling with the
bellowing of the raging sea that engulfed the
crimson temple.
“The empire that was once yours shall be reduced
to this place, this cage,” they continued. As the magi
and their retainers convulsed in the throes of
metamorphosis, Hekaté walked barefoot over water-
beaded marble, freeing the remaining aes prisoners.
Once their children were unchained, Hekaté
spoke again. “You will be as I see you, mongrel
hounds, and the incessant vermin who sup upon
them. For that is all your efforts truly amount to in
the face of what we are.” At this, the master of the
forge’s back snapped like an oar against ocean rock,
viscera spilled in a steaming pile between standing
feet, and what was left of the man rolled away across
the stones like a length of torn silk caught in a
hurricane. Amongst the quivering gore that had
been the master smith pulsed an amniotic sack the
size of a full-grown bull, beating with the quickened
rhythm of a thing about to be born.
“Come,” said Hekaté. “Look upon my house
and forever be chained to it.” An elongated snout

began to push its way through layers of viscous
tissue, and claws slashed against the unnatural
womb, until the enormous birthing sack ruptured.
Where once there had been a man now stood a
hulking wolf, a monstrosity of gore-colored fur and
white fangs. The beast gazed upon its new master,
and while it could not see the moon through the
roiling clouds of the encompassing storm, it could
feel its pull all the same—and so, Yolk endured the
first accursed howl.
Other wolves joined the master of the forge.
They began to pace about the temple, snarling and
snapping at one another. Hekaté, turning their
attention elsewhere, approached a shadowed
column near the temple’s edge. Hidden behind the
pillar was a trembling form; it, too, skittered
amongst the cast-off remains of its previous body.
“You, magi, who once laid low nations, now belong
to me and the night that cradles our home. Face us.”
Their words dripped with malice.
The shape rose on chitinous legs that bent
backward, dead black eyes astride an oblong head, a
mouth choked with confusing parts that twitched
erratically. The rest of its body was a sagging
abdomen of armored plates adorned with stalks of
irregularly placed digits. The crowned magi’s
transformation was as hideous as their intentions
for their aes prisoners—a poetic justice that was
nearly complete. Hekaté raised their hands, and the
storm broke. Amber moonlight from Yolk spilled
over the broken temple at Anemoi. Divided into
predators and parasites, the architects of Corbellus’s
doom looked upon each other for the first time.
Their fates led them to this moment of damnation
at the hands of an angry god, and they despaired.
CO R B E L 609
“Do not lament. You will remain the masters of
this desolate rock. You will nourish yourselves on
the blood and bone of humankind, your children
will bear your crimes into the future, and like your
ambitions, your hunger will know no satisfaction,”
stated Hekaté. The blood spilled over the ruins of
Anemoi filled the nostrils of the accursed beasts,
their hunger stabbing at their bellies with ravenous
intent. They set upon each other with reckless
abandon, and the progenitor of the aes was pleased.
“So shall it always be between your kind: a feud
without end.”
Hekaté reached into their chest; like their children,
they were composed of brilliant amber moonlight
and stardust. Near the central anatomy, the place a
mortal would call a heart, sat a cluster of stars. The
god pulled one of these orbs from their breast and
held it before them. The rest of their frame dimmed
ever so slightly. “Our vengeance shall be swift. I
will remind the aes of what we once were,” uttered
Hekaté as the light between their fingers went out.
As it did, moonbows arced from the surface of
Yolk like a thousand arrows of light shot from its
rough surface, striking throughout the empire of
Corbellus and obliterating cities, leveling fortresses,
cauterizing a great wound of tyranny. Where they
landed, hosts of aes warriors emerged with a fury
Hekaté had not compelled from them in eons;
it took from their god much of their remaining
divinity. Like a bee who had stung, Hekaté’s fate
was now bound to this world.
Corbellus, the mighty nation of crowned magi,
was no more.
610 BLACKBIRDS
I NT R O D U C T I O N
C
orbel, cosmopolitan island of the eastern
Azule, has survived long eons armed with
two of the greatest weapons known to
Erebosian kingdoms—coin and leverage. Once, it
was a destination for summering royals, a place to
be wed surrounded by the bold artwork of emerging
masters thriving within the spiritual capital of
mercantilism, but now, its citizens are captives
within their own walls.
Barred by a fleet of ironwood ships led by
Florent’s greatest admiral, Astyages Gul, Corbel’s
first weapon, that of the coin, has been stripped
from its side. The city’s elite, already at odds with
the Domini’s newfound generosity toward the
theocratic domain of Vichy, fears that its church’s
influence will tarnish Corbellian culture, but
mostly, they fear what supporting it will do to their
dwindling treasuries.
Much of Corbel’s revenue has been donated in
the form of tithes to Vichy’s church. This act of
submission to the Sigilist religion helps finance its
campaigns for spiritual dominance across Erebos
and is an expensive political gamble—a calculated
misdirection designed to turn the prying eyes of
religious zealots away from the five families who
have long controlled the island nation. Desperate to
maintain their meager holdings upon the mainland,
Corbel, and the Splendid Kingdoms at large, have
little choice but to show favor to their powerful
neighbor.
While the city pirouettes at the edge of oblivion,
its corrupt rulers, the Five Domini and their kin,
take precautions to endure whatever is to come.
That these bloodlines run back to the ruinous past
of ancient Corbellus should be no surprise. While
the city’s peasantry waits in squalor, asking
themselves why Corbel hasn’t been put to the torch,
the powers that be parlay with their captors and
bide their time, hopeful that the tide will turn in
their favor.
The city’s rulers know they can wait out
Florent’s invasion. Should the order be given for the
Shahanshah’s infantry to violently overthrow the
city, the island would be retaken within a year. Ships
wear, soldiers hunger; a sustainable attack on Corbel
means an invasion of the mainland, where Vichy is
dominant, and even Florent does not dare such
foolery. If every brick were razed, the population
killed to the last yapping dog tethered in a courtyard,
the nation would rise again. So long as the five
families survive, so does Corbel.
While the Domini admire their own cleverness,
cracks in Corbel’s veneer grow wider, as whispers of
conspiracy spread from the high courts into the
trapped population. Old bits of folklore rekindle
like the stoked embers of a dying fire—the city’s
people talk of the evil that legend says has been with
them through the ages. They begin to wonder if the
stories are true.
H I STO RY & P R E S E NT
CONDITIONS
C
ounted, culled, collared, and chained
around the world and back again,” goes a
verse in a Corbellian nursery rhyme, and
with good reason. Corbel’s extravagant wealth led
the small nation to unimaginable influence over
continental Erebos. Although Corbel is not the
capital of the Splendid Kingdoms, in times past, it
felt as if it were. The monarchy rules from Bearald-
upon-Muse in the west. Queen Corinthia Balladoro
I, while safe from Florent’s invasion, nervously
contemplates how the power might shift should the
occupation carry on much longer.
Corbel itself is ruled over by five mercantile
families, each an ancient bloodline running back
into antiquity. They and their artisans are crown
makers, both literally and figuratively. The
goldsmiths of the Glittering Bazaar have long
made the crowns for leaders far and wide. And
while little actual nourishment originates in
Corbel, it is Corbellian coin that nurtures
Erebos’s royal families quite directly. Their

maker’s mark, a crown interlocked with slightly
smaller crowns, is an irony lost on few. However,
that was before the wars.
The mercantile capital of southern Erebos sits
quietly besieged by Florent’s naval blockade, the
Corbellian fleet rerouted to far-off ports or sunk to
the bottom of the Azule. Nothing comes, and
nothing goes. What remains of Corbel’s meager
forces are trapped across the Gulf of Echoes,
stretched tightly over cliff and coast, pinned
between the sea and whatever calamity might spill
from the Carcass Nations—powerless to intervene
on behalf of their homeland.
BUSSA
Bussa came to Corbel as part of the Shahanshah’s
network of spies sent to recover the members of Florent’s
imperial family, who are being kept as diplomatic
hostages by the five families. A man of duty and faith, he
has long served his empire with unquestionable
dedication. Wielding the skills of a physician and a
master swordsman, Bussa has confronted much of the
world’s horrors with a keen mind and sharp steel, but
what awaited him in Corbel would test him. He arrived
during the tenth year of the War of Empty Thrones,
months before the armada’s invasion, operating under
the guise of a fur trader from southern Crisius. What
he uncovered quickly put him at odds with the
Domini and their kin. After locating the Shahanshah’s
nephew amongst the entourage of House van Dimián,
Bussa discreetly made contact with his countryman,
who, save for his adoption of Corbel’s unsightly
fashions, appeared to be of sound mind.
After gaining this princeling’s confidence,
he lured the young man to the docks
that run alongside the Glittering
Bazaar, where they were to meet a
smuggler’s boat, but the young man appeared to be
afraid of the sea. There was no time for persuasion.
Bussa dragged the young prince to the end of the
jetty, where he could thin his pursuers’ advances to
a single file. The van Dimián warriors also seemed
CO R B E L 611
Florent’s assault was swift. Those who dared
oppose it were obliterated by the most powerful
navy in the region. Those who surrendered were
spared, as is often customary between nations that
share such a long and storied history. For years, the
servants of the Petalled Throne worked closely with
the power brokers of Corbel, ensuring that both
lands prospered. There was a time when the
influential families of each nation joined houses
through marriage. Corbel was the gateway to
eastern Erebos, and Florent offered safe passage into
Crisius. When these lands were in harmony, trade
flowed in all directions of the compass rose.
unnaturally preoccupied with the crashing waves that
splashed up the rocky breakwater. Bussa knew the
Shahanshah’s nephew could swim, and so, he shoved the
boy into the waters of the Azule, commanding him to
move toward the unmarked trading vessel that would
steal them away from this filthy island. The young man,
however, screamed as the seawater touched his chestnut-
colored flesh. His cries of pain were enough
to drive off the smuggler—abandoning the
Shahanshah’s agent to a deadly melee
against the pursuing killers.
When it finished, Bussa
stood wounded and alone
amongst the jagged rocks of
the harbor. He recovered the
nephew’s signet ring from a
hand that gripped fast against
a bit of mooring. The rest of
the boy was all but gone,
rendered down to steaming
bone and misshapen sinew.
Now the five families
know that there is a leopard
in their midst . . . one
dangerously close to
unraveling their monstrous
truth.
612 BLACKBIRDS
Occupation weighs heavily upon the city. Empty
trading vessels grind against the ancient stone docks
that they are moored upon, falling further into
disrepair with each passing tide. The crack of pitching
timber and the groaning of old knots haunt the
seafront districts. Word of Florent’s invasion arrived
mere hours before its ships. All who could escape did
so, leaving both manor and hovel alike in panicked
disarray. Now, the city’s streets are all but empty; only
the most desperate of Corbel’s citizens remain
behind, with one notable exception. The five families
remain fortified in their ancestral homes within the
Golden Basilica, a mighty keep that sits atop the
island’s tallest hill. There, behind towering stone
walls, they negotiate with Florent’s emissary,
delicately maintaining some semblance of control.
Ismael Kesh, the renowned vizier of Florent,
wages a very different sort of war surrounded by the
plush finery of the Domini’s villas. The Shahanshah’s
most gifted diplomat attempts to negotiate peace
now that his empress’s show of force is irrefutable.
Behind massive walls dotted with suspended
parapets, the vizier endeavors to assure the five
families that all his master wants is for the safe
return of her younger brother, Farheng—including
any offspring he may have sired since being held
hostage by the Cicero family. But the Domini and
their families condescendingly profess ignorance as
to the imperial brother’s whereabouts. They
facetiously grin over stained goblets and cutlery,
amused by their guest’s thinly veiled threats.
People of Corbel
Corbellians come from several ancestral bloodlines
and cultures, derived from a mingling of Erebosian
and distant heritages. The great civilizations from
Ulabos and Crisius have long traded with Corbel,
resulting in an amalgamation of peoples that bear
many of the dominant traits from those early
seafaring civilizations. Modern Corbellians are often
of olive complexion, with dark, curly hair. They are
a worldly people, at ease in the courts of far-flung
kingdoms as much as they are in their own homes.
The humanistic philosophies of the Age of
Hyperion still inform much of Corbellian belief to
this day, especially among the educated and literate.
Corbel’s villages and towns, like the capital, are
adorned with shrines to a myriad of religions. While
many Corbellians pray to the Sigil for guidance,
others keep the old gods. In some cases, a single
household may observe holidays belonging to both
faiths. It is only the fundamentalists among them
who argue over the shape of divinity—but their
numbers are growing.
Corbel’s urban citizenry had grown accustomed
to living in relative ease compared to the rest of the
small nation’s populace. All of that came to a sudden
halt when Florent invaded. Food is in short supply
now, and families huddle in squalor, waiting for
salvation. Stray dogs drift through empty streets in
search of masters who’ve abandoned them. It is a
time of considerable uncertainty. While lights still
blaze in the windows of the Golden Basilica, the
rest of Corbel has fallen dark and silent.
A long shadow hovers over the people in
Corbel’s mainland villages. The population of the
Vineyard Coast expects to be annexed by Vichy’s
forces, should the Florentian occupation persist. All
many can do is go about their daily routines,
tending to the grapes and olives that their families
have raised for generations. The largest towns found
in the hills of Tarquin’s Hammer similarly prepare
to fall under siege by one nation or another. Even as
pragmatic as Corbellians can be, it is impossible to
ignore the troubling omens that increasingly surface
in the countryside as panic tightens its grip.
T H E R E D G L OV E S
The Red Gloves—or as they’re more commonly
known “those corrupt brigands impersonating
Corbel’s city watch”—are loved by few. Even the
Domini conveniently maintain their own host of
guardians, known as the Custode Vigilante, fueling
gossip that the Gloves are more of a protectorate force,
whose loyalty rests with the Magistrates of the Splendid
Kingdoms more so than with any local authority.
 That the Red Gloves suffered so singularly
when Florent took the city is a terrible irony.
Perhaps it was the one element of the invasion the
Domini benefited from, as their relationship with
the city guard is complicated at best. Now that the
Shahanshah’s troops firmly control the eastern side
of the city, the Gloves hunker down in the western
districts north of the Rook’s bastion, with the
Necropolis acting as a sort of neutral ground
between the two opposing forces.
T H E S O L D I E R S O F F L O R E NT
Florent’s people are the descendants of an
Ulaboan empire that expanded into the north of
Crisius millennia before the Age of Hyperion. Over
the eons, their civilization has risen and fallen like a
tide, most recently during the reign of ancient
Corbellus—of which they had been a part before
the aes wiped it from the face of creation. In time,
the nation of Florent rose from the ashes of its
previous incarnation, a maritime power with a deep
history tethered to the northern continent of
Erebos.
Florentian merchants once flooded the
Glittering Bazaar with exotic wares, perfumes,
ivory, and, most importantly, gold mined from the
depths of the southern continent. Now, instead of
goods, it is soldiers crammed into the hulking ships
that surround the tiny island. With their mission to
sink the Domini’s fleet and lay siege to their city
complete, the Shahanshah’s forces idle in growing
discomfort.
A lugubrious demeanor has settled into the
bones of Florent’s sailors, forced to winter in
foreign lands, confined to colossal galleys by the
hundreds—it is no wonder their mood sours. The
lucky ones find posts as sentries patrolling what’s
left of the city’s frightened populace. When shifts
end there is little distraction to be found. Makeshift
gambling dens or a well-packed pipe of ocher are
often the only options. Those sailors who remain
behind make do with delousing bedding and
beating laundry against the jagged rocks of the
numerous tiny islands that fill the Gulf of Echoes.
Even a small amount of time on dry land is a
reprieve to their plight.
614 BLACKBIRDS

E N E MY O F MY E N E MY

W
by Ryan Verniere

e had already lost the war.

An armada of Florentian
ships led by a monstrous
vessel built of ironwood had taken up residence
in the inner harbor. A leviathan filled with
metal and men, it cut the city off from proper
governance or chance of military muster. No
one came, and no one left.

The mainland, only an echo’s distance away, was

perched atop unforgiving cliffs of basalt running
four leagues from end to end. If one survived the
swim, a perilous climb up sea-pounded rock past
the yawning entrances of ancient Corbellus awaited.
Beyond that, thousands of encamped Corbellian
soldiers. Beyond that, wilderness.
Grimaldi worked his gnarled hands over the
tallow candle he kept hidden beneath his fisherman’s
cloak. Every twist of his arthritic knuckles pricked his mind into
sharper focus. Keeping a close watch was all he could do now, and so,
he sat motionless beneath a weathered flight of stairs obscured by old
netting and waterlogged barrels, watching the fleet rock slowly in the
black winter chop. The swim would kill him. Puzzling a way out of this
trap was all the old codger had left.
Every structure has a weak spot: a soft bit of roof or a rotten door,
maybe an element on the inside that owes a debt. There are lots of
weak spots on things, and a big sodding ship has ‘em, too. But three
days and two frigid nights hadn’t been enough to reveal the flagship’s
secret—not even a clue as to Florent’s strategy behind the blockade. A
few marines had made landfall, but as of yet, no flags had been lowered.
The occupation was civilized, and the population well practiced in
such affairs.

The streets of Corbel were whisper silent. All
that blustered through its cobbled streets was the
ocean wind as it searched for warm flesh to numb.
Even the gulls kept their distance. All that remained
was the hypnotic slap of waves on stone and the
tedium of creaking wood. Grimaldi fought to keep
from nodding off; another knuckle popped. Pain
and heat radiated up his left hand. A little trick to
stave off the bitter cold.
Just then, a heel scraped the top step Grimaldi
hid beneath. He pinched the candle out and then
reached across his lap for the dagger beside him, but
the old man stopped mid-motion once he laid eyes
on Lucius Dower.
“I’ve got no appetite for your tricks, boy. If my
last few days of life are to be spent in your company,
can’t you at least make a show of some respect?”
whispered Grimaldi while sliding the needlelike
dagger back into its sheath, before taking another
moment to relight his candle.
“I didn’t have to scrape the top step. Figured
that was warning enough,” spoke Lucius. “Here, I
brought you some bread, and this is the last of the
Spiced Red.”
Grimaldi greedily accepted both.
Lucius wasn’t an islander. By the look of him,
he was of northern stock, angular features cut like
the Silver Mountains north of Paladine, broad-
shouldered and lean with a dark beard in need of
proper trimming. Lucius hunched to keep from
striking his head against the dock above. “There are
those who seek our employ,” he said.
Grimaldi’s eyebrow, reminiscent of a caterpillar
draped over the knot of a blighted tree, raised with
contempt. “Tell the Widow we’ll have no more of
her money collecting,” he spat. “It’s beneath us.”
The men locked eyes. Lucius’s expression
betrayed that it wasn’t the Widow. Grimaldi shifted
to look past his comrade and up the stairs that led
back to the dock above, where a cloak hem skirted
the top step. “Then what’s the business? Tell our
new patron to make themselves known,” he said in
a raised voice.
CO R B E L 615
Lucius grinned. “If you would be so kind as to
join us down here, I think my companion has
mistaken himself for a rat and now prefers the
underboards,” he said.
The cloaked figure descended, followed by an
entourage of Florentian marines clad in chainmail and
visored helms. Two carried an object between them,
no bigger than a child and wrapped in oiled burlap.
The soldiers’ master was a woman. With hands
adorned in gold and henna calligraphy, she pulled
back her hood before introducing herself. “My
name is Shâd Bakht, investigator and servant of the
Petalled Throne of Florent. The two of you are
rather difficult to find.”
With a wave of her right hand, the marines
cleared a space on the ground before Grimaldi,
whose expression was still frozen in uncertainty as
he pondered precisely how much trouble Lucius
had gotten the both of them into.
There was almost no sound as the object came to
rest on the stone ground, and by the look of the
soldiers’ effort and posture, it weighed next to nothing.
Lucius joined his friend and motioned for the old
theurge to inch away before pulling back the layers of
oiled fabric. “Keep that candle close at hand,” said
Lucius as he continued to gingerly unwrap the bundle.
Shâd Bakht approached. “It has come to our
attention that you understand a great many things,
Master Grimaldi. You and your servant—”
“Partner. We’re . . . partners,” balked Lucius, as
if this mistake had been made many times before.
The last bit of greasy fabric peeled away,
exposing the desiccated remains of what appeared
to be a man, its legs and arms twisted in strange
positions—the result of what seemed to be an
agonizing death. It was knotted like a child fitfully
clutching at a blanket, arms and legs drawn inward.
“My humble apologies, Master Lucius. I was
informed that only one of you was a practitioner of
the art,” offered Shâd Bakht.
“That part’s right. Grimaldi talks to devils, and
I shove swords through people. He limps, I don’t.
We complement each other,” said Lucius.
616 BLACKBIRDS
Shâd Bakht smiled politely.
Without warning, Grimaldi splashed scalding
wax from his candle onto Lucius’s left hand, the
flesh briefly sizzling like an egg in a skillet. Lucius
didn’t look hurt so much as annoyed by this childish
tantrum.
“Leave it alone,” barked Grimaldi, “And don’t
touch that damned thing again until I return.” With
that, he limped hurriedly down the barrels lining the
underboards. “Yes, yes. Here’s what we’ll need.”
The old wizard dragged back a small cask bearing
the shipping brand of the port of Ipswald. “I would
have preferred to cure a ham in this, but meat is a bit
scarce these days.” With that, he emptied the contents
of the barrel over the body. Pristine white salt poured
from the wooden keg, and within a few moments,
the cadaver was covered from head to toe. “Let them
sleep,” whispered Grimaldi, tapping his forefinger to
the tip of his nose.
He then reached for Lucius, who rapped a
single knuckle against the mage’s brow before
submitting his wax-covered hand. Grimaldi pulled
back the cooled tallow. There, motionless, frozen
like a butterfly in amber, rested a scarlet flea the size
of an Elysian copper.
“You’ll scrub with salt tonight, Lucius. We all
will. Where was the body found, mistress?” asked
the lopsided mage.
“Where it should not have been,” stated Shâd
Bakht.
She crouched in front of the cadaver drowned
in salt, her green eyes wide, devouring all they saw.
“Show it to me,” she said while placing two
unmarked silver ingots on the ground before her.
Lucius was quick to take up the oblong bars.
Grimaldi let out a sigh before slowly drawing his
keenly sharp blade.
“It should be safe enough,” offered the wizard.
Grimaldi first poked around the dusted body.
More of the enormous fleas were found, but they
were paralyzed by the salt.
“Seawater will burn them,” he mused before
pitching one over his shoulder into the freezing
water of the inner harbor. A sharp, hissing pop
followed.
Grimaldi then turned his attention back to the
body, forcing the arms and legs away from its torso
and then cutting through the husk’s sternum. It was
tough going, but his hands were practiced.
A few moments later, the remains began to
crack open, with Lucius pitching in by breaking a
few ribs to loosen the cage. Shâd Bakht leaned in,
her face lost in the pleasure of sincere curiosity. One
of her soldiers hurriedly brought up a hooded lamp
to better illuminate her prize.
There, beneath the dancing lights of the perforated
lantern, where the heart and lungs should have been,
was an abnormality that somehow replaced all the
latter. It was the size of an alley cat and coiled like a
sleeping hermit crab, swollen with the juices that had
once flowed freely through this broken corpse. The
creature’s translucent shell rose and fell as it went
through a motion that was much like breathing.
“He died three days ago. That’s how long it
takes for one to grow this large. A few hours from
now, it would have awoken, starving, needing to
replace all the nourishment it received from the
body. In a night or two, he would have looked like
his old self, walked and talked like the man he was,
and no one would be the wiser . . . for a time.”
Grimaldi trailed off.
“A striga,” Shâd Bakht whispered.
“The damned of ancient Corbellus,” said
Lucius.
 CO R B E L 617

HOLDINGS & LANDMARKS

Accademia District

O
n the western edge of the island sits
Corbel’s famous Accademia District, a
realm of grand architecture and statuary
that straddles the Thread of Fatima. This waterway,
much like the western city’s Bishop’s Head Canal, On the tips edge
tethers several neighboring districts together. It The falconers cry
terminates in the north near the Necropolis’s edge and To have danced the dance
again in the south, where it runs alongside the Rook’s And avoided the riddle’s chance
foundations before flowing into the sea. While not as Lay down your arms, brother
wide as its western counterpart, the Thread of Fatima For your fortune bleeds on the horizon
courses past the quarter’s renowned libraries and The dipped bread in the chalice
educational institutions. Like all things in Corbel, Drowns in your hand
these schools operate for profit, tasked with researching Take forth the invisible
taboo subjects at the behest of influential patrons. Ride into the curse
Corbel’s academics are as shrewd as they are Cast into the fates
secretive, researching the metaphysical truths that And in favor to none
govern alchemical creations, the mysterious nature of The fog has its path
wortcunning, and their connection, if any, to the Its answers avoid your cause
power of the Sigil’s divine symbols. Those who The wound of the past
dedicated themselves to the breaking of curses are of Barks at the shadows
most interest to Grand Duke Niccolo Alexandrescu A long knife slides across the sky
and often find their work well-financed by the Bank And another day begins
of Benedetti & Lanza, an institution with close ties to Without you in mind
the five families. —Yuzun

The Ruins of Ancient Corbellus

Within view of Corbel’s island capital, set into
the windswept palisade cliffs of the Vineyard Coast,
lay the ruins of ancient Corbellus. Shackled hordes
chiseled into the raw cliffside, inch by excruciating
inch, until a metropolis took shape within the living
rock. They altered the path of the mighty river Eld
so that it flowed through the city’s many vaults,
cooling the city and supplying the population with
fresh water. The undertaking took generations to
complete. Avenues of rose quartz webbed in veins
of opal and sunstone give way to enormous
chambers once used as squares for commerce and
revelry. Each level is stacked upon the next, formed
into a multi-tiered palace framed in nature’s glory.
The layers of the city evoked symmetry so pleasing
to look upon that the poets of the era wept when
they first laid eyes upon it.
Ere the birth of Hyperion and before the
quarrying of Paladine’s foundations from the Silver
Mountains, Hekaté’s levy doomed the city of
Corbellus and all who inhabited it. There is no
record of what transpired on that fateful night. All
that remains are a few archaic ballads, children’s
stories, and shreds of folklore.
Scoured by time’s relentless passage, mighty
Corbellus lingers like a ghost on Corbel’s periphery.
Its colossal halls are broken by tectonic shifts, looted
and overgrown. The stillness of old Corbellus is
618 BLACKBIRDS
punctuated by droplets of water echoing through its
abandoned chambers, a sudden tumble of rock in
the darkness, the grind of a boot over loose gravel.
None who visit here linger, and the smart ones don’t
come at all.
Its seaward-facing chambers now act as nests
for the notoriously territorial tear, their dens littered
with the countless bones of sea life and those of the
occasional person. The lower level of the city houses
cavernous docks built to accommodate the smaller
vessels of that age, which are incompatible with the
significantly broader contemporary ships found in
Corbel’s fleet and Florent’s armada. A handful of
smugglers still use the old jetties, however, moving
cargo out into the Erebosian countryside. Their
paths through the labyrinthine ruin are closely
guarded secrets. Even those familiar with Corbellus’s
interior dare not venture too deep. They follow
well-worn paths from sea level to the upper city, for
beyond the sparse rays of sunlight dwell things best
forgotten.
Much of Corbel’s infantry camps among the
rubble of the upper city, pondering the fate of their
beloved home—now secured by Florent’s—their
morale dashed by the sight of such overwhelming
odds. Their supply lines dwindle, and desertion is
rampant; if not for the support from the neighboring
kingdom of Vichy, their encampment would not
have endured these last two years. But such
generosity comes with a price. Ivald Tannhauser,
devoted Sigilist and officer within the City of
Painted Glass’s Ministry of Devotion, has come to
inspect the entrenched forces. Corbel’s military
commanders have no choice but to offer him and
his retinue the utmost hospitality.
Bishop’s Head Canal
At the southeastern edge of the island, the
mouth of the Bishop’s Head Canal opens upon the
Gulf of Echoes, eventually giving way to the Azule.
It is a significant thoroughfare of the city, once filled
with pleasure ships, gondolas, and barges
overflowing with goods from one port or another.
Now, the canal is quiet, save for the occasional
splash of a body being discarded into its dark
depths. The great artery flows through the eastern
city until terminating at the fortified wall at the
edge of the Foreign District.
The Garden of Prosperity
Once filled with the sounds of laughing
children and the joyful pentameter of verse, the
Garden of Prosperity was home to the idle pursuits
of the impossibly wealthy and their privileged
offspring. Now, most of its villas stand empty,
though some have been transformed into makeshift
barracks for the patrolling portions of the
Shahanshah’s occupying force. Of those few
Corbellian families who remain, few dare leave the
grounds of their walled homesteads.
The Glittering Bazaar
Located in the southeastern corner of the city is
the world-renowned Glittering Bazaar. Once a
vibrant network of spice-filled market squares and
alleyway stalls overflowing with finery from far-off
kingdoms beyond the Azule, it’s now the foothold
from which Florent’s soldiers launch their excursions
into the rest of the city. While the Shahanshah’s
forces unquestionably control the Bazaar and the
southern ward of the Foreign District, their
influence lessens across the three bridges that reach
farther into Corbel. It was here that the Red Gloves
made a stand against their encroaching foe. The
three-day-long Battle of Rider’s Gate was the only
portion of the invasion that resembled a proper war,
and Admiral Astyages Gul became the Glittering
Bazaar’s new master once the guard was pushed
deep into the city’s interior.
Golden Basilica
At the heart of the city, atop the only hill of
note, rests the Golden Basilica—guarded exclusively
by the Custode Vigilante. From this location, the
five families govern the Dominion of Corbel. Only
the most honored guests are allowed to enter the

marvelous citadel. It gets its name from the golden
dome that crowns its central hall. The Basilica’s
edifice, adorned with beautiful sculptures, is the
very epitome of opulence—a thing of terrible
beauty constructed from burgundy and black
marble.
Avenue of Mirrors
One of the stranger features of Corbel is its Avenue
of Mirrors. As far as the public knows, there is
one way into and out of the Basilica grounds. A
wide street spanning the distance of multiple city
blocks on which no shops or stalls are allowed. The
Domini’s guards line the road, tending to large
burning pyres and countless brasiers, monitoring
all who come and go from the Golden Basilica and
its grounds. Huge reflective surfaces, polished silver
columns, and wide mirrors line the avenue. While
most of the Custode Vigilante keep a watchful eye
on those few who navigate the steep high street,
others watch only the reflective surfaces—their
backs turned to the citizens who shuffle past.
Necropolis
Corbel’s city of the dead has puzzled master
artificers for ages. Much of its winding avenues,
built to impersonate the cobbled streets of a living
city, wind far below sea level, and the runoff that
spills into the Necropolis from a number of the
canals that border the district has no discernible
destination. Like the Warren, what should
ultimately be a submerged city district is empty—a
cauldron waiting to be filled. The reason behind
this is extensively debated. Some say a creature lives
at the bottom of the well at the Necropolis’s center
and drinks all the seawater that continuously drains
into it. Others muse that a powerful spell keeps the
basin dry, and should the one who cast it die, their
magic would dissipate, causing the Necropolis to
flood. Perhaps the wisest interpretation is that
within every lie is a grain of truth, and to dwell on
such things is a fruitless endeavor.
CO R B E L 619
The Rook
Built on a small outcropping of high ground
during the ninth year of the first era of the current
age, the Rook stands as the Domini’s last bastion for
retreat should the Golden Basilica fall, and it has
endured for centuries. The main means of access to
the castle is governed by a keystone bridge connecting
the gatehouse to the Vaults District. The bridge can
easily be destroyed and sunk into the canal should
the correct stones come away from its foundations.
The other means is the Cancello Empireo, the
fortified wall that runs between the Rook into the
bedrock beneath the Hanging Terraces. Even before
the first wall of either destination is reached, an
attacker must fight through several sets of interior
chambers and gates and capture each before
attempting to breach the next.
Snail’s Helm
Just off the northern coast of the city proper is the
district known as Snail’s Helm, a rat’s nest that runs up
and along the spiraling jagged rock that breaches the
waters of the Gulf of Echoes. Here, the downtrodden
of Corbel dwell in relative isolation and obscurity. The
docks, like those in the city proper, have fallen into
Florent’s control. However, the transition of power in
Snail’s Helm was handled ceremoniously and without
violence, as the few Red Gloves stationed within the
district fled without hesitation when the first masts of
the Shahanshah’s fleet came into view.
Temple District
After retreating into the Temple District, the
Red Gloves sacked and displaced most of the pious,
save those in service to the temple of Sigil, which
remained under the Widow’s protection. Rich in
offerings and stockpiled supplies meant for the
city’s paupers, the Temple District was ripe for the
picking when it became clear that there would be
no swift victory against Florent’s invasion of Corbel.
Here, the Gloves stew in musty cellars, sleeping on
pews from which prayers were once uttered to the
divine and dreaming of a way out the city.
620 BLACKBIRDS
Vaults
It’s become clear that the merchant bankers of
Vaults caught wind of Florent’s attack days before
the rest of the city, providing them with ample time
to pour from the city like rats from a sinking ship.
That the banks were closed on the day before the
arrival of the flotilla goes without saying. In their
wake, no guards were posted and no precautionary
measures were taken. All that mattered was slipping
away without startling the peasantry and their
betters. Institutions such as the Bank of Benedetti
& Lanza or the Reloquin Guild are uncrowned
governors of enormous wealth. Whoever wins this
siege knows better than to pick a fight with these
arbiters of literal fortune. But there are still those
who might dare, and without question, the district
bankers did not flee with their vaults in tow.
The Warren
Once a verdant garden quarter filled with
palatial homes, Kurèt’s Chalice flooded in the
twelfth era of the current age when a large portion
of Corbel’s underground caverns suddenly
imploded. The devastation fractured the eastern
side of the city, collapsing large parts of the Foreign
District and ultimately drowning what is now called
the Warren, an interior lake of half-submerged
structures. While no one of repute lives in the
Chalice’s remains, it makes for lovely pleasure
boating. One can idle along crystal-blue waters
surrounded by placid ruins overtaken by the
untended flora of their rooftop gardens.
The Listing Tower
A spire of crumbling stone tilts precariously off
the northern edge of Corbel’s fortress island. This
ancient lighthouse was converted into a prison near
the end of the Age of Hyperion. It earned its sobriquet
during the contemporary era after a series of quakes
caused the historic landmark to lean ever-so-
dangerously toward the Gulf of Echoes. To stand—
or to be chained, for that matter—within the Listing
Tower is very unnerving. Through one barred
window, a prisoner might gaze upon the sky, and
through another, the endless churn of waves and
passing gulls. Even prisoners who come from
seafaring trades comment on the disruption of
balance that one never grows accustomed to, no
matter how long one’s stay. Many agree it is better to
die than to be shackled within this wilting purgatory.
The Listing Tower served as a radiant beacon
for ships on approach to the new capital in bygone
eras, a symbol of Corbel’s reemergence from the
long millennia of darkness suffered after the collapse
in antiquity of its previous incarnation as the empire
of Corbellus. At the order of Dominu Agamemnon
the First, a hole was carved from the island’s
bedrock, one so deep that the foundation of a
mighty tower could be placed within it. Secretly,
however, the tower’s construction coincided with
the clandestine relocation of a pagan temple—one
that sat atop the only hill of significance at the
island’s center. Masons moved the holy structure,
piece by piece, through a hidden staircase installed
at the lowest level of the newly erected tower. The
stairs descended into the hollow caverns beneath
A N E ST O F TE A R S
The tear is a large, cliff-dwelling bird that hunts in a pack,
native to the Gulf of Echoes and called “the wolf of the sky”
by fearful sailors. A full-grown tear can dive into the sea and
emerge with a baby dolphin or manta ray in its clutches.
Mariners atop the crow’s nests of mighty ships know to keep
a sharp eye on the sky when approaching Corbel, for more
than one has been pulled from their perch by the lacerating
talons of the tear. Tales of their frightening strength and
taste for human flesh have traveled far and wide, but
none fear these predators more than the prisoners of the
Listing Tower. The upper levels of the tower have become
a favored roost for the birds—a place to feed their young
on prey that fights back just enough. At the prison’s zenith,
many of the cells face the full brunt of the elements, where
walls and flooring have crumbled into the Azule. Here,
unruly prisoners are chained and left to die, meals for the
tear chicks small enough to slip through prison bars.

the island. There, amongst the damp caves, rests the
fabled Temple of Anemoi, a monument to Corbel’s
long-forgotten past. It is said that the Five Domini
still use the old sanctuary as a place to meet, far
from spying diplomats and scheming courtiers.
During the years that followed the tower’s
construction, considerable excavation continued. A
tunnel was dug toward the old capital across the
Gulf of Echoes. The purpose was to provide a means
of subtle transit to the mainland, but disaster soon
struck. Not long after construction began, the
tunnel suffered a massive collapse. Bodies of laborers
surfaced by the hundreds, bobbing among the
trading vessels. The scarce few who survived
whispered of chambers filled with iridescent
pearls . . . and of unseen things skittering in the
darkness.
CO U RT LY I NT R I G U E
Of the Five Families & Their
Progenitors
A
fter the fall of Corbellus, with its
population decimated and scattered to
the four winds, the accursed magi
doomed by the god Hekaté scurried into the
crevasses of their fallen empire—where they would
sleep and await the birth of a new era, one where
they would vanish into obscurity. In time, people
returned to the island that housed Anemoi’s
temple, unaware of the horrors that slept within
its jagged rocks. With foundations laid, a small
village took root, and the slumbering monsters
forged by Hekaté’s wrath stirred. It is from these
ensorcelled bloodlines of striga that the five
families of Corbel trace their lineage.
Hekaté had cast down more than just the
magi on that fateful night. However, the magi’s
servants, who were transformed into wolves, had
disappeared in the intervening years. When the
striga retreated from the surface, their servants-
turned-hunters weakened from starvation. With
CO R B E L 621
“Do you hear the low knell
‘cross the cobbles at dusk
as it rings from his funeral bell?
Run quickly inside
‘neath your bedsheets to hide
lest he catch you and take you to hell.”
—Children’s rhyme from the streets of Corbel,
as recorded by the Wandering Squire
little choice, the wolves swam for the mainland, to
a region called Tarquin’s Hammer, and from there,
only the gods knew where. But the striga were
bound to the island, trapped not only by the
seawater that surrounded it, but also by the will of
Hekaté. Cursed. Imprisoned. The island fell silent
for ages before humans returned to its rocky
shores, and for all that time, the striga slept. The
island’s new occupants discovered the sun-bleached
bones of dire wolves and perplexing, amber-
colored shells as large as oxen, the latter covered in
engravings that defied understanding—scores of
both littered the ground. Foul omens, to be sure.
But memories are short, and these peculiar artifacts
vanished with time’s passage, as most things do.
Untouched by time, the striga cautiously
moved amongst the growing citizenry, discovering
what they had become and how their new forms
could serve them, just as they had done a millennia
ago with the potential of the Od. Still, Hekaté’s
curse was poetic. They had become vermin
tethered to the prosperity of humanity. Never
would the magi be able to show their true faces to
the world. No matter how much influence the
magi accrued, they would always be trapped—
theirs was now a kingdom of fleeting shadows, and
discovery would be their undoing.
622 BLACKBIRDS
Within a few generations, the striga, well
nourished by the swelling population, began a sort
of parasitic life cycle. They selected powerful
families to infiltrate. The beasts learned to ride
within their hosts, granting their minds enough
freedom to perpetuate their identity while the
creature hidden within grew stronger. Many families
resisted—entire lineages were wiped out in the
resulting struggles—and more than once, the striga
were exposed. In time, however, five families
submitted or, more appropriately, were broken. But
the legends of creatures that can impersonate loved
ones have stayed with Corbel to this day.
T I TA N C A S K S
Of the magi of old Corbellus, only a few survived those
first long nights of damnation. The smiths who labored
over their ensorcelled forges, transformed into the wolfen,
harried their former masters, driving them beneath
the island’s rugged crags. How many striga crawled out
from the ground when the howls eventually subsided is
unknown. What is true is that five of those magi, guilty
of such atrocity against the elves, have survived. Their
monstrosity, honed against the unending millstone of time,
brought about a dark metamorphosis that transformed
them into the titan casks—the first to be cursed by the
enraged mother of the aes. And they persist to this day,
stirring drowsily below the city in their hidden vaults.
THE DOMINI
Dominu Alexandrescu
For the striga, memories are an oil painting freshly
dipped in spirits. They run and bleed, lose shape, and,
at times, become something unrecognizable. Like so
many Domini before him, Grand Duke Niccolo
Alexandrescu serves at the whim of a dreaming
horror. Its thoughts twist and roil through the Grand
Duke’s mind like a worm within a rotten apple,
motivating him to do almost everything in his power
to free his get from Hekaté’s curse, however. The
forebearer of House Alexandrescu refuses to allow
his family to compromise themselves by dealing with
theurges or their spiteful benefactors, the Outsiders.
The titan cask’s remembrances of what magic was
before the Outsiders tightened their hold on the Od
have led those of the Alexandrescu line to shun all
who practice what they call “the low art.”
Dominu Cicero
Countess Giglio of House Cicero often climbs the
spiral steps of the Golden Basilica’s great dome.
Perched upon this gilded vantage point, her ennui
briefly subsides. There, she casts her eyes upon the
nearby shores of the Splendid Kingdoms, thirsting
for the freedom she knew briefly in youth before she
was taken to rise within the ranks of her house and
damned to never leave the city again. The Cicero
line has long held the traditions of the Sigil, and
theirs was one of the first Corbellian families to
convert and turn away from the paganism of the old
gods. Faith can be a balm even to one so afflicted as
Giglio. Resigned to the whims of Fate, and against
the judgment of her fellow Domini, the countess
turned to her family’s spiritual advisors for guidance.
The church was all too eager to become entangled in
the affairs of one of the Domini, and Giglio’s newly
restored piety has been rewarded tenfold.
Delle Scale
Lorenzo Delle Scale, Prince of Summer, no longer
leaves the confines of the Golden Basilica, for what
stirs within his entropic flesh has broken his body
into hideous disfigurement. The prince’s locomotion,
should he choose to move, in no way appears to
be natural or even remotely human. A retinue of
seamstresses, waxworkers, and physicians tend to
his hulking form to maintain what mortal visage
they can desperately salvage—an act more akin to
dressing a rotten goose for the oven than a work of
chirurgy. With every repulsive shudder, the striga
within threatens to tear through the curtain of flesh
that is stitched tightly over Lorenzo’s putrid form.
His fellow Domini keep him passive with gore laced
with the milk of the poppy, awaiting what the titan
cask has in store for one of its oldest offspring.
 CO R B E L 623

Gurkani
The Gurkani family came to Corbel long after its
ancient resurrection from Corbellus, and since
crashing upon these rocky shores, they have
longed to return to their ancestral lands in Ulabos.
But the striga prevented that from happening.
Marquess Zeeshan Gurkani marks the omens of
the current age with calm discretion—the world
comes undone and, with it, the great works of the
gods themselves. Should it not come to pass that
even Hekaté’s curse will crumble with the mortal
world? Eras have passed in this foreign prison.
Ages governed by instinct and half-remember
dreams, until recently. Never has Zeeshan felt the
presence of his slumbering progenitor more than
now. Some nights, it’s as if there’s a figure dressed
in tattered cloth and woven sandals walking
alongside him as he strolls through the Hanging
Terraces. It whispers but one message: “A great day
will soon be upon us, for I, too, am stitched within
the womb of forever.”
S I LV E R A N D G O L D, T H E T W I N A S S A S S I N S
Plucked from the brothels of the Glittering
Bazaar, the siblings Silver and Gold share an origin
that begins with an odd birth. Rumor has it that the
twins tore their way out of their mother’s corpse
when, weakened from fever and malnourishment,
she succumbed to the crucible of childbirth. It is
said they did not cry, only gazed at the midwife, the
only other occupant of the bedchamber, and like
two foals ready to face the woods’ dangers, they
arose, possessing uncanny musculature. The
midwife fled the room, whispering prayers beneath
her breath. The children, still babes, quickly passed

Van Dimián
Kurèt, Baroness van Dimián, like those of her
house, ponders oblivion with a fervor often
reserved for melodramatic characters in a poorly
written play, yet she continues to dwell within this
unending twilight like a statue that occasionally
chooses to animate. Unlike her fellow Domini,
the Baroness’s ilk have not added to their accursed
ranks in nine generations, instead choosing to
allow House van Dimián to wither dangerously
close to collapse. Only through the indomitable
indifference of their family’s dark patron does
Kurèt find enough doubt to stay her desire to
march into the sea. That and knowing the other
houses would use the absence of the van Dimián
bloodline as an excuse to swell the numbers of
their own children. To endure a bit longer is to
deny the monstrous urges of her own kind. In that
petty truth, she finds her reason to go on.
 624 BLACKBIRDS

into the care of an Ulaboan weapons master named
Jahangir Salim, who was in the service of the five
families. Under Salim’s tutelage, the children were,
in a way, honed into weapons to be used against the
families’ many enemies within the city and abroad.
In truth, Silver and Gold’s training began in
their mother’s womb. One of the young lady’s clients,
a bastard of House Alexandrescu, plied favor with his
concubine by sharing the milk of the egg with her, a
potent drug known only to the families. Their
lovemaking was rapturous and, under the influence
of the elixir, lasted for days. When his lady showed
signs of motherhood, he continued to feed her more
of the pearlescent fluid. Prolonged exposure to the
milk changed the courtesan, and it transformed the
children growing within her belly. The unborn
babies’ hunger ravaged their mother’s body. In the
end, she could not eat fast enough to replenish
herself, and death soon followed. She lay dead for a
full hour before the twins escaped the womb.
Silver and Gold took to their training under
the accomplished Salim like a hammer to the anvil.
Taught the histories of ancient Corbellus, nurtured
in the strategies of Hyperion, baptized in techniques
of murder from every civilization ever to add
something to the science of killing, enthralled by
the milk of the egg before birth—the twins’ loyalty
is without question, tethered to the invisible chains
of addiction. They exist with no concept of freedom.
Now they hunt the agents of Florent’s Petalled
Throne. A war of skulduggery and deniable aggression
plays out beneath the occupation. As the two nations
politely smile at one another, their servants carve one
another to pieces just out of sight.

G O L D:
COMBAT BRAWN AGILITY PERCEPTION INTELLIGENCE WILLPOWER FELLOWSHIP
55 [6] 40 [4] 50 [9] 45 [5] 45 [4] 40 [4] 40 [4]
Coordination
Melee +20 Athletics +20 +20
Awareness +20 Resolve +20
Ranged +20 Toughness +10 Skullduggery +20
Stealth +20
Damage
Risk Factor:
Threshold:
Dodge: 70% Peril Threshold: Suggested for 3
12(18/24/30) Movement: 12 Initiative: 15 Size: Normal
Parry: 75% 7(13/19/25) Intermediate-
Light leather +2:
Tier Blackbirds
14(20/26/32)
Patta (Wolfsbane): 75% - Distance (Melee Engaged) - Damage [2Ð6+9] - Fast, Finesse, Defensive *made of pure quickbronze*
Longbow: 75% - Distance (Ranged 21 strides) - Load (1 AP) - Damage [2Ð6+9] - Finesse

MY BROTHER’S KEEPER: Gold can Parry attacks
made against her brother if she is within 3 strides
of her brother or the attacker; these parries are
made at +10.
NO MORTAL SKILL: This creature is immune to
Extinguish Abilities.
MARTIAL DANCE: All Dodge rolls Gold makes
are Flip to Succeed. All Grapple attempts
made against Gold are Flip to Fail.
BRIGAND’S TRICK 2 MISFORTUNE, 1 AP,
COMBAT ACTION: This creature performs an
underhanded attack. It can’t be dodged or parried.
TRAP 2 MISFORTUNE, 2 AP, SPECIAL ACTION:
This creature activates a trap that has been set
nearby to catch the unaware. Anyone engaged with
this creature must make a Coordination test or fall
Prone and take 2Ð6+1 Damage.
AMBUSH 3 MISFORTUNE, NONCOMBAT
ACTION: This creature and all those accompanying
them are set for an ambush and initiate a Surprise
Round. Awareness rolls made for the Blackbirds
and their allies to detect the ambush are at –30.
 CO R B E L 625

TWIN CRIMSON 5 MISFORTUNE,
3 AP, COMBAT ACTION: This Trait may only be
activated when Silver and Gold are in the same Scene.
The twins perform a devastating and lightning-
swift attack on all foes within 3 strides of either of
them, who then take 2Ð10+9 Bane Damage. Make
a successful (Arduous –30%) Toughness test for
those struck, or they gain the Scarlet Torrent Injury
and will bleed out in [BB] Turns.

S I LV E R:
COMBAT BRAWN AGILITY PERCEPTION INTELLIGENCE WILLPOWER FELLOWSHIP
55 [6] 50 [9] 40 [4] 40 [5] 50 [5] 45 [4] 45 [4]
Athletics +20
Melee +20 Awareness +10 Charm +20
Toughness +20 Stealth +20 Resolve +20
Ranged +10 Scrutinize +20 Guile +20

Damage
Risk Factor:
Threshold:
Dodge: 40% Peril Threshold: Suggested for 3
14(20/26/32) Movement: 7 Initiative: 16 Size: Normal
Parry: 75% 7(13/19/25) Intermediate-
Light leather +2:
Tier Blackbirds
16(22/28/34)
Clawed Gauntlet (Kestrel): 75% - Distance (Melee Engaged) - Damage [2Ð6+9] - Pummeling, Vicious, Breaker, Fitted
Light Crossbow: 65% - Distance (Ranged 10 Strides) - Load (2 AP) - Damage [2Ð6+6] - Fast, Punishing, Weak

THICKER THAN WATER: Silver gets +10 to attack
anyone who is within 3 strides of his sister, Gold, as
she helps distract the target.
NO MORTAL SKILL: This creature is immune to
Extinguish Abilities.
WORDS OF DOUBT 3 MISFORTUNE, 2
AP, SPECIAL ACTION: 1Ð6 town guards or armed
peacekeepers appear who believe whatever this
creature says to them and take their side in
any disagreement. Use the armsmen entry for
peacekeeper statistics (see Armsmen in Chapter 10:
Bestiary for details).
BRIGAND’S TRICK 2 MISFORTUNE, 1 AP,
COMBAT ACTION: This creature performs an
underhanded attack. It can’t be dodged or parried.
DEVIOUS PLAN 2 MISFORTUNE, 2 AP, SPECIAL
ACTION: This creature has planned for the current
circumstances and has an escape route, trap, or
reversal that changes things in their favor. Make a
successful Awareness test for those present, or they
take 1Ð10+1 Damage from a hidden trap as this
creature escapes the current location.
TWIN CRIMSON 5 MISFORTUNE, 3 AP,
COMBAT ACTION: This Trait may only be activated
when Silver and Gold are in the same Scene. The
twins perform a devastating and lightning-swift attack
on all foes within 3 strides of either of them, who
then take 2Ð10+9 Bane Damage. Make a successful
(Arduous –30%) Toughness test for those struck,
or they gain the Scarlet Torrent Injury and
will bleed out in [BB] Turns.

N E W W E A P O N S:
MELEE QUALITIES DAMAGE BASE RANGE RELOAD HANDS PATRONAGE
Pummeling,
Clawed Gauntlet Vicious, Breaker, [CB] N/A N/A 1 7
Fitted
Fast, Finesse,
Patta [CB] N/A N/A 1 6
Defensive
 C H A P TE R 12

Highsalt
T H E C H I L D R E N’ S L E V Y
A N D T H E FO U N D I N G
O F H I G H S A LT
by Ryan Verniere & Bill Bridges
W hen giants still hunted the north, the
Bearhide clan sought refuge from the
long-limbed marauders. Its people found
an ocean cave near the foot of a jagged sea cliff and, starving
and desperate, they risked drowning among the slick rocks
just to gain a few moment’s respite, as food, water, and sleep
had eluded them for days.
Gyges did not sleep, however. One of the oldest of giants, he never
tired and never gave up on his prey. The Bellowing Devourer’s cry
deafened all who heard it, and its roar now thundered over the
crashing waves to reach the folk of the Bearhide clan below.
Shivering in their wet cave, the clan’s people fell to their knees,
clutching their ears to ward against the pain of that roar. There
would be no fighting Gyges, but if he could be distracted, the
people might rest so they could run again.
Hrut, the chieftain, chose three of the fastest warriors and
tasked them with returning to the clifftops to taunt Gyges and
lead him away. The first of them was Roar, with his mighty spear;
the second was Ulf, who wielded a bone ax; and lastly, Sif, who
gave her sword to her sister Druuna, who guarded two infant
children.
For three days, Gyges chased the warriors, rampaging this way
and that. On the fourth day, he returned alone to the cliff ’s edge
and once more began to howl down at the exhausted clan. Terrified,
the tribe retreated deeper into the cave.
 As they descended, the giant’s roars slowly
faded. Moving deeper still, they discovered walls of
salt, white and crystalline, and hidden tide pools
filled with edible creatures from the sea, a bounty of
translucent shrimp and fist-sized clams, and most
wondrous of all: the blue crabs.
Teeming in the hundreds, each the size of a pony,
the crabs meandered without purpose or fear. Their
red eyes, standing erect on chitinous aquamarine
stalks, glowed like rubies in the torchlight. When the
chieftain and his people descended upon them, they
did not defend themselves. For the first time in a very
long time, the people fed. Sleep followed quickly.
That night, as waves poured in from the sea, a
coiling shape of twisting kelp slipped into the pools
among the slumbering flock. It stepped from the
water on hoofed feet, its body wearing the shape of
a horse encrusted with barnacles and starfish, its
mane of olive-colored seaweed alive with tiny blue
crabs that scuttled up and down its locks.
The creature approached Sif ’s sister, who was
the first to awaken.
“Why have you killed my children?” the sea
god asked, gazing upon the broken remains of the
blue crabs. Tubeworms dripped from her nostrils.
“Forgive us,” Druuna begged, bowing before
the wrack-wrapped horse. “We were starving and
did not know these crabs were your children.”
“Why should your hunger matter to me?”
asked the sea mare.
“We are trespassers but not willfully so,” said
Druuna. “Our crime is one of ignorance. Please, I
beg you.”
Then Druuna’s children awoke and stirred in
their sodden blankets, staring up at the dripping
horse with wonder in their eyes. The sea god bent
its head in puzzlement, pondering the boy and girl.
“Your tribe has wronged me,” spoke the mare.
“But the children are innocent. I will lead you to
where the river meets the sea. There you will quench
your thirst.”
“Why do you take pity on us?” whispered
Druuna.
The tribe had been watching the young mother
speak with the sea god. None dared to interrupt.
They waited in silence.
“Because if you follow, you will belong to me,”
said the mare. “That is my price.”
The god slipped back into the tidal pool and
swam out of the cave.
One by one, the clan followed, stepping over
the remains of the crabs, making their way back to
the mouth of the cave.
Outside, the mare waited for them in the shallows.
She was now the size of a longship, larger than Gyges,
with eyes as ruby red as her slaughtered children’s. As
the clan emerged from the sea cave, the horse god
walked down the coast, kicking up waves that violently
crashed against the shore. Her foaming wake filled
with dolphins, sharks, and the tentacles of kraken.
630 BLACKBIRDS
Hrut ran past Druuna and up to the water’s
edge. “What do we call you?” he shouted.
The sea god did not answer.
In time, they came upon a waterfall cascading
off the cliff tops above.
“Let the children drink first,” spoke the mare.
The people stood by as their children ran
toward the bubbling stream. Druuna placed both of
her infants by the brook’s edge and then backed
away, joining the rest of her people near the surf.
She smiled, comforted by the sounds of splashing
play. For a moment, the people knew peace.
Hrut advanced toward the waterfall, his
drinking horn in hand. Druuna rushed after him,
but the chieftain swatted her aside. He sneered at
the young mother with all of the malice his wounded
pride could muster.
“Stop!” cried Druuna. “She has not bid us to
drink yet!”
“I made no such pact,” Hrut said. “Who is to
say this being is not a giant taken some new form to
trick us?” He lowered his horn into the stream.
“Seal our covenant,” said the mare, her sea-dark
eyes boring into Druuna.
Before Hrut’s drinking horn was half-full,
Druuna, teeth clenched, stepped forward and
swung her sister’s sword in an arc as pure as the
rainbow radiating from the misty waterfall above.
Wujung!
Hrut’s head fell from his shoulders and tumbled
into the water, followed by a spray of hot blood
from the stump. The gore steamed against the black
coastal rocks. As Hrut’s body went limp, Druuna
stood taller and turned to face her new god.

“Goddess, what is your name?” she asked.
“You may call me the Rider,” said the mare. “Your
tribe will prosper here. They will lay the foundations of
a city and be free within its walls from the wrath of
giants. But there is still a debt owed to me.”
Druuna looked at her infants playing at the
river’s edge. Her sister’s sword slipped from between
her fingers, clattering upon the rocky beach. She
took a deep breath. “What is your judgment?”
“You will replace that which you have stolen
from me,” said the mare. “And on this day, each
year, I will allow you to visit again with your
children. But not as they are now.”
A soft murmur of fear rolled through the tribe.
Druuna lowered her head. “We shall do this.”
A pulse from deep within the world, and yet
entirely divorced from it, rose up from the ocean. It
crashed over the clan like thunder. Druuna’s eyes
rolled back into her head. She emptied her stomach
on the black-stone beach.
The crashing of the waves overwhelmed her
mind, reverberating through her. All her fear, all the
terror from weeks of fleeing the giant, poured from
her body, like the blood that still pumped from
Hrut’s corpse. Her identity shattered, all shreds of
her humanity trailing away like seaweed receding
with the waves. She felt as if she were one of the
creatures of the sea, swimming in the mare’s wake,
content forever to play at her mother’s side.
She opened her eyes and saw that her hands no
longer had fingers. They had become scarlet pincers.
Her pale flesh became blue and hardened into a
shell. Her ribs burst from her sides and became the
sharp legs of a crab. The rest of her flesh and hair
clung to the sharp ridges of her shell, like a tattered
cloak thrown over a chair. Beneath this bloody
remnant of her humanity stood a large blue crab.
Druuna, Child of the Rider.
The clan watched in horror as the children,
playing in the water, shifted and warped, flesh
H I G H S A LT 631
becoming shell, hands becoming
claws, eyes stretching forth on
stalks. And yet still their laughing
echoed across the rocks.
Druuna looked to the
gathered adults and spoke, her
voice rumbling from her toothless
mouth. “Do not eat the crabs, for “Ne’er go fair child,
they are your children. Tell your down to the shores, of
children to come that they are waters still and wide
forbidden from harming the / for teeth that catch
crabs, for they are their brothers hide ‘neath the glass of
and sisters. It shall be so with ponds without a tide.”
each new generation.” —Rhyme sung by the
children of the Caoimhe
The mare stepped into the Clans as recorded by the
Wandering Squire
sea and turned, waiting. Druuna’s
many limbs scrambled over the
rocks and into the sea, where she bobbed by the
mare’s side. And then they were gone, like a wave of
foam dispersed into the sea.
The adults wept and watched as the children,
the blue crabs, scuttled about on the beach and
disappeared into the caves.
When their tears had dried, they looked above to
where the waterfall fell. They saw a line of steps leading
up the wall. They followed and found on the bluff
above a place protected by walls of stone, taller than a
giant and stronger than Gyges’s fists. There they built
their city, Highsalt, next to the Laughing River and
above the caves where their children played.
Above the throne of Highsalt today hangs the
Sword of Druuna, the weapon that bought the
people of Thule their succor. No king shall wield it,
but should a queen ever be crowned, it shall fit
finely into her hand.
Every year, in the summer, the people celebrate
the March of the Blue Crabs. None may interfere
with crabs on their travels, and a death sentence
awaits any who would eat them, for that is the
crime of cannibalism.
THE UNASSAILABLE CITY
T
he harsh, unforgiving realm of Thule
breaks the weak. And yet, it is to here
people from the south now flee, seeking
safety and a better life. That a place of frozen wastes,
storm-wracked coasts, endless boreal forests, and
unwelcoming clans holds the last hope for thousands
of refugees presents as concise a statement about the
hellish state of affairs in the world as any.
Thule offers only false hope. The refugees pile
up at Wahlham on the bare tip of Elklund in a vast,
wretched camp, waiting for passage across the
King’s Road to Highsalt. But the Sigil controls
access and apportions out passage only to those who
can tithe a fortune to the church or who accept a
form of thralldom, sworn to serve the Sigil when it
calls upon them.
Duke Aymeric Cicero II, ruler of Highsalt and
greater Thule itself, lets the Sigil handle the refugee
crisis in return for a cut of the wealth flowing up
from the south in the hands of the desperate. For
now, at least. Whenever it threatens to become a
problem, he’ll seal the border and cut off all land
access, so that only seafarers can continue to come
and go freely. But that time yet abides. For now.
Dread rumors of horrific encounters had filtered
down from the far north to the court of Highsalt for
months: men and women—fathers, mothers,
brothers, sisters—going missing from their steadings
then returned as things. Chitin-armored, chittering,
scuttling soldiers serving some unknown lord. They
crept forth from the forests’ edges and snatched
families from their homes, stealing them to the
north, to whatever lair they crawled from.
The truth came out soon enough, revealed in a
torrent of tears by a Druid of the Elden Tree who
stumbled, barely alive, to the gates of Highsalt.
Yggdrasil the Mighty lies dead. However, its revenant
soul, wounded and drained of Od, refuses to release
its hold on the rotten stump of the once majestic ash
tree. It calls now to the faithful, to all those who had
once sacrificed to it and who had once reaped the
bounty of its beneficence. The whispers came first in
dreams, then nightmares, then nightmares made real:

incessant commands to come, come, come to the
north, come serve the ancient ash. And so they came.
They dropped their scythes and hammers and
butcher knives and walked northward in a trance.
Some fell on the journey, frozen and frostbitten,
starving and weak, but many reached their goal and
clambered up the dead roots to the shards of wood
jutting from Yggdrasil’s upper stump. There, they
impaled themselves, gave their souls over to the
dead god, and began their metamorphosis.
It is told in legend that Yggdrasil made insects
from its bark flesh, servants for spreading its seed.
Now, its new servants—the barkborn, more insect
than man—work to spread its diseased and
blackened seed to all the world.
But more than men heed the call of the poisoned
tree. Giants, the titans of old—long hidden in the
dormant volcanic caves under Thule, where they
hibernated a long winter of many years—now stir
and climb to the surface, stumbling toward the
remains of the dead god. There, they lay their bodies
down like felled trees and wait for the roots to slowly
engulf them, wrapping around them like chains,
squeezing out their lives and Odic energies, and
twisting their desiccated corpses into new, insectoid
shapes of titanic proportions. Their transformation
complete, these mammoth barkborn rise like
mountains falling upward and storm away, seeking
new thralls to gather up in their massive arms and
deliver to the sharpened stakes of their master ash.
If the refugees knew what waits for them in
Highsalt, and Thule beyond, they would flee back
to the war-torn lands from whence they came.
H I G H S A LT 633
History and Present Conditions
Songs spun the history of Highsalt long before the
city-states of the south unified beneath the banner of
Hyperion in antiquity. Sagas tell of tenacious clans
who clung to their independence against all hardship
and outlived all of the land’s attempts to kill them.
Salters joke that hail and ice storms are but the kiss
of a lover on the cheek and that acres of snow are the
blankets they tuck themselves in with at night.
The War of Empty Thrones does not touch
Thule directly, which gives Duke Cicero breathing
room as well as an opportunity to shore up trade
with other nations, without the need—yet—to
muster armies for defense. While the gates of Highsalt
stand open to refugees, their width grows slimmer
each week, as the church and the duke conspire
together to control the flow, picking and choosing
the people they think would best suit their purposes.
Salters are renowned as legendary sea explorers
and master shipbuilders, and the southern war feeds
the shipwrights’ trade. Nobles, cut off from their
ships in Corbel, contract with Highsalt’s shipbuilders
for new craft to replace their lost fleets—or to provide
escape vessels should they need to flee the continent.
Highsalt’s port connects to far-off lands as yet
unaffected by the war in the middle kingdoms, such as
the endless forests of Ruthenia, Florent’s ancient ruins,
and the dunes of the Muraqibeen al-Nujum. While
Corbel remains under Florent’s military occupation,
Highsalt serves as Erebos’s largest trading port.
Highsalt’s merchants and explorers trade well
with the Muraqibeen al-Nujum, a people with a deep
understanding of early science that informs their
interpretation of magic. Thulian traders established a
colony in those far lands years ago, and the
interrelations between the two peoples altered Thule’s
contemporary language. A trade representative
from Muraqibeen al-Nujum currently resides in
Highsalt, overseeing a contract for new ships and
advising Duke Cicero on the state of affairs in the
world. A Muraqib “scientific” expedition has even set
up camp in the northwest of Thule, in the fishing
village of Frostrime.
634 BLACKBIRDS
T H E H E A RT O F T H E N O RT H E R N R E P U B L I C
The clans of Thule know war and its ruin from
long practice. For many centuries, they fought one
another for land, honor, glory, or, most often, for
personal vendettas among chieftains and champions.
Eventually, from among this discord of thanes, a
single ruler arose, and Thule had its first king, who
ruled from Highsalt. The fortunes of the kings rose
and fell over the years, with many dying in battle
against rebel clans or kinsmen who claimed the
throne, but a few managed to eke out long years,
dying in bed, to their own great disappointment. A
real Thulian deserves to die in battle.
The last great king of the north, Orm Sigbert,
married his daughter to the royal lineage of Elklund.
This preserved peace at a precarious time and
cemented an alliance between his kingdom and the
south. The peace and stability of Sigbert’s dowry
lasted for generations, transforming Highsalt with
its cosmopolitan trade—until treachery broke the
line of kings.
THE RED CHAMBER
King Gothric’s concubine, Belladonna Cicero,
wrought the ruin of Sigbert’s bloodline.
The royal family loved Belladonna, daughter of
Corbellian royalty and distant kin to King Gothric.
She often tended to the king and queen’s young
children, Pippin and Ethel, heirs to the throne.
Queen Margit relied on Belladonna as a sympathetic
ear, a wise advisor, and a balm for her husband. Her
daughter’s birth had proven difficult, and the queen
could no longer give Gothric the attention he needed,
although the stoic king refused to admit any such
need. The queen turned to her cousin and good
friend, Belladonna, and the royal couple admitted
her into their court as concubine and confidant.
On the night that the middle kingdoms of the
south drew swords against each other, Belladonna
visited the children, asleep in their bed. The night
watchman, placed down the hall, remembered
seeing her come out a little while later. He could
not see her clearly in the dim hall from his distance,
but he described that she wore a dark cloak over her
white evening gown. She entered the royal
bedchamber and closed the door behind her.
Then came the screams.
The guard burst into the chamber—and
doubled over, retching at the sight that met him.
Rumors abound about what exactly happened in
that room, gossiped quietly throughout Highsalt,
from the grand apartments above Highstreet to the
foul gutter spouts along the wharfs. Most tales of
that night say that the guard saw Belladonna
crouched in the vast, silk-sheeted bed, covered head
to toe in red blood—the blood of the royal children.
She gurgled as she hungrily choked down the
steaming intestines of the queen, torn from her
twisted body by Belladonna’s own sharp fingernails.
(Though some versions speak of a curved silver
knife.) The king’s organs painted the walls, sliding
slowly down the flower-engraved wood paneling to
plop to the floor. The bloodstain spread from the
royal headboard in the shape of a single red wing.
Before the guard could recover from his nausea,
Belladonna rose from the bed and slipped through
one of the secret passages known only to the royal
family and their retainers. The house guard searched
for her but found no sign. Even her bloody footprints
stopped, replaced by a large hound’s pawprints.
The line of Highsalt kings ended, and the
Northern Republic died with it.
A PRECARIOUS PEACE
The hierarchy of liege lords survived the direct
royal line’s severing. Into the gap left by the death of
Gothric and his heirs stepped Duke Aymeric Cicero
II. Although next in line by right of feudal pledge,
he is more closely related to Gothric’s killer than to
the dead king, and guilt weighs heavily upon him.
Appalled at his cousin’s horrifying deeds, he knows
that the people grow restless under his rule.
Whispers of rebellion waft from all corners. Why
should the proud and independent people of Thule
bow knee to the king killer’s kinsman? Never mind
that Belladonna was also the king’s kin.

For now, Duke Cicero heads off open revolt
amongst the nobles of Highsalt by inflaming the
refugee crisis that looms at their doorstep. The
Duke, in a deplorable act of selfishness, uses it as a
distraction to occupy the imaginations of the elite.
At the same time, he looks for a means out of his
dubious position, wielding the refugee crisis as if it
were a cudgel. With the close
advice of Remala Stavlich, the
Sigil’s envoy, Cicero controls
how many and which souls may
enter into Highsalt. A mere
hundred people a day gain
sanctuary, a minor percentage of
the teeming masses gathering in
the camps around Wahlham in
Elklund, pleading for passage across
the bridge into the capital.
The powder keg readies to blow, but
so far, Cicero and Stavlich have managed to
allow in just enough people to display that they
aren’t closing the gates, and those who are allowed
in must first pledge to convert to the Prophets of
the Sigil, demonstrating to Highsalt’s lords that
they aren’t “bandits and lowlifes” who threaten to
degrade the northern towns.
Duke Cicero’s fate depends on the Sigil. The
Highsalt lords still pay heed to the church, an
institution that transcends mere political ties. And
the church needs a secure capital in which to
reestablish its power. Until a victor arises in the War
of Empty Thrones and the dust settles, the church
looks to Highsalt for its anchor, and Cicero looks to
the Sigil for his political salvation.
The situation cannot endure forever. Once the
pressure of too many foreigners begins to anger
Highsalt’s elites, they will cry to close the gates. The
Sigil does not want this, as it prefers to be the
fulcrum that controls access—and the many
conversions that result from it. The duke must
eventually choose between the church and his own
lords, and none know whose side he’ll favor.
H I G H S A LT 635
T H E H AVE N O TS
O
by Bill Bridges
sric clipped Runo on the ear.
“Hsst! Shut your trap!”
Runo grimaced and rubbed
his sore ear, but he quit talking.
Osric listened, silent, then shook
his head. “Just a patrol. They’re
gone. But you need to watch it
when we’re out and about. If
they’d caught us, we’d have lost
half our bounty on the bribe.”
Runo nodded and shrugged. “All right, all right. I
get it. Now, where’s the body you saw?”
Osric led him down the final curve of the cliff
stairs and onto the black sand beach, a small cove
out of sight from the port. There, pulled up onto
the shore, stewed a bloated and rotting body.
“That’s him. From Wahlham. You can tell by the
gloves: Garian workmanship.”
“Another poor soul taking the swim,” Runo
said. “They think they can outswim the cold. How
old do you think this one is?”
“Oh, maybe three days? It’s got some bites
taken out of it, but not many. Still got most of its
flesh, which is what’s important.”
“Yes, the fat is what they want. Won’t pay for the
skinny ones. Those ones they want alive. But if it’s
dead and has a lot of layers still on it, it’s gold to them.”
“What they do with it, down there? In them
caves? Nasty business, this is.”
“I hear they boil it into tallow and carve it with
runes. When the candles burn, they go into a
trance. See visions and all. You know, about Her.
The Wave-rider.”
 636 BLACKBIRDS

“Best not talk about it. I know they say She’s . . .
well, gone. But I ain’t risking it.” He made a sign
with the fingers of both hands, imitating the
grasping pincers of a crab.
“Well, they don’t think she’s gone, otherwise
they wouldn’t keep paying for all this . . . fat.”
“Right. Enough talk. Help me lift it into the
bag. It won’t stay in one piece once we start moving
it, and I want to collect every copper’s worth.”
Runo grunted and bent down to grasp the
waterlogged corpse. He felt a brief moment of grief
for the unknown man and the desperation that
drove him to attempt the swim from Elklund to
Thule, but it passed as soon as the stench hit him.
Aw, great gods, why me?

The City Proper Inside Highsalt’s walls, the crowded streets wind
Highsalt, the basalt-walled fortress-capital of Thule, like snakes. The rocky promontory’s natural depression
rests upon the rocky cliffs of Bowman’s Perch, limits the ability to build outward, so buildings rise in
brooding over the sea and the lands around it. Its multiple levels, with many stretching as high as five
residents call it the Unassailable City for the ease stories—even higher for the King’s Tower, the fortress
with which they can cut off travel across the Shallow within the fortress that is the capital.
Bay to the south, as well for the massive walls that The Laughing River splits the city’s interior.
protect the city from any enemies who might mass More of a brook or stream in width than a river, it
near its northern ramparts. can be forded by a simple leap, but it is as deep as
Across the Shallow Bay lies the top of a man’s head. Originating from an
Wahlham, the northernmost town underground spring just within the northern walls,
of Elklund. The Brittle Edge, the it descends through the city and out over Bowman’s
portion of the King’s Road that Perch, onto the beaches below. There, it pools and
crosses the bay and provides the forms multiple brooks, mixing with the seawater
only land entry into Thule, suffers from the incoming tides.
from disrepair and long neglect. Anyone who knows the legend of the city’s
“The dwellings of the Only a small number of people founding knows of this stream and how it got its
capital city of Highsalt and carts can risk the wide way at name. None have dared to alter or divert its flow, for
leave their doors open for the same time, lest the weight these sacred waters quenched the elder clan’s thirst
their honored crustacean prove too much for its rickety and still echo, in their gurgling flow, with the laughter
guests when they return struts. This state of affairs is all due of the clan’s children. Building too close to the
from the sea in the to a long disagreement about Laughing River is considered sacrilege, and anyone
autumn, hoping to be which kingdom is responsible for caught throwing refuse into the stream meets a grisly
blessed with a visit from a the upkeep of this tail end of the fate in the Children of the Shallows’ ceremonies in
scuttling ancient looking King’s Road: Elklund or Thule. the Ivory Labyrinth, the salt caves under the city.
in on her descendants.” Elklund, embroiled in the war, The city hosts numerous districts that undulate
—Observations of the lacks the resources for it, and Duke around one another, with few walls or straight lines
Wandering Squire
Cicero has no incentive to repair it. demarking them.
 H I G H S A LT 637

" Shopkeepers and tradespeople maintain their

stores and workshops in the market district of
Maker’s Way. The lower levels of the buildings
host the district’s many shops, while the upper
levels hold apartments into which families
squeeze as many of their kin as possible.
" The rich live near Druuna’s Wall. The homes built
up against the outer walls house the wealthiest
residents, and some of their rear rooms actually
reach into the basalt. The townhomes of the
moderately wealthy butt up against one another.
Their rear garden yards distinguish them from
those in Maker’s Way, as the wealthy families’
cooks grow herbs and fruit in them—rare
delicacies in the north.
" Duke Cicero lives in the Royal Demesne, where
the king and queen once resided. Crescents of
guard houses and servants’ quarters circle the
outer bailey of the White Tower. The tower,
festooned with flags and banners displaying the
ruling family’s blue crab emblem, reaches up
within a naturally occurring basalt peak.
Hollowed out with many levels and rooms, its
windows open over the Shallow Bay and provide
cool breezes in summer. Thick wooden shutters
insulated with exotic rubber from the far south
seal out the chill in winter and can withstand
siege weaponry in case of war.

THE SPICE DOCKS

Highsalt hosts the largest seaport in the north,
a series of stone piers and jetties that line the coast
along the Shallow Bay. Multilevel apartments and
shops selling all manner of exotic goods that come
and go from the port cling to the cliffs above the
piers like barnacles. Many merchant concerns also
operate out of storehouses dug directly into the cliff
rock, guarded by iron doors and well-paid thugs.
The port master coordinates the docking of
ships here. Each is allowed a short time to unload its
cargo and take up new load before it must make
way for the next ship in the queue, which waits out
in the Shallow Bay at anchor.
T H E C I T Y W ATC H
Clad in their traditional green-and-white breeches and
capes, the Watch keeps close eyes out at the south gates
for refugees who lack passage writs and ensures at the
north gates that none of the rumored barkborn breach
the city.
Although the Watch appears loyal to its captain,
Bolgo Snær, cabals run rife within, each bribed by one or
more officials close to the throne to enact their conflicting
agendas. Should the city ever come under crisis, these
divided agendas threaten to exacerbate any one official’s
attempts to control events.
638 BLACKBIRDS
T H E C R A B N U R S E RY
Cave entrances stud the cliff faces along the
southern coast on either side of the Spice Docks,
leading to a vast network of salt caves. The city
strictly controls the mining of these caves, for they
are the homes of the Rider’s children, the blue crabs.
No regular crabs, these pony-sized creatures can
sever a man’s hand from his arm with their pincers.
The entryways at sea level create a series of tidal
pools stretching deep within the cliffs. The crabs
reside in the inmost caverns, where all but the
Druids of the Shallows and the royal family are
forbidden to enter.
The crabs descend from the clans of Thule’s
ancestors. The Rider transformed the clan’s children
into crabs to repay the first clan’s eating of the true
crabs, a desperate act of innocence that broke a
terrible taboo.
At the beginning of summer, the blue crabs
begin their mating season, marching out from the
sea and into the caves, where the females lay their
eggs and attach them to their bodies, guarding them
until they hatch. The children fend for themselves
in the nursery caves, growing into adulthood on the
feasts of seafood brought in by the tidal waters. At
the end of the summer, the young adults march
from the caves and into the sea.
During the initial mating march, many crabs
make their way up the cliffs and into the city, where
the law forbids anyone to kill them. Locals do their
best to coax the crabs to return down the cliffs, but
this is easier said than done. For a whole month, the
residents of Highsalt must put up with the huge
crabs scuttling down the streets and mating outside
their windows.
T H E TO M B S O F S A LT
Chambers delve deeper into the cliff than even
the Crab Nursery, secret tunnels leading to the
Tombs of Salt, where generations of the royal dead,
dressed in finery, lie in eternal rest in wall niches.
Despite being truly dead, their perfectly preserved
bodies look like they could open their eyes at any
moment and awaken from their slumber. The
alchemical process that keeps them immaculate
draws upon salt mined from the nearby tunnels.
Only the royal family, the royal alchemists, and
the Druids of the Shallows may enter this place.
The law condemns all trespassers as thieves bound
for execution, even if they simply got lost and found
their way there in the dark.
The walls display elaborate carvings depicting
the history of the rulers of Thule. Ornate candelabra
hang from the ceiling, and one chamber even hosts
a massive dining table carved from rock. Here, once
per year during the March of the Blue Crabs, the
royal family feasts with its departed ancestors,
offering them portions of food and wine that they
never accept.
T H E TE M P L E O F D R U U N A
Deeper still, beyond the tombs, lies the Temple
of Druuna. Only in times of direst need do the
leaders of Highsalt enter this dread place, for it is
sometimes home to Druuna, the clan warrior who
long ago pledged the people to the Rider’s service,
saving them from her wrath at the cost of their first
generation of children.
The Rider is dead, but her adopted daughter
still lives. Druuna appears as a blue crab the size of
a pony. Horrifyingly, her flayed flesh drapes over
her shell, preserved as it was on the day she originally
shed it, when the Rider transformed her. Her eye
stalks poke from her flesh-cloak’s eye sockets, giving
those who encounter her a gruesome once-human
face with which to interact.
The Children of the Shallows still make
sacrifices to the Rider in this temple. They bleed
their victims of their fluids—blood, saliva, tears—
and return them to the sea through carved drains.
The Rider cannot answer these calls, but sometimes,
Druuna does. Without her mother goddess, she is
bereft of Od and must claim it from other sources.
The Children’s sacrifices are often her only option.
She feels little to no obligation to the descendants
of her clan but can sometimes be reminded. If the
petitioner is the queen of Thule and holds Druuna’s
sword, the one given to her by her sister and which
normally hangs above the throne in the King’s Tower,
then Druuna will appear. But there is no queen of
Thule, and the line is broken.
If a supernatural threat endangers the clans of
Thule, especially one that might yield Od, Druuna
might consider taking action. While she is not a
goddess like the Rider, she swam with the sea mare
long enough to have gained some degree of power.
The Great Roads and Beyond the
City Walls
In past times, few roads cut through Thule. Most
people traveled on foot or by horseback along a few
isolated wagon ruts. Once a king arose, however,
his troops needed roads for swift travel, and so
began a many-year project of road building. Three
main roads stretch from Highsalt northward into
Thule: the Deeproad in the central regions, the
Eastroad along the east coast, and the Westroad
along the west coast. The practical Salters need little
ornamentation or fancy titles; they tend to name
things after their purposes.
Many smaller roads branch out from these
three main ones, leading to villages, inns, and farm
homes, but rain and snowmelt tends to wash out
these less-well maintained tracks.
The majority of Thule lies open. The
population outside of Highsalt clusters into a few
notable towns but otherwise spreads out in small-
family units whose farmhouses and steadings
stand well apart from one another amidst rocky
fields. Most rural Thulians primarily practice
farming, making for a hard life. They must
regularly clear the fields of the numerous rocks
that always seem to return after the rains and
snows, although the volcanic soil is good for
growing nutritious crops. The south values Thule’s
potatoes and tubers, staples that travel well and
can feed armies on the go.
T H E D EE P RO A D
Running through central Thule, the Deeproad
reaches from Highsalt all the way to Grimstead.
Towns and villages stud this main road along its
way, as well as guardhouses with stables where the
military can swap horses.
 640 BLACKBIRDS
The village of craftspeople,
Fallowfield, lies down this road,
as do the medicinal hot springs
of Mistvale before it finally
terminates past Grimstead,
Thule’s northernmost castle.
“The Narrow Strait T H E E A ST RO A D
kept Highsalt safe in The Eastroad runs from
times of plague. Highsalt north along the east coast
The only access from of the Boreal Sea and through a
the south being the number of towns and comfortable
crumbling road steadings before finally terminating
separating the Boreal at Crown Keep.
Sea from the Leviathan Busier than the Westroad,
Ocean made it easy to bar the Eastroad’s coast sees less ice
entry to the calamitous and wind. The towns along its
tide of festering boils.” way display more prosperity than
—Observations of the most in Thule, with a higher
Wandering Squire
proportion of industry.
The majority of immigrants
from the southern wars seek refuge in these Eastroad
towns, for they more closely resemble the civilization
they’re used to.
T H E W E ST RO A D
The main road that runs along the western
coast of Thule, the Westroad runs past a number of
small fishing villages and terminates in Frostrime. A
barren road, poorly maintained with few travelers,
it begins not far north of Highsalt at Densmere, a
small town along the Deeproad whose inhabitants
once worked the now-closed White Mines.
Two competing bandit gangs plague the
Westroad. Since the road is so rarely traveled by
merchants, however, these gangs instead hold up
lone travelers and the local farmer families who brave
the road to bring their crops to market in Fallowfield.
Duke Cicero promises to send out guards to
deal with these gangs but has yet to do so. He simply
can’t spare the manpower, so he instead calls for
mercenaries willing to take the job for little pay and
a cut of the bandit’s treasure.
Highsalt Personae
Even the spartan and stoic land of Thule suffers from
politics. As one of the few kingdoms free from the
war, its politics move in clandestine and vicious ways,
for the stakes are high: the survival of a free people
against the thralldom promised by the Oligarchs.
This tangled web of conflicting interests,
centered in Highsalt, quivers as each town and
steading throughout Thule tugs and pulls at its
strands. The people clustered around Duke Cicero
each push their own agendas, and so affect the fates
of everyone in the city and beyond.
D U K E AY M E R I C C I C E RO I I
Worried about the security of his place on the
throne, Aymeric would like to win over the loyalty of
all Thule’s nobles and be crowned king, but he fears
his blood connection to Belladonna makes this
impossible. He ponders bringing in foreign
mercenaries to protect him but knows that it’s an
insult to his allies, a line that, once crossed, can’t be
redrawn.
The refugee problem takes up most of his time,
and he’s thankful to the Sigil for helping him
contain it. He wants more time to appease his
restless lords but fears that the barkborn threat
forestalls his maneuvers to assure them. He’s torn
between battening down the hatches and retreating
behind the walls of Highsalt and taking the fight to
the north, to muster an army against the dead tree-
god’s spawn.
S I R R I K A R D H E LM S O N
In his later years and now blind, Rikard remains
the chief advisor and chamberlain to Highsalt’s
ruler. Unlike the other nobles of Thule, he stands
firmly behind Duke Cicero, for he helped raise the
boy. Perhaps the most level-headed and clear-eyed
(for a blind man) leader in Thule, Rikard runs a
network of loyal spies—his Nightjars—spread
throughout the capital and the towns of Thule. Very
little of import happens without him hearing about
it, and freelancers frequently perform secret

missions for him. He personally intervenes at times
to allow Blackbirds to enter the city in return for
their pledge to aid him when he requests it.
R E M A L A STAV LI C H O F T H E S I G I L
Remala, a priestess of the church and the
primary envoy of that institution in Highsalt, works
closely with Duke Cicero to manage the influx of
refugees into Thule. In return, she cements the
duke’s—and the city’s—reliance on the Sigil day by
day. Indeed, she expects by year’s end to claim the
city as the church’s northern stronghold. The majority
of refugees she allows across the Brittle Edge all
pledge loyalty to the Prophets and their church, and
they’ll follow Remala’s lead should she command it.
TEE L A T H R EE- S CA R R E D
Teela, representative of the Wolfguard sisterhood
of Mother Wolf priestesses and the de facto voice for
the Bone Grinder clans of the north, sees her cult
fading. Once prominent and honored throughout
northern Thule, the cult withers as more and more
people realize that Mother Wolf is dead. Teela’s
priestesses can no longer contain the many beasts
that now run wild, bereft of their mother. The
northern lords still respect Teela and back her
words . . . for now. Duke Cicero entertains her
opinions from necessity, although he evinces little
respect for this rural bumpkin of a priestess.
K EE M O B A L D H A N D, C H I L D O F
T H E S H A LL OW S
The lead Druid of the Shallows of Highsalt and
the primary advocate against the refugees, Keemo
wants the gates closed against any further immigrants.
Thule is for Thule, and the influx of southerners only
weakens it. His anti-immigrant advocacy hides his
secret campaign of kidnapping. Keemo’s druids
snatch refugees from their camps by night and bring
them to the salt caves under Highsalt, where their
blood sacrifice promises to reawaken the Rider—or
so Keemo desperately hopes.
H I G H S A LT 641
EKLA PARVAN, DRUID OF THE EL DEN TREE
Ekla limped to Highsalt from the northernmost
hold of Lonefort, desperate to convince Duke Cicero
to strengthen Thule’s defenses against the barkborn,
to stop this pitiful game with the lives of those who
he’s stranded in Elklund. Too few realize just how
many of the chittering creatures scuttle south to
capture people and ravage the land. So far, her pleas
fall on ears deafer than those of her fellow druids.
B O L G O S N Æ R , CA P TA I N O F T H E W ATC H
Bolgo tries to take as much wealth for himself
from bribes as possible before the city gates slam
shut to newcomers. Nevertheless, he finds the Bone
Grinder clan lords more amenable than Cicero. He
might very well betray the duke to aid the northern
lords’ cause, should the duke fail to heed them.
G E R D A Y U L , C R A F TS G U I L D E R
Gerda, captain of the craftsguilds of Fallowfield,
remains an important figure in Thule’s trade with
other kingdoms. Cicero doesn’t particularly like her,
but he recognizes that he needs her and her guilds—
especially the shipwrights—on his side. Their
economic engine keeps his army, the Spears, fed.
Unfortunately for him, she strongly advocates for
the refugees and demands more entry into Thule,
despite the Sigil’s careful policy of slow admittance.
AZ I K M A K A N I
Muraqibeen al-Nujum’s trade envoy, Azik works
to keep Duke Cicero as an ally. The former king’s long
friendship with the faraway land and the lucrative
trade between the two countries demands continuity.
To cement this bond, Azik conspires with Cicero to
prepare—should all else fail—for the duke’s passage
out of Highsalt and across the sea to Muraqibeen
al-Nujum, where Thule maintains a small palace.
Azik likes the duke but shudders in horror at the
rumors of the Shallow Druids’ activities. This causes
him to question their alliance. What worth is a fleet of
finely crafted ships if monsters build them?
 C H A P TE R 13

The Fateweaver
I N T H E B E AT I N G
O F A H E A RT
by Christian Fox
T he world is composed of brief moments,
intersections of souls across time and space
that link together the threads of Fate in their
tangled web. They are as infinite as they are mundane, within the
snap of a hangman’s noose, a child’s hand lost in a crowd, and
the exchange of a whisper that sinks a fleet of ships. They are over
in an instant, and their impact stretches into eternity, shaping
the world in the span of a heartbeat. This is one such moment.

The crone clutched a white flower in the rough folds of her fist, its
roots sprinkling dirt down her already-filthy hangerok as she struggled
to stand, grunting against the cold of the morning. At her feet, a sickly
gray-green spatter of mucus seeped between the cobbles where the
petals once sprouted, leaching into the black earth beneath the stones
where she’d spat before standing.
There was no beauty in the sight of such things for her. She knew,
as did all who lived at the edge of the northern wilds, that each sprig
of green clawing its way through was a portent, a foot soldier of the
deep woods and those that dwelt in its darkness reclaiming
what was once theirs.
The crone seemed eternal, a creature more bone and
sinew than flesh, blind in one eye and perpetually muttering.
Such was her presence as she passed between the village gates
each morning, dragging her shape from the wattle and daub
hut she occupied in the outskirts, that even the most hardened
veterans among the city guard would move aside for her with
hushed unease. Though she was an object of derision in the
hearts and minds of those who saw her, it was her poultices and
remedies, her croaking words in ancient tongues, and
her gnarled hands on the fevered foreheads of
villagers that kept breath in their chests when
illness came. There was scarcely a person in the
village that she hadn’t dragged back from the brink
of death, and it was such an errand that ushered
the crone through the threshold of the hamlet
this morning.

The young woman had arrived in the village scarcely
a fortnight ago, and her presence was noted in
whispers by all who passed through the tavern and
among the city guard. Change in the village was
unusual, and outsiders were viewed suspiciously—
with good reason. Few made it this far north, let
alone a woman so heavy with child traveling the wild
roads on her own. She was young, with dark hair
and eyes the color of burnished gold, and though she
walked unsteadily under her swollen girth, she moved
with purpose through the the village streets, passing
by the small market to retrieve whatever sustenance
and supplies she required. She would pause only to
rest her distended body for a time, sitting on a crate
to catch her breath before walking back to the inn
where she kept to herself in one of the few rooms the
dilapidated establishment kept for rent.
It was here the crone had come, summoned by
the words of a dirt-streaked and terrified child sent
on the woman’s behalf to request her aid. The old
woman groaned as she mounted the slumping stairs
of the alehouse, refusing the help of a midday
drunkard whose attempts to pull her up were met
with a swatted hand and a phlegmy snarl until she
at last heaved herself to the entrance. She huffed as
she moved through the darkened tavern, waving
away the greetings of the barkeep and his hastily
whispered inquiries about the dead birds that had
begun to show up around the threshold steps
outside, and with one gnarled talon, she drew back
the stained and heavy cloth that separated the
drinking house from its guest rooms.
The room was dark as the crone entered, illuminated
only by a thin stream of dust-soaked sunlight that
filtered through a tattered curtain hastily hung over
the single window. The smoke of tallow candles
hung in the air, drifting from a beaten corner table
and parting in tendrils around the body of the crone
as she moved. The young woman sat with her back
against the far stone wall, her belly engorged with
what she was bringing into the world—a radiant
tick swollen with the blood of new life. Her fingers
T H E F ATE W E AV E R 645
traced idly along the length of
her burdened womb, and her
breath came in evenly measured
gasps that did little to conceal her
discomfort.
The crone grunted as she
knelt beside her, nodding with
understanding as the young “A sprouting plant seen
woman gestured questioningly to creeping up between
her swollen belly. She tutted to the cobblestone streets
herself as she took the measure of of Elysium is quickly
her charge; surely more than one pulled up by any man,
child stirred inside the young woman, or child that
mother, for on the precipice of would happen upon it, for
birth, a single offspring could not each is a sign of the deep
burden even the slightest mother woods slowly taking back
to such an extent. Pregnancy was what was once theirs . . .”
no shock to the crone. She had — Observations of the
Wandering Squire
seen more birth and death than
the gods themselves in her years
as village healer—and an endless variety of
complications. Children born feet first; children
born twisted and not long for this life, crowing and
gasping as they reached for their screaming mothers.
Monsters of wasting flesh, whose arrivals heralded a
poor harvest or spoke to the rewards of betrayal and
debauchery. Such was the world.
Twins it must be. An omen in and of itself, she
thought as she gripped the young woman’s wrist
for a pulse. Perhaps triplets even, though she
caught a chuckle at the thought of such a delivery.
She placed her gnarled fingers against the woman’s
rib cage, the thin bones of the crone’s hands filling
in the gaps between each rib as she checked the
expectant mother’s heartbeat and stilled herself as
she felt its steady sound. The woman was young,
and the pregnancy was her first: the crone knew
that much. Though her gaze met the crone’s
without wavering—the dark gold of her eyes
shining with determination in the candlelight—
the beldam was experienced enough to see the
worry that hid itself behind the façade of bravery.
She tutted to herself, muttering beneath her breath
646 BLACKBIRDS
as she worked, noting how far along the woman was
as she mentally catalogued the herbs she’d need to
mix. Indeed, she was lost in thought until her hand
dropped to the woman’s belly.
Feeling movement was by no means unnatural,
less so when more than one child stirred. Without a
second thought, the crone pushed back, probing at
the shape beneath the skin for any malformations
that would herald disaster and ill fortune for mother
and child. She clucked her tongue as the woman’s
breath caught, then released in a long sigh at the
pressure. The crone had gone through these motions
countless times in her role as midwife, and it wasn’t
until she shuffled to the other side of the young
woman to continue her examination that she paused.
She laid the palm of one crooked hand against the
young woman’s swollen belly and felt again a push of
five tiny fingers against her ancient skin.
She held her breath and shifted her hand,
moving to another place, only to feel again the palm
of an unborn child against hers. Again she shifted,
more slowly this time, and felt a hand slide to meet
hers as she touched the belly of the woman, whose
eyes were now tightly closed and whose chest rose
and fell in even, anxious breaths against the constant
shifting in her womb. No matter where the crone
touched, a child’s hand moved to meet hers,
stretching against the vellum-thin skin of their
mother’s belly as they moved in anticipation of the
midwife’s touch. For the first time in her memory,
the crone hesitated, watching the woman’s stuttering
breaths rise and fall before lowering herself slowly,
wincing at the effort, to place her ear against the
mother’s abdomen. She closed her eyes, feeling the
gentle nudges of pressure from unborn hands press
at her sunken cheek. Her blood froze in her veins.
That night, the crone sat alone in her hut, wringing
her hands as the embers of the dying fire lit her stony
features. In her lap sat a tangle of stained rags—
she rocked slightly as she gripped them, muttering
over and over to herself. Her departure from the
tavern had been sudden, the protests of the barkeep
waved away with a gesture and hiss that sent him
scurrying. There she sat until the sun dipped below
the black trees of the surrounding forest. Such a
thing couldn’t be, she thought, not in this time, not
in this age. There were no tales, no knowledge of the
deep woods, nor any whispering spirits that spoke
of this—not what she had heard.
As the crone had knelt on her aching knees
before the woman, listening as she could to the
sounds of the children within, she had heard
something else, sending her fleeing the tavern with
all the haste she possessed, barely a sputtered
apology to the wide-eyed young woman, and then
out through the village gates to her hut in the trees.
They had whispered but a single word, clear and
unmistakable in the dark silence of the room, and
that was enough.
For what the unborn creatures had uttered was
the crone’s name, a name that hadn’t passed the lips
of a soul since the death of her own mother, whose
bones now lay buried beneath her very hut.
Such a thing couldn’t be. It could not. For what
stirred within the belly of the young woman with
raven hair and the darkest of eyes possessed
knowledge that extended beyond time and saw into
the souls of those who walked the waking world.
The crone’s eyelids fluttered as her shaking hands
caressed the bundle in her lap, and in the fading
firelight, the folds of cloth parted. It hadn’t taken
the crone long to find the dagger, buried beneath
the dirt floor of her hut. The urgency of her frenzied
digging forced dirt beneath her yellowing nails as
she struggled to pull it free of the earth where she’d
concealed it.
Her muttering grew more urgent as she
unwrapped it to grip its hide hilt. The dagger had
been her mother’s, carried to this place as a tool of
desperation and survival. It was indeed the knife
that had cut the crone’s own cord, and as she
regarded it now in the darkness of her hut, she
shuddered. She felt the draft come between the
gaps of her wattle and daub walls. She took a stone
from the dirt floor and began to draw it along the

blade, the long, even strokes filling the silence of
the night between the muffled pops of the
subsiding fire and her grunts of effort as her
unsteady hands honed the edge of the old weapon.
She would not sleep, for even if she had wanted to,
the knowledge of the task ahead was too much to
consider beyond the animal drive of fear and the
need to prevent the arrival of the unimaginable.
Morning would come, and with it, she would walk
through the village gates as she had countless
times, into the room of the young woman with the
burnished gold eyes and, swelling within her body,
the power to shake the heavens. What happened
after that mattered little.
A guard waved his arms backward, ushering the
growing crowd away in the cold morning light.
Behind him, where they had gathered on the road
to the village gates, a cart driver argued with the
gatekeeper, the stench of ale on the guard’s breath
already stronger than the exasperated accusations
of the man before him. The crowd milled about,
each person angling to see what had caused such
a commotion at an hour when the sun had barely
T H E F ATE W E AV E R 647
crested the horizon. At the feet of the quarreling
men lay the body of the crone beside a streak in the
mud that terminated at the base of an entrenched
wagon wheel, her form contorted and broken. The
argument grew more heated as her blood stained
the muck and stones of the road. With her final
breaths, the old woman’s eyes fluttered and stilled.
The driver pointed again at what remained of her,
jabbing insistently in the air as he argued that he
hadn’t spotted her in the road and could hardly
be held responsible. The two men turned to walk
back to the city gates, their arguments fading with
the morning mist as onlookers approached. The
guard had given up on containing the curious, and
a few folk gathered round the crone; among them,
the child often sent to fetch her darted behind his
mother’s legs and gave a plaintive wail at the sight
of the corpse.
The old woman’s face stared unseeing up at the
pale morning sky, twisted in an expression of abject
horror that transcended even the violence of her
passing. In her fist was clenched a single blossoming
flower, its roots still sprouting from where it had
been torn from between the cobbles.
648 BLACKBIRDS
Children provide the ideal model for roleplay,
given their boundless imaginations and willingness
to accept what daydreams may come during
their games of pretend. In Blackbirds, what may
wander into the average Scene probably counts
as more nightmarish than dreamlike, but the
embrace of one’s inner child nevertheless remains
a winning approach to this dark-as-pitch fantasy.
No, Blackbirds is absolutely not a children’s
game, but the mindset that all fantasy calls for—
even fantasies as grim as this one—beckons part
of us that remains prerational, whether we are
consuming the material or, as this chapter aims
to help you do, playing with others to bring that
material almost palpably into being.
In the world of Blackbirds, powerful beings
have a hand in guiding human destiny, jointly and
severally. People are not puppets here. Neither,
however, do they dwell in a world where arguments
swirl around gods as metaphors of some kind.
Gods, whatever their origin, are both real and
remote here, influential and unknowable, parts of
this world’s various cultures but also party to its
history. This aspect of Blackbirds may be its most
difficult to grasp for people who come to the game
with any understanding of modernity—unless, and
until, they cast their minds back to early childhood,
to a time when adults were unquestioned conduits
of truth. To a time before having any sense that
these relative giants once were children themselves
and part of an immensely long chain of people who
had to make sense of that same cycle.
Now, imagine the relationship of the child—
innocent of how the world works—to the worldly
adult, repeated on a greater scale, wherein that same
adult exists in a world of beings endlessly more
knowing and capable but also . . . otherworldly.
Ready? Okay. Let’s be fantasists, shall we?

AT T H E O UTS E T
A
ll the stories in Blackbirds come
together through the collective choices
its players make for the characters they
play, plus the transcendent element of chance, but
one person helps the players in any given game by
finishing the creation of those characters during the
initial Threading. We call that person the
Fateweaver. Thereafter, the Fateweaver chooses
each setting; gives voice to every other character and
creature; and describes the unique monsters, strange
beings, odd objects, and all else that the Blackbirds
encounter—including the goings-on in every
subsequent Weaving.
We should begin at the beginning, though.
First Threading
Once players decide upon such basics as from
which place and people each Blackbird derives, and
how each one perceives the world and interacts with
its challenges, then comes the Threading. Think of
it like a dream of Fate for the Blackbirds, as the
characters do not recall what transpires during the
Threading. Afterward, they retain only a vague
sense of purpose. Of course, each player is likely to
recall at least some details from that first one; more
importantly, the Fateweaver must be both attentive
and wily as the initial Threading unfolds. After all,
it provides them with story hooks—details through
which each player’s own attention can later be
enticed, snagged, teased, reeled in, and released . . .
till next time.
Another way to think of the Threading,
whether first or subsequent, is as a one-person play
in which the director/Fateweaver is also the
audience. The Fateweaver prompts the actor/player
to reveal things already decided—or maybe just
pondered—during the character creation process.
The Threading invites the player to commit to
certain backstory details around which some
ambivalence may exist. It also lets the Fateweaver
accrue material for stories that are likelier to appeal
to that player.
T H E F ATE W E AV E R 649
Basically, the Threading is
being able to ask the fish what
sort of bait it prefers and having
the fish answer.
CHOOSE A POOL
Thus, pick your fishing hole
thoughtfully and approach it with “The oldest walls in
care. Don’t frighten the fish. Erebos bear carved
Remember the dreamlike quality glyphs that predate the
we’re pursuing. As Fateweaver, city’s recorded history.
consider lowering the lights and Though they seem
speaking to the player from esoteric, scholars have
behind, or ask if the player is found many are simply
comfortable roleplaying the the boastful names of
Threading with their eyes closed. early conquerors and
However you choose to conduct occasionally insults
the episode, keep other noise at a toward their mothers.”
minimum, strive to remain silent — Observations of the
Wandering Squire
when neither the player nor the
Fateweaver is speaking, allow
some time between questions, and try not to rush the
answers.
Before asking any questions, the Fateweaver must
describe the “dreamscape” wherein each Threading
occurs. Someplace obviously unnatural is a good
choice, but so are deserts, twilit plains, and canyon
floors overhung by a stone-narrowed rivulet of sky.
Consider the use of color as a way to underscore a
space unlike any of those aforementioned locales: a
land of cratered green, bereft of vegetation and curving
like the interiors of two sandwiched-together bowls
around the flockmate; beneath a lemony sky, an
endless surface of maroon that undulates underfoot
but into which the Blackbird never sinks; a void,
wherein the character floats, that inverts night into a
white tapestry speckled with faraway black diamonds.
BAIT THE HOOK
During the Threading, the Fateweaver voices one
or more agents of Fate. What does Fate sound like? It
differs for each Blackbird, especially for ones of aes,
daimn, jötunnkin, or nephilim ancestry—about
650 BLACKBIRDS

whom further details follow. As the parts of a

Threading are, technically, That Which Has Been,
That Which Is, and That Which Is to Come—past,
present, and future—some Fateweavers may choose
to make their voice seem progressively older; others
may opt for the reverse; some simply don’t alter the
voice(s) of Fate. Each option is equally valid. What
is asked is more important than how, and the
answers are more important than the questions.
Unless otherwise labeled, presume the questions
below to be suitable for most characters but
designed for human ones. Questions are best kept
simple, and they should never seek yes-or-no replies.
Some things that a Blackbird might be asked during
the Threading include:
Who are you?
Whom do you love?
What would you save?
What would you sacrifice?
Who deserves to die?
Who deserves to live?
What do we own?
What do we owe?
Whom do you hate? to make its possessor crave more of it, in ever greater
Who is your family? variety. To elvish Blackbirds, pose the questions:
Who is your foe? What do you grieve? Whom do you forgive? What can
Whom do you trust? be let go? What makes you belong?
Whom would you betray?
Why were you born? THREADING DAIMN
Answers to these questions, or others like them, The long slumber of the Stilling made dwarves
point toward the character’s alignment. A Blackbird time travelers of a sort. Immobilized and rendered
who answers the question Who deserves punishment? powerless in one world, they’ve stirred in a quite
with “I do” probably leans toward Sacrifice and different one. Effectively, they have been robbed of
Martyrdom. One whose answer to What would you centuries, though what that loss means to one of the
destroy? is “Order” seems set for Rebellion and Havoc. daimn differs from what it could ever mean to a
Anyone answering Who are the worthy? by saying “All” human, were humans more than mortal. The key
almost certainly subscribes to Idealism and Illusion. questions for these beings, given their long-ago and
literal binding of themselves to this world, address
THREADING AES whether dwarves can put aside a past that dwells in
With the unison of thought that once defined their very bones, whether they can see past their nature-
the aes as a people now long gone, each of their entwinedness to be present in the present, whether they
number knows a freedom once alien to the elves. can plan for the future. Or a future. Ask a dwarf: What
And freedom has a peculiar aspect—to have it tends would you control? What must you conceal?

T H R E A D I N G JÖT U N N K I N
As the half giants move through the world,
they know that it will one day move forward
without them, not just individually, but as a people.
Although the jötunnkin, in comparison to humans,
are considered Fateless, they do share the knowledge
of their impending extinction. That fixed destiny
makes the question for these Blackbirds: What will
be your legacy? What matters now?
T H R E A D I N G N E P H I LI M
Facing a future usurped by some ancestor’s
bargain with an Outsider, each of the nephilim
must fulfill the whims of another—however baffling
or troublesome those whims may be. To lose the
freedom of choice can strip someone of a quality
essential to life. Thus, a question each nephilim
must confront is: What breeds hope?
T H E M A G I C Q U E ST I O N
Whenever the Fateweaver feels any response
during the Threading does not go far enough, a
follow-up question may pull more needed
information from the Blackbird. That rejoinder is a
single word: Why? This question can prove especially
useful in clarifying a character’s beliefs about right
and wrong, or about existence itself.
Repeat as needed.
A S S I G N I N G A LI G N M E NTS
Based upon a player’s replies to the questions
above, or to ones like them, the Fateweaver
determines a character’s Alignment. These binaries
approximate a character’s worldview. The ways the
character cleaves to a set of beliefs or strays from it;
pursues a goal or derelicts it; treasures a person,
place, or thing—or tries to tear apart the same—get
measured along the Harmony and Discord track.
T H E F ATE W E AV E R 651
Later Threadings
One important aspect of Alignments in Blackbirds
is their mutability. As in real life, a character who
survives outrageous fortune’s sundry missiles tends to
be a different person after such hardship. The tools
for determining whether a character has changed
during a previous Tier look not too different from
the ones—the questions—used before that level
of play. The biggest difference any subsequent
Threading has from the initial Threading is evidence:
the Fateweaver can “see” the character’s history along
the Harmony and Discord track, which charts
how often the Blackbird acted in accord with their
espoused beliefs versus how often they exhibited
behavior at odds with those same beliefs. A character
who completes a Tier with a score higher in Discord
may be a candidate for a new Alignment.
Doomings
To complete any Threading, the last step before the
flock embarks upon—or resumes—its adventures
is the Dooming. Usually spoken, this phrase or
sentence gives some sense of what’s to come.
For the initial Dooming, some statement that
involves Fate and the gathering of the Blackbirds is
essential. In some games, players whose characters
are loners can be forgiven for trying, sometimes
repeatedly, to abandon the group. Thus, the initial
Dooming invariably assures the Blackbirds that
they are destined to be together (You five are birds of
a feather . . .). In the setting of Blackbirds, portents
do not represent moments when the characters are
merely more attentive to coincidence. Instead, they
are messages from whichever agents of Fate choose
to intervene. And the voice of Fate, as we know
from the Threading, extracts whatever secrets it
can. In the Dooming, that voice shares only those
secrets it will, and it tends to express them in
language that is less than immediately clear.
Here are several situations set to come in the
game, followed by a suitable Dooming:
The Blackbirds encounter a cadre of gilded
evangelists on its way to besiege—or, as the fanatics
652 BLACKBIRDS
might state it, proselytize—a town. A pitched battle
ensues, and the flock retreats to plan some subtler
way of saving the townspeople.
Gold washes over all.
After the flock shelters itself in a remote and
crumbling manse, one of the Blackbirds notices the
handle of a sword protruding from the rubble of a
fallen wall. Upon excavating the blade and polishing
it, a fetch long trapped within its reflecting surface
rejoins the world, ages after their mission as an
assassin came to an unplanned end. Does this elf
displaced by time prove to be friend, foe, or
something in between?
Fetching reflections of the past can refract the
future.
M A G I C A L A N SW E R S
P
layers can occasionally spend Fortune to
ask Fate—in the person of the
Fateweaver—what lies ahead for the
characters (see Skuld’s Vision in Chapter 2: How to
Play). Consider having the player write out any
such question so that no debate can arise over what
was asked. Remember that the Fateweaver cannot
lie in answering such a query. Note, though, that
the reply can be literal, limited, and/or evasive.
Should the player pose a yes-or-no question, the
answer can instead be detailed (but not fully
detailed). Should the player ask something beyond
the scope of this power (such as Have the gods been
killed?), they are effectively asking a “corpse” to rule
upon its current status (writing Silence! and giving it
to the player is one answer). Should the player ask if
a striga member of Corbel’s Five Families is a
“vampire,” a correct reply would be Kurèt, Baroness
van Dimián, is not a vampire.
Flockmates’ Wake
Blackbirds die. They lead violent lives in an imperiled
world. Even the ablest fighter or the canniest theurge
can perish in this fraught era. After such episodes of
loss, Fate provides solace for the flockmates of the
fallen. In the Threading following any Tier that
one or more members of a flock do not survive,
the survivors share an experience in the strange
noplaceness of That Which Has Been with “living”
semblances of the lost. During such instances, the
Fateweaver may choose a location from that just-
past Tier, or an earlier one, where the characters
were, if only briefly, at ease. In this iteration of that
then-and-there, only the Blackbirds are present, no
matter who or what others might’ve also attended
in reality. Alternatively, the Fateweaver may choose
a fantasticated yet serene vista. Either way, the
characters know things in the fashion of dreams: that
one or more of those who gather here is already gone,
and that this moment lets all make their farewells.
Funereal and memorial practices in and around
Erebos exist in a dizzying array. The daimn have
perhaps the most spectacular ones. Cinderkin and
emberkin who do not routinely exhibit veins of red
do so; on others, any such coloration already present
intensifies. In both groups, this surface ramification
occurs mainly in the topmost portions of the
anatomy, whereafter sparks race upward from these
seams, to be carried away on the daimn’s personal
updraft. The other elementals undergo similar
transformations, although ones more governed by
gravity: frostfolk emit the slowest and smallest of
snowfalls; greenkith bud tiny leaves that curl, darken,
and drop before they can become fully grown;
orewalkers shed clouds of earthen dust. Note that
dwarves are almost invariably first in these
demonstrations of mourning. Moreover, even daimn
who otherwise speak to others only through a Fate-
designated interlocutor then turn to any elven
flockmates and beckon them with upturned palms,
as if to invite similar shows of emotion. Some aes
respond accordingly and shed tears of glamour, but
most remain subdued, even after the loss of a lover.
Some transplants from Crisius or their descendants
scarify themselves; others, who normally stand or
crouch over the corpse of a loved one and wet it with
a gob of spittle to send some of themselves into the
afterlife with the departed one, do as they would in
the absence of a body and let saliva drop to the floor
or the ground. Corbellians rend garments; Brazens
turn their backs and nick or otherwise lightly mar
their cazvot masks; Thulians prick a thumb and point
it at the departed as they bleed. Some of these
traditions may have bled together or drifted from
their origins, so players should be encouraged to
make whatever gestures or utterances seem right.
Unlike a solo Threading, these communal ones
leave behind trace evidence: the surviving Blackbirds
won’t recall the precise occurrences of such a wake,
but their bodies and garb will inexplicably show what
they have done, from bloodied or bespittled floors to
cuts or tears visited upon their clothing or themselves.

DW A R F L A N D S & E L F K EE P S

S ee a daimn or aes in the world of

Blackbirds, and you may feel special,
somehow, or startled, or even disturbed.
These beings are uncommon in most places around
Erebos and its neighbors. Some folk might have less
neutral reactions, given the behavior of many an elf,
or even feel murderously avaricious urges, given the
precious minerals that some dwarven bodies encase.
Because elves and dwarves have come to expect the
unexpected in any encounter with humanity, some
of these beings use clothing in efforts to conceal
their origins. Such maneuvers serve a glamorous aes
better than they ever can an asymmetrical daimn.
However, unless the locals have ill intent—often
involving pickaxes and large hammers—the result
tends to be as if all such acts of camouflage succeed.
The two subsections that follow explain the whys
and wherefores, as well as what it all means for
players of dwarf or elf Blackbirds.
Don’t Crush That Daimn
Thanks to the elf-imposed Stilling, which rendered
the most corporeal of the dwarves immobile for
tens of centuries and permanently undid their more
diaphanous kin, humans haven’t had these stolid
elemental beings moving among them in ages. As war
spreads, weather sours, people vanish, and monsters
arise, the reappearance of the daimn is one damn
thing more—and for some, one thing too many. A
polite form of denial is common behavior that greets
dwarves in the riven world of Blackbirds. Most
people refuse to speak directly to such a being—not
in any unpleasant or oppressive way, though, because
the key emotion a daimn breeds is fear. This fear
stems from a conviction affirmed by what a dwarf’s
presence means: The end draws near . . .
From the dwarven perspective, all this
trepidatious deference may go unnoticed. In their
Threadings, daimn get a message slightly more
pointed than the one other Blackbirds receive.
Whereas most flockmates are told their individual
fates are entangled with this group, each dwarf’s fate
is tied to a specific other (non-daimn) member of the
flock. That Blackbird becomes the touchstone for a
single dwarf character (making any character such a
654 BLACKBIRDS
focus for multiple daimn is not advised). A daimn
might gradually acclimate to other flock members,
but at the outset of play, the dwarf may speak to all
other characters through this Fate-designated
figure. As is intimated above, in extreme cases, a
dwarf might respond to others only if their remarks
or inquiries get relayed through the touchstone
character. Such focus and self-isolation could
become tedious, so a Fateweaver ought to feel
empowered to reward this one-on-oneness early in
the game and let it go away later, or even punish it
if it occurs during a crisis, in which it consumes
precious time.
. . . and Hands off the Aes!
In contrast with dwarves—who long ago
sided with humanity against their often chilly,
sometimes warlike, occasionally cruel, desultorily
tricksy forebears—elves can inspire less-than-
welcoming welcomes from humans. In the most
unchanging corners of Erebos, on farms worked
by a single family for more generations than the
current residents can count, people talk with a
mix of scorn and hard-earned wariness about the
“latecomers.” The sobriquet stems from what
such farmers’ ancestors, who were alive when the
world had just two satellites, called Yolk once it
appeared overhead: “the Late-come Moon.” In
more cosmopolitan regions, especially the major
cities, any ten Erebosians are likely to hold a dozen
different opinions about elves. The scarcity of aes,
the blurriness of history and lore around them, the
justified bitterness of those whose families suffered
untold elven depredations, the cupidity of those
whose ability to keep up with such cunning beings
has fostered human wealth: together, these factors
mean a given resident of Erebos is as likely to shun
or stalk an elf as they are to marvel at one or fawn
over it.
No surprise, then, that many aes rely upon
glamour (and sometimes more concrete measures)
to disguise their origins. The most arrogant,
aggrieved, and (bluntly) supremacist of the breed
make no secret of their nature, and some welcome
any opportunity to remind an aggressive mortal
that elves are not to be trifled with. Others, long ago
orphaned—but also emancipated—by Hekaté’s
death, seek to be part of a world chosen for them,
one they have no serious prospect of departing. The
ones most open to the company of humans
sometimes take them as lovers, though the murder
of Hekaté still makes that choice controversial
among aes. As the war sorties and taking of thralls
by the Solstice Folk become ever more widely
known, though, every elf is sure to face increased
friction in places where humans hold sway.
B E G G A R S, T H E W R E TC H E D,
THE DISPOSSESSED
A
lthough Ipswald has, of late, become a
lodestone that attracts many of society’s
unwanted, unlucky, and unlovely, every
city in Erebos retains such outcasts, typically in
ever-growing numbers, thanks to the ravages of war
and the persistence of ill luck. Roads between any
place close to uncontained skirmishes and any other
that remains free of such strife bear traffic at every
hour of the day. To escape especially dire
circumstances, people risk predation by bandits—
or yet worse things—as they travel by night.
What this endless parade of misery means for
the Blackbirds . . . varies. For some, it means mere
distraction, inconvenience, or impediment. For
others, it is a daily thicket of knives to be traversed,
wherein every step lays bare the heart, and every
glance not met, every upturned palm not filled,
pierces that heart. For the former, that callus
necessary to living through iniquitous inequities
may also blind a character to bodily threats that can
come from the ranks of the broken—or that mimic
their appearance. For the latter, inuring oneself to
the suffering of another—whether to avert a threat
to all or to keep from toppling into a penury of
one’s own—is corrosive to the soul (and thus
compels Resolve tests).

When the flock must make haste, the various
members may come into conflict over whom they
ought to aid, when, and how much. Despite their
being bound together by fate, one Blackbird’s
calling out another as unfeeling and cruel—
sentiments perhaps mirrored in thoughts about that
accusatory flockmate as sniveling and naïve,
thoughts that might find voice—can affect
performance at fighting, fleeing, or other pressing
maneuvers.
Sometimes, depending upon how dense a
populace of vagrants happens to surround the
Blackbirds, the throng might passively impede the
characters as they attempt to follow, elude, or
subdue some other person or cohort. In a rural
setting, enemies might use a caravan of refugees as a
distraction or, worse, as human shields while
ambushing the flock.
Another way of communicating setting and
what underlies it is to indicate the complete absence
of any such people from the streets. Where might
they have gone? By what means? Through some
compulsion or enticement? At whose behest? For
what goal?
A HORRID PRIVILEGE
C
hirurgeons. Leeches. Barbers. With
medicine still nascent, these practitioners
heal the sick, clean wounds, and bind
broken limbs—if the stars align and luck smiles
down. Far likelier outcomes of visiting one of them
are ill-set fractures, introduction of infectious filth
or treatment with a toxic substance, or (sometimes
and) an accelerated and agonizing death.
To be a “patient” in this age of medical
ignorance and charlatanry is, at best, a horrid
privilege. Notions of hygiene are slippery, diagnoses
stem from superstition or whim, and the instruments
used to provide care are bluntly (and sometimes
rustily) unsuited to the job. Phlebotomists, perhaps
the closest analogues of modern doctors, rely upon
dull knives and live leeches to bleed anyone they
T H E F ATE W E AV E R 655
treat. Most healers bleed everyone
they treat. Their heavy reliance
upon the hemophagic worms
makes economic sense; metal
blades must be purchased or
forged, whereas a bucket of
leeches can be caught at the local
bog by immersing a bare limb “Tea is the most abundant
(thus the profession’s least form of medicine in
flattering nickname). Erebos, where the roots
No list of the tortures and and herbs of the wilds
slow-motion executions available are readily available
under the guise of healing in this to those who would
time and place could ever be risk the journey.
complete. Popular techniques Such draughts are
include candling (inserting one prescribed for everything,
end a large wick into an orifice, from headaches
whereafter the other end is ignited to childbirth.”
to “pull” illness from the patient; — Observations of the
Wandering Squire
depending upon the opening,
flatulence during such a procedure
might prove harmful), cupping (using flame to
create a vacuum inside a glass bulb and suctioning
the heated vessel to bare skin), and haphazard
amputation of extremities, followed by cautery.
Broken or caried teeth are removed with pliers—
and without anesthesia. And the less you know
about the startling range of materials considered
therapeutic when injected into the rectum via
clyster or bellows, the better you’ll sleep.
Perhaps the greatest similarity between healers
in Blackbirds and doctors in modernity is the large
presence of “waywards” in the profession—people
now called “psychopaths.” Although many who try
to give care in these conditions are, kindly put,
ahead of their time, about one in every ten practices
the art of medicine as cover for experimenting
upon, controlling, harming, or killing others.
Any character with even minimal experience of
healers and how they operate probably offers
strenuous objections to seeking such services. Dire
wounds make desperate Blackbirds, though. Thus,
the rest of the flock is likely to learn this hard lesson
656 BLACKBIRDS
in the harshest way. Should an afflicted Blackbird
succumb during grievous ministrations of a
“caregiver,” the survivors face Peril (see the pertinent
sidebar in Chapter 2: How to Play).
CRITICAL/SUBLIME SUCCESS
Y
ou! Player! You just rolled Sublime
Success. What are you going to do now?”
Basically, whatever the hell the player
wants.
Seriously. Let ‘em go nuts. Have fun. Some
dice-defying happy-go-lucky wants to leap through
the air, corkscrewing the whole way and wielding
with each hand a short sword that passes through
the flesh of every single enemy like a hot knife
through warm butter? Why not?
Given the whole grim & perilous thing . . . all
grim, all the perilous time, is not what most players
truly want. So, take a break. Describe that lucky
stiff—literally, the one who took a terminal stroke
of lethal damage in the same Round that they rolled
all those ‘6’s—rising from the dead with the
assistance of bell-bedizened cherubim, who grunt at
the effort but restore our Blackbird to vertical, then
disappear, pfft, in a parti-colored burst of hydrangea
petals that drift away on the fragrant breeze because
cherubs don’t belong in this game. Except when
they do.
T H E U S E S O F M I S F O RT U N E
O
kay, counterpoint: Are the characters
basking in triumph?
Consider dispensing Misfortune.
Life’s that way, you know.
Alternatively: A member of the flock dies.
Consider dispensing Misfortune. Life’s that
way, too.
When should a Fateweaver spend Misfortune?
At the time most likely to be memorable for the
players. That timing can be called cruel. Sometimes,
when it might be called excessive, even super-cruel,
the actual goal is either distraction or its opposite.
Blackbirds will have a chance later to bid farewell to
departed flockmates. In the moment of bereavement,
as the characters are stunned, foes may seize the
opportunity to loose a Parthian shot, launch a
suicidal attack, or recover briefly from death to pass
on some nasty and communicable Affliction. Fair?
No. But sprinkling some extra bad luck atop the
corpse of a beloved character shifts the focus from
sentiment to sentience, delivers a cautionary
message about situational awareness to the flock,
and reminds the players that life . . . goes on, if only
for most, not for all.
How should a Fateweaver spend Misfortune?
So many choices present themselves that even this
list is not comprehensive.
Did the flock just use its last bit of Fortune in
its efforts to defeat wolfen aggressors, and without a
single Blackbird getting bitten thus far (see Chapter
2: How to Play)? Spend Misfortune to have a wolf
or six, a sleuth of bears, or a cloud of bats come to
the aid of the moon-cursed; or to have one of these
outsized, shape-shifted brutes swallow a flockmate
whole; or, if a Blackbird fails at a Melee Attack
against a theow, to infect the character with
lycanthropy (Chomp!).
Did a Blackbird make the mistake of launching
a solo attack on a striga noble (see Chapter 10:
Bestiary)? Spend Misfortune and mesmerize that
imprudent individual into a Helpless state. Do the
flockmates arrive just in time to intervene? Spend
Misfortune and infest them with a Parasitic Horde
of the striga’s nymphs. Do the Blackbirds triumph,
despite all these hemophagic monstrosities? Spend
Misfortune and bring a titan cask on the scene to
deliver a Roar of Nightmares, which renders all who
hear it Defenseless. Thereafter, it could Exsanguinate
someone instantly or invoke Children of the Curse,
depending upon the Misfortune available.
Are the characters dealing with someone whom
they believe to be human—who is, in fact, a
doppelgänger? Or, even worse, has one of the
Blackbirds been replaced by one of these elfwrought?

Yes: Misfortune (see Chapter 3: Character Creation
& Progression). Is the flock delving lost Ahnoon in
search of elven treasure, or spying elsewhere on a
gathering of aes? Spend Misfortune and have a will-
o’-the-wisp visit Babbling Madness upon them (see
Chapter 10: Bestiary). Argosy bugs, made to gather
Fortune, have dangerous capabilities regarding it.
In combat, depending upon the balance when such
a creature has a critical hit in an attack, a bug can
use Elder Siphon to transmute a point of the flock’s
Fortune into Misfortune. Given sufficient
Misfortune, an argosy’s death throes—a Null Fate
Vortex—can cleave anyone nearby from their link
to Fate for a full day.
T H E F ATE W E AV E R 657
That quickbronze armor the flock found in
Ahnoon? Spend Misfortune to have a child of
Anhelios (see Chapter 10: Bestiary) spew corrupted
verdigris on it (and on the characters’ more
conventional metal weaponry) to make a fight . . .
challenging. Thereafter, a draugr can use its Lurking
Quick Trait to gain a Surprise Round and possibly
pass on its undead Child of Anhelios Affliction to
one of those freshly armorless Blackbirds. Worse, a
lich could use Misfortune to power random
Vitiations to hurl against the flock. Perhaps worst
of all, with Master of the Master, a lich in danger of
defeat could be whisked away by whatever even
more potent being controls it—whether an
Outsider, Anhelios, or an Oligarch (Fateweaver’s
choice; through such a rescue, the identity of the
lich’s master becomes known to the flock, but that
also means the flock has threatened the servitor of a
fearsome force, indeed . . .).
Remember, though, that Fate both outdoes
and foregoes Fortune or Misfortune. Thus, an effect
or power stemming from a character’s use of Fate
occurs and resolves before anything stemming from
Fortune/Misfortune does so.
T H E S H A P E O F R E V E L AT I O N
O
utside of the Threadings, the weakened
forces of Fate communicate with
Blackbirds through Revelations. These
messages come as dreams, feelings of intuition, as
uncanny episodes or encounters to hint at the flock’s
most recent Dooming and its fulfillment.
Revelations occur once a Blackbird reaches
either Harmony or Discord scores of 3, 5, 7, or 10
for the first time on a given Tier. At those moments,
impart these clues or portents to the characters,
rather than to the players: “As the Blackbird Nygela
sleeps/strides along the road/presses a coin into the
beggar’s hand . . .” The message should be
helpful . . . but just barely.
For a Dooming that urges the flock to avert a
conflict between wielders of two supernatural blades
658 BLACKBIRDS
(Never let what’s cut apart cut together), Nygela dreams
of a titanic knife that falls from the sky toward the
mirror-still surface of a lake, which it parts into
unexpectedly vast waves, one of which engulfs the
camp where she slumbers; or, as Nygela leads the
flock along a rural road, she feels the hairs on her neck
bristle only a moment before drooping tree limbs
(which she has trouble believing that she somehow
overlooked . . .) etch minor but symmetrical cuts on
each of her arms; or, as the beggar’s hand closes around
Nygela’s donated Corbellian ekat, his gaze grows
distant and he mutters, “Sharper than Ouroboros’s
fang . . . is Ouroboros’s other fang,” whereafter he
looks her in the eye and smiles widely enough to
reveal his lack of teeth—and his stump of a tongue.
Should one or more such cryptic hints leave the
Blackbirds wandering in circles, any of that Tier’s
subsequent Revelations could be more direct. As
Brehm glances at a roadside waterfall, he sees reflected
in it the sign of a tavern, the Perforate Casque, even
though no such establishment stands nearby. Or,
with no visible cause, his portable wine barrel springs
five simultaneous leaks, prompting a stop at the next
tavern, the Perforate Casque, where the flock
witnesses a knife fight. Ideally, at that moment,
Nygela would say something like, “Separate the
fighters!” The players’ next job would be to figure out
which blade is magical and why it’s so dangerous.
Technically, Revelations should differ, depending
upon whether they stem from a Harmony score or a
Discord score. Ones that come from Harmony should
reveal what can aid the flock’s current effort. Ones that
come from Discord reveal what can hinder the flock.
Sometimes, though, moving the story forward may
require the Fateweaver to point directly at a character
who is related to the Blackbirds’ goal but whose
relationship to the flock could go either way. In that
instance, such a Revelation could come from either
Harmony or Discord.
Overall, the more the players are allowed to
make connections and figure things out, the greater
their satisfaction is likely to be. Thus, make
Revelations as mysterious as your game will allow.
FA C TS O F ST R I F E
W
ars of manifold origins cleave apart the
nations and peoples of Erebos. Brigands,
beasts, and monsters prey on those who
flee clashes between armies. From a realm largely
invisible to most of humanity, Outsiders wage what
may be a sly, collective assault on the world most
people know. And the Oligarchs, having slain the
old gods, plot what promises to be a cataclysmic
return to the place of their mortal “infancy.”
Conflict—strife—is a daily reality throughout
the world of Blackbirds. Despite news being
something that arrives, maybe, at the speed of a
horse, the flow of dispossessed persons delivers this
message to every attentive individual. The flock
may find itself solving multifarious riddles,
persuading the obstinate, and rescuing the neediest,
but because others want to keep their secrets,
preserve their influence, and exercise untold
tyrannies, a regular byproduct will be fights.
Because combat is such a fixture in the game,
keeping it fresh can be a challenge. One means of
doing so is to keep things proportional. Note that
foes appropriate to a Tier need not be limited to
that Tier, but overmatching the flock too often or
too early can result in a superabundance of routs—
or a more terminal outcome.
As a flock embarks upon its adventures in Basic
Tier, conventional opponents let the characters
discover their abilities, natural and otherwise. At
this Tier are wild animals, minor beasts, and
bandits. Animals that hunt or defend themselves
solo tend to be less challenging than ones that do so
in packs. Creatures that are venomous or unnaturally
large but restricted to domains hazardous on their
own (water, mountainous heights) can pose threats
that make swift victory a necessity for the characters.
Humans, through deceit and weapon use, present
impediments that other mundane beings can’t.
By the Intermediate Tier, with the flockmates
having gotten some knowledge of one another and
the world around them, opponents possessing
supernatural powers or the backing of nation states

(large or small) can remind the characters of how
vast—and treacherous—a place Erebos and its
neighboring lands can be. At this Tier are mortal
adversaries with magical allies or objects, influential
nobles (major or minor), and various supernatural
menaces. Royals who control fiefs or other small
districts may do so through fear and a few
mercenaries, but those tools put dozens or hundreds
of commonfolk (usually bearing farm implements,
cudgels, and the occasional pole arm) at the disposal
of sometimes unscrupulous rulers. Criminals and
ambitious vagabonds are somewhat likelier than
other powerful figures to employ a dabbler in
theurgy, as the practice of such arts is considered . . .
vulgar. Well-landed nobles who have borders to
protect do so with warriors, ones equipped with
defensive arsenals, especially Ranged weapons.
Anyone can luck upon an enchanted, accursed, or
otherworldly weapon, but keeping such things
requires a potent skill set. Striga, the moon-cursed,
and the elfwrought combine human intellect with
forms and abilities far beyond those of mere mortals,
whereas the curse of Anhelios transforms dead flesh
and bones into beings that range from things almost
sessile to puissant necromancers who are,
themselves, unliving.
Once the Blackbirds’ reputation precedes
them, as Advanced Tier begins, that repute may
endanger the characters as much as it empowers
them, for they are likely to have attracted the
attention of beings beyond the mortal realm. At the
very least, their accomplishments may earn them
sobriquets such as miracle workers or saviors—
vexatious titles to maintain. At this Tier are mighty
nations with standing armies (and often navies)
numbering in the thousands; servants of the
Oligarchs; Outsiders; and apocryphals, beings
linked to the old gods. An established military tends
to embody the values of its nation’s worst leader, so
a murderous monarch oversees merciless regiments
that load siege engines with captured soldiers’
heads. Oligarchic servitors—including misshapen
Ailisian druids, short-lived but deadly golden
T H E F ATE W E AV E R 659
paladins, and gigantic adonises—
take cunning, determination, and
luck to defeat. Although most
Outsiders seldom make
themselves visible to non-theurgic
mortals, a few do so always: the
villein of Joy and the lord of the
Nameless Court have unassuming “Intimidation can be
and naturalistic guises but sow a difficult tactic in the
endless trouble. Whether a hardened reaches of the
harpy’s nest spills its cache of continent; if you intend
ravening dead souls onto the to make a threat, it is
nearest human settlement or best to be sure it won’t
patrons promise the flock two be replied to in kind . . .”
moons to save their adult children — Observations of the
Wandering Squire
from the belly of the Leviathan,
the Blackbirds might never face a
fiercer struggle than one against
an apocryphal.
YE P, I T’ S TO O P E R I L O U S
E
xhaustion. Starvation. Intense thirst.
Prolonged exposure to climate extremes.
Failure at efforts to repair useless armor, to
prepare needed medicaments/toxins, or to cast
specific Wortcunning Spells/Vitiations (the last of
which sometimes affects beings near the conjurer,
too). Imbibing to the state of intoxication.
Smothering. Drowning. Suffering a grotesque,
agonizing, and/or lingering Injury. Seeing someone
else suffer a grotesque, agonizing, and/or lingering
Injury. Watching someone be treated for a
grotesque, agonizing, and/or lingering Injury by an
inept or inhumane healer. Undergoing a magical
transmogrification of one’s own body. Witnessing a
magical transmogrification of someone else’s body.
Encountering certain supernatural creatures or
similar beings (in some cases, only for humans
during an initial exposure). Suffering withdrawal
from the milk of the egg. Perceiving, via any sense,
a jötunnkin in the act of consuming human flesh
(which affects only present humans; if the
 660 BLACKBIRDS

anthropophage is a flockmate, the effect upon the
witness is doubled). Directly seeing, hearing,
feeling, or otherwise experiencing the Od (in some
cases, only during an initial exposure thereto, and
only for nonpractitioners of theurgy). Being unable
to give alms to beggars or other unfortunates (again,
sometimes limited to initial instances). Being
present for the revenant-related phenomenon
Death Fog, the elfwrought Trait Babbling Madness,
the various ensorcellments of
basilisks, a restless shade’s Charnel
Manifestation, the goblin/ogre-
related imprecation Monstrous
Visions, the Odic Manifestation
Whispering Frogs, or the cloven
pronouncement Wyrd of Doom.
Experiencing the manifestation
“Erebos is home to a of an Oligarch.
variety of festivals and All the foregoing conditions
revelers in masks are and activities have the potential to
a common sight. induce stress and/or exhaustion.
Therein lies a unique In Blackbirds, suffering either
opportunity for those condition costs characters who try
who would rather remain to do . . . anything. That cost is
concealed to move unseen
through the carnival
streets, be they human
or otherwise . . .”
—Observations of the
Wandering Squire
charted by having the characters fall and rise on
the Peril Condition Track (see Chapter 2: How to
Play). At at higher ratings, characters lose physical,
cognitive, and other abilities. The usual remedy
for Peril is rest, but some conditions (infection
and poisonings, for example) can prevent any such
recovery until the impeding condition is cured, or
at least treated. Or, in some cases, until the
character dies.
Of course, some ancestries, Talents, and
Techniques insulate a character against certain
sources of Peril. Among these conditions are the
following (though neither this list nor the one that
opens the sidebar is comprehensive): Possessing the
Bow and Blade Talent Grit and the Technique
Paragon of Command. Deploying the Craft and
Expertise Talent The Hammer’s Song or The
Nourishing Art Technique. Receiving the benefit of
the Charm and Manipulation Technique Toss a
Coin. Having ties to the Court of Joy (for nephilim
only). Being moon-cursed.
Worth noting is the idea that one Blackbird’s
unblinking unflappability as others suffer can, itself,
breed Peril for some onlooking flockmates. Truly,
dealing with Peril is akin to wandering circular ruins.

BAD TITHINGS
U
nless an unpacted theurge character
performs a reckoning once their debt to
an Outsider reaches, in game terms, a
Tithe of 8 or more, Outsiders with whom the
character deals may exhibit some testiness. The
Fateweaver should feel free, but not compelled, to
portray any Outsider in such a circumstance as
distracted, impatient, or interruptive during any
communication with the theurge. The main reason
is that, under normal conditions, the character can
cast no Vitiation or employ any Outsider Technique
without reaching or surpassing a Tithe of 10, a
score at or beyond which those abilities cease to
function and, in a sense, the associated Outsider
stops taking the theurge’s calls. The other reason is
that Outsiders, mercurial and inscrutable beings
that they are, tend toward unpleasantness but, more
than anything else, embody unpredictability.
Should a theurge establish a pact with a single
Outsider, costs for Vitiations end. Outsider
Techniques still contribute to the character’s debt.
Theurges who form pacts with Outsiders of
different courts again face the prospect of altered
behavior by one or the other provider upon having
plural sources of thaumaturgic powers. Refer to the
appropriate “Opinions of the Other Courts” entries
(see The Outsider Courts in Chapter 8: Theurgy). In
some cases, one such “mutual” Outsider predisposed
favorably toward the court of another might grow
more pleasant. Remember, though, that only a
minority of the six courts expresses any positive
“feelings” about any other court. The likelier outcome
is snideness toward a theurge who would dare bring
the “aggrieved” Outsider into even metaphoric
proximity with one from a feared, scorned, despised,
or even outright repudiated court.
Note that these guidelines for a Fateweaver’s
portrayal of various Outsiders apply independently
of whatever Spite may be amassed by theurges
whose Tithe swells well past 10.
T H E F ATE W E AV E R 661
U N S P E A KA B L E O L I G A R C HY
B ecause the mere astral projection of an
Oligarch deranges mortal beings and, in
some cases, triggers their physical alteration
as well, calling the throne-usurping replacement gods
dangerous constitutes the wildest of understatements.
Such power recalls a threat that goes, “I’d just as soon
kill you as look at you.” Well, the Oligarchs work that
way, sort of: their direct attention is a woefully
destructive force. Plus, though we know the Oligarchs
sit “on the stolen thrones of the old gods,” those
thrones’ exact location remains unclear. At the very
least, the usurpers now dwell on the far side of some
Odic divide, and perceiving or otherwise experiencing
the Od likewise can impart a world of hurt—
literally—on human beings, even theurgic ones.
So, Blackbirds have no way of even finding the
Oligarchs. But the Oligarchs’ wanton deicide is also
largely unknown in the world of Blackbirds. This
sodality of god slayers committed its crimes in
secret, thanks to the gods’ own remoteness from the
world and their worshipers.
Thus, the Blackbirds must first confirm that a
crime occurred; determine who benefitted from
that crime, and how; and figure out whether justice
can be visited upon immortals of godly power,
current whereabouts unknown.
The Extinguishing of the old gods in that
ethereal world left traces in the world of the
Blackbirds, but the flock has a long way to go before
its members can identify as evidence the changes in
weather, in patterns of war, and in the governance
of certain polities, as well as the mounting deaths or
disappearances of citizens in several countries.
W H AT D O B L A C K B I R D S K N OW?
P
layers are likely to ask, “How much do
the characters know? Do they know for
sure that the gods are dead? Do they
understand themselves to be instruments of Fate?”
Because the gods were remote and appeared
infrequently to mortals, some people may think
662 BLACKBIRDS
that the “immortals” are keeping their believers at
deified arms’ length—as usual. Anyone who has
seen the blackened remains of Yggdrasil knows
something awful is happening, but . . . many of
those folk never escape the environs of the destroyed
World Tree. Not in the form of people, anyway.
Regarding the characters’ roles as freshly minted
agents of Fate, none of them knows this truth. Any
or all of them might suspect, might feel themselves to
be special somehow. The Blackbirds retain no
conscious memory of their Threadings, though, and
players needn’t role-play the spending of Fate or
Fortune, as those are game terms that represent
supernatural qualities the characters wonder about.
They could even talk amongst themselves and ask if
flockmates also feel touched by . . . something—
something that not even the most curious and
introspective among them can name.
Characters outside the flock might know more
than they let on, but most whom the Blackbirds
meet are as uninformed as the flockmates. A being
of rare potency could know for sure, but such
creatures know better than to say to another such
creature, “By the way, how long have you been the
unique way you are?”
“ PAT R O N S M A K E T H E S N A K E
E AT I T S TA I L”
Y
es, some people in Erebos still trot out the
foregoing adage. Almost no one knows that
Ouroboros is dead, so commerce continues
anywhere that people endure, and so does the
venerable wisdom around the practice. For the
Blackbirds, wise fiscal practice means securing
Patronage (see Chapter 7: Trappings) to keep the
flock clothed, sheltered, mobile, and armed. Some
patrons offer nontangible benefits, too, mainly in the
forms of influence or information. Most, though, are
sources of useful stuff, safe places to lay one’s head, or
the means for a flock to get from hither to yon.
Another Erebosian adage goes: “Naught for
nil.” Patronage is a dance of give and take, with
nothing ever offered for free. In game terms, that
plutocrat or this petty royal expects a Blackbird to
repay any Patronage with acts or goods known as
Undertakings or Spoils, respectively. This system
benefits the Fateweaver in multiple ways.
Patrons can motivate the flock and spark
quests: when the Blackbirds’ armor thins and their
blades dull, a master crafter, tycoon, or criminal
linchpin can keep them battle-ready . . . in exchange
for committing commensurate larceny, undoing a
kidnapping, or diverting a rival’s shipment of rare
cazvot wood. If the flock needs swift transport
between Corbel and Florent, the admiral over
Corbel’s blockade could do it . . . if the flockmates
deliver a message beyond the cordon without either
military knowing of it. While holding captive one
of the Golden Messiah’s followers, the characters
seek to thaumaturgically interrogate this adherent,
something an accomplished theurge could help
them do . . . once they locate the long-sought
grimoire compiled by a vanished Odseer, Maadteus.
Persuading a person of means to become a
patron (or strengthening an extant relationship, or
renewing a lapsed patronage) can start a quest all its
own. In such pursuits, characters tend to be tested
on their social skills. A longtime patron, who is also
a phylarch of the Endless Hymn, weighs a shift
toward the exclusive Patronage level known as
Stewardship after witnessing the character’s deft
sensitivity to the faith’s particular demands. A spice
trader initially unimpressed by a Blackbird’s
entreaties might change perspective upon learning
that the character’s knowledge of lore about the
elusive cinnamolgus encompasses exiguous detail.
The recipient of that scarce facewood considers
renewing patronage once it’s clear that the Blackbird,
despite having bungled a subsequent mission, knew
that the delivered lumber’s value far surpassed the
worth of the armor that job “earned.”
Keeping a patron can ignite or spur conflict in
several ways: although a patron to whom a specific
Blackbird is obligated shares that character’s
worldview, that patron abhors the attitudes/beliefs/

principles of the company the flockmate keeps.
Unbeknownst to the flock, at first, its most valuable
patron lives with the mutual enmity of the Blackbirds’
most trenchant foe—whose removal thus becomes
doubly pressing. During a sea voyage arranged by
one of the flock’s patrons, a character learns that the
ship’s cargo is weaponry destined to support the side
the Blackbirds oppose in an ongoing struggle; what
to do? A steward, having played a long game with
one member of the flock, reveals that betrayal of
another flock member is required for the relationship
to continue; does the Blackbird walk away from the
patronage, commit the requested perfidy, or alert the
flockmates and suggest slaying the patron and taking
control of their empire or enterprise?
Likewise, losing a patron can add fireworks to
the game. Unless the flock picks the last and most
brazen of the options outlined in the betray-them/
double-cross–me conundrum immediately above (a
choice sure to have consequences of its own . . .), an
obligated Blackbird must report to a patron for that
patronage to continue in the aftermath of any failed
Undertaking. Ideally, such an allocution is always
role-played, with several outcomes possible. Should
the assassins’ guild chieftain or wayward noble be
insufficiently mollified during the meeting, the
patronage could end (temporarily or permanently—
either one necessitating fresh patronage) or be eroded
in its perquisites (leaving the flock to make some
tough decisions in the short term); alternatively, the
patron could propose a new Undertaking, which
might well prompt some reflection among the
flockmates: Do they serve patrons to live? Or do they
live to serve patrons? Finally, should a patron discover,
T H E F ATE W E AV E R 663
during wartime, that an obligated Blackbird swears
allegiance at odds with the patron’s, that patronage
ends. Thus, some characters strive to keep multiple
patrons in the dark about one another. No situation
in Blackbirds screams to be treated as farce more
than this one does. Imagine the flock, having failed at
two Undertakings for two different individuals,
being beckoned by those discrete and well-heeled
patrons of a single flockmate—who has neglected to
mention the existence of either to the adversarial
other—to report. At the same inn. On the same day.
At the same time.
Make the Bard proud.
H A P P Y B L A C K B I R D- K EE P I N G
F
or every Fateweaver, the care and feeding of
a flock entails long-range and short-range
planning; readying a battery of characters,
major and minor, to interact with the Blackbirds;
keeping in mind a set of reasonable and engaging
settings where all the characters involved can
interact; and honing improvisational skills in
preparation for that inevitable moment (which can
arrive mere minutes into the very first game . . .)
when the players do the unexpected and lay waste
to all those thoughtful schemes. Keeping all those
balls aloft at the same time requires a master
juggler—or, more realistically, good-natured calm
when things go awry. Remember, always, that
Blackbirds is a game. As such, its goals are
entertainment and diversion. If, amid play, some of
the game’s themes shine through to illuminate what
the flock is always circling, and verse vicely, bravo.
 PAGE ARTIST TITLE
Artist Index PAGE ARTIST TITLE
Cover Art Dave Rapoza Blackbirds 94 Ash J Chapter Art
Perf ’d Maps Francesca Baerald Erebos, Highsalt, & Corbel 97 Ken Duquet A Moment of Reflection
Throughout Evangeline Gallagher Observations of a Meandering Squire 100 Mark De Bakker Desert Nomads
Throughout Rob Sather Icons 105 Ken Duquet Jotunnkin Sage
iv Jana Heidersdorf Norns 108 Ken Duquet Beggar
1 Artem Demura Chapter Art 110 Ash J Chapter Art
3 Marco Mazzoni Tavern 116 Paul Reinwand Bow & Blade Card
7 Sheri Groleau Red Gloves 121 Paul Reinwand Charm & Manipulation
8 Maxim Kostin Three Moons 127 Paul Reinwand Craft & Expertise
11 Clement Blum Landscape of Od 132 Paul Reinwand Od & Ritual
12 Stanislav Dikolenko Balion Sothis 139 Paul Reinwand Shadow & Subterfuge
14 Maxim Kostin Chapter Art 151 Jonathan Fernandes Children of Anhelios Stage 1
18 Marco Mazzoni Elf Reveal 151 Jonathan Fernandes Children of Anhelios Stage 2
24 La Draws Souk 151 Jonathan Fernandes Children of Anhelios Stage 3
25 Rob Sather Misfortune 153 Jonathan Fernandes Plague of Beauty Stage 1
25 Rob Sather Fortune 153 Jonathan Fernandes Plague of Beauty Stage 2
27 Jana Heidersdorf Norns 153 Jonathan Fernandes Plague of Beauty Stage 3
28–29 Rob Sather Fate 155 Jonathan Fernandes Wolfen Stage 1
32 Ken Duquet Bonegrinder Warrior 155 Jonathan Fernandes Wolfen Stage 2
34 Ken Duquet Children of the Shallows Druids 155 Jonathan Fernandes Wolfen Stage 3
36 Artem Demura Chapter Art 156 Artem Demura Chapter Art
40 Asmo Grimae Rose Witch Garden 158 Cristian Huerta Vichy Soldiers Harassing Refugees
44 Dave Rapoza Pregnant Woman 168 Jonathan Kutzer Two Fighters
46 Dave Rapoza Scarred Face 180–183 Goran Gligović Basic Injury
47 Dave Rapoza Nose Chain 184 Adam Rosenlund Dire Injury
48 Dave Rapoza Masked Man 184 Goran Gligović Basic Injury
49 Dave Rapoza Masked Mustache 185–189 Alice Boudry Daimn Injury
50 Dave Rapoza Aes 190 Adam Rosenlund Dire Injury
56 Ken Duquet Elf Spread 203 Ken Duquet Southern Tracker
57 Ken Duquet Elf Spread 205 Ken Duquet Bonegrinder Witch
60 Dave Rapoza Daimn Frostfolk 206 Artem Demura Chapter Art
61 Dave Rapoza Daimn Greenkith 208 Alice Boudry Red Iron Longsword
65 Dave Rapoza Big Beard 210 Alice Boudry Red Iron Helmet
67 Dave Rapoza Jotunnkin 214 Alice Boudry Quickbronze Spear
69 Dave Rapoza Nephilim 216 Alice Boudry Weeping Ash Hand Axe
75 Stanislav Dikolenko Amalu Hattar & Daughters 218 Alice Boudry Weeping Ash Dagger
77 Felix Miall Bow & Blade 224 Nathan Anderson Ancestries
78 Felix Miall Charm & Manipulation 225 Alice Boudry Dagger
79 Felix Miall Craft & Expertise 225 Alice Boudry Battle Axe
80 Felix Miall Od & Ritual 225 Alice Boudry Garotte
81 Felix Miall Shadow & Subterfuge 225 Alice Boudry Axe
92 Xander Brown Mercenaries in a Swamp 225 Alice Boudry Cudgel
 A RT I ST I N D E X 665
PAGE ARTIST TITLE PAGE ARTIST TITLE
225 Alice Boudry Bullwhip 288 Roman Sachnow Court of Silence Imp
226 Alice Boudry Rapier 311 Roman Sachnow Court of Truth Imp
226 Alice Boudry Halberd 316 Roman Sachnow Nameless Court Imp
226 Alice Boudry Morningstar 325 Roman Sachnow Court of Ignorance Imp
226 Alice Boudry Greatsword 340 Stanislav Dikolenko Barrow Fog
226 Alice Boudry Longsword 342 Stanislav Dikolenko Skittering Frost
227 Alice Boudry Sabre 343 Stanislav Dikolenko Land of Stone
227 Alice Boudry Warhammer 344 Mark De Bakker Bards
227 Alice Boudry Spear 350 Maxim Kozlov Theurgy Festival
227 Alice Boudry Shiv 355 Roman Sachnow Court of Ignorance Imp
227 Alice Boudry Sap Grady Gordon &
356 Scrivilias
ARTeapot
227 Alice Boudry Staff
Grady Gordon &
228 Alice Boudry Sling 357 Scrivilias
ARTeapot
228 Alice Boudry Horse Bow Hannah Hahn &
358 Tillisillus
228 Alice Boudry Longbow ARTeapot

228 Alice Boudry Arbalest Crossbow Hannah Hahn &

360 Obsimrex
ARTeapot
228 Alice Boudry Chakram
362 Roman Sachnow Court of Joy Imp
228 Alice Boudry Light Crossbow
Hannah Hahn &
365 Tabernacle
229 Alice Boudry Chainmail ARTeapot
229 Alice Boudry Boiled Leather Grady Gordon &
366 Fliberdijiberit
ARTeapot
229 Alice Boudry Brigandine with Pauldrons
Hannah Hahn &
229 Alice Boudry Clothing 1 368 Bleconixx
ARTeapot
229 Alice Boudry Brigandine 370 Roman Sachnow Court of Peace Imp
229 Alice Boudry Clothing 2 Hannah Hahn &
371 Blith
230 Alice Boudry Gambeson ARTeapot

230 Alice Boudry Light Leather Grady Gordon &

372 Eurynomos
ARTeapot
230 Alice Boudry Plate
Hannah Hahn &
374 Asisaxasias
230 Alice Boudry Fur ARTeapot
231 Alice Boudry Florentine Shield 375 Roman Sachnow Court of Silence Imp
231 Alice Boudry Hyperitan Shield Hannah Hahn &
376 Trammus
ARTeapot
231 Alice Boudry Thulian Shield
Grady Gordon &
231 Alice Boudry Buckler 378 Flist
ARTeapot
232 James Bousema Ship At Sea Hannah Hahn &
380 Father Longlegs
ARTeapot
233 Alice Boudry Longbow
381 Roman Sachnow Court of Truth Imp
233 Alice Boudry Horse Bow
Grady Gordon &
234 Alice Boudry Red Iron Mace 383 Accord
ARTeapot
236 Alice Boudry Herbs Hannah Hahn &
384 Clip
240 Maxim Kostin Chapter Art ARTeapot

244 Ken Duquet Fog Ice Shaman Grady Gordon &

386 Tannin
ARTeapot
246 Maxim Kostin Pit
387 Roman Sachnow Nameless Court Imp
247 Rob Sather Grimoire Cover
Grady Gordon &
252 Samuel Araya Outsiders Dps 388 Xox
ARTeapot
254 Clement Blum Grand Tabard Hannah Hahn &
390 Folio
ARTeapot
256 Clement Blum Meat Knight
Grady Gordon &
263 Mark De Bakker Muse 393 Glissaindaira
ARTeapot
264 Maxim Kostin Hanging Tree 394 Goran Gligović Argosy
271 Roman Sachnow Court of Peace Imp 395 Goran Gligović Heart of Bodhmall
277 Roman Sachnow Court of Joy Imp 396 Goran Gligović Necropolis
666 A RT I ST I N D E X

PAGE ARTIST TITLE PAGE ARTIST TITLE

397 Goran Gligović Numen Lots 497–505 Mike Franchina Striga
398 Goran Gligović Sheaths of Voidf 508–509 Sheri Groleau Wolfen
399 Goran Gligović Sinew Arc 511–512 Sheri Groleau Wolfen
401 Goran Gligović Sisters 514 Sheri Groleau Cernunnos
402 Goran Gligović Solution 515 Sheri Groleau Harpy
405 Jana Heidersdorf Chapter Art Sheri Groleau & Joseph
517 Restless Shades
Pegg
406 Maria Zolotukhina Beautiful People
519 Sheri Groleau Kelpie
410 Florian Ayala Fauna
520 Chris Campbell Drowned Thralls
411 Florian Ayala Fauna
522 Oriana Menendez Chapter Art
412 Chris Campbell Rider
523 Sheri Groleau Things within
413 Mariya Sviridova Rider
524 Sheri Groleau White Whale
414 Mariya Sviridova Mother Wolf
526 Maxime Minard Bear
415 Chris Campbell Mother Wolf
528 Sheri Groleau Giant Crocodile
416 Chris Campbell Yggdrasil
529 Sheri Groleau Kraken
417 Mariya Sviridova Yggdrasil
530 Sheri Groleau Tear
418 Chris Campbell Corvus
531 Sheri Groleau Wolves
419 Mariya Sviridova Corvus
533 Sheri Groleau Basilisk
420 Chris Campbell Ouroboros
535 Sheri Groleau Incubus
421 Mariya Sviridova Ouroboros
537 Sheri Groleau Goblin
423 Mariya Sviridova Norns
539 Sheri Groleau Ogre
424 Erin Vest Caoimhe Ailis True Form
541 Sheri Groleau Argosy Bug
430 Stanislav Dikolenko Ailisian Druids
542 Sheri Groleau Cu
431 Stanislav Dikolenko Ailisian Druid (Advanced)
543 BW Usagi Dopplegangers
432 Stanislav Dikolenko Great Ailisian Moths
544 Sheri Groleau Elfmount
433 Stanislav Dikolenko The Perfected
545 Sheri Groleau Manticore
Grady Gordon &
436 Ondrej
ARTeapot 547 Sheri Groleau Will
438 Erin Vest Plague of Beauty True Form 549 Nathan Anderson Armsmen
444 Maria Zolotukhina Lovely Graves 551 Nathan Anderson Charlatan
447 Maria Zolotukhina Rose Witch 551 Nathan Anderson Brigands
448 Maria Zolotukhina Adonis 552 Nathan Anderson Commonfolk
450 Erin Vest Golden Messiah True Form 553 Nathan Anderson Peasants
455 Ariel Perez Gilded 553 Nathan Anderson Commonfolk
457 Ariel Perez Golden Paladin 554 Nathan Anderson Sigilists
461 Ariel Perez Primum Slug 555–556 Nathan Anderson Vagabonds
462 Erin Vest Belladonna True Form 557 Sheri Groleau Gyges
467 Oleg Bulakh Orphan 559 Sheri Groleau Kephale
471 Oleg Bulakh Neutrix 562 Sheri Groleau Grubling
472 Oleg Bulakh Castoff 563 Sheri Groleau Moil Wretch
475 Oriana Menendez Chapter Art 565 Sheri Groleau Woe Mantis
476 Nathan Anderson Commonfolk 566 Sheri Groleau Black Stag Dainn
477 Nathan Anderson Peasants 568 Marco Mazzoni Rooted Dead
480 Jonathan Kutzer Eyepatch 570 Sheri Groleau Burning Stag Duneyrr
482 Iain Matthiae Abominations 572 Sheri Groleau Pyric Bifold
485 Sheri Groleau Wight 574 Sheri Groleau Red Stag Durapror
487 Sheri Groleau Ghoul 576 Sheri Groleau Slumbering Clergy
489 Sheri Groleau Draugr 577 Sheri Groleau Slumbering Clergy
491 Sheri Groleau Revenant 578 Sheri Groleau White Stag Dvalinn
493 Sheri Groleau Lich 581 Sheri Groleau White Swarm
 A RT I ST I N D E X 667
PAGE ARTIST TITLE PAGE ARTIST TITLE
583 Sheri Groleau Archon 625 Alice Boudry Kestrel
584 Sheri Groleau Chattel Imp 627 Olly Ryder Chapter Art
585–586 BW Usagi Cloven 628 La Draws Salt Mines.Jpg
588 Sheri Groleau Eidolon Grady Gordon &
630 Druuna
ARTeapot
590 Sheri Groleau Fomori
632 Francesca Baerald Highsalt
592 BW Usagi Homunculus
633 Sheri Groleau Barkbones
593 Sheri Groleau Lemure
635 James Bousema Crest of Mero
594 Sheri Groleau Whispering Chimera
637 Ken Duquet Southern Royal Escort
596 Sheri Groleau Blue Crabs
639 Vlad Gheneli Jotunnkin Arrival At Highsalt
597 Sheri Groleau Cinnamolgus
642 Maxim Kostin Chapter Art
599 Sheri Groleau Giant Rats
644 Sheri Groleau Ottoboni Bell
601 Sheri Groleau Night Spider
648 Maxim Kostin Children in the Snow
605 Paul Freland Chapter Art
650 Ken Duquet Jotunnkin Family
606 Goran Gligović Red
653 Natalia Bacetti Crown of Stone
607 Alice Boudry Elven Blade
657 Maria Zolotukhina Truth Engine
608 James Bousema Crest of Mero
660 Clement Blum Sovereigns
611 La Draws Bussa
674 Jana Heidersdorf Norns 3
613 Francesca Baerald Corbel
Perf ’d
614 Alice Boudry Shâd Bakht Character Rob Sather Character Sheet UX
623 Alice Boudry Silver & Gold Sheets

624 Alice Boudry Wolfsbane Endsheets,

Theurgy, © Getty Images filagree, lock, key
Throughout
 Index
A
A Face in the Crowd 136
Asisaxasias, Duke of Butchery
(Lord of Peace) 374
Banesword 270
Bonus Advances 91
A Humble Request 124 Assist 21 Bough of Wax 273
A Most Welcome Reflection 119 Assist Die (D10) 21 Bounty Hunter 136
A Twist of the Dagger 136 Astral Schism 269 Brand-Cunning 274
Abomination 482 Athletics Skill 74 Brawn 74
Accord, Imp of Agreements Aura of Grandeur 123 Breaches Upon Creation 131
(Imp of Truth) 382 Avenge Me 118 Brigand 550
Accustomed to Mobs 67 Awareness Skill 74 Burns 204
Acquired Fortitude 136

B
Action Points (AP) 165
Actions 165
Adonis 448 Baleful Alchemy 126
C
Caress of the Puppeteer 275
Advancing Tiers 93 Balm of Words 124 Cartographer 124
Advocate of Stability 62 Banes 43 Castoff 472
Aegis of Chitin 265 Banishment 133 Cat’s Cradle 44
Aegis of Flesh 266 Bargain Skill 74 Cat’s Eye 136
Aes (Ancestry) 50 Barrister of the Od 131 Cernunnos 514
Afflictions 150 Base Chance 18 Character Concept 41
Agility 74 Basic Tier 73 Charlatan 551
Agittite Swordmaster 115 Basilisk 533 Charm Skill 74
Ailisian Druid 430 Bear 526 Chattel Imp 584
Alchemical Concoctions 195 Benediction of Ignorance 130 Child of Anhelios Affliction 151
Alignment 83 Benediction of Joy 130 Children of the Deep 276
Already Broken 71 Benediction of Peace 130 Cinderkin 60
An Impressive Physique 114 Benediction of Silence 130 Cinnamolgus 597
An Irritating Presence 64 Benediction of the Nameless 130 Circle of Cast 334
Ancestral Modifiers 42 Benediction of Truth 130 Clip, Thief of Souls (Villein
Ancestry 42 Benefaction 120 of Truth) 384

Anomnesis 267 Berserk 272 Cloven 585

Appraiser 125 Bind & Burrow 63 Combat Actions 165

Archon 582 Blacksmith 128 Combat Overview 173

Argosy Bug 541 Bleconixx, Scion of Anxiety Combat Attribute 74

(Lord of Joy) 368 Commonfolk 552
Armor 222
Bleeding 165 Communion 251
Armor of the Od 130
Blessing of Fear 68 Conditioned Knuckles 114
Armor Qualities 224
Blith, Lover of Pain (Imp of Peace) 371 Construct of My Imagination 120
Armory 268
Blue Crab of Thule 596 Contort 54
Armsman 549
Blue Death 202 Conviction 278
Arrow with No Equal 125
Blurring Accuracy 115 Coordination Skill 74
Arsenic 199
Bodyguard 142 Coterie of Visages 138
Artisan of Lies 72
 INDEX 669

Court of Ignorance 254 Duraþrór, the Red Stag 574 Folio, the Formulae (Villein of the
Court of Joy 255 Dusking 334 Nameless Court) 390

Court of Peace 255 Dvalinn, the White Stag 578 Folklore Skill 74

Court of Silence 256 Fomori 590

Fortitude 114
Court of Truth
Cowled 512
256
E
Eavesdrop Skill 74
Fortune 25

Cracking of Knuckles 115 Fortune Pool 25

Education Skill 74 Fortune’s Darling 119
Crafting 194
Eidolon 280 Fragment of the Tablets of the
Critical Failure 20
Elden Juggernaut 114 Unbegotten 135
Critical Success 20
Elemental Affinity Boon 60 Frail 190
Cù-sìth 542
Elfmount 544 Friends in High Places 119
Curious Habits 125
Environmental Hazards 201 Frostfolk 61
Eurynomos, the Quiet Remorse Fugitive’s Fortune 139

D (Villein of Peace) 372

Exploding Dice 17
D6
D10
17
16 Extinguished Techniques 30 G
Gamble Skill 74
D100 16 Eyes of the Maker 124
Eyes Wide 136 Ghoul 487
Daimn (Ancestry) 60
Giant Crocodile 528
Daimn Injury Charts 185
Giant in the Trees 68
Dáinn, the Black Stag
Damage Condition Track
567
178
F
Falconer 142
Giant Rat 599
Gifts of the Salamander 129
Damage Threshold 75 Falling 204 Gilded 455
Dance of Alacrity 139 False Tooth 139 Glissaindaira, Queen of Chitin (Lord
Death Frenzy 45 Fate 26 of the Nameless Court) 392
Degradation 33 Fateless 51 Gnosis 282
Degrees of Success 22 Fateweaver 643 Goblin 537
Deliriants 196 Father Longlegs, Eater of Despair Godling 46
Devil Grass 196 (Lord of Silence) 380 Golden Paladin 456
Devil’s Bargain 133 Fauna of the Od 134 Gospel of the Hanged Martyr 140
Devilish Advocate 118 Favor of the Dead Gods 131 Gossamer Glamour 51
Devourer of Fortune 51 Feast of Words 281 Great Caoimhe Moths 432
Difficulty Rating 19 Feckless Ruse 119 Greenkith 61
Discord 88 Fellowship 74 Grit 114
Discordant Resonance 35 Finesse 136 Grubling 561
Disguise Skill 74 Fleet-Footed 136 Guild Artificer 129
Do No Harm 125 Fleshcrawl 55 Guild Assassin 140
Do What Thou Will 279 Fletcher 124 Guile Skill 74
Dodging the Noose 140 Fliberdijiberit, the Puppeteer Gyges 557
Dooming 90 (Villein of Joy) 36

Door of Flesh 130 Flip to Fail 20

Doppelgänger 543 Flip to Succeed 20

Flist, the Murmuring Flame
H
Halls of Recollection 126
Draugr 489
(Villein of Silence) 378 Handle Animal Skill 74
Drowned Thrall 521
Flourish of the Sylph 137 Handle Vehicle Skill 74
Duel 114
Focus Level 260 Hands of the Maker 46
Duneyrr, the Yellow Stag 570
670 INDEX

Hands of Trenchant Will 283 J

Jötunnkin (Ancestry) 65
Mask of the World 298
Hard to Rouse 64 Massive 67
Harmonies of the Od 335 Master Chirurgeon 125
Harmony 88
Harpy 515
K
Kelpie 519
Master of the Hounds
Master of Whispers 141
142

Haunted Visage 115 Kephale 559 Match 20

Heal Skill 74 Kiss of the Muse 125 Meeds of the Od 394
Herbalist 125 Knife & Bag Work 137 Melee Skill 74
Here Is No Crime 284 Knots of Yggdrasil 132 Menagerie of Adepts 122
Here Is No Lie 285 Kraken 529 Mimicry 128
Here Is No Truth 286 Misfortune 26
Hexmarked 58 Misfortune Pool 25
Hidden Blade 136 L
Language of the Od 290
Misfortune Traits 481
Homunculus (Vitiations) 287 Missiles of Imbuement 299
Homunculus (Bestiary) 591 Languages 76 Moil Wretch 563
Honeyed Words 119 Larval Swarm 498 Molded By Darkness 47
House of the Crescent Moon 52 Leadership Skill 74 Monotheist 131
House of the Full Moon 53 Legerdemain 137 Moon Cursed 508
House of the Gibbous Moon 53 Legions of the Od 291 Moon Devoured 511
House of the New Moon 51 Lemure 593 More Irons in the Fire 125
House of the Quarter Moon 52 Leverage 262 Mort Drudge 301
Human (Ancestry) 43 Leviathan 522 Mort Soldiers 302
Human Thrall 497 Lich 493 Mort-Cunning 300
Hunter of the Accursed 118 Lightning Reflexes 136 Mortal 67
Hyperion’s Curse 335 Lingering Presence 132 Mortal Prey 114
Hyperion’s Progeny 47 Lone Wolf 47 Movement 76
Long Limbs 66 Movement Actions 170
Lopsided 64
I
Immortality of the Aes 51
Lost In Your Eyes 119
Mute 197
My Art Is a Weapon 132
Lovely Grave 444 My Reflection in Iron 116
Incapacitated! 178 Lunatic 58
Incubus 535 Lurking Glass 55
Indigo Prophet
Indomitable Recovery
197
68
N
Nameless Court 257
Infection 179 M
Magical Creature 51
Navigation Skill 74
Initiative 76 Nephilim Ancestry 69
Initiative Ladder 164 Make Your Own Luck 137 Neutrix 469
Injury 179 Malefactor 136 Night Spider 601
Injury Charts 180 Manhunter 117 Night Spider Venom 200
Ink-Stained Fingers 125 Manticore 545 Nightmare Purlieu 303
Intelligence 74 Marionette 292 Nightshade 199
Intimidate Skill 74 Martial Augury 293 Nimble 55
Intrigues of the Court 122 Mask of No Mask 294 Nimble Scoundrel 137
Invocation of Corvus 336 Mask of Shadows 295 Nobility 47
Ironbane 51 Mask of the Mundane 296 Non-Combat Action 112
It Is Known 289 Mask of the Other 297 None Shall Be Tamed 304
 INDEX 671

Not with My Own Tools 131 Perception 74 Rejuvenation 63

Nothing to See Here 63 Perfect Is The Enemy of the Good 125 Rekindling 191
Numinous Mollusk 134 Perfected 433 Resolve Skill 74
Peril Condition Track 178 Resplendent 64

O
Obligation 213
Peril Threshold
Person of Import
75
309
Rest 191
Restless Shade 517
Pestilence 201 Returned with Interest 131
Obsimrex, the Many Ayed (Lord
of Ignorance) 360 Physicker Inanimatus 129 Revelations 657

Oculus 305 Plague of Beauty Affliction 153 Revenant 491

Odic Dice (d6) 260 Plague of Laughter 308 Reverberating Deflection 114

Odic Manifestation 35 Playing the Fool 119 Reward Points (RP) 90

Odic Manifestations Table 342 Power Level 259 Rider Upon Seafoam 48

Odic Outcast 51 Praenomen Mort Deus 337 Right of Introduction 119

Odic Warrior 130 Precious to Them 131 Roaring Devourer 68

Odsight 248 Precise Brutality 72 Rooted Dead 569

Odweft Skill 74 Primal Brand 310 Rose Witch 446

of Diplomacy & Treachery 123 Primary Attribute Bonus 75 Ruined 190

Ogre 539 Primary Attributes 74 Rumor Skill 74

Ondrej, the Shattered 436 Primum Slug 459

Opening Round
Ophidian Renewal
164
306
Prince of a Thousand Enemies
Profane 59
312
S
Salmiac 198
Opposed Test 22 Prowler 137
Sanctioned Transmutations 128
Orewalkers 61 Psalm of Change 134
Sanguine Renewal 317
Orphan 467 Psalm of the Old Gods 339
Sawbones 127
Otherworldly Conviction 123 Pyric Bifold 572
Scorpion Venom 200
Outsiders 248 Pythonic Liturgy 257
Scrivilias, the Scribe (Imp of
Over the Threshold 135 Ignorance) 356
Over Your Shoulder 136
Q
Quarto Lacuna 313
Scrutinize Skill
Sealed Fate 67
74

P
Pact of Warding 72
Quickbronze Elixer
Quickload 114
197 Sealegs 125
Secondary Attributes 41
Sere Roses 338
Pacts 251
Serpent of Rebirth 63
Paragon of Command
Passive Bonus 112
118
R
Ranged Skill 74
Servitor Techniques 141
Shades of Heresy 133
Path of Bow & Blade 77 Rapport 251 Shadow Fettered 59
Path of Charm & Manipulation 78 Reaching Through 314 Shadow Pocket 318
Path of Craft & Expertise 79 Reactions 172 Shoulder to Shoulder 117
Path of Od & Ritual 80 Realm of Od 315 Sight of the Norns 338
Path of Shadow & Subterfuge 81 Rebuke 347 Sigilist 554
Patronage 208 Reckless Fortune 138 Silver and Gold, the Twin Assassins 623
Peer of Misrule 55 Reckoning Chart 351 Silver-Tongued Devil 121
Pelt-Bind 337 Reckonings 348 Sink Like Stone 64
People of Flame 307 Reclaiming Fate 29 Skill Improvements Per Tier 76
Percentile Dice (d100) 16 Recovery 191 Skill Ranks 19
672 INDEX

Skill Test 21 Tender of the Grapevine 119 Tradecraft Skill 74

Skulduggery Skill 74 Thanatology 127 Trammus, the Dual Hound
Slain! 33 The Better Part of Valor 136 (Imp of Silence) 377

Sleep 191 The Coiled Asp, Seduction 120 Tree of Many Branches 326

Sleep Deprivation 205 The Die Is Cast 45 Trophies of the Hunt 117

Sleep No More 319 The Dream 46 True Theurgy 73

Sleight of Hand 138 The Fool’s Stone 128 Truthsayer 59

Slotting 82 The Fraying Threads 135

Slumbering Clergy 576
Snake Venom 201
The Gifts of Father Steel
The Graceful Blade 114
63
U
Unassailable Will 49
Special Actions 112 The Grand Masquerade 126 Under My Skin 49
Spellsoul 55 The Guardian 117 Undying 51
Spider Venom 201 The Hammer’s Song 124 Unflinching Endurance 67
Spiritual Labyrinth 48 The Long Trod 322 Unweave the Od 327
Spite 347 The Nourishing Art 127
Stanch Bleeding 184 The Old Ways 116
Starting Path 76 The Profane Geas 70 V
Vagabond 555
Stealth Skill 74 The Scholar 48
Strategy Skill 74 The Sealing of Ouroboros 339 Venom-Coated Pleasantries 121

Strength of the Titans 67 The Stratagem of Treachery 129 Venoms & Antivenins 200

Striga 499 The Struggler 49 Veteran of a Hundred Wars 114

Striga Lord 503 The Taut String 116 Vicious Sagacity 328

Striga Noble 501 The Unblinking Eye 138 Vitiations 259

Sublime Failure 20 The Untarnished Blade 125 Vulnerability 64

Sublime Success 20 Theow 509

Suffocation 205
Surprise Action 112
Theriac 198
They’re with Me 119
W
Walking Between 329
Surprise Round 163 Thief of Thoughts 323 Wall of Muscle 117
Survival Skill 74 Things within 523 Warfare Skill 74
Survivor 114 Threading 649 Watchful Eyes of the Guild 123
Swift Disengage 114 Tiers of Play 73 We All Want What’s Best 119
Sympathetic Vigor 120 Tighten the Straps 114 Weapon Qualities 219
Tillisillus, the Seer (Villein Weapon Techniques 143
of Ignorance) 358
T
Tabernacle, the Unwanted Child
Titan Cast 505
Weapons 222
Web of Thought 133
Titan of the Battlefield 118
(Imp of Joy) 364 What Has Passed 330
Tithes 260
Tale of Calumny 320 Whispering Chimera 594
Tolerance For the Eldritch 131
Talents 30 Whispering Grimoire 247
Tooth & Claw, Fin & Wing 324
Tannin, Green Diplomat Whispers of Stolen Lore 71
(Lord of Truth) 385 Toss a Coin 121
White Swarm (Host) 580
Tear 530 Total Chance 18
White Whale 525
Tears of the Poppy 197 Total Damage 176
Widening Gyre 331
Techniques 30 Toughness Skill 74
Wight 485
Tell 59 Tower of Will 115
Will-o’-the-Wisp 547
Tenancy 321 Toxins 199
Willpower 74
 INDEX 673

Witch’s Blood 50 X
Xox, the Angel of Distress (Imp of
Y
Yeoman of Means 122
Witchlight 332
the Nameless Court) 388 Your Reputation Precedes You 119
Woad 197
Woad of the God Tree 68
Woe Mantis 565
Wolf 531
Worn 190
Wortcunning Skill 74
Wortcunning Spells 333